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inside
contents 07.2016
CULTURE M
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Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett managing Editor Jamie Solis
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Editorial Contributors Benjamin Adams, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Cole Garrison, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Anthony Herrold, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Joe Jatcko, David Jenison, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Tyler Markwart, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Joy Shannon, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Zara Zhi Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Duncan Rolfson Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur
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Graphic Designers Tanya Delgadillo, Meilani Darby
Patience is Key Local cannabis legalization initiative delayed in Bakersfield.
departments 8 News Nuggets
10 By the Numbers
14 Strain Reviews 22 News of the Weird
bakersfield Jon Bookatz sales manager Account Executives Rob Bayless, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Gene Gorelik, Teddy Helms, Emily Musser, Beau Odom, Justin Olson, Jim Saunders, Chris Thatcher general Manager Iris Norsworthy
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Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital media Editor David Edmundson Ctv Contributors Quinn Marie Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla
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ON THE COVER: p h o t o b y Du n c a n R o l f s o n
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NEWS
nuggets
Arroyo Grande may soon allow some medical cannabis delivery services and cultivation
Tehachapi Mountain Beer and Wine Fest
The Planning Commission in Arroyo Grande voted to amend its current regulations on medical cannabis, according to The Tribune. If passed, this amended ordinance will allow limited at-home cultivation, and it will also set up a permit system for up to three delivery services. The proposed amended ordinance was narrowly passed by a 3-2 vote and is now on its way for approval by the City Council. The city has a history of banning collective storefronts and mobile delivery services of medical cannabis in the past, and this new amendment was proposed in response to residents criticizing the City Council’s ban on all cannabis cultivation. The City Council will likely see the amended ordinance later this month.
Shooting Outside Cannabis Dispensary Leaves One Dead, One Wounded A fatal shooting happened in the parking lot of Green Hut, a cannabis dispensary located on South Union Avenue in Bakersfield on June 1. According to Bakersfieldnow.com, 19-year-old Moises Nicholas Aguilar Lopez was shot and killed while sitting inside a vehicle. There was reportedly also a female teenager sitting in the passenger seat who was also shot, but she was taken to the hospital for only minor injuries. Police later arrested 16-year-old Miguel Tinoco for allegedly shooting the victims, and there is suspicion the crime may be related to gang participation. It is unclear whether or not the crime had any relation to the cannabis dispensary or if the victims had been in there prior to the shooting. 8
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Nothing says summer like enjoying beer and wine in a scenic outdoor setting during the third annual Tehachapi Mountain Beer and Wine Fest. Guests who attend this event are in for a treat because tickets get you virtually unlimited tastings of over 120 beers and wines, as well as dinner from one of six amazing restaurants being featured at the festival. Other awesome activities include the fest’s first annual Tehachapi Mountain Bike (Mtb) Brew Fondo, a two to three hour bike ride that guests can add on top of their Beer and Wine Fest ticket, and the fest’s inaugural kickball tournament. What’s even more exciting is that there won’t be a child in sight as you play in the sun with your friends because this event is only for those who are 21 and over. WHAT: Tehachapi Mountain Beer and Wine Fest. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, July 16 Benz Visco Youth Sports & Cultural Park 20537 Tehachapi Willow Springs Rd., Tehachapi. INFO: Visit www. tehachapibrew. com for additional information.
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NEWS
The percentage of Americans that believe veterans suffering from PTSD should be allowed to get a medical cannabis prescription in pill form: (Source: Forbes)
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The number of applications to own a medical cannabis business in Alaska that were being considered in June: (Source: The Washington Times)
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The percentage of surveyed Minnesota medical cannabis patients who reported that cannabis provided them with some relief: (Source: Star Tribune)
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The expected number of states in the U.S., as of June, that will be voting on cannabis legislation this November: (Source: The Inquisitr)
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’40s Front Porch Party
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WHAT: ‘40s Front Porch Party WHEN/WHERE: Sat., July 9, 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave., Bakersfield. INFO: Visit www.kcmuseum.org for ticketing information.
The Kern County Museum invites you to celebrate its 75th anniversary like its 1941! Guest are encouraged to come dressed in their best ’40s attire and dance the night away to the tunes of a live swing band. Don’t forget to bring an appetite because there will be a variety of delicious ’40s inspired foods and cocktails to enjoy as you make your way around the celebration. 10
The number of signatures that Ohioan medical cannabis supporters must collect in order to get a medical cannabis initiative on the November ballot: (Source: Tulsa World)
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To make it a night you’ll never forget, take a photo in front of one of the many period back drops that will be provided at the event. Oh, and don’t forget to cheer on your favorite veteran at the fun and friendly arm wrestling competition! Don’t be a fuddy-duddy and take part in this exciting celebration that will help benefit many local organizations.
