PUBLIC SUPPORT UP FOR LEGAL POT

The Tulare County seizure of more than $5 million worth of marijuana
last week has added context to the debate over Proposition 19, which
would legalize the drug for those 21 and older.

A recent Field Poll shows that support for the legalization of
marijuana is growing. About 49 percent support Proposition 19, which
will be voted on Nov. 2, while 42 percent oppose it.

Most likely to support legalization are Democrats, men and
nonpartisan voters, according to the poll.

The California Police Chiefs Association has come out strongly
against Proposition 19, which would limit growing to 25 square feet
per parcel of land. It also would allow local and county governments
to prohibit or control the sale of marijuana within a city or county.

"The proposition is a joke," said Carlos Mestas, the Valley
representative for the chiefs' association. "People think we'll be
able to tax it and stop the cartels. That's a fallacy."

Mestas believes stores would have to charge $50 to $100 an ounce to
make a profit, opening the door to a new type of cartel that would
underbid local marijuana shops and fly beneath the county or state tax.

The law would prohibit driving while smoking, but Mestas said he
fears fatalities would rise nonetheless.

In 2009 the California State Board of Equalization reported that the
state would collect $1.4 billion or more through marijuana
legalization. Local authorities disagree.

"People will find ways to break the law and sell with out a tax,"
said Sheriff's Lt. Mike Boudreaux. "If someone grows at home and
sells it, they're not going to be taxed. That's a problem."

Some disagree.

"Are more people going to smoke [marijuana]? Yes. But the stats show
that the state will gain money no matter which way you look at it,"
said Jeff Rodgers, 29, a Visalia man who says the state spends
millions trying to eradicate the drug.

In Visalia last year police confiscated 177 plants worth about
$467,000. This year the Tulare County Sheriff's Department has
confiscated more than 400,000 plants from private and public lands,
Sgt. Chris Douglass said.

She estimated the street value at more than $1.6 billion.

"We are not for this proposition passing at all," Visalia Police
Chief Colleen Mestas said.

More than 61,000 people were arrested for marijuana possession in
California in 2009, according to the FBI.

"Most of these people are not even doing time in jail. It's a waste
of money for our police to be stopping people and arresting them for
smoking," said Beth James, 20, a College of the Sequoias student.
"Make it legal. Everyone is doing it anyway."

Most college and even high school parties she has attended offer easy
access to marijuana, James said.

The States Legislative Analyst's office reported that the proposition
could offer a significant savings to state and local governments.
Savings would come from a reduction in individuals incarcerated, on
probation or on parole, the analyst's office reported.

The argument doesn't sway Carlos Mestas.

"We have enough drugs out there," he said, "and I don't want my kids
or grandkids out on the streets if it becomes legal."