Thursday, February 23, 2006
PROTECTING THE INTEREST OF THE DRUG COMPANIES AGAINST MEDICAL MARIJUANA
PUBLISHED IN "THE CALIFORNIAN" 23 FEBRUARY 2006 - COMMUNITY FORUM
JEFF STONE SHOULD WORRY ABOUT THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, NOT THE DRUG COMPANIES & MEDICAL MARIJUANA. AS MY BEST FRIEND SAID, JEFF STONE IS NOT THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY!
Much better choices than marijuana for medical uses
By: JEFF STONE - Proposition 215, "The Compassionate Use of Marijuana Initiative," has placed local government in a legal and ethical quandary.
The ethical quandary that I have as a pharmacist is allowing lay people to open dispensaries for profit and supply marijuana to people without any quality control over what's dispensed or accountability to those being dispensed this potent drug. Can we ensure that marijuana is pure and unadulterated?
THE REST OF THE ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT THE INCLUDED LINK. OR, PUT THIS URL IN YOUR BROWSER: http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/02/23/opinion/commentary/18_29_082_22_06.txt
I WAS MORE INTERESTED IN WHAT OTHERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THIS "COMMUNITY FORUM" LETTER BY JEFF STONE.
Comments On This Story
Patrick wrote on February 23, 2006 12:32 PM:"Well said Jim!! Jeff Stone is a purveyor of dangerous drugs that kill more people than all "illegal" drugs combined. His conflict of interest is far too apparent. "Puzzeled", trust me, when you are dying, smoke is the last thing on your mind. Get a grip. You inhale far more toxic waste sitting in your car waiting in traffic on the 5! The facts are plain and simple, Jeff has a vested interest in the pharmaceutical business, why would he want to endanger that??"
Paul wrote on February 23, 2006 11:18 AM:"Stone was elected County Supervisor -- he was not voted into office to be the County Pharmacist. Most drug studies rely on patient feedback as well as scientific data, but Stone would pick and choose only the information that supports his argument -- and protects his source of income. Stone has many masters, from his pharmaceutical oath of practice to his oath of office to represent the will of his constituents. From the volume of feedback, a majority of his constituents supported the compassionate use of a natural drug for medicinal purposes when they approved Proposition 215 and still support its controlled use for that purpose today. In this case, Stone appears to be representing his own private pharmacy practice. What about that ethical quandary? Also, numerous stories show drug use decreasing among teens since prop 215 won voter approval. Another Stone postulation goes up in smoke."
Puzzled wrote on February 23, 2006 10:19 AM:"Let me get this straight in my own mind... Your already sick? And you want to ingest smoke? And that will make you feel better? You have no idea how much of THC you actually ingesting? But, you don't care about that? All you know is, it makes you feel better. But smoking make you feel better? Have you tried smoking other things? Have they made you feel better? If not, why not? Have you even tried any of the drugs Mr. Stone has suggested? Have they helped? Just one more thing.... Smoking makes you feel better? Ingesting smoke makes you feel better? Oh, one more thing... Why do you want to involve some one else? You already know where to get it, right?"
Jim wrote on February 23, 2006 10:01 AM:"Jeff - If you are so concerned about people getting quality medical cannabis then you should work to get cannabis reclassified as a schedule II drug under the 'Controlled Substances Act'. Then it could be distributed through regular pharmacies. You won't because cannabis (as a unpatentable natural herb) is a threat to pharmaceutical industry profits. Besides you aren't a doctor and have no business interjecting yourself between the doctor/patient relationship. You also don't make a very good constitutional scholar or you'd know that the 'supremacy clause' doesn't give the federal government the right to run roughshod over states rights, read the 10th Amendment. You should find another profession because you don't make a very good county supervisor either. Get a life and leave sick and dying Californians alone!"
rsteeb wrote on February 23, 2006 9:08 AM:"Whether Mr. Stone's pharmacy offers alternatives to cannabis is irrelevant. There is no moral authority to discourage ANY responsible adult use of cannabis in a nation with thriving tobacco and alcohol industries. Yes, Federal law is in conflict with California law, and a growing number of other enlightened states. Cannabis should be removed from the 1970 Controlled Substances Act entirely."
Gimmeabreak wrote on February 23, 2006 8:56 AM:"This guy is ridiculous. If he knew anything about medication, he would know why Marinol is absolutlely not enough. It is a poor substitute for marjuana, which has 60 active cannabinoids. Moreover, try getting someone on chemo to swallow the marinol pill. Even if its not the best option, why imprison people who use marijuana. People like Jeff Stone really anger me. "
Jeff wrote on February 23, 2006 8:29 AM:"Jeff Stone is a Riverside County Supervisor. He's following the pattern of grandstanding set by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Jeff has plenty of real issues to address that are critically important to Riverside County. Apparently he has nothing of importance to say about them."
