[ASA Field]

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ASA California Weekly Alert September 10, 2007
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*Update on ASA and the National AARP Convention in Boston!*

*ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings*
1. Tuesday September 11, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting
2. Tuesday September 11, San Diego: San Diego ASA Meeting
3. Thursday, September 13, Lakeport: Lake County ASA Meeting
4. Saturday, September 15, Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara ASA Meeting
5. Tuesday, September 18, Sacramento: Sacramento ASA Meetings
6. Wednesday, September 19, Newport Beach: Orange County ASA Meeting
7. Thursday, September 20, Arcata: Humboldt County ASA Meeting
8. Thursday, September 20, Fort Bragg: Mendocino County ASA Meeting
9. Saturday, September 22, Los Angeles: Los Angeles ASA Meeting

*City and County Hearings*
10. Tuesday, September 11, San Francisco: Board of Supervisors Meeting to Discuss Dispensary Regulations Amendments
11. Tuesday, September 11, Laguna Hills: City Council to Vote on a Dispensary Ban
12. Tuesday, September 11, Redwood City: Join Medical Cannabis Patients and Providers to Testify During the City Council Meeting
13. Tuesday, September 11, Laguna Hills: City Council to Vote on a Dispensary Ban

*Court Support*
14. Tuesday, September 11, Los Angeles: Probation Hearing for Medical Cannabis Activist, Tom Kikuchi
15. Friday, September 14, Sacramento: ***Rescheduled Federal Resentencing Hearing for Bryan Epis***

*Special Events*
16. Saturday, September 15, Los Angeles: Los Angeles Medical Marijuana Expo
17. Wednesday, September 19, Sacramento: 5th Occasional Medical Marijuana Comedy Benefit for ASA
18. Wednesday, September 19, Fresno: Safe Access Now Fresno Organizing Meeting
19. Thursday, October 11, Los Angeles: Special National Mobilization Calling on Governor Schwarzenegger to Take a Stand for Compassion in California!

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Update on ASA and the National AARP Convention in Boston!

ASA's Director of Governmental Affairs, Caren Woodson, and I spent last week in Boston at the American Association of Retired People's (AARP) national conference educating seniors about ASA and medical marijuana issues. In an attempt to recruit and educate potential medical cannabis supporters, ASA sponsored a booth at the three-day long conference.

During the conference, Caren and I did significant outreach, recruiting hundreds of new medical cannabis supporters and activists. The overall response was very positive and we are excited to write up a full report for our supporters to be sent out in next month's newsletter.

Due to the fact that I was in Boston until Sunday, last week's CA Weekly Alert is arriving to you today, and is announcement-only. Thanks to all of our members and supporters who helped fund this important opportunity to reach out to seniors.

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ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings activist fist*
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1. Tuesday September 11, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting

Join SF ASA to discuss and plan for local, state and national issues. Get active locally to protect safe access in your community, California, and beyond!

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

For more information, contact Alex: aaafranco@yahoo.com.

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2. Tuesday September 11, San Diego: San Diego ASA Meeting

Our San Diego chapter of ASA has been busy lately and needs you to get involved. It is time to get active and protect safe access!

When: 7:00 p.m.
Where: Twiggs Coffee House in the Green Room
4590 Park Blvd, San Diego

For more information, contact: sdasa420@yahoo.com.

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3. Thursday, September 13, Lakeport: Lake County ASA Meeting

Lakeport and Lake County Medical Cannabis Patients and Caregivers are gathering to discuss their most recent protests, letters to the editor, and other exciting activism. Please join us!

When: September 13th at 6:00pm
Where: Clover Hydrophonics, 2626 South Main St. Lakeport

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

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4. Saturday, September 15, Santa Barbara: ***Rescheduled Santa Barbara ASA Meeting***

Please join Santa Barbara medical cannabis supporters and activists as we gather to move safe access forward in our city and county. All medical marijuana supporters are welcome. We have rescheduled our meeting from last Saturday the 8th, to Saturday the 15th. Please come to the Santa Barbara ASA chapter meeting to discuss California's response, local issues, and hear a report on national issues.

When: 3pm-5pm
Where: Antioch University
801 Garden St. Room #203 Santa Barbara

For more information, contact Jennifer: (805) 637-5365

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5. Tuesday, September 18, Sacramento: Sacramento ASA Meetings

Please join Sacramento ASA as we gear up for the California response campaign, discuss local court support, and hear updates on local, statewide, and national medical marijuana issues.

When: Tuesday, September 18th at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Crusaders Hall
320 Harris Avenue, Suite H
Sacramento, CA

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

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6. Wednesday, September 19, Newport Beach: Orange County ASA Meeting

Join us at the Orange County ASA chapter meeting next Wednesday. Safe access is under attack in several Orange County cities and towns and we need medical marijuana supporters to come out and help us protect patients and providers!

When: September 19th @ 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.

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7. Thursday, September 20, Arcata: Humboldt County ASA Meeting

Please join the newly formed Humboldt County ASA chapter as we join together to
promote protection for patients and providers, safe access in our county, and
build support and awareness in our community. If you are a medical marijuana
supporter, please come out and show your support. *

Humboldt County ASA Meeting:
When: Thursday, Sept. 20, at 7:00pm (the 3rd Thursday of every month!)
Where: Mosgo's Coffee House (180 Westwood Shopping Center off Alliance Rd.) in
Arcata.

For more info, contact: HumboldtASA@gmail.com

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8. Thursday, September 20, Fort Bragg: Mendocino County ASA Meeting

If you have decided you can no longer sit back and watch the federal government continue its campaign against cannabis therapies in this country or if you want to engage your local government in creating sane polices for cannabis patients and patient's access to cannabis, please attend this meeting!

When: Thursday, September 20th at 7:00pm
Where: Herban Legends
18300 Old Coast Hwy # 3
Fort Bragg, CA 95437

For more information, contact Sonnet: Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

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9. Saturday, September 22, Los Angeles: Los Angeles ASA Meeting

Please Join ASA Los Angeles as we discuss the following topics this month:

A. Gubernatorial Call to Action
B. Local POW Update
C. LA Regulatory Update
D. Other Announcements

When: Saturday, September 15th, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Where: The Patient ID Center
470 South San Vicente
Los Angeles, CA
Between Wilshire and 3rd Street

For more information: Chris.Fusco@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

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City and County Hearings
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10. Tuesday, September 11, San Francisco: Board of Supervisors Meeting to Discuss Dispensary Regulations Amendments

There is expected resistance/opposition at the Board of Supervisors meeting Tues. Sept 11th, 2007 in City Hall Room 200, regarding the new medical cannabis dispensary ordinance changes. Now is the time to take action! We need all San Francisco medical cannabis supporters to come out and help us get the final say in our health decisions.

WHAT: Board of Supervisors hearing on Dispensary Regulations Amendments
WHEN: Tuesday, September 11 1:00p.m.
WHERE: Board of Supervisors Chambers, 2nd floor San Francisco City Hall
WHY: This could be your opportunity to change the way San Francisco distributes medical cannabis!

For more information, contact Alex at: aaafranco@yahoo.com or contact@sanfranciscocannabisclubs.com.


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11. Tuesday, September 11, Huntington Beach: City Planning Commission to Discuss Dispensary Ban

Please come out and show your support for safe access in Huntington Beach. On September 11, the Huntington Beach City Planning Commission will be discussing an ordinance, which will ban dispensaries in the city. The Huntington Beach City Planning Commission needs to know about the importance of safe access. Please attend the hearing.

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

When: Tuesday, September 11th at 7:00 p.m.
Where: City Council Chambers
City Hall, 2000 Main St
Huntington Beach, CA 92648

For more information, contact Sonnet: Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

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12. Tuesday, September 11, Laguna Hills: City Council to Vote on a Dispensary Ban

Laguna Hills City Council will be voting to turn their temporary ban on medical cannabis dispensaries to a permanent ban tomorrow. We need everyone in the area to come out and show your support for safe access!

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

When: Tuesday, September 11th at 7:00pm
Where: City Council Chambers
24035 El Toro Road
Laguna Hills, CA

For more information, contact Sonnet: Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.



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13. Tuesday, September 11, Redwood City: Join Medical Cannabis Patients and Providers to Testify During the City Council Meeting

On Wednesday August 29th, San Mateo Narcotics Task Force and San Mateo Police Department assisted the DEA in raids of three local cannabis dispensaries. In response to this blatant attack on safe access and states' rights in San Mateo, patients, organizers, providers, and concerned citizens are calling on San Mateo Board of Supervisors to pass a non-cooperation resolution. Non-cooperation would mean that our local agencies (San Mateo Police Department and Narcotics Task Force) would not use our local resources to assist in federal raids that are in conflict with state or local laws.

Join San Mateo patients and providers as they call on the San Mateo Board of Supervisors to protect patients and pass a non-cooperation resolution. San Mateo medical cannabis supporters will be testifying during public comment to call on the Board of Supervisors to stand up for patients' protections.

When: Tuesday September 11th at 8:30am (starts at 9am)
Where: 400 County Center, Redwood City
Who: Patients, caregivers, and supporters of safe access to medical cannabis in San Mateo
What: San Mateo Board of Supervisors meeting.

For More information and to take action, contact Sonnet at: Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

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Court Support
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14. Tuesday, September 11, Los Angeles: Probation Hearing for Medical Cannabis Activist, Tom Kikuchi
>From Don Duncan

Alleged medical cannabis cultivator, Tom Kikuchi, will have an important hearing on Tuesday, September 11th, to determine whether or not his probation should be revoked following his recent arrest. You may recall that Tom was arrested by Federal Marshals last week when he reported for a routine drug test as required by his bail agreement in a pending state case. The case has now been turned over to the US Attorney for prosecution, which means Tom will be unable to use his status as a legal medical cannabis patient and collective member in his defense.

Please come show your support for this brave and compassionate man, who has been denied bail and is waiting in jail right now.

What: Hearing for Tom Kikuchi
When: Tuesday, September 11, 2007 * 2:00 PM
Where: Department G - US Federal Courthouse, 312 N. Spring St., Downtown LA

For more information, contact Don: dondduncan@yahoo.com.

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15. Friday, September 14, Sacramento: ***Rescheduled Federal Resentencing Hearing for Bryan Epis***

*Please note the date change for Bryan Epis' resentencing hearing, yet again, from Monday, September 10th to Friday, September 14th.*

Bryan Epis was the first medical marijuana patient convicted in federal court after the passage of California's Proposition 215. Epis was arrested June 25, 1997, after Butte County sheriff's officers discovered marijuana plants growing in the basement of his home in Chico. Epis was released on bail August 9, 2004, pending his appeal, and is currently awaiting his re-sentencing by the District Court. See Vanessa Nelson's article <http://www.medicalmarijuanaofamerica.com/content/view/67/60/> for more information.

When: Monday, September 10th at 10:00am
Where: Courtroom of Judge Frank C. Damrell, Jr. U.S. District Court (E.D., CA), 15th Floor
501 "I" Street, Sacramento, CA

For more information contact Sonnet: Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

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Special Events

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16. Saturday, September 15, Los Angeles: Los Angeles Medical Marijuana Expo

Join over 1,000 medical marijuana patients, caregivers, providers, and
supporters for LA's largest medical marijuana event! Don't miss this full day of
live music, special guest speakers, medical cannabis exhibitors, comedy, and
more! Come hear guest speakers including West Hollywood Mayor John Duran
<http://www.weho.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/detail/navid/16/cid/5010/>, The "Guru
of Ganja," Ed Rosenthal <http://www.quicktrading.com/abouted.html>, Medical
Marijuana pioneer, Dennis Peron <http://pdr.autono.net/DennisPeron.html>, and
music by Bobby Hardy, Norman A. Norman
<http://www.myspace.com/whoaretheluchadoors>, the LuchaDoors
<http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=213 921601>,
and more!
<http://www.weho.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/detail/navid/16/cid/5010/>Join ASA and
medical marijuana supporters at the 2nd Annual LA County Medical Marijuana
Exposition & Patients Festival!

