COUNCIL BANS MEDI-POT SHOPS IN 3-2 VOTE

Vice Mayor Robert Bergman was always going to be the one to decide
it.

After setting himself apart early on as neither for nor against a
medical marijuana dispensary in Nevada City, Bergman for three months
held a firm poker face.

On Wednesday night, after urging the Nevada City Council to continue
to study the possible affects of a medical marijuana dispensary within
the Gold Rush town, Bergman aligned with councilmembers David McKay
and Sally Harris in a 3-2 vote banning dispensaries.

"If it's the will of the council not to go forward, then I think it's
a cowardly act," said Councilwoman Barbara Coffman before the vote.

Coffman and Mayor Reinette Senum stood their ground, supporting the
medical need for a dispensary while arguing against concerns of the
town's size and the possible affect on students and the city's image.

"We can walk away today and ban dispensaries and pat ourselves on the
back, and all we've done is put a Band-Aid on a hemorrhage," said
Senum, referring to what she has called a lack of awareness of medical
marijuana and drug addiction.

But McKay moved to ban dispensaries, and city Parks and Recreation
Manager Dawn Zydonis, filling in for the city clerk, called out the
names for the vote, beginning with Coffman, then Harris and McKay.

Bergman's "yes" vote to ban came quickly, startling council members
and the crowd. Senum took a second before responding with her "no"
vote.

For Harris, the issue wasn't about medical need.

"This is about whether this fits in this community," Harris said.
"It's not that I'm against people using it for medical purposes, but I
don't think we're big enough to have it."

She suggested those in need go to dispensaries in Colfax or
Sacramento.

Council members acknowledged their vote does not stop people from
growing, nor does it stop students from getting drugs.

"It's very sad because, with my friend with cancer, there's no time
for her to wait for a plant to grow," said Ryan Landers, senior
advisor for the Compassionate Coalition. "Using this message of trying
to prevent kids from getting drugs is just saying we want to lie to
you kids so bad, we want to make these things sound terrible, and that
we're willing to hurt our community."

Chief Crazy Horse Gets Concessions

With Nevada City Chamber of Commerce Board President Duane Strawser
going to bat for the Chief Crazy Horse Grill and Saloon, the
California Alcohol Beverage and Control agreed to concessions
relieving the bar of restrictions on food sales, limits on hours of
operations and age restrictions.

Dianna Hill, owner of the Chief Crazy Horse, thanked Strawser for his
support.

"What I really wanted was someone to advocate on our behalf," Hill
said.