SQUIDFRY 03.08.18: High Times

HIGH TIMES… Squid doesn’t make a habit of keeping cannabis inside Squid’s jalopy (it makes Squid feel sleepy), but Squid knows quite a few folks who do. Consider this an official cephalopod PSA: While cannabis is now legal in California, it’s still illegal under federal law, and federal law supersedes state law on federal lands. Locally, such places include the Presidio of Monterey, the Ord Military Community (and General Jim Moore Boulevard, which runs right through it) and La Mesa Village Housing Area.

Monterey Peninsula mayors, city managers and police chiefs recently met with Col. Lawrence Brown, garrison commander for the Presidio, and Col. Phillip J. Deppert, commandant of theDefense Language Institute. Pacific Grove Mayor Bill Kampe outlined the discussion in a report to City Council. The Army colonels, he said, told city leaders that anyone transporting cannabis “may be subject to arrest and confiscation of their vehicle.”

Alarmed that some friends of Mary Jane could unwittingly wander onto federal property and lose their rides – not to mention their weed – Squid’s colleague checked in with Maj. Anne Hsieh, criminal law attorney for the Presidio. Hsieh’s interpretation is slightly less dramatic. “Seizing a vehicle is not something typically we do,” she says. “Our intent is to be good neighbors.”

The Presidio is sending letters to all Monterey County dispensaries about the jurisdiction conundrum, along with maps to help them steer clear. It might mean taking the scenic route, but Squid knows just the way to unwind when you get home.

LOW ROAD… When Squid thinks about making a big purchase, Squid starts researching: What’s the best product, for the best price? Is there a company that makes the product locally? And does Squid even need it?

Some local officials appear allergic to such analysis, particularly if it involves Eastside Parkway, the controversial proposed road that would bisect oak woodlands in Fort Ord. TheTransportation Agency for Monterey County’s Todd Muck presented to the Fort Ord Reuse Authority board on Feb. 9 showing the road would do next to nothing to alleviate traffic on Imjin Parkway or Highway 68.

Fast-forward to TAMC’s Feb. 28 board meeting, when Gary Cursio of the Monterey County Hospitality Association expressed concern that Muck presented without the TAMC board’s review, and road opponents are using the analysis to influence the process. CSUMB presidentEduardo Ochoa echoed Cursio’s concerns, saying the analysis has “become a factor in the political process.” He suggested formulating a policy so that such presentations must first be reviewed by the TAMC board.

After all, Squid couldn’t help but hear them thinking out loud, it would be a shame for objective analysis to get in the way of politics.