Where were you?

 

Not a single educator, school administrator or guidance counselor from any Lake County school.

No members of the clergy – not a Rabbi, priest, minister, monk, brother or nun.

Nary a doctor, nurse, psychiatrist, therapist, social worker or surgeon. No one from Sutter.

Where were the librarians, soccer coaches, 4-H leaders, scouts and day care providers?

I heard nothing from Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis or the Women’s Protective Society.

Most important, where were the parents?

Where were the parents of Lake County youth who will have to navigate marijuana in ways that we cannot possibly visualize?

The Board of Supervisors recently discussed a potential new zoning ordinance regarding medical marijuana dispensaries. Our leadership faces complicated options on integrating it into our community.

They needed your input. The business community was there, but your voices were silent.

I attended because I live in Upper Lake where daily I feel its impact on my family.

Crowds congregate at two dispensaries and a doctor’s office on Main Street. On any given day, up to 40 people wait to get a medical marijuana card.

Often they block sidewalks so residents are uncomfortable walking downtown. I have seen the doctor’s employees direct crowds using a bull horn.

Patrons frequently have dogs and neighboring businesses clean up after them. They leave trash, drop inappropriate language in front of children, and create an inhospitable atmosphere in what used to be a charming area.

Oakland officials estimate that its three dispensaries generated $35 million to $38 million last year. The New York Times reported that San Jose has 98 dispensaries, four times its number of 7-Elevens in that city.

Lake County already has 12 dispensaries, and an organized, well-informed contingent wants to recreate Lake County as a cannabis tourism mecca. Marijuana Inc. intends to develop resorts in Humboldt, Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma and Trinity counties, including cannabis gardens, accommodations, restaurants, tours and other attractions.

I brought photos to the Board of Supervisors meeting that showed crowds on the sidewalks and street corners of Upper Lake. Another photo showed people who camped in my drive while they waited for pot-related businesses to open.

Supervisor Denise Rushing commented that by distributing these photos, I was passing judgment on the way people look. I was offended by her remark. Comments like hers set back civil debate because when citizens are disrespected, as I was, many will be reluctant to come forward.

I want a family friendly environment in the town where I live. Can we start here as common ground?

I was surprised also that Supervisor Rob Brown expressed reservations about loitering laws. Communities all over the nation use loitering ordinances to give law enforcement a tool to mitigate nuisance behavior. As it stands, the crowds here in Upper Lake are not doing anything unlawful.

Brown also has concerns about limiting the number of dispensaries. His positions make me question the direction of Kelseyville, whose downtown is currently dispensary-free.

The crowds in Upper Lake would be troublesome regardless of their reason for being here. As it happens, they are here for marijuana. But even if they were here for coffee and donuts, their behavior would be outrageous.

Several dispensary owners appear to be respectful community members. One owner in particular described using creative ways to donate to schools since his business can’t make an outright contribution.

These owners might benefit from banding together to promote codes of conduct among their peers.

For example, they might encourage pot businesses to move off Main Streets voluntarily and away from churches and schools.

They might encourage others to stop letting crowds congregate on sidewalks and outside of store fronts, making life unpleasant for everyone else.

And they might ban displaying toys in windows, like the teddy bears which were displayed next to drug paraphernalia in Upper Lake.

When people feel that any business puts children at risk, there will be fear and anger. The pro-pot contingencies need to work together to address reasonable concerns.

I hope my commentary stimulates discussion among PTOs, churches congregations, and even dispensary owners and patrons. But the need for input is immediate.

Ordinary citizens need to act. If you don’t want your child exposed to pot in the course of ordinary daily activities, contact your supervisor. Now.

Nancy Brier lives in Upper Lake, Calif.