The Hook Outlet cannabis dispensary, through a partnership with WAMM Phyotherapies, will be able to open at the old Emily’s Bakery location at Mission and Laurel streets following months of community uproar over its proximity to two schools.
Hook Outlet Mission Street
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz dispensary decision pits city’s past against anxieties about its future
The Wo/Men’s Alliance for Medical Marijuana, a local nonprofit with a bold past, seeks a commercial lifeline through a partnership with The Hook Outlet. However, the proposal has caused friction with the local school district. On Tuesday, the Santa Cruz City Council will have to balance the vestiges of the city’s counterculture against the anxieties of parents.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Laird: It’s a ‘simple act of fairness’ to approve cannabis dispensary at former Emily’s Bakery site
Despite school officials’ opposition, state Sen. John Laird supports the creation of a cannabis dispensary at the former Emily’s Bakery in Santa Cruz. In a Community Voices opinion piece, he outlines his reasoning and his historical connection to some of the partners in the project.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Keeley’s cannabis pause falls flat with Santa Cruz City Council, business community
With an eye on the upcoming Hook Outlet hearing, Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley wanted to pause all cannabis permitting decisions for 45 days so officials could reassess city policies. Santa Cruz cannabis operators and city councilmembers said the move was the wrong approach.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Big week in Santa Cruz County politics: E-bikes, West Cliff, cannabis and coastal property sale
Budgets, a vision for a one-way West Cliff Drive, a cannabis moratorium and e-bike restrictions: Political leaders at multiple levels of government in Santa Cruz County have their hands full this week.
Posted inLatest News
Keeley proposes moratorium on new cannabis businesses in Santa Cruz amid Hook Outlet debate
On Tuesday, Mayor Fred Keeley will ask the city council to adopt a temporary emergency ordinance that would impose at least a 45-day moratorium on the establishment of new commercial cannabis businesses in the city of Santa Cruz. Keeley said the moratorium will give the city a chance to “step back” and study its existing cannabis laws around everything from dispensary distance from schools, tax rates and delivery laws, to security and licensure.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
My new Santa Cruz dispensary will not endanger kids; it meets all laws, and prioritizes community and responsible cannabis use
Bryce Berryessa, who is trying to open a cannabis dispensary in Santa Cruz at Mission and Laurel streets, pushes back against school administrators trying to block his business from opening because it is close to schools. He says he has complied with all laws, has worked to open for more than a year and has been considerate of school requests about signage. “It is disingenuous of school board members to say they support legal cannabis while actively and aggressively advocating for a policy that would put us out of business,” he writes.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Westside dispensary moves forward, local companies named top green tech businesses, search for new Open Studios leader
In this week’s roundup of Santa Cruz County business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on a cannabis dispensary proposed for the former Emily’s Bakery location, local companies making a green tech splash and other notes, numbers and events.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Cannabis dispensaries don’t belong near schools: We are Santa Cruz’s educational leaders and we are worried for our kids
Kris Munro, Santa Cruz City Schools superintendent, and Faris Sabbah, Santa Cruz County superintendent of schools, believe a proposal to put a cannabis dispensary close to local schools is a mistake and could be detrimental to students’ health and safety. They urge city planning commissioners to reject the proposal Thursday and they urge city leaders to “reevaluate current zoning regulations and expand designated areas where dispensaries are prohibited near schools.”