Pubdate: Wed, 16 Jan 2008
Source: Signal, The (Santa Clarita, CA)
Copyright: 2008 The Signal
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/942n6o2y
Website: http://www.the-signal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4221
Author: Katherine Geyer, Signal Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

SANTA CLARITA PLANNERS PASS ON GRASS

Planning Commission Approves Ban On Medical Marijuana Dispensaries.

Santa Clarita Planning Commissioners just said no to marijuana 
Tuesday night when they unanimously approved a city code change that 
prohibits the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries within the city.

"The fact is, that the legislation and the conflict between the state 
and federal government has created an untenable situation right now," 
said Commissioner Tim Burkhart.

He said the city should protect itself from "being caught up in a 
process that was done for the right reasons, but was certainly not 
well thought out."

Sgt. Phil Morris of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station said 
this week that since the state legalized medical marijuana use, teens 
have abused the medical cards.

In 2006, the city had imposed an urgency ordinance to prohibit the 
dispensaries in Santa Clarita.

"It is unfortunate because I think there truly is a need for people 
who are in terrible health and need this medicine and need it 
delivered in a certain way, but the law was not created in a good way 
and has put us all in a bad situation," said Commissioner Diane Trautman.

Federal law prohibits marijuana from being distributed, but 
California's Proposition 215, passed in 1996, allows for the drug to 
be used for medicinal purposes.

Although state law legalized the use of medical marijuana, there is 
nothing that specifically authorizes the establishment of medical 
marijuana dispensaries, said Assistant City Attorney Joe Montes.

"We're just going to close that loop to make sure the issue is clear," he said.

The item will be considered by the City Council.

At a study session preceding the Planning Commission meeting, city 
planners said they have begun to work with county planners to provide 
input on county developments within the Santa Clarita Valley. The 
city will be keeping a closer eye on proposed county developments 
that lie within the city's sphere of influence, an area outside the 
city that is expected to eventually become part of the city.

"They deserve close attention on the part of the city," said Paul 
Brotzman, director of community development for the city.

He said that the closer the projects are to the city limits, the 
harder the city pushes to influence the plans.

Also at the Planning Commission meeting, the commissioners 
unanimously approved the architectural design review for a new 
California Pizza Kitchen and a new Lifestyle Center as part of the 
Westfield Valencia Town Center expansion project.

The commission also approved a request to convert the Caravilla 
Mobile Home Park in Canyon Country from a rental park to individual ownership.

Commissioners agreed to continue until Feb. 5 the public hearing 
regarding the removal of a non-conforming sign at A-American Self 
Storage and Cat Doctor at 26053 Bouquet Canyon Road.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom