Mendocino and Humboldt share concerns and certain way of looking at life.  They are truly beautiful twin sisters—sharing similarly beautiful natural surroundings, social mores and political concerns.  But every once in awhile I’m reminded that there are still some differences.  Until last year, it seemed that Humboldt Co. supervisors could barely say the word marijuana much less discuss how to deal sensibly with its number one economic foundation (this has changed.)  Mendocino, on the other hand, has been on the forefront of openness.  Supervisor Dan Hamburg of Mendocino grows it on his property for instance.  According to the Ukiah Daily Journal yesterday, the Mendocino’s Grand Jury though excited by the monetary possibilities is a little worried about this relaxed atmosphere.

“Given the fact that Mendocino County has gained worldwide attention for the apparent ideal conditions for the production of marijuana,” the grand jury report states, it would be smart for the county to try to control the over-the-counter sales of medical marijuana here. It would also, the jurors point out, help raise needed county revenue…

The grand jury recommended that the county pass such an ordinance … collecting fees…

The grand jury also believes that not all members of the Board of Supervisors are qualified to address this issue.

“The grand jury believes that this issue is a far-reaching topic worthy of serious and immediate attention by the BOS. In order to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest, the grand jury feels that members of the BOS, who may have in the past, or may be currently involved in the production of MMJ, recuse themselves from any vote on this matter,” the report ends.

Mendocino may truly be the only county in the United States where this kind of concern could exist.

Humboldt has a long way to go to catch up…..

(As a side note to Mendocino’s Grand Jury, as long as there is no direct conflict of interest, I wonder if supervisors who grow grapes are considered more or less able to discuss issues that involve the wine industry….?)