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| Community Bulletin |
Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA)
Summit for Danny
When Bob and Patty Bryant’s son Danny died of drug overdose on May 23, 1995, the couple decided to turn the tragedy into hope for others. They raised funds to create an adolescent outpatient treatment center in Santa Barbara, where Bob is a local businessman.
In 1999, Bob and Patty climbed two mountains for their cause: Mt. Kilimanjaro and an unnamed mountain in the Canadian Arctic, calling the events “Summit for Danny.” The climbs raised half a million dollars and made possible the Daniel Bryant Youth and Family Treatment Center to open on March 22, 2001.
In 2004, a team of climbers climbed with Bob and Patty to the 20,000 ft-peak of Peru’s Mount Pisco, which supported the center’s operations. Subsequent climbs were also made in Ecuador, Bhutan and Patagonia.
The next and 7th international climb isscheduled on September 18-25 on Month Blanc, which at 15,771 ft. is Western Europe’s highest peak--one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain landscapes.
It is also one of the greatest walks in the world. It takes one through the “stunning scenery of France, Italy and Switzerland.”
Constantly changing mountain views of the three countries bring with it three languages, three cuisines, three cultures:
“Accompanied by a symphony of cowbells, you’ll follow trails through forest and field, past farmhouses and meadows, and near glacier and ice, seeing the many faces of Mont Blanc from several different sides.”
The Month Blanc six-day circuit offers five to seven hour climbs with some 3,000 ft ascents and descents.
The vigorous day of hiking alpine trails in pure mountain air ends at quaint mountain hotels for excellent meals with simple but tasty regional wines among newfound friends. All meals included in package. In European tradition, the entire trip is van-supported (you’ll carry just a daypack).
Accredited, certified and experienced members of the prestigious Compagnie des Guides with “their flawless guiding skills and intimate knowledge” bring history, geology and local color to every aspect of the trip.
To date, a few more slots are available. Contact event coordinator Debby Davison-Phelps: ddsb@mac.com or (805) 969-9928.
Local climbs
Summit for Danny also has local climbs every October. Young and old hikers hit the local mountain trails, climbs ranging from easy to advanced. After-hike celebrations and barbecue are sponsored by Kiwanis Downtown and Suburban Clubs.
Last year’s climb at Manning Park by more than 240 participants raised $120,000. Montecito band and the Towbes Group had the largest teams and Eliane Alexander raised the most money.
This year’s climb, the 9th, is slated for October 30. Required minimum pledges are: $100 for adults; $50 for children ages 8-12- those under 8 are free.
Contact: info@cadasb.org or 963-1433.
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From Tess Greenberg Media & Special Events Coordinator
Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
963.1433, ext. 110 Website: www.cadasb.org
Don’t Cannabis Our Community!!!
Coalition Calls for Ban on Dispensaries
Santa Barbara, CA – A widespread coalition, made up of various groups, including
“Don’t Cannabis Our Community”, Santa Barbara Against Dispensaries, the Fighting
Back Steering Committee, the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, citizens,
business owners, and other non-profits engaged in treatment and prevention, are
demanding a ban on marijuana dispensaries. The coalition intends to gather at City
Hall before the Council meeting on the revised Medical Cannabis Dispensary ordinance
on Tuesday May 18th, and publicly call for a ban. The Planning Commission Thursday
reviewed the revised Medical Cannabis Dispensary Ordinance, and similarly called for a
ban.
The mission statement for the coalition reads:
”We, the citizens of Santa Barbara demand protection for all of our citizens, schools,
and recovery centers from the harm of marijuana sold from storefronts, and we demand
immediate enforcement of all pot shops operating without permit. Our permitted
dispensaries are breaking the law and we demand the city close them immediately.”
In the past week, prominent local leaders have echoed these sentiments, and provided
insight on how Santa Barbara’s storefront pot shops have been operating. At the
Fighting Back Steering Committee Press Conference May 12, Bill Brown, Santa
Barbara County Sheriff said, "voters passed the Compassionate Use Act for the
seriously ill, not for drug dealers to sell marijuana from storefronts for profit. The reality
is that’s exactly what’s happening at these so-called dispensaries. Dispensaries are not
collectives. Marijuana dispensaries create many problems while benefiting few citizens.
They are a magnet for crime and criminals, who know that they contain large quantities
of unregulated drugs and unreported cash. Marijuana dispensaries have appeared
throughout Santa Barbara County – in incorporated and unincorporated areas alike. In
reality they have proven to be money-making opportunities for drug traffickers who are
anything, but seriously ill.”
With regards to illegal marijuana grows in the area, Brown said, ‘our department has
seen a 300% increase in the amount of illegally grown marijuana in the county in just this past year. These grows are often guarded by armed criminals. As such, they are a danger to innocent people such as ranch owners, hikers, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts, and even those who are enlisted to tend the fields. We are still investigating an as-yet unsolved murder which is directly connected with an illegal marijuana grow in this county.”
Brown closed with “Dispensaries are public nuisances operating under the guise of legitimacy. It’s time for all Santa Barbara County residents to take a stand against marijuana dispensaries."
