THIS IS a hard morning for a rational person who has to react to an irrational situation," said Chris Rich, a medical marijuana rights activist from Oregon. He was standing in line yesterday with dozens of people to see grass guru Ed Rosenthal sentenced in San Francisco federal court. Rich was among the majority who believed that Rosenthal would go to federal prison. It seemed rational under the circumstances. It is irrational to many that our own government would punish people for providing grass to the sick and the suffering. [continues 743 words]
DINNER PATRONS at Gaylord's Indian restaurant in Ghiradelli Square were marveling Monday night at what was transpiring in the dining room. About a dozen garrulous fellows were slipping into Bedouin garb and posing for a photograph that recreated Da Vinci's "The Last Supper." The shot was staged by Jack Anderson, who must have cleaned out Britex for the ad hoc costumes. Famed rock photographer Robert Altman took the pictures. Among those in robes and biblical roles: Herb Gold, the prolific novelist ... comedian Will Durst ... Summer of Love's dad, Chet Helms ... the great keyboardist/composer Merl Saunders ... Barry Melton from Country Joe and the Fish ... press agent Lee Houskeeper ... Farley's father, Phil Frank ... and the consummate counter-culture clown, Wavy Gravy. At the center of the scene was Ed Rosenthal, a man already considered a martyr for the cause of medical marijuana. He was dressed all in white linen. Ed, who was found guilty of marijuana growing, faces U.S. Judge Charles Breyer on June 4 for sentencing. ... [continues 672 words]
