The Santa Ana City Council Tuesday is set to allocate an additional $500,000 toward enforcing a marijuana dispensaries ban across the city, with some of that money already used for a July 31 police raid against the businesses.
Dispensary workers and owners criticized the raid as heavy-handed, as dozens were hauled into police vehicles and cited for operating illegal businesses. Police officials said they were just enforcing the law.
The crackdown on dispensaries comes as voters decide in November whether to allow a limited number of marijuana shops in certain city zones. Two competing ordinances — one sponsored by dispensaries and another, more limited initiative backed by the city — will appear on the ballot.
Council members are also scheduled to discuss a plan to make Harbor Boulevard friendlier to high-density and mixed-use development, particularly along the bus and anticipated streetcar routes. And they will discuss authorizing a request for qualifications to develop the downtown Artists Village parking structure.
Click here to view the council agenda.