[ASA Field]

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ASA California Weekly Alert: July 11, 2008

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*Weekly Round Up*
1a. Berkeley Medical Marijuana Initiative Placed on the November Ballot
b. Local Medical Marijuana Regulation Updates: Alameda, Fresno, & Del Norte

*Take Action*
2. Act Now to Protect Patients' Employment Rights in California! <http://www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/AB2279Action>

*Chapter and Affiliate Meetings*
3. Saturday, July 12, Willits: Mendocino ASA Meeting
4. Tuesday, July 15, Sacramento: ASA Affiliate Compassionate Coalition Meeting
5. Thursday, July 17, Arcata: Humboldt ASA Meeting
6. Saturday, July 19, West Hollywood: Special Los Angeles ASA Meeting & Know Your Rights Training
7. Tuesday, July 22, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting
8. Wednesday, July 23, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting
9. Wednesday, July 23, Newport Beach: Orange County ASA Meeting

*City and County Hearings*
10. Monday, July 28, Malibu: City Council to Discuss Dispensary Regulations /*(Please note date change from July 14)*/

*Court Support*
11. Monday, July 14, Fresno: Sentencing Hearing for Antonio Malagon, Jose Malagon & Lucky Boissiere
12. Tuesday, July 22, Los Angeles: Trial for Charles Lynch Begins

*Special Events*
13. Saturday, July 12, Landers: Fundraiser Event for Senior Medical Marijuana Defendants
14. Wednesday, July 16, Oakland: Special Reception for ASA Donors with Executive Director Steph Sherer
15. Friday, July 25, Santa Rosa: Meet & Greet with ASA California Director Don Duncan

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California Icon Weekly Round Up

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1a. Berkeley Medical Marijuana Initiative Placed on the November
Ballot

On Tuesday, the Patients Access to Medical Cannabis Act of 2008 was officially placed on the ballot. According to the Oakland Tribune <http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_9831295>,

It would eliminate limits on the amount of medical marijuana that
could be legally possessed by patients or caregivers, establish peer
review for medical marijuana collectives to police themselves and
allow medical marijuana dispensaries to locate where permitted
without a public hearing. The initiative originally called Measure R
in 2004, failed by 191 votes, or less than half a percent of the
ballots cast.

An Alameda County Superior Court judge nullified the results due to
mishandling of a recount by Alameda County election officials, and
ordered the citizen-sponsored medical marijuana initiative back on
the ballot for a re-vote in 2008.

Advocates have formed a campaign committee and they will need help to pass this initiative. Look out for alerts in our weekly update to find out how you can get involved in this campaign to expand safe access in Berkeley.

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b. Local Medical Marijuana Regulation Updates: Alameda, Fresno, &
Del Norte

*Alameda County Board of Supervisors Votes to Allow Edibles, Temporarily*

On Tuesday, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors considered various amendments to its medical marijuana dispensary ordinance, which regulates dispensaries in the unincorporated areas of the county. On a 4-1 vote, the supervisors voted to allow the Board to permit a third dispensary in the future, since the one of the three permitted dispensaries in the county was shut down by the DEA last year. Advocates also won a huge victory when the supervisors voted to allow medical cannabis edibles to be sold at dispensaries for the next 120 days while a task force studies the issue. Thanks to all the patients and advocates who spoke out at this hearing - your voices made an impact on safe access in Alameda

*Fresno County Board of Supervisors Votes to Delay Implementation of Medical Marijuana ID Card Program*

On Tuesday, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted to delay implementation of the state ID card program until after the appellate ruling is issued in /San Diego v. NORML/, which is expected in September. Advocates who spoke out at the meeting did not turn away completely empty handed though - the supervisors instructed county staff to begin research and preliminary planning for the program. If the appellate ruling is positive, they will likely vote in September to implement the program. Thanks to Fresno ASA and Aaron Smith from MPP for all your hard work in the county!

