URGENT: Help downgrade the classification of marijuana possession in California

[DdC]

From: state@mpp.org
Subject: URGENT: Help downgrade the classification of marijuana possession in California
Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2003 15:17:39 -0400 (EDT)
==================== ==================== ==========
Please distribute this memo widely. Forward to family and friends who
live in California, or ask them to visit http://www.mpp.org/CA
==================== ==================== ==========
TO: California residents*

FROM: Larry Sandell, MPP assistant director of state policies

DATE: Friday, September 12, 2003

SUBJECT: Help downgrade the classification of marijuana possession in California
==================== ==================== ==========
Yesterday, September 11, S.B. 131 failed on the Assembly floor by a vote of 36 to 36. In order to pass, the bill must receive at least 41 votes. However, many assembly members did not vote on S.B. 131 yesterday, and if we can convince enough of them to vote for it, the bill will be brought up for reconsideration today.

If passed, this bill will lower the classification of marijuana possession (for less than one ounce) from a misdemeanor to a criminal infraction for the first offense.

Today is the last day of the legislative session, and it has already begun, so this is our very last chance to pass this bill ... and we need your help.

Please take five minutes -- right now -- to call at least one legislator on the list below, especially if one of them is your assembly member. (You can look up your legislators at http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/acsframeset9text.htm .) Urge him or her to vote for S.B. 131. Let each member know that the Judicial Council supports this bill because it would save the state of California large amounts money and time that is currently wasted on court proceedings for marijuana possession cases.

Below are the targeted legislators who are most likely to give a crucial "yes" vote:

Assemblywoman Rebecca Cohn (D) of San Jose, Saratoga (calls from Santa Cruz & SLO are encouraged)
916-319-2024

Assemblyman Lou Correa (D) of Anaheim, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, OC
916-319-2069

Assemblyman Manny Diaz (D) of San Jose
916-319-2023

Assemblyman Dario Frommer (D) of LA, North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale
916-319-2043

Assemblywoman Barbara Matthews (D) of Tracy, Stockton, Merced, Newman, Atwater
916-319-2017

Assemblywoman Cindy Montaez (D) of San Fernando, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Panorama City, Sun Valley, Sylmar
916-319-2039

Assemblyman George Nakano (D) of Los Angeles, Venice, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Lomita
916-319-2053

Assemblywoman Nichole Parra (D) of Bakersfield, Wasco, Coalinga, Dinuba, Kingsburg
916-319-2030

Assemblywoman Sara Reyes (D) of Fresno, Sanger
916-319-2031

Assemblyman Simon Salinas (D) of Salinas, Monterey, Santa Cara, San Benito, Santa Cruz
916-319-2028

Please take five minutes and pick up the phone right now! Thank you for making a difference!
==================== ==================== ==========
HOW TO SUPPORT THE MARIJUANA POLICY PROJECT

MPP's state legislative alerts service is funded entirely by the contributions of MPP allies and members nationwide. If you find MPP's state legislative alerts service helpful, please consider making a donation at: http://www.mpp.org/MoneyForStates

Because MPP devotes 100% of its efforts toward influencing public policy, contributions are not tax-deductible. However, the above link also provides a way to make a tax-deductible donation.
==================== ==================== ==========
*If you live outside of California, please reply with your city and state or zip code so that we can send you alerts that are of local interest. To completely unsubscribe from MPP's lists, simply e-mail us with the word REMOVE in the subject line. Thank you.