Opportunity to Act Today - Marijuana Dispensaries

Our LA City Council throws in the towel before the fight even begins

Now is your last opportunity to convince the Los Angeles City Council to reverse last week’s political decision to repeal the ban on marijuana dispensaries and not place the issue on the March, 2013 General Election.

Last Tuesday, in response to petitions submitted by marijuana advocates, the City Council eliminated all regulation of marijuana dispensaries in the City of Los Angeles. The council voted 11 to 2 to repeal the “gentle ban,” an ordinance enacted amid much publicity this summer after recent court decisions determined that a city can ban dispensaries but not regulate them. By repealing the ban, the City Council has left our police and City departments powerless to control marijuana dispensaries, meaning that a dispensary can open anywhere in the City of LA at any time with no laws to prevent it and no laws to regulate it.

On Tuesday October 9, the City Council is required to have a second vote on its decision to repeal the “gentle ban” ordinance. The City Council is taking this second vote because last week’s vote was not unanimous. Placing this matter on the March, 2013 General Election would cost taxpayers absolutely nothing, despite erroneous comments by some council members and the media claiming otherwise. 

Because of the City Council’s failure to uphold the ban, the Police have no authority to enter marijuana dispensaries and the City Attorney has no authority to prosecute them.

This was a political decision by members of the City Council to avoid controversy during the March 2013 City-wide election, which would have potentially endangered their re-election bids by upsetting the well-financed marijuana lobby.

The Los Angeles City Council is the highest paid City Council in the United States, with members earning almost as much as US Senators. Yet Los Angeles is the only City in California incapable of controlling Marijuana Dispensaries. In contrast, San Francisco has 23 dispensaries, West Hollywood has 4, while Santa Monica, Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena have none.

The City of LA has an annual budget of almost $7 billion, maintains a police force of over 9,000 officers, and has 500 attorneys in the Office of the City Attorney. Yet our Councilmembers now claim that their hands are tied when it comes to marijuana dispensaries, that they are powerless to shut them down, and that their only option they is to appeal to the State legislature for help -- even though the state’s legislative session is over and no changes to State marijuana regulations would occur for a year.

Don’t be fooled by the politicos that have created this mess in the first place. Contact all Councilmembers now and insist that the ban be placed on the March, 2013 ballot so that the people of Los Angeles can decide whether or not marijuana dispensaries should be controlled. Nothing is lost by placing the measure on the ballot, with everything gained to protect our neighborhoods from the criminals who actually own and operate these dispensaries.

Right now there are over a thousand dispensaries in the City of Los Angeles. How many more do we need before our highly paid council members stop playing politics and instead start representing the people who elected them?

Contact all Councilmembers at the following link: 

http://www.lacity.org/YourGovernment/CityCouncil/index.htm

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RUMOR MILL: MARIJUANA TO SUSHI, NEW SUSHI RESTAURANT MOVING IN THE FORMER POT SCHOOL?

A new Sushi / Japanese fusion restaurant is rumored to be opening at the former site of Oaksterdam University, the marijuana dispensary school which was located at 3351 Glendale Blvd.

The property is owned and leased by Leona Gardner. Both Leona and Oaksterdam were recently featured in a L.A. Weekly News article.

L.A. Building and Safety vs. Oaksterdam U. [L.A. Weekly News]

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ATWATER VILLAGE’S NEW MARIJUANA SHOP BOASTS A “POT VENDING MACHINE”



Marijuana vending machine at Glendale
Medical Center (3229 1/2 Glendale Blvd)



Atwater’s newly confirmed medical marijuana dispensary, Glendale Medical Center, boasts a “pot vending machine” according to online reviews one Weedmaps.com.

A Weedmaps reviewer comments:

“I was driving down from the Valley when I checked out Weedmaps to see what was closest to me. I [came] across another one of those marijuana vending machines and since the ones I've been to were decent I decided to give this one a try.

Its located next to a casket sales [place], which is not so bad if you enjoy any opportunity for an artistic metaphor =p Parking is easy but you have to pay the meter, but it takes credit cards which is nice and its not expensive, like a quarter for 20 min or something like that. The place is easy to get to, just make sure to ring the bell on the outside.

The place nice, pretty simple, but looks very clean and the budtender is super nice and really knows his stuff. The meds are weighed heavy and look very danky. I personally tried the Skywalker Bubba and wow!!!! Two of my fave strains together, which is pretty rad, and on top of that its at minimal cost, which I was happy about.

I've always been afraid of one day man vs. machine, but it saves me money, sweet! I can learn to love machines and day trust them =p Thanks for the new hope magical marijuana machine!!”

 

The new marijuana dispensary is located at Atwater’s old “Library Building” at 3229 ½ Glendale Blvd. The historic old “Library Building” had originally housed Atwater’s public library for 36 years from 1953 to 1989. The building is currently owned by Amesbury Partners LLC, a partnership co-owned by Jeff and Leona Gardner.

