A judge has temporarily barred a marijuana dispensary from operating across the street from Lincoln High School in Riverside.
Riverside County Superior Court Judge Sunshine Sykes ruled Dec. 19 that the business, Presidential Collective, must stay closed until Jan. 20, when a hearing is set to consider a permanent closure.
However, the dispensary reopened Dec. 22 and the city plans to ask the judge Tuesday, Dec. 27, to appoint a receiver to take possession of the property and remove the occupants, Deputy City Attorney Aaron Chandler said.
City officials say the business at 2790 14th St. violates the states health and safety code prohibiting dispensaries within 600 feet of a school.
California voters approved marijuana for medical purposes in 1996 and in November for recreational use. Riversides municipal code bars such establishments in all areas.
Regardless of the recently passed ballot measure, Prop. 64, theyre in violation of state law, Chandler said.
The Riverside Unified School District backs the citys efforts to close the dispensary, which was the scene of an armed robbery in late November during which thieves allegedly stole up to $175,000 in cash and other items, Chandler said.
Its does alarm us, said board member Tom Hunt. Were saying, Please enforce the law.
The dispensary started operating sometime before May across the street from Lincoln, an alternative school for students behind in credits.
In addition to suing to shut down the facility, the city issued several citations and notices against the business including alleged unauthorized wiring and making alterations to a building without permits. The city imposed fines of $1,000 per day, plus administrative costs. So far, the city hasnt collected any of the money, totaling about $30,000, because the property owners attorney has been cooperative and tried to evict the tenants, Chandler said.
However, due to the failure of the business to comply with the judges order, the city will ask that the operators be forced to pay at an administrative hearing set for Jan. 5, he said.
Theodore Theodosiadis, the attorney for the property owner, Kekico, Inc., declined comment. Business owner Thomas Naemi could not be reached.
A marijuana dispensary near a school doesnt send a good message to kids who are disciplined for having drugs on campus, said Tim Walker, Riverside Unifieds assistant superintendent for pupil services.
It brings in all manner of individuals who will be frequenting that location, Walker said.
Nicole Jacobson, a senior at Lincoln, was surprised to hear of the robbery at the dispensary.
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Full Article: Judge Rules Against Marijuana Dispensary Near Riverside School
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