*Del Norte County Board of Supervisors Votes to Remove County Limits on Plants and Medicine*

On Tuesday, the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors voted to remove county limits on how many plants and how much dried medicine a patient can possess. The current county guidelines, which will stay in effect until August 8, allow patients to grow up to 99 plants in a 100 square foot area and to possess up to a pound of marijuana. The decision to scrap the county guidelines came in response to the ruling in /People v. Kelly/, which ruled state limits were unconstitutional. This ruling is being appealed by the California Attorney General. Both law enforcement and patient advocates have expressed concern about the new law, as it leaves a wide amount of discretion to individual law enforcement officers.

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Take Action Icon Take Action

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2. Act Now to Protect Patients' Employment Rights in California!
<http://www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/AB2279Action>

The California State Senate is expected to vote on AB 2279 next Monday, July 14th so now is the time to make your voice heard! AB 2279, authored by Assemblymember Mark Leno and sponsored by ASA, would ensure a medical cannabis patient's right to work and end employment discrimination against patients.

*Please visit www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/AB2279Action to urge your senator to vote yes on AB 2279. The only way this bill will pass is if the legislators hear from their constituents (you!)*

Thank you for supporting ASA and our efforts to secure the rights of California medical marijuana patients. For more information about this bill, please visit www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/AB2279

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Take Action Icon Chapter and Affiliate Meetings

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3. Saturday, July 12, Willits: Mendocino ASA Meeting

Join Mendocino ASA as we discuss important local, state, and national medical cannabis issues.

When: 2:00pm
Where: The Ping Pong Club at 475 E. Valley Rd. in Willits

For more information, contact Bruce: Mendobruce@yahoo.com

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4. Tuesday, July 15, Sacramento: ASA Affiliate Compassionate
Coalition Meeting

There are several medical marijuana activities over the next month. Please come and find out how you can get involved.

When: 7:00pm
Where: Crusaders Hall
320 Harris Ave. Suite H in Sacramento

For more information, contact Nathan@CompassionateCoalition.org
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5. Thursday, July 17, Arcata: Humboldt ASA Meeting

Please come out and join Humboldt County ASA as we fight to protect safe access in our community and beyond.

When: 6 p.m.
Where: In the community recreation room of the Bayview Courtyard Senior Housing Complex at 550 Union Street, Arcata.

For more info, contact: asa-humboldt@sbcglobal.net
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6. Saturday, July 19, West Hollywood: Special Los Angeles ASA
Meeting & Know Your Rights Training

On Saturday, July 19, we will have a free "Know Your Rights" training for patients and hear from ASA Executive Director Steph Sherer. ASA pioneered legal training for patients, teaching thousands their rights and responsibilities under California medical cannabis law. Don't miss this great free training -- and a very special opportunity to meet ASA founder and Executive Director Steph Sherer. Steph will talk about ASA's work to defend and expand patients' rights in California and in Washington, DC. Come ready to listen, ask questions, and get active in the grassroots campaign for safe access.

What: "Know Your Rights" Training & Executive Director Steph Sherer

When: 2 PM * Saturday, July 19

Where: West Hollywood Gateway Mall Community Room, lower level, 7100 Santa Monica Blvd. (at La Brea Ave.) in West Hollywood. (Target shopping center)

More Info: http://www.AmericansForSafeAccess.or...ic.php?id=1420

Please feel free to forward this message and invite your friends!

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7. Tuesday, July 22, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting

Join us for our ASA SF patient activist meeting at our usual meeting space, Bowzers Pizza on 11th at Harrison. We will discuss the latest in medical cannabis politics, laws, science, and activism.

When: Tuesday, July 22 at 7:30pm
Where: Bowzer's Pizza, 371 11th St in San Francisco

For more info, contact Alex: aaafranco@yahoo.com
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8. Wednesday, July 23, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting

Please come and join the East Bay ASA crew as we discuss important local, state, and national medical cannabis issues. We will focus on the recent Alameda County decision on edibles and create a plan of action to protect edibles for the long term. We will also discuss the Berkeley medical cannabis dispensary ballot initiative that will be on the ballot this November.

Don't miss this important meeting!

When: Wednesday, the 23 at 7:00pm (Please arrive promptly, as the doors will be locked after 7:10pm)
Where: ASA Headquarters Office
1322 Webster Street, Suite 402, Downtown Oakland (2 blocks from 12th St. BART station!)

