Coalition Donates Money To Several Local Politicians A political action committee that has donated $17,425 to area politicians has close ties to the medical marijuana lobby, according to campaign finance documents and other official records. Founded in 2006, the Coalition for a Safe and Clean Environment has donated $7,200 to the campaigns of Assemblyman Ed Hernandez, D-West Covina, campaign finance statements show. It also donated $10,225 to campaigns for city council members and hopefuls in Azusa, Covina, La Puente, Baldwin Park and El Monte, records show. [continues 942 words]
LA PUENTE - Planning Department officials say they need more time to determine their stance on "smoke shops" in La Puente. Staff members are recommending the City Council vote today to extend an existing moratorium on the establishment of tobacco stores by one year to further research any potential adverse effects on the community. "Our concern, or the city's concern, is that the inventories that these smoke shops include may include items that can be used for drug use, like glass pipes and hookahs and other accessories that can promote use of drugs," City Planner Guillermo Arreola said. [continues 473 words]
Baldwin Park May Make Dispensary Ban Permanent BALDWIN PARK - The city continued a temporary ban on medical marijuana dispensaries but could make it permanent in the next few months. The City Council approved a 45-day moratorium last month in allowing marijuana clinics within the city limits and extended it Wednesday for up to 10 months and 15 days. California voters approved Proposition 215, which allows the possession and cultivation of marijuana for medical use with a doctor's approval. It is still banned by federal law. [continues 363 words]
Meeting Will Focus On Substance Abuse Among Youths In Foothills LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE -- Will Moffitt is not ready to turn a blind eye to what he says is a substance abuse problem among youth in the foothills. "Lots of parents are not aware of what their kids are doing," said Moffitt, who lives in La Canada Flintridge and chairs the local Community Prevention Council, an advocacy group that works to solve issues among teens and their families. "We want parents to be aware of the temptations that are out in front of their kids today." [continues 374 words]
A UCLA Study Evaluating The Law Concerning Drug Treatment Programs Highlights Its Failings NORTHEAST GLENDALE -- A UCLA study evaluating a California law that assigns drug treatment to first- and second-time nonviolent narcotics offenders instead of sending them to prison shows the proposition's lack of success, local police say. "There are more drug offenders on the streets post-Prop. 36 then before Prop. 36, and this translates to public safety," said Glendale Capt. Lief Nicolaisen, with the department's investigative services. [continues 595 words]
