Pubdate: Fri, 27 Oct 2006 Source: Willits News (CA) Copyright: 2006 Willits News Contact: http://www.willitsnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4085 Author: Claudia Reed, TWN Staff Writer Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California) CITY RECONSIDERS POT BAN Grow Rules Haven't Solved Problems City attorney James Lance is looking into the legality of banning all marijuana growing within city limits. An alternative possibility discussed at the October 25 city council meeting is a ban on growing by "caregivers," people authorized to produce medical marijuana for others at the rate of six adult plants per patient. The second alternative could leave medical marijuana patients free to grow their own six plants each. At issue are complaints from residents and council members - that the existing city ordinance on marijuana growing, which confines the activity to fully enclosed and secured structures, isn't preventing strong odors and intoxicating resins from entering the air. Possible violence associated with marijuana theft was also discussed. "When I walk around town I'm overwhelmed by the strong smell," said Councilwoman Karen Oslund. Oslund said the odor was strong even in the playground at Blosser Lane Elementary School, where her son was taking part in sports. When the child reported feeling dizzy, Oslund concluded he had been affected by airborne resins. Resident Laura McBride, who lives near a large enclosed marijuana growing operation, also reports having been affected by resins. "I had to redo my bookwork because there were so many mistakes," she said, noting the problem occurs only at harvest season. "It takes me three hours to do a one-hour job." McBride said she and others also suffer from headaches and sinus problems that intensify as the crop reaches maturity. "People are considering moving," she said. Resident Joyce Donaldson worried about "a home invasion that was meant for three houses down." "All we need is gangs from San Francisco with night goggles and semi-automatics." Councilman Ron Orenstein noted pot growers could be as violent as pot thieves: "People say this is no different than raising chickens (also legal within city limits), but I bet the building inspector who goes to investigate chicken operations doesn't need police protection." Resident Brenda Orenstein said a pot grower on a neighboring property slept outside in a tent with a gun by his side and a guard dog that "barked a lot." "I couldn't have family or guests in the back yard during growing season," she said. "My kids don't visit from the beginning of August to the end of November. This is sad." Brenda Orenstein also added new complaints to those previously stated: the saturation of her own clothing with the odor of marijuana, making her embarrassed to leave home; and the loss of the scent of roses and lilacs. Medical marijuana grower Joe Colleton, however, said he feels perfectly safe everywhere in Willits and the smell of marijuana is no more harmful than the wood smoke he regularly inhales from neighboring chimneys. He added he has done everything possible to comply with the existing ordinance, including installing a filter designed to reduce emission of resins and odors. Community Development Director Alan Falleri, who has taken on the inspection of indoor grow operations, agreed Colleton has been cooperative. "I didn't feel threatened going to Joe Colleton's place," Falleri said. "I wouldn't characterize all the medical marijuana growers out there as not caring. Most people I've dealt with did try to comply." Falleri said he has seen a marked decrease in marijuana growing this year as compared to last, proof the existing ordinance is having an effect. He added different people have different reactions to the smell, depending on their own sensitivities and different varieties of marijuana have more intense odors than others. Such factors as air inversions and temperatures may also change odor levels, he said. Council members discussed the kinds of structures that would comply with definitions of "secure" and "fully enclosed." They concluded no enclosure could eliminate emissions and theft attempts. Greenhouses are hard to secure, given the flimsy materials often used in construction. Grow spaces in general have openings to keep the crop from rotting and doors to allow growers to enter and exit. City Manager Ross Walker reported three formal complaints about indoor marijuana grows in three different parts of the city this season. Another one was recently communicated to a council member. Walker said a single complaint is not enough to identify a grow operation as an actionable nuisance. "Petitions work," he said. Existing regulations don't specify the number of complaints greater than one, but less than a petition full, that would trigger city action. Councilman Denny McEntire said fear of retribution silences those who would otherwise complain. Brenda Orenstein agreed, saying her car was sprayed with grafitti after her husband, Ron Orenstein, helped to develop the first marijuana control ordinance. Also at issue was the flocks of homeless young people who drift into town every harvest season, presumably looking for a share of the crop or work in the pot fields. "Since the medical marijuana thing our town has gone to hell," said Jolene Carrillo. "Every year we have all these creepy people. They sleep behind Safeway and Rays and go to the bathroom there. They go to Our Daily Bread and eat the food poor people need." No agreement was reached on how far a new ordinance would go in reducing the drifter population. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake