SANTA CLARITA PLANNERS PASS ON GRASS

Planning Commission Approves Ban On Medical Marijuana Dispensaries.

Santa Clarita Planning Commissioners just said no to marijuana
Tuesday night when they unanimously approved a city code change that
prohibits the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries within the city.

"The fact is, that the legislation and the conflict between the state
and federal government has created an untenable situation right now,"
said Commissioner Tim Burkhart.

He said the city should protect itself from "being caught up in a
process that was done for the right reasons, but was certainly not
well thought out."

Sgt. Phil Morris of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station said
this week that since the state legalized medical marijuana use, teens
have abused the medical cards.

In 2006, the city had imposed an urgency ordinance to prohibit the
dispensaries in Santa Clarita.

"It is unfortunate because I think there truly is a need for people
who are in terrible health and need this medicine and need it
delivered in a certain way, but the law was not created in a good way
and has put us all in a bad situation," said Commissioner Diane Trautman.

Federal law prohibits marijuana from being distributed, but
California's Proposition 215, passed in 1996, allows for the drug to
be used for medicinal purposes.

Although state law legalized the use of medical marijuana, there is
nothing that specifically authorizes the establishment of medical
marijuana dispensaries, said Assistant City Attorney Joe Montes.

"We're just going to close that loop to make sure the issue is clear," he said.

The item will be considered by the City Council.

At a study session preceding the Planning Commission meeting, city
planners said they have begun to work with county planners to provide
input on county developments within the Santa Clarita Valley. The
city will be keeping a closer eye on proposed county developments
that lie within the city's sphere of influence, an area outside the
city that is expected to eventually become part of the city.

"They deserve close attention on the part of the city," said Paul
Brotzman, director of community development for the city.

He said that the closer the projects are to the city limits, the
harder the city pushes to influence the plans.

Also at the Planning Commission meeting, the commissioners
unanimously approved the architectural design review for a new
California Pizza Kitchen and a new Lifestyle Center as part of the
Westfield Valencia Town Center expansion project.

The commission also approved a request to convert the Caravilla
Mobile Home Park in Canyon Country from a rental park to individual ownership.

Commissioners agreed to continue until Feb. 5 the public hearing
regarding the removal of a non-conforming sign at A-American Self
Storage and Cat Doctor at 26053 Bouquet Canyon Road.