<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto">Wait a minute <div>In the questions and answer section of this document, it states the reasons why they cannot have service animals in their establishment, however, why would they say we provide a dog leash at a dog house for pets. Which leads me to believe this is not a legitimate policy. This is a way to get the business to protect themselves if somebody complains about having service animals or any other pet in the store. It’s ridiculous and it won’t hold up in any litigation situation. The ADA is clear when discussing service animals and public access.<br><br><div dir="ltr">Tina Thomas Sent from my iPhone</div><div dir="ltr"><br><blockquote type="cite">On Dec 22, 2022, at 7:18 AM, Michael Forzano <michaeldforzano@gmail.com> wrote:<br><br></blockquote></div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr">That's a great question, as it turns out, the policy is on the website. It is also posted on a sign in front of the store, which my girlfriend pointed out to me before I attempted to enter<br><br>From <a href="https://goldenstategreens.com/faq">https://goldenstategreens.com/faq</a>:<br>Q: Can I bring my animal/Service Animal in with me?A: We are a LEED certified private business who have our patients best interest at heart. Due to the concern of health for others, our building can not allow pets of any kind with no exceptions. Pet hair and dandruff can cause health concerns for other patients who experience chronic respiratory issues, immune deficiencies and burn victims who must be taken into consideration. Understanding this, we do supply a dog house with a water bowl and leash for our furry friends. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we must take into consideration of all our patient’s health needs.<br></div><br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Thu, Dec 22, 2022 at 10:02 AM Tina Thomas <<a href="mailto:tina.thomas90044@gmail.com">tina.thomas90044@gmail.com</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex">does this retail store have a website where this policy could be found Or was it written on a sign on the wall of the building, and or did some employees say that. I’d like to see the policy in writing. <br>
Does this have a website where this policy can be found<br>
<br>
Tina Thomas Sent from my iPhone<br>
<br>
> On Dec 22, 2022, at 6:19 AM, Michael Forzano <<a href="mailto:michaeldforzano@gmail.com" target="_blank">michaeldforzano@gmail.com</a>> wrote:<br>
> <br>
> 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.<br>
> <br>
> -Mike<br>
> <br>
> Sent from my iPhone<br>
> <br>
>> On Dec 22, 2022, at 8:39 AM, tina.thomas90044--- via NFBC-Info <<a href="mailto:nfbc-info@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbc-info@nfbnet.org</a>> wrote:<br>
>> <br>
>> What does the policy <br>
>> State concerning Dog Guides accompanying their handlers. Also, I'm curious if a person with a White Cane would receive the same treatment. <br>
>> <br>
>> <br>
>> <br>
>> <br>
>> -----Original Message-----<br>
>> From: NFBC-Info <<a href="mailto:nfbc-info-bounces@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbc-info-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>> On Behalf Of Michael Forzano via NFBC-Info<br>
>> Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2022 8:34 PM<br>
>> To: <a href="mailto:adepner1425@gmail.com" target="_blank">adepner1425@gmail.com</a><br>
>> Cc: Michael Forzano <<a href="mailto:michaeldforzano@gmail.com" target="_blank">michaeldforzano@gmail.com</a>>; NFB of California List <<a href="mailto:nfbc-info@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbc-info@nfbnet.org</a>><br>
>> Subject: Re: [NFBC-Info] Guide dog access issue at retail store in San Diego<br>
>> <br>
>> 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.<br>
>> <br>
>> -Mike<br>
>> <br>
>> Sent from my iPhone<br>
>> <br>
>>>> On Dec 21, 2022, at 8:30 PM, <a href="mailto:adepner1425@gmail.com" target="_blank">adepner1425@gmail.com</a> wrote:<br>
>>> <br>
>>> I just saw this. What can I or the San Diego can do to help? <br>
>>> Allison<br>
>>> Respectfully,<br>
>>> Allison Depner,<br>
>>> National Federation of the Blind of California, San Diego Chapter President<br>
>>> (619) 952-2352<br>
>>> <a href="mailto:Adepner1425@gmail.com" target="_blank">Adepner1425@gmail.com</a><br>
>>> You Can Live the Life You Want. <br>
>>> Blindness is Not What Holds You Back!<br>
>>> <br>
>>> -----Original Message-----<br>
>>> From: NFBC-Info <<a href="mailto:nfbc-info-bounces@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbc-info-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>> On Behalf Of Tim Elder via NFBC-Info<br>
>>> Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2022 12:34 PM<br>
>>> To: 'Michael Forzano' <<a href="mailto:michaeldforzano@gmail.com" target="_blank">michaeldforzano@gmail.com</a>><br>
>>> Cc: <a href="mailto:tim@timeldermusic.com" target="_blank">tim@timeldermusic.com</a>; 'NFB of California List' <<a href="mailto:nfbc-info@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbc-info@nfbnet.org</a>><br>
>>> Subject: Re: [NFBC-Info] Guide dog access issue at retail store in San Diego<br>
>>> <br>
>>> 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.<br>
>>> <br>
>>> <br>
>>> <br>
>>> <br>
>>> <br>
>>> From: Michael Forzano <<a href="mailto:michaeldforzano@gmail.com" target="_blank">michaeldforzano@gmail.com</a>><br>
>>> Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2022 9:57 AM<br>
>>> To: <a href="mailto:tim@timeldermusic.com" target="_blank">tim@timeldermusic.com</a><br>
>>> Cc: NFB of California List <<a href="mailto:nfbc-info@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbc-info@nfbnet.org</a>><br>
>>> Subject: Re: [NFBC-Info] Guide dog access issue at retail store in San Diego<br>
>>> <br>
>>> <br>
>>> <br>
>>> 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?<br>
>>> <br>
>>> <br>
>>> <br>
>>> 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.<br>
>>> <br>
>>> <br>
>>> <br>
>>> If anyone has leads on reliable reporters in the San Diego area, please pass them along.<br>
>>> <br>
>>> <br>
>>> <br>
>>> -Mike<br>
>>> <br>
>>> <br>
>>> <br>
>>>> On Wed, Dec 21, 2022 at 12:14 PM <<a href="mailto:tim@timeldermusic.com" target="_blank">tim@timeldermusic.com</a> <mailto:<a href="mailto:tim@timeldermusic.com" target="_blank">tim@timeldermusic.com</a>> > wrote:<br>
>>> <br>
>>> 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. <br>
>>> <br>
>>> <br>
>>> -----Original Message-----<br>
>>> From: NFBC-Info <<a href="mailto:nfbc-info-bounces@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbc-info-bounces@nfbnet.org</a> <mailto:<a href="mailto:nfbc-info-bounces@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbc-info-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>> > On Behalf Of Michael Forzano via NFBC-Info<br>
>>> Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2022 5:30 PM<br>
>>> To: <a href="mailto:nfbc-info@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbc-info@nfbnet.org</a> <mailto:<a href="mailto:nfbc-info@nfbnet.org" target="_blank">nfbc-info@nfbnet.org</a>><br>
>>> Cc: Michael Forzano <<a href="mailto:michaeldforzano@gmail.com" target="_blank">michaeldforzano@gmail.com</a> <mailto:<a href="mailto:michaeldforzano@gmail.com" target="_blank">michaeldforzano@gmail.com</a>> ><br>
>>> Subject: [NFBC-Info] Guide dog access issue at retail store in San Diego<br>
>>> <br>
>>> Hi All,<br>
>>> <br>
>>> 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.<br>
>>> <br>
>>> 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?<br>
>>> <br>
>>> Thanks,<br>
>>> Mike<br>
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>>> om<br>
>>> <br>
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>>> <br>
>> <br>
>> _______________________________________________<br>
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