HomeMy WebLinkAboutC-20-14 Cake RedactedApplicant (Entity) Information
Application Type
Proposed Location
Commercial Cannabis Business
Permit Application
C-20-14
Submitted On: Dec 03, 2020
Applicant
Daniel Wise
5127453242
danny@currntcannabis.com
Applicant (Entity) Name:
Community Members of Fresno, LLC
DBA:
Cake
Physical Address:
322 E. Belmont Avenue
City:
Fresno
State:
CA
Zip Code:
93701
Primary Contact Same as Above?
Yes
Primary Contact Name:
Daniel Wise
Primary Contact Title:
Chief Executive Officer
Primary Contact Phone:
5127453242
Primary Contact Email:
danny@currntcannabis.com
HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL IN THIS APPLICATION APPLIED FOR
ANY OTHER CANNABIS PERMIT IN THE CITY OF FRESNO?:
Yes
Select one or more of the following categories. For each
category, indicate whether you are applying for Adult-Use (“A”)
or/and Medicinal (“M”) or both
Both
Please make one selection for permit type. If making multiple
applications, please submit a new application for each permit
type and proposed location.
Permit Type
Retail (Storefront)
Business Formation Documentation:
Limited Liability Company
Property Owner Name:
Marco A Zamora
Proposed Location Address:
322 E. Belmont Avenue
City:
Fresno
State:
CA
Zip Code:
93701
Property Owner Phone:
Property Owner Email:Assessor's Parcel Number (APN):
459-024-03
Proposed Location Square Footage:
Supporting Information
Application Certification
3650
List all fictitious business names the applicant is operating under including the address where each business is located:
The Applicant is not currently operating in any jurisdiction.
Has the Applicant or any of its owners been the subject of any
administrative action, including but not limited to suspension,
denial, or revocation of a cannabis business license at any time
during the past three (3) years?
No
Is the Applicant or any of its owners currently involved in an
application process in any other jurisdiction?
Yes
If so, please list and explain:
Daniel Wise and Saad Pattah, owners of Community Veterans of Fresno have approved and pending applications for the following
locations:
CURRNT Veterans Wildomar Central, LLC – Approved - 10/01/2020, (Retail) – Project PA 20-0083, 23080 Wildomar Trail,
Wildomar, CA, 92595
CURRNT Veterans Wildomar South, LLC – Approved - 10/01/2020 , (Retail) – Project PA20-0084, 32475 Clinton Keith Rd.,
Wildomar, CA, 92595
CURRNT Veterans Wildomar North, LLC – Approved - 10/01/2020, (Retail) – Project PA 20-0085, 14 Bundy Canyon Rd., Wildomar,
CA, 92595
Community Veterans of Fairfield - Pending - 10/29/2020 (Retail) , 1500 W. Texas Street #B, Fairfield, CA, 94533
Daniel Wise has approved applications for the following location:
Wise Enterprise, Inc. - Approved - 10/07/2020 (Retail), 1728 Silverlake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90026
Has Owner Completed Background Check Application?
Yes
Ownership Percentage (%):
49
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
BUSINESS FORMATION DOCUMENTS
Cake Enterprise, Inc. owns Community Members of Fresno. Cake Enterprises, Inc. is owned by Daniel
Wise and Saad Pattah. Daniel and Saad are funding the Community Members of Fresno project. Community
Members of Fresno will operate under the ficticious name of Cake.
Cake Enterprises,
Inc.
Community
Venterans of Fresno
Saad Pattah
Managing Member
Daniel Wise
President & CEO
Sara Gutierrez
Board Advisor
Cynthia Nelson
Board Advisor
Estiban Solis
General Manager
Michael Bloom
Procurement
Manager
Benjamin Aguilera
Sales Manager
Kristopher
Anderson
Public Relations
Manager
Michael Owen
Security Manager
A set of formal documents filed with the Secretary of
State to legally document the creation of a n ew
business entity.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4416CC7D-B8AE-4E8F-BB5C-FF108DE71FE5
California Secretary of State
Electronic Filing
General Stock Corporation - Articles of Incorporation
Entity Name: CAKE ENTERPRISES, INC
Entity (File) Number: C4651974
File Date: 10/12/2020
Entity Type: General Stock Corporation
Jurisdiction: California
Detailed Filing Information
1. Corporate Name: CAKE ENTERPRISES, INC
2. Business Addresses:
a. Initial Street Address of Corporation: 3400 COTTAGE WAY, STE G2 #3844
SACRAMENTO , California, 95825
United States of America
b. Initial Mailing Address of Corporation: 3400 COTTAGE WAY, STE G2 #3844
SACRAMENTO , California, 95825
United States of America
3. Agent for Service of Process:
California Registered Corporate Agent (1505): LEGALINC REGISTERED AGENTS, INC. (C4249296)
4. Shares:1500
5. Purpose Statement:The purpose of the corporation is to engage in
any lawful act or activity for which a
corporation may be organized under the
General Corporation Law of California other
than the banking business, the trust company
business or the practice of a profession
permitted to be incorporated by the California
Corporations Code.
The incorporator affirms the information contained herein is true and correct.
Incorporator: LOVETTE DOBSON
Use bizfile.sos.ca.gov for online filings, searches, business records, and resources.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4416CC7D-B8AE-4E8F-BB5C-FF108DE71FE5
CORPORATE BYLAWS OF
CAKE ENTERPRISES, INC
ARTICLE 1. OFFICES OF THE CORPORATION.
Section 1. Principal Office. The principal office of the corporation and other offices of the
corporation shall be at the locations, within or without the corporation's state of incorporation
(the "State"), as the directors may specify from time to time. The secretary of this corporation
will keep a copy of the corporation's Articles of Incorporation (or similar incorporating
document), these bylaws, minutes of directors' and shareholders' meetings, stock certificates and
stubs, a register of the names and interests of the corporation's shareholders, and other corporate
records and documents at the principal office.
Section 2. Registered Agent. For receipt of official legal and tax correspondence from the State
of Incorporation, the registered agent of the corporation (sometimes known as a resident agent,
statutory agent, agent for service of process, or delivery of service address) shall be maintained
in accordance with the requirements of the State of Incorporation.
ARTICLE 2. SHAREHOLDER'S MEETINGS.
Section 1. Annual meeting. The annual meeting of shareholders shall be held in the 1st month
following the end of each fiscal year of the corporation on any day of that month as determined
by the board of directors.
Section 2. Special meetings. Special meetings of the shareholders for any purpose or purposes
permitted by law may be called by the president of the corporation or by the board of directors.
Such meetings shall also be called by the president at the request of the holders of not less than
one tenth of the outstanding shares of the corporation entitled to vote at the meeting.
Section 3. Location. Meetings of the shareholders may be held at any location, within or without
the State, designated by the board of directors or, in the absence of a designation by the board of
directors, by the person or persons who call such meeting. If no designation is made, the meeting
shall be held at the principal office of the corporation.
Section 4. Notice. Notices of meetings, annual or special, must be given in writing to
shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting by the secretary or an assistant secretary or, if there is
no such officer, by any director or shareholder.
Notices of shareholders' meetings must be given either personally or by first-class mail or other
means of written communication, addressed to the shareholder at the address of the shareholder
appearing on the stock register of the corporation or given by the shareholder to the corporation
for the purpose of notice. Notice of a shareholders' meeting must be given to each shareholder no
less than two weeks prior to the meeting.
This notice will state the place, date, and hour of the meeting and the general nature of the
business to be transacted. The notice of an annual meeting and any special meeting at which
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directors are to be elected will include the names of the nominees that, at the time of the notice,
the board of directors intends to present for election.
Section 5. Waiver of Notice. Any shareholder may waive notice of any meeting before or after
the meeting. Such waiver must be in writing signed by the shareholder and delivered to the
secretary of the corporation for inclusion in the minutes of the meeting.
Section 6. Quorum and voting. Every shareholder entitled to vote is entitled to one vote for
each share held, except as otherwise provided by law. A shareholder entitled to vote may vote
part of his or her shares in favor of a proposal and refrain from voting the remaining shares or
vote them against the proposal. If a shareholder fails to specify the number of shares he or she is
affirmatively voting, it will be conclusively presumed that the shareholder's approving vote is
with respect to all shares the shareholder is entitled to vote.
Except as otherwise required by applicable law, a majority of the outstanding shares of the
corporation entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at a
meeting of the shareholders. Each outstanding share entitled to vote shall be entitled to one vote
upon each matter voted on at a meeting of shareholders. Except as otherwise required by
applicable law, the vote of a majority of the shareholders present in person or by proxy at a
meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the shareholders.
Section 7 Proxies. At meetings of the shareholders, a shareholder may vote in person or by
proxy executed in writing in compliance with applicable law and filed with the secretary of the
corporation at or before the time of the meeting.
Section 8. Informal action by shareholders. Any action required or permitted by law to be
taken by the shareholders at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if one or more consents
in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the shareholders entitled to
vote at a meeting.
ARTICLE 3. DIRECTORS.
Section 1. General powers. The business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by the
board of directors.
Section 2. Initial directors. The initial board of directors shall be comprised of the following
initial directors:
DANIEL A WISE
3400 COTTAGE WAY, STE G2 #3844
SACRAMENTO , CA 95825
SAAD S PATTAH
3400 COTTAGE WAY, STE G2 #3844
SACRAMENTO , CA 95825
Section 3. Number. The number of directors constituting the board of directors shall be not less
than one nor more than nine. Within such limits, the number may be fixed or changed from time
to time by the vote of a majority of the shareholders or by vote of a majority of the directors.
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Section 4. Election and Tenure of Office. The directors are elected at the annual meeting of the
shareholders and hold office until the next annual meeting and until their successors have been
elected and qualified.
Section 5. Regular meetings. A regular meeting of the board of directors shall be held
immediately after, and at the same place as, the annual meeting of shareholders. The board of
directors may, by resolution, provide for additional regular meetings of the board.
Section 6. Special meetings. Special meetings of the directors for any purpose or purposes
permitted by law may be called by the president of the corporation or by any two directors. The
person or persons who call such meeting may fix any time or place for the holding of such
meeting.
Section 7. Notice. Notices of meetings, annual or special, must be given in writing to directors
by the secretary or an assistant secretary or, if there is no such officer, by any director or
shareholder.
Notices of directors' meetings must be given either personally or by first-class mail or other
means of written communication, addressed to the director at the address of the director
appearing on the records of the corporation or given by the director to the corporation for the
purpose of notice. Notice of a directors' meeting will be given to each director at least two weeks
prior to the meeting, unless a greater period is required under the state corporation statutes for
giving notice of a meeting.
This notice will state the place, date, and hour of the meeting and the general nature of the
business to be transacted. The notice of an annual meeting and any special meeting at which
directors are to be elected will include the names of the nominees that, at the time of the notice,
the board of directors intends to present for election.
Section 8. Waiver of Notice. Any director may waive notice of any meeting before or after the
meeting. Such waiver must be in writing signed by the director and delivered to the secretary of
the corporation for inclusion in the minutes of the meeting.
Section 9. Quorum and voting. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, a majority of
the directors shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of the directors. Each director shall be
entitled to one vote upon each matter voted on at a meeting of the directors. Except as otherwise
required by applicable law, the vote of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a
quorum is present shall be the act of the board of directors.
Section 10. Informal action by directors. Any action required or permitted by law to be taken
by the directors at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if one or more consents in writing,
setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the directors entitled to vote at a
meeting.
Section 11. Resignation, vacancies, and removal. Any director may resign, effective on giving
written notice to the chairperson of the board of directors, the president, the secretary, or the
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board of directors, unless the notice specifies a later time for the effectiveness of the resignation.
If the resignation is effective at a later time, a successor may be elected to take office when the
resignation becomes effective.
Directors may be removed from office, and vacancies on the board of directors may be filled, in
any manner allowed by applicable law.
ARTICLE 4. OFFICERS.
Section 1. Number. The officers of the corporation shall be a president, a secretary, and a
treasurer (or officers with different titles that perform the similar duties of these officers), which
are appointed by the board of directors, with the optional appointment of one or more vice-
presidents at the discretion of the board. The board of directors may appoint such other
additional officers as it may see fit from time to time. Subject to contractual agreements
approved by the board of directors, officers of the corporation shall serve at the pleasure of the
board of directors, and shall have the authority and duties specified from time to time by the
board of directors, and shall receive salary and benefits as may be approved by the board.
Section 2. President. The president has general supervision, direction, and control of the day-to-
day business and affairs of the corporation, subject to the direction and control of the board of
directors. The president presides at all meetings of the shareholders and directors and is an ex
official member of all the standing committees, including any executive committee of the board,
and has the general powers and duties of management usually vested in the office of president or
chief executive officer of a corporation and other powers and duties as may from time to time be
prescribed by the board of directors or these bylaws.
Section 3. Treasurer. The treasurer will keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained,
adequate and correct books and records of accounts of the properties and business transactions of
the corporation.
The treasurer will deposit monies and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the
corporation with the depositories designated by the board of directors. He or she will disburse the
funds of the corporation in payment of the just demands against the corporation; will render to
the president and directors, whenever they request it, an account of all his or her transactions as
chief financial officer and of the financial condition of the corporation; and have such other
powers and perform such other duties as may from time to time be prescribed by the board of
directors.
Section 4. Secretary. The corporate secretary (or other corporate officer designated by the board
of directors to maintain and keep corporate records) will keep, or cause to be kept, at the
principal office of the corporation, a book of minutes of all meetings of directors and
shareholders. The minutes will state the time and place of holding of all meetings; whether
regular or special, if special, how called or authorized; the notice given or the waivers of notice
received; the names of those present at directors' meetings; the number of shares present or
represented at shareholders' meetings; and an account of the proceedings.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4416CC7D-B8AE-4E8F-BB5C-FF108DE71FE5
The secretary will keep, or cause to be kept, at the principal office of the corporation, or at the
office of the corporation's transfer agent, a share register, showing the names of the shareholders
and their addresses, the number and classes of shares held by each, the number and date of
certificates issued for shares, and the number and date of cancellation of every certificate
surrendered for cancellation.
The secretary will keep, or cause to be kept, at the principal office of the corporation, the original
or a copy of the bylaws of the corporation, as amended or otherwise altered to date, certified by
him or her.
The secretary will give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of shareholders and directors
required to be given by law or by the provisions of these bylaws. He or she will prepare, or cause
to be prepared, an alphabetical listing of shareholders for inspection prior to and at meetings of
shareholders as required these bylaws.
The secretary has charge of the seal of the corporation (if applicable) and has such other powers
and may perform such other duties as may from time to time be prescribed by the board or these
bylaws.
ARTICLE 5. BOOKS AND RECORDS.
Section 1. Books and records. The corporation shall create and maintain such books and
records, including minutes of meetings, stock ledgers, and financial records, as may be required
by law and any such additional records as may be specified by the directors and officers from
time to time.
Section 2. Inspection by shareholders. To the extent required by applicable law, and to the
additional extent permitted from time to time by the directors, shareholders shall have the right to
inspect the books and records of the corporation.
ARTICLE 6. MISCELLANEOUS.
Section 1. Share certificates. Shareholders of the corporation shall be entitled to one or more
certificates representing shares owned by such shareholders. Share certificates shall be in the
form specified from time to time by the board of directors.
Section 2. Dividends and distributions. The board of directors may from time to time declare,
and the corporation may pay, dividends on outstanding shares of the corporation, subject to
limitations provided by law and the articles of incorporation of the corporation.
Section 3. Regular and executive committees. The board of directors may designate one or
more regular committees to report to the board on any area of corporate operation and
performance.
To the extent allowed under state corporate statutes, the board of directors also may designate
and delegate specific decision-making authority to one or more executive committees, each
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consisting of two or more directors, that have the authority of the board of directors to approve
corporate decisions in the specific areas designated by the board of directors.
Section 4. Seal. The board of directors may adopt, and from time to time modify, a corporate
seal.
Section 5. Fiscal year. The fiscal year of the corporation shall be the period designated by the
board of directors.
Section 6. Amendment. These bylaws may be amended from time to time by the directors or the
shareholders in the manner permitted by applicable law.
Certification:
The foregoing bylaws are certified to be the bylaws of the corporation as adopted by the board of
directors on the 13th day of October 2020.
Daniel A Wise, SECRETARY
WAIVER OF NOTICE AND CONSENT TO HOLDING FIRST MEETING
OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CAKE ENTERPRISES, INC
We, the undersigned, being all the directors of CAKE ENTERPRISES, INC, here by waive
notice of the first meeting of the board of directors of the corporation and consent to the holding
of the meeting and consent to the transaction of any and all business at the meeting including,
without limitation, the adoption of bylaws, the election of officers, the selection of the
corporation's accounting period, the designation of the location of the principal office of the
corporation, the selection of the place where the corporation's bank accounts will be maintained,
and the authorization of the sale and issuance of the initial shares of stock of the corporation. The
meeting is/was at the following date, time, and location:
Date: 10/13/2020
Time: 5:00pm
DANIEL A WISE: _____________________________________
SAAD S PATTAH: _____________________________________
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4416CC7D-B8AE-4E8F-BB5C-FF108DE71FE5
10/13/2020
10/13/2020
California Secretary of State
Electronic Filing
LLC Registration – Articles of Organization
EntityName:
Entity (File) Number:
File Date:
Entity Type: Domestic LLC
Jurisdiction: California
Detailed Filing Information
EntityName:
BusinessAddresses:
Initial Street Address of
Designated Office in California:
Initial Mailing Address:
Agent for Service of Process:
Management Structure:
Purpose Statement:The purpose ofthe limited liability
company is to engage in any lawful act
or activityforwhich a limited liability
companymaybe organized underthe
California Revised Uniform Limited
LiabilityCompanyAct.
ElectronicSignature:
The organizer affirms the information contained herein is true and correct.
Organizer:
Use bizfile.sos.ca.gov for online filings, searches, business records, and resources.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF
FRESNO, LLC
202032410023
11/12/2020
COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF FRESNO, LLC
3400 COTTAGE WAY, STE G2 #4080
SACRAMENTO , California 95825
United States
3400 COTTAGE WAY, STE G2 #4080
SACRAMENTO , California 95825
United States
LEGALINC REGISTERED AGENTS, INC.
(C4249296)
One Manager
LOVETTE DOBSON
COMMERCIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
This is an Option to Lease Commercial Real Estate contingent on acquiring a specific license
This Option to Lease is made effective 11/18/2020 and expiring on 11/18/2021 at 11:59 pm by
and between MARCO A ZAMORA(Lessor/Landlord) and Daniel Wise and/or AND
COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF FRESNO,LLC(Lessee/Tenant).
A.LESSOR is the owner of land and a retail building commonly known, numbered and
located at 322 E. Belmont and 340 E. Belmont Avenue Fresno, CA 93701. The
premises consisting of property at 322 E. Belmont of a total of approximately 3,000
square feet of retail space and 2 metal storage shops in the back totaling about
1000sq, and an 18,000 square feet parking lot adjacent to the alley located at 340 E.
Belmont Fresno, CA 93701, and a billboard (with 2 sides) located at 340 E. Belmont
Avenue, Fresno, California 93701 (in the “Center” of parking lot).
B.Lessor agrees to grant Lessee the Option to lease the Premises designated as 322 E.
BELMONT AVE FRESNO,CA 93722 (the "Leased Premises"), the space in this lot
which includes the two storage shops in back aforementioned Landlord desires
to lease the Leased Premises to Tenant, and Tenant desires to lease the Leased
Premises from Landlord for the term described in this Lease agreement, at the rental
and upon the covenants, conditions and provisions herein set forth.
Lessor agrees to lease the Premises on the terms described in this Agreement to
lessee upon lessee successfully obtaining a Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) Type-
10 Retail License. The lease shall be become immediately effective once Lessee
obtains the aforementioned license on or by or before 11/18/2021 whichever comes
sooner. The lease will start in full effect at the full agreed monthly rate described in
this Lease Agreement.
C.Lessee desires to accept the Option, subject to the terms and conditions state in this
agreement, Lessor accepts the Option also based on terms, conditions and
contingencies. This lease is 99.9% accurate and agreed mutually but may be modified
by either parties attorney on legal vocabulary prior to being executed, both parties
have a right to discuss any changes they may find unfair or make them
uncomfortable.
.
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Lessor hereby leases the Leased Premises to Tenant, and Tenant hereby leases the
same from Landlord, for an "Initial Term" beginning 11/18/2021 and ending
11/16/2023. Landlord shall use its best efforts to give Tenant possession as nearly as
possible at the beginning of the Lease term. If Landlord is unable to timely provide
the Leased Premises, rent shall abate for the period of delay. Tenant shall make no
other claim against Landlord for any such delay.
D.Option to Lease Length Of Agreement 11/18/2020 to 11/18/2021 11:59pm
E.Lease Term if Option to Lease Executed 11/18/21 to 11/18/2026
.
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises herein, contained and other good and
valuable consideration, it is agreed:
1. Grant of Option; Conditions of Exercise. Lessor hereby gives Lesse the Option to lease the
above mentioned properties to Lesse an Lesse hereby leases the same from Lessor for an initial
term of 5 years for the amount of $12,000 per month, this includes 2 billboards. This amount is
in full effect at the full amount by 11/16/2021 or before once Lessee has secured the
aforementioned license. Lessor shall use its best efforts to give Lesse possession as nearly as
possible at the beginning of the lease term. Lessee shall make no other claim against Lessor for
any such delay.
2. Lessee may renew the Lease for 2 5 years terms under terms hereon describe. Tenant shall
exercise such renewal option, if at all, by giving written notice to Landlord not less than ninety
(90) days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term. The renewal term shall be at the rental set
forth below and otherwise upon the same covenants, conditions and provisions as provided in
this Lease.
3. Within 2 years Lessor and Lesse agree to construct a building between 3000 to 8000 square
feet in the parking lot here mentioned, where lessee will make his best attempt to move his
license to 340 E. Belmont to an equivalent building in size 3000 to 4000 sq ft.
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4. Lessee shall be entitled to exercise the Option by giving written notice of such exercise upon
successful completion of aforementioned licenses.
(a)Timeliness. The notice of exercise is being given on or before the 12-month
anniversary of the Effective Date, that is, on or before May 18th, 2021 (the “Option Expiration
Date” for the first 6 months Option Term which can be renewed by paying and additional
$10,000 for another 6 months).
(b)Entitlements. Lessee has received all permits, determinations, and approvals
(collectively, the “Entitlements”) necessary to operate Grantees’ proposed business at the
Premises in accordance with the Permitted Use (as defined in Section 4(g)(1) below) including,
but not limited to, a conditional use permit and development agreement issued by the City of
Fresno (the “CUP”), as well as BCC required licenses. Grantees shall be solely responsible for
obtaining the Entitlements and shall be solely responsible for all related costs and expenses.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessor shall reasonably cooperate with Lessee’s efforts to obtain
the Entitlements, provided there is no out-of-pocket cost to Grantor. Such reasonable
cooperation shall include the execution by Grantor of applications, permits, and similar
documents.
(c)Ability to Lease. Lessee acknowledges that Lessor will continue to lease
the premises until the time that Lesse obtains license. During the entitlement process,
Lesse will retain the authority to deliver the premises to Lessee, empty and
unencumbered, with 90 days of notice from Lessee, upon successful development of
aforementioned licenses.
(d)Parking Lot Contingency. The Lessee acknowledges that the Lessor
desires to build a building/shopping strip with a space of 4000sq ft. for the Dispensary to
move to, to the parking lot w included and mentioned in this Lease Agreement. Lessee
will cooperate fully with Lessor to the fullest extent to accommodate the new
development and will work with Lessor to obtain necessary approvals. If the City of
Fresno authorizes the movement of licenses, once obtained, the Lessee will cooperate in
moving to the new building next door within 2 years of the start of the Lease Agreement,
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Continuing with a 5 year lease ending on 11/18/2021. This lease shall include Two (2)
options to extend the term of the Lease for an additional five (5) years each (each, an
“Extension Term”). This Lease renewal is based on the fact that only Lessee is able to
move to 340 E. Belmont. At this time a new Lease and Lease amount will be agreed
upon, depending on who pays for the newly constructed building. If Lessor pays for
construction, then all terms and amounts will remain, the same, if Lessee pays for new
construction building then a reduction in the Lease Agreement may be renegotiated.
The Parking lot will be used and considered a Common area when and if new
construction becomes available for use by all tenants on a non exclusive-basis. In the
meantime the parking lot is only to be used exclusively by Lessee
If for any reason license can’t be moved, then Lessor will allow Lesse to continue the
course of their 5 year Lease with (2) two options to renew one with no conditions under
same terms of the original Lease for an additional (5) five years and the last renewal will
be negotiated mutually. At this time and under mutual agreement Lessor may also have
the option at his discretion to agree to end or extend the Lease, leave the dispensary at
322 E. Belmont and instead still construct a building a 340 E. Belmont for his own
Business use, this will be decided 180 days with written notice by both Lessor and
Lessee.
2. Option to Lease Payments In consideration of Lessor for the Option given to Lessee to
Lease property, Lessee shall deposit with Lessor a non-refundable lease option deposit of
$20,000. If the entitlement period goes beyond the initial 6-month escrow period, the
Lessee’s shall deposit with Lessor a non-refundable lease option deposit of $10,000 which
will grant them other 6-months of processing.
If after 12 months Lessee still hasn’t acquired license, both Lessor and Lesse have the option
to quit and terminate lease or void contract and make it null. However if Lessee desires to
continue the full lease amount and a refundable Lease deposit will become effective, this
amount aforementioned is $12,000 per month
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3. Termination of Option. Less or’s and Lessee’s right to exercise the Option shall terminate
at 11:59 p.m. on the date that is the first to occur of the following dates (the “Option Termination
Date”) 11/16/2021.
(a)The Option Expiration Date of 11/18/2021, if Grantees have not exercised
the Option.
(b)the date on which Grantees deliver written notice to Grantor that Grantees
are electing to terminate this Agreement, effective immediately, on the
grounds that Grantees have been unable to obtain, or have determined, in
their sole and absolute discretion, that they are unlikely to obtain, the
Entitlements.
4.Terms of the Lease. If Lessees exercise the Option, Lessor shall lease the
Premises to Lessees on the following terms:
(a)Form of Lease. Within five (5) business days after Lessees’ exercise of
the Option, the parties shall execute a written lease (the “Lease”) using the California
Association of Realtors Commercial Lease Form (the “Lease Form”).
(b)Parties. Lessor shall be named as the Lessor under the Lease. Lesse
and/or an entity identified by them shall be named as the lessee(s) under the Lease.
(c)Term. The initial term of the Lease (the “Initial Term”) shall be five (5)
years, commencing upon the execution of the Lease on or before 11/18/2021 and ending on
11/18/2026. The Lease shall include Two (2) options to renew the term of the Lease for an
additional five (5) years each and under the terms described in Section 1 of this Lease titled
“Grant of Option Conditions of Exercise”.
(d) Deposit. Tenant shall also pay to Landlord a Refundable "Security
Deposit" in the amount of $36,000 or $12,000 equivalent to 3 months, this deposit money will be
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used as security and to cover any rents owed if tenant becomes in default. Due at beginning of
Lease.
(1) Base Rent for the first year of the Initial Term shall be $12,000 per month for the
space, the common non-exclusive use of the parking lot, and the exclusive use of the billboard
(both sides). Base Rent shall increase based off of San Francisco CPI and shall not exceed 3%
annual increases.
(2) Property Use This Lease Agreement includes the use of a 3000 sq. ft. building
located at 322 E. Belmont Ave. in Fresno, CA 93701 and 2 Storage Buildings in the Back, the
exclusive use of 18,000 sq. ft. of of a Parking Lot located at 340 E. Belmont Ave. Fresno, CA
93701(exclusive until another building is constructed, then it becomes common ground, shared
among tenants and or business owner), and the exclusive use of 2 billboards located in the center
of the parking lot.
(3)Installment Payment shall be due in advance on the first day of each calendar month
during the lease term to Landlord at 5373 N. AURORA AVE FRESNO, CA 93722 , in person or
at such other place designated by written notice from Landlord or Tenant or mentioned in this
Lease Agreement. The rental payment amount for any partial calendar months included in the
lease term shall be prorated on a daily basis.
(4)Types of Payment accepted shall only be in the form of Direct Deposit, Wire Transfer
Cashier’s Check, or Money Orders or Cash during the first year.
(5)In the event Lessor and Lessees do not execute the Lease, the full sum paid of
$20,000 for the first 6 months and the $10,000 for the second term another 6 months 6 to months
12 shall be considered nonrefundable option payments. This money will be the lessor’s money
owed, regardless if Lessee obtains the licensed here mentioned or not.
(f)Tenant Alterations and Improvement Allowances. The Lease shall not provide
for any tenant improvement allowance. All improvements shall be at Lessee’s expense, unless
otherwise stated by Lessor.
Tenant, at Tenant's expense, shall have the right following Landlord's consent to remodel,
redecorate, and make additions, improvements and replacements of and to all or any part of the
Leased Premises from time to time as Tenant may deem desirable, provided the same are made
in a workmanlike manner and utilizing good quality materials.
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Tenant shall have the right to place and install personal property, trade fixtures, equipment and
other temporary installations in and upon the Leased Premises, and fasten the same to the
premises. All personal property, equipment, machinery, trade fixtures and temporary
installations, whether acquired by Tenant at the commencement of the Lease term or placed or
installed on the Leased Premises by Tenant thereafter, shall remain Tenant's property free and
clear of any claim by Landlord. Tenant shall have the right to remove the same at any time
during the term of this Lease provided that all damage to the Leased Premises caused by such
removal shall be repaired by Tenant at Tenant's expense.
(g)Repairs. During the Lease term, Tenant shall make, at Tenant's expense, all necessary
repairs to the Leased Premises. Repairs shall include such items as routine repairs of floors,
walls, ceilings, and other parts of the Leased Premises damaged or worn through normal
occupancy, including electrical and air conditioning.
(h)Use. The Lease shall include the following provisions regarding the use of the
Premises: legally compliant retail sales of cannabis.
“The Leased Premises” herein described shall be used for the retail sale of legally
compliant cannabis products, together with related legally compliant products, and for no other
purpose (the “Permitted Use”). Any other use or purpose is subject to breaking the Lease and
must be discussed prior with Lessor and approved by only Lessor.
This use is approved provided that tenant also complies with applicable zoning ordinances.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, Tenant shall not use the Leased Premises for the purposes of
storing, manufacturing or selling any explosives, flammables or other inherently dangerous
substance, chemical, thing or device
(2)As long as Lessees are not in default under the Lease, Lessor shall not lease any
space within the Shopping Center to any new tenant whose primary use is the same as Lessees’
use.
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(3)Any cultivation, manufacturing, or on-site use of cannabis or any cannabis
product shall be deemed a material breach of the Lease, and grounds for immediate termination
of the Lease.
(4)Lessees shall not adopt, use, or advertise (through the use of signage or otherwise)
any fictitious business name or other trade name that incorporates words, phrases, or images that
refer or relate to cannabis, including, but not limited to “THC,” “cannabis,”“pot leaf,” or “Green
Cross.”All signage and advertising shall be compliant with the Center’s rules, regulations, and
policies, as well as all applicable codes, laws, ordinances, and regulations, including those of the
City of Fresno and the California Bureau of Cannabis Control.
(h)Expanded Indemnity; Other Customary Provisions. The Lease shall include
expanded indemnification provisions pursuant to which Grantees shall undertake to indemnify,
defend, and hold Lessor harmless with respect to any and all legal liability or financial loss
associated with Grantees’ tenancy and business operations. The Lease shall also include such
additional provisions as may be customary in leases involving the same or similar uses as the
Permitted Use. Any illegal activity or breaking the law makes the Lease null and void and is
cause for immediate eviction.
(i)On-Site Security. The Lease shall provide that Grantees are obligated to provide
on-site security services at the Premises at Lessees sole expense, once Lease Option is executed.
(j)Condition. The Lease shall provide that Lessor shall deliver the Premises to
Grantees in “as-is,” “where-is” condition, subject only to the warranty described in Paragraph 2.2
of the Lease Form. The Lease shall further provide that Grantor shall re-key the Premises prior
to its delivery to Grantees.
(k)Signage. The Lease shall provide that Grantees shall have the right to install, at
Grantees’ sole expense, the maximum amount of signage permissible under the Center’s signage
program and guidelines (including, but not limited to, Paragraph 34 of the Form Lease) and the
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applicable regulations of the City of Fresno, including one (1) sign panel on the Shopping
Center’s monument sign.
5. Capacity to Sign. All parties represent that they possess all necessary capacity
and authority to sign and enter into this Agreement. All individuals signing this Agreement on
behalf of a corporation, a partnership, or other legal entity, or signing under a power of attorney
or as a trustee, guardian, conservator, or in any legal capacity, represent that they have the
necessary capacity and authority to act for, sign, and bind the respective entity or principal on
whose behalf they are signing.
6. Counterpart Copies. This Agreement may be signed in counterpart, and
any signed counterpart shall be equivalent to a signed original for all purposes.
7.Additional Action. Each of the parties, without further consideration,
agrees to execute and deliver such other documents and to take such other action as may be
necessary or appropriate to give full force and effect to the basic terms and intent of this
Agreement.
8.Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains all of the representations and
the entire understanding and agreement of the parties.
9.Construction. This Agreement is the result of a full and fair negotiation
between the parties and shall not be construed in favor of or against any party.
10.Gender and Number. As used in this Agreement, the masculine, feminine,
or neuter gender, and the singular or plural number, shall include the others whenever the context
indicates.
11.Headings. The titles and headings of the various sections of this
Agreement are intended solely for the convenience of reference and are not intended to explain,
modify, or place any construction on any of the provisions of this Agreement.
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12.Cross-References. All cross-references in this Agreement, unless specifically
directed to another agreement or document, refer to provisions within this Agreement.
13.Amendments. This Agreement may not be altered or modified except by a
writing signed by all of the parties.
14.Successors and Assigns. Subject to any restrictions on transferability contained in
this Agreement, this Agreement and all of its provisions shall be binding on and inure to the
benefit of the heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties. Lessor shall
approve any Successors and Assigns as it relates to the lease agreement. Subject to approval by
Lessor 4. Sublease and Assignment.
Lesse does not have the right without Lessor consent, to assign this Lease to a corporation with
which Tenant may merge or consolidate, to any subsidiary of Tenant, to any corporation under
common control with Lessor, or to a purchaser of substantially all of Lessee’s assets. Except as
set forth above, Lesse shall not sublease all or any part of the Leased Premises, or assign this
Lease in whole or in part without Landlord's consent, such consent not to be unreasonably
withheld or delayed.
15.Time of the Essence. All times and dates in this Agreement are of the essence.
16. No Waiver. A party's failure to insist on the strict performance of any covenant
of duty required by this Agreement, or to pursue any remedy under this Agreement, shall not
constitute a waiver of such breach or such remedy.
17.Severability. If any part of this Agreement is determined to be illegal or
unenforceable, all other parts shall remain in effect.
18. Property Taxes. Lesse shall pay, prior to delinquency, all general real estate
taxes and installments of special assessments coming due during the Lease term on the Leased
Premises, and all personal property taxes with respect to Landlord's personal property, if any, on
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the Leased Premises. Lessee shall be responsible for paying all personal property taxes with
respect to Lessee’s personal property at the Leased Premises.
19. Insurance.
A. If the Leased Premises or any other party of the Building is damaged by fire or
other casualty resulting from any act or negligence of Tenant or any of Tenant's agents,
employees or invitees, rent shall not be diminished or abated while such damages are under
repair, and Tenant shall be responsible for the costs of repair not covered by insurance.
B. Lessee shall maintain fire and extended coverage insurance on the Building and
the Leased Premises in such amounts as Lessor shall deem appropriate. Lessee shall be
responsible, at its expense, for fire and extended coverage insurance on all of its personal
property, including removable trade fixtures, located in the Leased Premises.
C. Lessee and Lessor shall, each at its own expense, maintain a policy or policies of
comprehensive general liability insurance with respect to the respective activities of each in the
Building with the premiums thereon fully paid on or before due date, issued by and binding upon
some insurance company approved by Landlord, such insurance to afford minimum protection of
not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit coverage of bodily injury, property damage or
combination thereof. Lessor shall be listed as an additional insured beneficiary on Lessee’s
policy or policies of comprehensive general liability and fire insurance, and Lessee shall provide
Lessor with current Certificates of Insurance evidencing Lessee’s compliance with this
Paragraph. Lesse shall obtain the agreement of Lessee’s insurers to notify Lessor that a policy is
due to expire at least (10) days prior to such expiration. Lessor shall not be required to maintain
insurance against thefts within the Leased Premises or the Building; this is the responsibility of
the Lessee.
20. Utilities.
Lesse shall pay all charges for water, sewer, gas, electricity, telephone and other services and
utilities used by Lesse on the Leased Premises during the term of this Lease unless otherwise
expressly agreed in writing by Lessor. In the event that any utility or service provided to the
Leased Premises is not separately metered, Lessor shall pay the amount due and separately
invoice Lesse for Lessee’s pro rata share of the charges. Tenant shall pay such amounts within
fifteen (15) days of invoice. Tenant acknowledges that the Leased Premises are designed to
provide standard office use electrical facilities and standard office lighting. Tenant shall not use
any equipment or devices that utilize excessive electrical energy or which may, in Landlord's
reasonable opinion, overload the wiring or interfere with electrical services to other tenants.
21. Entry. Lessor shall have the right to enter upon the Leased Premises at reasonable
hours to inspect the same, provided Landlord shall not thereby unreasonably interfere with
Lessee’s business on the Leased Premises.
22. Parking Lot Contingency.
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The Lessee acknowledges that the Parking Lot will be used and considered a Common area,
available for non-exclusive use in common with other tenants and Lessor, their guests and
invitees, of the non-reserved common automobile parking areas, driveways, and footways,
subject to rules and regulations for the use thereof as prescribed from time to time by Lessor.
There will be no designated parking areas for any particular tenant; however Lessor reserves the
right to designate any if there were ever any events or tenants that required it. . Lessor desires to
build a building/shopping strip with a space for the dispensary to move to on the parking lot,
included in this Lease Agreement. Lessee will cooperate fully with Lessor to the fullest extent to
accommodate the new development and will work with Lessor to obtain necessary approvals. If
the City of Fresno authorizes the movement of licenses, once obtained, the Lessee will cooperate
in moving to the new building next door.
23. Building Rules.
Tenant will comply with the rules of the Building adopted and altered by Landlord from time to
time and will cause all of its agents, employees, invitees and visitors to do so; all changes to such
rules will be sent by Landlord to Tenant in writing. The initial rules for the Building are
attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein for all purposes.
24. Damage and Destruction.
Subject to Section 8 A. above, if the Leased Premises or any part thereof or any appurtenance
thereto is so damaged by fire, casualty or structural defects that the same cannot be used for
Tenant's purposes, then Tenant shall have the right within ninety (90) days following damage to
elect by notice to Landlord to terminate this Lease as of the date of such damage. In the event of
minor damage to any part of the Leased Premises, and if such damage does not render the Leased
Premises unusable for Tenant's purposes, Lessee shall promptly repair such damage at the cost of
the Lessee. In making the repairs called for in this paragraph.
Landlord shall not be liable for any delays resulting from strikes, governmental restrictions,
inability to obtain necessary materials or labor or other matters which are beyond the reasonable
control of Landlord. Tenant shall be relieved from paying rent and other charges during any
portion of the Lease term that the Leased Premises are inoperable or unfit for occupancy, or use,
in whole or in part, for Tenant's purposes.
Rentals and other charges paid in advance for any such periods shall be credited on the next
ensuing payments, if any, but if no further payments are to be made, any such advance payments
shall be refunded to Tenant. The provisions of this paragraph extend not only to the matters
aforesaid, but also to any occurrence which is beyond Tenant's reasonable control and which
renders the Leased Premises, or any appurtenance thereto, inoperable or unfit for occupancy or
use, in whole or in part, for Tenant's purposes.
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25. Default and Late Payments
Rent will be considered late after 3 days and a 5% late fee will be assed in addition to regular
monthly payment. If default shall at any time be made by Tenant in the payment of rent when
due to Landlord as herein provided, and if said default shall continue for fifteen (15) days after
written notice thereof shall have been given to Tenant by Landlord, or if default shall be made in
any of the other covenants or conditions to be kept, observed and performed by Tenant, and such
default shall continue for thirty (30) days after notice thereof in writing to Tenant by Landlord
without correction thereof then having been commenced and thereafter diligently prosecuted,
Landlord may declare the term of this Lease ended and terminated by giving Tenant written
notice of such intention, and if possession of the Leased Premises is not surrendered, Landlord
may reenter said premises. Landlord shall have, in addition to the remedy above provided, any
other right or remedy available to Landlord on account of any Tenant default, either in law or
equity. Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to mitigate its damages.
26. Quiet Possession.
Landlord covenants and warrants that upon performance by Tenant of its obligations hereunder,
Landlord will keep and maintain Tenant in exclusive, quiet, peaceable and undisturbed and
uninterrupted possession of the Leased Premises during the term of this Lease.
27. Condemnation.
If any legally, constituted authority condemns the Building or such part thereof which shall make
the Leased Premises unsuitable for leasing, this Lease shall cease when the public authority takes
possession, and Landlord and Tenant shall account for rental as of that date. Such termination
shall be without prejudice to the rights of either party to recover compensation from the
condemning authority for any loss or damage caused by the condemnation. Neither party shall
have any rights in or to any award made to the other by the condemning authority.
28. Subordination.
Tenant accepts this Lease subject and subordinate to any mortgage, deed of trust or other lien
presently existing or hereafter arising upon the Leased Premises, or upon the Building and to any
renewals, refinancing and extensions thereof, but Tenant agrees that any such mortgagee shall
have the right at any time to subordinate such mortgage, deed of trust or other lien to this Lease
on such terms and subject to such conditions as such mortgagee may deem appropriate in its
discretion. Landlord is hereby irrevocably vested with full power and authority to subordinate
this Lease to any mortgage, deed of trust or other lien now existing or hereafter placed upon the
Leased Premises of the Building, and Tenant agrees upon demand to execute such further
instruments subordinating this Lease or attorning to the holder of any such liens as Landlord may
request. In the event that Tenant should fail to execute any instrument of subordination herein
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required to be executed by Tenant promptly as requested, Tenant hereby irrevocably constitutes
Landlord as its attorney-in-fact to execute such instrument in Tenant's name, place and stead, it
being agreed that such power is one coupled with an interest. Tenant agrees that it will from
time to time upon request by Landlord execute and deliver to such persons as Landlord shall
request a statement in recordable form certifying that this Lease is unmodified and in full force
and effect (or if there have been modifications, that the same is in full force and effect as so
modified), stating the dates to which rent and other charges payable under this Lease have been
paid, stating that Landlord is not in default hereunder (or if Tenant alleges a default stating the
nature of such alleged default) and further stating such other matters as Landlord shall
reasonably require.
29. Security Deposit.
The Security Deposit mentioned in this Lease Agreement shall be held by Landlord without
liability for interest and as security for the performance by Tenant of Tenant's covenants and
obligations under this Lease, it being expressly understood that the Security Deposit shall also
be considered an advance payment of rental or a measure of Landlord's damages in case of
default by Tenant. Unless otherwise provided by mandatory non-waivable law or regulation,
Landlord may commingle the Security Deposit with Landlord's other funds. Landlord may, from
time to time, without prejudice to any other remedy, use the Security Deposit to the extent
necessary to make good any arrearages of rent or to satisfy any other covenant or obligation of
Tenant hereunder. Following any such application of the Security Deposit, Tenant shall pay to
Landlord on demand the amount so applied in order to restore the Security Deposit to its original
amount. If Tenant is not in default at the termination of this Lease, the balance of the Security
Deposit remaining after any such application shall be returned by Landlord to Tenant. If
Landlord transfers its interest in the Premises during the term of this Lease, Landlord may assign
the Security Deposit to the transferee and thereafter shall have no further liability for the return
of such Security Deposit.
30.Notices
. All written notices required to be given pursuant to the terms hereof shall be either: (a)
personally delivered; (b) deposited in the United States express mail or first class mail, registered
or certified return receipt requested, postage prepaid; (c) sent by Federal Express or similar
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nationally recognized overnight courier service; (d) transmitted by facsimile with a copy sent
within one (1) business day by any of the foregoing means; or (e) transmitted by email with a
copy sent within one (1) business day by any of the means described in (a) through (c), and
addressed as follows:
Grantor:Marco A Zamora
Attention:Marco A Zamora
Telephone:
E Mail
Grantees:Community Members of Fresno, LLC
Daniel Wise
Saad Pattah
Attention: Daniel Wise
Telephone:
E Mail:
The foregoing addresses may be changed from time to time by written notice. Notices shall be
deemed received upon the earlier of actual receipt or the first attempted delivery, provided that if
a notice is sent by facsimile or emailed on a weekday after 5:00 p.m. Pacific time or on a
weekend or holiday, it shall be deemed to have been sent on the next business day, and provided
further that, in the case of a facsimile, the sender shall have received a “TCR” or transmission
delivery sheet generated by its fax machine and, in the case of an email, the sender shall not have
received a delivery “failure” or similar message.
31.Governing Law. This agreement shall be governed by and construed according to
the laws of the State of California.
32.Attorneys’ Fees. If any legal action, including arbitration or an action for
declaratory relief, is brought to interpret or enforce the provisions of this Agreement, the
prevailing party or parties shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees from the other
party or parties. These fees, which may be set by the court in the same action or in a separate
action brought for that purpose, are in addition to any other relief to which the prevailing party or
parties may be entitled.
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33.Brokers. None.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed
as of the day and year first above written.
GRANTOR:Marco A Zamora
By:Marco A Zamora
Sign: ____________________________________
GRANTEES:Community Veterans of Tracy LLC
By: Daniel Wise
Sign: _____________________________________
Community Veterans of Tracy LLC
By: Saad Pattah
Sign: ____________________________________
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PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
2600 Fresno Street • Third Floor Jennifer K. Clark, AICP, Director
Fresno, California 93721-3604
(559) 621-8277 FAX (559) 498-1026
November 25, 2020 Please reply to:
Marisela Martínez
(559) 621-8038
Daniel Wise
danny@currntcannabis.com
Dear Applicant:
SUBJECT: ZONING INQUIRY NUMBER P20-04298 REQUESTING INFORMATION
REGARDING CANNABIS RETAIL FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 322
EAST BELMONT AVENUE (APN 459-024-03)
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the allowance of new cannabis retail uses. The
requested information about cannabis retail uses was analyzed using Article 27,
Chapter 15 of the Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) of the City of Fresno. Please note, all
research for this inquiry is based on existing land development of the subject property. If
there are multiple buildings on the subject property, this research was based on the
address provided in the request. This research does not take into effect of future
development unless provided in your application request. With that, research of a
proposed cannabis retail business on the subject property conveys the following:
1. All cannabis retail businesses must be located on property zoned DTN
(Downtown Neighborhood), DTG (Downtown General), CMS (Commercial Main
Street), CC (Commercial Community), CR (Commercial Regional), CG
(Commercial General), CH (Commercial Highway), NMX (Neighborhood Mixed-
Use), CMX (Corridor/Center Mixed-Use), RMX (Regional Mixed-Use), and must
meet all of the requirements for development in these zones, including, but not
limited to, parking, lighting, building materials, etc.
The subject property is zoned CG, which is one of the allowable zone districts for
cannabis retail businesses. Development standards of the CG zone district are
available in Sections 15-1203, 15-1204, and 15-1205 of the FMC. The subject
location meets the zone district requirement, per Section 15-2739.B.1.a of
the FMC, for a cannabis retail business.
2. All building(s) in which a cannabis retail business is located shall be no closer
than 800 feet from any property boundary containing the following: (1) A
cannabis retail business; (2) A school providing instruction for any grades pre-
school through 12 (whether public, private, or charter, including pre-school,
transitional kindergarten, and K-12); (3) A day care center licensed by the state
Department of Social Services that is in existence at the time a complete
commercial cannabis business permit application is submitted; and, (4) A youth
Zoning Inquiry P20-04298
322 East Belmont Avenue
Page 2
November 25, 2020
center that is in existence at the time a complete commercial cannabis business
permit is submitted.
The subject property is not located within 800 feet of the property boundary of
any of the above-mentioned uses. The subject building meets the separation
requirements, per Section 15-2739.B.1.b of the FMC, for a cannabis retail
business.
3. Prior to commencing operations, a cannabis retail business must obtain a
Cannabis Conditional Use Permit from the Planning and Development
Department per Section 15-2739.N of the FMC.
4. No more than two cannabis retail businesses may be located in any one Council
District. If more than 14 are ever authorized by Council (more than two per
Council District), they shall be dispersed evenly by Council District.
The subject property is in Council District 3. There are currently no cannabis
retail businesses located in Council District 3. This location requirement is
satisfied for a cannabis retail business.
Please review the entirety of Article 33, Chapter 9 (Cannabis Retail Business and
Commercial Cannabis) and Section 15-2739 (Adult Use and Medicinal Cannabis
Retail Business and Commercial Cannabis Business) of the FMC to understand
other requirements of cannabis retail businesses, including but not limited to,
application requirements, signage, etc.
This information was researched by the undersigned per the zoning request. The
undersigned certifies that the above information contained herein is believed to be
accurate and is based upon, or relates to, the information supplied by the requestor.
The City of Fresno assumes no liability for errors and omissions. All information was
obtained from public records held by the Planning and Development Department.
A copy of the Fresno Municipal Code may be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s
office at 559-621-7650. The Fresno Municipal Code may also be searched on the
Internet, free of charge, by going to www.fresno.gov. If you have questions regarding
this matter, please contact me by telephone at 559-621-8038 or at
Marisela.Martinez@fresno.gov.
Cordially,
Marisela Martínez, Planner I
Development Services Division
Planning and Development Department
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cake enterprises inc
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Owner Qualifications
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno Page 0 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont Ave. Fresno, CA 93701
Honesty | Excellence | Respect | Innovation | Stewardship | Hospitality | Customer Service
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno LLC dba Cake
Address: 322 E. Belmont Ave. Fresno, CA 93701
APN: 459-024-03
District: 3
License: Retail Storefront
Proposal Date: 12/4/2020
Commercial Cannabis Business Application
Prepared for the City of Fresno
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Owner Qualifications
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 1 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
CONTENTS
1 Business Plan ......................................................................................................................................................2
1.1 Owner Qualifications ..................................................................................................................................3
1.2 Budget for Construction and Operations ..................................................................................................21
1.3 Proof of Capitalization .............................................................................................................................28
1.4 10 Year Proforma .....................................................................................................................................31
1.5 Hours of Operation and Opening and Closing Procedures .......................................................................34
1.6 Daily Operations .......................................................................................................................................37
2 Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan ..........................................................................................................66
2.1 Commitment to Living Wages .................................................................................................................67
2.2 Employee Benefits ....................................................................................................................................69
2.3 Continuing Education and Employee Training ........................................................................................74
2.4 Recruitment Plan and Social Policy .........................................................................................................75
2.5 Locally Managed Enterprise .....................................................................................................................78
2.6 Employees, Title/Position, and Responsibilities ......................................................................................81
2.7 Labor Peace Agreement ...........................................................................................................................83
2.8 Workforce Plan .........................................................................................................................................87
2.9 Social Equity Incubator Plan ....................................................................................................................88
3 Neighborhood Compatibility Plan ....................................................................................................................90
3.1 Addressing and Responding to Complaints ..............................................................................................91
3.2 Nuisance Avoidance Policies ...................................................................................................................93
3.3 Odor Mitigation Practices .........................................................................................................................93
3.4 Potential Sources of Odor .........................................................................................................................94
3.5 Odor Control Devices and Techniques .....................................................................................................94
3.6 Staff Odor Training and System Maintenance .........................................................................................95
3.7 Waste Management Plan ..........................................................................................................................96
4 Safety Plan ......................................................................................................................................................104
4.1 Professional Fire Prevention and Suppression Consultant .....................................................................105
4.2 Accident and Incident Reporting Procedures .........................................................................................108
4.3 Evacuation Routes ..................................................................................................................................111
4.4 Location of Fire Extinguishers and Other Fire Suppression Equipment ................................................113
4.5 Fire and Medical Emergency Training and Procedures .........................................................................116
5 Security Plan...................................................................................................................................................118
5.1 Professional Security Consultant ............................................................................................................119
5.2 Premises (Security) Diagram ..................................................................................................................125
5.3 Intrusion Alarm and Monitoring System ................................................................................................126
5.4 Cash Handling Procedures .....................................................................................................................143
5.5 On-Site Security Guards .........................................................................................................................145
5.6 Visitor Access Control ...........................................................................................................................152
5.7 Employee Security Education ................................................................................................................153
6 Location ..........................................................................................................................................................159
6.1 Description of Location ..........................................................................................................................160
6.2 Location Street View ..............................................................................................................................165
6.3 Premises (Site) Diagram .........................................................................................................................166
7 Community Relations Plan .............................................................................................................................177
7.1 Social Responsibility Plan ......................................................................................................................178
7.2 Public Health Outreach and Educational Program .................................................................................190
7.3 Contributions to Fresno Community Reinvestment Fund ......................................................................194
7.4 Historical Community Involvement .......................................................................................................196
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Owner Qualifications
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 2 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
1 BUSINESS PLAN
The Future of Cannabis Retail in Fresno.
Honesty | Excellence | Respect | Innovation | Stewardship | Hospitality | Customer
Cake plans to upgrade and modernize this
entire facility, parking lot, and ultimately
beautify an old car garage! This includes a ride
sharing pick-up location, solar powered vehicle
coverage, and electric vehicle charging! Be
sure to read the details in the site plan!
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Owner Qualifications
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 3 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
1.1 OWNER QUALIFICATIONS
Community Members of Fresno LLC encompasses a team of highly experienced and knowledgeable individuals
with a passion to bring an industry leading, commercial cannabis retail facility to the residents of Fresno. The
Community Members of Fresno team presents the expertise of planning, developing, and operationalizing compliant
and successful commercial cannabis businesses. To achieve such success, each team member offers a unique set of
strengths ranging from operational excellence and people leadership to managing finance and marketing and
ensuring legal compliance.
Community Members of Fresno’s President and CEO, Daniel Wise, is a successful entrepreneur that has
successfully owned and operated 3 other cannabis business’ including retail, cultivation, and manufacturing
facilities. He is very experienced in developing commercial cannabis businesses from the ground up and has
personally oversaw these projects from inception to completion.
Saad Pattah, a managing member, is a serial entrepreneur who has demonstrated success in the grocery, restaurant,
and import and export industries. He brings a vast amount of business expertise and discipline to the company.
Michael Owen is the security manager, and former United States Marine Corps. Captain, that brings a vast amount
of security and intel knowledge to the company. Captain Owen’s personal decorations include the Navy & Marine
Corps Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device, Navy Achievement Medal with combat
distinguishing device, and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Sara Gutierrez is a board advisor and administrative professional with almost a decade of experience supporting
high-level executives that are running intricate and high-paced business environments. She is familiar with the
moving parts of running an office and how to multi-task numerous projects simultaneously.
Cynthia Nelson is a board advisor, and marketing professional who brings over 12 years of experience within event
planning, coordination, and project facilitation. She understands the components involved with the planning of large
events and has an extensive vendor list whom she already has extensive dealings with.
Esteban Solis will act as general manager of the facility and has over 15 years of business experience. He was
working in Fresno as a general manager of the Sierra Nut House, until the company experienced pandemic related
layoffs. He brings a vast amount of management experience, together with a “can-do” attitude that make him a
wonderful addition to the Community Members of Fresno company.
Kristopher Anderson is the public relations manager and has a vast amount of management experience and is an
exemplary citizen of the Fresno community. Born and raised in Fresno, he joined the United States Air Force and
after his enlistment returned to the Fresno areas where he has focused on the health and wellness of Fresno residents,
such as in his current position working for the health food company GNC.
Michael Bloom is the procurement manager for the company and has strong experience utilizing project
management building systems to help companies create a pipeline of success. His technology savvy combined with
his business experience is what makers Michael a great addition for any company.
Benjamin Agueilera has lived in Fresno for over twenty years and worked within sales and customer service for the
entirety of his career. His in-depth understanding of the Fresno consumer combined with his previous management
experience makes him the perfect gentlemen for insuring ethically compliant sales practices which improve
consumer experience while reaching company financial projections.
While the talent of this team cannot possibly be summed up in a single page, this team’s power comes with each
person bringing a unique set of strengths to the Community Members of Fresno team. The team is confident that
the combined efforts of these individuals, with the detailed plan outlined in the following application, Community
Members of Fresno will show the City of Fresno the company’s preparedness to successfully integrate and add
value to the Fresno community and ultimately deliver a unique customer experience that is compliant and adheres
to local and state requirements.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Owner Qualifications
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 4 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Why Us?
Community Members of Fresno is a Veteran owned and managed busines who have the business experience to
create a safe and sustainable commercial cannabis facility. The company aims to serve the Fresno community by
providing high quality products and exceptional customer service. With a lifetime of service, Community Members
of Fresno has a passion to contribute to the advancement of the community by offering generous financial
contributions and volunteer hours. The City of Fresno can expect a business that is managed with the customers,
community, and employees in mind. Officials can rest assured that they have selected a company that will uphold
the high standards that Fresno citizens should expect out of a cannabis retailer.
Join us in our mission of bringing quality cannabis to every person who can benefit!
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Owner Qualifications
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 5 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Lance Rogers
General Council
Charlena Berry
Compliance
Fidelity Security
Solutions
Guard Service
Patrick Chown
Safe and Sound
Security
Paul Gantt
Safety
Compliance
Management
Carlos
Hernandez
Architectural
Design
Green Growth
CPAs
CPA
Mechanical
Engineer
Odor Control
1.1.1 Organizational Chart
Cake Enterprise, Inc. owns Community Members of Fresno. Cake Enterprises, Inc. is owned by Daniel Wise and
Saad Pattah. Daniel and Saad are funding the Community Members of Fresno project. Community Members of
Fresno will operate under the ficticious name of Cake. Below is the anticipated organizational chart for Community
Members of Fresno. Daniel Wise will be responsible for overseeing the overall company direction and expansion
opportunities. Saad Pattah will oversee company management and financial health, together with Sara Gutierrez
and Cynthia Nelson who are the company’s board advisors. Esteban Solis will be responsible for the day-to-day
operations of the store, including inventory orders and employee management. Michael Bloom, the procurement
manager, will work together with Esteban to ensure the company’s ability to procure and retain third-party vendors
and company employees. Michael will oversee training of new employees, evaluations, and implementation of
employee-related company policies and procedures. Nathanael, the company’s Inventory Control Manager, will
also work closely with Michael in regard to inventory monitoring. Kristopher Anderson, the public relations
manager, will be the “face of the company,” including all community engagements and collaborations. As
Kristopher was born and raised in Fresno, thereafter, returning from an honorable Air Force discharge, he represents
the Community Members of Fresno perfectly. The company will be confidentiality supported by retired United
States Marine Corp. Captain, Michael Owen, who will oversee all security strategy and implementation.
1.1.2 Professional Team of Experts
Community Members of Fresno has a assembled a top-notch team of 3rd party experts to ensure that we are
designing a business that will be successful, profitable, and well-designed with top of the line equipment and
procedures that keep the customer in mind.
Community
Venterans of
Fresno
Saad Pattah
Managing
Member
Daniel Wise
President & CEO
Sara Gutierrez
Board Advisor
Cynthia Nelson
Board Advisor
Estiban Solis
General Manager
Michael Bloom
Procurement
Manager
Benjamin Aguilera
Sales Manager
Nathanael Garcia
Inventory Control
Manager
Kristopher Anderson
Public Relations
Manager
Michael Owen
Security Manager
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Owner Qualifications
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 6 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
1.1.3 Daniel Wise – President and CEO
Daniel Wise will serve as Community Members of Fresno’s President and CEO. He
is a visionary, astute, and resourceful professional with more than 10 years’
experience in commercial cannabis development, cannabis retail project
management, brand development, and account management.
A decorated veteran, he served in the US Navy at Camp Pendleton for 4 years earning
Honors Graduate for Chaplain and Religious Program Specialist Expeditionary
Skills Training, Commanding Officer of Field Medical Training Battalion-East,
Military Order of the Purple Heart Foundation for RPSES Training, and Basic
Enlisted Submarine School in Groton, CT. He was awarded "Top Doc" for Fleet
Medical Training Battalion- East Class 15010 and received the Enlisted Surface
War-fare Specialist Pin Award as well as the Fleet Marine Force Specialist Pin
Award.
After scoring remarkably high on the ASVAP, he was chosen to attend the Navy’s Nuclear Submarine School. He
earned a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from Navy College and is Certified Hydroponicist from Cal Poly Pomona. At
the College of the Desert, he earned a Cannabis Compliance Certificate and Cannabis HR Certificate. He is currently
working toward a Bachelor of Business and Managerial Economics from DeVry University.
Prior to his enlistment in the US Navy, Mr. Wise spent 2 years working as an Agricultural Operations Manager at
Rocking W Ranch in Texas. Rocking W Ranch is one of Texas’ most iconic ranches with more than 36,000 acres
of paved and ranch roads. In this role, he was responsible for hiring and training ranch workers, managing financial,
operational, and production records, as well as maintaining high standards of animal welfare which included
monitoring irrigation, breeding, and grading activities to ensure the adherence to safety regulations. Simultaneously,
Mr. Wise served as an Account Manager for Plastic Molding Technology where he managed a portfolio of
$45,000,000 across 75 accounts. He expanded his clientele base by 17% and became the highest grossing sales
representative across all 16 sales offices in the USA within 1 year.
A serial cannabis business entrepreneur, in 2015, Mr. Wise founded Veterans Medical Alternatives, a licensed
medical cannabis collective which oversaw the provision of treatment and research for PTSD, depression, and
anxiety for Veterans across the State of California. In 2016, Mr. Wise founded Veterans Organic Solutions, a
premier manufacturing, distribution, and retail facility that worked in conjunction with the VMA to provide
Veterans access to legal cannabis in California. In this role, not only did he oversee all budgetary aspects of the
company, but he also managed the operations of the cultivation facility including harvesting, processing, and
distribution.
In 2019, Mr. Wise founded Wise Enterprises, Inc in San Diego. This is a real estate development company that
currently holds $7 million in real estate assets. Additionally, in 2019, he co-founded Coastal Wellness Dispensary
and Green Venture Farms where he serves at the Chief Operating Officer. Finally, Mr. Wise is the founder of Currnt
Cannabis, Inc which has 4 dispensaries in various phase of development, as well as 100,000 square feet of
authorized canopy, a Type 7 volatile manufacturing facility, and an umbrella of brands that include flower,
concentrates, distribution, and retail delivery operations.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Owner Qualifications
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 8 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
1.1.4 Saad Pattah – Owner
Saad Pattah is a Managing Member and founder of Community Members of
Fresno. He is a serial entrepreneur who has demonstrated success in the grocery,
restaurant, and import and export industries.
Mr. Pattah began his professional career in his family’s business, Viva Market in
Oceanside. He started as a cashier and slowly grew his experience and in 2008
became the General Manager overseeing operations and management of the
facility. Under his leadership and with his dedicated work ethic, he grew the
business more than 300% by drastically improving efficiencies and reducing
costs. His keen eye for detail and commitment to customer service was
imperative to the Viva’s success.
In 2011, Mr. Pattah purchased Smith NS Foods Inc which was a small company
with a single location. Under Mr. Pattah’s leadership, he developed a robust
internally integrated distribution model which allowed the company to expand to
multiple locations across Southern California exponentially increasing the market penetration and brand revenue.
Given his proven entrepreneurial success, in 2012, Mr. Pattah saw a major opportunity to enter the restaurant
industry with the growing sushi market. He founded Sushi Ventures Inc DBA Tabu Sushi. Mr. Pattah opened the
first keystone restaurant, Tabu Sushi and proved that his evaluation of the demographic and opportunity was
accurate.
Given the success of the first restaurant, Mr. Pattah has continued to expand Sushi Ventures Inc across multiple
locations in California. His industry intuition has been imperative to the success of the vertically integrated
restaurant chain. Tabu Sushi continues to grow every year and expand into new markets across California.
In 2016, Mr. Pattah founded Sky & Lana Group Inc, which is a successful import and export business that is still
currently operating. In this venture, Mr. Pattah uses his knowledge of international business and strategic business
development to diversify the company portfolio to increase revenue. Mr. Pattah’s ability to negotiate international
business transactions and manage the logistical challenges, is why Sky & Lana Group has continued to outpace
growth faster than the industry standards.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Owner Qualifications
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 10 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
1.1.5 Cynthia Nelson – Board Advisor
Cynthia Nelson is the Director of Marketing and Event Planning. Her expertise
was built from 12 years of hands-on experience in event planning, coordination,
and project execution. Her keen attention to detail, skilled communication, and
effective in-person and behind the scenes leadership, creates memorable product
and people connections. She has had the privilege to coordinate and provide
special events for presidential caucus’, foreign dignitaries, celebrities,
musicians, televisions hosts, and tech moguls (both in private and large-scale
events). As a Director, she maintains the professional and relational connection
to our current clients, as well as building connections with our future clients and
customers. Her focus is to enhance our mission of serving veterans and our
customers, through branding and industry centered events.
Mrs. Nelson received her bachelor’s degree in Education, and The Psychology
of Human Development. Prior to her time in event planning and coordination,
she taught both primary school and junior high. These years were formative in the development of her intentional
leadership, subject matter expertise, communication skills, and her passion for organizing events and fundraisers.
For her, the ability to collaborate and create an experience that can last a lifetime is absolutely energizing. Though
she loves teaching, she chose to move in a new direction, where she ran her own business for several years. During
this time, she developed and fine-tuned her skills in marketing, and branding, while maintaining a clear focus on
event management. With her professional background, she was able to create a cohesive blend of experiences that
drives her love and passion to create and develop further relationships and events that are memorable for our patrons
and accurately reflect our brand.
Mrs. Nelson is the proud daughter of a US Navy Veteran, who faithfully served this nation to gain his US
citizenship. She was also a military spouse for over 10 years. As a first generation
Mexican-American, she understands the importance of a strong work ethic, family and building relationships. She
enjoys traveling, entertaining, and spending time on the water with her 4 children and husband splashing or paddling
around.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Owner Qualifications
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 11 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
1.1.6 Sara Gutierrez – Board Advisor
Sara Gutierrez is a versatile and reliable business professional with more than
8 years of experience supporting managers and executives in high paced
environments. With a remarkably diverse skill set, Sara is comfortable in
nearly all sectors of business with proven success leading areas such as client
relations, human resources, recruiting, project management, and administrative
support. With excellent phone and digital communications skills, Sara has
crafted award-winning campaigns for a wide variety of clients and products.
Sara additionally has experience in start-up support and establishing operations
leveraging her expertise in organizational structure, computer networking, and
problem resolution. Sara has generated an impeccable professional reputation
for herself, known for her creativity, flexibility, and proven analytical skills.
Sara started her professional career in 2008 with her employment at Wells
Fargo. Sara joined Wells Fargo shortly after the financial crash of 2008
because of her passion to try and make things better and to create more efficient
processes within institutions. Sara's dedication to Wells Fargo, and her unwavering work ethic, led to numerous
promotions and recognition during her employment. She was named as a top rated performer for multiple years
and recommended for promotion in the top percentile.
After her departure from Wells Fargo, Sara took her talents and decided to join a new team at CitiBank. CitiBank
actively recruited Sara as a prime candidate in the banking community because of her dedication and work ethic
shown at Wells Fargo. Sara's work was paramount in the success of multiple CitiBank locations as she utilized her
process efficiency acumen to improve processes and create more positive working experiences for employees. Her
dedication led to multiple events of recognition which allowed her to have an even deeper impact on the culture of
CitiBank.
After taking time off in her career for her growing family, and after evaluating the tremendous opportunities
available in commercial real estate, Sara made the transition into the commercial real estate industry in 2017. Her
past experience with versatility and process efficient made her an instant success at ShopCore Properties, where she
is still actively employed. Her attention to detail allowed her to move seamlessly from banking to commercial real
estate and made her a tremendous asset to the ShopCore team.
Outside of managing her career and caring for her family, Sara is also passionate about giving back to the
community. She spends her free time as a volunteer assistant cheer coach for San Marcos Pop Warner. She also is
an active member of the San Diego Food Bank.
Sara’s skillset, work ethic, and professional experiences are no doubt an asset to the Community Members of Fresno
team.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Owner Qualifications
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 17 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
1.1.12 Cannabis Business Experience
Licenses Currently Held
As shown above, this team possesses a wealth of cannabis
business experience. The principal owners bring the
knowledge of commercial cannabis business operations and
legal compliance so the city can rest assured that this team
will create a sustainable and trustworthy cannabis operation
within the city of Fresno.
To further demonstrate the knowledge and experience this
team possesses, the owners of Community Members of
Fresno is providing the licenses that they are currently
affiliated with for the City to review.
State Licenses
1. Coastal Wellness - Provisional Medicinal Retail
Storefront - License No: C10-0000680-LIC
o Located in Vista, CA - Valid through
1/16/2021
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Owner Qualifications
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 18 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Local Licenses
1. Green Venture Farms, INC. - Medical-Only Cannabis Local License - Local License No: MCF-1264826
o Located in Oceanside, CA - Valid through 4/9/2021
2. Veterans Organic Solutions, LLC - Conditional Use Microbusiness Permit No:2018-08
o (Manufacturing, Distribution, Retail) Located in Lake Elsinore, CA (Closed 7/22/2019)
3. CURRNT Veterans Wildomar Central, LLC – Approved - 10/01/2020
o (Retail) – Project PA 20-0083
o 23080 Wildomar Trail, Wildomar, CA, 92595
4. CURRNT Veterans Wildomar South, LLC – Approved - 10/01/2020
o (Retail) – Project PA20-0084
o 32475 Clinton Keith Rd., Wildomar, CA, 92595
5. CURRNT Veterans Wildomar North, LLC – Approved - 10/01/2020
o (Retail) – Project PA 20-0085
o 14 Bundy Canyon Rd., Wildomar, CA, 92595
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Owner Qualifications
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 19 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
1.1.13 General Counsel – Lance Rogers
Lance Rogers will serve as General Counsel for Current Cannabis. He is the
Principal / Attorney at Law Offices of Lance Rogers in San Diego, California.1
As a part of his regulatory compliance practice, he currently represents many of
the leading cannabis and hemp companies in California, including retailers,
manufacturers, and agriculture ventures. As a litigator, he has handled a wide
array of matters related to cannabis including criminal defense, regulatory
violations, land use/zoning, complex business litigation and partnership, and
dispute matters. In 2011, Mr. Rogers assisted his client to obtain the first
dispensary license in Southern California through the County of San Diego.
From 2014-2015, he worked with clients to obtain commercial cannabis licenses
in the cities of San Diego, Santa Ana, Desert Hot Springs, and Adelanto. From
2015 to 2016, he worked with numerous cannabis farmers in Northern California
on corporate compliance and licensing projects including the formation of the first cannabis agricultural cooperative
in California. From 2017-2018, he worked on commercial cannabis facilities in Humboldt, Mendocino, Oakland,
Costa Mesa, San Bernardino, and Long Beach. His team is currently working on licensing projects in Humboldt,
San Bernardino, Palm Springs, Oceanside, King City, Chula Vista, and Los Angeles.
Mr. Rogers has written extensively about the cannabis and hemp industries and is a frequent speaker at legal
conferences across the United States, including San Diego Americans for Safe Access (2009); Legal Cannabis
Institute (2010); San Diego Public Defender (2011); San Diego County Bar Association (2012); NORML Legal
Conference, Colorado (2013); Thomas Jefferson School of Law (2014, 2016, 2019); Professional Fiduciary
Association of California (2014); North County Bar Association (2014, 2015), Cannabis Grand Cru, Colorado
(2014), California Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section (2015), Students for Sensible Drug Policy (2015),
UC Irvine Drug Symposium (2015), Orange County Bar Association, Labor & Employment Section (2015, 2016,
2018), Ganjier Seed Festival (2016), Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (2016, 2017), the National
Cannabis Industry Association (2017), Paradigm Cannabis (2018), National Business Institute (2018, 2019),
Rossdale CLE (2019, 2020), and UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy.
From 2013-2014, Mr. Rogers served as General Counsel for the California Cannabis Industry Association, a state
industry group he helped to form. His peers have nominated him as a “Rising Star” in Super Lawyer magazine six
times in a row (2015-2020).
1 https://lrogerslaw.com/
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Owner Qualifications
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 20 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
1.1.14 Charlena Berry - Cannabis Business Consultant
Charlena Berry serves as a domestic and international consultant
assisting new companies gain entrance into the cannabis industry.2 CEO
of Cannabis Business Growth, Char holds a Master of Science in Supply
Chain Management from Michigan State University and has more than
12 years’ experience working for Fortune 500 companies in the
manufacturing (Whirlpool Corporation) and retail sectors (Office
Depot/Office Max).
Working in 26 of the 33 legal states, Charlena has spent the last 4 years
working with cannabis start-ups to gain licensure. She has drafted
business plans and cannabis license applications for Cultivators,
Manufacturer’s, Storefront and Non-Storefront Retails, and Test
Laboratories. With this experience, she guides these companies through
industry best practices for planning, fiscal compliance, and operational
strategy.
Overseeing projects that range from $300K to more the $15M, she is regarded by her peers as an industry expert
that consults clients on cannabis industry best practices. This includes selecting the best seed to sale and POS
Systems to ensure systemic compliance to rules outlined by regulatory bodies. She also consults on business entity
formation, accounting practices, and company operations. She is regarded by her clients as a go-to with a wealth of
experience to share.
In the California market, she boasts winning licenses for clients in the municipalities of Chula Vista (non-storefront
delivery and retail), Riverside County (2 retail), Commerce (non-storefront delivery), Long Beach (micro-business),
Montebello (non-storefront delivery, micro-business), Sacramento (micro-business), Nevada City (non-volatile
manufacturing), Seaside (storefront retailer), San Bernardino (2 micro-business), Vista (retailer), and Moreno
Valley (storefront retailer). Additionally, Char is an expert in the California Regulatory Framework and is working
on more than a dozen state applications.
A native to the State of Michigan, she has also partnered with clients to obtain licensing for clients in the cities of
Muskegon Heights (cultivation & processing), Niles (retail), Harvest Park (cultivation), Hartford (retail) and
Lansing (secure transport). In Michigan, working as a patient advocate, she has also spoken to local city councils
on a number of occasions about legalizing cannabis in their city to help dispel the myths associated with cannabis.
Concerned for social justice, Char offers reduced consulting rates for Social Equity applicants.
To further diversify her portfolio, Char has worked internationally with licensing projects in the new recreational
Canadian markets of the Northwest Territory, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. She has also done
procedural consulting for medical applicants in Australia.
Finally, Char loves helping clients achieve their start-up goals in the cannabis industry. When engaging a client,
she’s working to create a client and ultimately a friend for life. For each project she spearheads, she tackles it with
200% to ensure she is crafting a strategy which wins cannabis licenses.
2 https://www.cannabisbusinessgrowth.com/
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Hours of Operation and Opening and Closing Procedures
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno Page 34 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont Ave. Fresno, CA 93701
1.5 HOURS OF OPERATION AND OPENING AND CLOSING PROCEDURES
1.5.1 Hours of Operation
In strict compliance with FMC 9-3310(a)(1) and 16 CCR § 5403, Community Members of Fresno will limit its
hours of operation for both retail and delivery activities to the hours of 6am and 10pm daily. Activity on the premises
outside of the below hours of operation with consist of only non-sales related activities related to the business, such
as opening and closing procedures, general maintenance, or administrative activities.
Staff Schedule
1. Morning-shift personnel open the cannabis retailer for non-public operations at 8:00 a.m.
2. From 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., stage finished cannabis and cannabis products for display and ultimate
retail sale to customers.
3. Morning-shift personnel open the cannabis retailer for public operations at 9:00 a.m.
4. From 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., the cannabis retailer is open to the public and customers may engage in
the retail purchase of finished cannabis and cannabis products.
5. Evening-shift personnel close the cannabis retailer for public operations at 10:00 p.m.
6. From 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., evening-shift personnel return unsold finished cannabis and cannabis
products back to overnight storage.
7. Evening-shift personnel close the cannabis retailer for non-public operations at 11:00 p.m.
Hours of Operation
Monday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Hours of Operation and Opening and Closing Procedures
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 35 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
1.5.2 Opening Procedures Checklist
The Inventory Control Agent and Shift Manager will execute the below Store Opening Checklist to ensure that all
morning activities are complete. A record of this will be kept on file. Once employees have completed the store
opening checklist and properly filed the form, they will open the lobby area to allow customers in for normal
business.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Hours of Operation and Opening and Closing Procedures
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 36 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
1.5.3 Closing Procedures Checklist
The Inventory Control Agent and Shift Manager will execute the below Store Closing Checklist to ensure that all
closing activities are complete. A record of this will be kept on file.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 37 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
1.6 DAILY OPERATIONS
The following is a summary of the Community Members of Fresno’s day-to-day operations:
1. Following security checks, transportation vehicles of distributors approach the Facility.
2. Distribution personnel enter the Facility’s intake / outflow area and Community Members of Fresno’s
employee’s offload cannabis goods.
3. After verifying that cannabis goods have passed the quality assurance and inspection procedures and
been issued a certificate of analysis pursuant to Section 26110 of the State Business & Professions
Code, Community Members of Fresno’s employee’s stage the cannabis goods for display on the sale
floor and retail sale via delivery vehicles or the sales floor.
4. Community Members of Fresno’s employees transfer assembled and processed orders of cannabis
goods to delivery drivers for loading into delivery vehicles by Community Members of Fresno’s
delivery drivers.
5. Customers enter the Facility via the customer intake and verification area, and Community Members
of Fresno’s employees verify the status of customers.
6. Validated customers enter the sales floor and (i) interact with Community Members of Fresno’s
employees, (ii) observe securely displayed cannabis goods, and (iii) have limited and/or supervised
interaction (touching, smelling, etc.) with securely displayed cannabis goods.
7. Validated customers purchase and take possession of processed orders of cannabis goods or (ii) return
cannabis goods that may be adulterated.
8. After finishing their business purpose for visiting the Facility, customers are securely allowed to exit
the Facility by Community Members of Fresno’s employees.
1.6.1 Customer Check-In Procedures
Pursuant to FMC 9-3309(i), Community Members of Fresno will not allow any person under 21 years of age access
to the dispensary, unless the person is 18 years of age or older and possesses a valid government-issued
identification card and either a valid county-issued identification card under Section 11362. 712 of the California
Health and Safety Code, or who is a qualified patient in possession of a valid physician's recommendation in their
name, or who is a primary caregiver for a person in possession of a valid physician's recommendation.
In accordance with FMC 9-3309(i)(2), the entrance to Community Members of Fresno’s facility will be clearly and
legibly posted with a notice that no person under the age of 21 is permitted to enter the premises.
Pursuant to FMC 9-3310(a)(4), entrances into the facility will be locked at all times with entry strictly
controlled. A "buzz-in" electronic/mechanical entry system will be utilized to limit access and entry to the
retail area to separate it from the reception/lobby area.
Before a customer is introduced to cannabis products, they must have their identification verified. An employee of
Community Members of Fresno will verify the age and all necessary documentation of each individual to
ensure customers are not under the age of twenty-one (21) years or at least 18 years of age and possesses a
valid physician’s recommendation after confirming the customer’s age, identity, and physician’s
recommendation. Customers will be asked to produce one of the following forms of acceptable identification
pursuant to 16 CCR § 5404(c):
• A document issued by a federal, state, county, or municipal government, or a political subdivision or agency
thereof, including, but not limited to, a valid motor vehicle operator's license, that contains the name, date
of birth, physical description, and a photo of the person;
• A valid identification card issued to a member of the Armed Forces that includes a date of birth and a photo
of the person; or
• A valid passport issued by the United States or by a foreign government.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 38 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Once a customer has been verified with the acceptable form of identification, they will be granted access to the sales
floor and begin the product discovery and sales process.
Community Members of Fresno will maintain records of the following information for each member and customer
of the dispensary that purchases medical cannabis:
1. The name, date of birth, physical address, and telephone number; and their status as a qualified patient or
primary caregiver.
2. A copy of each qualified patient's written physician recommendation and their designation of a primary
caregiver.
These records will be maintained by Community Members of Fresno for a period of not less than three years and
will be produced to the city within 24 hours after receipt of the City's request.
Further, Community Members of Fresno will report any loss, damage, or destruction of these records to the Police
Chief within 24 hours of the loss, damage, or destruction.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 39 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
1.6.2 Procedures for Receiving Deliveries During Business Hours
Conformance with State Testing
Pursuant to 16 CCR § 5302, it is the responsibility of the licensed distributor to ensure that cannabis product has
been tested. Community Members of Fresno is committed to maintaining adequate storage and sanitary storage
procedures for usable cannabis products. To protect the quality of product, Community Members of Fresno will
conduct an inspection upon receipt to ensure that testing has been complete, products are properly packaged, and
are accompanied by certified approval from a licensed testing facility. Any products missing testing results will be
refused at time of delivery.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 40 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Packaging Guidelines
Community Members of Fresno will ensure all cannabis, cannabis products, and cannabis accessories sold by
Community Members of Fresno will be packaged, labeled and placed in tamper-evident packaging which at least
meets the requirements of the MAUCRSA and all state implementing rules and regulations.
As a retailer, Community Members of Fresno will not package or label cannabis goods or accept, possess, or sell
cannabis goods that are not packaged as they would be for final sale pursuant to 16 CCR § 5412.
In accordance with 16 CCR § 5406, Community Members of Fresno will not make any cannabis goods available
for sale to a customer unless:
1. The cannabis goods were received from a licensed distributor or licensed microbusiness authorized to
engage in distribution;
2. Community Members of Fresno has verified that the cannabis goods have not exceeded their best-by, sell-
by, or expiration date if one is provided;
3. In the case of manufactured cannabis products, the product complies with all requirements of Business and
Professions Code section 26130 and California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 8 and Title 17,
Division 1, Chapter 13;
4. The cannabis goods have undergone laboratory testing as required by local and state law;
5. The batch number is labeled on the package of cannabis goods and matches the batch number on the
corresponding certificate of analysis for regulatory compliance testing; and
6. The packaging and labeling of the cannabis goods complies with Business and Professions Code Section
26120 and all applicable regulations.
Community Members of Fresno’s Inventory
Control Agent will regularly review the state
guidelines to ensure all cannabis products are
packaged in accordance with the rules set forth by
the BCC. If the products are not packaged to
standards, the distributor will be contacted to
coordinate a return. To ensure compliance with
these regulations, Community Members of
Fresno will print and laminate the packaging
requirements and keep it in the receiving bay for
regular reference for the Inventory Control Agent.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 41 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Recording Incoming Inventory
In accordance with 16 CCR § § 5049(a), once inventory has passed complete inspection for all packaging and
labeling requirements and is deemed compliant and acceptable, all incoming inventory will be scanned into
Community Members of Fresno’s COVA Inventory Management System and the State Track and Trace System.
The Inventory Control Specialist will physically count and scan each cannabis product into inventory, capturing all
product details electronically pursuant to 16 CCR § 5049(b), including, but not limited to, the following:
1 Name and type of the cannabis goods.
2 Unique identifier of the cannabis goods.
3 Amount of the cannabis goods, by weight or count, and total wholesale cost of the cannabis goods, as
applicable.
4 Date and time of the activity or transaction.
5 Name and license number of other licensees involved in the activity or transaction, including:
a. The name, license number, and licensed premises address of the originating licensee.
b. The name, license number, and licensed premises address of the licensee transporting the cannabis
goods.
c. The name, license number, and licensed premises address of the destination licensee receiving the
cannabis goods into inventory or storage.
d. The date and time of departure from the licensed premises and approximate date and time of
departure from each subsequent licensed premises, if any.
e. Arrival date and estimated time of arrival at each licensed premises.
f. Driver license number of the personnel transporting the cannabis goods, and the make, model, and
license plate number of the vehicle used for transport.
The Inventory Control Specialist will compare the shipping manifest and the physical inventory with the purchase
order on file and scan all products listed on the purchase order. This process eliminates errors in receiving inventory
eliminating unaccounted shortages or overages in inventory. Below is an example of system generated purchase
orders and the process of receiving inventory into the COVA system.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 42 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Product Storage
Community Members of Fresno will ensure all cannabis and cannabis products are stored in a secured and locked
room, safe, or vault. All safes and vaults will be compliant with Underwriter Laboratories burglary- resistant and
fire- resistant standards. All cannabis and cannabis products, including live clone plants that are being displayed for
sale, will be kept in a manner as to prevent diversion, theft, and loss. In compliance with FMC 9-3309(d),
Community Members of Fresno will not store cannabis or cannabis products outdoor at any time.
1.6.3 Point-of-Sale System and the Number of Point-of-Sale Locations
In full compliance with FMC 9-3309(e), Community
Members of Fresno will have in place a point-of-sale or
management inventory tracking system to track and report on
all aspects of the business including, but not limited to, such
matters as cannabis tracking, inventory data, gross sales (by
weight and by sale) and other information which may be deemed necessary by the city. Community Members of
Fresno will ensure that such information is compatible with the city's record-keeping systems and be approved and
authorized by the City Manager or his/her designee(s) prior to being used by the permittee. Additionally, the system
will have the capability to produce historical transactional data for review.
Community Members of Fresno’s tracking system is compliant with the state's designated track-and-trace system
METRC. Community Members of Fresno will ensure that such information is compatible with the City's record-
keeping systems. Additionally, the system has the capability to produce historical transactional data for review.
Pursuant to FMC 9-3331(c), Community Members of Fresno will maintain an inventory control and reporting
system that accurately documents the present location, amounts, and descriptions of all cannabis and cannabis
products for all stages of the growing and production or manufacturing, laboratory testing and distribution processes
in accordance with the MAUCRSA.
Community Members of Fresno will use the COVA Cannabis Dispensary POS system to record and report on all
aspects of cannabis tracking, inventory data, and gross sales. This will serve as a legally compliant seed to sale
Point of Sale system. COVA is an authoritative leader in seed to sale best practices cannabis compliant point of sale
systems, Cova’s systems integrates into the states regulatory reporting and tracking system METRC. Cova is
embraced here in California by other licensed cannabis seed to sale compliant retailers and in other jurisdictions
such as Oklahoma and Canada.
COVA will prevent staff from breaking the rules or making operational missteps that violate local and state
regulations. COVA includes an Age Verification Scanner in order to prevent underage sales and to verify
information with ID barcode scanners. COVA also includes a Purchase Limits Alert feature where it automatically
calculates product equivalencies that would violate state regulations. If it is violated, it will alert the staff that limits
have been exceeded. Finally, the COVA software makes it impossible to serve patrons after the allowed Hours of
Operation. This will ensure that Community Members of Fresno complies to the authorized hours of operation.
COVA also is an inventory tracking system. The system will track and report all aspects of Community Members
of Fresno’s cannabis business including, but not limited to, such matters as inventory data, gross sales (by weight
and by sale), and other information which may be deemed necessary by the City. Community Members of Fresno’s
business shall ensure that such information is compatible with the City’s record-keeping systems. In addition, the
system will have the capability to produce historical transactional data for review.
Community Members of Fresno will ensure all scales and weighing mechanisms used to weigh non-waste products
will be able to weigh to within 1/100th of a gram, will be maintained in good working order, and available for annual
inspection should the City or State office deem it necessary.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 43 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
POS Equipment
Community Members of Fresno will be purchasing the below equipment to support retail operations.3
Track-and-Trace
Standard operating procedures include detailed California Cannabis Track-and- Trace (CCTT) procedures as
outlined by the State.
Track and Trace Account Manager
Pursuant to 16 CCR § 5048, Community Members of Fresno will designate one individual to own the management
of the track and trace system. This individual may authorize other owners or employees as track and trace system
users and shall ensure that all users are trained on the track and trace system prior to use. The Track and Trace
Account Manager will adhere to the following rules:
1. The account manager shall attend and successfully complete all required track and trace system training,
including any orientation and continuing education.
2. If the account manager did not complete the required track and trace system training prior to receiving their
annual license, the account manager shall sign up for and complete state mandated training, as prescribed
by the Bureau, within 10 business days of license issuance.
3. The account manager and each user shall be assigned a unique log-on, consisting of a username and
password. The account manager or each user accessing the track and trace system shall only do so under
his or her assigned log-on and shall not use or access a log-on of any other individual. No account manager
or user shall share or transfer his or her log-on, username, or password, to be used by any other individual
for any reason.
4. The account manager shall maintain a complete, accurate, and up-to-date list of all track and trace system
users, consisting of their full names and usernames.
5. A licensee shall monitor all compliance notifications from the track and trace system, and timely resolve
the issues detailed in the compliance notification.
6. The track and trace account manager will be responsible for training Shift managers, Retail Sales
Associates, and Inventory Control Agents.
3 Detailed specs can be found here: https://www.covasoftware.com/hardware/us/pos
Tablets Barcode Scanners Cash Drawers Label Printers
Mounts & Stands Receipt Printers Scales
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 44 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Mandated Bi-Weekly Inventories
Pursuant to 16 CCR § 5051(a), at intervals not exceeding 14 days, the Inventory Control Agent will conduct and
document an audit of the inventory that is accounted for according to generally accepted accounting principles.
Any unexplained shrinkage will be documented and trigger a review of electronic security and surveillance data.
When Community Members of Fresno determines where the shrinkage occurred, appropriate corrective measures
will be implemented. Law enforcement authorities will be notified immediately if the Inventory Control Agent
ascertains that there has indeed been loss, theft, improper diversion, or any other criminal activity.
Opening and Closing Inventories
Employees will regularly conduct an inventory of all products.
1. A comprehensive inventory of all cannabis will be done twice daily:
a. Before the retailer opens; and
b. After close of daily operations.
2. All cannabis and items containing cannabis are counted, weighed, or both.
3. Inventory results will be submitted to the Inventory Control Agent for reconciliation with the inventory
data generated the previous evening or in the operations of the day after being closed out.
4. Discrepancies will trigger an inventory audit by the Inventory Control Agent and, if confirmed, a review of
electronic security and surveillance data.
5. Law enforcement authorities will be notified immediately if the Inventory Control Agent ascertains that
there has indeed been loss, theft, improper diversion, or any other criminal activity.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 45 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Notification of Theft, Loss, and Criminal Activity
Pursuant to FMC 9-3310(b)(5) and 16 CCR § 5051(b), Community Members of Fresno will notify the City Manager
or his/her designee(s), the Bureau of Cannabis Control, and local law enforcement within 24 hours of discovery of
any of the following situations:
1. The licensee discovers a significant inventory discrepancy.
a. A significant discrepancy in inventory means a difference in actual inventory compared to records
pertaining to inventory of at least $5,000 or 2 percent of the average monthly sales of the licensee,
whichever is less.
2. The licensee discovers theft, loss, or any other criminal activity pertaining to the operations of the licensee.
3. The licensee discovers theft, loss, or any other criminal activity by an agent or employee of the licensee
pertaining to the operations of the licensee.
4. The licensee discovers loss or unauthorized alteration of records related to cannabis goods, clients, or the
licensee’s employees or agents.
5. The licensee discovers any other breach of security.
In the case that one of the activities above is discovered by the licensee, the licensee will follow the below procedure.
1. Notify local law enforcement.
2. Record the date and time of the loss.
3. Record a description of the incident and where applicable the items that were taken or lost.
Recordkeeping
Pursuant to FMC 9-3331(a), Community Members of Fresno will maintain accurate books and records in an
electronic format specified in Fresno Municipal Code as well as the § 16 of the MAUCRSA and will make the same
available for inspection and examination of the local licensing authority or its duly authorized representatives during
standard business hours of the licensed facility or at any other reasonable time. As specified by 16 CCR § 5037(a),
Community Members of Fresno will exercise due diligence in preserving and maintaining all following records
related to its commercial cannabis activity for at least seven years:
• Financial records including, but not limited to, bank statements, sales invoices, receipts, tax records, and
all records required by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (formerly Board of
Equalization) under title 18, California Code of Regulations, sections 1698 and 4901, detailing all of the
revenues and expenses of the business, and all of its assets and liabilities.
• Personnel records, including each employee’s full name, social security or individual taxpayer
identification number, date employment begins, and date of termination of employment if applicable.
(Training records including, but not limited to, the content of the training provided and the names of the
employees that received the training.
• Contracts with other licensees regarding commercial cannabis activity.
• Permits, licenses, and other local authorizations to conduct the licensee’s commercial cannabis activity.
• Security records, except for surveillance recordings required pursuant to section 5044 of this division.
• Records relating to the composting or destruction of cannabis goods.
• Documentation for data or information entered into the track and trace system.
• All other documents prepared or executed by an owner or his employees or assignees in connection with
the licensed commercial cannabis business.
On no less than an annual basis (at or before the time of the renewal of a commercial cannabis business permit
issued pursuant to this Article), or at any time upon reasonable request of the city, Community Members of Fresno
will file a sworn statement detailing the number of sales by the commercial cannabis business or cannabis retail
business during the previous twelve-month period (or shorter period based upon the timing of the request), provided
on a per-month basis.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno Page 47 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont Ave. Fresno, CA 93701
Point of Sale Locations
The company has identified 6 Point of Sale locations on the dispensary sales floor. Each POS location will be monitored by 4k surveillance cameras with
clear view of the transaction area. Footage will capture all actions throughout the transaction from behind the sales counter.
Image of the proposed sales floor.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno Page 48 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont Ave. Fresno, CA 93701
1.6.4 Estimated Number of Customers to be Served per Hour/Day
Community Members of Fresno, again, has extensive experience in managing cannabis facilities, especially, retail
facilities. This has given them an advantage in understanding potential volume and all the factors that may impact
daily traffic. In the preparation of the pro forma, the Community Members of Fresno team did estimate daily
customer counts and transactions and took these factors into consideration not only in facility design but also in
security and personnel planning. While the estimated per day volumes are expected to peak at certain times of the
day such as during mid-morning and early evening hours, the aggregate daily traffic estimated for the first year is
listed below.
Visitors per Day 208
Average Transactions per Hour 18.8
Based on some research and the traffic experienced at other retail facilities previously managed by the owners, the
team further projected volume by the hour, again, accounting for peak times. According to research released recently
by Headset, a Seattle-based business intelligence and analytics service for the cannabis industry, unsurprisingly
Fridays and Saturdays tend to be the busiest days of the week, however, when broke down hourly, it was found that
nearly 50% of the daily traffic is seen after 5 pm.4 This study was not surprising to the Community Members of
Fresno team, and mimicked similar trends seen in previous experiences. This trend accounts for the fact that many
shoppers hold a 9am-5pm workday and choose to shop at the conclusion of their daily routine.
As shown above, Community Members of Fresno expects transactions per hour to gradually increase throughout
the day. Community Members of Fresno plans to have at least 5 Retail Sales Associates working during peak
business hours. With 5 associates and POS stations, Community Members of Fresno projects that each associate
will handle approximately 6 transactions per hour. For security and safety precautions, Community Members of
Fresno will not allow more than 2 customers, per sales associate into the retail sales area at one time. This will
enable the Retail Sales Associates to feel comfortable with monitoring activities without impeding their ability to
provide the customer with the level of service and attention that the company seeks to.
4 https://thefreshtoast.com/cannabis/youll-never-guess-the-best-time-to-buy-legal-marijuana/
17 21 25 31
52
62
0
20
40
60
80
9 am - 11am 11 am - 1 pm 1 pm - 3 pm 3 pm - 5 pm 5 pm - 7 pm 7 pm - 9 pm
Operating Hours
ESTIMATE OF CUSTOMERS BY OPERATING
HOURS
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 49 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
1.6.5 Proposed Product Line
Based on the experience of the company’s President and CEO, Daniel Wise, Community Members of Fresno will
sell popular cannabis products that evolve with changes in the market. This includes variations of the following
Adult Use and Medical Cannabis products:
Product Estimate % of Sales Description
Prepacked
Flower
40.34% Raw Cannabis Flower remains the most popular product.
Community Members of Fresno will sell a mix of different
strains depending on client demand and work to procure craft
strains from the best cultivators in California.
Vaporizing
Cartridges
23.01% Cannabis vaporization is growing in popularity among people
interested in consuming cannabis in an easy, discreet manner
that’s healthier than traditional smoking methods. Community
Members of Fresno will carefully select vendors who do not use
Vitamin E in their oil.
Pre-Rolls 11.02% Community Members of Fresno will sell pre-rolled cannabis in
individuals and packs. The smaller size allows individuals to
purchase cannabis in smaller quantities.
Edibles 10.04% Community Members of Fresno will sell a small quantity of
edibles within the store and provide information on careful
micro-dosing. If the demand appears to increase on edibles,
Community Members of Fresno will expand product lines.
Tinctures 1.21% Community Members of Fresno will offer a small amount of
select tinctures in the facility. A cannabis tincture is a cannabis-
based extract that is infused with alcohol. This product provides
easy dosing for clients with rapid absorption. This line is
designed to appeal to individuals who do not want to smoke,
vape, or eat cannabis products.
Topical 0.58% Community Members of Fresno will offer cannabis infused spray
and lotions for patrons who are arthritic or have aching injuries.
Batteries 0.53% To support our vaporizing cartridges, Community Members of
Fresno will sell rechargeable vaporizer batteries.
Capsules 1.18% While less popular with users, capsules are a simple way to
accurately dose and easily consume cannabis oils. Taken like a
vitamin, capsules enter the digestive tract, where they are broken
down and the cannabinoids contained within are released.
Drinks 0.22% Community Members of Fresno will carry a small assortment of
cannabis infused drinks. Depending on the season, this may
include tea, soda, or cider. Community Members of Fresno will
carefully review packing on these beverages to ensure
compliance and instructions for micro dosing.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 50 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Prohibited Products
Community Members of Fresno will not sell any expired products, cannabis, or cannabis products. Community
Members of Fresno will not, under any circumstance alter, edit, or adjust in any manner an expiration date on any
item or product once affixed by its manufacturer.
In strict compliance with 16 CCR § 5408, Community Members of Fresno will not grow or cultivate cannabis,
except for immature nursery stock cannabis plants, on the dispensary site.
Pursuant to 16 CCR § 5406(a), all cannabis and cannabis products sold or distributed by Community Members of
Fresno will be cultivated, manufactured, and transported by licensed facilities that maintain operations in full
conformance with State and local regulations.
In strict compliance with FMC 9-3309(b)(c), Community Members of Fresno will not cause or permit the sale,
dispensing, or consumption of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products on or about the premises of the cannabis
retail facility.
Retail Sales Policies
In strict compliance with 16 CCR § 5025(c), Community Members of Fresno will only serve customers who are
within the licensed premises, or at a delivery address that meets the following requirements:
1. Sale or delivery of cannabis goods through a pass-through window or a slide- out tray to the exterior of the
premises is prohibited.
2. Retailers shall not operate a drive- in or drive- through. Cannabis goods shall not be sold and/ or delivered
to any persons within a motor vehicle.
3. All cannabis goods sold by a retail business shall be contained in child- resistant packaging.
4. Point- of-sale areas and areas where cannabis goods are displayed for sale shall be recorded on the video
surveillance system. At each paint-of-sale location, camera placement must allow for the recording of the
facial features of any person purchasing or selling cannabis goods, or any person in the retail area, with
sufficient clarity to determine identity.
5. Retailers shall hire or contract for security personnel who are at least 21 years of age to provide security
services for the retail premises. All security personnel hired or contracted for by the permittee shall be
licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services and shall comply with Chapters 11. 4 and 11.
5 of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code.
No person in association with Community Members of Fresno’s business will give, sell, distribute, or otherwise
transfer any cannabis to any person in any manner that violates local or state law.
Medical Retail Policies
Pursuant to 16 CCR 5404(b), Community Members of Fresno will restrict the sale of medical cannabis only to:
1. A person 18 years of age or older who possesses a valid government-issued identification card and a valid
county-issued identification card under Section 11362. 712 of the California Health and Safety Code; or
2. Qualified patients with a currently valid physician's recommendation in compliance with the
Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (California Health and Safety Code section 11362.5), the Medical
Marijuana Program Act (California Health and Safety Code section 11362.7 et seq.), and valid government-
issued identification such as a Department of Motor Vehicles driver's license or State Identification Card;
or
3. Primary caregivers with a verified primary caregiver designation by their qualified patients, a copy of their
qualified patient's valid physician's recommendation in compliance with the Compassionate Use Act of
1996 (California Health and Safety Code section 11362.5), the Medical Marijuana Program Act (California
Health and Safety Code section 11362.7 et seq.), and valid official identification such as a Department of
Motor Vehicles driver's license or State Identification Card.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 51 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
In accordance with FMC 9-3310(a)(2), Community Members of Fresno asserts there will not be a physician located
on the premises at any time for the purpose of evaluating patients for the issuance of a cannabis recommendation
or card where applicable.
Purchase Limits
Pursuant to 16 CCR § 5409(a)(b), an associate will be responsible for ensuring that the customer does not exceed
the daily purchase limits. Limits will be monitored for both adult-use and medical patients adhering to the following
state mandates:
Adult-Use Purchase Limits
• 28.5 grams of non-concentrated cannabis.
• 8 grams of concentrated cannabis as defined in Business and Professions Code section 26001, including
concentrated cannabis contained in cannabis products.
• 6 immature cannabis plants.
Medical Purchase Limits
• 8 ounces of medicinal cannabis in the form of dried mature flowers or the plant conversion as provided in
Health and Safety Code section 11362.77.
The COVA Inventory Management and Point-of-Sale System will help employees monitor and adhere to purchase
limits. Each transaction will be conducted under a unique customer profile that will log daily purchases. The system
further captures what type of customer it is, medical or adult use, which will look for preset purchase limits based
on customer type. Should a customer exceed the purchase limit, the system will notify the sales associate and not
allow the transaction to be finalized until the overages are corrected.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 52 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Customer Interaction
Upon verification of the customers age and the customer entering the sales floor area, the customer will have access
to view products that are locked in display cases. Customers will be greeted by a Retail Sales Associate who will
ask the customer if they have any questions about the various products. All associates will be identified with their
company issued uniform, a branded polo shirt.
If the customer replies yes, the Retail Sales Associate will use his/her training to answer questions and educate the
customer on the different product types, consumption methods, and strains. Customer will not be able to handle
product in the discovery phase. Sample products will he handled by Retail Sales Associates only and cannabis
products within the store will never be opened.
Once a customer has decided on their purchase, the requested products will be “checked-into” staging areas by
systemic notations in the Inventory Management System by the Retail Sales Associate. It is the commitment of
Community Members of Fresno to maintain accurate Inventory Management records, therefore at any given
moment in time, Community Members of Fresno will be able to provide a “real-time” report of the cannabis
quantities in storage which can be provided to the Department upon request.
The Retail Sales Associate will retrieve desired products from the staging area (daytime storage area) and scan the
products at the point of sale station under the surveillance. Employees who handle cannabis product in order to
transfer that product to customers will be required to check in and take responsibility for the product they are
handling systematically within in the Inventory Management System. Managers will monitor and approve the access
that employees have to areas where cannabis is stored.
As the Retail Sales Associate scans each product being purchased, products will be placed in a bag. Upon
completion of the transaction, the drawstring bag will be sealed in a childproof exit bag and handed to the customer.
The customer will be escorted out of the sales area by the Retail Sales Associate and will pleasantly conclude the
customer’s shopping experience.
Company Uniform
For ease to the Retail Associates and Security Staff, Community
Members of Fresno will require each member of the team wear a
company issued uniform. The uniforms will aid staff in visually
differentiating between customers and staff members and help
them identify quickly if customers are close to a restricted area for
any reason. The uniforms will further aid law enforcement or
management who may need to review video surveillance in
quickly identifying staff members in their observations. Company
uniforms will include the company logo and each team member
will be provided attire prior to the start of work duties.
Customer Product Handling Procedures
Community Members of Fresno’s product storage plan is designed
with the safety and security of the facility and employees in mind.
The plan consists of physical barriers to prevent theft and diversion, operational barriers that limits the minimum
number of authorized individuals to gain access to any cannabis products, and environmental controls that prevent
the deterioration of cannabis products.
Pursuant to 16 CCR § 5033(a), all cannabis and cannabis products will be stored in a secured and locked vault or
vault equivalent. All safes and vaults will be compliant with Underwriter Laboratories burglary- resistant and fire-
resistant standards. All cannabis and cannabis products, including live clone plants that are being displayed for sale,
will be kept in a manner as to prevent diversion, theft, and loss.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 53 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
In strict compliance with FMC 9-3310(a)(5), only the quantity of cannabis and cannabis products necessary to meet
the daily demand will be readily available for sale on-site in the retail sales area.
To further ensure customers do not have access to cannabis products, Community Members of Fresno will
implement the use of physical barriers (walls and doors), electronic measures and employee procedures in order to
deter and prevent the unauthorized entrance into areas containing cannabis or cannabis products, and to deter and
prevent the theft of cannabis or cannabis products at the commercial cannabis business.
All points of access to the business will be controlled with electronic access controls, keypads, key cards, and remote
electronic lock (buzz-in) features. Individuals who are not engaging in an activity related to the permitted operations
of the commercial cannabis business will not be allowed to remain on the premises.
Customer Education
Customers are key to any business. Without customers, businesses cannot survive. In the cannabis industry ensuring
that customers understand products, the various methods of consumption, potency and the potential effects is
particularly important not only for sales but for safety. At Community Members of Fresno’s facility, customer
education will begin as soon as a customer encounters their first sales associate. Community Members of Fresno
has developed a proprietary Employee Product Education Program that will give the employees the tools to speak
to customers about cannabis strains, consumption methods, warnings, micro dosing, and health benefits.
Throughout the facility, retail sales associates will be present to answer questions and to educate customers on the
individual benefits of the cannabis psychoactive and non-psychoactive products, how to interpret percentages of
THC/CBD, and the different methods of consumption. The staff will undergo training from Cannabis Training
University in order to communicate with customers the effective way of how to properly dose oneself from any
method chosen.
Process to Educate Customers
Community Members of Fresno also believes it is important to empower customers to learn more about cannabis
strains, products, and effects in ways that are most comfortable for them. Therefore, Community Members of Fresno
has created multiple channels in which customers can receive information about cannabis, they include:
• Printed marketing collateral with information that can be read at home.
• Tools that customers can use at home to monitor usage to avoid overconsumption and track the results of
their cannabis experience.
• Online videos and information shared through social media outlets including Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube.
• A series of educational blogs designed to educate the consumer.
The printed marketing material will include a series of customer information cards printed on 4x6 cards that will
provide easy to read information for the customer reviewing cannabis products. The cards will contain information
regarding potency information, strain information, effects of excess usage, methods of consumption, and avoiding
over consumption. These cards will be strategically placed throughout the facility for easy reference for customers.
Some, including information on risks and side effects, will be provided to each customer upon purchase.
Community Members of Fresno has also developed tools for customer to use on their own to help them monitor
their usage and track their cannabis experience with various products. The strain selection guide and cannabis usage
journal will enable customers to pro-actively determine what strains may be right for them based on their desired
effects and track their personal experience with various products they have tried and narrow in on what products,
strains, and dosing works best for them.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 54 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Education on Consumption Methods
Throughout the facility, sales associates will be present to answer questions and to educate customers on the benefits
of cannabis psychoactive and non-psychoactive products, the percentages of THC/CBD. This will extend to
explaining the different strains available as well as the difference between the two major strains: Sativa and Indica.
Associates will also explain the different products and consumption methods which include:
• Smoking cannabis flower
• Vaporizing
• Ingesting edibles
• Topicals
Each method of ingestion has a different administration process and a different effect on the body and mind. Most
consumers prefer a discrete method of consumption, such as vaporizing or using a topical. The good news is, there
are numerous products to choose from and everyone finds what works best.
While the sales associate’s explanation and assistance will help the customers determine which consumption
method is best suited for their specific needs, informational cards will also be available for customers to read on
their own or take home.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 55 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Education on Potency and Avoiding Overconsumption
Each person is unique and reacts to medications and chemicals in their own way. The same goes for cannabis use
as each person has their own personal tolerances. People are often surprised to learn that the therapeutic effects of
cannabis can be achieved at a dosing that does not create a feeling of euphoria or “high” that sometimes accompanies
consumption. Accurate dosing can help a person achieve the therapeutic benefits without the unwanted feelings.
Community Members of Fresno created a dosing card to help customers understand dosing and the duration of
effects to help educate those new to cannabis products and to help warn customers of overconsumption.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 56 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Customer Warnings and Risks
Customers will also receive information on risks that can be associated with cannabis use. Additionally, the
customer will be educated on the importance of keeping the cannabis and cannabis products out of the reach of
children. Community Members of Fresno has created the below informational cards listing all possible side effects
and the short and long-term effects of excess cannabis use. Understanding the importance of this information, to
ensure this information reaches customers, Community Members of Fresno will provide these cards to each
customer upon purchase.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 57 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Education on Cannabis Variety - Customer Education Cards
Community Members of Fresno will make available a series of strain spotlight cards that will be available to
customers. These cards will feature specific strains and provide a quick, easy to read overview of a strain. The
information cards will include strain profile information, originating strains and most commonly experienced effects
of the strain.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 58 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Strain Selection Guide
Employees can use the Strain Selection Guide to help a customer decide the type of cannabis product or variety
they are searching for. Additionally, this form can be taken home for the customer to evaluate strain selection at
home.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 59 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Cannabis Usage Journal
This Cannabis Usage Journal is designed to go home with a customer to track their cannabis experience. Employees
will provide customer’s a copy of this journal with direction on how to track their experience. This will allow that
customer to reflect on the products that they try to determine a product and/or strain preference
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 60 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
1.6.6 Delivery Service Procedures
Community Members of Fresno intends to make full use of its cannabis retail license and create the most
attractive business model that fits the needs of all potential customers. Therefore, Community Members of
Fresno will offer patrons the opportunity to have cannabis or cannabis products delivered. Community
Members of Fresno will only deliver cannabis in a city or county that does not expressly prohibit it by
ordinance. Community Members of Fresno will utilize vehicles that are environmentally friendly with a
reduced emission rating for delivering cannabis and cannabis products to customers. Community Members of
Fresno has selected the Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Model 3 is a fully electric vehicle which also achieved a
NHTSA 5-star safety rating in every category.
Another appealing factor for the Tesla Model 3 vehicle for Community Members of Fresno team, beyond its
safety rating is that the Model 3 is fully electric eliminating the need to visit a gas station. A single charge
provides a range of 322 miles and a 172-mile recharge within 15 minutes. Tesla, a premium, environmentally
sustainable company, offers over 16,000 supercharge stations along well traveled routes around the world. As
shown in the map below, many of these stations can be found throughout the state of California.
Delivery Service Procedures
Community Members of Fresno will limit the hours of operation for delivery activities to the hours of 9:00
a.m. through 9:00 p.m. seven days a week or a reduced duration as stipulated through the discretionary permit.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 61 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
OnFleet – Delivery Dispatch
Community Members of Fresno will utilize the high-end Onfleet software for
driver and delivery dispatch. This will track deliveries to customers real time for
full transparency and security.
The Onfleet platform is considered the best in the industry for final mile delivery services. The company was
founded by a team of engineers from Stanford University and funded by some of Silicon Valley’s top investors.
Onfleet provides dispatchers with visibility to all deliveries in transit by tracking the GPS thru the phone of each
driver. Using Onfleet and COVA, our transportation capabilities will boast the following features:
1. Ability to create shipping manifests which will contain the following:
a. A unique Purchase Order number to track system receipts;
b. Name, license number, and premises address for:
i. The licensee who possesses the cannabis goods;
ii. The licensee transporting the cannabis goods;
iii. The licensee receiving the cannabis goods;
c. Name and license number of any licensee involved in the activity or transaction who is not shipping,
transporting, or receiving the cannabis goods;
d. Date and time of activity;
e. Date and time of departure from first premises, and estimated time of departure for subsequent
premises if cannabis goods are being shipped from multiple premises in one transport vehicle;
f. Estimated date and time of arrival at each receiving premises;
g. Driver license number for any person driving the transport vehicles;
h. Make, model, and license plate number of transport vehicles; and
i. Name and type of cannabis goods to be transported.
2. Ability to produce and store package and product tracking numbers.
a. All cannabis product sold or transferred between cannabis facilities must have the tracking
identification number that is assigned by the statewide monitoring system affixed, tagged, or
labeled and recorded, and any other information required by the BCC, the act, and these rules.
3. Ability to digitally track and store information such as:
a. Digital signature for delivery;
b. Images of products picked-up and delivered; and
c. Quantity and product type.
4. Ability to pull reports.
a. Real-time inventory reports.
b. Real-time location monitoring via GPS.
5. Digital route management.
a. Creation of driver routes and sequence product delivery.
b. Real-time driver notifications of any changes in a transportation route.
c. Store route history.
d. Store route notes.
e. Log suspicious route activity.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 62 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Shipping Manifest
Community Members of Fresno will receive retail customer orders for delivery. These orders will be converted into
outgoing shipments and assigned to drivers employed by the company. Pursuant to 16 CCR § 5049, all shipments
of outgoing products will include a detailed shipping manifest. All transportation record keeping will be digitalized
and be an output of the inventory tracking system with accurate inventory records. These will be notated as an
outbound shipping manifest. Each shipping manifest will contain the following information:
1. Name, CUP number, and originating cannabis business address for:
a. The licensee who possesses the cannabis goods;
b. The licensee transporting the cannabis goods; and
c. The licensee receiving the cannabis goods.
2. Name and address of the individual requesting delivery;
3. Date and time of activity;
4. Date and time of departure from first premises, and estimated time of departure for subsequent premises if
cannabis goods are being shipped from multiple premises in one transport vehicle;
5. Estimated date and time of arrival at each receiving premises;
6. Driver license number for any person driving the transport vehicle;
7. Make, model, and license plate number of transport vehicle;
8. Name and type of cannabis goods to be transported; and
The shipping manifest will be completed and transmitted into the track and trace system viewable by the BCC.
A physical copy of the shipping manifest will be carried in the transport vehicle at all times while transporting
cannabis goods. The shipping manifest will be provided to law enforcement and Department of Consumer Affairs
agents upon request.
Receipt of Inbound Shipments
Pursuant to 16 CCR § 5049(b)(6)(A), Community Members of Fresno will require that all incoming retail products
have a detailed shipping manifest ready on arrival. All inbound shipments will have a detailed shipping manifest
that can be used for receipt into the company’s inventory tracking system, COVA.
It is expected that the licensed Transport Agent will carry a detail transportation manifest containing:
1. A unique Purchase Order number to track system receipts;
2. Name, license number, and premises address for:
a. The licensee who possesses the cannabis goods;
b. The licensee transporting the cannabis goods; and
c. The licensee receiving the cannabis goods;
3. Name and license number of any licensee involved in the activity or transaction who is not shipping,
transporting, or receiving the cannabis goods;
4. Date and time of activity;
5. Date and time of departure from first premises, and estimated time of departure for subsequent premises if
cannabis goods are being shipped from multiple premises in one transport vehicle;
6. Estimated date and time of arrival at each receiving premises;
7. Driver license number for any person driving the transport vehicle;
8. Make, model, and license plate number of transport vehicle; and
9. Name and type of cannabis goods to be transported.
Upon receipt of cannabis goods for transport, storage, or inventory, the company employee shall ensure that the
cannabis goods received are as described in the shipping manifest and shall record acceptance and acknowledgment
of the cannabis goods in the track and trace system.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 63 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
If there are any discrepancies between the type or quantity specified in the shipping manifest, whether by type or
quantity received by the licensee, the licensee shall record, and document the discrepancy in the track and trace
system and in any relevant business record.
The shipping manifest will be completed by the distributor and transmitted in the track and trace system to the
Bureau and receiving licensee.
Delivery Rules
Community Members of Fresno will adhere to the following rules regarding the vehicle used for delivery as aligned
with both local and state laws regarding cannabis operations:
• Delivery employees who are carrying cannabis goods for delivery, will only travel in an enclosed motor
vehicle where goods are locked in the trunk of the vehicle.
• While carrying cannabis goods for delivery, delivery employees shall ensure the cannabis goods are not
visible to the public.
• In compliance with FMC 9-3310(a)(7), all of Community Members of Fresno’s delivery vehicles will be
unmarked with no indication that the vehicle is transporting cannabis or cannabis products.
• Delivery employees will not leave cannabis goods in an unattended motor vehicle unless the motor vehicle
is locked and equipped with an active vehicle alarm system.
• Pursuant to 16 CCR § 5417(d), a vehicle used for the delivery of cannabis goods shall be outfitted with a
dedicated GPS device. A dedicated GPS device must be owned by the licensee and used for delivery only.
