"Seattle may license, regulate medical pot shops"

Chris Grygiel (seattlepi.com):

Left in the lurch by a gubernatorial veto, the Seattle City Council this week will begin attempts to license and regulate the growing medical marijuana industry here.

Earlier this year the state Legislature passed a medical marijuana bill, but Gov. Chris Gregoire vetoed most of it. The governor said she worried the legislation put state workers at risk of federal prosecution. Evergreen State voters approved legalizing medical marijuana in 1998. Washington is one of 15 states which allows marijuana use for medical purposes, but the federal government does not recognize any medicinal use for cannabis.

On Wednesday at 2 p.m., the City Council's Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture Committee will consider an ordinance from Councilman Nick Licata establishing rules for medical pot shops. They would have to obtain a business license, pay taxes and fees and meet city land use codes. MORE...

Howie P.S.: Someone said "Pot is the new gay."

"Should the viaduct trees be saved?"

The Alaskan Way Viaduct is buffered by trees in this photo taken Tuesday. An effort is under way to preserve the trees when the structure is torn down and replaced by a tunnel.

Larry Lange (seattlepi.com):

If the Alaskan Way Viaduct is torn down and replaced by a tunnel, at least one public official thinks the trees alongside the viaduct ought to be left standing near the central waterfront.

The city has a policy of trying to preserve its steadily disappearing canopy of trees and City Councilman Nick Licata thinks the viaduct trees shouldn't be any exception, even if they're around construction work. He's exploring the possibility with the city's forestry commission, a recent entity created to consider how to preserve the city's disappearing tree canopy.

"I don't see why not," he said of his idea. "If you put in a new viaduct you probably couldn't save them but if you're tearing one down (as planned), I don't see a problem," Licata said. MORE...

"Hannah Winters: El Puerco Lloron I-1068" (photos)

Hannah Winters (Picasa Web), photos.

Today in Seattle: "Norman Goldman and Nick Licata Fundraiser for I-1068 to Legalize MJ"

The Norman Goldman Show:

Date: Thursday, April 29, 2010
Time: 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: El Puerco Lloron in the Pike Market Hillclimb
Street: 1501 Western Ave
City/Town: Seattle, WA

Norman Goldman is co-hosting a fundraiser with Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata benefitting I-1068.

Please join Norm and Nick and support I-1068!

Suggested donation is $100 (fabulous food included!), but donations in all amounts are appreciated. All donations benefit the grassroots campaign that is I-1068.

I-1068 is a homegrown effort to remove criminal and civil penalties for the possession of marijuana. This November, Washington, Oregon and California voters will all be voting to legalize, and polling is very high.

You can RSVP here.

Howie P.S.: Norman is promising to talk about I-1068 on his show today (3pm-6pm Pacific) airing live and online in Seattle on AM1090.

"Norman Goldman and Nick Licata Fundraiser for I-1068 to Legalize MJ"

Sensible Washington:

Date: Thursday, April 29, 2010
Time: 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: El Puerco Lloron in the Pike Market Hillclimb
Street: 1501 Western Ave http://www.elpuercolloron.com/directions/directions.htm
City/Town: Seattle, WA

Norman Goldman, the nationally syndicated talk show host, who airs locally on Seattle Progressive AM 1090, is co-hosting a fundraiser with Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata benefitting I-1068.

Please join Norm and Nick and support I-1068!

Suggested donation is $100 (fabulous food included!), but donations in all amounts are appreciated. All donations benefit the grassroots campaign that is I-1068.

I-1068 is a homegrown effort to remove criminal and civil penalties for the possession of marijuana. This November, Washington, Oregon and California voters will all be voting to legalize, and polling is very high.

Howie P.S.: You can RSVP here.