GOOD VIBRATIONS AT SB SMOKE-OUT EVENT

Attendees Expecting Proposition 19 To Pass

SAN BERNARDINO - Women in dresses that glittered in the sunshine
swirled and dipped to hip-hop, medical marijuana patients poured into
the expo building to learn the latest and a panel of marijuana
activists promoted its use.

Maybe it was something in the air, but this time around Saturday's
Cypress Hill Smokeout had a real positive feel, with Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger recently signing a bill to reduce marijuana penalties
and Proposition19 set to be voted on in a few weeks.

"The music, the atmosphere, it all brings positive energy to this
community," said Alley Hobbs of Montclair as she took in the barrage
of sights and sounds at the event. "I can't wait for Proposition 19 to
pass. It will stimulate a lot of money for our state."

The proposition to be voted on in November allows people 21 and older
to possess, cultivate or transport marijuana for personal use. It also
permits local governments to regulate and tax commercial production
and sale of marijuana to people in the same age group.

At the medical marijuana expo, one of many attractions at the event at
the National Orange Show Events Center, the first sign it was on
people's minds was a sign saying "Yes on 19" near the entry.

Blake Spencer of Riverside declared he was all for it as he filled out
a form to get a medical marijuana card.

"I'm for this 100 percent because it has medicinal use and should be
available for everyone," he said.

Christian Alarcon and Edith Sanchez, medical marijuana patients who
came from Los Angeles for the festival, believe legalizing marijuana
will take away the fear still associated with its use.

"It makes me nervous going to dispensaries, especially in Los
Angeles," said Alarcon. "I believe the proposition will create a safer
environment."

Sanchez said she was also happy with the governor's
decision.

"Marijuana is something I turned to when I had cancer and my hair was
falling out during chemotherapy," she said. "So I am pleased he took
that action because even carrying medical marijuana can be
nerve-wracking."

Not everyone at the expo shared their enthusiasm.

Standing in his glassware booth, Mike Habbas of Fontana said he was
not for the proposition because he believes the government already
regulates marijuana too much.

"The last thing we need is for them to get more involved," he said.
"Plus the governor just decriminalized possession of marijuana, so
there's really no need for it.

"I say no to it with three big exclamation points."

Others there took in bands including Cypress Hill, Incubus, Slightly
Stoopid, Living Legends and DJs on three stages.

People were also treated to the medical marijuana consumption area,
cannabis-themed films, massive munchie gardens and a Cypress Hill
meet-and-greet.

"I can't wait for the DJs at night or for the marijuana industry to
explode when it becomes legal," said Tyler Fillinger of Upland, who
wore a T-shirt saying "Best Buds Stick Together."