Thanks so much to everyone who attended and supported our "Fight for the Right" benefit for the medical marijuana trial of Yvette Rubio. All your love and support makes the fight for Prop. 215 possible.
Medicinal marijuana is extremely beneficial for many ill people. I personally have experienced this; seeing strength and mobility regained from feeling good after smoking, is really awesome. I truly believe in the benefits of medical marijuana, and I think the majority of California agrees with me. Proposition 215 was voted into law by 65% in Mendocino County and 60% in Lake County.
Even if you don't agree with Prop. 215, I think everyone agrees that we live in a democracy. Democracy means governed by the people or by their representatives. Prop. 215 was voted in by the majority of our State and is the will of the people.
What I can't believe is that our government system only functions as a democracy when the federal government is in agreement with the will of the people. If the federal government doesn't approve of what the people choose as law, then the will of the people is disregarded and our votes are lost in a sea of "governmental red tape." Suddenly, our choice is not important or even considered due to certain "government restrictions."
I feel I am drowning in this "sea of red tape" as I am taken to Lake County Court over growing medicinal marijuana. I am a caregiver and pre-med student who has done nothing wrong, only tried to help sick people.
I would really, really appreciate everyone's attendance at my jury trial to support medicinal marijuana. The medicinal marijauna trial for Yvette Rubio is 8:15 a.m., November 10, 1998, Lake County Superior Court, 4th floor, Lake County Court House.
We need to show the government that we will exercise our right to a democracy. Let freedom reign. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Yvette Rubio <
To the Editor,
I received a copy of the MEC Newsletter (Issue 26, Winter, 1997) on July 4. How wonderful and what a total surprise.
I am an activist for medicinal marijuana and have been in custody in Orange County since May 18, 1997. I was found guilty of "selling" marijuana to a 73 year-old terminally ill cancer patient. I was an officer/volunteer for the Orange County Cannabis Co-op. I also possess a written recommendation to use cannabis from a bonafide, licensed physician, as did all of our members.
The ironic part of it is that if you were not able to meet the minimum donation of $20 per quarter ounce or donate anything (money, office supplies, time, etc.), you obtained up to one ounce a week absolutely free!
The founder and director of the club, Marvin Chavez, is also in custody. On May 13 of this year, I was found guilty of two counts of "sales" of marijuana to this patient. I was not allowed to put on a Prop. 215 defense, nor was I allowed to use a medical necessity defense.
I am to be sentenced on July 17th and could receive up to 5 years, 8 months in state prison. The total amount of marijuana supplied to this individual was three quarters of an ounce.
Having been involved in this issue since 1976, I can assure that I am but one of many who have been recently singled out because of our activities in this movement.
I enjoyed your article on the anniversary of the "Marijuana Tax Act; Six Decades of Prohibition," by Vicki Oldham, as well as all of your articles.
I would like to hear from anyone who would care to write to me. I can be reached, for the time being, at:
David Herrick 1750882
550 No. Flower St. J-4-4
Santa Ana, Calif. 92703
Copter invasion
To the Editor:
I return to my mountain home tired and hot from a day in town, needing silence and solitude. The hot sun is lowering on the western horizon. Cooling ocean breezes refresh. I sit at the table dipping artichoke leaves into an olive oil and vinegar dressing, tasting the tartness on tongue. I don't even turn on a favorite radio program. Like a sponge the silence absorbs tensions. Begin to relax, to feel alive.
An approaching rumble shatters the silence. The too familiar sound of a helicopter increases in volume from a grumble to an ear splitting roar; blades chopping the precious air as if it were a mortal enemy. I feel invaded; my refuge and peace torn asunder. All this trespassing, this pain over a search for mere plants. Sometimes three or four reconnaissance flights a day, even three helicopters at a time.
I feel like a Vietnamese peasant in his rice paddy. So maybe I won't be sprayed with napalm (although some toxic chemical sprays that exterminate marijuana plants have been discussed on the radio). And maybe I won't be killed (at least not instantaneously), but my lifeÑwhich includes a need for privacy and serenityÑfeels threatened.
Joyous birdsong welcomes me to the physical plane on this beautiful summer morning. A hawk glides above the balcony, riding a western breeze. Sun sparkles on oak leaves and brightens the small mountains of land jutting out of the sea of fog below; like a Japanese landscape painting.
A roar slashes the silence. The birds stop singing. Body cells are agitated. A helicopter has once more invaded my domain and broken the morning spell.
The source of drug problems is much deeper than what can be found growing in the ground. If there is a concern about mind-alteration, then it might be wiser to impound several million television sets. When people are programmed to embrace lust and violence as interesting and exciting aspects of our society, then our society is in deep trouble (as witnessed by increased violent acts, even by children).
I bought my land and toiled for twenty-seven yearsÑwithout the usual comforts that a town providedÑto create a sanctuary for my body, mind and spirit.
I've pursued life, liberty and happiness long enough; now I deserve to have it.
We all do.
T. Sufiana
Coastal Range Mountains
Bio-diesel fuel
To the Editor:
I looked at his mouth as the words were forming. He was saying, "What you do is form a collective. You divide the work hours in exchange for unlimited free fuel." Free fuelÉwork exchangeÉanyone interested in a little FREE FUEL?!!
The man speaking about this is Josh Tickell. He and his wife Kaia have recently published a small and very entertaining manual chronicling their production adventures with biodiesel. Alternative energy's newest baby, biodiesel is the byproduct of isopropyl alcohol, lye and a large quantity of used grease from the fryer at your favorite local fast-food restaurant.
Biofuel is creative re-use par excellence. Fryer grease is currently considered hazardous waste, a toxic needing special disposal; therefore, it's rather easy to find copious amounts of the stuff available for free, prompting my question to Josh: "Won't petrochemical companies and state inspectors, etc. make life hard for you if you try to sell this stuff?" His reply: "The trick word there is 'sell,'" he said with a smile. I'm with you Josh. Let's give it away.
Closeted, mad scientists, meek housewives, members of the band: all will be welcome on the madcap Mendocino biodiesel production team!
I propose the formation of a biodiesel production cooperative here in Mendocino County. Production will begin as soon as we have five or six committed members. If you would like to be part of the action, leave your name, number and address on my machine: (707) 462-6316. If you are too busy but would like to contribute start-up funds for the purchase of needed lab equipment, I would be happy to meet with you, buy you coffee, explain the project in depth, kiss your feet, shower you with flowers, etc., etc. If you are poor as a churchmouse and afraid of explosive chemicals but consider yourself a genial, entertaining sort of person who might like to help with a fundraising event, call me. We only need about $500 to get started and one big party might do it.
Gretchen Shuster
Box 1074, Ukiah
707-462-6316
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 1998
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited