HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 5027
City of Palo Alto (ID # 5027)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 8/18/2014
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: 2014 League of California Cities Conference Resolution
Title: Authorize the City's Delegate to the League of Cities to Support the
Proposed Resolution Urging a Statewide Summit to Address Safety and
Environmental Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Cultivation
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Manager
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Council authorize the City’s voting delegate to vote yes on the
resolution to be considered at the 2014 Annual League of California Cities (LOCC) Conference
urging a statewide summit to address safety and environmental impacts from illegal marijuana
cultivation.
Background
Each year, the LOCC accepts one or many resolutions from member cities and elected officials
to be adopted at its annual conference. Before the conference, the resolutions undergo review
by the appropriate LOCC policy committees. On Wednesday, September 3rd, policy committees
will meet for a final review of this year’s resolution. Next, the General Resolutions Committee
will meet on Thursday, September 4th, to consider the policy committees reports and to take
action on their recommended position. Resolutions that are approved by the General
Resolutions Committee will then be reported on the floor of the General Assembly at the
annual business meeting on Friday, September 5th.
The voting delegates at the annual business meeting make the final determination on the
resolution. The resolution to be considered by the LOCC’s policy committees are subject to
change from their current form. By approving the recommendation for the resolution, our City
LOCC representatives, Mayor Shepherd with Councilmember Scharff as the alternate, will have
the Council's general guidance for votes to be taken on each resolution and are authorized to
vote on amended resolutions deemed to be in the best interest of the City.
Discussion
City of Palo Alto Page 2
The LOCC resolution analysis and the full resolution language in its current form are included in
the attached LOCC Conference Packet (Attachment A). A summary of what’s included in the
packet is provided below, including staff’s recommended City vote.
Proposed Resolution (Opening Paragraph Prior to the “Whereas” Statements)
A resolution calling upon the Governor and the Legislature to convene a summit to address the
devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana grows on both private and public lands
throughout California and the increasing problems to public safety related to these activities by
working in partnership with the League of California Cities to develop respons ive solutions and
to secure adequate funding for cost-effective implementation strategies.
Staff’s Recommended Vote on the Resolution
Yes
League of California Cities Staff Analysis
Summary
This Resolution seeks to highlight the environmental and public s afety issues triggered by illegal
marijuana cultivation, and calls upon the League, the Governor and the Legislature to take
action by convening a summit to address the environmental impacts of such cultivation sites. It
also calls upon the State of California to provide solutions in response, including sufficient
funding to decisively address the problem.
Background
The sponsor of this resolution argues that when California voters approved Proposition 215 in
1996, little thought was given to a wide range of problems which have emerged in association
with the increased availability and demand for marijuana. Cities within the Redwood Empire
Division have grappled with the impacts of illicit marijuana cultivation sites for decades. Yet in
recent years the environmental degradation from marijuana growing operations and public
safety threats have grown exponentially. In 2011, Fort Bragg City Council Member Jere Melo
was fatally shot while investigating illegal marijuana cultivation on private timber lands in
Mendocino County.
Illegal marijuana cultivation activities are causing extreme environmental degradation including
habitat destruction and fragmentation, illegal water diversions, killing and poisoning wildlife,
unregulated use of fertilizers, pesticides, rodenticides contaminating land and polluting waters
without regard for the cumulative impacts to the environment and the public’s health and
safety. It is expensive to remediate this environmental destruction which often destroys
significant, federal, state, local, tribal and private investments in restoring or protecting the
surrounding landscape.
Critical water shortages across the state due to prolonged drought conditions have resulted in
the Governor declaring a Drought State of Emergency. Illegal water diversions for the purposes
of cultivating marijuana plantations are increasing throughout the state. These activities impact
City of Palo Alto Page 3
agricultural production and domestic water use. The cumulative impacts to watershed health
are considerable and pose direct threats to California’s salmon, trout and other sensitive
aquatic species, especially at critical life stages during seasonally low flow conditions. In
addition, under drought conditions, the risk of fire is elevated. The presence of marijuana grow
sites in fire prone areas contributes to potential wildfire risks at the Wildland/Urban Interface.
The lack of oversight of marijuana cultivation operations to ensure compliance with existing
state and federal environmental regulations is impacting water quality and quantity statewide.
The current legal and regulatory framework is inadequate to address numerous environmental
issues, as well as public health and safety.
Public concern for widespread environmental damage resulting from unregulated growing
operations and escalating violent crimes associated with the marijuana industry has reached a
tipping point across the state. The Redwood Empire Division joins with other cities throughout
the state in a call for action to reverse these trends.
Fiscal Impact
If the policy advocated by the Resolution is implemented by the state, there will be ongoing and
unspecified costs to the State General Fund for enforcement activities, primarily in the rural
counties where many of the illicit marijuana cultivation sites are located. Conservatively, the
annual costs could run in the hundreds of thousands to low millions to patrol likely grow sites,
crack down on illegal water diversion activities, and provide consistent environmental clean-up
made necessary by illegal rodenticides and pesticides.
Comment
To assure success, counties will have to be actively involved in any policy change geared toward
rigorous and consistent enforcement against illegal marijuana grows, given the fact that many
of the cultivation sites are located in rural areas under the direct authority of county
governments. This will require a dialogue with counties, during which the question of local
political will to enforce the law, in addition to securing the necessary funding, will arise. If
counties should opt not to play an active part in an aggressive enforcement strategy, the
chances of success are questionable.
Existing League Policy
Related to this Resolution, existing policy provides:
The League opposes the legalization of marijuana cultivation and use f or non-medicinal
purposes.
Reaffirming that local control is paramount, the League holds that cities should have the
authority to regulate medical marijuana dispensaries, cooperatives, collectives or other
distribution points if the regulation relates to location, operation or establishment to
best suit the needs of the community.
City of Palo Alto Page 4
The League affirms that revenue or other financial benefits from creating a statewide
tax structure on medical marijuana should be considered only after the public safety and
health ramifications are fully evaluated.
Attachments:
A - LOCC Conference Packet_9-2014 (PDF)
Annual Conference
Resolutions Packet
2014 Annual Conference Resolutions
116th Annual Conference
Los Angeles
September 3 - 5, 2014
INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES
RESOLUTIONS CONTAINED IN THIS PACKET: The League bylaws provide that resolutions shall
be referred by the president to an appropriate policy committee for review and recommendation.
Resolutions with committee recommendations shall then be considered by the General Resolutions
Committee at the Annual Conference.
This year, one resolution has been introduced for consideration by the Annual Conference and referred to
the League policy committees.
POLICY COMMITTEES: Two policy committees will meet at the Annual Conference to consider and take
action on the resolution referred to them. The committees are Environmental Quality and Public Safety. These
committees will meet on Wednesday, September 3, 2014, at the JW Marriott Hotel in Los Angeles. The sponsor
of the resolution has been notified of the time and location of the meetings.
GENERAL RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE: This committee will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September
4, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, to consider the reports of the two policy committees regarding the
resolution. This committee includes one representative from each of the League’s regional divisions, functional
departments and standing policy committees, as well as other individuals appointed by the League president.
Please check in at the registration desk for room location.
ANNUAL LUNCHEON/BUSINESS MEETING/GENERAL ASSEMBLY: This meeting will be held at
12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
PETITIONED RESOLUTIONS: For those issues that develop after the normal 60-day deadline, a
resolution may be introduced at the Annual Conference with a petition signed by designated voting
delegates of 10 percent of all member cities (47 valid signatures required) and presented to the Voting
Delegates Desk at least 24 hours prior to the time set for convening the Annual Business Session of the
General Assembly. This year, that deadline is 12:00 p.m., Thursday, September 4. If the petitioned
resolution is substantially similar in substance to a resolution already under consideration, the petitioned
resolution may be disqualified by the General Resolutions Committee.
Resolutions can be viewed on the League's Web site: www.cacities.org/resolutions.
Any questions concerning the resolutions procedures may be directed to Meg Desmond at the League
office: mdesmond@cacities.org or (916) 658-8224
GUIDELINES FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS
Policy development is a vital and ongoing process within the League. The principal means for deciding policy
on the important issues facing cities is through the League’s eight standing policy committees and the board of
directors. The process allows for timely consideration of issues in a changing environment and assures city
officials the opportunity to both initiate and influence policy decisions.
Annual conference resolutions constitute an additional way to develop League policy. Resolutions should
adhere to the following criteria.
Guidelines for Annual Conference Resolutions
1. Only issues that have a direct bearing on municipal affairs should be considered or adopted at the
Annual Conference.
