Editor: I believe a Medical Marijuana Dispensary in the Springs would be inappropriate for the community.
Like most Sonoma County voters, I voted for the initiative that legalized medical marijuana. As a parent of teenagers, I am aware of the unintended consequences of that initiative. I hear my twin daughters, seniors at Sonoma Valley High School, discuss the people they know who have a “prescription” for medical marijuana, even though their health needs are questionable.
I have spent nearly 20 years as a community activist working to improve the Springs. We have made great strides in certain areas, but we have not in others. Drug dealing, drug use and gang activity are at troubling levels. A medical marijuana dispensary will not help improve our community and will send a wrong message to our children.
The City of Sonoma does not allow medical marijuana dispensaries. The average population in Sonoma is much older with fewer children per capita than in the Springs. If medical marijuana dispensaries are inappropriate for Sonoma, then they are certainly inappropriate for the Springs.
I understand it may be possible to designate the Springs as a Neighborhood Preservation Area allowing it to opt out of having a marijuana dispensary. The Springs has strong community involvement, historic roots, and a significant family and youth presence, therefore should be granted this special designation.
Gina Cuclis
Sonoma
There is an overabundance of both growers and dealers in the Springs without just adding to more Idiots stealing to feed their Need. Of course MM could use another place to get their needs.