Pubdate: Tue, 25 Sep 2007 Source: Contra Costa Times (CA) Copyright: 2007 Knight Ridder Contact: http://www.contracostatimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/96 Author: Eric Kurhi Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal) LIVERMORE JOINS OTHER CITIES IN BANNING POT CLUBS LIVERMORE -- Livermore joined neighbors Dublin and Pleasanton in banning medical cannabis dispensaries within city limits by passing a similar ordinance Monday night. The new law was approved after its second reading without any opposition or fanfare. Broader discussions on the topic were held last November, at which time it was decided that secondary impacts of such facilities -- most notably increased crime -- outweigh the benefits to the community. At that time, City Manager Linda Barton told the Council that based on findings in other communities that allow medical marijuana facilities, it would add significantly to the police department's workload and could require additional staff. Pleasanton banned the dispensaries in June, but are trying to work with Alameda County to see how great the demand is for such facilities. Dublin passed a ban last year. Other Bay Area cities with bans on dispensaries include Concord, Dublin, Pleasanton Hill, Antioch, Oakley, Pinole, San Pablo and Hercules. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake