December 2, 2022
City of Costa Mesa
77 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Dear City of Costa Mesa,
On behalf of more than 21,000 members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 324, we wish to express our strong support for Access Costa Mesa planning application for a cannabis retail storefront business at, 2001 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa. The ownership of Access Costa Mesa currently operates a storefront dispensary in Santa Ana under the name South Coast Safe Access which has been a long partner with UFCW local 324.
The owners of the proposed Access Costa Mesa location have had a collective bargaining agreement with UFCW Local 324 since 2016 for their Santa Ana location. Their contract has helped set a standard for cannabis industry with Union Healthcare for employees as well as holidays, vacation, and paid sick time above the California requirements.
UFCW’s partnership with the ownership of Access Costa Mesa raises standards for cannabis workers across California and we are proud to represent the workers at the forefront of the legal cannabis industry. The ownership of Access Costa Mesa has a proven track record of operating in Orange County and partnering with UFCW to ensure the welfare of their employees. We strongly encourage the City of Costa Mesa to approve Access Costa Mesa planning for a retail cannabis storefront business at 2001 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards,
Matthew Bell
Secretary Treasurer
UFCW Local 324
ATTACHMENT 8
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February
14, 2023
Honorable
Mayor Stevens and Members of the Costa Mesa City Council 92 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Dear Ma
yor Stevens and Honorable Members of the Costa Mesa City Council:
I am w
riting in support of South Coast Safe Access’ (SCSA) appeal regarding its proposed dispensary.
SCSA h
as an unparalleled record in its support of the labor community and working families. I had the privilege to assist UFCW organize SCSA. The owners of SCSA were not only supportive of the union, they encouraged their employees to join the union. To this day all union members are provided discounts for store purchases.
Additio
nally, SCSA has been a longtime supporter of the Veteran Community. Interestingly enough the owners weighed through the rebar and cement forms during the construction of Heroes Hall Veteran Museum with me. The dispensary has been sensitive to veterans’ needs since its opening by offering discounts and support.
I have b
een assured by SCSA that if licensed in Costa Mesa it will continue to serve the Veteran Community; including a program to host a veteran outreach volunteer one day a month to assist veterans navigating through the VA system and other important issues.
Thank
you for considering my input and thank you for everything you do for the entire community; including your unyielding support for our Veteran Community.
Sincere
ly,
VETERAN
S ALLIANCE OF ORANGE COUNTY
Nick Berard
ino
President Veterans Alliance of Orange County (VALOR)
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