• The device shall be either permanently or temporarily affixed to the delivery vehicle and shall remain active
and inside of the delivery vehicle at all times during delivery.
• Using Onfleet technology, Community Members of Fresno will be able to identify the geographic location
of all delivery vehicles that are making deliveries for the retailer and shall provide that information to the
BCC upon request.
• Prior to commencing delivery operations, and prior to the use of any new car in delivery operations,
Community Members of Fresno will provide the City and State regulating agencies with the following
information for all vehicles that will be used to deliver cannabis or cannabis products: proof of ownership
or a valid lease; the year, make model, color, license plate number, and Vehicle Identification Number and
proof of insurance. The permittee shall notify the City in writing of any changes to this information within
30 calendar days of a change.
• Any motor vehicle used by a retailer to deliver cannabis goods is subject to inspection by the BCC. Vehicles
used to deliver cannabis goods may be stopped and inspected by the BCC at any licensed premises or during
delivery.
• Pursuant to 16 CCR § 5418(a), while making deliveries, delivery employees will not carry cannabis goods
valued in excess of $5,000 at any time. This value will be determined using the current retail price of all
cannabis goods carried by the delivery employees.
• Employees shall not consume cannabis goods while delivering cannabis goods to customers.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 64 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Delivery to a Physical Address
Pursuant to 16 CCR § 5416, Community Members of Fresno will only deliver cannabis goods to a physical address
in California. Delivery to parks, schools or any other public facilities will be prohibited.
1. Employees will not leave the State of California while possessing cannabis goods.
2. Community Members of Fresno will not deliver cannabis goods to an address located on publicly owned
land or any address on land or in a building leased by a public agency. This prohibition applies to land held
in trust by the United States for a tribe or an individual tribal member unless the delivery is authorized by
and consistent with applicable tribal law.
3. Delivery personnel will follow the same protocol and policies of the retail facility in the verification
of the recipient’s age and necessary documentation for the receipt of cannabis or cannabis products.
a. All delivery personnel will verify the age and all necessary documentation of each individual
to ensure customers are not under the age of twenty-one (21) years. Acceptable forms of
documentation will be:
i. A document issued by a federal, state, county, or municipal government, or a political
subdivision or agency thereof, including, but not limited to, a valid motor vehicle operator's
license, that contains the name, date of birth, physical description, and a photo of the person;
ii. A valid identification card issued to a member of the Armed Forces that includes a date of
birth and a photo of the person; or
iii. A valid passport issued by the United States or by a foreign government.
b. Those unable to produce acceptable forms of identification verifying they are of age top
purchase will not be provided with cannabis products.
Delivery Payment Handling
Whenever possible, Community Members of Fresno will accept credit card payments through the company’s
website for cannabis deliveries. Credit card processing in the current landscape is always evolving and not always
readily available. When Community Members of Fresno is required to accept cash from customers, the cash will
be stored in small quantities inside the vehicle.
Community Members of Fresno will outfit all delivery vehicles with a secured storage container affixed in the
passenger side of the vehicle on the floorboard, out of the public view. The storage container will contain a cash
box inside the container affixed to the floorboard.
Upon receiving cash payments from a customer, the driver will use a digital code to open the storage container.
Cash will be put inside of the cash box then the storage container will be returned to the locked position.
Upon arriving back to the retail facility, the driver will notify on-site security will be notified. The guard will watch
the vehicle for suspicious activity. At that point in time, the storage container will be opened by the driver. The
driver will remove the cash box from the storage container and carry it inside. Once it is inside the facility, it will
go to the manager’s office for reconciliation. After the cash has been counted, it will be moved to the vault for
storage.
Section: Business Plan
Subsection: Daily Operations
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 65 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Number of Vehicles
At the onset of operations, Community Members of Fresno is budgeting for the purchase of 1 Tesla Model 3
vehicle to support its operation. As operations scale, additional vehicles will be purchased. As part of the
company’s due diligence, Community Members of Fresno is including the purchase of these vehicles in the
start-up expenses identified in the Financial section of this plan.
Vehicle Records
Community Members of Fresno will maintain a database of all operational vehicles being used for the delivery of
cannabis products. Within this database, Community Members of Fresno will create a file for each vehicle. This
file will contain the following:
1. Copy of the Vehicle Inspection Report – signed and dated by the inspector.
2. Copy of the Vehicle Registration.
3. Photo image of the license plate.
4. Photo image of the vehicle.
5. Vehicle Make, Model, Year.
6. Copy of the Certificate of Insurance.
7. Vehicle Maintenance Log.
Vehicle Inspection Policy
In order to ensure that all vehicles remain in working order, Community Members of Fresno has created a Vehicle
Inspection Checklist. All vehicles will be inspected when they are placed in service then the vehicle will undergo
monthly inspections. The vehicle will be inspected by the Operations Manager or designee. Inspection reports will
be scanned and saved into the vehicle’s corresponding cloud file. Community Members of Fresno will use a
professional mechanic for an Annual Certified Safety Inspection for each vehicle.
Preventative Maintenance
Community Members of Fresno will maintain a log for each vehicle that records preventative maintenance for each
vehicle. This will include tracking of vehicle mileage and the following items.
• Oil Change / Filter / Lube.
• Standard PM Inspection.
• Tire Rotation.
• Diagnostic & Tune-Up.
• Service Brakes.
• Replace Belts.
• Tire Replacement.
• Battery Replacement.
• Annual Certified Safety Inspection.
Section 2: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 66 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
2 SOCIAL POLICY AND LOCAL ENTERPRISE PLAN
Given the collective professional and military experiences of the Community
Members of Fresno’s team, they know that the greatest success is from
uplifting those around you. It is their commitment to the City of Fresno to give
opportunity to the less fortunate, to lift up their team members, and to offer
living wages, with benefits, to their employees.
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Commitment to Living Wages
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 67 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
2.1 COMMITMENT TO LIVING WAGES
Community Members of Fresno is committed to contributing, at every extent possible, to the City’s Economic
Development Strategy. Community Members of Fresno strongly believes that in order to retain talented and
dedicated staff, a company must adequately compensate its staff, therefore, Community Members of Fresno will
offer living wages.
To compensate its employees competitively, Community Members of Fresno looked towards the Living Wage
Calculator offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as well as the average/median household
incomes within Fresno, CA.
The Living Wage Calculator uses geographically specific expenditure data related to a family’s likely costs for
food, childcare, health insurance, housing, transportation, clothing, personal care items costs, and other basic
necessities. The below table reflects expenses typical for someone living in Fresno County.
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Commitment to Living Wages
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 68 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
2.1.1 MIT Living Wage Table
The living wage uses the above elements and uses estimates of income and payroll taxes to determine the minimum
employment earnings required to meet a family’s basic needs while also maintaining self-sufficiency. MIT assumes
that the individual works 2080 hours per year (or 40 hours per week). Furthermore, MIT created different living
wages for individuals with children, and individuals who also have another adult living with them. Below are the
findings from MIT for those living in in Fresno County.5
2.1.2 Anticipated Employee Pay Rates
Community Members of Fresno’s objective is to retain loyal employees who will provide a lot of value to
Community Members of Fresno customers. To ensure Community Members of Fresno retains the most talented
employees, Community Members of Fresno will pay each member of its team competitively. Looking towards the
living wage for Fresno County minimum wage, Community Members of Fresno agents will be paid much higher
than is required for living. Community Members of Fresno agents who have households with 1 adult and 0 children
will make a premium of 105-241% of the Fresno County recommended living wage, and a premium of 150-233%
of California’s minimum wage as illustrated below.
Employee Title Hourly Rate Percentage of Living
Wage
Percentage of Minimum
Wage
Retail Store Manager $28.00 241% 233%
Shift Leader $25.00 215% 208%
Retail Sales Associate $18.00 155% 150%
Inventory Control Specialist $18.00 155% 150%
Delivery Driver $18.00 155% 150%
.
5 https://livingwage.mit.edu/counties/06019
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Employee Benefits
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 69 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
2.2 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
2.2.1 Health Care
All full-time employees will be offered health care
coverage. Health care coverage will be provided through
Kaiser Permanente. KP has been providing affordable
health-care options to employees and employers since 1945. Community Members of Fresno is pleased to offer our
employees competitive wages and comprehensive health care benefits.
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Employee Benefits
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 70 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Plan Options
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Employee Benefits
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 71 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Sample Plan
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Employee Benefits
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 72 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
2.2.2 Retirement Plan
Community Members of Fresno will offer Employees 401K benefits to encourage employees to invest in their
future. It is the belief of Community Members of Fresno that by offering 401K benefits, it will allow Community
Members of Fresno to recruit top talent and retain employees. It is the experience of Community Members of
Fresno, through offering a retirement plan, employees feel the employment is long term and creates a foundation
for employees to grow and expand with the company.
Employee 401K benefits will be provided by Vanguard. Community Members of Fresno will offer employees a 3%
matching contribution for individuals who choose to participate in the employee sponsored 401K program.
2.2.3 Vacation
Eligible employees (Full Time) in this organization are provided company benefits. Several of the programs such
as Social Security, workers' compensation, state disability, and unemployment insurance, cover all employees in
the manner prescribed by law. Community Members of Fresno will also offer paid time off as detailed below.
Holidays Time Off
Eligible employees are entitled to the following holidays, as observed by the Company:
• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Full-time employees who regularly work 40 or more hours per week on a continuing basis earn paid vacation time
after each annual service anniversary with the Company. Part-time and On-Call employees are not eligible for paid
vacation time. Employees will be eligible for PTO only after 180 day of employment.
• It is the Company’s position that employees need time off to rest, so pay in lieu of vacation time in not
permitted.
• Vacation time must be taken each year, or the vacation time will be forfeited. Vacation time cannot be
accumulated from year to year.
• Vacation requests should be in writing and approved in advance by the manager based upon business
conditions. A request for time off, paid, or unpaid is not authorized until signed and approved by
management.
• Upon separation from the Company, associates will be paid any earned and unused vacation time.
• PTO can be used for Personal/Sick days after an absence as long as the employee has followed the proper
call-off procedure (call and speak to supervisor at least two hours in advance). It is the responsibility of the
employee to complete the appropriate paperwork and to obtain approval after their absence to ensure
payment of this benefit.
• Other than unplanned sick days, PTO requests should be in writing and approved in advance by the manager
based upon business conditions. A request for time off, paid, or unpaid is not authorized until signed and
approved by management.
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Employee Benefits
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 73 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Length of Service Vacation Available
1 – 4-year anniversary 5 days
5 – 9-year anniversary 10 days
10+ year anniversary 15 days
Time Off to Vote
Community Members of Fresno encourages employees to fulfill their civic responsibilities by voting. If an
employee is unable to vote in a statewide election during his or her non-working hours, the employer will grant up
to two hours to vote. Employees should request time off to vote from their supervisor at least two working days
prior to election day so that the necessary time off can be scheduled at the beginning or end of the work shift,
whichever provides the least disruption to the normal work schedule.
Jury Duty
Community Members of Fresno encourages employees to fulfill their civic responsibilities by serving jury duty
when required.
• Employees must show the jury duty summons to their supervisor as soon as possible so that the supervisor
may make arrangements to accommodate the employee's absence. Of course, the employee is expected to
report for work if not required to be present in court.
• Either the employer or the employee may request an excuse from jury duty if, in the employer's judgment,
the employee's absence would create serious operational difficulties.
• Accrual for benefits calculation of vacation will not be affected during unpaid jury duty leave.
2.2.4 Medical Leave
Paid Medical Leave
In accordance with Lab. Code § 246, Community Members of Fresno employees will be entitled to receive paid
sick days up to 24 hours or three days in each calendar year of employment. This entitlement will begin on the
employees 90th day of work and will renew at the start of each calendar year for the duration of employment with
Community Members of Fresno. Compensation for sick days will be calculated in the same manner as standard
wages.
Unpaid Medical Leave
In accordance with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act,
Community Members of Fresno will have policies in place that will protect employees in the event they require
time off work to effectively recover from an illness or care for a loved one who is ill or disabled. Community
Members of Fresno will receive up to 60 working days or 12 workweeks per 12-month period of unpaid leave for
a qualified reason.
Requirements and Eligibility
Employees are eligible for FMLA if they:
• Have been with the company for at least a year; or
• Have worked at least 1,250 hours during the previous year; and
o Are bonding with a new child – whether or not they gave birth or are adopting;
o Are recuperating from a serious health condition;
o Are caring for a loved one with a serious health condition;
o Are dealing with crisis situations stemming from a family member's military service;
o Are caring for a loved one who suffered serious injuries during active military service; or
o Require prenatal care or are suffering from pregnancy-related illnesses or complications
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Continuing Education and Employee Training
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 74 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Requesting Medical Leave
For employees to receive benefits, they need to first make Community Members of Fresno aware of their situation
and their need for leave. Employees are required to give at least a 30-day notice ahead of their leave if possible. If
the necessity for leave is not foreseeable, then the notice should be provided "as soon as practicable." Employees
will be required to:
1. Submit a doctor's note that clearly establish a medical condition or reason for the employee’s inability to
continue work.
2. Provide all available information directly to the Human Resources Department.
2.3 CONTINUING EDUCATION AND EMPLOYEE TRAINING
Community Members of Fresno is passionate about creating opportunities for employees to advance within the
company and look for opportunities to pave the way of success for each employee.
Education is certainly a catalyst to future advancement and personal growth; however, Community Members of
Fresno understands that the cost of education beyond completing high school can often deter people from continuing
the educational journey. As Community Members of Fresno shares in the goals of the city to support higher
education and vocational training for the residents of Fresno, Community Members of Fresno hopes to mitigate the
financial barriers associated with pursuing education by offering educational reimbursement benefits to encourage
self-development. The reimbursement benefit would be extended for certain education-related expenses. This
benefit is intended to encourage professionalism and assist employees in increasing effectiveness in their current
position, preparing employees for possible advancement, and/or increasing an employee’s adaptability to new ideas
and change.
2.3.1 Plan Details
The Educational Reimbursement Program will include assistance with the cost of tuition and other expenses related
to the pursuit for education related to certifications within the Cannabis industry and any other educational programs
as required by the management for the proper functioning of the Dispensary. Benefits may not be substituted for
additional wages, as such, employees who choose to not utilize the program forfeit their entitlement to benefits.
Employee Eligibility
Both Regular Full-time and Regular Part-time employees will be eligible to participate in the program. For
eligibility purposes:
1. Regular Full-time means a normal work schedule of at least 40 hours per week, or at least 80 hours on a bi-
weekly basis.
2. Regular Part-time means a normal work schedule consisting of at least 20 hours per week, or at least 40
hours on a bi-weekly basis.
Community Members of Fresno will expect an employee to be employed with them for at least 180 days to ensure
the pursuit of further education will not adversely affect job performance.
Reimbursement of Fees and Expenses
To qualify for reimbursement, an employee will be required to complete the certification or course. No benefit will
be payable unless these requirements are met. Once a course has been satisfactorily completed, an employee may
request reimbursement for eligible fees and expenses related to the course. Eligible fees and expenses will be
reimbursed at 100% up to the annual maximum.
Reimbursement Maximum
Community Members of Fresno will reimburse the employee no more than $5,250 a year for qualified educational
programs. Should lawmakers enact an increase or decrease to the $5,250 ceiling, this Plan will automatically
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Recruitment Plan and Social Policy
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 75 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
adopt the new ceiling on its effective date. Under Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code, the employee
receives reimbursements under this Plan as tax-free fringe benefits.
Reimbursement Deadline
Reimbursement requests will need to be submitted no later than six months following completion of the course. A
reimbursement request that is submitted more than six months following course completion will not be eligible for
reimbursement.
Time Off Work
Community Members of Fresno prefers course schedules be arranged in ways that do not conflict with the
employee’s work schedule. However, special situations which might require time off the job will be considered.
Such situations might involve the scheduling of an examination by the school or graduation exercises at a time
when the employee is usually at work.
2.4 RECRUITMENT PLAN AND SOCIAL POLICY
Community Members of Fresno is determined to create a facility that brings economic stability to the Fresno
community. While there are several facets to the teams plan to make a difference, one branch of that is to bring
meaningful employment opportunities to the community. Community Members of Fresno will work with a few
different Fresno organizations to recruit employees that are both highly qualified and who fall within the parameters
that meet the Community Members of Fresno’s hiring plan. Examples of partners are discussed below.
2.4.1 Fresno Economic Opportunity Commission
Fresno Economic Opportunity Commission offers a Workforce Connection
Young Adult Program that assists low-income youth ages 14 through 24
out of school or attending high school services that will keep currently
enrolled students engaged in education, the pursuit of high school
graduation and becoming a positive contributing member of society. It is
the goal of the program to assist students with increasing their academic competencies and preparing them to enter
the world of work or higher education while also helping the student to shape their own destiny. The program serves
both in school and out of school individuals and attempts to re-engage out of school individuals in high school to
facilitate gaining their high school diploma and entering advance training or unsubsidized employment.6
Through this program, Community Members of Fresno can effectively and efficiently gain access to young
individuals who possess the basic fundamental skills sought to fulfill job duties that can also be part of the
company’s apprenticeship programs that will further groom and prepare them for advancement opportunities.
2.4.2 UFCW8
As Community Members of Fresno has entered into a labor
peace agreement with the UFCW8, this is yet another
channel that the team will utilize to recruit employees. The
team chose to partner with the UFCW8 as they are
experienced in representing both employees and business
owners within the cannabis industry. The Union has taken
pride in the help it has provided to lead the development and stabilization of the emerging cannabis sector through
their innovative Cannabis Workers Rising campaign, which has existed since 2010.
The UFCW represents tens of thousands of cannabis workers across multiple states. UFCW members in the legal
cannabis industry work in growing and cultivating facilities, manufacturing, and processing facilities, and also in
6 https://fresnoeoc.org/workforce-connection-young-adult-program/
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Recruitment Plan and Social Policy
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 76 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
laboratories and dispensaries. The legal cannabis industry is a newly regulated market that the UFCW recognizes
as a source to offer local communities’ jobs with strong wages and benefits that cannot be outsourced.
The UFCW offers cannabis workers and business owners, along with patients and coalition allies, the opportunity
to work together to accomplish shared goals. By crafting and supporting targeted legislative efforts, along with
negotiating the best contracts for workers, they have helped pave the way in setting high standards throughout the
industry. The UFCW has been a key leader in coalitions and advocacy groups that work for real change at all levels
of policy and have been instrumental in working to advocate for the good jobs provided by the medical cannabis
industry 7.
Community Members of Fresno values the commitment of the UFCW in their efforts in building a successful
industry with a thriving, diverse and skilled workforce and through this partnership, the team is excited about the
opportunity to bring jobs that pay better wages and provide better benefits that are vital to keeping the economy
afloat and bring Fresno families out of poverty.
2.4.3 Workforce Connection
Community Members of Fresno will also partner with Workforce Connection for recruiting
employees. Workforce Connection is funded and directed by the Fresno Regional Workforce
Development Board, which works on behalf of employers and job seekers throughout Fresno
County to promote and sustain the economic vitality of the region.
Workforce Connection works to prepare the people throughout the community for careers in
various industries that promote self-sufficiency, not just jobs to carry them through to the next
paycheck. They do this by providing opportunities that build the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to meet
employer needs and be competitive in the workforce of today.
Workforce Connection offers what is referred to as “One-Stop Centers” where adults and dislocated workers have
access to education, training, and employment services, as well as referrals (when deemed appropriate) to other
services available through their network of partner agencies 8.
7 http://www.ufcw.org/who-we-represent/cannabis/
8 https://www.workforce-connection.com/adult-services/
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Recruitment Plan and Social Policy
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 77 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
2.4.4 Social Policy
While Community Members of Fresno will seek to hire the most qualified persons who apply for employment,
Community Members of Fresno aims to create meaningful employment opportunities for those who really need it.
In compliance with FMC 9-3316(b)(1), Community Members of Fresno commits to developing a workforce of a
minimum of one-third (1/3) individuals who meet one or more of the following criteria:
1. Annual family income below 80% AMI; which for the Fresno area would be roughly $49,360 per year or
less per Fannie Mae Area Median Income Lookup Tool 9.
2. Convicted for a cannabis related crime that could have been prosecuted as a misdemeanor or citation under
current State law;
3. Lived in a low to moderate income census tract in the city for a minimum of three (3) years;
4. Veteran; or
5. Former foster home youth who was in foster care as a minor.
6. Unemployed; or
7. Receiving public assistance.
Community Members of Fresno will maintain full records of each individual hired that meets this criterion and
provide the City with ongoing proof of compliance for this requirement.
9 https://ami-lookup-tool.fanniemae.com/amilookuptool/
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Locally Managed Enterprise
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 78 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
2.5 LOCALLY MANAGED ENTERPRISE
Our policy is to select, place, train, and promote the best qualified individuals based upon relevant factors
such as work quality, attitude, and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all our
employees in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and without regard to nonwork-
related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, marital
status, or sexual orientation. When employment job availability postings were placed in the Fresno Craigs
List, there were hundreds of responses, and the company had no difficulty in finding a locally talented
diverse workforce residing in the Fresno community.
Pre-pandemic, Fresno was experiencing higher unemployment percentages than the national average, and
The Community Members of Fresno is committed to community economic development for this
underemployed area of Fresno. The company is presenting an organic job opportunity that improves
communities and enhances the economic opportunities of the people who live in Fresno. Typically, most
employment economic development plans, reflect an approach to addressing poverty and the needs of
low-wealth communities which is unfortunately highly dependent upon the resources available in the
community. Here, the company is bringing a vast amount of capital and professional experience that
allows Fresno to build upon the company’s economic power. The company knows that bringing a positive
economic opportunity, will act as an anchor for future economic development. The company believes in
the people of Fresno and is pleased to present their commitment to hiring only Fresno locals, such that
they together with Fresno can leverage local resources to enhance economic relationships among the
people of Fresno. This market-based strategy solution to development is often employed in nonprofits and
small businesses, because the results show that improving employment opportunities in geographically
defined areas is successful at reviving job creation. Below please find the Community Members of Fresno
Management Team, who have resided in Fresno for one year prior to March 2020, if not the entirety of
their lives:
Community Members of Fresno Management Team
Name Role Fresno Resident Address
Esteban Solis General Manager Yes
Kristopher Anderson Public Relations
Manager
Yes
Michael Bloom Procurement Manager Yes
Benjamin Aguilera Sales Manager Yes
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Employees, Title/Position, and Responsibilities
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 81 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
2.6 EMPLOYEES, TITLE/POSITION, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Community Members of Fresno understands that the organizational structure is important in creating standard
practices and operating procedures throughout its facilities. The organizational structure allows Community
Members of Fresno to clearly define the role and responsibilities for each of its team members and staff to drive
accountability and empowerment for each and every staff member. Below is an overview of the intended
organizational structure, highlights of each role and its assigned responsibilities. In accordance with FMC 9-
3309(i)(1) and 16 CCR § 5031, Community Members of Fresno will not allow an individual less than twenty-one
(21) years of age to work within the licensed premises or handle cannabis and/or cannabis products.
Upon the start of operations, Community Members of Fresno intends to hire 16 people consisting of:
2.6.1 Retail Store Manager
The Retail Store Manager will manage Community Members of Fresno’s retail store. As such, the Retail Store
Manager will have a variety of responsibilities. To illustrate, the Retail Store Manager is responsible for hiring
potential employees, collecting, and returning agent identification cards, and ensuring all agents complete all
Program Training within 90 days of employment. Additionally, the Retail Store Manager will train all agents on
inventory, sales, security, sales, and operation procedures. Each day, the Retail Store Manager will open and close
the retail store, conduct beginning of day inventory audit, oversee sales and operations, and conduct end of day
inventory audit. In addition, the Retail Store Manager is responsible for maintaining facility records, inspecting
and accepting deliveries, disposing of cannabis waste, reconcile inventory discrepancies as needed, review
surveillance equipment and footage, and well as maintain contain contact with the Department and the State/Local
Police in the event of an emergency.
2.6.2 Shift Leader
The Shift Leader will work directly under the Retail Store Manager. The Shift Leader will assist the Retail Store
Manager of the management of retail operations by overseeing and facilitating sales, supporting retail sales
associates as needed, retrieving cannabis and cannabis products from restricted access areas, and ensuring that the
appropriate number of customers have access to the retail area. In addition to overseeing sales, the Shift Leader
will create employee retail sales associate work schedules and maintain the interior cleanliness of Community
Members of Fresno’s retail facility during business hours.
2.6.3 Retail Sales Associate
Each Retail Sales Associate will facilitate sales within Community Members of Fresno’s store. During each sale,
each Retail Sales Associate will engage and develop a relationship with the customer. Each Retail Sales Associate
will get to know each customer to make adequate cannabis and cannabis product recommendations. During each
sale, each Retail Sales Associate will educate each customer about the product the customer intends to purchase or
the product the customer does in fact purchase. Subsequently, the Retail Sales Associate will create an inventory
record for each sale conducted in Community Members of Fresno’s store.
2.6.4 Inventory Control Specialist
The Inventory Control Specialist will review and monitor inventory levels. Each day, the Inventory Control
Specialist will conduct beginning of day and end of day inventory data entries. The Inventory Control Specialist
will use the data collected each day to monitor inventory levels for each cannabis and cannabis product in the
store. The Inventory Control Specialist will purchase inventories of cannabis and cannabis products, with the
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Employees, Title/Position, and Responsibilities
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 82 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
approval of the Retail Store Manager, when inventory becomes too low. In addition to monitoring inventory day-
to-day, the Inventory Control Specialist will research cannabis and cannabis product trends and will make
purchasing adjustments, again, with the approval of the Retail Store Manager, to ensure Community Members of
Fresno carries the highest demanded products. Furthermore, the Inventory Control Specialist will develop and
maintain relationships with cultivation, craft grow, and infuser organizations.
2.6.5 Cannabis Employee Background Check
Community Members of Fresno will identify each prospective employee and submit for each: the full name,
address, telephone number, company title, primary responsibilities; and a valid government-issued form of
identification, together with any other related information requested by the Chief of Police for the purpose of
conducting mandatory background checks.
Community Members of Fresno understands that evidence that a prospective employee has been convicted of any
the following offenses shall be grounds for denial of employment.
1. A violent or serious felony conviction, as specified in Penal Code Section 667. 5(c) or Section 1192. 7(c).
2. A felony conviction involving fraud, deceit, or embezzlement.
3. A felony conviction for hiring, employing, or using a minor in transporting, carrying, selling, giving away,
preparing for sale, or peddling, any controlled substance to a minor; or selling, offering to sell, furnishing,
offering to furnish, administering, or giving any controlled substance to a minor.
4. A felony conviction for drug trafficking with enhancements pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section
11370.4 or 11379. 8.
5. Conviction of illegal use, possession, transportation, distribution, or similar activities related to controlled
substances, as defined in the Federal Controlled Substances Act, not including cannabis- related offenses
for which the conviction occurred after the passage of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996.
Further, Community Members of Fresno understands that if they wish to hire an individual despite such
conviction, a member of the Community Members of Fresno team is to appeal to the Chief of Police, who at his
or her sole discretion may issue a written waiver. Without such waiver issued by the Chief of Police, any violation
to this rule is grounds for immediate suspension of the commercial cannabis business permit.
2.6.6 Employee Badge
Once an employee has cleared background screening and
cleared by the Chief of Police for employment, Community
Members of Fresno will provide each employee with an
Employee Identification Badge pursuant to 16 CCR § 5043.
All agents, officers, or other persons acting for Community
Members of Fresno will display a laminated or plastic-coated
identification badge issued by Community Members of Fresno
at all times while engaging in commercial cannabis activity.
The identification badge will, at a minimum, include the
Community Members of Fresno name and license number, the
employee’s first name, an employee number exclusively
assigned to that employee for identification purposes, and a
color photograph of the employee that clearly shows the full
front of the employee’s face and that is at least 1 inch in width
and 1.5 inches in height.
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Labor Peace Agreement
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 83 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
2.7 LABOR PEACE AGREEMENT
As mandated by State Law and out of an abundance of concern to take care of company employees, the
Community Members of Fresno team has entered into a Labor Peace Agreement with UFCW 8. The agreement
between the Community Members of Fresno and Local 8 UFCW emphasizes equal pay and fair treatment in the
workplace regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or cultural background. Community
Members of Fresno will work with UFCW because UFCW is a key leader in coalitions and advocacy groups that
work for real change at all levels of policy. UFCW has a remarkable diversity track-record and is uniquely
positioned to help Community Members of Fresno recruit, train, and retain a skilled and diverse workforce. In the
agreement with UFCW, Community Members of Fresno agrees to the following terms, among others:
1. Community Members of Fresno will remain neutral towards UFCW’s organizing effort. In other words,
Community Members of Fresno will not interfere with UFCW in any manner.
2. Community Members of Fresno will allow UFCW to come to Community Members of Fresno’s facility to
speak with the employees during non-work hours, such as meal and work breaks, in a private, unmonitored
room inside the Community Members of Fresno facility.
3. Community Members of Fresno will recognize UFCW as the exclusive representative of the Community
Members of Fresno’s employees in a labor dispute.
4. Community Members of Fresno waives its right under the National Labor Relations Act to file any petition
with the National Labor Relations Board for any election in any bargaining unit.
Community Members of Fresno agrees that final and binding arbitration will be the exclusive remedy for any
alleged violations. Please find attached below the executed agreement between Community Members of Fresno
and the UFCW 8.
