REFLECTIONS ON HEMP FESTIVAL

The World Hemp Expo Extravaganja, held May 28-30 in Red Bluff, has
certainly created a buzz - pardon the expression.

Emotions run high on both sides of the fence, so we wanted to take a
look at what took place and what the lasting effects of the event
mean to our community.

While we don't endorse the expo, we note that predictions of
violence, vandalism and other illegal activity did not come to fruition.

In fact, aside from some shoplifting reported by vendors the first
day of the festival, the only confirmed criminal activity in
conjunction with the festival was vandalism of a water tank in the
days before it began - presumably by those attempting to sabotage the festival.

We thank festival organizers, the county and law enforcement for
working together to prevent problems and ensure participants their
constitutional right to assemble peacefully. For the most part,
organizers complied with the provisions of their permit and no major
incidents took place.

To those who suggest Red Bluff will be forever branded as a pot city,
don't sell our town short. Coming up on 90 years of Round-Up and
ranching tradition, beautifully restored Victorian structures, a
vibrant art scene and access to wilderness recreation are just a few
of the things for which Red Bluff is known. We don't think there's
much danger that a three-day festival can supplant that reputation.

At the same time, we have some suggestions in the event organizers
wish to hold another such expo in Tehama County.

First, be honest with the community and yourselves. This event was
nothing more than a multi-day, outdoor concert at which marijuana use
was prevalent. Anyone that truly believes the event focused on
medicine or medical treatment is welcome to take a look at a bridge
we have for sale.

Second, pick a more appropriate weekend. While the festival wrapped
up the day before Memorial Day, holding such an event so close to the
day the community honors the nation's war dead is insensitive at
best, bordering on insulting.

Third, choose a better location. Gathering thousands of people, loud
music and a cloud of smoke across the street from people's homes for
three days in an otherwise quite residential area is not fair to
neighbors - many of whom were tied to their property for the holiday
weekend, uncertain what to expect with large crowds in close proximity.

Tehama County has an excellent fairground designed to handle crowds.
Folks who purchased or rented homes nearby did so knowing to expect
crowds and some noise from time to time.

Finally, and most importantly, bar entrance to anyone under the age
of 18. A concert full of marijuana smoke is no place for children,
including some infants seen at the festival. If you enjoy such
activities and are consenting adults, go for it. But don't force
potentially unhealthy and even dangerous conditions on your children.

The state says you can't take your child to a bar or smoke a
cigarette when your child is in your car. Surely Tehama County has
every right to bar children from a marijuana festival.

We're glad the expo came and went without incident and we understand
why so many in the community were upset by it. But if it is to happen
again, a little planning and a few changes can help minimize the
negative reaction and make the event less polarizing.

What do you think?

Let us know