CHURCH, NEIGHBORS TAKE ON NORTH BEACH POT CLUB

Holistic Solutions Seeks a Planning Commission Permit

A pot club that has operated in the heart of North Beach for the past
four years could be shut down by the city following a hearing today
before the San Francisco Planning Commission.

The Holistic Solutions dispensary has sold marijuana to thousands of
patrons at 722 Columbus Ave. under a city-issued business license for
the past year. Another pot club operated at the same location for
approximately three years prior.

But city Planning Department officials have recommended that the
Planning Commission deny Holistic Solutions a land-use permit because
neighbors have complained that patrons loiter, double park and
intimidate pedestrians. The nearby SS Peter and Paul's Church also has
gathered approximately 500 signatures from parishioners concerned
about the proximity of the pot club to schools and
playgrounds.

"The Planning Department has been hearing from a lot of people in the
neighborhood that there have been problems," said city planner Michael
Li. "People view the dispensary as an undesirable element in the
neighborhood because it's a pot club and because of the way it has
been operating." But Holistic Solutions owner Ken Estes said his
cannabis dispensary has been a good neighbor. He said the club does
not allow smoking pot on or near the premises and that he has never
been cited by the police. He said he requires clients to show a
doctor's recommendation before selling them marijuana and that he
complies with all state and local laws.

Estes said he has gathered 300 signatures of neighbors, businesses and
clients who support his business and expects to deliver 100 more
signatures to the Planning Commission today.

"This is very unfair ... we have operated nicely for many years, and
the only complaints we've ever heard came when we applied for the
permit," Estes said.

Estes declined to say how much profit his business earns every
year.

Though it is still illegal under federal law, California voters passed
Proposition 215 in 1996, legalizing the use and sale of marijuana to
those suffering illness, infirmity and chronic pain.

Under legislation the Board of Supervisors approved last year, pot
club operators must obtain a permit from the Planning Commission by
demonstrating that they meet local zoning regulations. Owners also
must undergo criminal background checks and devise security plans and
rules to control customer behavior.

The Planning Department reviews permit applications, receives input
from the surrounding community and makes a recommendation to the
commission, which then holds a public hearing and decides whether to
issue an operating permit.

Since last July, the commission has approved permits for six of seven
clubs that have come before it. The one club denied a permit had
proposed to open a dispensary near Fisherman's Wharf.

Earlier this month, the commission approved a permit for a pot
dispensary in the Mission District against the advice of city planners
who had received nuisance and loitering complaints from neighbors.