Pubdate: Fri, 16 Apr 2010
Source: Los Angeles Daily News (CA)
Copyright: 2010 Los Angeles Newspaper Group
Contact: http://www.dailynews.com/writealetter
Website: http://www.dailynews.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/246
Author: Rick Orlov

L.A. CITY COUNCIL SETS CITY FEES FOR MARIJUANA CLINICS

The Los Angeles City Council on Friday gave preliminary  approval to 
a fee schedule for medical marijuana  dispensaries, the final measure 
needed to be addressed  before the city's medical marijuana ordinance 
can be  enforced.

Under the action, approved on a 9-1 vote, the council  adopted a fee 
schedule for clinic operators to pay in  order to be able to remain 
open. The move, which needs  a final vote next week, was protested by 
dispensary  advocates.

The measure returns for a final vote next week.

"You could make a few simple changes to make this a  model 
ordinance," said Don Duncan of Americans for Safe  Access. "Instead 
of having one of the worst laws on the  books, you could have one of the best."

The city measure has strict limits on where the clinics  - now 
believed to number up to 600 - can locate,  banning them from 
operating with 1,000 feet of schools,  parks and residential areas.

The fee structure put in place, and taking effect in 30  days, calls 
for payments nearing $1,600 in order to be  able to operate.

Fees called for in the measure include $151 for a  police background 
check, $324 for the City Clerk's  office, $688 for Department of 
Building and Safety  permits and another $500 for miscellaneous fees.

Councilman Jose Huizar said city officials were told  the fee schedule is fair.

"Once this fee ordinance goes into effect, we can  enforce the laws 
fairly and equitably," Huizar said.

Councilman Bill Rosendahl continued to oppose the efforts 
to  regulate the clinics.

"I think this is wrong," Rosendahl said. "We should  forget about 
this and get on with our lives. If we go  through with this, there 
will be nothing left in Venice  or in areas where people need these.

"This is totally insane. We should tax this and bring  in a revenue 
stream. This doesn't solve anything."

Adoption of the ordinance will trigger a new effort to  close down 
non-qualifying dispensaries. Letters will be  sent out to such 
operators, who will be asked to close  down.

Qualifying clinics, including the 147 that are already  registered 
with the city - will then be able to seek  operating permits. The 
city will have six months to  process the applications.

Critics questioned if the city will have the staff to  deal with the 
expected number of applications.

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich already has begun an  effort to close 
down many of the dispensaries.

Superior Court Judge James Chalfant issued a  preliminary injunction 
earlier this week against a  Venice collective that officials hope to 
use in closing  hundreds of others.

The injunction against Organica Inc., was seen as a  test case by the city.

Medical marijuana advocates have sought changes to  loosen the rules 
on where the clinics can operate.

Under the new city guidelines, all but five clinics  might have to 
move to continue their operations.

The city is seeking to have a cap of 70 clinics, but  will allow the 
147 that registered under an interim  control ordinance.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart