Sixth Ward residents, faith leaders, business owners and former elected officials rallied Sunday afternoon in 100-degree heat against the city-approved relocation of a cannabis retailer to 1602 W. Highland Ave. Protesters argued the site is too close to senior housing, homes and churches and was approved without adequate community input.
The Coalition of Westside & 6th Ward Citizens organized the Aug. 2 protest at Highland Avenue and Medical Center Drive under the theme “Community Yes, Cannabis No.” Organizers said their opposition is focused on the location and approval process, not on cannabis businesses generally.
The proposed retailer would occupy a former neighborhood market through the relocation of an existing commercial cannabis permit. On June 17, the San Bernardino City Council approved Commercial Cannabis Business Permit 26-001, allowing the permit’s ownership transfer from PTRE Management LLC to OG Ventures LLC and its relocation from 225 E. Airport Drive to the Highland Avenue property…