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“In towns and cities... there is no more important institution than the local paper.”
Warren Buffett
Staff Report
Tuesday Aug. 7, 2018 4:54 p.m.
South Whittier, CA—Today, Supervisor Janice Hahn has announced that County officials have won a temporary court injunction against an illegal cannabis dispensary in the unincorporated community of South Whittier on the border of La Mirada. “The Plug – La Mirada” has been unlawfully operating in a former Conroy’s Flowers shop at 14203 Imperial Highway at the intersection of Imperial Highway and Valley View Avenue since March of this year. It has also interfered with religious, educational, and social activities at La Mirada Masjid, a place of worship located just 150 feet away.
“This is an unlicensed, unlawful cannabis dispensary that has been operating in a community that doesn’t want it,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “I appreciate the judge for approving today’s injunction. It is the first step to getting this dispensary closed for good. While shutting down unlicensed cannabis facilities has proven to be difficult, my office has made addressing this particular dispensary a priority because of its impact on the La Mirada Masjid.”
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted its current Cannabis Ordinance, which bans all cannabis businesses and activities in all unincorporated County areas (except for those permitted under State law, including personal usage), in 2017. In March, County officials conducted an investigation and confirmed that The Plug – La Mirada was illegally operating. In April, County officials filed a complaint against the business owner for violations of County Code and State Unfair Competition Law. In May, County officials filed a motion for preliminary injunction to temporarily halt the dispensary from operating until trial.
Today, County officials won the preliminary injunction. Next, the LA County Sheriff’s Department will serve the order to The Plug – La Mirada to cease operating at this location or any other location in unincorporated LA County until a trial on the merits, which should take place later this year. Should the dispensary operators violate this order, they will face fines and possible jail time.