OWNERS OF ILLEGAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY FORCE THE CITY'S HAND

Marijuana dispensary owners Neil Forrest and Batzi Kuborovich
emphatically told the Gilroy community and the City Council they
wanted to "come in the front door" and be "open" about operating a
business here. But when their smooth talk failed and they didn't like
the City Council's answer, they didn't hesitate to shelve honesty and
ethics. After all, there's easy money to be made.

The arrogant opening Monday evening of the MediLeaf facility, complete
with renovated building interior (probably unpermitted) and a security
guard, removes all doubt regarding the intentions of the owners: To
heck with the law and the Gilroy community; we want our money now.

Gilroy's City Council has done the right thing. It deliberated and
passed judgment. Business operators must comply with the law, and the
laws exist to maintain community standards.

Unfortunately an expensive court battle may ensue, but at this point
it's in for an ounce, in for a kilo. Every effort should be made to
shut the dispensary down - for good - and legally recover every city
penny spent on staff time and attorney compensation. Also, it's just
as important to go after the property owners, San Jose residents Mike
and Kulwinder Kaur Atkar, as well as the business owners.

Clearly, given the renovations to the building and the pre-planning
necessary to open, the illegal opening was premeditated. Gilroy is
dealing with a couple of shysters, and the city must keep that in mind
through the twists and turns ahead.

Meanwhile, Gilroy should stick to its guns: It's illegal to operate a
business here that doesn't comply with the law.