California, Indio

[palmspringsbum]

Indio approves moratorium on marijuana dispensaries

Xochitl Pena
The Desert Sun
February 7, 2007


Following in the footsteps of other valley cities, the Indio City Council on Wednesday in a 4-0 vote, approved an Interim Urgency Ordinance to prohibit for 45 days the opening of any medical marijuana dispensaries. Councilman Gene Gilbert was absent.

The 45-day span will give city staff an opportunity to determine appropriate zone districts for such a business.

Only two residents spoke during public comment in opposition of such an ordinance.

City Manager Glenn Southard states in a city staff report that currently there are no dispensaries in the city nor have there been any applications or inquiries into bringing one to the city.

The Desert Hot Springs City Council approved a 45-day moratorium on Tuesday.

[palmspringsbum]

Indio votes "no" on medical marijuana -- for now

KESQ Channel 3 Palm Springs
Feb 8, 2007 06:33 PM PST

It's a big no to medical marijuana dispensaries in Indio, after a city council meeting Wednesday night.

Indio's meeting with medical marijuana on the agenda was considered calm and quick. Council members voted four to zero to halt marijuana dispensaries for now.

Indio's meeting was nowhere near as emotional as the debate in Desert Hot Springs the night before. Police had to get involved there, while the council voted against a dispensary already in town.

Indio's mayor spoke about the difficult decision his city faces.

"It makes a real gray area for us," said Indio mayor Ben Godfrey. "It presents a real search of your conscience and you'd better have your ducks in a row."

Indio's vote means they have at least 45 days to figure out a permanent policy for medical marijuana.

[palmspringsbum]

February 12, 2008


Indio Planning Commission to discuss marijuana dispensaries

Xochitl Pena
The Desert Sun

In recent months the city of Indio has received requests for establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries.

Currently the city does not have standards relating to the location, operation and concentration of these dispensaries.

The Indio Planning Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday inside City Council chambers, 150 Civic Center Mall to discuss among many items, recommendation of an ordinance to the City Council that would prohibit marijuana dispensaries.

Info: 391-4000.

[palmspringsbum]

February 14, 2008

Indio commission backs ban on dispensaries

Xochitl Peña
The Desert Sun

Indio soon might join the ranks of Palm Desert, Indian Wells and La Quinta in limiting medical marijuana dispensaries.

The Indio Planning Commission on Wednesday, with no opposition, recommended an ordinance to the City Council that would prohibit marijuana dispensaries within all zoning districts.

While the city in recent months has been approached by parties interested in opening medical marijuana outlets in Indio, the city does not have standards relating to the location, operation and concentration of dispensaries.

And the difference between state and federal law adds to the uncertainty.

"We have conflict," said Omar Sandoval, assistant city attorney.

Federal law bans all sale and use of marijuana while California state law allows medical use for patients with a doctor's letter of recommendation.

Steve Copenhaver, community development director with the city, said the new ordinance will "make it very clear" where the city stands on marijuana dispensaries.

The ordinance could go before the council for approval sometime in March.