[ASA Field]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASA California Weekly Alert: August 3, 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Weekly Round-Up*
1. a. Hundreds of People Demonstrate in Support of Los Angeles Dispensaries
b. Los Angeles City Council Approves Dispensary Moratorium
c. Berkeley Medical Cannabis Supporters and City Council Unite in Solidarity with Berkeley Patients Group
d. Oakdale Dispensary Raid Update
c. Hayward City Council Refuses Permit to Local Dispensary

*Take Action
*2.Find Out if Your Congressperson Stood Up to DEA to Bring an End to
Federal Raids!

*ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings*
3. Tuesday, August 7, Sacramento: Sacramento ASA Meeting
4. Thursday, August 9, Lakeport: Lake County ASA Meeting
5. Sunday, August 12, Birds Landing: Solano Patients Group Meeting
6. Tuesday, August 14, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting
7. Tuesday, August 14, Willits: Mendocino ASA Meeting
8. Tuesday, August 14, San Diego: San Diego ASA Meeting
9. Wednesday, August 15, Newport Beach: Orange County ASA Meeting
10. Wednesday, August 15, Arcata: ***First Humboldt County ASA Meeting***

*City and County Hearings*
11. Tuesday, August 7, Ukiah: Mendocino County Board of Supervisors to Hear ASA
Testimony on Cultivation Amendment
12. Wednesday, August 7, Redlands: City Council Public Hearing to Discuss
Dispensary Regulations

*Court Support*
13. Wednesday, August 8, Modesto: State Criminal Sentencing Hearing for Jesse
Kiryakoz
14. Thursday, August 9 Sacramento: Federal Status Conference for David Davidson

*Special Events*
15. Saturday, August 11, Fresno: Safe Access Now and Hemp Shack to Host Fresno
Organizing Meeting
16. Saturday August 11th. The First Occasional Los Angeles Cannabis Comedy Festival
17. Wednesday, August 15, Los Angeles: WAMM March to City Hall

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weekly Round-Up
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. a. Hundreds of People Demonstrate in Support of Los Angeles Dispensaries
b. Los Angeles City Council Approves Dispensary Moratorium
c. Medical Cannabis Supporters and **Berkeley **City Council Unite in Solidarity with Berkeley Patients Group
d. Oakdale Dispensary Raid Update**
e. Hayward City Council Refuses Permit to Local Dispensary

a. Hundreds of People Demonstrate in Support of Los Angeles Dispensaries/

Last Friday, hundreds of medical cannabis supporters, patients, providers, and
activists gathered throughout the state to protest the DEA's most recent attacks
on patients and providers in Los Angeles. The DEA raided 10 dispensaries last
Wednesday, July 25, in Hollywood, while Los Angeles City Councilmembers
signed-on to a letter calling on the DEA to abandon it's latest attack on
landlords who rent to medical cannabis dispensaries and allow the City Council
to move forward with regulations without further federal interference.

ASA chapters and affiliates throughout California, from Humboldt County all the
way down to San Diego, joined together in solidarity with the victims of the
federal government's war on patients. In Los Angeles, over 200 protesters
marched from the federal building down to City Hall to thank the City Council
for their support. In Sacramento protesters reported that state employees and
law enforcement officers expressed their support for the cause, and asked for
more information on how they could help. The Riverside protest turned out more
than 75 protesters calling for an end to DEA raids. And the newly formed
Humboldt County ASA Chapter hosted a successful protest, getting stories
published in local papers
<http://www.eurekareporter.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ArticleID=26659>.
<http://www.eurekareporter.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ArticleID=26659>

In a response to the raids and protests, nine members of Congress published a
statement in opposition to the DEA raids at ASA's request. The statement called
the DEA actions "unconscionable," adding that this was "not only an issue of
compassion, but one of states' rights and common sense." The statement was
signed by Representatives Hinchey, Farr, Rohrabacher, Paul, Frank, Cohen, Lee,
Woolsey, and Sanchez after voting yes on the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment that
was defeated in the House last Wednesday.

Thank you to all of the organizers, supporters, and activists who made this
statewide effort a success. Please continue to take action to protect safe
access to medical cannabis in California.

b. Los Angeles City Council Approves Dispensary Moratorium

This week, the Los Angeles City Council voted to approve a moratorium on new
dispensing collectives that marks the first step towards sensible guidelines and
greater legitimacy for dispensing collectives in the city. This marks the most
recent in a long line of actions Los Angeles City Council has taken to protect
patients and providers and improve safe access.

The council voted 10-2 in favor of the year-long moratorium. To read more about
the moratorium, read the Los Angeles Times article.
<http://www.latimes.com/features/health/medicine/la-me-briefs2.2aug02,1,6882654.story?coll=la-health-medicine&ctrack=4&cset=true>
<http://www.latimes.com/features/health/medicine/la-me-briefs2.2aug02,1,6882654.story?coll=la-health-medicine&ctrack=4&cset=true>

c. Medical Cannabis Supporters and Berkeley City Council Unite in Solidarity
with Berkeley Patients Group
From ASA's Spokesperson, Kris Hermes

With only a few hours notice, a crowd of at least 65 people gathered in front of
Berkeley City Hall to protest the seizure of assets from Berkeley Patients Group
(BPG), one of the state's flagship medical cannabis dispensaries. The operators
of BPG found out Monday that their bank accounts had been frozen. In an effort
to get those funds released, and protect against further federal intervention in
Berkeley, advocates called for a rally in front of City Hall. The theme of the
rally was to urge the City Council to adopt a Sanctuary Resolution similar to
one previously adopted in San Francisco.

Speakers at the rally included City Councilmembers Darryl Moore, Maxwell
Anderson, Linda Maio, and Kriss Worthington (that's half of Berkeley's
Councilmembers), Angel Raich, Debby Goldsberry, and myself. BPG Community
Liaison, Becky DeKeuster, did a great job MC'ing the event. We also obtained and
read a statement from State Senator Carole Migden, who urged the City Council to
adopt a Sanctuary Resolution for Berkeley. Multiple media outlets covered the event.

Because the City Council was conducting an unplanned meeting, it did not have to
allow for public comment. However, the Councilmembers did allow us five minutes,
in which Debby Goldsberry and I spoke about the need to protect patients and
providers from federal interference both in Berkeley and across the state. Due
to public disclosure/notice laws and the absence of Mayor Tom Bates, a vote to
adopt a Sanctuary Resolution was not possible. This was the last Berkeley City
Council meeting until September, but members assured us that they would take
this issue up upon their return.

Thanks for everyone's help and participation in a hugely successful event that
was pulled off in less than 5 hours. There's much more to do to ensure that the
DEA and the federal government end the war against patients and providers, but
we are moving forward with a show of strength.

d. Oakdale Dispensary Raid Update

On Tuesday, DEA agents raided Oakdale Natural Choice Collective in Oakdale,
California. The collective's operator was taken into custody while federal
agents raided the dispensary and his home. ASA is waiting to hear further
reports on the raid. If you have any information on the raid please contact
Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

e. Hayward City Council Refuses Permit to Local Dispensary

This week, the Hayward City Council has denied a permit that would allow the
Hayward Patients' Resource Center (HPRC) to relocate in order to open. The
Hayward Patients Resource Center is the last remaining dispensaries in the city.

The HPRC's zoning permit expired in December of 2006, but the dispensary
received an extension which expired earlier this month. The City Council denied
issuing a new zoning permit to the dispensary earlier this week, shutting down
the dispensary and further limiting safe access for patients. To read
background on the HPRC and the Hayward City Council's efforts to remove the
dispensary from downtown Hayward, click here
<http://www.insidebayarea.com/dailyreview/localnews/ci_6312046>.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Take Action
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Find Out if Your Congressperson Stood Up to the DEA to Bring an End to
Federal Raids!

Last week, the medical cannabis movement achieved a record number of
congressional votes for the Hinchey-Rohrabacher Amendment to the
Commerce-Justice State Appropriations bill, which would have cut funding for
federal raids of patients and providers in medical cannabis states.
Unfortunately, the amendment did not have enough votes to pass.

Not only did the amendment not pass, but *18 Congresspeople from California
voted against the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment*, thus continuing funding of
federal raids against Californians. Their actions are an attack on patients and
they must be held accountable!

Visit* www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/HincheyAction *to find out if your
representative is one of the 18 mentioned above and to hold him/her accountable
for his/her actions. If your Congressperson voted in favor of the amendment and
protecting patients please be sure to thank him/her for his/her leadership.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Tuesday, August 7, Sacramento: Sacramento ASA Meeting

There has been increasing activity in California around dispensary regulations,
ID card programs, court support needed, and overall access for patients. Come to
the Sacramento ASA meetings this month to work on important medical cannabis
issues facing Sacramento. We will also be giving updates on SAC ASA's court
support for Dr. Mollie Fry and Dale Schafer, ASA's lawsuit with the DQA, and
other California issues. Come join us!