 

Glendale Medical Center

3229 1/2 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Tel: 323-522-6632
Email: glendalemedcenter@gmail.com
Hours of Operation 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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RUMOR MILL: JUBILEE ADULT DAY CARE CENTER IN ATWATER VILLAGE TO CLOSE

Jubilee Adult Day Care Center, located at 3155 Glendale Blvd, is rumored to be closing their business by the end of this month. The location is owned by Leona Gardner. Both Leona and Jubilee were recently featured in a L.A. Weekly News article.

L.A. Building and Safety vs. Oaksterdam U. [L.A. Weekly News]

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RUMOR MILL: NEW MARIJUANA DISPENSARY TO OPEN AT ATWATER’S HISTORIC OLD “LIBRARY BUILDING”

A building once dedicated to higher learning will now be dedicated to getting people “high”. A new medical marijuana dispensary is rumored to be opening at the old “Library Building” located at 3229 Glendale Blvd. The site currently houses two businesses: California Casket Company (3229 Glendale Blvd) and California Sun Systems (3229 ½ Glendale Blvd). The rumored medical marijuana dispensary is expected to take the place of California Sun Systems and occupy 3229 ½ Glendale Blvd.

The historic old “Library Building” had originally housed Atwater’s public library for 36 years from 1953 to 1989 until it relocated to a larger building at the corner of Glendale Blvd and Revere Ave. After the library was relocated the building housed a few “mom & pop” businesses over the years, including Thousand Fabrics. The building then stood empty for a few years and feel into disrepair. In 2009, it got a much needed facelift after many years of neglect. The building was purchased and subdivided in 2009 by Amesbury Partners LLC, a partnership co-owned by Jeff and Leona Gardner which currently owns and rents commercial space on the site.

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RUMOR MILL: “HASTA LA VISTA” OAKSTERDAM

Oaksterdam University is closing its campus at 3153 Glendale Blvd and leaving Atwater Village. Goodbye Oaksterdam!

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CHANGE OF USE VIOLATION AT MARIJUANA UNIVERSITY SITE, ORDER TO COMPLY ISSUED

In response to numerous complaints from area residents and businesses the Department of Building & Safety (DBS) investigated potential violations for the new use (a marijuana “university”) at 3153 Glendale Blvd. The site was inspected on May 4th and a 15 day Order to Comply has been issued for a change of use violation, namely, approved retail property being used for instructional purposes.

Oaksterdam University / Patient ID Center will have to apply for a permit to legally change the use of the property from retail to instructional / educational use. The permit process is expected to trigger a public comment period. At that time concerned stakeholders will be able to voice their opinion about having a marijuana learning center in a primarily retail area.

The other site in use by Oaksterdam University / Patient ID Center (3161 Glendale Blvd) as a hemp product and equipment store is not subject to the Order to Comply issued by DBS on May 4th.

For more information contact DBS inspector Michael Tuck at 213.252.3986 or at michael.tuck@lacity.org

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MARIJUANA UNIVERSITY EXPANDS TO 2ND LOCATION IN ATWATER VILLAGE

Oaksterdam University / Patient ID Center rented a 2nd commercial space on Glendale Blvd to expand its operations. Their 2nd location is located at 3161 Glendale Blvd and will house a hemp product and accessory store. The store is expected to sell marijuana related cultivation equipment, vaporizers and instructional books / DVD’s.

The hemp product and accessory store is located adjacent to the new book store, Alias Books, in that same building.

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MEDICAL MARIJUANA “UNIVERSITY” TO OPEN IN ATWATER VILLAGE

A medical marijuana “university”, named Oaksterdam University / Patient ID Center, is slated to open in Atwater Village at 3153 Glendale Blvd. The “university” is a non-accredited training center for the “marijuana industry”.

Oaksterdam offers perspective students courses like Advance Growing Methods, Cannabusiness - Legal Business Structures and Civics - Know Your Rights. Fees for these course range from $250 to $650.

Also, the “university” apparently serves as a marijuana advocacy group and medical cannabis patient ID card center.

For more information visit Oaksterdam University and Patient ID Center online at:

http://www.oaksterdamuniversity.com/

http://www.patientidcenter.org/

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California Casket Company recently occupied Oaksterdam University / Patient ID Center new location at 3153 Glendale Blvd. California Casket vacated that location to avoid a rent increase rumored at $4,500 a month.

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SoCal Connected: Lopez Gets Legal & Cannabis Cowboys

LA Times columnist Steve Lopez gets a doctor's recommendation for medical marijuana, and offers some to the City Attorney. It's all a part of his big adventure inside LA's cannabis clinics.

Meanwhile, law enforcement has its hands full combating illegal marijuana growers. Many of the illicit pot patches are on government land, and in very remote locations. Ride along with a group of cops on a seek and destroy mission.

Click here for SoCal Connected Video
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PROPOSED 500FT BUFFER ZONE FOR MARIJUANA STORES WILL “PUSH” NORTHEAST STORES TO FLETCHER DRIVE AND NORTH ATWATER VILLAGE.

The Los Angeles City Council is currently considering a proposal that would ban medical marijuana dispensaries within 500 feet of “sensitive” areas; this includes residential areas, schools, churches, etc.