Community Members of Fresno is PROUD to be a union shop –
offering employees union benefits. The City of Fresno can count on this
company to uplift our employees!
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Labor Peace Agreement
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 84 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Labor Peace Agreement
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 85 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Labor Peace Agreement
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 86 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Workforce Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 87 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
2.8 WORKFORCE PLAN
Provide a workforce plan that includes at a minimum the following provisions:
2.8.1 Commitment of a Minimum 30% Local Hiring
Community Members of Fresno will strive to hire a minimum of 100% of employees from the City of Fresno and
will strive to give preference to qualified individuals who demonstrate a prior cannabis related arrest, are low
income or both. A focus on local employees provides Community Members of Fresno a great opportunity to
network within the city at large and build strong relationships with the community. The interview process will
include the vetting of potential employees. This vetting will be rigorous and will follow industry standards to
ensure that only the most qualified and morally upstanding candidates are selected for employment.
All potential employees will first obtain a commercial cannabis employee work permit from the City prior to
performing any work. Community Members of Fresno will cover all costs associated with this regulatory
requirement. The company is committed to hiring all (or substantially all) of its employees from local Fresno
residents. One of the greatest advantages of business in the economy of a city is to raise the employment level
locally. In addition, other members of the business community will benefit from the design, construction and
other vendor relationships required by the business.
On 10/19, Community Members of Fresno posted a job on Indeed to find a store manager. As of 11/17 - there
were 151 Active Candidates. CEO, Daniel Wise personally reviews each applicant and is providing preference to
experienced Fresno residents. After reviewing the most qualified resumes, he conducts a brief interview to
determine if the employee meets the high standards to become a Community Members of Fresno employee.
2.8.2 Commitment to Offering Apprenticeships
Community Members of Fresno, in additional to an educational reimbursement program (see employee benefits
section) will offer an extensive, continuous training program for all employees and positions, to further cannabis
industry education. This cannabis focused educational program will provide employees the opportunity to not
only improve their knowledge and skillset within current roles within the company, but also provide advance
knowledge and skillsets required to advance within the company. Community Members of Fresno will encourage
all team members to seek out additional opportunities to take courses, attend seminars, take online web series or
classes, and more, to deepen their knowledge and skills in the cannabis industry. Community Members of Fresno
will fully fund these educational opportunities upon enrollment, only requiring the employee to provide evidence
of completion to add to their personnel file.
Some educational opportunities employees may partake in include:
Oaksterdam University
THC University Online Training Courses
Cannabis Training University
Various cannabis events across Southern California
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Social Equity Incubator Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 88 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
2.8.3 Commitment to Paying Living Wages
Community Members of Fresno’s objective is to retain loyal employees who will provide a lot of value to
Community Members of Fresno customers. To ensure Community Members of Fresno retains the most talented
employees, Community Members of Fresno will pay each member of its team competitively. Looking towards the
living wage for Fresno County minimum wage, Community Members of Fresno agents will be paid much higher
than is required for living. Community Members of Fresno agents who have households with 1 adult and 0
children will make a premium of 105-241% of the Fresno County recommended living wage, and a premium of
150-233% of California’s minimum wage as illustrated below.
Included with compensation, the team has additionally accounted for the associated employee benefits and the
additional cost of employee background screening.
Employee Salary Projections
2.9 SOCIAL EQUITY INCUBATOR PLAN
Community Members of Fresno is committed to providing various forms of support to local cannabis social
equity businesses in an effort to build a successful and compliant cannabis industry that brings to the community
high quality cannabis and cannabis products.
2.9.1 Mentorship and Training Program
As exemplified throughout the various sections of this application, this team holds unparalleled knowledge and
experience within the cannabis industry as well as business development/management. The Community Members
of Fresno team also share a passion around the building of a successful cannabis industry and is willing to provide
several forms of mentorship, training, technical and financial assistance to local cannabis social equity businesses.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Employee Background Screeening $1,380 $1,380 $1,380 $1,380 $1,380 $1,380 $1,380 $1,380 $1,380 $1,380
Payroll Taxes and Benefits- Indirect $92,736 $151,296 $166,426 $174,747 $183,484 $192,658 $202,291 $212,406 $223,026 $234,178
Salary $463,680 $756,480 $832,128 $873,734 $917,421 $963,292 $1,011,457 $1,062,030 $1,115,131 $1,170,888
$-
$200,000
$400,000
$600,000
$800,000
$1,000,000
$1,200,000
$1,400,000
$1,600,000
10 Year Salary Projections
Section: Social Policy and Local Enterprise Plan
Subsection: Social Equity Incubator Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 89 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
The Community Members of Fresno team will create an online portal welcoming local cannabis social equity
business to reach out to the ownership team to directly discuss their specific needs. The team will analyze their
request and put together a specific support plan tailored for the company considering their projected goals, skills,
resources, and needs.
The Community Members of Fresno team can provide an array of services from helping develop business plans
and standardized operations, to creating connections with professional vendors that can help with various
elements of commercial cannabis business operations. The teams expansive experience in business ownership
within the cannabis industry creates opportunities for all business types to participate in the teams Social Equity
Incubator Program, not limited to retail settings only.
2.9.2 Dedicated Shelf Space to Promote Local Fresno Cultivators and Manufacturers
The Community Members of Fresno team believes that now, more than ever, communities must stick together.
Small businesses should make an active effort to support other small businesses. Daniel and Kendall believe that
this is a good business practice and intends to reach out to businesses in the Fresno community to source as many
products and services as possible.
The Community Members of Fresno team values the communities understanding that without community
members, strong leadership and structure, and good business practices, economies would fall and no business, big
or small, would achieve the full potential of success.
While the Community Members of Fresno team prides itself on providing the community with high quality
products, the Community Members of Fresno team also prides itself contributing to the good and prosperity
within the communities it serves. For that reason, though the team will look to source the highest quality and
purest products available in the market, the team will also make every possible attempt to source products from
local cultivators and manufacturers within the Fresno area. Depending on availability, the company is committed
to sourcing a minimum of 50% of our products from this area. In our purchasing system, local vendors will be
given a flag to demonstrate they are a preferred vendor.
The Community Members of Fresno team will utilize the California Cannabis Portal to stay up to date on all
licensed cultivators and manufacturers in the Fresno area.
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 90 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Section 3: Neighborhood Compatibility Plan
3 NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY PLAN
Before
After
Section: Neighborhood Compatibility Plan
Subsection: Addressing and Responding to Complaints
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 91 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
3.1 ADDRESSING AND RESPONDING TO COMPLAINTS
Community Members of Fresno has planned its operation in a way to minimize impact to the surrounding
community, however, should operations drive disruption, Community Members of Fresno has developed
processes to collect feedback so that, as a company, they can work to quickly address issues viewed as a nuisance.
Feedback will be welcomed through a couple of different means.
First, Community Members of Fresno will appoint a Community Relations Liaison/Emergency Contact that will
take point on addressing and responding to complaints associated with noise, light, odor, litter, vehicles,
pedestrian traffic, and emergency situations.
Community Members of Fresno will distribute contact information for the Community Relations Liaison,
including name, telephone number, and email address throughout the community as an outlet for people to
provide feedback on any concerns related to noise, light, odor, litter, vehicles, pedestrian traffic, and other
emergency situations. Pursuant to FMC 9-3309(m)(1), Community Members of Fresno will provide the above
information to all businesses and residences located within a minimum of one hundred (100) feet of the facility.
3.1.1 Community Members of Fresno Community Relations Designee
In full compliance with FMC 9-3309(m)(2), during Community Members of Fresno’s first year of operation, the
owner, manager, and community relations representative from Community Members of Fresno’s facility will
attend meetings with the City Manager or his/her designee(s), and other interested parties as deemed appropriate
by the City Manager or his/her designee(s), to discuss costs, benefits, and other community issues arising as a
result of implementation of commercial cannabis businesses.
After the first year of operation, the owner, manager, and community relations representative from Community
Members of Fresno’s facility will meet with the City Manager or his/her designee(s) when and as requested by the
City Manager or his/her designee(s).
3.1.2 Complaint Form
Community Members of Fresno will post a complaint form on their website. This will be utilized for collecting
complaints both from the community and customers. This form will generate an email directly to the Director of
Operations, who will review them daily. The Director of Operations will hold weekly meetings with the
Community Members of Fresno team to review and discuss the complaints. Once the complaint is addressed,
protocols and process documents will be revised and/or store adjustments will be made.
All complaints will be recorded and kept on file and will be provided to the City of Fresno officials upon request.
Community Members of Fresno is again, dedicated to supporting the community and will take any and all
reasonable actions to minimize disruption to neighboring members of the community.
Section: Neighborhood Compatibility Plan
Subsection: Addressing and Responding to Complaints
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 92 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
A. Complainant:
Last Name: First Name: Middle Initial:
Date of Incident: Time of Incident: Can We Contact You:
Home Address: Home/Cell Phone No.: Work Phone No.:
Email Address:
B. Did you Speak with a Community Member of Fresno Representative, if so, Please Complete Below:
Last Name: First Name:
Did You Speak by Phone or at the Cake Facility? Was the Representative Helpful?
C. Additional Witnesses (if any):
Last Name: First Name:
Address: Phone No.:
Email Address:
Description of Incident:
F. Remedy - Please describe your requested remedy
G. Complainant’s Signature: Date:
For Community
Members of
Fresno Use Only
Complaint No.: Date Received:
Section: Neighborhood Compatibility Plan
Subsection: Nuisance Avoidance Policies
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 93 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
3.2 NUISANCE AVOIDANCE POLICIES
Community Members of Fresno is dedicated to being an asset for the city of Fresno and good neighbors to those
that surround the business. In efforts to minimize complaints or being viewed as a nuisance to surrounding
businesses or residents, Community Members of Fresno will manage its premises in a manner that is considerate
of its neighbors and local community. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Preventing and eliminating conditions on the site that constitute a nuisance.
2. Maintaining the exterior of the site, including any parking lots under the control of Community Members
of Fresno facility, free of litter, debris, and trash.
3. Maintaining the premises and its infrastructure so that it is visually attractive and not dangerous to the
health, safety and general welfare of employees, patrons, surrounding properties, and the general public.
4. Implementing measures that discourage loitering near Community Members of Fresno’s facility and
collaborating with the City Police Department to enforce related laws.
5. Safely storing and disposing of all waste generated on the site, including chemical and organic waste, in
accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
6. Removing all graffiti from the site and parking lots under the control of Community Members of Fresno
within 72 hours of its application.
7. Removing all litter on or around the facility on a regular basis, to include adjacent sidewalks and parking
lots.
In strict compliance with FMC 9-3309(b)(c) and 16 CCR § 5025(d), Community Members of Fresno will not
cause or permit the sale, dispensing, or consumption of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products on or about the
premises of the cannabis retail facility.
Further, Community Members of Fresno will enforce a policy that strictly prohibits the consumption of cannabis
or cannabis products on Community Members of Fresno’s premises in full compliance with FMC 9-3309(a).
Finally, Community Members of Fresno will prohibit loitering by persons outside the facility both on the
premises and within fifty (50) feet of the premises pursuant to FMC 9-3309(l) and will employ on-site security to
enforce this policy. On-site security staff will diligently work to manage traffic in and out of the facility in a
manner that is respectful of neighboring members of the community.
It is the goal of the Community Members of Fresno team to maintain a facility, both in appearance and in
operations, that drives minimal disturbances. It is the team’s experience that more often than not, customers are
seeking for a comfortable and safe environment to shop, therefore, these policies are just as important to the
success of the business as it is to the neighboring businesses.
3.3 ODOR MITIGATION PRACTICES
Community Members of Fresno believes the positive benefits of actively managing air and water quality
translates to the health and wellbeing of its customers and employees. Community Members of Fresno wants to
create a space that is comfortable for customers and free of allergens while preventing any odors from reaching
the outside of the facility. It is the team’s ambition to reduce the impact on the surrounding community as a whole
by eliminating undesirable odors, gases, or other potential hazards with relation to air quality.
Community Members of Fresno will incorporate the best available odor control technology and devices in the
overall design of the facility to ensure that odors from cannabis are not detectable off-site. A sufficient odor
absorbing ventilation and exhaust system will be provided so that odor generated inside the premises that is
distinctive to its operation is not detected outside of the facility, anywhere on adjacent property or public rights-
of-way, on or about the exterior or interior common area walkways, hallways, breezeways, foyers, lobby areas, or
any other areas available for use by common tenants or the visiting public, or within any other unit located inside
the same building as Community Members of Fresno’s facility.
Section: Neighborhood Compatibility Plan
Subsection: Potential Sources of Odor
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 94 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
3.4 POTENTIAL SOURCES OF ODOR
Community Members of Fresno intends to operate a cannabis retail dispensary which will offer cannabis and
cannabis infused products. In accordance with local and state law Community Members of Fresno will maintain
all product in sealed, smell proof packaging. Community Members of Fresno does not intend to cultivate or
process cannabis products, and pursuant to 16 CCR § 5412, all packages that arrive to the facility will arrive in
sealed retail packaging, which should minimize cannabis odor within or around the facility. However, Community
Members of Fresno understands that cannabis products naturally have a unique aroma that some may find
offensive. Community Members of Fresno team has crafted an odor mitigation strategy that will create an
environment that will be pleasant for customers and prevent the facility from becoming a nuisance to the
surrounding community.
3.5 ODOR CONTROL DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES
In accordance with FMC 9-3309(j), Community Members of Fresno will incorporate odor control devices and
techniques within the facility and operational procedures to ensure that odors from cannabis are not detectable off-
site.
3.5.1 Mechanical Engineer
Community Members of Fresno will hire a qualified Mechanical Engineer to design the facilities odor control
systems. The Odor Control system will be fully designed as part of the facility renovation with detailed
specifications provided to the City as part of the CUP process.
3.5.2 Odor Absorbing Ventilation and Exhaust System
Community Members of Fresno will provide a sufficient odor absorbing ventilation and exhaust system so that
odor generated inside the commercial cannabis business that is distinctive to its operation is not detected outside
of the facility, anywhere on adjacent property or public rights-of-way, on or about the exterior or interior common
area walkways, hallways, breezeways, foyers, lobby areas, or any other areas available for use by common tenants
or the visiting public, or within any other unit located inside the same building as Community Members of
Fresno’s business. As such, Community Members of Fresno will install and take all measures, including installing
equipment, to control odor.
In order to control nuisances such as odors, humidity and mold, Community Members of Fresno will have the
following professionally installed:
• An exhaust air filtration system with odor control that prevents internal odors and pollen from being
emitted externally;
• An air system that creates negative air pressure between the premises' interior and exterior, so that the
odors generated inside the premises are not detectable outside the premises.
Community Members of Fresno will install a high-quality ventilation and air purification system, to ensure there
is no cannabis odor outside the building. We will use industry favored and proven effective ventilation and air
purification systems that will aid in maintaining a comfortable environment both for customers as well as
surrounding neighbors. Cannabis products will be in sealed, smell-proof jars and packaging, which will further
contribute to air quality and odor control measures.
In order to provide an area that is safe and comfortable for employees as well as visitors, Community Members of
Fresno will utilize a separate or zoned HVAC system capable of filtering the air. Such measures will include a
comprehensive HVAC system that incorporates medical industry standard filtration, such as High Efficiency
Particulate Air (HEPA) and High Efficiency Gas Absorption (HEGA) where appropriate. Similarly, any water
entering the facility will also be filtered and, where appropriate, subjected to Ultraviolet (UV) purification. The
goal is to reduce contaminants in the facility to prevent adulteration and ensure the highest quality products and
experience for customers.
Section: Neighborhood Compatibility Plan
Subsection: Staff Odor Training and System Maintenance
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 95 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Community Members of Fresno will ensure that the HVAC system is an air system which creates negative air
pressure to help contain odors generated inside from escaping the building and being detectable outside or by
neighboring establishments.
Given the unique nature of commercial cannabis retail, it is Community Members of Fresno’s intention to reduce
odors inside where possible and eliminate any and all distinct odors from being detectable outside of the facility.
These concerns have been largely mitigated in the retail environment by the pre-packaging of all products that
will be available for sale. Based on solutions implemented in other industries, increasing offerings of industry
specific solutions and technology will allow Community Members of Fresno to stay in compliance with the City
of Fresno expectations.
This will be generally accomplished by utilizing multiple filtrations, odor absorption and carbon “scrubbers” to
rid the system exhaust of any odors. Activated carbon is an extremely effective absorptive odor control substance.
An ozone generator will be placed upstream of the carbon filters. Ozone (O3) is also an effective odor control
mechanism. In this case, it is used to help
control out- going airstream odors and
recharge the activated carbon filter media,
extending the life of the media.
By utilizing an efficient HVAC system that
utilizes pre-filters, HEPA filters and Carbon
Filters, Community Members of Fresno is
confident that no odors will be detectable
outside of the operation’s facility, anywhere
on adjacent lots or public rights-of-way, on or
about the exterior or interior common area
walkways, hallways, breezeways, foyers,
lobby areas, or any other areas available for
use by common tenants or the visiting public.
3.6 STAFF ODOR TRAINING AND SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Community Members of Fresno understands that even a great system can become ineffective without regular
maintenance and proper upkeep. In order to preserve the effectiveness of the system, Community Members of
Fresno has developed a routine maintenance schedule that will be overseen by the Director of Security, Eugene
Lineham. In addition to his security role, Eugene will manage all facility maintenance and repair needs. Specific
to the HVAC and odor control system, Community Members of Fresno has planned the following maintenance
schedule.
1 HVAC system scheduled maintenance and inspection will occur every 6 months.
2 HEPA, prefilters, and carbon filters will be replaced every 60 days.
While traditionally an HVAC system only requires annual service and inspection, Community Members of Fresno
wants to ensure that all systems remain fully operational and effective at both maintaining a comfortable
environment as well as minimizing odors within the facility.
HEPA, prefilters, and carbon filters are typically changed every six months for common use, however, to ensure
that odors are never detectable, Community Members of Fresno feels it is important to change them in advance.
These maintenance activities will be evaluated regularly and adjusted if odors become detectable within or around
the facility. All repairs will be immediately scheduled with the HVAC professional upon discovery of faulty
equipment.
Section: Neighborhood Compatibility Plan
Subsection: Waste Management Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 96 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
3.6.1 Odor Control Administrative Controls
To ensure the efficacy of the odor control plan, Community Members of Fresno will maintain records of all
maintenance and repair activities related to odor control equipment. Each service and filter replacement will be
logged in the facility maintenance log noting the date, activity performed, and initials of the agent overseeing the
activity. The Retail Store Manager will undergo training on facility maintenance activities and receive standard
operating procedures on how to perform filter replacements in the event that Eugene is not available to perform a
regularly scheduled activity.
The Maintenance Log will also note the next required date of service. The Retail Store Manager will be
responsible for tracking service dates, managing professional service visits and repairs, and updating the
maintenance log. Appointments and required equipment, such as replacement filters will be scheduled or ordered
upon the determination of next requested service date to ensure that service dates are not extended to availability
issues.
Maintenance Log (Example)
Date Equipment Serviced Service Performed Date of Next Service Required
1/1/21 HVAC System Installation 6/1/21 – Routine Inspection
1/1/21 HVAC Filters Installation 3/1/21 – Filter Replacement
3/1/21 HVAC Filters Replacement 5/1/21 – Filter Replacement
3.7 WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
While it is the intent of Community Members of Fresno to achieve a Zero Waste operation, the
team wants to ensure that Community Members of Fresno is in compliance with all local,
County, State, and Federal requirements for solid waste and hazardous waste disposal. The
team has crafted a Waste Management Plan that accounts for these rules as
well as drive the behaviors that will help the company work toward a Zero
Waste goal. Community Members of Fresno will welcome the County of
Fresno Environmental Health Division or City Manager to inspect the
facility at any time during business hours to ensure compliance.
For the purposes of our Waste Management Plan, waste is divided into the
following categories:
• Solid Waste
• Recycling
• Organic Waste
• Electronic Waste
• Compostable Cannabis Waste
• Non-Compostable Cannabis Waste
It is the company’s goal to not only understand the importance of the various types of waste, but to properly
implement sorting procedures to ensure that each type of waste is properly disposed of. Each type of waste will
have a designated bin that is properly labeled to ensure employee compliance. Community Members of Fresno
will utilize a sorting system with customer education signs to ensure all waste is responsibly managed.
Section: Neighborhood Compatibility Plan
Subsection: Waste Management Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 97 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
3.7.1 Single Use Carryout Bag
Community Members of Fresno will not provide plastic carryout bags to customers at the point of sale. The
prepackaged, childproof, and sealed products will be placed in a drawstring, recyclable bag upon purchase.
3.7.2 Solid Waste Management
For waste that is not cannabis waste, Community Members of Fresno will engage the
franchise exclusively used for collecting and hauling commercial solid waste and in the
City of Fresno based upon the property address, Republic Services.
For waste that is not cannabis waste, the company will engage the Solid Waste Division through Republic
Services.10 Republic Services provides reliable waste solutions for businesses, which includes cardboard
recycling. The company will obtain a 10-Yard container for all solid waste disposal and place the same in the
back of the building where it is easily accessible to employees but hid from immediate public detection.
3.7.3 Recycling
In alignment with the City’s recycling efforts, Community Members of Fresno will implement a recycling
program. Recycling bins will be located throughout the facility to ensure that employees and patrons have easy
access to recycle items such as newspaper, cardboard, aluminum cans, and bottles. Community Members of
Fresno has reviewed each recyclable item to identify the proper strategy to recycle these items. Community
Members of Fresno will engage Fresno’s Department of Public Utilities for the collection of the company’s
recyclables.
3.7.4 Organic Waste
California requires mandatory organics recycling for businesses who generate more than 2 cubic yards per week
to recycle organic waste. While Community Members of Fresno does not expect to generate more than 2 cubic
yards of solid waste per week, the team understands their obligation to participate in this program. Mid Valley
Disposal recently implemented a full organics program for disposal of all green waste and organics that
Community Members of Fresno will implement within the facility.
Community Members of Fresno does not anticipate that the company will generate much Organic Waste. The
company’s organic waste would be limited to food items during an employee’s break. Additionally, there is a
chance that expired edibles would generate organic waste that is compostable. In the process below, Community
Members of Fresno has developed a process to render this waste unusable. It is our hope that Mid Valley Disposal
will accept the facility’s compostable cannabis waste.
10 https://www.republicservices.com/locations/california/fresno
Section: Neighborhood Compatibility Plan
Subsection: Waste Management Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 98 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Section: Neighborhood Compatibility Plan
Subsection: Waste Management Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 99 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
3.7.5 Electronic Waste
All Electronic Waste will be sorted and disposed of properly. As part of the many services
offered through Mid Valley Disposal, upon special request, they will collect electronic waste. The
Community Members of Fresno will engage Mid Valley Disposal when needed to collect this
type of waste to further do their part in the diversion of waste. This includes monitors, televisions,
CRTs, computers, thumb-drives, cameras, or any other electronic devices.
3.7.6 Construction Waste and Debris
As Community Members of Fresno does plan on retrofitting an existing structure for the development of the state
of the art facility being promised to the City of Fresno, this is likely to generate construction and demolition
debris.
Although this type of waste is often overlooked in a company’s waste management plan, Community Members of
Fresno, often construction and demolition projects are an incredibly large percent of the waste stream of any city.
The Cal Green Code requires any construction and demolition project to meet a 65% diversion rate, therefore, the
Community Members of Fresno will further engage with Mid Valley Disposal for participation in their
construction and demolition debris recycling program.
It is the hope of Community Members of Fresno to divert as much waste as possible and promotes a culture
within its facility that drives employees, consumers, and daily operations to consider the three “R” of
sustainability.
Section: Neighborhood Compatibility Plan
Subsection: Waste Management Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 100 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
3.7.7 Employee Education
In order to encourage employee compliance, Community Members of Fresno will post this educational poster in
the company breakroom. The Store Manager will be responsible for enforcing compliance.
Section: Neighborhood Compatibility Plan
Subsection: Waste Management Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 101 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
3.7.8 Cannabis Waste
In the event that Mid Valley Disposal will not accept our cannabis
compostable waste, Community Members of Fresno has identified Ecowaste
to haul away any and all cannabis waste. This company has been operating
since 2016 and offers a legally compliant solution to hauling cannabis waste
and is committed to operating within the rules set forth by 16 CCR § 5055.
Destruction of Product
If any of Community Members of Fresno’s cannabis product becomes contaminated, recalled, expired, or
otherwise rendered unusable, Community Members of Fresno will dispose of the cannabis or cannabis product.
Community Members of Fresno’s Track and Trace Manager will always be present and oversee any destruction
of product and ensure that it is properly recorded. Additionally, Community Members of Fresno asserts that
cannabis waste will never be sold for any reason.
Green Cycler Composter
Community Members of Fresno will use a composter to render cannabis unusable. This product is a small
appliance that chops up compostable items into an odor-free container. It is capable of shredding plant-based
items, including cannabis. The Green Cycler has a specialized ventilation system that optimizes air flow to
neutralize odor causing bacteria.
Process to Render Waste Unusable – Compostable
Community Members of Fresno has prepared the following process to render waste unusable. This will occur on a
weekly basis and be conducted by the Inventory Control Manager while under video surveillance.
1 Identify products in the quarantine area ready for disposal.
2 Sort Compostable and Non-Compostable Waste.
3 Remove Compostable Waste from packaging.
4 The Inventory Control Manager will weigh the product and generate an inventory record in the inventory
management system and METRC.
5 The marijuana is emptied into the Green Cycler and mixed with the following:
a. Food waste,
b. Yard waste, or
c. Vegetable based grease or oils
6 The Inventory Control Manager will pour an equal amount of Vegetable Oil into the Green Cycler.
a. For instance, if 1 ounce of marijuana is being rendered unusable, 1 ounce of Vegetable Oil will be
mixed into the container.
7 Using the lever on the Green Cycler, the Inventory Control Manager will destroy the compostable cannabis
waste.
8 The Inventory Control Manager will repeat this process until all quarantined items are rendered unusable.
9 Upon completion, the Inventory Control Manager will empty the container in a biodegradable bag.
10 This bag will be placed inside the Waste Receptacle Labeled “Compostable Mixed Waste”.
11 A permitted waste company will be contacted to pick-up the waste for transport to a compost or anaerobic
digester facility.
Process to Render Waste Unusable –Non-Compostable
1 Identify products in the quarantine area ready for disposal.
2 Sort Compostable and Non-compostable Waste.
3 Remove Non-compostable Waste from packaging.
4 The Inventory Control Manager will weigh the product and generate an inventory record in the inventory
management system and METRC.
5 The Non-compostable Waste is emptied into the Green Cycler.
Section: Neighborhood Compatibility Plan
Subsection: Waste Management Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 102 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
6 Using the lever on the Green Cycler, the Inventory Control Manager will destroy the Non-compostable
Cannabis Waste.
7 The Inventory Control Manager will repeat this process until all quarantined items are rendered unusable.
8 The Inventory Control Manager will take shredded paper from the office and mix that with the Non-
compostable Cannabis Waste.
9 Upon completion, the combined waste will be placed into a biodegradable bag.
10 This bag will be placed inside the Waste Receptacle Labeled “Non-Compostable Cannabis Waste”.
11 A permitted waste company will be contacted to pick-up the waste for transport to a landfill or incinerator.
3.7.9 Waste Storage Receptacles
Community Members of Fresno will put cannabis waste into 2 Waste Storage Receptacles, 1 for Compostable
Cannabis Waste and the other for Non-Compostable Cannabis Waste. These will be locked inside the cannabis
storage vault.
The storage receptacles will be bagged and stored in a locked 65-
gallon waste containers. Waste equipment will be managed in a way
that will prevent the unintentional conveyance of waste outside the
storage area. The Waste Storage Receptacle will have the following
features:
1 Constructed to be easily handled for collection;
2 Constructed of rust resistant and corrosion resistant materials;
3 Equipped with a tight fit lid or cover;
4 Watertight, leak proof, insect proof and rodent proof; and
5 Clearly marked “Cannabis Waste.”
3.7.10 Cannabis Waste Storage Area
Pursuant to 16 CCR § 5055(c)(3), Community Members of Fresno will establish a secure waste storage area
where physical access is restricted to select Applicant employees. Additionally, this area is designed to store all
waste both inside and outside the facility in a manner designed to prevent cross-contamination, and which
minimizes safety hazards, odors, dust, unsightliness, and other nuisances. Outside the facility, Community
Members of Fresno will utilize a locked dumpster adjacent to the facility to store waste.
Community Members of Fresno will store waste in a way that does not create a risk of fire, explosion, or the
accumulation of poisonous or otherwise harmful vapors or gases. Community Members of Fresno will not
generate hazardous waste or mix cannabis waste with hazardous material.
The Cannabis Waste Storage Area will be subject to daily routine inspection. Community Members of Fresno
team will routinely clean the area and inspect for insects, rodents, birds, contaminants, and adulterants. The
discovery of any insects, rodents, or other pests will warrant immediate action and extermination using a
California exterminator.
Unless there is a spill or other event requiring more frequent sanitation, Community Members of Fresno will
clean and sanitize all areas where cannabis is stored, both inside and outside, on a weekly basis.
