Locals on the West Shore of Tahoe have taken note of several vehicles around town covered in thick, white dust. Clear evidence the occupant(s) have returned from northern Nevada's signature summer event: the Burning Man Festival. The week long encampment of artists and their work and workings convene in the Black Rock Desert playa northwest of Reno, a long way from anywhere. Reports on the website burningman.com list attendance at 66,000 this August. About 4000 less than the maximum allowed by the BLM folks.
The weather was not too bad, with one wind/sand event on Friday. But most folks were somewhat prepared for this phenomenon.
Meanwhile, back in Tahoma, some folks were getting around to hosing off the thick layers of desert dust. One car, though, seemed to relish the coating, like a badge of honor, a sticker/medal to be flashed about-'we were there' type of sign. I was intrigued by the fingered lettering across the rear window: "Berkeley or Bust-Free Weed". Hmmm? This called for more research.
Sure enough. Big article in nytimes. City of Berkeley, CA announces new ordinance that requires marijuana dispensaries to deliver free weed to the poor, defined as those residents whose income falls below $32,000/year. Mayor Tom Bates says that it would be immoral to withhold medication from those who cannot afford to buy that which they need for pain management. One client, interviewed while getting his weed said that he couldn't remember which ailment requires the pot, but he needs it just the same. Mayor Bates touted Berkeley's pot as pesticide free to insure healthy clients are not harmed by chemicals.
So, from Burning Man to "Man, Berkeley. ALLLL Right!
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