When: Tuesday, August 7th at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Crusaders Hall
320 Harris Avenue, Suite H
Sacramento, CA

For more information, contact Lanette: cannacare@earthlink.net

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Thursday, August 9, Lakeport: Lake County ASA Meeting

Please join us in Lakeport for our monthly ASA meeting. We will be discussing
upcoming tabling activities, current events, and how we can improve access in
Lake County.

When: Thursday, July 12, at 6:00pm
Where: Clover Hydrophonics, 2626 South Main St. in Lakeport
(behind the Fast Stop shoppett at Hopland Grade)

For more information, contact Donna: LakeCoASA@msn.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Sunday, August 12, Birds Landing: Solano Patients Group Meeting

Please join Solano Patients Group's fight for safe access in Central
California. At this meeting we will be discussing current events including the
recent federal activity in California and what we can do to be to increase
safety and access for patients in Solano County.

All medical cannabis supporters are welcome!

When: Sunday, August 12th @ 3:00 pm
Where: 2145 Collinsville Road in Birds Landing

For more info, call (707) 635-3752

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Tuesday, August 14, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting

Please join us at the upcoming San Francisco ASA meeting. We will be giving
briefings on the recent hearing last week, the DEA protest last Friday, and we
will be looking at what's on to the horizon for medical cannabis issues in San
Francisco.

The next ASA SF meeting will be held on Tuesday August 14th 7:30 to 9:00

Where: Bowzer's Pizza
371 11th St
San Francisco , CA 94103

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Tuesday, August 14, San Diego: San Diego ASA Meeting

San Diego City Council recently voted to file an Amicus Brief supporting
California's medical cannabis law. Please come find out what this means for safe
Access in San Diego.

For more info about the chapter, please visit their site:
http://sdasa.4mg.com/index.html

When: Tuesday, August 14, 7:00-8:00pm
Where: Twiggs Coffee House
4590 Park Blvd.
In the Green Room

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Wednesday, August 15, Willits: Mendocino ASA Meeting
Please join us at our Mendocino ASA August meeting. We will be discussing the
Board of Supervisors meeting and what our next actions will be to protect
medical cannabis cultivation and access in Mendocino County.

When: August 15, Wednesday, at 6:00
Where: Herban Legends, 18300 Old Coast Hwy, Fort Bragg, CA

For more information contact Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Wednesday, August 15, Newport Beach: Orange County ASA Meeting

Orange County ASA's recent victory of convincing the Board of Supervisors to
implement the state ID card program is a step towards safe access. Please join
us to discuss implementation of the program, recent events, and other important
medical cannabis issues facing us in Orange County.

When: July 11th @ 7:00pm
Where: Law Offices of WENTWORTH, PAOLI & PURDY, LLP
4631 Teller Avenue, Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA 92660

For more information, contact Bill: OCLawyer@aol.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Wednesday, August 15, Arcata: ***First Humboldt County ASA Meeting***

Humboldt County ASA (Americans for Safe Access) will hold its innaugural monthly
meeting on Wednesday, August 15 at 7pm at Mosgo's coffee house in Arcata. At the
meeting we will discuss Humboldt ASA's mission and goals, plan for future
actions and get to know each other. This meeting will mark a new chapter in the
local medical marijuana movement; we hope to see you there!

WHO: Humboldt County ASA
WHAT: Monthly Meeting
WHEN: Wed., August 15, 7pm
WHERE: Mosgo's coffee house in Arcata (Westwood Shopping Center off Alliance Rd.)
WHY: To organize to fight for patients rights in Humboldt County.
HOW: Through dedication and compassion...

Please email David at Humboldtasa@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. All
patients and
supporters are invited!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City and County Hearings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Tuesday, August 7, Ukiah: Mendocino County Board of Supervisors to Hear ASA
Testimony on Cultivation Amendment

This Tuesday, Mendocino ASA, and other medical cannabis activists will be
testifying during public comment at the Board of Supervisors' meeting regarding
a proposed cultivation amendment. This amendment will limit the number of
plants patients and providers are allowed.

When: Tuesday, August 7 at 11:15am
Where: Board of Supervisors Chambers
501 Low Gap Rd.
Ukiah, CA

Please come out and show your support for safe access. For more information
contact Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. Wednesday, August 7, Redlands: City Council Public Hearing to Discuss
Dispensary Regulations*

Redlands City Council will hold a public hearing to assess public need and hear
comments on developing dispensary regulations. Please come out and show your
support for safe access.

