JUDGE ORDERS CLOSURE OF SANTA ROSA POT DISPENSARY

A Sonoma County judge has issued a preliminary injunction against
operators of a Santa Rosa Avenue medical marijuana dispensary.

Under the ruling from Judge Patrick Broderick, Alternative Health
collective must cease operations by 5 p.m. Saturday, said Debbie
Latham, deputy county counsel.

The dispensary is within 1,000 feet of Taylor Mountain Elementary
School and has been denied a permit, Latham said.

It has remained open anyway while operators looked for another
location. Plans to move to another Santa Rosa Avenue address were
derailed by the county Board of Supervisors, who determined in a
preliminary vote that new site wasn't suitable.

The board is expected to make a final ruling on Tuesday.

The preliminary injunction will remain in effect until the dispensary
can comply with the terms of the county marijuana ordinance, which
prescribes location, operating hours and security measures.