I'm a Libertarian living in Humboldt County, CA. I've lived here in Eureka since 1973 and joined the Libertarian Party in 1992. This blog will mostly focus on local political issues, but I may stray into state and national issues as well, when I can't help myself. Please post your comments by clicking on the "comments" link at the bottom of each post. Although I do moderate comments, you need not be a registered user to post them.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Drug Free Zones
It never occurred to me that the drug bust at that house on B Street in Eureka the other day was in one of those Drug Free Zones. That subjects those arrested to enhanced sentences for illegal drug activity within 1000 feet of a school.
You've seen the signs, I'm sure; The black on white signs posted near schools that say "Drug Free School Zone", or whatever? I'd always wondered what those were all about. I read years ago that, even if you grow one pot plant in your house inside the area of one of those DFZ zones, you can get mandatory prison time, or some such. Looks like that's not always the case from what the papers are saying.
Local officials say that, because the drug activity took place inside the house, enhancements didn't apply. I wonder if that's local policy or federal policy? When I first read about DFZ years ago, I got the impression that it did apply to anywhere inside the drug free zone, inside a house or outside, regardless. I was under the impression that this DFZ thing was a federal law. Did I get that wrong?
The Times- Standard reports Sheriff Mike Downey has declared a local state of emergency in Humboldt as a result of the last storm. No real surprise as it seems we often do that when we get more than an inch of rain in a day. Then again, I believe this is the first such declaration I might have heard of in a while. Somebody been slacking off at the courthouse?
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I was watching KIEM TV News last night, but not paying much attention. There was some mention of an effort afoot to increase the number of Drug Free Zone signs placed around schools. Again, not paying close enough attention so forget the exact details. I wrote before about those Drug Free Zone signs back in 2006. Ever notice them? I didn't think much of them when I did, until I found out what they meant. What they mean is if you're inside one of those zones- within 1000 feet of a school- you're subject to enhanced penalties for any sort of drug violation. I believe this is some federal thing. You could be growing two pot plants for your own use, no problem. But if you're living within a Drug Free Zone- say, two blocks from the school- you're subject to serious penalties for having drugs near a school. Downright silly as far as I'm concerned. I was surprised that today's KIEM News poll shows only 42% agreeing with the statement that all schools be required to post Drug Free Zone signs. I voted NO, of course, but you'd think there would be more than 42% wanting more of those signs. After all, we have to DO SOMETHING!