Tom Thomas, Community Member, Fighting Back Steering Committee Co-Chair said "what you permit, you promote.” This is a sentiment many in the coalition agree with because they feel there is no possible way the city can support the premise of just permitting dispensaries, while ignoring all the repercussions that permitting creates.
Dr. J. Brian Sarvis, Santa Barbara School Districts Superintendent, representing 15,500 students and their parents, said, “our students find it all too easy to obtain marijuana from the dispensaries. And it is unacceptable that dispensaries are marketing to kids with edibles and candy-like products. In September, the school board asked the city council to protect our children and protect our schools. They asked for a 1000-foot safe zone around our schools. Nothing has been done. The revisions to the ordinance still do not protect kids or schools. Since nothing has been done, I must join in the call for a complete ban on marijuana dispensaries in our community. Most of our students in recovery for drug addiction are fighting marijuana dependency - not other drugs -marijuana. They deserve our help and protection.”
The Planning Commission took up the matter of the revised ordinance Thursday, and unanimously called for a ban. The concern over the negative consequences that permitting dispensaries creates for the community was articulated by Commissioner Mike Jordan. “Ordinances are generally for community betterment. In this case, I don’t see something that betters my community. It doesn’t protect. It places additional burden on youth, parents, teachers, law enforcement, and has consequences we can’t begin to imagine.”
Echoing Jordan’s comments, Commissioner Sheila Lodge said, “I don’t see the need for a dispensary. I don’t see them as being non-profits. There’s got to be a reason all these people are going into it. I’d prefer not to see these at all.”
Commission Jacobs expressed similar sentiments. “We’re walking in the swamp here. Misinformation and abuse of CUA has led to erosion of middle ground which is where we want to be in land use ordinances. Some people want it all the way legal and fully available. On other hand, there are parents, the medical community, and the recovery community that say no, we don’t need dispensaries. There is no benefit to city, or public at large. I find myself in that second category.” She closed with, “we do not need even one of these dispensaries.”
The major concern for the Planning Commission, and for the coalition calling for a ban, is that City Council has consistently not taken their concerns into consideration during deliberation on the ordinance. Commissioner Jordan summed this up succinctly: “What’s the point of making recommendations if they’re to be ignored? We already know there won’t be written comments to council. What is the best way to work our concerns up the chain?”
The coalition calling for a ban always appears at City Council meetings wearing red, to show their support for drug-free youth. They encourage citizens to show up at Tuesday evening’s meeting in support of a ban, rather than allow the city to continue supporting the marijuana industry. The revised ordinance calls for 5 dispensaries in 7 zones of the city. It allows for sales of marijuana, and sale of edibles, some of which have already ended up in the hands of children. There are already 14 dispensaries open and operating in the greater Santa Barbara area. In the city proper, there are 7 dispensaries, while there are 26 businesses total that are in the marijuana industry. The group plans to rally at City Hall before the council meeting May 18th. A press conference is planned for 5:00 PM. The council meeting starts at 6:00 PM.
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From
Garrett Te Slaa #3809
Community Resources Deputy, City of Goleta
Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department
(805) 968-3878 Office
(805) 571-1542 Fax
( Am available to answer any of your questions or address any of your concerns).
1. Recently, residents in the area of Hollister Avenue between Puente Drive and Patterson Avenue have been reporting suspicious door-to-door salesmen in their area. The salesmen are described as one or two black males in their early teens or early 20's, and one has dreadlocks. They have been knocking on doors well after dark, sometimes as late as 9pm. When someone answers, they announce that they are selling something. At times, they seem to target their "product" to the resident. For example, one resident's dog barked and they claimed to be selling flea and tick medicine, while at the house next door they were selling carpet cleaning supplies. The subjects have been aggressive at times, putting their foot in the door to prevent the homeowner from closing the door, or being confrontational when told to leave. They might be associated with a white panel van - similar to a large 15 passenger van.
If these subjects approach your house, DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. We always suggest that you not open the door for any strangers - particularly solicitors and especially after dark. Always use your peep hole, and if possible note their physical and clothing descriptions, and direction of travel - and then call 911.
Door to door soliciting is itself an infraction - obviously not an emergency but in this particular case we want to be notified if they come around so that we can get these subjects identified.
2. A heads up about the 2010 U.S. Census.
The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way with workers verifying the addresses of households across the country. More than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States compiling information about every resident.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.
How do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. Never invite anyone you don't know into your home.
Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.
You only need to tell them how many people live at your address.
Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.
While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, you don’t have to answer anything at all about your financial situation.
The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.
The Census Bureau has decided not to work with ACORN on gathering this information. No ACORN worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. The Census Bureau will not contact you by email! Beware of email scams. Never click on a link or open any attachments purporting to be from the Census Bureau.
Thank you for your support!
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Wednesdays on the westside: a Farmers Market
Harding Elementary on Robbins St. is the new site of a farmers market every Wednesday from 3-6:30pm. Began end of July, it offers an array of fresh local produce, flowers, plants, nuts, sprouts, eggs, whole chickens, pies, breads, and The seasons very best peaches, berries, citrus, tomatoes, green beans, corn, apples, peppers and melons! 962-5354 or sbcfma@rain.org |
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