L.A. County Democrats endorse Redondo Cannabis measure
by Garth Meyer
The Los Angeles County Democratic Party has endorsed Measure E in Redondo Beach, including it in a list of Party position statements.
The measure would allow up to three retail marijuana stores in town, with restrictions on where they may open.
It would repeal Redondo’s longstanding ban on non-medical marijuana businesses.
Measure E was put on the ballot by way of a signature drive last fall.
Elliot Lewis, CEO of Catalyst Cannabis Co., based in Long Beach, originated the public effort and is a major financial supporter.
“Although Catalyst remains fiercely non-partisan, and a free-thinking organization, we are super proud of receiving the L.A. Democratic Party endorsement,” Lewis said. “It’s an illustration of the great policy we have put forward for Redondo Beach residents and its workers, and it highlights the highest labor standard of any cannabis initiative ever put forward. We applaud the L.A. Dems for recognizing the policy.”
Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand and the five city council members all oppose the measure..
The council passed its own ordinance in August to allow up to two marijuana stores.
“The L.A. County Democratic Party failed to ask any of the six Redondo Beach elected officials who are Democrats what their positions were on this measure,” said Brand. “They acted on their own. Measure E is only on the ballot because a special interest company based in Long Beach funded the paid signature gatherers that were not from Redondo Beach.”
Initially set to go before voters in March 2023, the Redondo Beach city council decided this summer, in a 3-2 vote, to move the measure to an Oct. 19 special election, pairing it with a recall vote for District Four Councilman Zein Obagi, Jr.
The L.A. County Democrats have also endorsed Measure M in Hermosa Beach and Measure MB in Manhattan Beach, which like Measure E in Redondo, would legalize retail cannabis sales, and were underwritten by Catalyst.
The Party opposes Manhattan Beach’s Measure V, which would prohibit all cannabis stores and delivery. Measure V was put on the ballot by the Manhattan City Council. ER
Cannabis debate
Monday, Oct. 3
A debate on Redondo Beach’s Measure E will be livestreamed on EasyReaderNews.com on Monday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.
Elliot Lewis will represent the proponents. He is the CEO of Catalyst Cannabis Co., a cannabis retailer.
Jonatan Cvetko will represent the opponents. He was a member of the City of Redondo Beach Cannabis Advisory Board and is the executive director of the United Cannabis Business Association.