El Dorado County has made it clear at today's hearing on the appeal of the Treasurer/Tax Collector's refusal to renew MMCA's business license that it wasn't just about renewing our business license, but rather, they showed that they were systematically denying the voters of California due process and fairness and that they intend to continue to deny due process to the sick people of this county by not allowing "dispensaries" anywhere in the county. Board member Norma Santiago raised the question as to whether striking all reference in county code to "dispensaries" intended to preclude the dispensing of all medicines. County staff assured Ms. Santiago that the adjustment in county code was only meant to target the dispensing of marijuana.

Only Norma Santiago voted to uphold our appeal while the rest of the board voted against renewing our business license. What's next? Now Matt Vaughn, glaucoma patient, sues El Dorado County as a patient denied due process, equal protection, free association, etc. I'll seek a temporary restraining order. And the lawsuit will, also, be about more than MMCA's business license. It will be about patient access everywhere in this county - If my eyes start hurting in South Lake Tahoe, I'm going to make sure that there is access. If skaters can have a skate park, the county will be made to provide FACILITIES all over this county for the safe and affordable access of medical marijuana.

Thank you all for your support. I know that BOS meetings aren't very easy to attend in the middle of a business day and I heard the prayers of all that could not make it. I will continue to provide safe access. If the county wants to turn this into a criminal issue, they know where to find me.