Emergency Response Protest Re: DEA Raids in LA

For Immediate Release
Contact: Shona Gochenaur
415-240-5247
axisoflovesf [at] gmail.com

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROTEST
Friday, March 21st - Noon - San Francisco Federal Building

San Francisco Stands Up For Safe Access Against DEA Raids In Los Angeles

Activists and supportive local government will gather Friday, March
21, 2008, at noon at 450 Golden Gate, Federal Bldg., to express their
outrage at the recent attacks by the DEA on safe access.

On the prowl again, the DEA has done what patient advocates refer to
as ''smash and grabs'' of six LA co-ops as well as raids on personal
residences and one arrest.

"The collectives' proprietor, Virgil Grant, is an outstanding citizen,
well-known and respected member of the South Central Community. He
provided a wide variety of holistic herbs and compassionate services
to a community he wanted to see be more knowledgeable and in control
of their health," states Degé Coutee, president of the Patient
Advocacy Network, Los Angeles.

Patient advocates in San Francisco are particularly outraged due to
the loss of these ''compassionate services'' meaning the most
vulnerable patients received medicine regardless of their ability to
purchase," states Shona Gochenaur, executive director of Axis of Love
San Francisco.

Shona continues, "This tradition is a key principle of the
compassionate community in San Francisco - considering many people
loose their ability to make a gainful income once disabled or becoming
ill. Healthcare costs as all Americans know are out of reach to many."

Patient advocates are urging Congress to open congressional hearings
and allow states with medical cannabis laws an exemption from federal
prosecution and harassment. Local jurisdictions demand their rights to
safely regulate medical cannabis and ask the federal government to
respect state law and the will of the people.

"Advocates are relieved tonight that Virgil is currently safe with his
family and not in federal custody," Degé states. Los Angeles advocates
will stage its rally and protest early next week.

Patients, advocates and community supporters are encouraged to attend.
Current state and local resolutions attached.

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