Vryht wrote on February 23, 2006 1:44 AM:"There is a reason Jeff Stone is no longer a doctor....he is really bad at it. An informed doctor KNOWS there are no antinausea medications that have mild side effects. THAT is why he trailed off on the topic instead of listing them. COMPAZINE is related to the drug THORIZINE. It makes a person groggy, confused, and they usually sleep for hours. A real doctor would have known that. Then he mentions megestrol side effects from megestrol are increased appetite and weight gain swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs increased sugar level in the blood headache breast tenderness impotence decreased sexual desire increase in blood pressure nausea or vomiting dizziness weakness leg pain breathing discomfort unusual bleeding or bruising rapid heartbeat chest pain cough sore throat weakness or numbness of an arm or leg sharp, crushing chest pain or heaviness in chest sudden shortness of breath severe mental depression unusual bruising or bleeding Again a real doctor would have known that. Then he posts a spasticity "claim", I say "claim" because I can easilly Google that he ignores ALL current data. Sativex, a WHOLE PLANT EXTRACT of Marijuana has not only THC but very beneficial cannabinoids that have been found ESSENTIAL for relief. Marinol only contains just THC. And being a pill is hard to do when vomiting. Plus the pill is a fixed dosage. You take it a zoom, baked and useless for hours. With self medicated inhaled medicine people can take just enough to relieve nausea or whatever symptom and stop. Basically the article sounded like the writing of a politician that is sucking up to law enforcement and Republicans. Not one based on any science or even enough compassion for patients to do detailed research. Something a REAL doctor would do. "
Eric Widener wrote on February 23, 2006 1:06 AM:"As a cannabis activist, and a medical marijuana patient, after reading this I am simply speechless. Scare-tactics and plain lies."
wow wrote on February 23, 2006 12:54 AM:"If I chose to medicate myself with a cheaper and safer alternative to pharmacueticals, that's my business and nobody elses! Especially not the person/greedy pharmacy owner who stands to lose the most money by my [and a LOT of people like me] decision. An elected oficial who is a pharmacist is not going to represent a partisan approach to politics. It's time to say we've had enough of these attacks from greedy old school and narrow minded politicians. Who in the world do they think they are representing? "
Just for Laffs wrote on February 22, 2006 10:05 PM:"Stone talks of two quandries he faces in this issue, ethical and legal. He may be speaking from both sides of his face.He tells us, "The legal quandary that I face as a public official ---- sworn to uphold the laws of local, state, and federal government ---- is that state and federal law conflict," and then adds, "Under California law, pharmacists must observe the stricter of state or federal law." Noting that Jeff was a pharmacist before being a politician, and that his professional career pays far better than the two small stakes political gigs he has toyed with thus far, it becomes apparent that his bigger concern is not the following the law, but following the money. In his own words, "State law allows medical marijuana to be cultivated, dispensed, and used for medicinal purposes...". Cultivation of marijuana eliminates the pharmasist from the money chain, leaving Jeff a thrid quandry... a personal financial quandry. "
CONFLICT OF INTEREST wrote on February 22, 2006 8:11 PM:"Could anybody have more of a conflict of interest on the Board than this guy? You aren't VOTING are you? Your bias speaks clearly. You are supposed to be representing the voters that placed you in office, NOT your own wallet! You are brainwashed by your pharmaceutical pals. If you were really concerned about ETHICS, you wouldn't be trying to stop dying people from getting help. YOUR DRUGS are KILLING PEOPLE. What have you done to stop that?"
John wrote on February 22, 2006 7:46 PM:"Damn the marijuana laws. Pharmacists like this have tunnel vision. They can't think outside of the regulatory quagmire of modern medicine and the ethical conflicts of interest that make pharmaceuticals a huge business. Profits, prejudice and political expediency with a dab of puritanical ideology - the perfect prescription for tyranny. So I ask Dr. Stone... is imprisoning the sick and dying to force them not to use medical marijuana effective health policy? I think the good doc has lost his soul and doesn't even know it slipped away."
JEFF STONE SHOULD WORRY ABOUT THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, NOT THE DRUG COMPANIES & MEDICAL MARIJUANA. AS MY BEST FRIEND SAID, JEFF STONE IS NOT THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY!
Much better choices than marijuana for medical uses
By: JEFF STONE - Proposition 215, "The Compassionate Use of Marijuana Initiative," has placed local government in a legal and ethical quandary.
The ethical quandary that I have as a pharmacist is allowing lay people to open dispensaries for profit and supply marijuana to people without any quality control over what's dispensed or accountability to those being dispensed this potent drug. Can we ensure that marijuana is pure and unadulterated?
THE REST OF THE ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT THE INCLUDED LINK. OR, PUT THIS URL IN YOUR BROWSER: http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/02/23/opinion/commentary/18_29_082_22_06.txt
I WAS MORE INTERESTED IN WHAT OTHERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THIS "COMMUNITY FORUM" LETTER BY JEFF STONE.
Comments On This Story
Patrick wrote on February 23, 2006 12:32 PM:"Well said Jim!! Jeff Stone is a purveyor of dangerous drugs that kill more people than all "illegal" drugs combined. His conflict of interest is far too apparent. "Puzzeled", trust me, when you are dying, smoke is the last thing on your mind. Get a grip. You inhale far more toxic waste sitting in your car waiting in traffic on the 5! The facts are plain and simple, Jeff has a vested interest in the pharmaceutical business, why would he want to endanger that??"
Paul wrote on February 23, 2006 11:18 AM:"Stone was elected County Supervisor -- he was not voted into office to be the County Pharmacist. Most drug studies rely on patient feedback as well as scientific data, but Stone would pick and choose only the information that supports his argument -- and protects his source of income. Stone has many masters, from his pharmaceutical oath of practice to his oath of office to represent the will of his constituents. From the volume of feedback, a majority of his constituents supported the compassionate use of a natural drug for medicinal purposes when they approved Proposition 215 and still support its controlled use for that purpose today. In this case, Stone appears to be representing his own private pharmacy practice. What about that ethical quandary? Also, numerous stories show drug use decreasing among teens since prop 215 won voter approval. Another Stone postulation goes up in smoke."
Puzzled wrote on February 23, 2006 10:19 AM:"Let me get this straight in my own mind... Your already sick? And you want to ingest smoke? And that will make you feel better? You have no idea how much of THC you actually ingesting? But, you don't care about that? All you know is, it makes you feel better. But smoking make you feel better? Have you tried smoking other things? Have they made you feel better? If not, why not? Have you even tried any of the drugs Mr. Stone has suggested? Have they helped? Just one more thing.... Smoking makes you feel better? Ingesting smoke makes you feel better? Oh, one more thing... Why do you want to involve some one else? You already know where to get it, right?"
Jim wrote on February 23, 2006 10:01 AM:"Jeff - If you are so concerned about people getting quality medical cannabis then you should work to get cannabis reclassified as a schedule II drug under the 'Controlled Substances Act'. Then it could be distributed through regular pharmacies. You won't because cannabis (as a unpatentable natural herb) is a threat to pharmaceutical industry profits. Besides you aren't a doctor and have no business interjecting yourself between the doctor/patient relationship. You also don't make a very good constitutional scholar or you'd know that the 'supremacy clause' doesn't give the federal government the right to run roughshod over states rights, read the 10th Amendment. You should find another profession because you don't make a very good county supervisor either. Get a life and leave sick and dying Californians alone!"
rsteeb wrote on February 23, 2006 9:08 AM:"Whether Mr. Stone's pharmacy offers alternatives to cannabis is irrelevant. There is no moral authority to discourage ANY responsible adult use of cannabis in a nation with thriving tobacco and alcohol industries. Yes, Federal law is in conflict with California law, and a growing number of other enlightened states. Cannabis should be removed from the 1970 Controlled Substances Act entirely."
Gimmeabreak wrote on February 23, 2006 8:56 AM:"This guy is ridiculous. If he knew anything about medication, he would know why Marinol is absolutlely not enough. It is a poor substitute for marjuana, which has 60 active cannabinoids. Moreover, try getting someone on chemo to swallow the marinol pill. Even if its not the best option, why imprison people who use marijuana. People like Jeff Stone really anger me. "
Jeff wrote on February 23, 2006 8:29 AM:"Jeff Stone is a Riverside County Supervisor. He's following the pattern of grandstanding set by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Jeff has plenty of real issues to address that are critically important to Riverside County. Apparently he has nothing of importance to say about them."
Vryht wrote on February 23, 2006 1:44 AM:"There is a reason Jeff Stone is no longer a doctor....he is really bad at it. An informed doctor KNOWS there are no antinausea medications that have mild side effects. THAT is why he trailed off on the topic instead of listing them. COMPAZINE is related to the drug THORIZINE. It makes a person groggy, confused, and they usually sleep for hours. A real doctor would have known that. Then he mentions megestrol side effects from megestrol are increased appetite and weight gain swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs increased sugar level in the blood headache breast tenderness impotence decreased sexual desire increase in blood pressure nausea or vomiting dizziness weakness leg pain breathing discomfort unusual bleeding or bruising rapid heartbeat chest pain cough sore throat weakness or numbness of an arm or leg sharp, crushing chest pain or heaviness in chest sudden shortness of breath severe mental depression unusual bruising or bleeding Again a real doctor would have known that. Then he posts a spasticity "claim", I say "claim" because I can easilly Google that he ignores ALL current data. Sativex, a WHOLE PLANT EXTRACT of Marijuana has not only THC but very beneficial cannabinoids that have been found ESSENTIAL for relief. Marinol only contains just THC. And being a pill is hard to do when vomiting. Plus the pill is a fixed dosage. You take it a zoom, baked and useless for hours. With self medicated inhaled medicine people can take just enough to relieve nausea or whatever symptom and stop. Basically the article sounded like the writing of a politician that is sucking up to law enforcement and Republicans. Not one based on any science or even enough compassion for patients to do detailed research. Something a REAL doctor would do. "
Eric Widener wrote on February 23, 2006 1:06 AM:"As a cannabis activist, and a medical marijuana patient, after reading this I am simply speechless. Scare-tactics and plain lies."
wow wrote on February 23, 2006 12:54 AM:"If I chose to medicate myself with a cheaper and safer alternative to pharmacueticals, that's my business and nobody elses! Especially not the person/greedy pharmacy owner who stands to lose the most money by my [and a LOT of people like me] decision. An elected oficial who is a pharmacist is not going to represent a partisan approach to politics. It's time to say we've had enough of these attacks from greedy old school and narrow minded politicians. Who in the world do they think they are representing? "
Just for Laffs wrote on February 22, 2006 10:05 PM:"Stone talks of two quandries he faces in this issue, ethical and legal. He may be speaking from both sides of his face.He tells us, "The legal quandary that I face as a public official ---- sworn to uphold the laws of local, state, and federal government ---- is that state and federal law conflict," and then adds, "Under California law, pharmacists must observe the stricter of state or federal law." Noting that Jeff was a pharmacist before being a politician, and that his professional career pays far better than the two small stakes political gigs he has toyed with thus far, it becomes apparent that his bigger concern is not the following the law, but following the money. In his own words, "State law allows medical marijuana to be cultivated, dispensed, and used for medicinal purposes...". Cultivation of marijuana eliminates the pharmasist from the money chain, leaving Jeff a thrid quandry... a personal financial quandry. "
CONFLICT OF INTEREST wrote on February 22, 2006 8:11 PM:"Could anybody have more of a conflict of interest on the Board than this guy? You aren't VOTING are you? Your bias speaks clearly. You are supposed to be representing the voters that placed you in office, NOT your own wallet! You are brainwashed by your pharmaceutical pals. If you were really concerned about ETHICS, you wouldn't be trying to stop dying people from getting help. YOUR DRUGS are KILLING PEOPLE. What have you done to stop that?"
John wrote on February 22, 2006 7:46 PM:"Damn the marijuana laws. Pharmacists like this have tunnel vision. They can't think outside of the regulatory quagmire of modern medicine and the ethical conflicts of interest that make pharmaceuticals a huge business. Profits, prejudice and political expediency with a dab of puritanical ideology - the perfect prescription for tyranny. So I ask Dr. Stone... is imprisoning the sick and dying to force them not to use medical marijuana effective health policy? I think the good doc has lost his soul and doesn't even know it slipped away."
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN MENIFEE VALLEY
IF JEFF STONE WAS SO INTERESTED IN THE MENIFEE VALLEY, AND THE NEED TO "DEVELOP COMMERCIALLY", WHY IS HE AND THE OTHER RIVERSIDE COUNTY SUPERVISORS APPROVING AN APARTMENT COMPLEX IN A DESIGNATED COMMERCIAL ZONED AREA?????? (see my continued comments at the end of story).
Development could bring retail, restaurants and aquatic center to Menifee
By: BRIAN ECKHOUSE - Staff Writer - THE CALIFORNIAN
SUN CITY ---- A proposal to commercially develop a large tract of land fronting Interstate 215 just south of Newport Road would not only bring much needed large retail stores and restaurants to Menifee Valley, but could improve its chances to incorporate as a city, 3rd District Supervisor Jeff Stone told an audience of 130 on Wednesday night. In addition to two or three big box stores ---- possibly including a Home Depot ---- the 750,000-square-foot project, proposed the development firm, Donahue Schreiber, could have an aquatic center plus nine acres devoted to a town hall.
"We're trying to get a regional aquatic center," said Verne Lauritzen, Stone's chief of staff, in an interview during Wednesday's meeting. "We'd like to get an Olympic-size pool, but we're not sure we're going to be able to accomplish that."Webb Hall in Sun City hosted the meeting of the Menifee Valley Municipal Advisory Council, a five-member board appointed by Stone, who was the event's keynote speaker. Lauritzen said Stone hoped the pool at the aquatic center, which would be paid for by the developer, would have at least 9 to 14 lanes."That way, we could use it for some (local) clubs," he said. If a deal between the county and Donahue Schreiber can be reached, the development would boost sales and property tax dollars that could help the valley in its bid to incorporate. State law says a new city cannot be established if it hurts its home county financially. Unless there is a significant increase in its tax revenue base, Menifee Valley, including Sun City, would lack the financial base it would need as a city to pay for police and fire protection along with daily operating costs, according to a 2005 comprehensive financial analysis of the area conducted by consultant Economic & Planning Systems of Berkeley.
Currently, there are few big retail stores and supermarkets in the valley."We'd really accomplish two things: development (area residents) need, and provide facilities for the community," Lauritzen said of the proposed commercial development. "It's a huge, huge major project." Stone, who said he was "shocked" by the condition of Sun City's roads, also promised to have about a quarter of them repaved this year. He joked that there were "gardens" growing in some of the community's roads. The repavement project could cost $3 million, he said.
Other matters discussed at Wednesday night's meeting included the tending of abandoned buildings in Sun City and the status of Project LIFT, a Quail Valley-based center for low-income families. Resident Roald Schroeder of Sun City complained that abandoned buildings at Encanto Drive and McCall Boulevard have become a dumping ground. Stone said the county would clean it up.As for Project LIFT ---- which founder Rita Peters figured would be forced to close due to financial difficulties ---- Stone said he is optimistic the county could use community development block grant funds to buy the 2.1-acre site LIFT has leased. If a deal can be reached between the county and the Long Beach-based property owners, LIFT would be saved from closure, Stone said.
Contact staff writer Brian Eckhouse at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2626, or beckhouse@californian.com.
WATCHDOGS VIEW:
WHY BOTHER DEVELOPING THESE COMMERCIAL AND DOZENS OF NEW RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE MENIFEE VALLEY IF YOU CAN'T GET THERE, JEFF STONE??? WHEN BUILDER "PARDEE" STARTED THEIR MONSTER DEVELOPMENT IN LAKE ELSINORE "CANYON HILLS" IN 1990, THEY WERE REQUIRED TO DEVELOP RAILROAD CANYON ROAD FROM A RURAL TWO LANE ROAD TO A 4+/- LANE ROAD. COTTONWOOD CANYON IS RUINED FOREVER NOW WITH ALL THE BORING, OVERPRICED KB HOMES/PARDEE HOMES THAT ALL LOOK THE SAME.
AND NOW........... ANOTHER DEVELOPER WANTS TO ADD TO THE MADNESS, AND DEVELOP 260+ ACRES TO ADD TO THE CANYON HILLS DEVELOPMENT, AND TO THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE. GO AHEAD CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE, AND COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE - KISS KISS KISS UP TO THE DEVELOPER!!! YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT THE NEARBY RESIDENTS!
YOU CANNOT GET TO THE MENIFEE VALLEY FROM INTERSTATE-15 ON THESE RURAL 2 LANE ROADS IN DECENT TIME ANYMORE - NEWPORT ROAD (TAKES FOREVER, AND WHEN IT RAINS TOO MUCH - FORGET IT! UNPASSABLE AT SALT CREEK!) - BUNDY CANYON ROAD (TONS OF TRUCKS THAT CAN'T MAKE THE HILLS OVER 45 MPH SLOWS EVERYONE UP). A 10 MINUTE TRIP TAKES 20 MINUTES.
LONG TIME RESIDENTS ARE FED UP WITH RIVERSIDE COUNTY GOVERNMENT SUPERVISORS THAT SIDE WITH THE DEVELOPERS, AND NOT THE RESIDENTS.
Development could bring retail, restaurants and aquatic center to Menifee
By: BRIAN ECKHOUSE - Staff Writer - THE CALIFORNIAN
SUN CITY ---- A proposal to commercially develop a large tract of land fronting Interstate 215 just south of Newport Road would not only bring much needed large retail stores and restaurants to Menifee Valley, but could improve its chances to incorporate as a city, 3rd District Supervisor Jeff Stone told an audience of 130 on Wednesday night. In addition to two or three big box stores ---- possibly including a Home Depot ---- the 750,000-square-foot project, proposed the development firm, Donahue Schreiber, could have an aquatic center plus nine acres devoted to a town hall.
"We're trying to get a regional aquatic center," said Verne Lauritzen, Stone's chief of staff, in an interview during Wednesday's meeting. "We'd like to get an Olympic-size pool, but we're not sure we're going to be able to accomplish that."Webb Hall in Sun City hosted the meeting of the Menifee Valley Municipal Advisory Council, a five-member board appointed by Stone, who was the event's keynote speaker. Lauritzen said Stone hoped the pool at the aquatic center, which would be paid for by the developer, would have at least 9 to 14 lanes."That way, we could use it for some (local) clubs," he said. If a deal between the county and Donahue Schreiber can be reached, the development would boost sales and property tax dollars that could help the valley in its bid to incorporate. State law says a new city cannot be established if it hurts its home county financially. Unless there is a significant increase in its tax revenue base, Menifee Valley, including Sun City, would lack the financial base it would need as a city to pay for police and fire protection along with daily operating costs, according to a 2005 comprehensive financial analysis of the area conducted by consultant Economic & Planning Systems of Berkeley.
Currently, there are few big retail stores and supermarkets in the valley."We'd really accomplish two things: development (area residents) need, and provide facilities for the community," Lauritzen said of the proposed commercial development. "It's a huge, huge major project." Stone, who said he was "shocked" by the condition of Sun City's roads, also promised to have about a quarter of them repaved this year. He joked that there were "gardens" growing in some of the community's roads. The repavement project could cost $3 million, he said.
Other matters discussed at Wednesday night's meeting included the tending of abandoned buildings in Sun City and the status of Project LIFT, a Quail Valley-based center for low-income families. Resident Roald Schroeder of Sun City complained that abandoned buildings at Encanto Drive and McCall Boulevard have become a dumping ground. Stone said the county would clean it up.As for Project LIFT ---- which founder Rita Peters figured would be forced to close due to financial difficulties ---- Stone said he is optimistic the county could use community development block grant funds to buy the 2.1-acre site LIFT has leased. If a deal can be reached between the county and the Long Beach-based property owners, LIFT would be saved from closure, Stone said.
Contact staff writer Brian Eckhouse at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2626, or beckhouse@californian.com.
WATCHDOGS VIEW:
WHY BOTHER DEVELOPING THESE COMMERCIAL AND DOZENS OF NEW RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE MENIFEE VALLEY IF YOU CAN'T GET THERE, JEFF STONE??? WHEN BUILDER "PARDEE" STARTED THEIR MONSTER DEVELOPMENT IN LAKE ELSINORE "CANYON HILLS" IN 1990, THEY WERE REQUIRED TO DEVELOP RAILROAD CANYON ROAD FROM A RURAL TWO LANE ROAD TO A 4+/- LANE ROAD. COTTONWOOD CANYON IS RUINED FOREVER NOW WITH ALL THE BORING, OVERPRICED KB HOMES/PARDEE HOMES THAT ALL LOOK THE SAME.
AND NOW........... ANOTHER DEVELOPER WANTS TO ADD TO THE MADNESS, AND DEVELOP 260+ ACRES TO ADD TO THE CANYON HILLS DEVELOPMENT, AND TO THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE. GO AHEAD CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE, AND COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE - KISS KISS KISS UP TO THE DEVELOPER!!! YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT THE NEARBY RESIDENTS!
YOU CANNOT GET TO THE MENIFEE VALLEY FROM INTERSTATE-15 ON THESE RURAL 2 LANE ROADS IN DECENT TIME ANYMORE - NEWPORT ROAD (TAKES FOREVER, AND WHEN IT RAINS TOO MUCH - FORGET IT! UNPASSABLE AT SALT CREEK!) - BUNDY CANYON ROAD (TONS OF TRUCKS THAT CAN'T MAKE THE HILLS OVER 45 MPH SLOWS EVERYONE UP). A 10 MINUTE TRIP TAKES 20 MINUTES.
LONG TIME RESIDENTS ARE FED UP WITH RIVERSIDE COUNTY GOVERNMENT SUPERVISORS THAT SIDE WITH THE DEVELOPERS, AND NOT THE RESIDENTS.
AMUSEMENT FOR THE DAY
In the year 2006 I resolve to: |
Monday, February 20, 2006
STONE LOSING TOUCH WITH PEOPLE ALREADY
LETTER TO THE EDITOR - THE CALIFORNIAN - 20 FEBRUARY 2006
Stone losing touch with people already
As I watch the rise to political prominence of Supervisor Jeff Stone, I can't help being reminded of the old adage about absolute power and absolute corruption. Elected to represent the interests of his 3rd District constituents against the bully-boys of Riverside County, he seems quickly to have forgotten that mandate.
In December, he trampled all over his own planning commissioners to approve the construction of a high-density, 660-unit apartment complex on Menifee land zoned for commercial use. When several dozen of his constituents attended an appeals hearing to protest, he chided them for being small-minded and short-
sighted.
In January, he stood by while the supervisors crudely abused their "eminent domain" powers in an attempt to steal land from other Menifee constituents.
Now he wants to subvert the voice of the people of California concerning medical marijuana. He asks what would happen if we voted to legalize heroin. Give us some credit, Mr. Stone. We didn't and we wouldn't. Please don't insult our intelligence. In a remarkably short space of time, Mr. Stone now thinks he knows better than the very people who elected him. He is showing himself to be an ego-driven, developer-controlled politician who is out to make a name for himself. Well, here's name to conjure with ---- Judas Iscariot.
Les Nursey
Menifee
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GREAT LETTER LES NURSEY!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I SAY...DEAR JEFF STONE: THANK YOU FOR TELLING THE RESIDENTS THAT WERE PROTESTING THAT THEY ARE "STUPID" NOT TO UNDERSTAND THE GRAND PLAN OF THINGS... COMMERCIAL ZONING FOR THIS MENIFEE AREA SHOULD BE WHAT IT WAS INTENDED - COMMERCIAL! WE ARE NOT "SMALL-MINDED" FOR SPEAKING OUR MIND - HOW DARE YOU! TAKING AWAY COMMERCIAL AREAS FOR RESIDENTIAL USE FROM A HOPEFUL FUTURE CITY IS TAKING AWAY THEIR TAX BASE.
WHAT DID YOU RECEIVE IN RETURN ($$$$$$$$) TO APPROVE THIS APARTMENT COMPLEX, JEFF STONE?
BECAUSE SOMEBODY ELECTED YOU TO THIS POST DOESN'T AUTOMATICALLY MAKE YOU SMARTER THAN US. STOP THE INSULTING WAY YOU PATRONIZE THE HARD WORKING PEOPLE OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY.
DON'T STEAL OUR LAND, DON'T ASSUME WE ARE STUPID, DON'T BECOME ANOTHER "DUKE" CUNNINGHAM - STOP IT NOW!
Stone losing touch with people already
As I watch the rise to political prominence of Supervisor Jeff Stone, I can't help being reminded of the old adage about absolute power and absolute corruption. Elected to represent the interests of his 3rd District constituents against the bully-boys of Riverside County, he seems quickly to have forgotten that mandate.
In December, he trampled all over his own planning commissioners to approve the construction of a high-density, 660-unit apartment complex on Menifee land zoned for commercial use. When several dozen of his constituents attended an appeals hearing to protest, he chided them for being small-minded and short-
sighted.
In January, he stood by while the supervisors crudely abused their "eminent domain" powers in an attempt to steal land from other Menifee constituents.
Now he wants to subvert the voice of the people of California concerning medical marijuana. He asks what would happen if we voted to legalize heroin. Give us some credit, Mr. Stone. We didn't and we wouldn't. Please don't insult our intelligence. In a remarkably short space of time, Mr. Stone now thinks he knows better than the very people who elected him. He is showing himself to be an ego-driven, developer-controlled politician who is out to make a name for himself. Well, here's name to conjure with ---- Judas Iscariot.
Les Nursey
Menifee
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GREAT LETTER LES NURSEY!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I SAY...DEAR JEFF STONE: THANK YOU FOR TELLING THE RESIDENTS THAT WERE PROTESTING THAT THEY ARE "STUPID" NOT TO UNDERSTAND THE GRAND PLAN OF THINGS... COMMERCIAL ZONING FOR THIS MENIFEE AREA SHOULD BE WHAT IT WAS INTENDED - COMMERCIAL! WE ARE NOT "SMALL-MINDED" FOR SPEAKING OUR MIND - HOW DARE YOU! TAKING AWAY COMMERCIAL AREAS FOR RESIDENTIAL USE FROM A HOPEFUL FUTURE CITY IS TAKING AWAY THEIR TAX BASE.
WHAT DID YOU RECEIVE IN RETURN ($$$$$$$$) TO APPROVE THIS APARTMENT COMPLEX, JEFF STONE?
BECAUSE SOMEBODY ELECTED YOU TO THIS POST DOESN'T AUTOMATICALLY MAKE YOU SMARTER THAN US. STOP THE INSULTING WAY YOU PATRONIZE THE HARD WORKING PEOPLE OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY.
DON'T STEAL OUR LAND, DON'T ASSUME WE ARE STUPID, DON'T BECOME ANOTHER "DUKE" CUNNINGHAM - STOP IT NOW!
STONE BEING HYPOCRITICAL IN POT STANCE
LETTER TO THE EDITOR - THE CALIFORNIAN - 12 FEBRUARY 2006
Stone being hypocritical in pot stance
This letter is in regard to the recent actions of Riverside County's own captain of hypocrisy, one (Supervisor) Jeffrey Stone. Mr. Stone, while recently addressing a medical marijuana advocate on Feb. 7, made a comparison of marijuana to heroin, asking Mrs. Dege Coutee if she would support heroin if it were legalized. I'd ask him the same, except I already have his answer. As a pharmacist, he sold a substantial amount of opium-based medications, i.e. hydrocodone, morphine, demerol, codeine, and oxycodone ---- all closely related to heroin.
After he removes his foot from his mouth, I'd appreciate it if he could explain to my 70-year-old friend who suffers from glaucoma why he'd consider her a criminal for alleviating her pain the way that works best for her. After that, he can explain to my other friend who sits in a wheelchair at the age of 40 suffering from MS why he doesn't want to allow him to overcome his muscle spasms. And never mind the implications inherent in attempting to undermine the will of the people.
ERIC SCHARF
Temecula
THANK YOU MR. ERIC SCHARF FOR YOUR HONESTY. THE LETTER SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.
Stone being hypocritical in pot stance
This letter is in regard to the recent actions of Riverside County's own captain of hypocrisy, one (Supervisor) Jeffrey Stone. Mr. Stone, while recently addressing a medical marijuana advocate on Feb. 7, made a comparison of marijuana to heroin, asking Mrs. Dege Coutee if she would support heroin if it were legalized. I'd ask him the same, except I already have his answer. As a pharmacist, he sold a substantial amount of opium-based medications, i.e. hydrocodone, morphine, demerol, codeine, and oxycodone ---- all closely related to heroin.
After he removes his foot from his mouth, I'd appreciate it if he could explain to my 70-year-old friend who suffers from glaucoma why he'd consider her a criminal for alleviating her pain the way that works best for her. After that, he can explain to my other friend who sits in a wheelchair at the age of 40 suffering from MS why he doesn't want to allow him to overcome his muscle spasms. And never mind the implications inherent in attempting to undermine the will of the people.
ERIC SCHARF
Temecula
THANK YOU MR. ERIC SCHARF FOR YOUR HONESTY. THE LETTER SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.
Friday, February 10, 2006
LETS PAT ARROGANT JEFF STONE ON THE BACK?!?!?!?!
SIGN READS: TRAFFIC DIRECTORS FUNDED BY COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE SUPR. JEFF STONE
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MUST BE NICE TO BE ABLE TO PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK WITH YOUR "WONDERFUL" IDEA WITH THE TAXPAYERS $$$$....
Because of the many rural two lane roads, and the explosive (and boring) home tracts being built in the area, the traffic in Southwest Riverside County California has become RIDICULOUS!!!
When Jeff Stone was the mayor in Temecula, CA he had human traffic directors helping out at the worst tied up areas until signals could be installed.
After he became the county supervisor for the SW Riv. County area, he decided to implement his idea here too at a problem frontage road 4-way stop by I-215. This is all fine and good, but did he have to plaster his name on the sign announcing it too???????
Is this an upcoming trend??? Will we have signs for everything from Jeff Stone? THIS NEW SIGNAL, OR STOP SIGN, OR POT HOLE REPAIR, OR BRIDGE, BROUGHT TO YOU BY JEFF STONE?
WHAT AN ARROGANT JERK!!!!!!!!!!
A THUMBS DOWN TO JEFF STONE & HIS IDEA
Roses and raspberries
1 FEBRUARY 2006
By: The Californian -
A raspberry ---- the "Tilting at Windmills" award ---- to county Supervisor Jeff Stone, who plans to ask his fellow supervisors to join San Diego and San Bernardino counties in suing the state to overturn 1996's voter-approved medical marijuana initiative. It's an ill-advised waste of time and money and nose-thumbing at the voters of California (who, by the way, have reaffirmed their support for the humanitarian use of marijuana in numerous polls before and since the initiative passed). The conflict between state and federal law ---- which doesn't recognize any legitimate uses for marijuana ---- is long-established, and it's clear that the U.S. Supreme Court will have to be the ultimate arbiter of this and similar laws in 10 other states.
It's questionable whether counties, which are essentially arms of the state government, have the legal standing to sue states, and there is little evidence of any widespread abuse of the medical marijuana laws. And, in fact, the portion of the law Stone wants the county to fight is the part that requires them to issue identification cards to people eligible to legally use the drug, so he is in essence fighting the very controls the county should have to keep it from being abused.
It's also rather disquieting to hear Republicans ---- as Stone and the majority of supervisors in all three counties are ---- assert the supremacy of federal law over state law when it suits their interests, but argue in favor of states' rights, not to mention the inviolability of majority rule, in many other circumstances. Riverside County should pass on Stone's proposal and let its neighbors fight this quixotic battle.
1 FEBRUARY 2006
By: The Californian -
A raspberry ---- the "Tilting at Windmills" award ---- to county Supervisor Jeff Stone, who plans to ask his fellow supervisors to join San Diego and San Bernardino counties in suing the state to overturn 1996's voter-approved medical marijuana initiative. It's an ill-advised waste of time and money and nose-thumbing at the voters of California (who, by the way, have reaffirmed their support for the humanitarian use of marijuana in numerous polls before and since the initiative passed). The conflict between state and federal law ---- which doesn't recognize any legitimate uses for marijuana ---- is long-established, and it's clear that the U.S. Supreme Court will have to be the ultimate arbiter of this and similar laws in 10 other states.
It's questionable whether counties, which are essentially arms of the state government, have the legal standing to sue states, and there is little evidence of any widespread abuse of the medical marijuana laws. And, in fact, the portion of the law Stone wants the county to fight is the part that requires them to issue identification cards to people eligible to legally use the drug, so he is in essence fighting the very controls the county should have to keep it from being abused.
It's also rather disquieting to hear Republicans ---- as Stone and the majority of supervisors in all three counties are ---- assert the supremacy of federal law over state law when it suits their interests, but argue in favor of states' rights, not to mention the inviolability of majority rule, in many other circumstances. Riverside County should pass on Stone's proposal and let its neighbors fight this quixotic battle.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY TO MULL JOINING MEDICAL MARIJUANA SUIT
HERE'S JEFF STONE BUTTING INTO STUFF HE SOULDN'T..... I GUESS HE DOESN'T CARE WHAT THE CALIFORNIA VOTERS VOTED FOR!!!
County to mull joining medical marijuana suit
By: JOSE CARVAJAL - Staff Writer
Supervisor Jeff Stone wants Riverside County to join its neighbors to the north and south in attempting to overturn California's medical marijuana law. At Stone's urging, the Board of Supervisors is expected to discuss in closed session Tuesday whether to join San Diego and San Bernardino counties in suing the state over the 9-year-old "Compassionate Use Act" ---- Proposition 215 ---- which allows the "seriously ill" to obtain and use marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Stone, a pharmacist, said Prop. 215 contradicts a federal law that classifies marijuana as an illegal drug." I believe that the federal law trumps the state law," Stone said. "All of the federal laws have to be equally or more adhered to because the federal laws supersede all other laws in the United States of America."San Diego County officials filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court on Jan. 20 making the same argument. It is believed to be the first lawsuit that seeks to overturn any of the medical marijuana laws approved by voters in 11 states. The suit argues that states have to bow to a federal law that makes all marijuana use illegal and says it has no medicinal value. It cites Article VI of the U.S. Constitution ---- known as the "Supremacy Clause" ---- which makes the Constitution and federal laws "the supreme law of the land."
"The issue is, the state's asking the county to do something here that they know darn well is illegal," San Diego County Supervisor Bill Horn said at the time. It took a week for San Bernardino County supervisors to decide that they wanted to file their own lawsuit. It is expected that the two suits will be consolidated and that Riverside County's ---- if ultimately filed ---- would join them.Area medical marijuana advocates could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Stone said the lawsuit would ultimately settle what has been a confusing situation for counties, which have had to regulate medical marijuana use while questions regarding its legality have gone unanswered." Hopefully, this lawsuit will give the counties some guidelines as to how to move forward," he said. Rather than wait and see what happens with the suits filed by the other counties, Stone said Riverside County should jump in so that judges who decide the case can see that there are many counties in the state that are grappling with the issue.If the county goes ahead with the lawsuit, he said, it will not suspend a state-mandated identification card program that prevents someone from being arrested for possessing medical marijuana.Eighty-five cards have been issued through the program since it began in December, county public health officials said Wednesday.
The Board will consider the matter Tuesday at the County Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon St., Riverside.Contact staff writer Jose Carvajal at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2624, or jcarvajal@californian.com.
County to mull joining medical marijuana suit
By: JOSE CARVAJAL - Staff Writer
Supervisor Jeff Stone wants Riverside County to join its neighbors to the north and south in attempting to overturn California's medical marijuana law. At Stone's urging, the Board of Supervisors is expected to discuss in closed session Tuesday whether to join San Diego and San Bernardino counties in suing the state over the 9-year-old "Compassionate Use Act" ---- Proposition 215 ---- which allows the "seriously ill" to obtain and use marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Stone, a pharmacist, said Prop. 215 contradicts a federal law that classifies marijuana as an illegal drug." I believe that the federal law trumps the state law," Stone said. "All of the federal laws have to be equally or more adhered to because the federal laws supersede all other laws in the United States of America."San Diego County officials filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court on Jan. 20 making the same argument. It is believed to be the first lawsuit that seeks to overturn any of the medical marijuana laws approved by voters in 11 states. The suit argues that states have to bow to a federal law that makes all marijuana use illegal and says it has no medicinal value. It cites Article VI of the U.S. Constitution ---- known as the "Supremacy Clause" ---- which makes the Constitution and federal laws "the supreme law of the land."
"The issue is, the state's asking the county to do something here that they know darn well is illegal," San Diego County Supervisor Bill Horn said at the time. It took a week for San Bernardino County supervisors to decide that they wanted to file their own lawsuit. It is expected that the two suits will be consolidated and that Riverside County's ---- if ultimately filed ---- would join them.Area medical marijuana advocates could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Stone said the lawsuit would ultimately settle what has been a confusing situation for counties, which have had to regulate medical marijuana use while questions regarding its legality have gone unanswered." Hopefully, this lawsuit will give the counties some guidelines as to how to move forward," he said. Rather than wait and see what happens with the suits filed by the other counties, Stone said Riverside County should jump in so that judges who decide the case can see that there are many counties in the state that are grappling with the issue.If the county goes ahead with the lawsuit, he said, it will not suspend a state-mandated identification card program that prevents someone from being arrested for possessing medical marijuana.Eighty-five cards have been issued through the program since it began in December, county public health officials said Wednesday.
The Board will consider the matter Tuesday at the County Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon St., Riverside.Contact staff writer Jose Carvajal at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2624, or jcarvajal@californian.com.
