What has gotten into the water in Long Beach lately? Or better yet, what are people smoking? (Don't ask...)
First the council moves to allow "cigar lounges" and then it speeds along to gut most of the proposed restrictions on marijuana collectives.
What is galling is that allowing the cigar lounges flies in the face of not only the City's protective, comprehensive policy for no smoking in public places and workplaces (which was affirmed by a public vote of the citizens), but is absolutely contrary to the City of Long Beach's Public Health Department's core mission of "promoting and protecting public health."
You can read the complete memo I requested during Council from our City Public Health Officer at the right of this post. The report by the way that is required in the City's current no smoking ordinance.
Now on to the proposed ordinance to regulate marijuana collectives in Long Beach. On the floor last Tuesday, many changes were proposed to be made to what City Attorney Bob Shannon wrote. I made a motion to slow the train down a little by bringing the proposals back to council next week as a draft and not as a first reading of a done deal ordinance.
I am concerned that many of the changes severely weaken the city's ability to regulate these operations and am especially concerned that they might be able to operate near libraries and parks and in mixed zoned areas that have both residential and commercial.
I proposed and hopefully it will be in the draft that any residence within 1,000 feet will have to receive notice of these collectives applying for a permit to operate.
Residents should be asking who is getting campaign contributions from these two entities -- cigar lounges and marijuana collectives -- before a final vote is taken. Also, how on earth can our local news outlets (sans www.lbreport.com) be considered "objective reporters" when they are taking thousands of dollars in advertising. I doubt they are going to "bite the hand that feeds them" by taking a position for strict regulation.
Notice: This is not a City of Long Beach site.
Dear Readers: Please note that this is not a City of Long Beach website and is not paid for nor maintained by taxpayer funds.
If you contact Gerrie Schipske through this site on any matter pertaining to the City of Long Beach, a copy of your contact will be forwarded to her official city email as an official public record.
Save Station 18
Popular Posts
-
Sunlight Foundation (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) A couple of years ago I brought an item to the Council agenda asking that we "sunshi...
-
Check out this exciting article about streetlights that can aid public safety. The City of the city of Chattanooga had a serious crime pr...
-
I am still awaiting a full response from City management concerning response times by our Fire Department prior to budget cuts. NFPA Standa...
-
The Sacramento Bee has just disclosed that a case against the City of Long Beach could possibly cost millions if the Supreme Court rul...
-
For the second summer, Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske has brought on board to the 5th District team a group of 8 youth who will help clean up ...
-
Homeland Security equipment placed everywhere in city. In line for free concert at Kennedy Center Up close look at Presidenti...
-
I was sworn back into office yesterday by my partner of 30 years, Flo Pickett. My dear friends, Bob and Lela Nelson, drove down from Stockto...
-
There is much confusion over exactly what is SEADIP in Long Beach, how it came about, whether or not it has to be followed today and why the...
-
Yahoo Travel has an article on line about the "Most Over-Rated Tourist Attractions" -- unfortunately they included the Queen ...
-
Dear Friends, Memorial Day was established originally in 1867 as Decoration Day in remembrance of those who gave their lives during ...