3.7.11 Track and Trace Destruction Procedure
When cannabis must be disposed or destroyed, Community Members of Fresno will generate a record in the
inventory management system and METRC of the destruction or disposal. Community Members of Fresno will
ensure that all waste and unusable products are weighed, recorded, and entered in the inventory system prior to
mixing and disposal. Verification of this event will be performed by a supervisor and conducted in an area with
video surveillance.
Non-Compostable
Cannabis Waste
Compostable
Cannabis Waste
Section: Neighborhood Compatibility Plan
Subsection: Waste Management Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 103 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
The Inventory Control Agent will be responsible for the destruction of cannabis waste. Upon identifying a need to
destroy cannabis, the agent will create an inventory record in COVA to designate the destruction activity.
Pursuant to 16 CCR § 5049(7), each destruction record will track the following:
1 The name and employee identification number of the individual who performed the destruction or disposal.
2 The reason for destruction or disposal.
3 The name of the entity being used to collect and process the cannabis waste.
4 A description of any adjustments made in the statewide track and trace system, including, but not limited
to:
5 Spoilage or fouling of the cannabis goods.
6 Any event resulting in exposure or compromise of the cannabis goods.
7 Any other information required by the Bureau.
3.7.12 Hauling Cannabis Waste
Upon arranging for the pickup of cannabis waste by an approved waste hauler or when depositing cannabis waste
at a Bureau- approved waste handling facility, Community Members of Fresno will obtain and keep a record
from the solid waste facility or other approved waste handling operation evidencing the acceptance of the
cannabis waste material at the facility. Pursuant to 16 CCR § 5055(e)(3)(A), Community Members of Fresno will
ensure that the record contains the following information:
1 The name of the facility where the cannabis waste was deposited;
2 The address of the facility;
3 The date and time the waste was accepted by the facility;
The volume or weight of the cannabis waste accepted.
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 104 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Section 4: Safety Plan
4 SAFETY PLAN
Section: Safety Plan
Subsection: Professional Fire Prevention and Suppression Consultant
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 105 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
4.1 PROFESSIONAL FIRE PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION CONSULTANT
Community Members of Fresno has partnered with Dr. Gantt, an experienced Safety Engineer
and Board-Certified Safety Professional, in the advisement and preparation of a comprehensive
Safety Plan for the facility. Safety Compliance Management, Inc. (SCM), a safety and health
consultation firm headquartered in San Ramon, California and founded by Dr. Paul Gantt. Dr.
Gantt is a Safety Engineer with a Doctorate degree in Human Services and is a Board-Certified
Safety Professional (CSP). He is also certified by the Office of the California State Fire
Marshal as a Certified Fire Officer, Certified Fire Prevention Officer, Certified Public
Education Officer, Certified Fire Training Officer, and is certified to teach many of these disciplines for the
Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Dr. Gantt is an experienced Safety Engineer and Board-Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with an extensive
background as both a regulator and in private practice encompassing over 40 years. He is experienced in many
areas of occupational and construction safety, safety systems and programs, multi-employer worksites, fire and
life safety, workplace and premises evaluation and liability, general safety practices, OSHA and Cal-OSHA health
and safety regulations, and Fire and Building Code safety and health requirements. He has considerable
experience inspecting and evaluating construction sites, occupational settings, and conducting safety assessments
in a broad range of public and private facilities. Additionally, his expertise includes the delivery of training
programs with the ability to explain complex regulations, hazards, and practices in an easy-to-understand manner
that can be essential in testimony and reports. He is a nationally recognized speaker in many areas related to
occupational health and safety, fire safety, premises safety, and regulatory compliance.
After consulting with the Community Members of Fresno team, reviewing building plans and related documents,
and obtaining information specific to the activities that will take place within the facility, Dr. Gantt has provided a
preliminary report providing the team of Community Members of Fresno with his evaluation and
recommendations related to the plans and programs required to ensure a safe facility for both employees and the
general public.
Dr Gantt’s report considered all relevant codes including the 2016 edition of the California Building Code (CBC),
the 2016 edition of the California Fire Code (CFC), the current California Health and Safety Code, and applicable
Cal/OSHA regulations found in Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations (8 CCR). The team has reviewed the
report and will incorporate it elements into the design of the facility as well as the general operation and policies
utilized at the facility. Below is a resume that details Dr. Gantt full list of credentials and experience.
Section: Safety Plan
Subsection: Accident and Incident Reporting Procedures
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 108 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
4.2 ACCIDENT AND INCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURES
4.2.1 Fire and Life Safety Coordinator
Community Members of Fresno has designated Daniel Wise as the Fire and Life Safety Coordinator for the
organization.
The Fire and Life Safety coordinator is responsible for the planning, evaluation, and execution of the EAFPP and
should perform the following duties:
1. Review and update the EAFPP annually or as needed.
2. Conduct annual facility evacuation drills. Know the location of all fire extinguishers; pull alarms, and
first aid kits. Ensure evacuation routes are posted and walkways remain clear at all times.
3. When an emergency alarm has been sounded, systematically check all areas to assure everyone has been
evacuated.
4. If needed, post assistants along the evacuation route to guide people to the Assembly Area.
5. Take roll call at the assembly area following a site evacuation to ensure the safety of all employees.
6. Assist mobility impaired persons to evacuate safely.
7. Keep people calm and informed.
8. Report to the Co-Presidents, Security Manager, or the on-scene Incident Commander.
9. If ordered by on-scene Incident Commander, move all people to the Assembly Area and inform people
when it is safe to re-enter buildings. After a major earthquake, a person may not re-enter buildings until
cleared by a qualified building inspector.
10. After the emergency incident has concluded, the Safety Coordinator will distribute and collect After
Action Report Forms completed by employees and determine potential improvements for the EAFPP.
The Fire and Life Safety Coordinator directs the day-to-day prevention and safety activities at Community
Members of Fresno. The Fire and Life Safety Coordinator is responsible for the following:
• The regular inspection and maintenance of all emergency lighting, alarm, detection and suppression
equipment according to manufacturer’s specifications.
• Assigning someone to The Fire and Life Safety Coordinator will be familiar with:
• Major workplace hazards.
• Requirements to maintain aisles and exits.
• Proper handling and storage practices of potential flammable and combustible materials, and ignition
sources.
• Community Members of Fresno’s Emergency Action Plan.
• Laws and local codes relating to fire prevention.
• All fire protection equipment.
The Fire and Life Safety Coordinator is responsible to ensure all employees are trained on fire prevention
housekeeping procedures and the parts of this plan that apply to them.
Section: Safety Plan
Subsection: Accident and Incident Reporting Procedures
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 109 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
4.2.2 Emergency Roll Call Sheet
The Fire and Life Safety Coordinator is responsible for maintaining a current list of personnel at the facility on
this form, retrieving this form during an emergency, and tracking where people are during an emergency.
Name Phone Number Status or Location
Emergency Contact Information
• Emergency - 911
• State Center Community College District Police Department
o 24-hour non-emergency Dispatch: (559) 244-6140
• California Highway Patrol - (800) 835-5247
4.2.3 After Action Report Form
The Safety Coordinator is responsible for distributing these forms after an incident has concluded, to all
employees who were on Community Members of Fresno property at the time of the incident. After employees
complete these forms, the Safety Coordinator will collect them, analyze the responses, and determine potential
improvements to be made to the EAFPP.
4.2.4 Reporting A Fire
In the event of a fire, visible smoke, or the smell of smoke, employees must leave the area of the fire immediately!
When customers are in the facility, the employees will assist them to the exits and out of the building. They will
assist those in danger if it is safe to do so and help direct them out of the building and to a safe location. This
should only be attempted if it does not endanger other lives.
Immediately report any size fire to the fire department.
Section: Safety Plan
Subsection: Accident and Incident Reporting Procedures
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 110 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
4.2.5 Reporting an Emergency
Call 9-1-1 or (559) 244-5911 from a cell phone.
For any emergency, whether at work or home, employees should be prepared to provide the emergency operator
with the following information:
• Type of emergency.
• Scope of emergency (number of people involved, size of the problem).
• Location of the emergency (be as specific as possible).
• Caller’s name and phone number.
• Any other details emergency response personnel should be aware of.
Stay on the line until the emergency operators indicate they have all the necessary information. Let the emergency
operators be the first to hang up.
4.2.6 OSHA Reporting Requirements
In the event of a serious occupational injury or illness, or the death of an employee as a result of an occupational
condition or incident, the Labor Code requires that CAL/OSHA be notified of the occurrence by telephone
immediately, no more than eight hours after the incident, or as soon as it is known the employee will be
hospitalized for more than 24 hours for other than observation. The only exception would be when the person
making the report can demonstrate that exigent circumstances existed, and that, even with diligent inquiry, the
information for the report was not available in the required time frame.
The local Cal/OSHA office number is (559) 445-5302. The following information must be reported:
• Date and time of the incident.
• Employer's name, address, and telephone number.
• Name and job title of the person making the report.
• Address of the site of the accident or event.
• Names of the injured/ill employee, the person making the report, and the employer.
• Nature of the injury/illness.
• Location to where the injured employee(s) was (were) moved.
• List and identify of other law enforcement agencies present at the site of the accident.
• Description of the accident and whether the accident scene had been altered.
A serious injury or illness is defined in Title 8, Section 330(h) and occurs when any of the following occur:
• A fatality.
• An employee suffers a loss of any member of the body.
• An employee suffers a serious degree of permanent disfigurement.
• An employee is hospitalized for “other than medical observation.”
• A significant injury or illness diagnosed by a physician or other licensed health care professional.
Section: Safety Plan
Subsection: Evacuation Routes
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 111 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
4.3 EVACUATION ROUTES
4.3.1 ADA Compliant Evacuation Procedures
Posted signage for exiting should have Braille instructions for persons with visual impairments.
• Signage for emergency exiting and instructions should be in colors easily recognizable by persons with
color blindness.
• Evacuation familiarization tours will be provided for any employee with a visual impairment upon request.
In addition to loud alarms to announce emergency evacuations, strobe lighting may be used to signal those with
hearing impairments.
• Employees may be assigned to assist those with hearing impairments, including customers, to ensure they
are alerted to any emergency instructions.
• Employees with hearing impairments may receive instructions by texts or emails.
• Employees or customers with mobility impairments will be assisted to the evacuation assembly area.
Section: Safety Plan
Subsection: Evacuation Routes
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno Page 112 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont Ave. Fresno, CA 93701
4.3.2 Evacuation Route Diagram
Section: Safety Plan
Subsection: Location of Fire Extinguishers and Other Fire Suppression
Equipment
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno Page 113 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont Ave. Fresno, CA 93701
4.4 LOCATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND OTHER FIRE SUPPRESSION EQUIPMENT
Community Members of Fresno will ensure all necessary steps are taken to maintain the safety of employees,
customers, and the facility in the event of a fire. The Community Members of Fresno team has incorporated fire
safety into the overall design and layout of the facility. This includes basic housekeeping policies that minimize
fire hazards, the installation of fire suppression equipment throughout the facility, and the preparation of standard
operating procedures that will prepare employees for quickly responding to fire related events.
4.4.1 Potential Fire Hazards
Minimal amounts of hazardous products will be kept on site for cleaning purposes only.
4.4.2 Suppression Systems
Fire Extinguishers:
• Fire extinguishers are located throughout the facility to ensure that they are within 75 feet of all areas. This
is necessary to allow them to be accessed and used when a small fire is discovered.
• Fire extinguishers require some periodic inspection and maintenance. Fire extinguishers will be visually
inspected every month and the inspection documented.
• All extinguishers shall be serviced annually by an approved contractor and following each use.
4.4.3 Automatic Fire Sprinklers:
When exposed to heat, the individual sprinkler head works to extinguish the fire through the application of water
from the head that is exposed to the heat. The activation of a sprinkler will also sound an audible alarm and will
notify the alarm company who will in turn notify the fire department.
• Each individual sprinkler head must be unobstructed, so it can detect the presence of a fire and extinguish
it at the earliest possible moment.
• At no time shall storage come within 18 inches of any sprinkler head since this could obstruct the operation
of the system.
• In order to ensure proper operation, Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems require periodic inspection and
maintenance. The system will be inspected and serviced quarterly by an authorized technician and a written
record will be available documenting the findings.
• The system must be tested and certified every five years by a licensed technician.
4.4.4 Other Fire and Life Safety Equipment
Alarms: Community Members of Fresno plans to provide for the safety of their employees and customers with
the installation of a monitored alarm system that will be monitored by ADT alarm company. Verbal
communication can also be used to provide separate notifications for full evacuations and sheltering in place.
• Any manual alarm stations for use in conjunction with employee alarm systems will be unobstructed,
conspicuous, and readily accessible. Any pull stations are maintained by the building leasing company.
• The alarms will be tested regularly and serviced according to manufacturers’ recommendations.
• Emergency Lighting: Emergency lighting will be maintained and tested according to manufacturers’
recommendations and CFC requirements.
4.4.5 Housekeeping Procedures
• Fire doors shall be kept closed at all times unless provided with alarm actuated, self-closing hardware.
• Maintain a minimum of three feet clearance around/ in front of all electrical panels.
• Extension cords shall not be used in place of fixed wiring and shall only be used for temporary purposes.
• Multi-plug adapters shall not be used unless provided as part of a listed and fused power strip. They must
be plugged directly into an approved receptacle.
Section: Safety Plan
Subsection: Location of Fire Extinguishers and Other Fire Suppression
Equipment
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 114 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
• Electrical cords shall not be placed under carpets or through doorways.
• Any fire protection equipment including fire extinguishers, shall not be blocked.
• All combustible storage shall be stored in a manner to prevent the spread of fire.
• All combustible waste shall be stored in approved waste containers.
• All work areas will be kept free of excess accumulations of waste.
• Smoking will only be allowed in designated areas. Whenever smoking materials are discarded, they should
be placed in appropriate, designated containers.
4.4.6 Aisles and Exits
All aisles and exits shall conform to minimum standards as outlined by fire and building codes applicable to the
facility.
The Fire and Life Safety Coordinator will ensure that all workers assist in the maintenance of aisles and exits in
their respective workplaces. It is the responsibility of the Fire and Life Safety Coordinator to ensure that aisles
and exits remain free of obstructions at all times.
• Storage is not permitted in emergency exit paths even on a temporary basis.
• Any operation that blocks or makes an emergency exit inoperable must receive the approval of the Fire and
Life Safety Coordinator or his designee. Special arrangements shall be made to ensure adequate exiting
during the temporary operation.
• Exit signs shall be posted above all emergency exits. Signs that are designed to be illuminated shall be
maintained in proper working order at all times.
• Cords and cables shall not lay across aisles where they might present a tripping hazard.
• Aisles in the office area shall be maintained at a minimum of 36 inches wide.
• Spills of any liquids in aisles should be cleaned up as soon as possible.
• Door hardware, including locks, bolts, chains, etc., shall not be added to any exit door without the approval
of the Fire and Life Safety Coordinator.
• Exit doors and hardware shall be inspected as part of the regular Safety Inspection.
Section: Safety Plan
Subsection: Fire and Medical Emergency Training and Procedures
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno Page 116 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont Ave. Fresno, CA 93701
4.5 FIRE AND MEDICAL EMERGENCY TRAINING AND PROCEDURES
All Community Members of Fresno personnel will be trained on safety policies and protocols. In the event of an
environmental emergency, such as a fire, staff will be instructed on the use of fire suppression equipment and
provided contact information beyond calling 911, to obtain help from professionals when required.
All medical emergencies will be dispatched to local emergency staff immediately upon knowledge of any such
emergency. First-Aid and CPR training will be provided for each employee, so all staff members will be able to
assist, when necessary, as they wait for emergency response teams. Below, the team has outlined all occupational
safety, health, and inspection programs that will be implemented at the facility.
4.5.1 Training Programs
Full implementation of the occupational safety and health programs requires training in several areas. Following
is a description of the training programs that have been identified.
Training Description Employees
IIPP training Training in accordance with 8 CCR §3203
on all elements of the IIPP and
responsibilities for each level of employee
within the organization.
All employees
Emergency Action
Plan
Training on the elements of the site
Emergency Action Plan in accordance with
8 CCR §3220 including employee
responsibilities and procedures for
reporting emergencies, the emergency
action to be taken for each type of
anticipated emergency, and evacuation
routes and areas of safe refuge.
Emergencies that are covered in the
training and Plan include medical, fire,
earthquake, workplace violence and active
shooter.
All employees
Inspection programs Training will be provided to personnel
involved in the inspection of safety
equipment and emergency systems
involved in the retail activities.
Affected/involved employees
Equipment
Specific/Job Training
Training of personnel in the safe
operations of all equipment used by
employees as required by 8 CCR §3203.
Affected/involved employees
Cal/OSHA General
Industry 30-hour
course
In accordance FMC 9-3316(c) and Section
26051.5(11)(A) of the Business and
Professions Code, as may be amended,
Community Members of Fresno asserts
that within one year of receiving a
commercial cannabis business permit, one
supervisor and one employee will
successfully complete a Cal-OSHA 30-
hour general industry outreach course
offered by a training provider that is
authorized by an OSHA Training Institute
Education Center.
At least one supervisor and one
employee
Section: Safety Plan
Subsection: Fire and Medical Emergency Training and Procedures
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 117 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Additionally, while not required, training in the following areas has been identified for the firm’s occupational
safety and health training matrix.
Training Description Employees
Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation
(CPR) and First
Aid
Training in accordance with 8 CCR §3400 to
provide CPR and First Aid in accordance with
the guidelines of the American Heart
Association.
Emergency Response Team
(ERT) members
Automatic
External
Defibrillator
(AED)
Training in accordance with 8 CCR §3400 to
use an AED in accordance with the guidelines
of the American Heart Association.
Emergency Response Team
(ERT) members
Portable fire
extinguisher
use/Incipient Fire
Control
Training in accordance with 8 CCR §6151 on
the use of portable fire extinguishers including
requirements for notification and evacuation
prior to use, selection of the proper type of
extinguisher, inspection/service requirements,
and proper use.
Emergency Response Team
(ERT) members
Inspection Programs
As safety systems are implemented, inspection and testing programs are required to ensure that the equipment and
systems are properly maintained and useable. Required inspections are as follows.
Equipment/System Frequency
Portable fire extinguishers Visual inspection monthly by site personnel. Annual service by a
licensed vendor.
Emergency lighting systems Testing for 30 seconds monthly by site personnel. 90-minute test
annually by site personnel.
First Aid Kits Regular inspections of inventory by site personnel or a vendor.
Portable ladders (if used) Regular inspections – recommended quarterly.
Detection and alarm systems Maintained and tested in accordance with manufacturer’s and CCR
Title 19 requirements.
Recordkeeping
To ensure ongoing compliance within the safety systems, records will be developed and maintained in compliance
with Cal-OSHA requirements found in 8 CCR §§3203 and 3204, and other equipment-specific sections.
Following is a list of the records that may be required. As with some of the other required safety elements, these
are similar to those that are required and identified in the report.
• Personnel safety training records.
• Equipment inspection records.
• Facility inspection records.
• Operational and facility inspection records.
• Emergency equipment inspection records (e.g. alarms, detectors, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting,
etc.).
• OSHA Log 300 and 300A.
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 118 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
5 SECURITY PLAN
The Community Members of Fresno features a top of the line security plan.
Designed by experienced professionals. Supported with state-of-the-art equipment.
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 159 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Section 6: Location
6 LOCATION
Section: Location
Subsection: Description of Location
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 160 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
6.1 DESCRIPTION OF LOCATION
Community Members of Fresno’s proposed retail dispensary is in a prime location on E Belmont Avenue, which is
nearby public transportation, W Belmont Avenue historic district area, and the outskirts of the Tower District.
Community Members of Fresno’s retail dispensary is located at 322 E. Belmont Avenue in a commercial area
nearby the Roeding Park historic district on W Belmont Avenue. This area offers several nearby eateries, coffee
shops, and other entertainment and recreation options. While 322 E Belmont is a little over a mile away from the
historic district on W Belmont, it is within a blighted area and federally recognized opportunity zone. Fresno has
made significant efforts to allocate its own resources and align with community resources in an attempt to rejuvenate
historic Fresno districts and corridors throughout the city. A partnership between Fresno and the company, would
further Fresno’s already extensive work in rejuvenating some of its beautiful and aged areas.
Additional location benefits for Fresno’s consideration:
The property is near the proposed project section & station community within
the Fresno area. While a functional high-speed rail remains in the future of
Fresno, it will draw significant traffic into the downtown Fresno area, a short
distance from the property.
The property is perfectly aligned near the Tower District’s arts and
entertainment district, which is defined by its theaters, nightclubs, and
performing arts venues. Rejuvenating neighborhoods that adjoin the Tower
District and Roeding Park Historic District creates aesthetic cohesion in these
efforts.
Location, location, location. This property has one of the best locations
to assist with supporting Fresno in its efforts to support and promote
an expanding business environment within the aforementioned
neighborhoods.
Fresno encourages planning and providing private sector advocacy in
an effort to promote a Fresno community that can travel freely within
various art districts and celebrate the culture of beautiful Fresno.
Allowing the renovation efforts of the company’s property will create
an anchor property in this blighted area. Having productive nearby
retail space is one of the most important factors other retail spaces
consider when deciding where to open and/or buy their own retail
operation.
Section: Location
Subsection: Description of Location
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 161 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
6.1.1 Overall Condition of the Property
Pursuant to FMC 9-3307(d)(e), Community Members of Fresno’s proposed facility meets or exceeds the
following structural and design requirements:
Description of Structural and Design Requirement Condition Met
The structure located at 322 E. Belmont is a fully enclosed building and the
Community Members of Fresno will ensure cannabis is not visible from the public
right-of-way.
Conforms with the General Plan, any applicable specific plans, master plans, and
design requirements.
Current and future conditions comply with all applicable zoning and related
development standards set forth for properties zoned C-6 and pursuant to FMC 9-
3307(a), is appropriately zoned for commercial cannabis business.
In the retrofitting process, Community Members of Fresno will implement the best
available odor control technology that prevents odors to surrounding uses.
Although the facility already exists and is consistent with surrounding properties in
the area, Community Members of Fresno plans to update the facility in a way that
promotes quality design and construction, to improve its overall appearance.
The proposed property offers a total of 3,650 sq. ft of commercial space, with an
existing lot size of .1607 acres. This footprint is adequate in size and shape to
accommodate Community Members of Fresno’s establishment of developmental
requirements including yards, walls, fences, parking and loading facilities,
landscaping and all items required for the development.
East Belmont Avenue is a 4-lane road with adequate width to accommodate any
addition to the kind and quantity of traffic the facility may generate.
The existing structure is already being provided with adequate electricity,
sewerage, disposal, water, fire protection and storm drainage facilities required for
its operation.
Community Members of Fresno will implement operational policies and security
to ensure activities that occur at the facility are not detrimental to the public health,
safety, convenience, or welfare of persons residing, working, visiting, or recreating
in the surrounding neighborhood and will not result in the creation of any kind of
nuisance.
Community Members of Fresno partners with design professionals regarding the
façade, landscaping, and interior design of the facility to ensure that the overall
look and feel of the facility seamlessly integrates in the community as well as
meets all local and state code in regard to building, mechanical, safety and security
regulations.
Community Members of Fresno will research and adhere to all applicable zoning
and related development standards. Demonstration of compliance can be seen in
the companies site plan, this includes but is not limited to, parking, lighting,
building materials, and colors.
Signage, as described below, will be limited to that needed for identification only
and will not contain any logos or information that identifies, advertises, or lists the
services or the products offered.
Section: Location
Subsection: Description of Location
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 162 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
6.1.2 Physical Location
Community Members of Fresno’s proposed facility is located in Fresno’s Council District 3 in an area with a zoning
determination of C-G which is allowable for commercial cannabis activities pursuant to FMC 9-3307(a). Pursuant
to the below, the property is more than 800 feet from a sensitive use and zoned for cannabis retail.
6.1.3 Radius Map
Further, pursuant to FMC 9-3307(c),
Community Members of Fresno’s facility is not
located within eight hundred (800) feet from
any property boundary containing any of the
following uses:
• A cannabis retail business.
• A school providing instruction for any
grades pre-school through 12 (whether
public, private, or charter, including
pre-school, transitional kindergarten,
and K-12).
• A day care center licensed by the state
Department of Social Services.
• A youth center.
800 Feet
Section: Location
Subsection: Description of Location
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 163 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
6.1.4 Opportunity Zone
Community Members of Fresno’s retail facility on E. Belmont Avenue is actually considered an Opportunity Zone.
Opportunity Zones are census tracts that are defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as:
“Economically-distressed communities where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible
for preferential tax treatment.”
These distressed census tracts are characterized by a high rate of poverty, low median family income, and high rate
of unemployment. In order to select the communities that would benefit the most from new investments, the federal
government sought local input. The governor or chief executive of each state or territory submitted zone
nominations to the Treasury Department, which then certified and designated the official Opportunity Zones.
The goal? To incentivize investors to fund long-term projects in high-need areas. Specifically, Opportunity Zones
provide a tax incentive for investors to reinvest unrealized capital gains—the profits from the sale of a property or
investment—into Opportunity Funds.
An Opportunity Fund is a privately managed investment vehicle, organized as a corporation or partnership, with
the specific purpose of investing in qualified Opportunity Zone property.
When the Investing in Opportunity Act became law in December 2017, the intent was to encourage long-term
investment in low-income communities by providing tax incentives for investors. The first Opportunity Zones were
designated in April 2018 and covered parts of 18 states; now, there are more than 8,700 Opportunity Zones in all
50 states as well as in Washington, D.C., and five U.S. territories.
The Community Members of Fresno team is excited to be part of a program that aim boost both the economy and
the employment in a depressed area.
Provided below is an image of the Opportunity Zone Map revealing that the Community Members of Fresno’s
facility falls within the described area13.
13 https://opzones.ca.gov/oz-map/
Section: Location
Subsection: Description of Location
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 164 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
6.1.5 Signage
Community Members of Fresno will ensure that the original copy of the commercial cannabis permit and business
license issued by the city will be posted inside of the facility in a location that is prominently visible to the public
in accordance with FMC 9-3309(k).
In compliance with FMC 9-3309(d), no cannabis or cannabis products or graphics depicting cannabis or cannabis
products shall be visible from the exterior of Community Members of Fresno’s facility or delivery vehicles at any
time. Location Street View
Not only with Community Members of Fresno obtain a permit for all signage associated to the facility, but all of
Community Members of Fresno’s facility advertisement and signage will adhere to the following guidelines and
regulations pursuant to FMC 9-3309(h):
• No signs placed on the premises will obstruct any entrance or exit to the building or any window.
• Each entrance will be visibly posted with a clear and legible notice indicating that smoking, ingesting, or
otherwise consuming cannabis or cannabis products on the premises or in the areas adjacent to the business
is prohibited.
• Business identification signage will be limited to that needed for identification only and will not contain
any logos or information that identifies, advertises, or lists the services or the products offered.
• Advertising will not be visible from the exterior of the establishment.
• Community Members of Fresno will not advertise by having a person holding a sign and advertising the
business to passersby, whether such person is on the premises or elsewhere including, but not limited to,
the public right-of-way.
• Signage will not be directly illuminated, internally or externally.
• No banners, flags, billboards, or other prohibited signs may be used at any time.
• Community Members of Fresno will not utilize a billboard (fixed or mobile), bus shelter, placard, aircraft,
or other similar forms of advertising, anywhere in the state.
Example of beautiful and tasteful business identification
signage that will be affixed to the facility.
Section: Location
Subsection: Location Street View
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 165 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
6.2 LOCATION STREET VIEW
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno Page 177 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont Ave. Fresno, CA 93701
Section 7: Community Relations Plan
7 COMMUNITY RELATIONS PLAN
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Social Responsibility Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 178 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
7.1 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PLAN
The Community Members of Fresno is a team that truly works to improve the community in which they do business
and is historically known for their community involvement efforts. Community Members of Fresno commits to
contributing as much as possible to the Fresno community and as defined below, will diligently work to improve
the lives of low-income people suffering from injustice, abuse, or hunger. Further, the Community Members of
Fresno will do their part is supporting local business and helping social equity qualified businesses find success.
Below the team has developed a plan defining what actions they will take toward these issues all in effort to improve
the overall Fresno community.
To date, the company has donated to the below Fresno community groups to assist in furthering their admirable
civic engagement efforts:
Fresno Community Donations
Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission $1,000
Marjaree Mason Center $1,825
Poverello House $1,628
Central Valley Veterans $1,000
Fresno Community Donations to Date Total: $5,450
7.1.1 Funding for Expungement Clinics and Outreach Services
Community Members of Fresno is committed to the betterment of the community. A primary focus within this
mission is to improve the lives of low-income people through equal access to basic needs and resources needed to
be self-sufficient. One way we achieve that is by helping people remove barriers that prevent them from housing
and gainful employment, including their criminal record.
As means to facilitate this, Community Members of Fresno will partner with National Diversity and Cannabis
Inclusion Alliance to help host clinics open to Fresno community members who are looking to clear their record of
minor drug related convictions that qualify for expungement under the 2014 California Proposition 47.
The National Diversity and Cannabis Inclusion Alliance is a diverse and
passionate team and works daily to create equitable employment and ownership
opportunities in the hemp and cannabis space. They have designed and
continually evolve programs intended to decrease disparities in life outcomes for
people that come from marginalized communities affected by the War on Drugs 14.
