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| Comment in Pot Appeals Allowed |
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Posted by CN Staff on November 30, 2005 at 07:28:11 PT By Karen Holzmeister, Staff Writer Source: Daily Review 
Castro Valley -- It's called putting the "public" into public hearings. Alameda County has decided to allow testimony — limited to three minutes per person — on Thursday when two medical marijuana clinics appeal earlier decisions to deny them operating permits. However, said sheriff's Detective John Grasso, the appeals panel hearing — which begins at 2:30 p.m. at 20993 Redwood Court — will be limited to 21/2 hours because the building closes at 5 p.m. Comments, he added, must focus on the reason that The Health Center and Alameda County Resource Center, both in Ashland, were denied permits, and the basis for the appeals. These East 14th Street facilities are too close to schools and community facilities, county agencies found. Grasso said Tuesday that an initial decision to allow no public testimony has been reversed. "The ordinance is new, and we are trying to be fair in howwe oversee and carry it out," he explained. Last summer, supervisors adopted an ordinance allowing only three medical marijuana clinics in unincorporated areas such as Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland and San Lorenzo. They further tweaked the language this fall. The six current cannabis club operators are vying among themselves for the three prized permits. Each of the three permits is limited to certain geographical boundaries, in addition to restrictions such as proximity to schools. The Health Center and Alameda County Resource Center are too close to each other to both receive permits, even if the county had not found the other obstacles. The county still is reviewing applications from the four other medical marijuana clubs, one of which was submitted late last Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The appeals panel could give the two clinics a verbal decision on Thursday, or wait for the 10-day permit allowed in the ordinance. The panel's decision could be reviewed by, or go on appeal to, county supervisors. Panel members include sheriff's Capt. William Eskridge, Mark Woo of community health services, Richard Conway of the county administrator's office and Alex Amoroso of community development. Related Articles & Web Site: Medical Marijuana Information Links Weeding Out Competitors Alameda County Halts Crackdown on Pot Clubs Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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