“Rendering Homage: Portraits of a Patron” Joan Agajanian Quinn, a Los Angeles art patron, advocate and collector has been depicted by world renowned artists in a variety of mediums over the decades in a series of portraits. This exhibit showcases Quinn’s collection of portraits given to her by artists. Of the muse’s collection of over 300 portraits, only 50 two and three-dimensional works will be showcased, pieces that best portray the patron as a “living work of art.” Because Quinn had good instinct she knew which artists where going to be monumental and befriended some of the greatest names in contemporary art history including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Frank Gehry and Ed Ruscha. Come and see how these artist viewed this wonderful woman in this engaging portrait exhibition. WHAT: “Rendering Homage: Portraits of a Patron.” WHEN/WHERE: Ends August 28. Fresno Art Museum 2233 North First St., Fresno. INFO: Visit www. fresnoartmusuem.org for more details.
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REVIEWs
strain & concentrate Brass Knuckles Vape Pen (Gorilla Glue)
Available at: Collectives throughout California.
Everyone raves about this indica-dominant’s “knockout effect.” Being proud cannasseurs, we love to medicate with dense, trichome dusted buds, but the stickiness of the Gorilla Glue flowers tends to render a grinder useless. Enter the Brass Knuckles Vape Pen to rescue us all from glue covered fingers! The taste leaves a wonderful coat of lime on your tongue while a thick cloud of vapor permeates the room. The effects are potent, starting from the bottom of your lungs and going all the way up, until your eyes go numb. Beware, this strain isn’t for the casual user. This product, like the easily stowable weapon resembling the name of this company, will leave you dazed. The pen itself is sleek, gold and contrasts nicely against the translucent yellow liquid stored inside.
Gelato .45 Premium Nug Run
Available at: Bakersfield Gas Company in Bakersfield.
A recent heat wave knocked our power out for hours, leaving us with a useless freezer filled with melted ice cream. Thankfully, we had some “gelato” that hadn’t been affected by the weather, and we knew just what to do with it. The bright, neon yellow glass you discover inside the bright packaging of the Gelato .45 Premium Nug Run is wonderfully potent and the Neapolitan taste in your mouth will bring your hunger level to 10—so watch out. Patients suffering from muscle spasms, appetite loss, gastro-intestinal disorders and anxiety can ease their pain with this premium product.
House of Wax Shatter
Available at: Pow Wow Vitality in Bakersfield.
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As we fired up our blowtorch on this sample of pristine shatter from Pow Wow Vitality, we immediately recalled the exhilaration of our first viewing of the movie, House of Wax. With the sweet velvety vapor filling our lungs, we were plagued by some of the most torrential concerns from our experience with the waxy horror flick. How did someone think casting Paris Hilton would be a great choice? Why does no one bring a spare tire on a back roads country trip? Why does the black guy always die first? Though these very real concerns of a very fictitious film are probably unanswerable, with one to four puffs of this potent shatter, we were on a spiral effect of thoughts and energy. Take heed, as this shatter will entice you to think about the big things with great detail, and possibly write a letter to Warner Bros. to tell them about your concerns of their 2005 horror flick. Grab a flashlight and a buddy, and head to Pow Wow Vitality to pick up some of this House of Wax Shatter and make sure you have a spare tire to avoid the whole “encased in wax” thing.
Dizzy OG The lineage of this easy-on-the-eyes hybrid can be traced back to the ever favorite OG Kush strain. After grinding up a nice helping for ourselves we noticed these dense, frosty flowers relaxed our muscles from our neck down to our toes almost immediately, while our mind stayed sharp. This strain was developed by Las Vegas rapper Dizzy Wright who is no stranger to the world of cannabis. After word gets out that these fragrant, body-relaxing energy-inducing buds are great to smoke during the day or anytime sleep isn’t your desired activity, I’m sure other clinics will have to work a little harder to find another strain comparable to this dizzy driving flower. For now, you can pick up some of your own at, Weed Patch Compassionate Collective.
Available at: Weed Patch Compassionate Collective in Bakersfield.
Revolutionary Extracts Blackberry Kush Rosedale Remedies in Bakersfield has always been a favorite stop of ours whenever we find ourselves in the central California area, and now we have yet another reason to drop by and overstay our welcome. This concentrate is so clear you’ll almost swear you bought a blank sheet of folded parchment paper when you open this nondescript envelope and take in the sweet aroma of indica goodness. Similar in smell to the original flowers it’s derived from, yet upon burning, the sugary berry-like vapor is transformed into a mellow, citrus euphoria that leaves your mouth coated in lemon and your creative juices flowing. Join the revolution over at Rosedale Remedies, and use with caution. This potent concentrate has strong pain-relieving and creative ecstacy-inducing qualities.
Available at: Rosedale Remedies in Bakersfield.
The Crop’s OG Once the parchment paper was carefully peeled apart from this delicious smelling sample of house concentrate from The Crop in Bakersfield, we were engulfed in a cloud of sugar and citrus scents. We savored our time in this waft of perfume and took in a few more whiffs of this summery fragrance. Once ingested, we began to feel the heady effects almost instantaneously while the pain relieving qualities came on gradually and lasted for a few hours. The collective itself is clean and simple, with display cases usually used to store items in a bakery, stocked to the brim with gorgeous samples of everything cannabisrelated you could want. Head over soon and check out which deals they’re running that day and ask one of their knowledgeable budtenders about The Crop’s OG.
iReadCulture.com
Available at: The Crop in Bakersfield.
GET YOUR CLICKS
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Central California Setback
Filing is Delayed for Bakersfield’s Medical Cannabis Initiative by Jamie Solis
Despite the California Compassionate Use Act, which allows Californian medical cannabis patients safe access to medical cannabis, Bakersfield has a ban on medical cannabis collectives in the city. However, a group of concerned citizens are working feverishly to get the ban lifted. A group called Kern Citizens for Patient Rights (KCPR) have created the Medical Cannabis Initiative in hopes of replacing the City of Bakersfield’s current collective ban with California’s Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act. Although they are making progress toward filing the petition with the city clerk, supporters of the initiative told Bakersfield.com they still needed more time. According to Jeff Jarvis, who is behind the initiative and also a board member for KCPR, only around 12,000 of 17,500 signatures collected so far can be verified as local registered voters. In order to get the initiative on the November ballot, KCPR must collect signatures from 10 percent of Bakersfield’s current registered voters, which equals to 15,438 signatures. Jarvis told Bakersfield. com on Monday, June 20, “I’m pretty confident, positive that we don’t have enough to turn in. If they don’t go in
today, I would guess within four to five business days.” Even if the signatures are all submitted on time, supporters of the initiative may face another hurdle. Once signatures are submitted, the city and the county have 30 days to verify the signatures. Once the signatures are verified, The County of Kern then requires an approved resolution requesting to include the initiative on the ballot from the Bakersfield City Council by August 12. Without this, there is no way the initiative will make it on the November 8 ballot. The issue now is that once the signatures are submitted, the City Council has 10 days to pass the resolution. However, the next meeting for the City Council is not until August 17. Bakersfield’s city manager, Alan Tandy explained that calling a special meeting for City Council may be a difficult task. He told Bakersfield.com, “It’s been very difficult in the past to arrange special meetings of the City Council and this is the height of vacations and conflicts.” Aware of these issues, Jarvis concluded that the Medical Cannabis Initiative may not appear on the ballot until next June. Either way, the supporters of the bill continue to push the initiative forward. c
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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird
LATEST RELIGIOUS MESSAGES u The Keystone Fellowship Church in North Wales, Pennsylvania, has a tradition of congregants reserving pew seats by leaving Bibles in place, but worshipper Robert Braxton, 27, was having none of that on April 24 and took a saved seat anyway. Witnesses told Philadelphia’s WCAU-TV that when one church member gently tapped Braxton on the shoulder to inform him of the tradition, Braxton snapped at him and became disruptive. Congregant Mark Storms, 46, flashed a gun and confronted Braxton, who punched Storms, adding, “That’s not a real gun” and “What are you going to do, shoot me?” Storms, contending that he felt threatened, fired two shots, killing Braxton, and was charged with voluntary manslaughter.
BRIGHT IDEAS u The Moscow Times reported in May that bailiffs in Russia’s Perm region, employing originality as yet unseen in America in attempting to collect an overdue debt, arrested the debtor’s cat. The bailiffs listed the feline’s value at the equivalent of $23, and the man came up with that sum the next day and took the cat home. The Federal Bailiffs Service explained that all the other “property” in the apartment was in other people’s names. NEW WORLD ORDER u (1) German soldiers participating in a four22
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week NATO exercise in Norway earlier this year apparently had to abort their efforts days earlier than other countries—because Germany’s defense minister, Ursula von der Leyen, had imposed strict rules on overtime pay. Soldiers are to work no more than 41 hours a week, she said, according to revelations by London’s Daily Telegraph. (2) Britain’s venerable Oxford University issued a formal suggestion to law lecturers recently that they give “trigger warnings” (and allow classroom absences) if the class subject matter might be unpleasant to some students. Complained one frustrated lecturer, “We can’t remove sexual offences from the criminal law syllabus— obviously.” OOPS! u This correction appeared in The New York Times print edition of May 10: “Because of an editing error, an article on Monday (May 9) about a theological battle being fought by Muslim imams and scholars in the West against the Islamic State misstated the Snapchat handle used by Suhaib Webb, one of the Muslim leaders speaking out. It is imamsuhaibwebb, not Pimpin4Paradise786.” u Amateurs: Government agencies trying, legally or not, to hide details from public inquiries under freedom-of-information demands usually resort to indelibly blackening out what they do not want revealed, but the Public Health Agency of Canada recently tried a unique method, according to an Associated Press correspondent. The AP had requested files on the 2014 Ebola outbreak, and, revealed reporter Raphael Satter, the documents finally arrived from the PHA with parts carefully “redacted”—
using “Scotch tape and paper.” Satter reported that he got everything the AP had asked for by merely peeling the tape back. (A Dallas Morning News reporter, commenting on Satter’s experience, wrote, “Canadians are so nice.”) PERSPECTIVE u King Cove, Alaska, population 923, lies between two massive volcanic mountains on one of the Aleutian Islands, unconnected to other civilization and 625 miles from any medical facility (in Anchorage), “accessible” only by a weather-challenging “puddle-jumper” airplane to Cold Bay for a connecting flight. About two-thirds of the residents have flying anxieties so severe that King Cove has a makeshift vending machine dispensing Valium. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski has campaigned to build a road to Cold Bay to eliminate the nervewracking flights, but it would disturb a federally protected wilderness, and the U.S. Interior Department has so far declined. (Unconsidered: Channel the late Sam Kinison, who implored starving Ethiopians to just “mo-oo-ove!” since food doesn’t grow in the desert). ARMED AND DANGEROUS IN THE F STATE u Michael Blevins, 37, reported to Florida Hospital in Orange City (near Daytona Beach) in May after finally realizing, three days after the fact, that he had shot himself while cleaning his handgun. He said he was on pain medication and besides, was wearing a black shirt that obscured blood stains. He said he had felt a sharp pain but that, mainly, it had aggravated his back injury, causing him to fall and hit his head against a coffee table, and thus was
not aware of the origin of the loud noise the .22-caliber handgun made. Deputies investigated briefly but closed the case. UPDATE u Annual Chinese “Tombsweeping” celebrations have made News of the Weird several times, most recently in 2008 when the government reinstated it as an official holiday. (Traditionally, people brought jewelry and other valuables to ancestors’ gravesites for burial with the body, thus theoretically “enriching” the relative’s afterlife). In recent years, during economic turbulence, some brought only paper images of valuables (or just left signed checks— “generous” checks!). Now, a retail market has developed of ultra-cheap knock-off upscale items, such as fake Gucci shoes, computers, big-screen TV sets, and even one full-size “air-conditioner” (because, perhaps, it may be “hot” where the deceased is headed?). A Hong Kong representative for Gucci has issued warnings against trademark abuse, even though the flimsy fakes are hardly convincing. A NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIC (MARCH 2012) u The 547-acre FBI Academy on the grounds of the Quantico (Virginia) Marine Base houses a firing range on which about a million bullets a month are shot by agents in training, but it also happens to be a de facto wildlife refuge for the simple fact that the academy is off-limits to Virginia hunters. Thus, according to a December (2011) ABC News dispatch, deer learn that, despite the gunfire (sometimes at astonishingly close range as they wander by the targets), none of them ever gets hit. The academy has also become a “sanctuary” for foxes, wild turkeys and other critters.
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