Pubdate: Wed, 08 Dec 2004
Source: Daily Review, The (Hayward, CA)
Copyright: 2004sANG Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.dailyreviewonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1410
Author: Tasha Bartholomew, Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)

ANOTHER FIRE PUT OUT: POT CLINICS SNUFFED

Memories of crematory fiasco lead to 'pre-emptive' 45-day dispensary
ban in San Leandro

SAN LEANDRO -- As a precautionary measure to avoid another smoky
situation, the City Council has decided to temporarily ban any medical
marijuana clinics from coming into town.

During a public hearing Monday night, the seven-member council
unanimously approved an interim urgency ordinance that prohibits the
consideration and approval of any new medical marijuana dispensaries
within the city for 45 days.

The city staff will immediately begin a study of the potential impacts
of medical marijuana dispensaries, and possible amendments to the
city's zoning code related to that use. The moratorium may be extended
for up to a year or until the new zoning regulations are adopted,
whichever occurs first.

"This is pre-emptive," Mayor Shelia Young said of the move. "I'm sick
to death of being a reactionary council. I told (City Manager) John
(Jermanis) we want to take care of this now. No one has asked yet, but
I really want to be proactive on this and be prepared if someone does
ask."

Eight years ago the voters of California approved Proposition 215,
better known to most as the "Compassionate Use Act of 1996." The
proposition allows people, with their doctors' approval, to use
marijuana for medicinal purposes.

The Legislature enacted Senate Bill 420 to clarify the scope of Prop.
215 and to allow cities and other governing bodies to adopt and
enforce rules and regulations consistent with the bill.

According to Planning Manager Debbie Pollart, the San Leandro
municipal and zoning codes have no specific guidelines for medical
marijuana dispensaries.

Because restrictions have gotten tighterin neighboring jurisdictions
- -- such as Ashland, Cherryland, Hayward and Oakland -- city officials
decided to do something about the issue before residents get fired up
about it.

"I don't want this to be another crematorium issue," Young
said.

About four months ago, the city dealt with another hot topic when a
company called All Faiths Crematory wanted to operate inside a
building in the Timothy Drive neighborhood in west San Leandro.
Hundreds of community members showed up to council meetings opposing
the crematory because of potential health and safety threats.

In October, the issue was laid to rest when the council voted to ban
crematories from coming anywhere within San Leandro city limits.

Like Young, Vice Mayor Orval Badger said he doesn't want to end up in
another situation where residents wonder "how the council let this
happen again."

"While we're not opposed to medical clinics or people receiving proper
medication, we have to take a long, hard look at clubs that dispense
what is generally known to be illicit drugs," Badger said.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin