The Compassionate Coalition

Great Demonstration in Van Nuys Yesterday!
Tue, May 1, 2007

Yesterday close to 200 patients, providers, and advocates took to the streets in front of the LAPD Van Nuys Police Station to demonstrate against the LAPD’s absurd assault on The Karma Collective. It was in incredible turnout for a Monday with only Friday’s notice. Because the LAPD claimed the edibles they found inside Karma Collective were illegal, activists chanted “Make No Mistake, We’ll Still Bake! Make No Mistake, We’ll Still Bake!” and held signs that read “Cannabis to Eat, Eat to Live” and “Let Them Eat Cake!”

At one point the crowd dumped hundred of edibles in front of the police station to demonstrate how insignificant the M&M Cookies and fudge brownies truly were. It was only apropos for the patients to eat the edibles in an act of Civil Disobedience too! At one point, the crowd sent a representative into the Police Station to ask for a representative of the LAPD to come out and explain exactly how edibles are illegal. The LAPD declined.

When the mass of demonstrators were done in front of the Police Station, they marched the entire length of the Erwin St Mall, past the Criminal Courthouse, past the DEA in the Korman Federal Building, all the way to Van Nuys Blvd. While marching across Van Nuys Blvd, numerous motorists and pedestrians voiced the opposition to the LAPD’s actions as well.

It is amazing to see the outpouring of support from the community. All the collectives and advocates who put their day on hold to come out to the demonstration deserve a huge amount of thanks.

There are three public hearing over today, Tuesday and Wednesday where every patient can go and voice their opposition to what has been happening. Please go to www.ASAaction.org now to see how you can get involved this week!

In Solidarity,

Chris Fusco
LA County Field Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access
www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org
www.ASAaction.org