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

Thu Dec 22 14:19:04 UTC 2022

I would potentially consider coming back out there for such a protest (aside from this unfortunate experience, I love San Diego). The policy states that service animals are only allowed at the pickup counter. My understanding is that this is a separate entrance to the building which is used for picking up online orders.

-Mike

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 22, 2022, at 8:39 AM, tina.thomas90044--- via NFBC-Info <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> What does the policy 
> State concerning Dog Guides accompanying their handlers. Also, I'm curious if a person with a White Cane would receive the same treatment. 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NFBC-Info <nfbc-info-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Michael Forzano via NFBC-Info
> Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2022 8:34 PM
> To: adepner1425 at gmail.com
> Cc: Michael Forzano <michaeldforzano at gmail.com>; NFB of California List <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [NFBC-Info] Guide dog access issue at retail store in San Diego
> 
> Hi Allison, If you have contacts of anyone from the city, the media or anyone else you think worth putting me in touch with, that would be super helpful. Someone else mentioned having a group of guide dog users go to the store, this is certainly an option but I can tell you that the staff were extremely disrespectful and confrontational, so it's not something I would personally ask anyone to do.
> 
> -Mike
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Dec 21, 2022, at 8:30 PM, adepner1425 at gmail.com wrote:
>> 
>> 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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>> om
>> 
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