Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Watsonville, California - The Watsonville Planning Commission recommended the approval of three medical cannabis cultivation facilities Tuesday, sending all three applications to the Watsonville City Council for consideration Aug. 23.
First, the Planning Commission voted 4-1 to approved a permit for Destry Bogart, 59, and his wife, Debra, 70, who have applied to operate a cultivation facility at 347 Locust St. The Ben Lomond couple's involvement with medical cannabis began seven years ago when Debra's mother was battling cancer, Bogart said.
"We were surprised how her life was enhanced and suffering was reduced by medicine," he said.
Shortly after his stepmother's death, Destry's own mother was diagnosed with bone cancer.
"For the last two years of her life, it provided the ability to eat properly most days and sleep at night," he said.
Bogart said his wife has brought a passion for organic gardening to their new vocation. Her breeding program has created cannabis strains that are highly sought after by other cultivators, he said, describing their work as being at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field of scientific research.
Bogart said he and his wife chose Watsonville for the potential site of their facility for a number of reasons, most notably its prominence as a leading center of organic agriculture. He also described the economic benefits to the community, stating that skilled cannabis gardeners can make $20 to $25 an hour.
The Bogarts' application was not without controversy, however. A woman who asked not to be identified, but described herself as a business owner in the neighborhood of the proposed location, strongly objected to the application.
"This site is less than two blocks from a school. Those kids walk down that street to get to their homes. The idea that children are walking past something like this ... I don't even understand," she said.
The Planning Commission also voted 5-0 to recommend the application for a facility at 9 Hangar Way set forth by Bryce Berryessa, who represents Grow Co. LLC.
Berryessa, 34, of Brookdale, owns and operates a number of other cannabis businesses, including The Cookie Co. 831, one of Santa Cruz's largest storefront dispensaries. He also serves on a number of boards and committees, including the Association for Standardized Cannabis and Watsonville's cannabis advisory committee.
The Planning Commission also voted 5-0 to approve the application of James Cunningham, 32, of Santa Cruz, who represented BTW Industries, despite the fact that Cunningham said he has no experience in the cannabis cultivation industry.
"Everyone has to start somewhere," said Planning Commissioner Rick Danna.
If approved by the City Council, cannabis cultivation businesses operating in Watsonville must pay a monthly $8,300 "cannabis mitigation fee," according to Suzi Merriam, assistant director of the Community Development Department.
This fee, which is paid in lieu of taxes until a tax structure for the nascent local industry can be established, is earmarked for staff resources; particularly planning, police and fire personnel.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Watsonville Planners Recommend Three Cannabis Cultivation Facilities
Author: Ryan Masters
Contact: 831-423-4242
Photo Credit: Nick Oza
Website: Santa Cruz Sentinel
First, the Planning Commission voted 4-1 to approved a permit for Destry Bogart, 59, and his wife, Debra, 70, who have applied to operate a cultivation facility at 347 Locust St. The Ben Lomond couple's involvement with medical cannabis began seven years ago when Debra's mother was battling cancer, Bogart said.
"We were surprised how her life was enhanced and suffering was reduced by medicine," he said.
Shortly after his stepmother's death, Destry's own mother was diagnosed with bone cancer.
"For the last two years of her life, it provided the ability to eat properly most days and sleep at night," he said.
Bogart said his wife has brought a passion for organic gardening to their new vocation. Her breeding program has created cannabis strains that are highly sought after by other cultivators, he said, describing their work as being at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field of scientific research.
Bogart said he and his wife chose Watsonville for the potential site of their facility for a number of reasons, most notably its prominence as a leading center of organic agriculture. He also described the economic benefits to the community, stating that skilled cannabis gardeners can make $20 to $25 an hour.
The Bogarts' application was not without controversy, however. A woman who asked not to be identified, but described herself as a business owner in the neighborhood of the proposed location, strongly objected to the application.
"This site is less than two blocks from a school. Those kids walk down that street to get to their homes. The idea that children are walking past something like this ... I don't even understand," she said.
The Planning Commission also voted 5-0 to recommend the application for a facility at 9 Hangar Way set forth by Bryce Berryessa, who represents Grow Co. LLC.
Berryessa, 34, of Brookdale, owns and operates a number of other cannabis businesses, including The Cookie Co. 831, one of Santa Cruz's largest storefront dispensaries. He also serves on a number of boards and committees, including the Association for Standardized Cannabis and Watsonville's cannabis advisory committee.
The Planning Commission also voted 5-0 to approve the application of James Cunningham, 32, of Santa Cruz, who represented BTW Industries, despite the fact that Cunningham said he has no experience in the cannabis cultivation industry.
"Everyone has to start somewhere," said Planning Commissioner Rick Danna.
If approved by the City Council, cannabis cultivation businesses operating in Watsonville must pay a monthly $8,300 "cannabis mitigation fee," according to Suzi Merriam, assistant director of the Community Development Department.
This fee, which is paid in lieu of taxes until a tax structure for the nascent local industry can be established, is earmarked for staff resources; particularly planning, police and fire personnel.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Watsonville Planners Recommend Three Cannabis Cultivation Facilities
Author: Ryan Masters
Contact: 831-423-4242
Photo Credit: Nick Oza
Website: Santa Cruz Sentinel
