Policy

MCA Recommendations to Outgoing Cannabis Ad Hoc

As we have previously shared, Supervisor Glenn McGourty has resigned from the Cannabis Ad Hoc to focus on other projects such as local water sustainability. He and Supervisor Haschak, as the disbanding Ad Hoc, will be putting together a final report and specific recommendations to make to the full Board on October 4. Following this meeting, cannabis items will be heard first by the General Government Committee (GGC) which consists of Supervisors Mulheren and Gjerde. The GGC is only scheduled to meet two more times this year, which we believe is not nearly enough to address the many outstanding issues that require swift attention and resolution.

Last week MCA provided a list of these urgent items (including more regular GGC meetings) to Supervisors McGourty and Haschak that we believe should be acted on immediately by the Board through votes and direction given to Staff at the October 4th meeting, and a list of items that the Board could direct the GGC to begin addressing in their meetings, the next one which is scheduled for October 17. The memo is attached to this email.

Referenced in our memo and also attached are a Memo from Hannah Nelson regarding Tree & Shrub removal clarification, a Memo from Hannah Nelson and Scott Ward related to Portable Toilet allowances, and the Humboldt County policy on allowing cannabis processing by residents/permit holders within a permitted on-site single-family residence or residential accessory structure. Many thanks to Hannah and Scott for their invaluable support in this process.

These documents were developed to provide the Ad Hoc with input to make informed decisions on these important topics. We will be working to discuss further with both Supervisors in detail prior to October 4.
We will keep you updated as the conversation progresses. Please get ready to comment in support of our recommendations prior to the October 4th Board meeting.

CLICK HERE to review the documents.

Fallowing Equity and LJAGP Updates from MCD Meeting

At the MCD meeting this morning there was some important information presented.

1. Fallowing Program

The Fallowing Affidavit has been published on the County Website, and submissions will be allowed until AT LEAST September 26 but we STRONGLY recommend submitting your documentation ASAP.
CLICK HERE for document.  *from the County Website: ‘(must be downloaded to activate the electronic signature field)’

CLICK HERE for the Fallowing Ordinance that was passed on July 12 and set up the Fallowing Affidavit program.

To register with this program you must submit the Fallowing Affidavit and subsequent site plan to MCDPOD@mendocinocounty.org.

There is NO fee for filing, and NO fee to withdraw from the Fallowing program when you are ready.

If you have a 10K sq ft Garden, you must fallow to 5K sq ft or below to reduce your minimum tax.  If you have a 5K sq ft garden, you must fallow to 2,500 sq ft or below to reduce your minimum tax.  If you are at or below 2,500 sq ft you must fallow your full garden to reduce your minimum tax.

If you Fallow your entire garden you will not have a Minimum Tax requirement, but everyone who Fallows will still be responsible to pay taxes on Gross Receipts for product sold per the existing Tax and reporting system.

When submitting the Fallowing Affidavit, you should submit your most recent site plan, and clearly show ANY/ALL fallowed areas (update the legend on the site plan). 

If you are fallowing just certain areas of your site, make sure it’s VERY clear which areas will still be cultivated vs. which will be fallowed. – show if you will still be processing, also show if you will still be cultivating immature plants, or if you’re fallowing your immature plant area as well

Once completed materials are submitted to MCDPOD@mendocinocounty.org  MCD will process.

MCD recommends downloading the Affidavit form, and not filling it out in the browser. Fill it out on your computer.

ONLY SUBMIT ONE APPLICATION NUMBER PER FALLOWING NOTICEUse 2022 as Calendar Year for this season. – You will be able to apply to Fallow for 2023 in December 2022.

Read the full Fallowing Affidavit before signing to know what you’re agreeing to!

Deadline for fallowing submission will be no earlier than September 26.

MCD is working w/ County Counsel to determine exact deadline.

MCD will send a Cannanote about this as well.  If you’re not signed up for CannaNotes, which is MCD’s email list for announcements, you can CLICK HERE to sign up.

2. Equity Program


MCD will meet their funding spend down requirements by the end of August for Round 1 and end of September for Round 2.

They will be accepting new applications for both Equity Eligibility and Grant Funding at some point in September. Exact dates have yet to be shared.

3. Local Jurisdiction Assistance Grant Program (LJAGP)

MCD indicated that they plan to first bring their proposed Manual for the LJAGP Direct Grants to operators before the General Government Committee (GGC) which is made up of Supervisors Mulheren and Gjerde on October 17. We had previously been told applications would open in June/July, and then September, but with this timeline, it’s very likely that applications will not open until the end of this year at the earliest.

The GGC, after the Cannabis Ad Hoc of Supervisors McGourty and Haschak presents recommendations to the Board will be the mechanism by which cannabis items are discussed prior to coming to the full Board for consideration and voting.  Director Nevedal expressed that this new process is not intended to further complicate addressing these critical issues, but we want to make sure that the 10 Million Dollars in Direct Grant funding is expedited into the hands of the operators who require them immediately.

Currently the GGC is only scheduled to meet twice more this year, and MCA has recommended to MCD and the Ad Hoc that recommendations be made to GGC that they meet at least monthly to address the myriad issue that still require focused attention as we approach State deadlines.  

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available. 

You can CLICK HERE to review all of the materials from all MCD meetings. If the video and slides from today’s meeting are not uploaded yet, check back soon!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

PS – Have you got your tickets yet for the Mendocino Cannabis Advocacy Awards honoring Hannah Nelson, Jude Thilman and Casey O’Neill?  If not, CLICK HERE to reserve your space for a true community celebration!

MCA Memo for 08-16 BoS Meeting Re: Equity Program

On 8-16 the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors has an item on the Consent Calendar to increase compensation to Elevate Impact Mendocino for administration of the Local Equity Program. MCA has concerns with the management of the program thus far and asks the Board to consider these concerns prior to approving any additional funds for the organization.

CLICK HERE to read the full Memo.

If you support our position, please share that support with the Board of Supervisors. 

To leave any written public comment, first you must CLICK HERE to register with Granicus. Once you have registered, you will be able to sign in and make comments on all agenda items. Moving forward, we will provide links for each agenda item to comment on, so it’s worth your time to sign up now since this is the system the County will be using for submissions.

YOU MUST MAKE AN INDIVIDUAL COMMENT FOR EACH AGENDA ITEM YOU WANT TO ADDRESS. CLICK THE ITEM BELOW FOR THE APPROPRIATE PLACE TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT

If you would also like to make a verbal comment (we recommend it!) on any or all of these items, there are two options.

1. If you would like to leave a message for the Board of Supervisors to be played during the August 16th meeting, you can leave a voicemail comment

 – Call 707-234-6333 and leave a voice message, up to 2 minutes in length, to be played during public expression/public comment, as it relates to the agenda.

– Speak clearly, being sure to state your full name, District #, and which agenda item you are calling for.

YOU MUST LEAVE ONE MESSAGE PER AGENDA ITEM. MESSAGES MUST BE LEFT BY 7AM ON THE DAY OF THE MEETING TO BE SAFE.

– Anonymous phone messages will not be played back during the meeting!

2. Join the Zoom Webinar on 8-16-22 and use the “raise hand” feature when Public Comment is called. For details and complete list of the latest available options by which to engage with agenda items, please CLICK HERE  

CLICK HERE to Join Zoom Webinar

Zoom Webinar ID: 836 2444 4504
Zoom Phone Number (if joining via telephone): 1 669 900 9128

Please also feel free to email your District Supervisor with your comments!

Make sure to include the items that you’re writing about in your Email Subject

District 4 – Dan Gjerde gjerde@mendocinocounty.org,

District 3 – John Haschak haschakj@mendocinocounty.org,

District 1 – Glenn McGourty mcgourtyg@mendocinocounty.org,

District 2 – Mo Mulheren mulherenm@mendocinocounty.org,

District 5 – Ted Williams williamst@mendocinocounty.org

All Supervisors: bos@mendocinocounty.org

Thank you for your support! 

MCA Memo for 07-26 BoS Meeting re: Satellite Imagery

In advance of tomorrow’s BoS meeting we have prepared the attached memo for item 3m regarding the Satellite Imagery system being purchased by MCD, and the importance for developing a clear protocol that ensures it is not used for anything but the explicit purpose of the LJAGP. 

Given County Counsel’s most recent concerns about misuse of funds for the equity grant by applicants, we believe that same scrutiny must be placed on the administration of the LJAGP funds by MCD and the County.

CLICK HERE to read the Memo.

If you support our positions, please share that support with the Board of Supervisors. 

To leave any written public comment, first you must CLICK HERE to register with Granicus. Once you have registered, you will be able to sign in and make comments on all agenda items. Moving forward, we will provide links for each agenda item to comment on, so it’s worth your time to sign up now since this is the system the County will be using for submissions.

YOU MUST MAKE AN INDIVIDUAL COMMENT FOR THE AGENDA ITEM YOU WANT TO ADDRESS. CLICK THE ITEM BELOW FOR THE APPROPRIATE PLACE TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT.

If you would also like to make a verbal comment (we recommend it!) on any or all of these items, there are two options.

1. If you would like to leave a message for the Board of Supervisors to be played during the meeting, you can leave a voicemail comment

 – Call 707-234-6333 and leave a voice message, up to 2 minutes in length, to be played during public comment, as it relates to the agenda.

– Speak clearly, being sure to state your full name, District #, and which agenda item you are calling for. MESSAGES MUST BE LEFT BY 7AM ON THE DAY OF THE MEETING TO BE SAFE.

– Anonymous phone messages will not be played back during the meeting!

2. Join the Zoom Webinar on 07-26-22 and use the “raise hand” feature when Public Comment is called. For details and complete list of the latest available options by which to engage with agenda items, please CLICK HERE  

CLICK HERE to Join Zoom

Zoom Webinar ID: 815 3589 2009 

Zoom Phone Number (if joining via telephone): 669-900-9128

Please also feel free to email your District Supervisor with your comments!

Make sure to include the agenda item that you’re writing about in your Email Subject.

District 4 – Dan Gjerde gjerde@mendocinocounty.org,

District 3 – John Haschak haschakj@mendocinocounty.org,

District 1 – Glenn McGourty mcgourtyg@mendocinocounty.org,

District 2 – Mo Mulheren mulherenm@mendocinocounty.org,

District 5 – Ted Williams williamst@mendocinocounty.org

All Supervisors: bos@mendocinocounty.org

Thank you for your support!

Origins Council Comments on DCC Proposed Regulations

Linked below are the Origins Council comments on the proposed DCC Regulations.  These comments have been submitted to the DCC on behalf of the nearly 900 combined OC Members from our six partner organizations: 

  • Big Sur Farmers Association
  • Humboldt County Growers Alliance
  • Nevada County Cannabis Alliance
  • Mendocino Cannabis Alliance
  • Sonoma County Growers Alliance
  • Trinity County Agriculture Alliance

This process was truly collaborative, with participation from many of our members, and we’re grateful for everyone who was able to spend some time sharing your thoughts.  

CLICK HERE to review the comments.

Our sincere appreciation goes to Hannah Nelson (Senior Policy Advisor for MCA and Advisor to Origins Council), Ross Gordon (Policy Director for HCGA and Policy Chair for Origins Council), Genine Coleman (Executive Director for Origins Council) and the entire OC Policy Committee for their considerable efforts in bringing this document to life.

Hannah Nelson also submitted her own letter of comments that you can CLICK HERE to read.

We are truly stronger together! 

If you would like to support the efforts of Origins Council directly, you can CLICK HERE to donate.

Fallowing and Ag Pass Programs Adopted by BoS

We are happy to report that the Fallowing Program and the Ag Pass Program both were adopted by the BoS on Tuesday 7-12-2022!

1. Fallowing

The ordinance linked below will go into effect 30 days from today. At that time any operators with permits OR embossed receipts who are voluntarily reducing their canopy for this season will have just 30 days to apply for tax relief based on that reduction.

Here’s the breakdown of the available tax relief:

22-0838 – Cannabis Tax – Fallowing – Ordinance – Where the Fallowed Area consists of a portion of the cultivation site, the applicant or permittee shall be subject to the minimum tax that corresponds to the square footage of the non-fallowed portion of the cultivation site, such that:

– Where the non-fallowed portion of the cultivation site is two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet or less, the applicant or permittee shall pay the minimum tax amount stated in section6.32.050.B.1.a.

– Where the non-fallowed portion of the cultivation site is over two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet and up to and including five thousand (5,000) square feet, the applicant or permittee shall pay the minimum tax amount stated in section 6.32.050.B.1.b.

– Where the non-fallowed portion of the cultivation site is over five thousand (5,000) square feet, the applicant or permittee shall pay the minimum tax amount stated in section 6.32.050.B.1.c.

What this means is that if your site is between 5,001 and 10,000 square feet, you must fallow to 5,000 square feet or below to reduce your minimum tax. Someone with 10,000 square feet will not receive a minimum tax reduction if they reduce from 10,000 to 7,500, or even 6,000 square feet for example. Please keep this in mind as you decide what square footage to fallow if you are choosing to take advantage of this program.

The county / MCD will need to provide the public with the required Affidavit of Fallowing for operators to utilize for this process, and we have requested it so everyone who wants to use it can have as much time to prepare for submission as possible.

2. Ag Pass Program

The Ag Pass Program was designed to enable pre-registration for commercial farmers (including cannabis farmers), ranchers and kennel owners to streamline the process for accessing evacuated areas during fire emergencies WHEN CONDITIONS ALLOW. It is NOT a blanket pass to be in an evacuation zone, but it will enable those with passes to enter if and when conditions are safe enough, but prior to a full evacuation order being lifted.

Linked below is the approved program explanation and application (it says DRAFT on the document b/c it was provided to the BoS before adoption). It will be cleaned up and made available so operators can begin submitting their applications in line with the program once it goes into effect 30 days from now. Both of these items are the result of MCA’s advocacy efforts to support the needs of our Members and the community at large. We’re glad to see any steps toward the support of our licensed operators, and believe these programs are definitely steps in the right direction.

We’ll keep you updated once these items are in effect and accepting submissions.

Files can be seen here: https://bit.ly/Fallowing_AgPass

MCA Memo for 7-12 BOS Meeting

Good afternoon,

In advance of Tuesday’s 7-12 Board of Supervisors meeting, MCA has prepared the following memos:

  • Item 3t- Fallowing
  • Item 3w- Restricted Access Ag Pass

Both of these items will be under the Consent Calendar and it is assumed they will be approved by the Board.

If you support our positions, please share that support with the Board of Supervisors. 

To leave any written public comment, first you must CLICK HERE to register with Granicus. Once you have registered, you will be able to sign in and make comments on all agenda items. Moving forward, we will provide links for each agenda item to comment on, so it’s worth your time to sign up now since this is the system the County will be using for submissions.

YOU MUST MAKE AN INDIVIDUAL COMMENT FOR EACH AGENDA ITEM YOU WANT TO ADDRESS. CLICK THE ITEM BELOW FOR THE APPROPRIATE PLACE TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT.

If you would also like to make a verbal comment (we recommend it!) on any or all of these items, there are two options.

1. If you would like to leave a message for the Board of Supervisors to be played during the July 12th meeting, you can leave a voicemail comment

 – Call 707-234-6333 and leave a voice message, up to 2 minutes in length, to be played during public expression/public comment, as it relates to the agenda.

– Speak clearly, being sure to state your full name, District #, and which agenda item you are calling for. YOU MUST LEAVE ONE MESSAGE PER AGENDA ITEM. MESSAGES MUST BE LEFT BY 7AM ON THE DAY OF THE MEETING TO BE SAFE.

– Anonymous phone messages will not be played back during the meeting!

2. Join the Zoom Webinar on 7-12-22 and use the “raise hand” feature when Public Comment is called. For details and complete list of the latest available options by which to engage with agenda items, please CLICK HERE  

CLICK HERE to Join Zoom Webinar

Zoom Webinar ID: 874 9537 7503
Zoom Phone Number (if joining via telephone): 1 669 900 9128

Please also feel free to email your District Supervisor with your comments!

Make sure to include the items that you’re writing about in your Email Subject

District 4 – Dan Gjerde gjerde@mendocinocounty.org,

District 3 – John Haschak haschakj@mendocinocounty.org,

District 1 – Glenn McGourty mcgourtyg@mendocinocounty.org,

District 2 – Mo Mulheren mulherenm@mendocinocounty.org,

District 5 – Ted Williams williamst@mendocinocounty.org

All Supervisors: bos@mendocinocounty.org

Thank you for your support! 

-Mendocino Cannabis Alliance

MCA MEMO for 6-21 BOS MEETING

Good afternoon,

In advance of tomorrow’s Board of Supervisors meeting, MCA has prepared the following memo:

  • Item 3W – MCD Report

In addition, we have also included a memo submitted by Hannah Nelson which goes into a deeper explanation of the importance of Local Authorization as it relates to State Provisional Licenses for many applicants currently in the que.

If you support our positions and those of Hannah Nelson, please share that support with the Board of Supervisors. 

To leave any written public comment, first you must CLICK HERE to register with Granicus. Once you have registered, you will be able to sign in and make comments on all agenda items. Moving forward, we will provide links for each agenda item to comment on, so it’s worth your time to sign up now since this is the system the County will be using for submissions.

YOU MUST MAKE AN INDIVIDUAL COMMENT FOR EACH AGENDA ITEM YOU WANT TO ADDRESS. CLICK THE ITEM BELOW FOR THE APPROPRIATE PLACE TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT.

If you would also like to make a verbal comment (we recommend it!) on any or all of these items, there are two options.

1. If you would like to leave a message for the Board of Supervisors to be played during the June 21st meeting, you can leave a voicemail comment

 – Call 707-234-6333 and leave a voice message, up to 2 minutes in length, to be played during public expression/public comment, as it relates to the agenda.

– Speak clearly, being sure to state your full name, District #, and which agenda item you are calling for. YOU MUST LEAVE ONE MESSAGE PER AGENDA ITEM. MESSAGES MUST BE LEFT BY 7AM ON THE DAY OF THE MEETING TO BE SAFE.

– Anonymous phone messages will not be played back during the meeting!

2. Join the Zoom Webinar on 6-21-22 and use the “raise hand” feature when Public Comment is called. For details and complete list of the latest available options by which to engage with agenda items, please CLICK HERE  

CLICK HERE to Join Zoom Webinar

Zoom Webinar ID: 811 6160 7360 

Zoom Phone Number (if joining via telephone): 1 669 900 9128

Please also feel free to email your District Supervisor with your comments!

Make sure to include the items that you’re writing about in your Email Subject

District 4 – Dan Gjerde gjerde@mendocinocounty.org,

District 3 – John Haschak haschakj@mendocinocounty.org,

District 1 – Glenn McGourty mcgourtyg@mendocinocounty.org,

District 2 – Mo Mulheren mulherenm@mendocinocounty.org,

District 5 – Ted Williams williamst@mendocinocounty.org

All Supervisors: bos@mendocinocounty.org

Thank you for your support! 

MCA & CCAG Endorse John Hasckak for Re-election to 3rd District Supervisor


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 19, 2022


Mendocino County, CA: On behalf of both the Mendocino Cannabis Alliance and the Covelo Cannabis Advocacy Group, we are pleased to offer our endorsement of John Haschak running for re-election as the 3rd District Supervisor for Mendocino County.

John Haschak exemplifies exactly what it means to be in a leadership position. He listens to his constituency and actively responds to those who contact him. He has done a fantastic job representing the needs of his District since his election in 2018. He is engaged with the community as a current Supervisor, attending local events throughout the County and specifically the 3rd District. He also publishes a monthly newsletter to keep constituents informed. 

Supervisor Haschak supports the cannabis community and listens to the voice of legacy farmers. He makes himself available to hear the needs of the public to help find solutions for complex issues. He has served on multiple Ad Hoc committees including the Drought Task Force and multiple cannabis committees where he is the strongest voice in support of policies and efforts to protect our locally licensed legacy operators. He supports our efforts to develop best management practices in line with our commitment to environmental stewardship. He understands the key role legacy cannabis plays in our local economic development efforts and has committed to working to protect the beneficial contributions of our legacy cannabis community to support the stability of the entire County. 

Supervisor John Haschak has the experience, leadership and dedication to continue to make positive changes for District 3 and the County of Mendocino.  As organizations that represent a wide range of individuals across Mendocino County, we appreciate his commitment to listening to the voice of the people and his courage to advocate for everyone in the County with compassion, dedication, and understanding.

MCA and CCAG are proud to offer our support and endorsement of Supervisor John Haschak for his re-election to represent the 3rd District of Mendocino County.

#############

About Mendocino Cannabis Alliance: MCA is the premier cannabis trade association in Mendocino County, serving and promoting Mendocino County’s world-renowned cannabis cultivators and businesses through sustainable economic development, education and public policy initiatives. https://mendocannabis.com/

About Covelo Cannabis Advocacy Group: CCAG represents legacy cultivators in and around the Round Valley/Covelo area. By offering support and education, their mission is to empower individuals by working together to build a healthy community. “It’s about the We, not the Me”

Contact: Michael Katz (MCA); Phone: 707-234-5568; Email: michael@mendocannabis.com

Monique Ramirez (CCAG); Phone: 707-354-8406; Email: covelocannabisgroup@gmail.com

MCA Memos for 05-17 BoS Meeting


In advance of tomorrow’s Board of Supervisors meeting, MCA has prepared the following memos:

  • Public Expression – Mendocino Cannabis in Los Angeles (The Emerald Cup and The Woods), an Invitation to LADY BUDS at the Mendocino Film Festival on June 3 and Appeals
  • Item 3t – MCD Report – Where we object to several components of the MCD report and provide recommendations for improvements.
  • Item 4f – Fallowing – Where we offer recommendations to improve the proposed Fallowing Program.

CLICK HERE to review the memos

If you support our positions, please share that support with the Board of Supervisors. 


To leave any written public comment, first you must CLICK HERE to register with Granicus. Once you have registered, you will be able to sign in and make comments on all agenda items. Moving forward, we will provide links for each agenda item to comment on, so it’s worth your time to sign up now since this is the system the County will be using moving forward for submissions.
YOU MUST MAKE AN INDIVIDUAL COMMENT FOR EACH AGENDA ITEM YOU WANT TO ADDRESS. CLICK THE ITEM BELOW FOR THE APPROPRIATE PLACE TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT.

If you would also like to make a verbal comment (we recommend it!) on any or all of these items, there are two options.

1. If you would like to leave a message for the Board of Supervisors to be played during the May 17 meeting, you can leave a voicemail comment

 – Call 707-234-6333 and leave a voice message, up to 2 minutes in length, to be played during public expression/public comment, as it relates to the agenda.

– Speak clearly, being sure to state your full name, District #, and which agenda item you are calling for. YOU MUST LEAVE ONE MESSAGE PER AGENDA ITEM. MESSAGES MUST BE LEFT BY 7AM ON THE DAY OF THE MEETING TO BE SAFE.

– Anonymous phone messages will not be played back during the meeting!


2. Join the Zoom Webinar on 05-03 and use the “raise hand” feature when Public Comment is called. For details and complete list of the latest available options by which to engage with agenda items, please CLICK HERE  

CLICK HERE to Join Zoom Webinar

Zoom Webinar ID: 820 5603 6245

Zoom Phone Number (if joining via telephone): 1 669 900 9128

Please also feel free to email your District Supervisor with your comments!

Make sure to include the items that you’re writing about in your Email SubjectDistrict 4 – Dan Gjerde gjerde@mendocinocounty.org,
District 3 – John Haschak haschakj@mendocinocounty.org,
District 1 – Glenn McGourty mcgourtyg@mendocinocounty.org,
District 2 – Mo Mulheren mulherenm@mendocinocounty.org,
District 5 – Ted Williams williamst@mendocinocounty.orgAll Supervisors: bos@mendocinocounty.org
Thank you for your support! 

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