Embarc cannabis dispensary

Pastor of the nearby church, spoke of the site's history of gangs, drugs, and shootings and asked the commission to protect the recovering neighborhood and its children.

A 35-year homeowner who watched the area clean up, she worried about everyday cannabis visibility to kids and teens and asked for denial.

Said the security fortification itself tells the story — barriers, ram-raids elsewhere — and asked why not another location.

A 24-year resident who lost her brother to addiction; told commissioners 'not all money is good money' and asked them to vote no.

Contra Costa Labor Council representative voiced support, praising Embarc's union partnership with UFCW Local 5 and living-wage jobs.

A licensed drug and alcohol counselor for 40 years, he cited youth brain-development research and the college's 7,000 under-25 students and urged a no vote.

A homeowner who repeated her earlier opposition, concerned about students walking past the site and normalization of drug use near youth centers.

Grew up here and pastors across the street; said the community was never properly informed and asked for a vote no and a remote location.

Third time speaking against the project; urged commissioners to think about the community's identity and the students who walk past daily.

Described finding a young woman dead from drugs near a nearby hotel and asked the commission to keep the store out of the location — while promising prayers either way.

A San Pablo-born attorney and realtor who argued the location conflicts with the general plan, cited the college's young population, and doubted property-tax benefits.

Lives under 1,000 feet away, said she was never contacted, and noted Middle College High School on the college campus and a children's playground 600 feet away.

With Contra Costa Health's alcohol and drugs department, urged the commission to look beyond minimum buffers and pick a site that minimizes youth exposure.

Noted San Pablo is the county's densest city with nearly 8,000 kids under 18 and urged a no vote.

A mother, homeowner, and 25-year government employee who said she has seen cannabis-business crime firsthand and urged a no vote.

The local Embarc partner — a San Pablo father of two — said he would not back the site near his own family without confidence in the operation, and asked for support.

A commercial building owner who said her ten tenants never got notice, and urged the city to listen to the public and protect children.

Father of three who volunteers at Bayview Elementary; objected to candy-like packaging of cannabis products and said no.