Volunteers for the ASA table are needed. Call Don or Chris at (323) 882-6766.

When: Saturday, September 15 @ 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM -
Where: West Hollywood Park Auditorium
<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=64 7+n.+san+vicente+blvd.&city=west+hollywood&state=c a&zipcode=>
647 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood (Between Sunset Blvd. and
Melrose Ave.)

For more information, contact Don or Chris: DonDuncan@yahoo.com or
ChrisFusco@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

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17. Wednesday, September 19, Sacramento: 5th Occasional Medical Marijuana
Comedy Benefit for ASA

What: A fantastic benefit comedy show for ASA. This show has been produced
over ten times in San Francisco, once in Los Angeles, and only one other time in
Sacramento. This comedy fest is bigger, better, and will feature a whole lotta
laughs!

Proceeds to benefit Americans for Safe Access

Ticket cost: $15.00 pre-sale, $20.00 at the door

When: Wednesday, September 19th. Show starts at 8pm sharp.
Where: The Punch Line Comedy Club
2100 Arden Way in Sacramento
What: A fun opportunity for you to support ASA and laugh your head off at the
same time!

For more information, contact: 916-925-883.

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18. Wednesday, September 19, Fresno: Safe Access Now Fresno Organizing Meeting

Join Safe Access Now in Fresno as we begin organizing to increase safe access and protect patients and providers in the Fresno area. We need your help to move forward in Fresno.

What: Safe Access Now Organizing meeting:
When: September 19, 2007 - 6:00 -- 8:00pm
Where: Fig Regional Library meeting room
3071 West Bullard Ave. (at N. Marks)
Fresno, CA 93711.

For more information, contact: (559) 438-4071

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19. Thursday, October 11, Los Angeles: Special National Protest Calling on Governor Schwarzenegger to Take a Stand for Compassion in California!

On Thursday, October 11, 2007, ASA is calling on individuals and organizations that support medical cannabis to join us in a statewide mobilization to the Governor's office in Los Angeles. The mobilization is called "Stand Up for Patients' Rights: Defend California's Medical Marijuana Law" and is part of our campaign to persuade Governor Schwarzenegger to finally take a stand against federal interference in California's medical cannabis program. The campaign consists of statewide call in days, legislative visits from constituents and lobbyists, and sign on letters from key public officials and organizations.

Plan to attend this historic event and reach out to the individuals and organizations you know and/or are active in to help get people to Los Angeles on October 11.

The official event announcements, flyers, and posters will be released later this week. In the meantime, I hope you will all start making plans to be at the rally and help get others on board, too. You can help by distributing flyers and posters, posting the event on online calendars, and putting it on the agenda for organizational meetings. You can download a simple temporary quarter-page flyer (in .pdf format) at www.ASAaction.org right now! The professional glossy flyers and posters will be out soon! The LA ASA Chapter and other ASA Chapters throughout the state will be hosting the event organizing meetings throughout the state. Volunteers are needed right away! Please contact Sonnet: Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org to sign up to volunteer to help organize the event!

When: Thursday, October 11 @ 12:00 PM
_*"Stand Up for Patients' Rights: Defend California's Medical Marijuana Law"*_
Statewide mobilization to the Governor's office in Los Angeles!
300 S. Spring St., Downtown Los Angeles

For more information, go to www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org or call toll free (888) 929-4367.