Cannabis dispensary appeal

Opposed the dispensary, saying it sits amid senior services, childcare, and Contra Costa College, which serves the county's highest share of Latino and Black students.

Cited crime data and rising THC potency, arguing the store would worsen drug problems and urging a no vote.

UFCW Local 5 organizer spoke in favor, saying Embark provides top-quality, safe, union jobs with real protections.

A former Middle College student disputed the buffer map, saying classes used the whole college campus, not just the administration building.

Described a man showing up at her door with her printed public comment, saying neither the city nor Embark could explain how he got it.

A pastor on Rumrill and father of teens who walk to the college urged the council not to allow the dispensary.

Said San Pablo is the county's densest city with 8,000+ youth, and questioned location near homes, seniors, and schools.

A 34-year resident described her grandson's cannabis dependency and urged the council to consider their own grandchildren.

A 42-year addictions professional cited census data on roughly 8,900 transitional-age youth near the site and urged a no vote.

A 38-year resident and educator said middle schoolers already access weed and vaping and asked the council to deny the appeal.

Said he lives 250 feet away, claimed the true distance to the school is 522 feet, and noted neighboring cities ban such businesses.

Raised concerns about new student apartments near the proposed store and impacts on schools, churches, and homes.

A lawyer whose family dates to 1945 argued the location contradicts the city's investments and likened it to 1980s-era targeting of minority communities.

Laid out the buffer math — 522 feet to the door, less after property-line measurement — and argued the site is illegal under city ordinance.

A member of the adjacent church said the storefront is incompatible with worship, youth programs, and recovery services, and urged denial.

A sixth-grade teacher described students arriving at school after consuming gummies and urged the council to protect, not shrink, buffers.

A former mayor and councilmember who joined Embark's community advisory board endorsed the project and asked the council to grant the permit.

A West Oakland resident described living amid dispensaries and said they haven't stopped street drug problems, urging the council to consider community services instead.

Pastor of Word of Faith Church for 30 years, he said he measured 552 feet from the school fence line himself and asked the council to protect children.

A mother, grandmother, homeowner, and realtor who doesn't use cannabis urged denial on behalf of youth who cannot speak for themselves.

Recounted a severe 7-Eleven parking-lot beating 25 years ago that still affects a family, urging denial near schools and homes.

Said the Martinez Embark store has been clean and safe, and endorsed the appeal for its union jobs and community investment.

A 19-year UFCW member explained what a union contract guarantees workers and said Embark's commitment sets it apart.

With the Labor Council, praised Embark's union partnership and urged approval, noting staff recommended it.

A 35-year homeowner and commercial property manager said the location is simply wrong, and reported her own door-knocking found no one Embark had contacted.

A resident reminded the council of its power and asked them to vote no, citing the Planning Commission's quality-of-life mission.

The local Embark owner and Measure N sidebar committee member spoke from the heart in support, noting his parents are San Pablo seniors.

A mother, resident, and 25-year government employee begged the council to vote no, saying the area feels safe now but wouldn't with the store.

The Contra Costa Labor Council director deferred to staff on location, praised the union jobs, and argued a regulated store beats the illegal market.

A frequent visitor to the neighborhood said the store threatens children walking by and asked the council not to trade community for money.

Described her son's near-fatal cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and worried a nearby store could trigger his relapse as a Contra Costa College student.

An afterschool program worker asked whether the dispensary would be near the applicant's own home and family.