MV RESIDENTS ENCOURAGE CITY TO PERMIT POT CLUBS

Mountain View could be the first city in Silicon Valley to permit
medical marijuana dispensaries, also known as pot clubs.

At a public meeting last week, residents supported the idea, offering
suggestions and input to city officials.

"There are a lot of patients who will benefit from this," said
resident Jonathan Steigman.

The Mountain View City Council enacted a temporary ban on medical
marijuana dispensaries April 8 to allow adequate time to study the
issue and seek resident feedback. The council directed staff members
in June to gather input on drafting a regulatory ordinance.

"We need some help defining some concepts in compiling the
ordinance," said City Attorney Jannie Quinn. "No decision has been
made, and we're still in the very early stages."

Several speakers shared information with Quinn; Krishnan Chopra,
assistant city attorney; Derek Sousa of the Mountain View Police
Department; and Melinda Denis, senior planner, about location,
cultivation, delivery, security and membership issues relating to pot clubs.

Lauren Vazquez from the Silicon Valley chapter of Americans for Safe
Access said she has worked with patients who use medical marijuana
for several years and urged the city to weigh privacy, safety,
accessibility and affordability factors when drafting the ordinance.

Councilmembers voiced particular concerns about location, membership
and security.

"Where can these dispensaries be permitted in the city?" Chopra
asked. "Also, can we limit membership to Mountain View residents?
Cultivation is another issue. We need to explore all options."

Although medical marijuana is still illegal federally, California
state law creates an exception from liability for qualified patients
and primary caregivers.

In September, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 2650 into law,
effective Jan. 1, which prohibits medical marijuana collectives from
operating within 600 feet of a school.

While city officials consider industrial, nonresidential zones as
possible locations, speakers suggested using common sense and
reviewing options, as dispensaries must be secure sites accessible to
patients and caregivers.

"I'm waiting for you guys to start this up," said resident Brian
David. "I have my business plan ready and would like to be an
entrepreneur in the ... industry."

Any ordinance requires a conditional-use permit and a security and
operations plan, Quinn said.

The Mountain View Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss the
matter Jan. 19.