For more information, contact Rebecca@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

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9. Wednesday, July 23, Newport Beach: Orange County ASA Meeting

Safe access has been under attack in Orange County and we need your help us fight the war on patients. Please come out and get involved at our monthly meeting!
When: 7:00pm
Where: Law Offices of WENTWORTH, PAOLI & PURDY, LLP
4631 Teller Avenue, Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA 92660

For more information contact: OCLawyer@aol.com.

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Government Icon City and County Hearings

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10. Monday, July 28, Malibu: City Council to Discuss Dispensary
Regulations

/(Please note date change from July 14)/

Last month, after hearing extensive testimony from patients and advocates in support of medical cannabis, the Malibu Planning Commission voted to recommend regulating dispensaries instead of banning them. On Monday, July 28, the full City Council will hold a hearing on this proposal. Please come out and attend the City Council Meeting and let your voice be heard!

Download ASA's talking points about dispensary regulations. <http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=2717>

When: Monday, July 28 at 6:30pm
Where: Council Chambers at City Hall
23815 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA

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Patients Rights Icon Court Support

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11. Monday, July 14, Fresno: Sentencing Hearing for Antonio
Malagon, Jose Malagon & Lucky Boissiere

Sentencing Hearings at 9am (Lucky) and 1:30pm (the Malagon Bros.) before Judge Oliver Wanger in U.S. District Court (E.D., CA) <http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py?BFCat=&Pyt=Tmap&newFL=Use+Address+Below&ad dr=2500+Tulare+Street&csz=fresno%2C+CA+95814-7300&country=us&Get%A0Map=Get+Map>, 2500 Tulare Street, Fresno, CA. After the City of Modesto failed to shut down the California Healthcare Collective by banning dispensaries, it called in the DEA. On September 27, 2006, the DEA raided the collective and arrested four people (owner-operators Luke Scarmazzo and Ricardo Montes and two staff members) on charges of distribution of marijuana and conspiracy to distribute. Scarmazzo and Montes were also charged with possession of firearms and money laundering. Later, an additional five people were indicted, bringing the total to nine people being prosecuted by the federal government. In the raid, the DEA allegedly seized more than 100 pounds of marijuana, one thousand plants, multiple firearms, and more than $200,000 in cash. The raids were the result of a 15-month investigation between the DEA and the Modesto Police Department. For more information, please see the consistently excellent Vanessa Nelson <http://www.medicalmarijuanaofamerica.com/content/category/9/60/111/>.

Please attend this hearing to show your support for safe access!

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12. Tuesday, July 22, Los Angeles: Trial for Charles Lynch Begins

Trial at 8am before Judge George Wu in U.S. District Court (C.D., CA) <http://www.safeaccessnow.org/%20>, Courtroom 10 at 312 North Spring Street in Los Angeles, 90012. San Luis Obispo County dispensing collective operator Charles Lynch was raided by the DEA and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs on July 17,2007 at Central Coast Compassionate Caregivers in Morro Bay, CA.

According to a testimonial, "/Central Coast Compassionate Caregivers took precautions to inform its patients regarding the restrictions that applied to them by attaching a copy of the rules and regulations governing medical cannabis to their package upon receipt. Picture IDs were issued to prevent fraud. Not only were the letters of recommendation verified, they also looked up the doctors on the California Medical Board's web site to make sure that the doctors were in good standing. The Morro Bay dispensary added video surveillance and a metal detector to further the safety of its patients and to discourage misuse. For the year that the CCCC was open, there were no problems or complaints reported to the dispensary. In fact, employees of neighboring businesses were dismayed to see them raided by law enforcement./"

Lynch was indicted for conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute marijuana and concentrated cannabis, manufacturing (cultivating) more than 100 plants, knowingly maintaining a drug premises, and sales of marijuana to a person under the age of 21. Additionally, criminal forfeiture proceedings have begun on his assets. For more information, please check out this Drew Carey documentary from Reason tv <http://safeaccessnow.org/blog/?p=110>. Lynch remains out on bail. For more information see Charles' website <http://www.friendsofccl.com>. *Supporters are encouraged to attend!*

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Marijuana Icon Special Events

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13. Saturday, July 12, Landers: Fundraiser Event for Senior
Medical Marijuana Defendants

Like many high desert senior citizens, JoAnn and Rich McCabe find that marijuana provides safe, effective symptomatic relief for the ailments of advancing years and use it specifically to manage their arthritis, insomnia and chronic back and joint pain. For following state law and doing what the voters of California said they could do, they are now paying a terrible price -- a price they cannot afford.

