Measure K doesn't change much in Santa Cruz February 12, 2007 - santacruzsentinel.com
SANTA CRUZ — More than two months after Measure K took effect, Santa Cruz police say nothing has changed in their day-to-day operations as a result of the new law that made adult marijuana crimes the lowest law enforcement priority in the city.
Marijuana arrests, usually connected to more serious crimes, are still taking place. But many local leaders agree marijuana has never been a major priority for police unless associated with other serious or violent crime. A review of nearly 270 marijuana citations in 2005, the most recent numbers available, showed only one case in which Measure K would have been applicable, police spokesman Zach Friend said.
"Nothing's changed, and nothing will change," he said.
But the city is beginning to make other changes to implement the requirements of Measure K, which was passed by Santa Cruz voters in November.
President George W. Bush and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger soon will be receiving letters from city leaders in support of legalizing marijuana. The letters are mandatory under Measure K.
In addition to annual letters favoring the legalization of marijuana sent to state and federal lawmakers, the law mandates the city form a citizen's oversight committee to keep tabs on all marijuana-related arrests and citations in Santa Cruz.
Under the law, Santa Cruz police are not allowed to testify in marijuana-related court cases and they're prohibited from accepting federal funds to make marijuana busts, which City Attorney John Barisone has said is a legal conflict. Police say it's rare to receive federal money to fight marijuana crimes anyhow.
The oversight committee is in the formation stage. So far, no applications have been turned in, City Clerk Leslie Cook said.
Measure K requires the oversight committee be up and running by mid-March, which is 100 days after the election was certified by the City Council.
"We're doing everything we can to comply with the letter of the law," Mayor Emily Reilly said. "Things are moving along within the time frame given to us by the ordinance"
The committee will be made up of city residents appointed by the council, in addition to a representative from the police department and county District Attorney's Office as non-voting liaisons.
The committee will design a supplemental report form for police to use in reporting all adult marijuana arrests and seizures, and all instances of officers assisting state and federal officers in local marijuana busts.
The committee must make semi-annual reports to the council.
City leaders worry the committee might become an added burden to the staff.
Councilwoman Cynthia Mathews called the committee and its work "a completely new and labor-intensive reporting form"
"It has created more of an administrative burden," Assistant City Manager Martin Bernal said. "Those resources could be better spent on other higher priority things in the city"
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