CLOVERDALE LATEST CITY TO BAN MEDICAL POT CLUBS, GARDENS

Cloverdale on Wednesday became the fifth city in Sonoma County to ban
medical marijuana dispensaries, citing the risk of crime and other
problems associated with pot clubs.

Following the lead of two cities in nearby Mendocino County, the
Cloverdale City Council also banned outdoor medicinal marijuana gardens.

"Outdoor cultivation is just asking for problems," City Councilwoman
Carol Russell said, reflecting the views of fellow council members who
heard about trespassing marijuana thieves and barking guard dogs that
keep neighbors awake at night.

"We are protecting kids here and other people from these dangers,"
Russell said.

Council members said they also want to reduce the number of complaints
associated with the strong odor from budding plants, which was a
factor in decisions by Ukiah and Willits to outlaw outdoor pot gardens.

Medical marijuana users could still grow plants indoors and officials
said they could obtain pot from other dispensaries, including at least
two that make home deliveries.

On a 4-0 vote, the council tentatively approved the ordinance.
Councilman Gus Wolter was absent. A final vote is likely to be taken
at the council's next meeting.

Four cities in Sonoma County -- Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Windsor and
Healdsburg -- have banned marijuana dispensaries over the last year.

Sonoma adopted a moratorium, but it has since expired. Santa Rosa and
Sebastopol allow a maximum of two dispensaries and Cotati allows one.

Sonoma County allows dispensaries within urbanized areas of the
unincorporated county. Currently there is one in Guerneville and one
south of the Santa Rosa city limits.

Medical marijuana advocates say more dispensaries are needed and that
they can operate without problems if there is strict management.

California voters approved the use of marijuana for medical reasons
with a doctor's recommendation in 1996, but left it to individual
cities and counties to develop regulations as to how much people can
possess and grow.

In Mendocino County, there has been a backlash against a law passed by
voters in 2000 that decriminalized cultivation of up to 25 pot plants
for personal use. Critics said that attracted crime and made the
county a haven for pot growers. A repeal measure is on the June ballot.

Federal law prohibits any marijuana use, which has created a dilemma
for local officials. Cloverdale Police Chief Mark Tuma said local
police are sometimes asked to assist federal agents on pot raids and
it poses an ethical conflict for police to facilitate a dispensary.

City Councilman Joe Palla, a former chief of police, said officers
take an oath to enforce all laws, including federal and state laws.

The Cloverdale Police Department strongly urged the council to ban
dispensaries and outdoor marijuana gardens.

Tuma said some cities have experienced increased crime in and around
dispensaries, including burglaries and robberies.

There have been more than two dozen police calls related to medical
marijuana-growing in the past year in Cloverdale, he said.