As of the date of the last known area clinic, The National Diversity and Cannabis Inclusion Alliance had already
helped 89 Fresno residents go through the expungement process, however, this is a very low percentage based on
population and other area per-capita expungement rates.
The Community Members of Fresno is inspired by the tremendous amount of effort that the National Diversity and
Cannabis Inclusion Alliance has already contributed to the community and wishes to contribute in any way possible
to continue their mission. The team is willing to fund and promote clinics that will serve this purpose and recruit
company resources to assist such as the company’s General Counsel, Mr. Lance Rogers.
The company will work directly with the National Diversity and Cannabis Inclusion Alliance, as well as the Fresno
County Public Defender's Officer to coordinate events.
14 https://www.thendica.org/
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Social Responsibility Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 179 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
7.1.2 Environmentally Sustainable Business Model
Community Members of Fresno has already secured a location and has scoped the work required to create an
esthetically pleasing and safe retail cannabis business within the city of Fresno. As the goal of the team is to
seamlessly integrate into the community as well as advance community priorities and initiatives, the Community
Members of Fresno team has worked to combine aesthetics and sustainability to create an environmentally friendly
and efficient facility. The Community Members of Fresno facility will include features that supports and promotes
the long range strategy of achieving a more sustainable community. Built into the design plans for the Community
Members of Fresno’s facility include:
Drought Resistant Landscaping – The benefits of utilizing drought resistant plants is the inherent reduction in the
use of water to maintain the attractive appearance of a professionally landscaped facility. Additionally, drought
resistant plants tend to have deeper roots which helps stabilize slopes and reduces soil erosion.
Bicycle Racks – The installation of
bike racks at the facility will help
reduce the reliance on vehicles for our
patrons which, in turn, contributes to
improved air quality. The facility is
located just 4 blocks from the nearest
Fresno Bikeway Path making it very
convenient for Fresno residents to
utilize bicycles as an alternate form of
transportation.
Solar Panels – Solar panels derive
clean, pure energy from the sun
reducing the facility’s reliance on
traditional power sourced from fossil
fuel and reduce the greenhouse gas
emissions generated from the
Community Members of Fresno
facility.
Skylights – The installation of
skylights in the facility allows the
facility to further utilize natural
sunlight for lighting the facility
reducing the number of hours certain lights within the facility will need to run. Skylights will also provide warmth
in cooler months further reducing heating needs for the facility reducing overall energy costs and gas emissions
required for operating the facility.
High Albedo Asphalt Coating – High Albedo asphalt coating provides both environmentally friendly and security
benefits for the Community Members of Fresno facility. First, high albedo concrete has been demonstrated to have
a positive impact on the localized ambient temperatures and can reduce energy requirements to cool buildings.
Secondly, lighter colored pavements also require less lighting to provide safe night-time illumination levels.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (2) – Installing charging stations further promotes sustainable acts within the
community by assuring residents that choosing more environmentally friendly options will not disrupt their daily
life, and of course, accommodate those customers who have already made the shift.
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Social Responsibility Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno Page 180 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont Ave. Fresno, CA 93701
Environmentally Friendly Facility Features Diagram
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Social Responsibility Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno Page 181 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont Ave. Fresno, CA 93701
7.1.3 Utilization of Blighted Areas for Business
Community Members of Fresno’s retail facility on Belmont Avenue is actually considered an Opportunity Zone.
Opportunity Zones are census tracts that are defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as:
“Economically-distressed community where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible
for preferential tax treatment.”
These distressed census tracts are characterized by a high rate of poverty, low median family income, and high rate
of unemployment. In order to select the communities that would benefit the most from new investments, the federal
government sought local input. The governor or chief executive of each state or territory submitted zone
nominations to the Treasury Department, which then certified and designated the official Opportunity Zones.
The goal? To incentivize investors to fund long-term projects in high-need areas. Specifically, Opportunity Zones
provide a tax incentive for investors to reinvest unrealized capital gains—the profits from the sale of a property or
investment—into Opportunity Funds.
An Opportunity Fund is a privately managed investment vehicle, organized as a corporation or partnership, with
the specific purpose of investing in qualified Opportunity Zone property.
When the Investing in Opportunity Act became law in December 2017, the intent was to encourage long-term
investment in low-income communities by providing tax incentives for investors. The first Opportunity Zones were
designated in April 2018 and covered parts of 18 states; now, there are more than 8,700 Opportunity Zones in all
50 states as well as in Washington, D.C., and five U.S. territories.
The Community Members of Fresno team is excited to be part of a program that aim boost both the economy and
the employment in a depressed area.
Provided below is an image of the Opportunity Zone Map revealing that the Community Members of Fresno’s
facility falls within the described area15.
Right: Belmont Avenue Location
15 https://opzones.ca.gov/oz-map/
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Social Responsibility Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 182 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
7.1.4 Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission
Fresno EOC is considered one of the largest Community Action Agencies
in the country. They employ over 1,200 full and part-time staff members
who manage over 30 programs to serve the community committed to
transforming lives and bridge gaps with almost every aspect of the
underserved population.
When Congress passed the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, the goal was to obtain equality of opportunity in
education, employment, health and living conditions for every American in our country. To realize this goal, nearly
900 locally-based Community Action Agencies were established throughout the nation; Fresno Economic
Opportunities Commission, known as Fresno EOC, is one of these agencies. They are widely recognized and are
one of the largest nonprofit Community Action Agencies in the United States.
Fresno EOC has spent over five decades investing in people, helping them become self-sufficient. The scope of
service provided by the Agency consists of almost all facets of human services and economic development. They
range from preschool education to vocational training; from
youth recreation to senior citizen hot meal services; from
energy conservation education to crisis intervention; from
preventive health care to prenatal nutrition education; and
from vocational counseling to job placement services.
As one of the largest and most effective poverty-fighting
organizations in the country, Fresno EOC operates over 35
human service programs designed to reduce poverty,
increase self-sufficiency, and build stronger communities.
The agency budget is approximately $100 million annually
with funding from private, local, regional, state, and federal
sources. Those resources allow Fresno EOC to serve over
100,000 Fresno County residents each year through
programs that make a real, measurable difference—giving
families the immediate help they need to weather day-to-
day crises and the long-term support that allows them to
build better lives16.
Completely moved by the wide range of services,
Community Members of Fresno has already reached out to
establish an ongoing partnership and made a sizable
donation to forward the efforts of the Fresno EOC
organization.
16 https://fresnoeoc.org/about/
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Social Responsibility Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 183 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
7.1.5 Compassionate Care Program
Finally, as a retired military veteran, the CEO and team have
developed care and understanding of what many veterans face beyond
their military career. Some suffering from PTSD, others struggling
with physical ailments as a constant reminder of their service to our
great country. With these understandings, the passion to want to make
a difference, and the knowledge of impact that cannabis can have on
these very ailments, the team as developed what is referred to as the
Compassionate Care Program. The Compassionate Care Program
was developed to provide cannabis products to veterans at an
exceptionally low or no cost.
In order to provide access to medicinal cannabis patients who
otherwise have difficulty accessing medicinal cannabis goods,
Community Members of Fresno offers free medicinal cannabis goods
to injured veterans. Cannabis, in the form of syringes are available to
injured veterans who utilize cannabis in a medicinal manner to control
symptoms related to the military service.
Community Members of Fresno provides this service in accordance
with 16 CCR § 5411(b), by ensuring that the patients receiving the medicinal cannabis meet the following criteria:
1.The medicinal cannabis patient or primary caregiver for the patient is in possession of an identification card
issued under Section 11362.71 of the Health and Safety Code.
2.The cannabis goods comply with all applicable laboratory testing requirements set forth by the division.
3.Prior to being provided to the patient or primary caregiver, the cannabis goods are properly recorded in the
track and trace system as belonging to the licensed retailer.
4.The cannabis goods do not leave the licensed premises unless placed in a resealable child- resistant opaque
package as required for purchased cannabis goods under Business and Professions Code section 26070.1.
5.The cannabis goods are applied toward the daily purchase limit for the medicinal cannabis customer
pursuant to the requirements set forth by the division.
6.The transactions are properly recorded in Community Members of Fresno’s inventory records and the track
and trace system.
“Every new project in our development pipeline is a future distribution point for disabled veterans to gain
access to free, lab tested cannabis products, specifically formulated to help treat the issues that surround and
plague the veteran community. Join us, as we build top rated cannabis facilities across the nation and change
the lives of veterans and their families one city and one project at a time.” ~Daniel Wise
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Social Responsibility Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 184 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
7.1.6 Marjaree Mason Center
Marjaree Mason Center supports and empowers adults and their children affected by domestic violence, while
striving to prevent and end the cycle of abuse through education and advocacy. Marjaree Mason Center is Fresno
County's only dedicated provider of domestic violence shelter and support services, including education for victims
and youth.
The Marjaree Mason Center was founded by the YWCA, in 1979, after the death of Marjaree Mason. For the past
forty years, the Center has operated the only domestic violence shelter in Fresno County. In 1996 the Center became
an independent non-profit. With the support of the community and strong leadership, the Center has become one
the largest domestic violence agencies in California, providing a vital community service for those who are impacted
by domestic violence in Fresno County and beyond.
Over the years, the Center has grown to provide a wide range of services to meet the complex needs of victims of
abuse. These services are provided largely at no cost to domestic violence survivors. Services include: Emergency
Shelter, Transitional Housing, Counseling, Legal Assistance, Support Groups, Domestic Violence Education, 24-
Hour Hotline & Crisis Intake, Therapy, Safety Planning, Victim Advocacy, Human Trafficking Services and
Children’s Services. The Shelter Program has grown to include two safe houses in Fresno and Clovis that provide
emergency shelter to victims of domestic violence and their children.
The Center focuses on building community awareness and knowledge about domestic violence in an effort to
prevent the cycle of violence. The kNOw MORE Program operates in Fresno County school districts trains and
educates teens to be peer educators on dating violence. The program operates in 10 Fresno County high schools and
reaches more than 15,000 Fresno County youth a year.
Since it was founded in 1979, it has grown into a large non-profit with an annual operating budget of more than
$4.3 million. This enables the agency to provide over 21,000 nights of shelter per year and to offer the array of
services that comprehensively serve clients. The ability to secure this level of funding and to maintain the financial
stability of the organization, speaks to the reputation of the Center and the leadership of the staff and board. The
Center has been able to establish relationships and partnerships in the community that fuel this success17.
As partnerships, donations, and
volunteerism have been central to
expanding services and reach, the
Community Members of Fresno
team wants to support the efforts
to end violence and improve the
quality of life for the future of
Fresno, through its children.
17 https://mmcenter.org/who-we-are/history-success
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Social Responsibility Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 185 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Social Responsibility Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 186 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
7.1.7 Poverello House
Community Members of Fresno has also been inspired to support the local nonprofit organization
known as the Poverello House. The Poverello House works to enrich the lives and spirits of all
who pass our way by providing meals, socials services and temporary shelter. We work with
partnering agencies to better assist those in need. The program aims to ensure all those in need do
not go without some of the most basic needs for survival, including meals, shelter, healthcare, and
social services18.
Meals
Poverello House serves three hot meals 365 days a year to anyone in need. Poverello House serves anywhere from
1,200 to 1,600 meals a day. Meals are served in the Dayroom, a safe, warm and/or cool place for clients to eat their
meals and receive social services. The Dayroom has a family side and a single side; families are seated together and
served. On the single side, clients get in line to receive their meal tray and choose where to sit.
Shelter
The shelter provided by Poverello House is the bridge between homelessness and housing that our clients need to
be successful in securing permanent housing. While at the shelter, a Client Services Coordinator provides the
occupants access to education, life-skill training, substance abuse counseling and mental health referrals.
In addition to their fight against homelessness, the organization offers an additional shelter location dedicated
exclusively to safe haven for single, homeless women in the Fresno County. Again, visitors to the shelter are offered
case management services to assist them in finding housing, accessing mental health services, and assisting them
in making positive life choices to achieve self-sufficiency. Classes provided are: Peer counseling, life skills, agency
referrals, health education, 12-step class, 12-step support group and self-esteem class.
Further the shelter offers clothing distribution, showers, and laundry services to its visitors.
Healthcare
The Sisters of the Holy Cross and Saint Agnes Medical Center saw the
need and joined together to create the Holy Cross Clinic at Poverello
House. The clinic provides free medical and dental services to the poor
and homeless of our community.
Last year there were nearly 5,500 medical exams and 1,000 dental
visits at the clinic. Those who volunteer include: Physicians, dentists,
nurses, physical therapists, hygienists, translators, clerical personnel,
nursing students, pre-med students, and medical assistants.
Social Services
Poverello House provides referrals for mental health, housing, and
substance abuse treatment. Currently, Poverello House has a client
services manager and two case managers. We also provide
transportation and mail services.
As all of these services that aim to make a world of difference for those
who live within or below levels of poverty all hinge on donations and
volunteers. Community Members of Fresno plans to contribute to the
efforts of the Poverello House now and in the future.
18 https://poverellohouse.org/what-we-do
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Social Responsibility Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 187 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
7.1.8 Central Valley Veterans
As a Veteran Owned company, Community Members of Fresno is emotionally
charged in the support of local veteran organizations. The team has located and
connected with the Central Valley Veterans, an all-volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3)
corporation.
Central Valley Veterans (CVV) strives to respond to the emergency needs of local
veterans, service members and their families, filling in the gaps to which other
Veterans’ organizations are unable to respond due to program restrictions. Over
90% of all donations go towards direct support for area Veterans, Active Service
Members, and their families.
“CVV feels that we owe it to those that did not return to us to help those that did.”
Central Valley Veterans’ goal is to provide temporary support that translates into permanent solutions. Their
priorities are to keep our Veterans in permanent housing and working. Single parents with children are given first
priority over other requests. As they know that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can begin while service members
are still on active duty, the CVV does not ask about discharge characterization.
The organizations Veteran Outreach efforts involve acting as “first responders” to the emergency needs of Veterans,
Active service members and their families. They respond to emergency housing needs, furniture and appliance
needs, needs for food, clothing and toiletries and emergency/overdue utility bill payment needs. They have also
been known to purchase college books, repair vehicles and provide funds for attending family funeral services.
Their experience and relationships with the Veteran Community allow them to, after emergency concerns are
resolved, direct Veterans and their families to services for long term solutions to their needs. Currently CVV is
renting 3500 square feet of storage for furniture, beds, small and large appliances, clothing, and personal hygiene
items at a cost of $700/month. They have spent significant funds in obtaining donated and delivering items to
Veterans and Active service members in need. In late 2012 the organization was able to purchase a trailer for picking
up and delivering donations, allowing them to respond to needs in a more immediate fashion.
Central Valley Veterans’ accomplishments have increased exponentially over the past three years, due to the
unconditional support received from the community, corporations, and foundations. Currently, CVV has an annual
operating budget that provides over $86,000 in direct financial support to over 200 Veterans, Active Service
Members, and their families. The Community Members of Fresno would like to see that annual budget increase
substantially, reaching a number that would aim to relieve every area Veteran, Active Service Member, and their
families 19.
It is for that reason that the team has already contributed to their cause with plans of continued support through
means of financial contribution, volunteerism, and physical donations.
19 https://www.centralvalleyveterans.org/services-and-projects.html
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Social Responsibility Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 188 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Social Responsibility Plan
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 189 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Public Health Outreach and Educational Program
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 190 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
7.2 PUBLIC HEALTH OUTREACH AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
While the Community Members of Fresno strongly believes in the therapeutic benefits provided by its cannabis
products, in no way, shape, or form does Community Members of Fresno support or advocate the recreational use
of cannabis for minors. In fact, Community Members of Fresno put an extreme amount of effort to ensure that
cannabis products neither appeal to, nor end up in the hand of a minor.
To further support the initiative of preventing the use of cannabis, and other recreational drugs for children and
teens, and pursuant to FMC 9-3309(m)(3), Community Members of Fresno has developed public outreach and
educational program for youth organizations and educational institutions that outlines the risks of youth use of
cannabis, and that identifies resources available to youth related to drugs and drug addiction.
7.2.1 Program Details
The Community Members of Fresno team does not
foresee a situation where they will directly interact
with children or teens about the potential harms of
cannabis or other drug use because 1) minors are not
allowed inside the facility and 2) members of the team
would never approach a minor to discuss anything
about cannabis. Community Members of Fresno passionately believes that such education should come directly
from the schools, parents, or other mentors where the message about drug use can be properly tailored and impactful
to the recipient. For these reasons, the Community Members of Fresno will partner with the 3rd party organization,
Here to Help20, to share educational information with children and teens about the risks of drug use and addiction.
In the event that a school, parent, or youth organization contacts the company regarding concerns of young people
abusing cannabis, the company will provide them with information from the California Department of Health and
the Here to Help website. The Here to Help website offers education on cannabis and other drugs as well as a parent
guide regarding cannabis use and youth. Community Members of Fresno believes that this approach and
information will allow the individual parent to evaluate the information and create a specific action plan for their
situation. Again, it is the policy of the company that WE DO NOT INTERACT WITH MINORS. This could be
misunderstood as advertising to minors. Therefore, we will direct all parents to the California Department of Health
or the Here to Help website for additional information.
Community Members of Fresno will provide support to established local youth organizations in the form of
educational collateral that can be shared with the community, volunteer hours, and financial support to increase the
activities and events in which create the opportunity to share important messages and engage with at risk children
and teens throughout the community.
7.2.2 Educational Materials
Community Members of Fresno will look to the California Department of Public Health for its educational
information on the risks associated with drug use. The Community Members of Fresno will provide printed
collateral from the California Department of Public Health’s website and share it with partnering organizations.21
Below are examples of the collateral that will be provided.
20 https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/about-us
21 https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/DO/letstalkcannabis/Pages/youth.aspx
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Public Health Outreach and Educational Program
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 191 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Public Health Outreach and Educational Program
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 192 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Public Health Outreach and Educational Program
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 193 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Contributions to Fresno Community Reinvestment Fund
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 194 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
7.3 CONTRIBUTIONS TO FRESNO COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FUND
The Community Members of Fresno team has built into its financial model, financial contributions that will be
made directly to the city for allocation into the Fresno Community Reinvestment fund, or other city sponsored
initiatives. The Community Members of Fresno team as exemplified above, sees their success as a catalyst to a
brighter future for the community. Each and every member of the team wishes to contribute to both the overall
success of the cannabis program in the area as well as the wellbeing of the members of the community.
It is for this reason that Community Members of Fresno will reserve 10% of net profits to be contributed to
community benefits. Based on the projected financials, the contribution would be an estimated $197,191 in the first
year of operation and grows to over $410,000 by year 3.
These funds will be provided through a method and frequency preferred by the City and will continue through the
life of the business.
7.3.1 10 Year Benefit Estimate
Based on the expected number of customers shopping with Community Members of Fresno, and our expected
growth rates. We anticipated that during the first year of operation, we will donate approximately $314,519 to the
City of Fresno and local community. In year 4, we expect this to exceed $698,450. Then by year 10, the Community
Members of Fresno team expects to be able to provide $1,114,275.
Over the lifetime of the company, Community Members of Fresno intends to donate approximately
$7,975,368!!!!
$-
$200,000
$400,000
$600,000
$800,000
$1,000,000
$1,200,000
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10
$314,519
$465,154
$558,761
$698,451
$873,064 $916,717 $962,553 $1,010,680 $1,061,214 $1,114,275
Community Benefits (10% of Net)
Year Community Benefits (10% of Net)
Year 1 $314,519
Year 2 $465,154
Year 3 $558,761
Year 4 $698,451
Year 5 $873,064
Year 6 $916,717
Year 7 $962,553
Year 8 $1,010,680
Year 9 $1,061,214
Year 10 $1,114,275
Lifetime Contributions $7,975,386
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Contributions to Fresno Community Reinvestment Fund
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 195 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
7.3.2 Volunteer Hours
In addition to financial contributions, Community Members of Fresno will contribute volunteer hours that will be
dedicated to outreach programs that are aimed at supporting children within the community. Additional support can
be offered by the team in city beautification efforts, landscaping project, facilitating events that work to help
minimize homelessness, provide food and other basic essentials to low/no income families, and promote
recreational family activities.
While Community Members of Fresno cannot force employees to volunteer, Community Members of Fresno can
commit to the city, its promise to establish policies and procedures that will provide each employee willing, 24
annual Paid Time Off (PTO) hours to volunteer within the community. With an estimated staff of 20, this is a
potential for 480 hours of commitment from Community Members of Fresno’s team.
Employees will be required to provide evidence of their service to earn this PTO. The company will keep this
information on record and provide the information to the City.
Finally, in order to inspire our employees, a minimum of 16 hours per employee will be used with company
sponsored volunteer events. These will be used as team-building events and we hope that this will encourage our
employees to use the balance of their time on community events that they care about. While we could provide a
specific list of organizations, we do believe it is important that individuals explore their own passions.
Community Members of Fresno believes that each individual should pursue their individual service passions. This
is why the volunteer hours will be divided between company volunteerism – programs done together – and personal
volunteerism. This will allow our company the largest possible reach which could not be attained otherwise. Our
collective power serves the interest in service to others by the diversity of our history and experiences.
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Historical Community Involvement
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 196 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
7.4 HISTORICAL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Historically, the members of this team have diligently looked for various ways to give back to their community
throughout their careers. Be it through financial contribution or volunteerism, they have a long history of community
engagement. The team has organized and donated to food drives, supported youth recreational activities through
league sponsorship, and strive to provide shelter to children in need by building youth homes in poverty-stricken
areas. Below, the team has assembled some of their experiences to a) further demonstrate this passion for giving
back to their community and b) outline additional community benefits that the team wishes to bring to the Fresno
community.
Organizing Food Drives
Community Members of Fresno’s CEO, Daniel Wise served in the Navy for many
years. Through his military career, his travels took him to many communities
throughout Asia where he fell witness to poverty in ways he had never seen. In
wanting to make a difference and build rapport with the members of the community
in which they would port, he and his fellow marines began organizing and gathering
volunteers to prepare food for the community. For Mr. Wise, these moments blessed
him with memories and relationships that will last a lifetime and sparked a passion
for volunteerism and giving back.
Beyond his military career he and his team continued this tradition and they
routinely organize food drives in various communities. The team has partnered with
different organizations to contribute donations to including The Jacobs and
Cushman San Diego Food Bank and Feeding America. Recently, Community
Members of Fresno coordinated and managed a month-long Food drive in response
to COVID-19.
7.4.1 The Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank
The Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank paired with their
North County Food Bank Charter comprises the largest hunger relief
organization in San Diego County. Last year this organization
distributed 28 million pounds of food, serving roughly 350,000
people per month just within San Diego County.22 The organization
partners with nearly 500 non-profit organizations to aid in their
mission of providing nutritious food to families in need.
7.4.2 Feeding America
On a larger scale, the Feeding America organization is the nation’s
largest domestic hunger-relief organization—a powerful and efficient
network of 200 food banks across the country. As food insecurity
rates hold steady at the highest levels ever, the Feeding America
network of food banks has risen to meet the need. Through the
network, they feed 40 million people at risk of hunger, including 12
million children and 7 million seniors. 23
While both of these organization are committed to serving the
families of America, it is through volunteerism and donations that create success. As this team strives to make a
difference and works hard to support this especially important mission, they have organized several food drives to
contribute to these organization. A typical food drive event hosted by the team generates on average, $5,000.
22 https://sandiegofoodbank.org/about/
23 https://www.feedingamerica.org/about-us/our-history
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Historical Community Involvement
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 197 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
7.4.3 Youth Recreation
Throughout the Community Members of Fresno team’s career and business ventures, they have jumped at every
opportunity to support the youth within the community. The team regularly supports youth through sport and
recreational sponsorship and volunteering. The team understands that recreational activities provides families
quality time to spend together and gives children an opportunity to learn important values such as commitment and
teamwork, but also keep their attention focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The team regularly sponsors
youth sport teams which provides funding for organizations to obtain sport equipment and uniforms for the children
creating opportunity for all children to participate without further stress on family finances. The team also volunteers
for facility cleanup days to save the recreation organization on money required to maintain sport facilities, for
example, cutting the grass at a baseball complex, soccer field, or football field. Pictured below are just a few
examples of youth teams that over been sponsored over the last 12 years. Also included below is a letter from an
appreciative coach, who has received support over the years.
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Historical Community Involvement
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 198 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Historical Community Involvement
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 199 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
7.4.4 Youth Homes – Jason’s Home
This team has helped with the development of a residential center that serves a poverty-stricken community of
Metro Manila in the Philippines. The residential center, Jason’s Home, provides safety and shelter to more than 100
children. These children range in age and come from situations of crisis, trauma, and/or abuse.
The home serves to provide children with everything they need which consists of everything from basic needs and
access to education to more complex things such as counseling. The facility recently underwent renovations that
has provided a new space for a classroom. There are children of all ages who are supported by the home, from
elementary school to college. However, tuition for older children is costly and it does add another expense to the
home’s budget. Further funding is needed to supply the school children with proper uniforms.
The team continues to make regular financial contributions to support the needs of the children within the facility.
Additionally, the team has worked to not only generate the funds required for the development of four (4) areas
that provide these children access to recreational activities, but they have actually traveled to the Philippines to
contribute time and labor toward the project.
Section: Community Relations Plan
Subsection: Historical Community Involvement
Applicant: Community Members of Fresno, LLC Page 200 of 200
Property Address: 322 E. Belmont, Fresno, CA 93701
7.4.5 San Marcos Pop Warner
Community Members of Fresno’s Board Advisor, Sara Gutierrez, has volunteered as a youth cheer coach for the
last 3 years. The San Marcos Pop Warner program provides a quality youth football and cheer program with
emphasis on developing athletes while promoting safety, fun and participation for all; to advocate good
sportsmanship, respect, and to honor the game. Through the encouragement of teamwork, self-discipline, leadership
and academic achievement, their commitment is to promote a positive culture that builds self-esteem and instills
the importance of both athletics and scholastics, which go hand-in-hand to foster confident, responsible, well-
rounded young men and women.
San Marcos Pop Warner has the largest youth football and cheer programs in the world and have programs in 42
state and 6 countries. Pop Warner is a completely not for profit organization with over 400,000 children enrolled
worldwide.24 This program strives to offer every youth the chance to participate in after school activities. The
program enforces academic performance for full participation giving children motivation to perform in every aspect
of their life.
Because the program is strictly not for profit, the program depends on the active and passionate hearts of the
community to volunteer for various activities within the program and sponsorship. Sara volunteers as a cheer coach
and mentors’ children between the ages of 5 and 16. This is a huge commitment as these teams perform and compete
nationally and practice nearly daily. It is truly people like Sara that make this program such a success!
24 https://www.sanmarcospopwarner.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1477973
Cake Enterprises, Inc
Community Veterans of Fresno, LLC.
1611 S. Melrose Drive, Ste. A #391, Vista, CA 92091
https://www.currntcannabis.com/
UPLOADED VIA CITY OF FRESNO PORTAL
City of Fresno Cannabis Permitting Portal
c/o Commercial Cannabis Business Permit
https://fresnoca.viewpointcloud.com/
Re: Statement of Compliance that Application is True and Correct
Fresno, California, Municipal Code Art. XXXIII, § 9-3316(d) (2020)
To Whom It May Concern:
I declare under penalty of perjury that the information contained within the foregoing Application
by the Community Veterans of Fresno, LLC, for a commercial cannabis business permit is accurate
and true to the best of the knowledge of its below authorized signatory. ((See Fresno, California,
Municipal Code Art. XXXIII, § 9-3316(d)).
This Statement of Compliance was executed on this 9th day of November 2020.
COMMUNITY VETERANS OF FRESNO, LLC
________________________________________
By: Daniel Wise, President & CEO
Its: Authorized Managing Manager,
Cake Enterprises, Inc.
danny@currntcannabis.com
Community Veterans of Fresno, LLC d/b/a Cake
1611 S. Melrose Drive
Suite A #391
Vista, CA 92091
Cake Enterprises, Inc
Community Veterans of Fresno, LLC
1611 S. Melrose Drive, Ste. A #391, Vista, CA 92091
https://www.currntcannabis.com/
This Statement does not alter or amend any further requirement for Community Veterans of
Fresno, LLC, to provide occupational safety and health training to employees.
See Business and Professions Code 26051.5(11)(A)
UPLOADED VIA CITY OF FRESNO PORTAL
City of Fresno Cannabis Permitting Portal
c/o Commercial Cannabis Business Permit
https://fresnoca.viewpointcloud.com/
Re: Statement of Compliance with Cal-OSHA Training
Fresno, California, Municipal Code Art. XXXIII, § 9-3316(c) (2020)
To Whom It May Concern:
Please allow this Statement to serve as confirmation that within one year of receiving a commercial
cannabis business permit, Community Veterans of Fresno, LLC, shall ensure that at a minimum
one supervisor and one employee will have successfully completed a Cal-OSHA 30-hour general
industry outreach course offered by a training provider whom is authorized by an OSHA Training
Institute Education Center to administer such course. ((See Fresno, California, Municipal Code
Art. XXXIII, § 9-3316(c)).
This Statement of Compliance was executed on this 9th day of November 2020.
COMMUNITY VETERANS OF FRESNO, LLC
________________________________________
By: Daniel Wise, President & CEO
Its: Authorized Managing Manager,
Cake Enterprises, Inc.
danny@currntcannabis.com
Community Veterans of Fresno, LLC d/b/a Cake
1611 S. Melrose Drive
Suite A #391
Vista, CA 92091