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the pair. Officers recovered some 900 marijuana plants and 3,000 seeds. http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14870327 Grand jury: Illegal pot costs more than you think' Ukiah Daily Journal Staff /05/17/2010 The Mendocino County Grand Jury believes the big hidden cost of illegal pot growing in this county is the amount of illegal water use and general environmental degradation illegal pot growers spread. Among a series of its 2009-10 reports issued over the weekend, the grand jury's "Marijuana: It costs more than you think" report tackles a problem increasingly identified by authorities and citizens as just as serious as the crime illegal pot growing brings to town……The GJ found that over the past two years there has been an increase in citizen reports/complaints to law enforcement regarding environmental issues related to illegal marijuana farming in the County." Using a law enforcement figure that the 362,000 illegal marijuana plants seized as of October, 2009 was about 10 percent of the total out there, and using what it believes is the "conservative estimate" of one gallon of water per plant per day, the grand jury concluded that illegal consumption of water would be 3.6 million gallons per day, or about 11 acre feet. Meanwhile, local residents were under very serious water cutbacks and rationing. The GJ also had photographs taken during the 2009 growing season showing them water being diverted from creeks for irrigation purposes at illegal marijuana growing sites plus, animal carcasses, human garbage, garbage, human waste, herbicides and animal poisons had been recently found at these sites. The report also found that water was "being polluted by highly toxic compounds. These toxins are used as fertilizer and pesticides which are diluted by mixing them with water in dammed areas of the stream bed. Possession and use of many of these chemicals are banned In the United States." The investigation also confirmed that illegal growers clear-cut trees, dam streams, terrace slopes which causes erosion and watershed pollution, and left local authorities to clean it all up…… http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/ci_15101175?source=most_viewed Investigations continue to reveal the unregulated and disingenuous nature of dispensaries in California. These investigations continue to turn up significant amounts of cash and reveal that the dispensaries are seldom more than locations for the retail sales of marijuana and not the “collective or cooperatives” they claim to be. Several more Cities and Counties have enacted moritoriums or outright bans of these establishments in their communities. Other communities are resorting to litigation in order to enforce existing regulations barring the operation of these businesses. In their place, delivery services have been found to operating throughout the state, challenging communities’ ability to locate and regulate them. Medical marijuana businessman pleads guilty to unlawful sales By LARRY WELBORN /THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER /April 6, 2010 NEWPORT BEACH – An owner and a manager of a medical marijuana business in Lake Forest pleaded guilty Tuesday to unlawful sales of marijuana….and possession of marijuana for sale, and admitted to sentencing enhancements of committing a crime while he was free on bail in a separate case. He was sentenced to three years in state prison, according to a news release from the Orange County District Attorney's Office. As a term of Wick's plea agreement, he is also expected to plead guilty next week to possession of marijuana for sale and possessing more than $25,000 obtained through illegal drug sales in his other 2009 Orange County case, according to District Attorney spokeswoman Farrah Emami……They were accused of selling marijuana to customers with a physician's recommendation but without any relationship to those customers and without requiring or requesting them to participate in collectively or cooperatively cultivating marijuana in violation of state law, Emami said. http://www.ocregister.com/news/marijuana-242799-sale- guilty.html San Mateo county drug task force nets six arrests, marijuana, meth By Diana Samuels /Daily News Staff Writer /06/03/2010 A six-month undercover investigation that began with agents monitoring medical marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated Redwood City led to six arrests, the San Mateo County Narcotics Task Force announced Thursday. During the investigation, agents arranged several "covert buys" of marijuana, methamphetamine and two handguns, said Lt. Marc Alcantara, commander of the task force. They seized more than a pound of processed marijuana, small amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine, the guns and paraphernalia associated with drug sales……."We called the (Blue Heaven) dispensary, inquired about the availability of marijuana, asked if they could deliver to a specific location in San Mateo County and they agreed to do that," Alcantara said. Ultimately, the investigation "led to purchasing methamphetamine and then purchasing guns," he said…..Blue Heaven was denied a business license last month by the San Mateo County License Board but its operator said he plans to appeal. Both Redwood City and Mountain View have temporarily banned medical marijuana dispensaries, though Mountain View city officials have indicated they intend to eventually allow dispensaries. At a meeting this week, the Mountain View City Council discussed how to regulate the dispensaries and reduce their potential to add to crime in the city. http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_15223426 Marijuana Dispensary Bust Jim Bunner /Jun 13, 2010 Santa Barbara -The Santa Barbara Police Department, along with assistance from Santa Barbara County Sheriff's, executed several search warrants in connection with what they claim was an illegally operated marijuana dispensary. That dispensary, "Hortipharm", is located at 3516 State Street. Narcotic detectives say "Hortipharm" was operating outside the limitations of the "Compassionate Use Act", which provides specific limited immunity from laws prohibiting marijuana sales, possession, and cultivation. The investigation also allegedly revealed evidence that the owners were laundering money through "Pizza Guru." The authorization for the search and arrest warrants was approved by the District Attorney’s Office and a Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge. In addition to the Hortipharm dispensary, police conducted search warrants at several other locations…..Police also seized a large quantity of marijuana, concentrated marijuana known as hashish, and other marijuana products and paraphernalia. Police have also seized sophisticated equipment used to grow large quantities of marijuana. This investigation is continuing with more arrests expected. http://www.keyt.com/news/lo cal/96184399.html Vacaville residents arrested in marijuana business case Published by The Reporter /06/14/2010 Two Vacaville residents were arrested Thursday for being suspected of a marijuana business conducted out of their home. For three months, Vacaville narcotics detectives have been investigating information about a marijuana dispensary operating within the city limits. Online, according to the Vacaville Police Department, the business was identified as "The Vanjo Group," which was operating from a residence in the 100 block of Kiowa Court in Vacaville. Detectives conducted surveillance on the business and ultimately purchased marijuana from Katherine Caldwell, 50, in an undercover capacity, police said. Narcotics detectives secured a search warrant which was ultimately served at the residence on Thursday. A search of the residence and an associated warehouse in Fairfield located extensive evidence of marijuana sales in violation of current California law…..Narcotics Enforcement detectives are frequently contacting citizens who are unfamiliar with the current state of the law in California with regards to medical marijuana. Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act, does not authorize the sale of marijuana for profit to anyone. The city of Vacaville also has a moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries currently in effect which prohibits the operation of a marijuana dispensary within the city limits….. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_15292781?nclick_check=1 Pot Dispensary Raided Again Jim Bunner /Jun 28, 2010 Santa Barbara -For the second time, officers from the Santa Barbara Police Department raided a Westside medical marijuana dispensary. Authorities say the owner, 32-year-old Juan Carlos Solis, was arrested again on suspicion of cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale. These are the same charges Solis is facing in connection with a prior raid in February at the Healing Center, which is located at 1437 San Andres Street. According to police, search warrants were served at the Healing Center dispensary and at an apartment that Solis reportedly shared with a fellow employee. That employee was also arrested on similar drug-related charges. Police officials allege the operators of the dispensary are obtaining its marijuana illegally, as well as not operating within the guidelines of the Compassionate Use Act, the state law that regulates medical marijuana use. http://www.keyt.com/news/local/ 97226089.html Williams just says no to marijuana Susan Meeker /Colusa County Sun-Herald /Thursday, Apr 8 2010 The Williams City Council introduced an ordinance Wednesday that will prohibit the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries in town, and other businesses that potentially violate state and federal law. Cities and counties throughout the state have been scrambling to tighten up regulations after experiencing a rash of business license applications from people wishing to operate marijuana stores, city officials said. “Some of these stores may possibly comply with state law, but many do not, and all violate federal law, which continues to prohibit the cultivation, use, purchase and sale of marijuana for any purpose,” said Monica Aguayo, Williams assistant planner…..The proposed ordinance, which already cleared the Williams Planning Commission, will amend the city’s municipal code to clarify that no business which is illegal under state or federal law, including medical marijuana dispensaries, may be licensed or operated in Williams and that all land uses that violate either federal or state law will be banned. http://www.colusa-sun-herald.com/news/marijuana-4606-state-williams.html Supes prohibits medical marijuana By Susan Meeker/Tri-County Newspapers /Tuesday, Apr 13 2010, The Colusa County supervisors said no to medical marijuana Tuesday, after adopting an urgency ordinance that puts a temporary moratorium on the establishment of marijuana dispensaries in the unincorporated areas of the county. The temporary ban takes effect immediately and gives the county 45 days to allow its Medical Marijuana Committee to study the impacts dispensaries would have on the county. The county has scheduled a public hearing for May 18, which could yield an extension of the ban for an additional 10 months in order for the county to address the zoning of marijuana facilities in its General Plan……Issuing any permit or business license, or any other entitlements providing for the establishment or operation of medical marijuana dispensaries — prior to study and the completion of the General Plan — would pose an immediate threat to the public's health, safety and welfare, county officials said. http://www.colusa-sun-herald.c om/news/county-4637-marijuana-medical.html Placer Board: No Pot Dispensaries In Unincorporated Areas Care Facilities Can Still Distribute To Patients, County Says /April 6, 2010 PLACER COUNTY, Calif. --Citing health and safety hazards, the Placer County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to ban medical marijuana dispensaries, collectives and cooperatives from establishing in the county's unincorporated areas. "Marijuana dispensaries tend to have detrimental impacts on community health, safety and welfare, including increases in crimes such as illegal drug activity, robberies of people leaving dispensaries, loitering, use of fraudulent identification cards and dispensary burglaries," the board said in a news release…….Placer County said it began researching the issue in response to requests for business licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries. The board also decided that the county should keep studying the issue and consider potential refinements to Tuesday's action. http://www.kcra.com/news/23072764/detail.html Fillmore adopts 45-day moratorium on pot dispensaries By Mike Harris /Posted April 14, 2010 The Fillmore City Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted an immediate 45-day moratorium on the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city. The council took the action at the recommendation of City Attorney Ted Schneider, who said the “urgency” measure was necessary because of a number of inquiries from people interested in opening dispensaries in Fillmore. According to the new zoning ordinance, Police Chief Tim Hagel maintains that the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries will result in an increase in criminal activity in areas surrounding such dispensaries. Schneider said a public hearing on the matter will be held during the 45-day period. Before the moratorium expires, Schneider intends to ask the council to extend it up to an additional 10 months…..Camarillo, Moorpark, Oxnard and Simi Valley have adopted similar moratoriums, Schneider said. Those four cities later enacted permanent ordinances prohibiting the dispensaries. http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/a pr/14/fillmore-adopts-45-day-moratorium-on-pot/Alameda Passes Medical Marijuana Dispensary Ban ALAMEDA (CBS 5 /AP) ― May 8, 2010 City officials in Alameda have voted to ban medical marijuana dispensaries. The City Council's unanimous decision on Tuesday came as a moratorium on the opening of any new pot club was set to expire. The city currently does not have any medical marijuana clubs, so the law will not affect any existing businesses. A pot club in the city closed last year after officials accused its owner of misleading them about the nature of the business on his business application and said the dispensary was a nuisance. Mayor Beverly Johnson said she did not think pot clubs are what California voters envisioned when they voted to legalize marijuana for medical use in 1996. But supporters of the clubs say they are safe way to purchase the marijuana they need for their medical conditions. http://cbs5.com/local/alameda. medical.marijuana.2.1683288.html San Ramon approves temporary ban on pot dispensaries By Sophia Kazmi /Contra Costa Times /05/12/2010 SAN RAMON — Medical marijuana dispensaries have been snuffed out in San Ramon — at least for 45 days. The City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved a temporary ban on dispensaries. City officials had recently received inquiries about its regulations on operating dispensaries, but because it had none on the books, the council decided to impose the temporary ban until it could set a policy…..San Ramon is the last Tri-Valley city to take up the medical marijuana dispensary issue. Danville's Town Council last year extended its moratorium on dispensaries. Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton have each banned dispensaries. http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15069831?nclick_check=1 Calexico Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Will Have to Wait By Mario Conde19 May 2010 The Calexico City Council approved a 45 day interim ordinance prohibiting cooperative, collective, or other forms of marijuana dispensaries during the special study period the city will have. City Attorney Jennifer Lyon said in her report that Calexico is taking this ordinance since the Calexico Municipal Code does not make it clear if medical marijuana dispensaries are allowed, and if so, what zones can they operate. Lyon stated that many cities are worried about regulating dispensaries because the law in this area is still unsettled. The City believes that these types of dispensaries attracts negative effects on public health, safety and welfare may occur in Calexico because of the proliferation of these medical marijuana dispensaries and the lack of regulations governing the establishments and operations of these facilities. During this moratorium time, the City of Calexico will deny any permits to all Medical Marijuana Dispensaries that tries to establish themselves in Calexico. “Dispensaries around the State have often attracted burglaries, weapons violations and other crimes…..City Staff believes that that they need to take their time to decide the right way to deal with this issue based on the unique character for the City of Calexico and in order to sufficiently protect the public health of its residents…….. http://tribwekchron.com/2010/05/calexico-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-will-have-to-wait/Sunnyvale City Council temporarily bans medical pot clubs while issue is studied By John Dugan /05/26/2010 The Sunnyvale City Council passed a moratorium temporarily prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries from opening in the city, in the process asking city staff to begin studying the issue immediately to allow for a possible permanent municipal code change in the near future…..The moratorium lasts for 45 days, at which time the council can extend it for another 10 months and 15 days. Multiple council members expressed their desire to see the study completed as soon as possible, and promised to extend the moratorium for far less than the maximum time allowed. http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15166304 St. Helena says 'no' to medical pot By JESSE DUARTE, For the Register /Sunday, May 30, 2010 St. Helena residents will have to go out of town to legally buy their medical marijuana. In the face of strong public opposition, the St. Helena City Council voted 4-1 this week to abandon an ordinance that would have have allowed up to two marijuana dispensaries in the industrial and service commercial zoning districts. “I don’t think having a dispensary here will enhance St. Helena……In an e-mail, Planning Commissioner Peter White urged the council to vote against the ordinance. “As a planning commissioner, I was not asked my opinion about whether or not we should have dispensaries but if the council was so moved to have them — what zoning regulations should govern them,” he wrote. “In my judgment, the more restrictive the better, and in hindsight a total ban would be the best.” About 35 e-mails opposing the ordinance were addressed to the entire council. But individual council members reported receiving “hundreds” of e-mails for and against the ordinance over the last few weeks. http://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/article_a66cb0cc-6baa-11df-8c01-001cc4c03286.h tml Rio Dell passes temporary ban on medical marijuana dispensaries Donna Tam/The Times-Standard /05/06/2010 An application to form a medical marijuana collective has prompted Rio Dell to put a hold on dispensaries until some regulations can be set. The Rio Dell City Council approved a 45-day moratorium on the formation of medical marijuana dispensaries Tuesday night, citing a need for the creation of an ordinance. The temporary ban is effective immediately……Rio Dell follows other cities in Humboldt County which are working on ordinances, including Ferndale and Eureka. The city of Arcata has already completed its ordinance, which is based on land use codes. Councilman Jack Thompson said the moratorium is meant to give the city some time to better understand the law and set guidelines to protect its other businesses. ”We have a very large downtown business area that is very depressed. We don't need to do something that sounds like it may make it more difficult,” he said. http://www.humboldtbeacon.com/ci_15031512?source=most_viewed Town bans marijuana dispensaries By Rebecca Unger /Hi-Desert Star /Saturday, June 19, 2010 YUCCA VALLEY — The Town Council voted four to member Lori Herbel’s one to ban marijuana dispensaries in the town’s boundaries Tuesday. The ordinance comes up for a second reading in August, where approval would turn Yucca Valley’s existing moratorium into a permanent ban, effective in 30 days.……In recent months several cities, including Twentynine Palms, have enacted legislation that limits or bans medical-marijuana dispensaries. Some cited illegal operations, some claimed an increase in crime, while others simply wished to halt unwanted proliferation. One highprofile case going through the appeals court is Qualified Patients Association versus the city of Anaheim. It’s possible that a ruling here could determine whether a city can use zoning ordinances to prohibit dispensaries operating under state law. San Bernardino County supervisors voted Tuesday for a one-year extension to the county’s moratorium on medical-marijuana dispensaries and collectives in unincorporated areas. http://www.hidesertstar.com/articles/2010/06/19/news/doc4c1c647e8311e152354907.txt SH Council extends its moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries for additional year By Nick Diamantides /Staff Writer /June 18th, 2010 No medical marijuana dispensaries will be allowed in Signal Hill until at least June 28, 2011. Last Tuesday, the Signal Hill City Council voted unanimously to extend the city’s moratorium on such facilities for an additional year……Charney explained that, as a basis for adopting the moratorium, the Council agreed with a staff report that found potential negative effects on the public health, safety and welfare associated with unregulated dispensaries, including: an increase in crimes such as burglary, robbery and loitering; use of marijuana in public in the vicinity of dispensaries; an increase in marijuana DUIs; the illegal resale of marijuana to individuals without physician recommendations; street dealers attempting to sell marijuana to dispensary customers; and an increase of the sale of illegal drugs in the vicinity of dispensaries. The interim moratorium forced the closure of the two dispensaries that had been operating in Signal Hill. Then, on August 18, 2009, the Council extended the moratorium to June 28, 2010. Charney told the Council that, by state law, it could extend the moratorium for an additional year, but after that time no further extensions were allowed. He recommended the one-year extension of the moratorium……Prior to the expiration of the moratorium, staff will prepare a regulatory strategy to be reviewed by the planning commission and then brought forward to the City Council,” Charney said. After a few brief comments agreeing with Charney’s analysis and recommendation, Council members unanimously adopted the ordinance extending the moratorium for one more year. The next meeting of the City Council is scheduled for 7pm, July 6 in the Council Chamber of Signal Hill City Hall. http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/archives/6912 County orders end to medical marijuana dispensary in Santa Venetia Jennifer Upshaw Swartz /04/02/2010 Proprietors of Marin's newest medical marijuana dispensary are locked in a battle with Marin County officials who have ordered the Santa Venetia outlet to cease operations immediately. A county inspection is scheduled for next week at Tree of Life, a small business that has been operating in recent weeks……Tree of Life is the first dispensary in the unincorporated portion of the county. Other Marin dispensaries include Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana in Fairfax; Marin Holistic Solutions and Going Green in Corte Madera; and Caregiver Compassion Center in Sausalito. On March 17, county officials ordered the Santa Venetia operation to shut its doors within 15 days and schedule an inspection to prove compliance or face a code enforcement hearing and, if unsuccessful at the hearing, face fines of $2,500 per day per violation. Pending a ruling against the dispensary, if operations continue there the matter could go to court, county officials said. An inspection will be conducted next week, but the group running the dispensary has no intention of halting operations, said Colleen Doherty, a San Anselmo land use attorney representing the dispensary she described as small, strictly controlled, protected by security cameras and staffed by knowledgeable people who follow state law. "Tree of Life disputes that they are not allowed in Marin County," Doherty said Friday, citing a 1992 ordinance passed by the county Board of Supervisors supporting the concept of medical marijuana use as proof it was OK to do business in the area. "Right now there is no medical dispensary in the north part of the county, so there is nowhere for people to go," she said. "It's badly needed and we have a ordinance in the municipal code that says the Board of Supervisors fully support providing medical marijuana to people who need it. "It's really a zoning dispute," Doherty said. County officials disagree that the 1992 ordinance invites dispensaries to open in unincorporated areas. "It's not a permitted use," said Brian Crawford, county planning director. "We don't have any specific permitted land use for medical marijuana dispensaries…..Specific action has not yet been determined, he said. "It's in close proximity to schools -the 7-Eleven store has created some law enforcement issues," he said. "We're not making any value judgments about (medical marijuana). É We just don't think that's an appropriate location." Santa Venetia resident Mary Feller agreed. "I think my concerns are just that this is in the middle of a residential neighborhood," she said, saying she was concerned about the potential for crime and increased traffic in the area. "In my personal view I am a total supporter of medical marijuana. I really want to be clear about that, but it needs to be appropriately sited and I think in the middle of a residential neighborhood is not an appropriate site." http://www.marinij.com/sanrafael/ci_14810711 Pot club opens in city that outlawed them The Associated Press /05/25/2010 GALT, Calif.—A medical marijuana dispensary is open for business in downtown Galt despite a 2009 law banning such businesses in the city. The Galt Health & Wellness Center has been open about a week in a nondescript building near the Galt Post Office. But city officials want to shut it down by week's end. In July 2009, the city passed an ordinance outlawing places where medical marijuana is given or sold to two or more people. City Manager Jason Behrmann says the new club did not have to apply for a business license because it is being run as a nonprofit where marijuana is sold on consignment. An employee says as many as 75 people joined since the collective opened a week ago, with more people signing up every day. http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_ 15157748 County shutters South Whittier medical marijuana dispensary By Mike Sprague, Staff Writer /05/26/2010 SOUTH WHITTIER -Los Angeles County officials have forced a medical marijuana dispensary they say was operating illegally to close. The dispensary, 3P Wellness Center, 11331 La Mirada Blvd., closed Friday because it didn't have the proper county permits and licenses, county officials said. The dispensary was discovered to be operating illegally in late April……Representatives of the County Departments of Regional Planning and Treasurer and Tax Collector conducted on-site inspections of the dispensary in late April and issued notices of violation to the dispensary operators for not having the proper permits and licenses. The dispensary closed its doors after county counsel contacted both the dispensary operators and the property owners, and told them that civil action may be pursued against them if the dispensary did not cease operations immediately. This is the second medical marijuana business in the area to close in about six months. The Starlight 420 Center, 15640 Leffingwell Road, closed in December 2009 after operating for more than six months. The county went to court and obtained a preliminary injunction against the dispensary. http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_15168563 Medical pot clinics in Sacramento County ordered to close Dave Marquis April 7, 2010 SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA -While California voters approved the use of medical marijuana in 1996, more local governments are trying to limit the growth of pot dispensaries or shut them down entirely. In a letter to medical marijuana dispensary owners and landlords, Sacramento County warned they are in violation of county zoning laws and must close. The letter, received by most clinics or their landlords in the last few days, orders them to "cease the unpermitted use of the property within 15 days of this letter."…..No one