When: Wednesday, August 7 at 7:00pm
Where: City Council Chambers
City Hall
35 Cajon St, Redlands, CA

Download ASA talking points <http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=2717>
on dispensary regulations, moratoriums and bans.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Court Support
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Wednesday, August 8, Modesto: State Criminal Sentencing Hearing for Jesse
Kiryakoz

Next Wednesday there will be state criminal sentencing Hearing at 8:30am before
Judge Ricardo Cordova. The Modesto Police Department raided his private patient
collective cultivation site and arrested 32-year old chronic back pain patient
Jesse Kiryakoz. Kiryakoz was convicted of cultivation and possession with
intent to sell 11 oz. of medicine and less than 100 plants. Please come out to
Jesse's sentencing hearing to show the judge that he is part of our community
and we stand behind him, but please call (209) 558-6000 to confirm that the
hearing is on schedule.

When: August 8th at 8:30am
Where: Judge Ricardo Cordova's courtroom
Stanislaus County Superior Court, Dept. 8, 1st Floor,
800 11th St., Modesto, CA.

Click here for a map to the Courthouse.
<http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory =&searchtab=home&formtype=address&popflag=0&latitu de=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&cat=&address=+8 00+11th+Street&city=modesto&state=ca&zipcode=>
For more information, contact Sonnet: Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*14. Thursday, August 9, Sacramento: Federal Status Conference for David Davidson*
*
*Medical marijuana patients David Davidson & Cynthia Blake were raided in 2003
by Tehama County Sheriffs and were arrested on federal charges in January 2004.
Davidson is now facing manufacturing and conspiracy to manufacture more than
1,000 plants and is currently incarcerated in Sacramento.

When: August 9 at 9:00am
Where: Judge Morrison England, Jr. in U.S. District Court (E.D., CA),
15th Floor at 501 "I" Street in Sacramento

For more information, contact Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Events
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. Saturday, August 11, Fresno: Safe Access Now and Hemp Shack to Host Fresno
Organizing Meeting

On Saturday, August 11, Safe Access Now and the Hemp Shack will be hosting a
meeting to help local medical cannabis patients effectively advocate their local
government.

Fresno County is not working to implement state law by implementing California's
medical marijuana ID card program and, due to a lack of medical cannabis
dispensaries in the area, many local patients are forced into the black market
to obtain their medicine.

Please attend this important meeting to learn how you can help turn Fresno
County around and protect local patients from arrest.

When: Saturday, August 11, 4:00-6:00 PM
Where: Round Table Pizza (private meeting room)
5040 N. West Avenue (@ Shaw)
Fresno, CA
93711-2901

Map: http://tinyurl.com/yohf85

Pizza and soft drinks will be provided. For more information, contact Aaron
Smith at Safe Access Now: (707) 575-9870 or safeaccessnow@gmail.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. Saturday August 11, Los Angeles: The First Occasional Los Angeles Cannabis
Comedy Festival

What: A fantastic benefit comedy show for ASA. This show has been produced in
SF for the past 10 years, and one in Sacramento for about 5 years, and now it is
coming to LA!!!

Featured Comics: Garrett Morris, Greg Proops, Ngaio Bealum, Jefferey Peterson,
Rich Chassler and many more!
Music by the Luchadoors and DJ Ill Media.

Proceeds to benefit Americans for Safe Access

Ticket cost: $15.00

When: Saturday, August 11. Show stats at 9pm sharp.
Where: Downtown Comedy Club, Los Angeles

For more information, contact: info@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. Wednesday, August 15, Los Angeles: WAMM March to City Hall

WHAT: Women Advancing Medical Cannabis Symbolic March to City Hall on
WHEN: August 15th at 9:00am
WHERE: 255 E. Temple Street (Edward R. Roybal Federal Building)
Downtown Los Angeles
WHY: Safe access isn't going anywhere on our watch.

WHO: Women Advancing Medical Marijuana are concerned patients who are dedicated
to the further enrichment of the Medical Cannabis community and survival of safe
access for all patients. We are your mothers, sisters, daughters and partners;
we seek to merge these traits into the minds of those who know not what a
'patient is'.

We urge all interested parties to march alongside us - be they in wheelchairs,
walkers, canes or in need of someone to lean on while we make our way up to City
Hall. How you 'march' is how you feel, and it shows.

For more information, visit http://www.wamcla.org. To RSVP e-mail:
march@wamcla.org.