Measure A proponents see intimidation tactics

The provisions of Measure A will keep the number cannabis grows at the existing number of 1,000 instead of 3,500. It will limit new permits to 10,000 square feet, instead of acres. Withdrawals from streams will be curtailed during dry months. New or expanded grows relying on new wells will need hydrologic studies. Artificial lights will be cut back, and 50 hp generators will be allowed in emergencies only. This is all good for the environment.

Yet the Humboldt County Growers Alliance's very expensive campaign against Measure A claims it is bad for the environment and bad for Humboldt. Large ads in every news outlet, radio and TV ads, lawn signs, stickers, buttons, T-shirts tell you to vote no. Who is funding this campaign of disinformation? Certainly not the economically distressed small farmers.

Supporters of Measure A have received threatening phone calls, had their driveways blocked by trucks, and been nearly run off the road. One person wrote on the social app NextDoor that people who support Measure A should move away because they aren't wanted here. And that businesses should refuse to serve them. A man gathering signatures for the initiative was confronted by a grower who said “Dude! We own this county and there's nothing you or anyone else can do about that!“

This intimidation is one reason individuals and environmental groups are not publicly taking a stand. However, I know many resource managers, scientists and long-time environmentalists who will vote Yes on Measure A. I urge you to do the same. — Diane Higgins, McKinleyville