AMERICAN CANYON COUNCIL CANDIDATE SELLS MEDICAL POT

One of the potential candidates for a City Council seat in American
Canyon has tried to operate medical marijuana dispensaries in her
hometown, Napa and elsewhere.

Kimberly Pelham, who runs Going Green in Corte Madera, a medical pot
clinic, recently filed a candidate intention statement, the first
step toward council candidacy.

As of Tuesday, three others had filed initial candidate statements
for the Nov. 2 election: Belia-Eugenia Ramos Bennett, a former
representative for Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena; Don Callison, a
council member since 2006, and Mark Joseph, the former city manager
who resigned under pressure in December 2005 for reasons he said were
political.

Two seats, each for four years, will be filled in the November
election.

American Canyon voters will also select their mayor for the next two
years. Leon Garcia, the city's mayor since 2006, and Councilwoman
Cindy Coffey have filed candidate intention statements to run for
mayor.

Councilman Ed West is also up for re-election this year. As of
Tuesday, West said he has not made a decision on his plans.

In 2009, Pelham, 43, tried to open a medical marijuana dispensary in
American Canyon. Such dispensaries are permitted under California
law.

Soon after, the City Council banned any use that would be illegal
under federal law, in effect banning medical marijuana dispensaries
in town. Medical marijuana distribution, while legal in California,
remains illegal under federal law.

A few months later, Pelham opened a medical marijuana dispensary in
Napa. In November, Napa County Superior Court Judge Francisca Tisher
ordered the store closed under a preliminary injunction because it
lacked a business license and did not conform to Napa's zoning code.

According to court records, Pelham had opened the dispensary in the
summer of 2009 on the 600 block of Soscol Avenue and later moved it
to the 700 block of Eighth Street.

The city of Napa has since voted to allow future medical marijuana
dispensaries. Napa is not expected to award the first permit for
about a year.

Pelham, in the meantime, continues to fight her case in court. Tisher
denied her appeal earlier this year. A trial date is set for Oct.
4.

Going Green, Pelham's business, operates a store in Corte Madera,
according to the company's website. That store is facing challenges
as well.

The Corte Madera Town Council recently voted to obtain a court order
to close Going Green and another dispensary, according to city
records and news reports.

Pelham was not available to comment on her potential
candidacy.

The municipal races are expected to pick up steam over the
summer.

Joseph kicked off his campaign last weekend with a barbecue for more
than 60 people at Silver Oak Park in American Canyon.

Among those who have endorsed Joseph are Keith Caldwell, Napa County
supervisor representing American Canyon, and American Canyon
Councilwoman Joan Bennett.