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."