2. The issue is not of a purely local or regional concern.
3. The recommended policy should not simply restate existing League policy.
4. The resolution should be directed at achieving one of the following objectives:
(a) Focus public or media attention on an issue of major importance to cities.
(b) Establish a new direction for League policy by establishing general principals around which
more detailed policies may be developed by policy committees and the board of directors.
(c) Consider important issues not adequately addressed by the policy committees and board of
directors.
(d) Amend the League bylaws (requires 2/3 vote at General Assembly).
LOCATION OF MEETINGS
Policy Committee Meetings
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
JW Marriott Los Angeles Hotel
900 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles
Environmental Quality: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Public Safety: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
General Resolutions Committee
Thursday, September 4, 2014, 1:00 p.m.
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles
Annual Business Meeting and General Assembly Luncheon
Friday, September 5, 2013, 12:00 p.m.
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles
KEY TO ACTIONS TAKEN ON RESOLUTIONS
Resolutions have been grouped by policy committees to which they have been assigned.
Number Key Word Index Reviewing Body Action
1 2 3
1 - Policy Committee Recommendation
to General Resolutions Committee
2 - General Resolutions Committee
3 - General Assembly
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY POLICY COMMITTEE
1 2 3
1 Illegal Marijuana Grow Site
PUBLIC SAFETY POLICY COMMITTEE
1 2 3
1 Illegal Marijuana Grow Site
Information pertaining to the Annual Conference Resolutions will also be posted on each committee’s page on
the League website: www.cacities.org. The entire Resolutions Packet will be posted at:
www.cacities.org/resolutions.
KEY TO ACTIONS TAKEN ON RESOLUTIONS (Continued)
Resolutions have been grouped by policy committees to which they have been assigned.
KEY TO REVIEWING BODIES KEY TO ACTIONS TAKEN
1. Policy Committee
A Approve
2. General Resolutions Committee
D Disapprove
3. General Assembly
N No Action
R Refer to appropriate policy committee for
study
ACTION FOOTNOTES
a Amend+
* Subject matter covered in another resolution
Aa Approve as amended+
** Existing League policy Aaa Approve with additional amendment(s)+
*** Local authority presently exists
Ra Refer as amended to appropriate policy
committee for study+
Raa Additional amendments and refer+
Da Amend (for clarity or brevity) and
Disapprove+
Na Amend (for clarity or brevity) and take No
Action+
W Withdrawn by Sponsor
Procedural Note: Resolutions that are approved by the General Resolutions Committee, as well as all qualified
petitioned resolutions, are reported to the floor of the General Assembly. In addition, League policy provides the
following procedure for resolutions approved by League policy committees but not approved by the General
Resolutions Committee:
Resolutions initially recommended for approval and adoption by all the League policy committees to which
the resolution is assigned, but subsequently recommended for disapproval, referral or no action by the
General Resolutions Committee, shall then be placed on a consent agenda for consideration by the General
Assembly. The consent agenda shall include a brief description of the basis for the recommendations by both
the policy committee(s) and General Resolutions Committee, as well as the recommended action by each.
Any voting delegate may make a motion to pull a resolution from the consent agenda in order to request the
opportunity to fully debate the resolution. If, upon a majority vote of the General Assembly, the request for
debate is approved, the General Assembly shall have the opportunity to debate and subsequently vote on the
resolution.
2014 ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY
POLICY COMMITTEES
1. A RESOLUTION CALLING UPON THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE TO
CONVENE A SUMMIT TO ADDRESS THE DEVASTATING ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS OF ILLEGAL MARIJUANA GROWS ON BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC
LANDS THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA AND THE INCREASING PROBLEMS TO
PUBLIC SAFETY RELATED TO THESE ACTIVITIES BY WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP
WITH THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES TO DEVELOP RESPONSIVE
SOLUTIONS AND TO SECURE ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR COST-EFFECTIVE
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES.
Source: Redwood Empire Division
Concurrence of five or more cities/city officials: Cities of Arcata; Blue Lake; Clearlake; Cloverdale;
Crescent City; Eureka; Fort Bragg; Healdsburg; Lakeport; Trinidad; and Ukiah
Referred to: Environmental Quality and Public Safety Policy Committees
Recommendation to General Resolutions Committee:
WHEREAS, public concerns in response to widespread damage to fish and wildlife resources
and degradation to California’s environment, and threats to public safety resulting from illegal marijuana
cultivation statewide requires urgent action by the Governor and the Legislature, and
WHEREAS, local governments and the public support the State’s primary objectives in
complying with environmental laws including the Clean Water Act, Porter-Cologne Water Quality
Control Act, and Endangered Species Act and are supported by substantial public investments at all levels
of government to maintain a healthy and sustainable environment for future citizens of California, and
WHEREAS, illegal marijuana cultivation activities include habitat destruction and
fragmentation, poaching wildlife, illegal water diversions, unregulated use of fertilizers, pesticides,
insecticides, rodenticides, soil amendments contaminating land and waters without regard for the
cumulative impacts to the environment or public health, and
WHEREAS, changing global climate conditions are posing escalated threats in California to
health, well-being, nature and property; as evidenced by critical water shortages across the state due to
prolonged drought conditions, and
WHEREAS, illegal water diversion for the purpose of cultivating marijuana plantations poses a
direct threat to California's endangered and threatened anadromous fish species, including coho salmon,
Chinook salmon, steelhead trout and other aquatic species, especially at critical life phases during
seasonally low flow conditions; and
WHEREAS, California is a leader in the global effort to fight climate change and is pursuing a
broad, integrated strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy, yet in a recent
Lawrence Livermore Lab study estimated that upwards of 10% of electricity usage statewide can be
attributed to indoor marijuana cultivation; these sites are often the causation of fires and home invasion
incidents due to criminal activity, and
WHEREAS, the presence of illegal marijuana growing sites on State and federal public lands is
creating unsafe conditions for visitors; these lands are taxpayer supported and intended to be managed for
recreation, resource conservation and the enjoyment by the public, and
WHEREAS, increasing violence and threats to public safety related to illegal marijuana grows is
contributing to a sense of lawlessness and impacting nearby communities where criminal activities are
expanding, and
WHEREAS, the issue of illegal marijuana grows has reached a crisis level across the state as
evidenced by the murder of former League Board member, Fort Bragg Councilmember and veteran
forester Jere Melo who was fatally shot down while investigating a report of a marijuana grow on private
timberlands in northern California.
RESOLVED, at the League General Assembly, assembled at the League Annual Conference on
September 5, 2014 in Los Angeles, that the League calls for the Governor and the Legislature to work
with the League and other stakeholders to convene a summit to address the devastating environmental
impacts of illegal marijuana grows on both private and public lands and the increasing problems to public
safety related to these activities.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the League will work with its member cities to educate State and
federal officials regarding emerging concerns from their communities and citizenry and to the challenges
facing local governments. Therefore, we request the Governor and the Legislature to work with the
League to provide responsive solutions with adequate funding support and effective State and federal
government leadership to address widespread environmental damage and associated threats to public
safety impacting every region in the State of California.
//////////
Background Information on Resolution No. 1
Source: Redwood Empire Division
Background:
When California voters approved Proposition 215 in 1996 there was little thought given to a wide range
of problems which have emerged in association with the increased availability and demand for marijuana.
Cities within the Redwood Empire Division have grappled with the impacts of illicit marijuana grow sites
for decades. Yet in recent years the environmental degradation from marijuana growing operations and
public safety threats has grown exponentially. In 2011, Fort Bragg City Council Member Jere Melo was
fatally shot while investigating illegal marijuana cultivation on private timber lands in Mendocino
County.
Illegal marijuana cultivation activities are causing extreme environmental degradation including habitat
destruction and fragmentation, illegal water diversions, killing and poisoning wildlife, unregulated use of
fertilizers, pesticides, rodenticides contaminating land and polluting waters without regard for the
cumulative impacts to the environment and the public’s health and safety. It is expensive to remediate
this environmental destruction that often destroys significant, federal, state, local, tribal and private
investments in restoring or protecting the surrounding landscape.
Public concern for widespread, landscape-level environmental damage resulting from unregulated
growing operations and escalating violent crimes associated with the marijuana industry has reached a
tipping point across the state. The Redwood Empire Division joins with other cities throughout the state
in a call for action to reverse these trends.
Current Problem Facing California’s Cities:
Cities throughout California state have struggled with regulating medical marijuana dispensaries and
grow houses along with the associated community impacts of those facilities and land use activities.
Many unforeseen environmental impacts and public safety concerns are now emerging as a consequence
of increased production and demand for marijuana.
