Pubdate: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 Source: Ukiah Daily Journal, The (CA) Copyright: 2011 The Ukiah Daily Journal Contact: http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/feedback Website: http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/581 Author: Wendy Roberts STOP DISPENSARIES IN MENDOCINO To the Editor: I wonder how many people are aware that without any public notice or feedback the Town of Mendocino is about to be graced with not one, but two marijuana dispensaries. These businesses are located in the heart of the historic district in areas frequented by tourists and in immediate proximity to the Pizza/Ice Cream shop, Internet Cafe, toy store and a brand new skate board store, places where children and youth congregate on a daily basis. These places are already magnets for transient individuals and homeless campers who camp, illegally, in the nearby Headlands State Park. I have contacted Mendocino County Counsel and have been advised that all that is required to open a dispensary is a location and a business license. Unlike a liquor license, there is no requirement for public notice. There are no standards for addressing such issues as securing the controlled substance, preventing on-site use, loitering and reselling to minors or other unqualified individuals. Furthermore, Mendocino has no local law enforcement to ensure the security of these businesses and the adjacent public areas. I would support a medical marijuana dispensary near the hospital and other medical facilities in Fort Bragg, but Mendocino's population of fewer than 800 souls has no need for two outlets within a couple of blocks of each other. The Mendocino Town Plan exists to protect the "residential character" of our community. I am forwarding this message to the community and to our supervisors asking that we not allow this "character" to literally go up in smoke by turning Mendocino into a marijuana tourist destination. Wendy Roberts Mendocino - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom