Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
Devore's Glen Helen Regional Park lit up in more ways than one Friday evening, May 15, at the marijuana-themed Blaze 'N' Glory music festival.
That's when reggae artist Colin "Collie Buddz" Harper delivered the first words to his hit song "Come Around:" "Finally, the herb's come around."
On cue, marijuana joints, beers, hands and hats went into the air, and the crowd of thousands broke into a dance.
Though Friday's crowd at Blaze 'N' Glory was full of smiles, not everyone is high on the idea of marijuana-themed events taking place on county-owned land.
Blaze 'N' Glory is the second marijuana-themed event to hit San Bernardino County in 2015, and to be held on county-owned property. Though marijuana was not sold by vendors at the event, the prevalence was undeniable. Some vendors even offered samples of marijuana products.
San Bernardino County officials stressed that the county does not promote marijuana use. California law prohibits recreational pot use. And though possession and cultivation is legal for licensed, medical use, medical marijuana dispensaries are illegal in San Bernardino County.
But the county doesn't have much control over what kind of events take place at the San Manuel Amphitheater and the grounds surrounding it. That's because the county-owned amphitheater is operated by way of a contract with promoter Live Nation. Due to a contract provision, the county can't pick and choose what shows or acts are booked, county spokesman David Wert said.
"The county doesn't really have any say," Wert said. "As long as (promoters) are acting legally."
'Weather and Weed'
Wert said in February that the county strongly urged Live Nation to not bill Blaze 'N' Glory as a marijuana-friendly event.
But in a news release announcing Blaze 'N' Glory, the band Pepper is quoted as saying, "It's basically Christmas with better weather and weed."
Wert said Wednesday that the request fell on deaf ears, but that county officials weren't surprised.
"We do let (concert promoters) know what our concerns are," Wert said. "Realistically, when the county decided to get into the concert venue business, it has to be understood that it's not an endorsement by the county but a position by the county welcoming all forms of entertainment and free expression."
Recent efforts to reach festival producers Live Nation and SGE were unsuccessful.
Blazing Safely
Under the contract, Live Nation arranges and pays for private security and reimburses the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for overtime costs to staff events, Wert said.
Deputies are there to keep order and enforce the law, Sheriff's Department Lt. Robert O'Brine said.
"We're there for the public's safety and to enforce all laws within the state of California," O'Brine said. "This appears to be a marijuana-centered event, which the county certainly does not promote. Those laws pertaining to marijuana will be enforced."
Deputies were seen Friday walking about the festival grounds. Though their presence was felt, they weren't pulling smokers out of the crowd of thousands.
The event is sponsored by Pat's Legacy, an Orange County-based medical marijuana delivery service. Owner John "Blue" Whinnery said he appreciated the deputies being there.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: PUBLIC SAFETY: County isn?t crazy about pot-themed music fest on its land - Press Enterprise
Author: Ali Tadayon
Contact: Help : Press Enterprise
Photo Credit: Stan Lim
Website: Press Enterprise : Riverside County California News, Sports and Entertainment
That's when reggae artist Colin "Collie Buddz" Harper delivered the first words to his hit song "Come Around:" "Finally, the herb's come around."
On cue, marijuana joints, beers, hands and hats went into the air, and the crowd of thousands broke into a dance.
Though Friday's crowd at Blaze 'N' Glory was full of smiles, not everyone is high on the idea of marijuana-themed events taking place on county-owned land.
Blaze 'N' Glory is the second marijuana-themed event to hit San Bernardino County in 2015, and to be held on county-owned property. Though marijuana was not sold by vendors at the event, the prevalence was undeniable. Some vendors even offered samples of marijuana products.
San Bernardino County officials stressed that the county does not promote marijuana use. California law prohibits recreational pot use. And though possession and cultivation is legal for licensed, medical use, medical marijuana dispensaries are illegal in San Bernardino County.
But the county doesn't have much control over what kind of events take place at the San Manuel Amphitheater and the grounds surrounding it. That's because the county-owned amphitheater is operated by way of a contract with promoter Live Nation. Due to a contract provision, the county can't pick and choose what shows or acts are booked, county spokesman David Wert said.
"The county doesn't really have any say," Wert said. "As long as (promoters) are acting legally."
'Weather and Weed'
Wert said in February that the county strongly urged Live Nation to not bill Blaze 'N' Glory as a marijuana-friendly event.
But in a news release announcing Blaze 'N' Glory, the band Pepper is quoted as saying, "It's basically Christmas with better weather and weed."
Wert said Wednesday that the request fell on deaf ears, but that county officials weren't surprised.
"We do let (concert promoters) know what our concerns are," Wert said. "Realistically, when the county decided to get into the concert venue business, it has to be understood that it's not an endorsement by the county but a position by the county welcoming all forms of entertainment and free expression."
Recent efforts to reach festival producers Live Nation and SGE were unsuccessful.
Blazing Safely
Under the contract, Live Nation arranges and pays for private security and reimburses the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for overtime costs to staff events, Wert said.
Deputies are there to keep order and enforce the law, Sheriff's Department Lt. Robert O'Brine said.
"We're there for the public's safety and to enforce all laws within the state of California," O'Brine said. "This appears to be a marijuana-centered event, which the county certainly does not promote. Those laws pertaining to marijuana will be enforced."
Deputies were seen Friday walking about the festival grounds. Though their presence was felt, they weren't pulling smokers out of the crowd of thousands.
The event is sponsored by Pat's Legacy, an Orange County-based medical marijuana delivery service. Owner John "Blue" Whinnery said he appreciated the deputies being there.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: PUBLIC SAFETY: County isn?t crazy about pot-themed music fest on its land - Press Enterprise
Author: Ali Tadayon
Contact: Help : Press Enterprise
Photo Credit: Stan Lim
Website: Press Enterprise : Riverside County California News, Sports and Entertainment
