Proposition 19, a ballot initiative that would have legalized recreational marijuana use in California, was defeated by popular vote in the 2010 midterm election.
humblog
How much green are we talking here?
In October 2009, the California State Board of Equalization estimated legalizing marijuana could bring the struggling state $1.4 billion in taxes each year. That figure has been touted all over the media and is included in the current pro-Proposition 19 argument in the state’s official voter guide. But almost a year later, the Board’s gone back and looked at their math–and now, they’re saying something quite different.
According to a BOE report dated September 20, 2010, the Board is unable to estimate possible revenue from the measure–they just flat out don’t know how much money legalizing marijuana would make for the state.
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rezlab
Civilian police oversight and marijuana cultivation were the major issues at play at the Oakland city council’s public safety committee meeting yesterday afternoon.
The atmosphere was less grim than the previous committee meeting two weeks ago, but the 500-pound gorilla of the federally-mandated reforms of the Oakland Police Department hung over the first part of the hearing, a presentation of the Civilian Police Review Board’s annual report for 2009.
The CPRB is an independent city agency charged with investigating complaints filed by citizens against Oakland police officers (OPD’s Internal Affairs Division also probes complaints filed directly with the department). CPRB investigators will interview officers, complainants and witnesses on the scene to determine whether a complaint has merit or is invalid. However, the CPRB does not have any role in meting out discipline to police officers – it can only file recommendations with the chief of police. Continue reading →
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Alameda County judges race Offers two very different candidates–and not just because one is transgender. (Inside Bay Area)
Obama drug-policy adviser says the administration opposes marijuana legalization and isn’t big on medical marijuana “Marijuana cannot be the one exception in history of the world that doesn’t go through a scientific process to be approved as medicine” (billingsgazette.com)
Salinas gets visit from marijuana-friendly ‘Cowboy’ Ex-police officer from Fort Worth rallies ‘yes’ votes on horseback. (thecalifornian.com)
US law enforcement looking to change the rules on online eavesdropping Privacy groups protest. (Inside Bay Area)
Freed US hiker meets with president of Iran Two Americans accused of spying remain in Iranian prison. (Inside Bay Area)
Judge suspends prosecution of Phillip Garrido Lawyer says she doubts accused kidnapper and sex offender is competent to stand trial. (blogs.sacbee.com)
Kamala Harris for California attorney general The Chronicle backs the SF District Attorney, citing her pledge to stop the revolving door to prison. (San Francisco Chronicle)
SEIU says “Yes” on Prop 19 Which prompts scolding from Governor Schwarzenegger (blogs.sacbee.com)
Snuff out marijuana legalization measure LA Times makes the case against Prop 19 in their ‘No’ endorsement. Says its an “invitation to chaos.” (LA Times)
Alcohol industry ponies up against Prop. 19 California Beer and Beverage Distributors donated $10K to the No campaign last week. (Political Blotter – Politics in the Bay Area)
Latest study reveals high rates of sexual violence at two California prisons But CDCR officials don’t agree. (caivn.org)
How should we best tackle gangs? Former NYC mayor Giuliani says it’s a job for the feds. (google.com)
New iris-scan technology could replace fingerprints A border checkpoint in Texas is testing the identification method. (policeone.com)
Appeals Court Overturns Arson Conviction For Accused Eco-Terrorist The 9th Circuit says Oakland violin teacher and accused anarchist was denied a fair trial. (SF Appeal)
Declaring San Bruno Fire ‘Crime Scene’ The somewhat odd decision meant the media couldn’t come close. (blogs.sfweekly.com)
Sonoma County’s agricultural commissioner arrested And allegedly tackled to the ground while attempting to flee a DUI test. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Speaking of running from the law A debate on the legacy of Billy the Kid–should he be pardoned? (NPR)
New U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag to bring different priorities to Northern California office Expect more emphasis on white collar crimes. (The San Jose Mercury News)
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