D.A. FIGHTS SUBPOENA TO TESTIFY IN POT CASE

Dist. Atty. Terence Hallinan is fighting a subpoena to testify in a pot
case filed by his own office. Robert Bustamante, 57, who is charged with
possession of marijuana for sale, wants Hallinan to take the stand on his
behalf.

Bustamante's attorney, George C. Beckwith, said his client has tried to get
marijuana for arthritis. Beckwith said that in April, two men accused of
growing marijuana for a medical pot club were acquitted after Hallinan
testified on their behalf.

In a letter to Beckwith, the city attorney's office asks him to withdraw
the subpoena, saying: "The witness' support for the use of medical
marijuana has no relevance to your case. Your client . . . was caught
selling drugs on a street corner, not at a cannabis club." A hearing is set
for Aug. 20.