Local advocates have already raised a little over $7,000 on the way to the needed total of $15,000. Please come out and help JoAnn and Rich McCabe and have a great time as well!

What: Benefit Event for JoAnn and Rich McCabe
When: Saturday, July 12 from 5-9pm
Where: Castle Inn, 1388 N. Golden Slipper, Landers
Cost: $15 - all proceeds go to the McCabe defense fund

Tickets can be purchased at the door, but it would really help planning the food portion if JoAnn and Rich knew how many people are coming, so you can purchase your tickets right now if you just CLICK HERE <https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=lanny%40marijuanane ws%2eorg&item_name=Marijuana%20Anti%2dProhibition% 20Project&no_shipping=0&no_note=1&tax=0&currency_c ode=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8> . Give JoAnn and Rich a call at 760-364-4327 and they will tell you all about this great event and let them know you support them -- even if you can't attend the fundraiser.

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14. Wednesday, July 16, Oakland: Special Reception for ASA Donors
with Executive Director Steph Sherer

*Join Steph Sherer & ASA in Oakland on July 16th*
*for a Special Reception for ASA Donors*


Please join ASA Executive Director, Steph Sherer, California Director, Don Duncan and other ASA staff members for a special reception for ASA donors on Wednesday, July 16th. ASA's been busy lately and we have a lot to share with you. From our efforts in Washington, DC to our successes in California, Steph Sherer and Don Duncan will update you on ASA's current exciting projects. You'll also have the chance to meet ASA staff members and other ASA supporters.

This is a party to thank ASA donors for their continued support. If you are a current ASA member, you are invited to join us at this event at no cost.

If you are not a current member, please sign up as a member online before the reception at www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/Join or bring a $35+ donation to the reception to sign up as an ASA member.

When: Wednesday, July 16th from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Where: ASA Headquarters
1322 Webster Street, Suite 402
Oakland, CA 94602
(2 Blocks from the 12th Street BART station.)

Who: Steph Sherer, Don Duncan, ASA staff members, ASA donors, and you!

What: A free reception with light food and beverages.

Why: To update you on ASA's current exciting projects and to thank
you for your support of ASA.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Rebecca: Rebecca@SafeAccessNow.org <mailto:Rebecca@SafeAccessNow.org>

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15. Friday, July 25, Santa Rosa: Meet & Greet with ASA California
Director Don Duncan

Come Meet ASA's California Director for updates on statewide successes, goals, and local strategies for Emergency Response.

Who: Every medical cannabis patient, advocate, or provider in the Sonoma County and surrounding areas

What: Special Sonoma County Chapter American's for Safe Access Meeting with California Director Don Duncan

When: 5-7pm, Friday, July 25th 2008

Where: Department of Public Health, North & South City View Rooms
625 5th Street in Santa Rosa
Between Humboldt & Mendocino Ave.
Please note: Parking meters require payment until 6pm. Department of public health is closed after 5pm. Please knock loud or enter the glass door to the right of main entrance.

For more info, call 510-251-1856 or email sarah@safeaccessnow.org

At the meeting, Don will discuss ASA's California campaign, including:

* ASA's landmark victory in the California Appeals Court, which help
that wrongfully confiscated medicine must be returned -- despite
federal law!
* The California Assembly approved ASA sponsored legislation to
protect legal patients from employment discrimination (AB 2279).
How ASA plans to accomplish the next steps, passing the Senate,
and getting signed by the Governor this year.
* Together we will work on local strategy for grassroots opposition
to DEA interference. Find out about ASA's efforts already underway
in Sacramento and Washington, DC, to stop the raids once and for all.

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