Pubdate: Wed, 23 Apr 2008
Source: Lumberjack, The (CA Edu)
Copyright: 2008 The Lumberjack Newspaper, Humboldt State Univesity
Contact:  http://www.thejack.org/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2736
Authors: Stephanie Haller and Chris Hoff
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Marijuana - California)

OF BONGS AND BONGOS

2,500-2,700 Attend 420 Festivities in Redwood Park

The smell is not as strong as one might have imagined walking onto 
the grass at Redwood Park on April 20. The vibrations from the drum 
circle leave more of an impression on your body then the scent of 
marijuana smoke. Laughter mixes with the occasional cough or two and 
the smell of patchouli travels through the crowd from a handful of 
incense sticks shoved into the ground.

On April 20, an estimated 2,500 to 2,700 people made their way to 
Redwood Park in Arcata. The event has taken place in the park by 
tradition, but has never been officially sanctioned by the city. 
Known to some as 'Pot Smokers' Day' or simply "420," April 20 is 
marked by celebrations across the country as thousands of people join 
together at 4:20 p.m. to smoke marijuana. While some came out to 
smoke in defiance of anti-marijuana laws, others had different 
reasons behind their visit to Redwood Park.

Freshwater resident Kristyl Mentink came out for the environment and 
the music. "It's a lot of smoking, a lot of friendly people, and a 
lot of getting down," Mentink said.

Glenn Smith made the trip to Redwood Park from Redding. This was his 
first year at the gathering. "It's ironic that it's not okay to 
celebrate medicine," Smith said. He thought there were "too many cops" present.

Arcata resident Chris Robbins didn't mind the presence of the police 
at the park. "It's probably a good thing." Robbins said. "There's a 
lot of kids here."

At least six uniformed police officers spent the afternoon patrolling 
the park, handing out tickets for illegal possession, issuing permit 
warnings to vendors and checking for "215" cards. California 
Proposition 215 and California Senate Bill 420 permits cardholders in 
the State of California to be in possession of marijuana for medical 
reasons. Arcata Police Captain Tom Chapman said that officers took 
action against observable violations, based on their training and safety.

The Humboldt State University Police Department, Arcata Police 
Department, and the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department had officers 
working the event. Chapman said it is normally a peaceful gathering.

While no significant incidences occurred at the park, incidences of 
camping and shoplifting arrests increase in town about four days 
before and two to three days after the event, depending on weather, 
said Chapman. While Chapman acknowledged the increase in arrests 
around April 20, he would not attribute the increase in crime 
completely to transients. "We get an influx of people in town," Chapman said.

A life-long resident of Humboldt County, Jim Leffler is terminally 
ill. He came out to Redwood Park to see friends and likes the 
peaceful turnout. "I hope it continues that way," he said.

Tom Baughman of Chico echoed the sentiments of Leffler and many 
others at the event. "It's a friendly environment where people can 
get along without violence," Baughman said.

In a bright orange t-shirt with the words "Las Vegas County Jail" 
emblazoned on the back, a man who wished to be called Turtle stood 
back from the drum circle he just left. When asked where he's from, 
Turtle laughed and smiled. "I live everywhere," he said, motioning 
toward the trees behind him. His hat featured a collection of pins 
that he'd been given over the years. Turtle has one piece of advice 
for future 4/20 gatherers.

"Enjoy it," Turtle said as he watched the drum circle continue to 
play without him, bobbing his head in tune with the beat. "It's God's 
green earth." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake