75A - PH - MEDICAL MARIJUANA - PROHIBIT

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Excerpts from: Pot club robhed,for third time irr a year By David S'chcn.fenberg Daily Planet staff~(06-07-02) Club had promised to Iimit amount of cash, -narijuana stashed there Four men stole $1,500 and $3,500 worth of marijuana from the Berkeley Medical Ilerbs pot club yesterday after two of them were allowed on site without proper identitcation. The afternoon heist renewed concerns about the integrity of the club's security and reignited same anger in the neighborhood. "I think it's a public nuisance and I think i.t needs to be closed," said. City Councilmember Linda Mayotte incident marks the third time in a year robbers have stormed the medicinal marijuana club, located in a small brick building at 1627 University Avenue. The last robbery, in December, prompted a rash. of concern. from city officials about security at the club. Medical Herbs responded to that by closing at 4 p.m. so it would only be open during daylight hours. The club hired a licensed security guard, installed video cameras, and it agreed to limit the amount of cash and pot on the premises, among other measures....Two Latino men. approached the front gate on University Avenue Wednesday about 2:30 p.m., said Geshuri. The men. failed to show the identification cards that are required of every patient but were let through the gate because they claimed to know owner Ken Estes. The security guard. relayed the message to general manager Randy Moses, who opened the building's main door to confirm th.e story, then closed the door without turning the lock, Geshuri said. At that point, one suspect pulled a gun and the other a knife, forcing their way into the building. The suspects told everyone to lie on the grotmd.. They took the cash and marijuana and fled, Geshuri said. Geshuri said the club's security cameras were out for repairs Wednesday. Police who had been scouting the premises to prevent robberies had left only minutes before the incident, Geshuri said....... One neighbor who did not want to be identified said he saw the two men meeting two other men waiting outside in a late model, tan vehicle in which they all got away. "The guys wha robbed it ran. out with a big satchel," the neighbor said, adding that he disapproves of the marijuana club. "This is a very attractive place for other drug dealers to rab. It's not something we want in our neighborhood." Geshuri acknowledged that a few neighbors are opposed to the club, but said most of the residents support Medical. I3erbs in its mission. The club had pledged after the December robbery to keep no more than $1,000 and on.e pound of marijuana on site. But Geshuri said the robbers on Wednesday made off with $500 more than. that and as much as apound-and-a-half of marijuana. T11e witness oppased to the club said theft proves that management is not keeping its pledge to prevent robberies and ensure safety. But Geshuri said the incident was an aberration. "It's rare that we have that much product on site," she said, arlniing that the club had just received a shipment and was in the process of dividing it up for patients. She said Medical Herbs keeps most of its supply off-site, at secure Iocations. Berkeley • Has four facilities operating in the City currently (last 3-4 years). • There have been several take over robberies of the dispensaries. • There have been arrests where legitimate purchasers have resold marijuana on the street to well individuals. • Obvious young people entering and purchasing marijuana from the dispensary. 75A-16