Critical water shortages across the state due to prolonged drought conditions have resulted in the
Governor declaring a Drought State of Emergency. Illegal water diversions for the purposes of
cultivating marijuana plantations are increasing throughout the state. These activities impact agricultural
production and domestic water use. The cumulative impacts to watershed health are considerable and
pose direct threats to California’s salmon, trout and other sensitive aquatic species, especially at critical
life stages during seasonally low flow conditions. In addition, under drought conditions, the risk of fire is
elevated. The presence of marijuana grow sites in fire prone areas contributes to potential wildfire risks at
the Wildland/Urban Interface.
The presence of illegal marijuana growing sites on state and federal public lands creates unsafe conditions
for visitors. These lands are managed with taxpayer support and are intended to be for enjoyment by the
public, recreation and conservation. However, the increasing level of violence and threats to public safety
related to illegal marijuana grows on both private and public lands are contributing to a sense of
lawlessness and impacting nearby communities where criminal activities are expanding.
The lack of oversight of marijuana cultivation operations to ensure compliance with existing state and
federal environmental regulations is impacting water quality and quantity statewide. The current legal
and regulatory framework is inadequate to address numerous environmental issues, as well as public
health and safety.
Redwood Empire Division Resolution:
The Division’s resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana
grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the rising threat to public safety relating
to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the direction to call upon the Governor
and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop responsive solutions, and secure adequate funding
for implementation strategies.
The issues surrounding marijuana production and distribution are complex and require a comprehensive
statewide approach. California cities need to have a strong voice in this process. The mission of the
League of California Cities is to enhance the quality of life for all Californians and we believe that our
strength lies in the unity of our diverse communities on issues of mutual concern.
//////////
League of California Cities Staff Analysis on Resolution No. 1
Staff: Tim Cromartie (916) 658-8252
Committee: Public Safety Policy Committee
Summary:
This Resolution seeks to highlight the environmental and public safety issues triggered by illegal
marijuana cultivation, and calls upon the League, the Governor and the Legislature to take action by
convening a summit to address the environmental impacts of such cultivation sites. It also calls upon the
State of California to provide solutions in response, including sufficient funding to decisively address the
problem.
Background:
The sponsor of this resolution argues that when California voters approved Proposition 215 in 1996, little
thought was given to a wide range of problems which have emerged in association with the increased
availability and demand for marijuana. Cities within the Redwood Empire Division have grappled with
the impacts of illicit marijuana cultivation sites for decades. Yet in recent years the environmental
degradation from marijuana growing operations and public safety threats has grown exponentially. In
2011, Fort Bragg City Council Member Jere Melo was fatally shot while investigating illegal marijuana
cultivation on private timber lands in Mendocino County.
Illegal marijuana cultivation activities are causing extreme environmental degradation including habitat
destruction and fragmentation, illegal water diversions, killing and poisoning wildlife, unregulated use of
fertilizers, pesticides, rodenticides contaminating land and polluting waters without regard for the
cumulative impacts to the environment and the public’s health and safety. It is expensive to remediate
this environmental destruction which often destroys significant, federal, state, local, tribal and private
investments in restoring or protecting the surrounding landscape.
Critical water shortages across the state due to prolonged drought conditions have resulted in the
Governor declaring a Drought State of Emergency. Illegal water diversions for the purposes of
cultivating marijuana plantations are increasing throughout the state. These activities impact agricultural
production and domestic water use. The cumulative impacts to watershed health are considerable and
pose direct threats to California’s salmon, trout and other sensitive aquatic species, especially at critical
life stages during seasonally low flow conditions. In addition, under drought conditions, the risk of fire is
elevated. The presence of marijuana grow sites in fire prone areas contributes to potential wildfire risks at
the Wildland/Urban Interface.
The lack of oversight of marijuana cultivation operations to ensure compliance with existing state and
federal environmental regulations is impacting water quality and quantity statewide. The current legal
and regulatory framework is inadequate to address numerous environmental issues, as well as public
health and safety.
Public concern for widespread environmental damage resulting from unregulated growing operations and
escalating violent crimes associated with the marijuana industry has reached a tipping point across the
state. The Redwood Empire Division joins with other cities throughout the state in a call for action to
reverse these trends.
Note: The League of Cities has joined with the California Police Chiefs Association to co-sponsor
legislation, SB 1262 (Correa), to establish a regulatory scheme for medical marijuana that protects local
control, addresses the public safety concerns triggered by marijuana regulation, and imposes health and
safety standards on marijuana for the first time. However, the measure does not address environmental
issues, due to the expense and complexity associated with adding that objective to a bill that already has
far-reaching regulatory goals combined with a critical need to contain state costs.
Fiscal Impact:
If the policy advocated by the Resolution is implemented by the state, there will be ongoing and
unspecified costs to the State General Fund for enforcement activities, primarily in the rural counties
where many of the illicit marijuana cultivation sites are located. Conservatively, the annual costs could
run in the hundreds of thousands to low millions to patrol likely grow sites, crack down on illegal water
diversion activities, and provide consistent environmental clean-up made necessary by illegal rodenticides
and pesticides.
Comment:
To assure success, counties will have to be actively involved in any policy change geared toward rigorous
and consistent enforcement against illegal marijuana grows, given the fact that many of the cultivation
sites are located in rural areas under the direct authority of county governments. This will require a
dialogue with counties, during which the question of local political will to enforce the law, in addition to
securing the necessary funding, will arise. If counties should opt not to play an active part in an
aggressive enforcement strategy, the chances of success are questionable.
Existing League Policy:
Related to this Resolution, existing policy provides:
• The League opposes the legalization of marijuana cultivation and use for non-medicinal purposes.
• Reaffirming that local control is paramount, the League holds that cities should have the authority to
regulate medical marijuana dispensaries, cooperatives, collectives or other distribution points if the
regulation relates to location, operation or establishment to best suit the needs of the community.
• The League affirms that revenue or other financial benefits from creating a statewide tax structure on
medical marijuana should be considered only after the public safety and health ramifications are fully
evaluated.
LETTERS OF CONCURRENCE
Resolution No. 1
Illegal Marijuana Grow Site
City Manager
(707) 822.5953
Community Development
822.5955
736 F Street
Arcata, CA 95521
July 2, 2014
Jos& Cisneros, President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
Environmentci Services
822.8t84
Finance
8225951
Police Recreation
822.2428 822.7091:
Public Works Txc tisportrttimt
822.5957 822.3775
RE: Environmental and Public Safety Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Grows Resolution
Dear President Cisneros;
The Arcata City Council supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution
for consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los
Angeles.
The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal
marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California, and the increasing
threat to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with
the direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop
responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies. ALL of the
rural areas adjacent to the City of Arcata and throughout Humboldt County have been greatly
affected by the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana grows!
As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the
General Asserribly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact me at any
time at mwheetley@cityofarcata.org if you have any questions.
cc; Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division, c/o Sara Rounds, Regional Public
Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division, via email srounds@cacities.org cacities.org
CITY OF BLUE LAKE
Post Office Box 458, 111 Greenwood Road, Blue Lake, CA 95525
Phone 707.668.5655 Fax 707.668,5916
June 30, 2014
Jose Cisneros, President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Environmental and Public Safety Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Grows Resolution
Dear President Cisneros:
The City of Blue Lake supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for
consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 201.4 Annual Conference in Los Angeles.
The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal
marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing threat
to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the
direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop
responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies.
As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the
General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact Lana
Manzanita, Mayor Pro -Tern at 707-497-8159 or ioe2zitherl(a7grmail.com, if you have any
questions.
Sincere
Lana Manzanita
Mayor Pro-Tem
City of Blue Lake
cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o
Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division,
srounds cacit.ies.org
ity of Clearlake
14050 Olympic Drive, Clearlake, California 95422
(707) 994-8201 Fax (707) 995-2653
July 2, 2014
Jose Cisneros, President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Environmental and Public Safety Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Grows Resolution
Dear President Cisneros:
The City of Clearlake supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for
consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles.
The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal
marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing threat
to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the
direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop
responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies. The City of
Clearlake is experiencing significant issues with illegal grows in the city limits. Individuals are
squatting on lands not belonging to them and planting large grows. Grows are being planted
near and along creeks going through the city with unknown substances potentially leeching into
the waterways. Others are renting properties and clear cutting them of oak and other trees for
plant sites often without the knowledge of the property owner. Homeowners tell of not being
able to enjoy their own properties with grow sites next to them creating untenable odors, spewing
of foul language and concern of threats to their personal safety if they complain. We hear often
the concern of increased crime due to the grows in the city.
As a member of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the
General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact Joan
Phillipe at 707-994-8201 x120 or city.administrator@clearlake.ca.us, if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Joan"L. Phillipe
City Manager
cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o
Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division,
srou.nds(c-cacities.org
crry of
C.LOVL.RJDALL
June 25, 2014
Jose Cisneros, President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Environmental and Public Safety Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Grows Resolution
Dear President Cisneros:
The City of Cloverdale supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for
consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles.
The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal
marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing threat
to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the
direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop
responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies. Throughout
the Redwood Empire region including the City of Cloverdale, illegal marijuana grows negatively
impact our environmental health and public safety. Last year, the Cloverdale Police Department
eradicated over 300 plants within our City Limits. Please note that Cloverdale is a total of 2.5
square miles. These plants use scarce water resources during a water shortage emergency caused
by the current drought and contribute to lawlessness that threats the public safety of our citizens.
On a personal level, the City of Cloverdale continues to be heartsick for the loss of City of Fort
Bragg Council Member JereMelo. Jere was murdered as a result of investigating an illegal
marijuana grow. Jere was an exceptional leader in our region, the League of California Cities and
the State of California. The City of Cloverdale misses him greatly.
As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the
General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact Cloverdale
City Manager Paul Cayler at 707-894-1710, if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Carol Russell
Mayor
City of Cloverdale
cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o
Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCO Redwood Empire Division,
1{o�(orFick 1-Edleg r kayo('Pro Tv!) inn Garr eQu
Council Nieinl)er R cris_t3c[ Enea * Council 1ennhar Kelly Sc1H rron ' Council Member Murray
City Clerk Rolm] Patch City ,Attorney Robert N. Block ,vlanag fsugeox: v1..Palazro
tune 23, 201,4
Jose' Cisneros, President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street, Suite 40%)
Sacramento, CA 9S 14
RE: Environmental and Public Safety Impacts of illegal Marijuana Grows Resolution
Dear President Cisneros:
The City of Crescent City supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution
for consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference ce in Los
Angel es.
The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of ille��al.
marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing threat
to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the
direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop
responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strate ies. Illegal
marijuana grows have a devastating irnpa.c-t on. the State and :federal public lands surrounding oar
community. They create unsafe conditions for our visitors. The use of. unregulated fertilizers,:
pesticide, insecticides and rodenti.cides contaminate the land and ground water.
As members of the l.;eal ue, our city values the policy development process provided to the
General Assembly, We appreciate your t.irne on this issue. Please feel free to contact Eugene
Palazzo, City Manager at 707-464-7483 ex 232 or cN iazzo(ct crescenteity.or°g, ti you have any
q nest i ru1,5.
Sincerely,
-2
Richard Holley
Mayor
Crescent City
cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o
Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LDCC Redwood 1 rrlpire Division,
srounds(tr..'cacities.org
June 26, 2014
CITY OF EUREKA
CITY MANAGER
531 K Street Eureka, California 95501-1146 (707) 441-4144
fax (707) 441-4138
Jose Cisneros, President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE; Environmental and Public Safety impaetg of Illegal Marijuana Grows Re olut or
Dear President Cisneros:
The City of Eureka supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for
consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles.
The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal
marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing threat
to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the
direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop
responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies. Our city has
seen an increase in gang activity and organized crime within the Greater Eureka Area as a result
of illegal growing operations, Our law enforcement and community safety have been negatively
impacted by these criminal activities.
As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the
General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact City
Manager Greg Sparks at 707.441.4140 or gsparks@ci.eureka..ca..gov, if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Greg L.
City Manager
City of Eureka
cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o
Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division,
srounds(aicacities.org
CITY OF FORT BRAGG
Incorporated August 5, 1889
416 N. Franklin St.
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Phone: (707) 961-2823
Fax: (707) 961-2802
http://city.fortbragg.com
June 23, 2014
Jose Cisneros, President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Environmental and Public Safety Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Grows
Resolution
Dear President Cisneros:
The City of Fort Bragg supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a
resolution for consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual
Conference in Los Angeles.
The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of
illegal marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the
increasing threat to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide
the League with the direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a
summit to develop responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation
strategies. The City of Fort Bragg lost City Councilmember and former Mayor Jere Melo in
August 2011 when he walked into an illegal grow site and was shot and killed by the
person guarding said site.
As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided
to the General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to
contact City Manager Linda Ruffing at 707-961-2823 or Iruffing@fortbragg.com, if you have
any questions_
-Sincerely,
Dave urner
M
Scott Deitz
Councilmember
Meg Courtney
ce Mayor
oug a hmerstrom
Cou cilmember
Heidi Kraut
Councilmember
cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o Sara Rounds, Regional
Public Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division, srounds@cacities.org
CALIFORNIA
June 30, 2014
rose Cisneros, President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
SI:WE 1687
CITY OF HEALDSBURG
ADMINISTRATION
401 Grove Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448-4723
Phone: (707) 431-3317
Fax: (707) 431-3321
Visit us at www.cLhealdsburg.ca.us
RE: Environmental and Public Safety Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Grows Resolution
Dear President Cisneros:
The City of Healdsburg supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for consideration
by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles.
The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana grows on
both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing threat to public safety relating to these
illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the direction to call upon the Governor and State
Legislature to convene a summit to develop responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for
implementation strategies.
As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the General Assembly.
We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact me either by phone at (707) 431-33171or by e-
mail at iwood@ci.healdsburg.ca.us if you have any questions.
Jaynes D. Wood
Mayor
City of Healdsburg
cc:
Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division
c/o Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager,
LOCC Redwood Empire Division, srounds@cacities.onz
CITY OF LAKEPORT
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flnrs°r!, u,'`zrgti s
July 1, 2014
Jose Cisneros, President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC SAFETY IMPACTS OF ILLEGAL MARIJUANA GROWS RESOLUTION
Dear President Cisneros:
The City of Lakeport supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for
consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los Angeles.
The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal marijuana
grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing threat to public safety
relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League with the direction to call upon the
Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to develop responsive solutions and to secure
adequate funding for implementation strategies.
As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the General
Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact me at (707) 263-5615,
Ext. 12 or by email at kparlet@cityoflakeport.com if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Parfet, if
Mayor
cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o
Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division, c_rou ..nds&ca€_i ies.org
225 PA t S GREET LA
p
CALEFORMA 95453 ,7 L P O ( 07) '6: -56 5 FAX ( ,
CITY OF TRINIDAD
P.O. Box 390
409 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
(707) 677-0223
Fax: (707) 677-3759
July 2, 2014
Jose Cisneros, President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Environmental and Public Safety Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Grows Resolution
Dear President Cisneros:
The City of Trinidad supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution
for consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los
Angeles.
The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal
marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing
threat to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League
with the direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to
develop responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies.
As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the
General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue.
Sincerely,
s_4
Julie Fulkerson
Mayor
Cc: Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCC Redwood Empire Division
June 30, 2014
Jose Cisneros, President
League of California Cities
1400 K Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Environmental and Public Safety Impacts of Illegal Marijuana Grows Resolution
Dear President Cisneros:
The City of Ukiah supports the Redwood Empire Division's effort to submit a resolution for
consideration by the General Assembly at the League's 2014 Annual Conference in Los
Angeles.
The Division's resolution seeks to address the devastating environmental impacts of illegal
marijuana grows on both private and public lands throughout California and the increasing
threat to public safety relating to these illegal sites. The resolution will provide the League
with the direction to call upon the Governor and State Legislature to convene a summit to
develop responsive solutions and to secure adequate funding for implementation strategies.
As members of the League, our city values the policy development process provided to the
General Assembly. We appreciate your time on this issue. Please feel free to contact Jane
Chambers, City Manager, at 7407-463-6210 or jhambers@cityofukiah.com, if you have any
questions.
Sincerely,
Philip g
Mayor
aldwin
p q,
e✓ �" M
Douglas F. Crane
Councilmember
Mary A �Landis Benj Thomas
Vice Mayor Councilmember
Steve Scalmanini
Councilmember
Cc: Kathryn Murray, President, Redwood Empire Division c/o
Sara Rounds, Regional Public Affairs Manager, LOCO Redwood Empire Division,
srounds@cacities.org
300 SEMINAR`( AVENUE UKIAH, CA 95482...5400
Phone;'4 707/463-5200 Fax# 707/463-6204 Web Adthe ss www.rc€tvofdkiah.com