BOARD REJECTS PROPOSED CANNABIS BUSINESS ALONG ANZA HIGHWAY

Many in Anza and Aguanga communities voice their opposition

In the face of overwhelming community opposition, the Board of Supervisors on June 14 denied a permit for a proposed cannabis business alongside Highway 371 in Anza.

“I respect the communities in my district, what they look and feel like,” Supervisor Chuck Washington said ahead of the 3-0 vote against Cannabis 21’s request for a conditional use permit. “This would have a detrimental effect to the look and feel of the Anza Valley. I can support cannabis outlets at appropriate locations. I don’t think this is the right location.”

Board Chair Jeff Hewitt was absent, and Supervisor Manuel Perez abstained. Supervisors Kevin Jeffries and Karen Spiegel joined Washington in voting no.

About two dozen people from

Anza and Aguanga appeared before the board to speak in opposition to the proposal during the two-hour public hearing.

“Anza could be a gem,” resident Audrey Turpin told the board. “The last of the small affordable family ranches are there. Marijuana dispensaries belong in cities, where there’s a police officer five minutes away, not where the response time for a sheriff ’s deputy is more than 20 minutes.”

Pastor Robert Reece, who presides at one of the two churches within a few feet of where the cannabis outlet had been proposed, pointed to the “harmful and destructive” aspects of drug use, and said his congregation was strongly opposed to any business that would send a negative message to parishioners, particularly children who would see the marijuana shop and its clientele.

Philip Canaday, a member of the Anza Valley Chamber of Commerce, referred to the segment of Highway 371 running through the area as “slaughter alley” for the deadly accidents that happen almost weekly. He told the board that crashes would increase with the number of people pouring into the area from the Coachella and Temecula valleys, as well as San Diego County, to purchase products at the proposed outlet.

Sean St. Peter, whose Cannabis 21 franchise is already in operation in Hemet, Highgrove and Palm Desert, said he had engaged in ongoing community outreach, but he could not cite any official support, with the Anza Valley Municipal Advisory Council opposing his proposal despite several public presentations.