BPOA Supporters, We need your help

Dear BPOA Supporter,
I hope this note finds you well. I am writing on behalf of the Benicia Police Officers Association in regard to the proposal to allow for commercial marijuana dispensaries in Benicia.

Benicia is a diverse, inclusive, family-friendly community with a small-town feel. We don’t take our blessings for granted, and we fear the addition of marijuana dispensaries would change our neighborhoods for the worse.

Benicia police officers oppose the retail sale of marijuana because we believe strongly that the consequences of entering this business far outweigh the potential benefits. We are specifically concerned about increases in crime around the proposed and the city resources needed to administer this program. Many neighboring cities — including Fairfield, Antioch, Brentwood and Pittsburg — have declined to allow commercial dispensaries for these same reasons.

As our police chief has pointed out, marijuana still has a “high resell value” and that dispensaries and delivery would be “a target of violence.” Indeed, there is a history of armed robberies at cannabis dispensaries in the Bay Area, including several armed robberies in Berkeley.

The City Council is considering approving commercial marijuana sales at is meeting next Tuesday, December 19th. I’m reaching out to you in hopes that you will join us in opposition.

Will you come out and show your support at the Benicia City Council Chambers 250 East L Street, Benicia on December 19th, 2017 at 7 p.m.?

Sincerely,

Ted Criado

Benicia Police Officers’ Association President

If you can’t make the meeting, you are encouraged to share your thoughts with the city council over email:

Mayor Elizabeth Patterson (EPatterson@ci.benicia.ca.us);

Vice Mayor Steve Young (SYoung@ci.benicia.ca.us)

Councilman Alan Schwartzman (ASchwartzman@ci.benicia.ca.us)

Councilman Mark Hughes (MHughes@ci.benicia.ca.us)

Councilman Tom Campbell (TCampbell@ci.benicia.ca.us)

CC: City Attorney: Heather McLaughlin (Heather.McLaughlin@ci.benicia.ca.us)

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