However this proposal would have the unintended effect of “pushing” all Northeast marijuana dispensaries to Fletcher Drive and North Atwater Village in order to comply with the 500 feet buffer zone. The proposal would essentially make Fletcher Drive and North Atwater Village into a “dumping ground” for medical marijuana dispensaries.

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Northeast Los Angeles Medical Marijuana Collectives Draft Ordinance Map, 500’ Buffers (pdf file)

Council File # 08-0923, Medical Marijuana Collectives / Ordinance

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If you are concerned about the proposed 500 feet buffer zone and the impact it will have on Fletcher Drive and North Atwater Village contact…

Council President Eric Garcetti: councilmember.garcetti@lacity.org

Councilmember Tom Labonge: councilmember.labonge@lacity.org
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ATWATER VILLAGE’S MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES STILL OPERATING DESPITE CITY WIDE MORATORIUM AND DENIAL OF THEIR HARDSHIP EXEMPTION REQUESTS

Atwater Village’s three remaining medical marijuana dispensaries continue to operate despite 2007 city wide moratorium and a recent City Council action that denied or caused them to withdraw their hardship exemption requests to remain open.

On June 9th, 2009 the L.A. City Council, including Council President Eric Garcetti (CD13), voted to deny the hardship exemption applications of L.A. Collective (3401 Glendale Boulevard - CF 05-0872-S215) and Global Meds Collective (3425 Glendale Boulevard - CF 05-0872-S282). While Atwater Alternative Care Collective (3106 Glendale Boulevard - CF 05-0872-S435) withdrew its hardship exemption applications prior to the City Council vote.

With their hardship exemption applications either denied or withdrawn it was expected that the Department of Building & Safety would refer all cases to the City Attorney's office for prosecution to force their immediate closure.

To date all three marijuana dispensaries continue to operate unabated and in total defiance of both the 2007 moratorium and their hardship exemption denials.

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City authorities first became aware of these marijuana dispensaries thru complaints from local residents and businesses that visitors to the marijuana dispensaries were smoking their purchases in public view, often in parked cars next to the public library which is across from the dispensary on the corner of Glendale Boulevard and Revere Ave or the alleyways / parking lots behind all three dispensaries. The same exact problems persist today.
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Permanent Medical Marijuana Ordinance

Dear Neighbors --


We are writing to provide you with an update regarding medical marijuana in this City. There is considerable misinformation circulating on this topic. We hope to inform you and to encourage you to share your views in this matter with the City Council. We do not have a City Council hearing date, but will write again once the day and time are known. Our proposed medical marijuana ordinance is attached.

1. What is the law? Both state and federal law ban and criminalize the sale of marijuana. California voters created an exception for the seriously ill in our 1996 Compassionate Use Act. This Act and its implementing state legislation immunize "qualified patients" and their "primary caregivers" from criminal prosecution if their only conduct is the collective cultivation of medical marijuana for personal use to treat specific serious illnesses. The Compassionate Use Act ballot argument stated that the Act would not allow the sale of marijuana. The California Supreme Court has confirmed that this is our law. On Monday, the Obama administration also advised us that the federal government will honor California law.

2. What has happened in Los Angeles? California cities are authorized to write their own local regulations governing access to medical marijuana, consistent with state law. Los Angeles has yet to take this step. As Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Chalfant ruled this week, our temporary rules have expired. Even so, to date, they were not being enforced. In this vacuum, as many as 1,000 marijuana dispensaries have opened in Los Angeles for the commercial sale of marijuana. No one knows the sources for the vast citywide quantity of marijuana, but it is apparently not the result of cultivation by patients and caregivers. Unlike for every other product that we consume or ingest, there is no local, state, or federal agency that oversees the quality, content, and potential threat of chemical or foreign matter contamination. Moreover, the increased crime at and around the pot shops is taxing our police force and our neighborhoods.

3. What is the next step? Los Angeles needs to adopt regulations about where and how true medical marijuana collectives can operate. The City Attorney transmitted this office's draft ordinance to the City Council yesterday. The draft enables collective cultivation for compassionate use, but does not allow the outright sales that Los Angeles is currently experiencing. Once the City adopts a permanent ordinance, we can begin to close shops operating illegally and monitor legitimate collectives that lawfully provide medical marijuana to residents in need.

4. How can you help? Marijuana advocates who want to legalize retail sales turn out in force for the City Council hearings on this topic. While it is also common for the hearings to include a handful of chronically ill patients who rightfully deserve access to medicinal marijuana, most speakers appear to be profiteers, with little compassion for patients and much concern for their personal pocketbooks. These profiteers are well organized and are confident that they can ride roughshod over this City. Who is missing from these hearings? Missing are the pot shop customers, ranging in age from 14 to 30, who are not in medical need of marijuana but, rather, are recreational users. More importantly, you are missing. It is critical that you and your neighbors be heard. The downside risk is too great that this City will continue to be the lawless Wild West for unregulated marijuana shops and their attendant crime and social ills.

Many thanks for reading. Please let the City Council know your views. Please write or email us back with your questions.

Jane Usher
L.A City Attorney Office
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