Continued on

Cannabis Breakfast cont’d from page 1

(CRTF). CRTF’s mission is to regulate legitimate licensed cannabis dispensaries and conduct criminal investigations into and prosecute non-licensed criminal enterprises engaging in the sales, transportation, cultivation, and production of cannabis and cannabis products.

“We’re using the laws to protect legal businesses,” Hestrin said. “And so far, the results of the CRFT have been pretty stunning.”

Alongside the CRFT, the DA’s office has also started a Cannabis Advisory Committee. Paul Patani, Senior Investigator – Consumer Fraud Unit, said, “We started this committee to address issues with legal businesses. We don’t want the illegal businesses in our county—our focus is on taking down dispensaries that don’t have proper licenses, are not paying taxes, etc.”

The advice to roundtable participants from the DA’s office was clear: work with them to help take down the illegal operations. “We’re urging you to help us regulate the industry,” Hestrin said. “The illegal businesses give you all a bad name—if someone gets hurt it’s going to harm your business.”

“The taskforce is here to serve you all,” he added. “We want to know your main problems.”

Hestrin lamented the State’s cannabis strategy. He said, “California passed the law with no foresight. The police and DAs didn’t know what to do. There has been a lot of State handwringing and it comes from lack of will—they don’t want to be aligned with the war on drugs mess. I agree that the war on drugs failed, but that doesn’t mean it should be a free for all.

“We do it differently because I don’t care about the criticism. We enforce the law. Anything less is an abdication of our duty.”

Attendees had a chance to field questions and concerns to the DA and his team. Jakki Hernandez, Director of Compliance, Mr. Nice Guy, voiced her concerns over counterfeit products. The DA replied, “We stamp out counterfeits wherever we find them. If they are selling their product in our county, that’s our jurisdiction. We can also work with other counties sometimes to secure a conviction.”

Adam Hijazi, representing AAR/ Tropicanna, pointed to high taxes and regulations as two of the industry’s biggest challenges.

“Better taxes will push the legal industry forward,” he said. “Plus, we need smart enforcement. Delivery companies are a particular issue too as it’s hard to find them.”

Patani answered, “We are working on a solution [to the deliveries issue]. We are looking for ways to catch the mice in the mousetrap. That’s where the working together comes in.”

The call to action was clear: the DA and his team want to work with legal cannabis businesses in Riverside County to tackle the prevalence of illegal operations and make things easier for legitimate entities to survive.

The Corona Chamber is currently the only Chamber of Commerce in the area that is committed to providing platforms like these to help the cannabis industry. Wherever your cannabis operations are in California, these vital industry-specific events are a must-attend. Join the Chamber today so you can take part in the next roundtable, taking place in Q1 2022.

ANDREW CREAM

Celebrate!

Thank you to our members who recently renewed their membership with us. The businesses featured below are celebrating Chamber milestone anniversaries. Your partnership in our organization makes a difference in our community during uncertain times. When the going gets tough, the Chamber doesn’t sit on the sidelines. We are doing everything in our power to support members, and together, we will get through this! Join us in celebrating these members for their ongoing investment in our community.

15 years Blumenthal & Moore

(951) 682-5110 3993 Market St. Riverside, CA 92501 Our attorneys at Blumenthal Law Offices have more than 100 years of legal experience collectively, along with an extensive record of success in all areas of criminal law.

CARSTAR Allstar Collision

(951) 279-9161 522 Railroad St. Corona, CA 92882 CARSTAR Allstar Collision is a company that has built a reputation for honesty, integrity, quality, and old-fashioned customer that has served Corona for over 20 years.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Corona

(951) 479-4000 1550 Circle City Dr. Corona, CA 92879 Holiday Inn Express is centrally located to restaurants, entertainment and 850 square feet of meeting space.

10 years Christian Arts and Theatre of Corona – CAT

(951) 279-2298 815 W. 6th St. Ste. 110 Corona, CA 92882 Christian Arts & Theatre of Corona (CAT) is an after-school theater and arts educational program for students ages 4-18 that models the highest morals through traditional Biblical values.

Impact Canopies USA

(951) 674-1441 22600 Temescal Canyon Rd. Corona, CA 92883 Impact Canopies USA is a trendsetter in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of instant canopy accessories.

Lakeshore Plaza - Dos Lagos Office, LLC

(951) 277-2938 4160 Temescal Canyon Rd. Ste. 314 Corona, CA 92883 Lakeshore Plaza is a state-of-theart office building conveniently located next to the Shops at Dos Lagos. It provides tenants a community work environment that is walking distance from abundant food options, housing, shopping, lodging and recreational choices.

LegalShield Associate - Genevieve Eastman

Corona CA 92879 (909) 226-9135 LegalShield strives to build a better world where access to justice and security is equal for every human. Members receive legal advice on an unlimited number of personal legal issues for a monthly subscription fee.

5 years Executive VIP Transportation / MVP Luxury Tours

(951) 304-0412 41593 Winchester Rd., Ste. 112 Temecula, CA 92590 Specializing in Temecula wine tasting tours, charters, weddings, corporate events, and nights on the town. We provide the luxurious vehicle and the knowledge to make your day, event and dream a reality.

Inland Mechanical Services

(951) 807-1259 1181 California Ave. Ste. 260 Corona, CA 92881 We provide professional commercial air conditioning and heating services throughout Southern California including Riverside and Corona.

Jeff Miller Insurance Agency

(951) 738-8500 370 W. Grand Blvd. Ste. 107 Corona, CA 92882 As your local Farmers® agent in Corona, CA, Jeff helps customers to identify the insurance coverage that best fits their needs.

John’s Easy Vacations

(951) 515-3104 11167 Town & Country Drive Riverside, CA 92505 Whether you’re looking for a cruise, all-inclusive resorts, or a tour of Europe, I have you covered! Simply contact me and we can discuss where you want to go and do, and I’ll help you figure out the rest.

Premier Armor

(951) 415-7992 109 N. Maple St. Ste. E Corona, CA 92880 Premier Armor focuses on paint protection film, window tint and ceramic coatings for luxury cars.

Relaxation Station Mobile Massage

(951) 572-2234 Corona, CA 92879 Relaxation Station Mobile Massage is a mobile massage service that travels to your home or office. We specialize in developing personal treatment plans based on each client’s individual needs.

START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT!

The Spine Program at Corona Regional Medical Center is committed to helping you improve your quality of life.

Don’t wait any longer. Return to the things you love to do.

We can help with: • Minimally invasive spinal surgery* • Spinal degenerative disorders/deformities • Spinal Stenosis • Microdecompression

Dennis E. Cramer, DO Board-Certified Neurosurgeon

Babak R. Khamsi, MD Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

The Spine Program Medical Directors The program’s highly skilled surgeons put patients – and precision – first.

For a free physician referral, call 1-800-882-4362.

*Individual results may vary.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Corona Regional Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 2170118-617217 12/21