[NFBC-Info] Guide dog access issue at retail store in San Diego

Thu Dec 22 01:30:12 UTC 2022

I just saw this. What can I or the San Diego can do to help? 
Allison
Respectfully,
Allison Depner,
National Federation of the Blind of California, San Diego Chapter President
(619) 952-2352
Adepner1425 at gmail.com
You Can Live the Life You Want. 
Blindness is Not What Holds You Back!

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBC-Info <nfbc-info-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Tim Elder via NFBC-Info
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2022 12:34 PM
To: 'Michael Forzano' <michaeldforzano at gmail.com>
Cc: tim at timeldermusic.com; 'NFB of California List' <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [NFBC-Info] Guide dog access issue at retail store in San Diego

I’d try calling to see if they do call-up intakes without advanced scheduling.  Worst case is that you’re stuck with the scheduled intake.

From: Michael Forzano <michaeldforzano at gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2022 9:57 AM
To: tim at timeldermusic.com
Cc: NFB of California List <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [NFBC-Info] Guide dog access issue at retail store in San Diego

I filed it online. As part of the process I had to choose an intake appointment and April was the first available. Maybe it would be worth calling to explain my situation?

The police were called while I was in the shop but they apparently stated they could not arrive for 2 hours so I ended up leaving. I'm no longer in San Diego but maybe it's worth a try to put in a call to them.

If anyone has leads on reliable reporters in the San Diego area, please pass them along.

-Mike

On Wed, Dec 21, 2022 at 12:14 PM <tim at timeldermusic.com <mailto:tim at timeldermusic.com> > wrote:

Did you file the complaint using the online system, CCRS, the telephone, or the mailing option?  I've heard horror stories about how EEOC and DFEH are running inappropriately slow right now.  

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBC-Info <nfbc-info-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbc-info-bounces at nfbnet.org> > On Behalf Of Michael Forzano via NFBC-Info
Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2022 5:30 PM
To: nfbc-info at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Michael Forzano <michaeldforzano at gmail.com <mailto:michaeldforzano at gmail.com> >
Subject: [NFBC-Info] Guide dog access issue at retail store in San Diego

Hi All,

I don't live in California but wanted to reach out here as I unfortunately experienced an access issue while visiting San Diego with my guide dog. I attempted to enter Golden State Greens, a state licensed marijuana dispensary, but was told that service animals were only allowed at the pick up counter. I had not purchased anything online and desired to enter the main show room and browse the products like any other customer. I was ultimately refused service after attempting to advocate for myself with multiple employees. This is apparently a long-standing policy at this shop, and they even have signage posted stating the policy. I have video evidence of one of the employees defending her right to refuse me entry with my service animal as completely legal.

I have already filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. Unfortunately, they have no intake appointments available until April. Does anyone have suggestions of anything else I could be doing to speed up the process to hold this business accountable for their egregious ADA violation?

Thanks,
Mike
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