Pubdate: Wed, 22 Aug 2007
Source: Salinas Californian, The (CA)
Copyright: 2007 The Salinas Californian
Contact: 
http://www.californianonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=CUSTOMERSERVICE03
Website: http://www.californianonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3900
Note: Priority is given to letters from Monterey County residents
Author: Brian Seals, The Salinas Californian
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Proposition+215
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

SALINAS COUNCIL DEADLOCKS ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA BAN

An ordinance that would have permanently prohibited medical marijuana 
dispensaries in the city failed to pass at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

A vote that would have rejected the ban failed on a 3-3 tie vote. 
Councilman Steve Villegas was absent.

Councilmembers Jyl Lutes, Gloria De La Rosa and Sergio Sanchez 
favored rejecting the ban, saying sick people with a doctor's 
recommendation should be able to get their medicine here.

Those who favored the ban cited the city's image and a police 
department recommendation for the ban as reasons to prohibit the 
dispensaries. Councilmembers Janet Barnes and Tony Barrera favored 
the ban, as did Mayor Dennis Donohue.

The Council in March approved a temporary measure banning medical 
marijuana dispensaries on a 6-1 vote. That prohibition is in effect 
until next March, said City Attorney Vanessa Vallarta.

Vallerta said the matter would return to the Council, likely in September.

Under Proposition 215 passed in 1996, Californians with a doctor's 
recommendation may possess and use marijuana. The closest dispensary 
to Salinas is in Santa Cruz. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake