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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC-20-74 GBH Retail LLC RedactedApplicant (Entity) Information Application Type Proposed Location Commercial Cannabis Business Permit Application C-20-74 Submitted On: Dec 04, 2020 Applicant Marc Garcia 209-201-2889 marc@greenbrierhldgs.com Applicant (Entity) Name: GBH Retail, LLC DBA: -- Physical Address: 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 City: Fresno State: CA Zip Code: 93720 Primary Contact Same as Above? Yes Primary Contact Name: Marc Garcia Primary Contact Title: Owner/CEO Primary Contact Phone: 209-201-2889 Primary Contact Email: marc@greenbrierhldgs.com HAS ANY INDIVIDUAL IN THIS APPLICATION APPLIED FOR ANY OTHER CANNABIS PERMIT IN THE CITY OF FRESNO?: No 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: J & V Fresno LLC Proposed Location Address: 8070 N. Cedar Ave. City: Fresno State: CA Zip Code: 93720 Property Owner Phone: Property Owner Email: jlee@retailcalifornia.com Assessor's Parcel Number (APN): 403-141-28 Proposed Location Square Footage: Supporting Information Application Certification Owner Information 10000 List all fictitious business names the applicant is operating under including the address where each business is located: -- 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? No I hereby certify, under penalty of perjury, on behalf of myself and all owners, managers and supervisors identified in this application that the statements and information furnished in this application and the attached exhibits present the data and information required for this initial evaluation to the best of my ability, and that the facts, statements, and information presented are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that a misrepresentation of fact is cause for rejection of this application, denial of the permit, or revocation of a permit issued. In addition, I understand that the filing of this application grants the City of Fresno permission to reproduce submitted materials for distribution to staff, Commission, Board and City Council Members, and other Agencies to process the application. Nothing in this consent, however, shall entitle any person to make use of the intellectual property in plans, exhibits, and photographs for any purpose unrelated to the City's consideration of this application. Furthermore, by submitting this application, I understand and agree that any business resulting from an approval shall be maintained and operated in accordance with requirements of the City of Fresno Municipal Code and State law. Under penalty of perjury, I hereby declare that the information contained in within and submitted with the application is true, complete, and accurate. Iunderstand that a misrepresentation of the facts is cause for rejection of this application, denial of a permit or revocation of an issued permit. A denial or revocation on these grounds shall not be appealable (FMC 9-3319(d)). Name and Digital Signature true Title Owner/CEO Please note: the issuance of a permit will be determined based on the application you submit and any major changes to your business or proposal (i.e. ownership, location, etc.) after your application is submitted may result in a denial. All applications submitted are considered public documents for Public Records Act request purposes. For details about the information required as part of the application process, see the Application Procedures & Guidelines, City of Fresno Municipal Code Article 33 and any additional requirements to complete the application process. All documents can be found online via this link. For questions please contact the City Manager’s Office at 559.621.5555. Owner Name: Fred Fagundes Owner Title: Managing Member Owner Address: 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Owner City: Fresno Owner State: CA Owner Zip: 93720 Has Owner Completed Background Check Application? No Ownership Percentage (%): 30.6 Owner Name: Lloyd Fagundes Owner Title: Member Owner Address: 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Owner City: Fresno Owner State: CA Owner Zip: 93720 Has Owner Completed Background Check Application? No Ownership Percentage (%): 30.6 Owner Name: Ralph Fagundes Owner Title: Member Owner Address: 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Owner City: Fresno Owner State: CA Owner Zip: 93720 Has Owner Completed Background Check Application? No Ownership Percentage (%): 2.18 Owner Name: Philip Fagundes Owner Title: Member Owner Address: 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Owner City: Fresno Owner State: CA Owner Zip: 93720 Has Owner Completed Background Check Application? No Ownership Percentage (%): 15.81 Owner Name: Michael Fagundes Owner Title: Member Owner Address: 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Owner City: Fresno Owner State:Owner Zip: CA 93720 Has Owner Completed Background Check Application? No Ownership Percentage (%): 15.81 Owner Name: Marc Garcia Owner Title: Owner/CEO Owner Address: 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Owner City: Fresno Owner State: CA Owner Zip: 93720 Has Owner Completed Background Check Application? Yes Ownership Percentage (%): 5 Produced by Matthew Carroll, Security Consultant. Plan Version 2020.1 Notice: content herein is the property of the author and is protected by International and United States copyright laws. Reproduction or distribution in whole or in part of the content herein without the written permission of the author is prohibited by law. © 2016-2020, Matthew Carroll, Carroll Security Consulting, LLC. 1 Security Plan (Summary Version) Premises Uses: Cannabis Storefront Retail w/Delivery Business Name: GBH Retail, LLC Facility Address: 8070 North Cedar Avenue Fresno, CA 93720 Prepared: December 3rd, 2020 Prepared by: Carroll Security Consulting LLC (916) 997-7329 Preparer Credentials: AA, Administration of Justice, Shasta College BS, Criminal Justice, Sacramento State University Qualified Manager, Paladin Private Security, PPO 15029 (ret.) Co-Founder, Sacramento Security Training Center, TFF1511/TFB1320 CPTED Practitioner, National Institute of Crime Prevention Retired, Port Police Officer, Port of Sacramento Police Department Cannabis Security Consultant (Contractor), Benicia Police Department Cannabis Security Consultant (Contractor), Dixon Police Department 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 SECTION 1 BUSINESS PLAN 1.1 Our Team: Fred, Lloyd, and Ralph Fagundes (Principal Owners): The three brothers as principal owners of Greenbrier Holdings LLC have established themselves as successful businessmen by diversifying their business holdings, investing prudently, and expanding responsibly. All three brothers received their education at California State University Fresno and consider Fresno as integral to their success and development as businessmen. Their primary focus lies in the production of organic milk and as almond farmers. Conventional dairy operations began in 1990 in the Fagundes brother’s hometown of Chowchilla, California and they quickly began to realize the success of sound business practices, foresight, and tireless work ethic. Fred, Lloyd, and Ralph were among the first dairymen in the central valley of California to take the risks associated with converting to organic dairies, which they undertook in 2002. Today, the Fagundes network of dairies includes 6 independent farms in 3 locations in Merced and Madera counties. They are the single largest producer of fluid milk for Horizon Organic Milk, a Danone company. In addition to their dairy operations, the Fagundes brothers own and farm over 10,000 acres of almonds as far south as Fresno, California and north up to Turlock, California. Fagundes almonds are sold both domestically and exported internationally reaching places like Europe, Japan, India and China. In addition to almonds, the Fagundes brothers own and farm several thousand acres of hemp, pistachios, organic tomatoes, grapes, corn, and other row crops. The Fagundes brothers have continued to diversify their agri-business operations to include a natural fit in the cannabis industry. Farming is second nature to the brothers and the cultivation of cannabis serves as a foundation to the vertical structure of this side of the business which also includes distribution, manufacturing and dispensaries. Expansion up and down the Central Valley of California continues to broaden the reach of cannabis and will soon serve both the Bay Area and Southern California. Marc A. Garcia (Owner/Chief Executive Officer): is a managing partner of our team based on his chief executive officer experience. The establishment and implementation of strategic business, financial, and operational plans has driven the performance and quality of cannabis operations at Greenbrier Holdings LLC and further ensured positional relevance for the company in the future growth of the multi-billion dollar California cannabis economy. In just over two years, he has overseen the expansion of the company to include cultivation operations in Carpinteria, California (Valley Crest Farms LLC) where over 8 acres of greenhouse supplies several of the popular brands of cannabis flower in the state of California, while supplying its own brands, 36 North, 36 North Star, and Halfpipe which is sold throughout California 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 dispensaries and through its online delivery platform (Cannable LLC) which serves as a delivery only dispensary based in Parlier, California. In addition, he helped negotiate and bring revenue to the city of Parlier through a development agreement where manufacturing (GBH Manufacturing LLC), distribution (GBH Distributors LLC), and our delivery only dispensary (Cannable LLC) are housed in a state of the art GMP modeled 22,000 square foot building opened in late 2019. The vertically integrated companies under the umbrella of Greenbrier Holdings LLC have successfully grown in a revenue generating, profit making venture quickly and under the stewardship of Marc, continue to grow responsibly and in line with the work ethic and expectations of the Fagundes family who have brought success to this side of the business. Marc also serves as our Chief Compliance Officer. He is an attorney by trade and has over 25 years’ experience in the law as an attorney, seven of those spent as a Merced County Superior Court Judge. This experience is invaluable navigating the complex and voluminous regulations in the cannabis industry both state and local. Christian Drake (Chief Financial Officer): Chris has a wealth of experience as a senior finance and operations Executive. Christian is a passionate and highly motivated executive offering 25 plus years of results-proven contributions to the success of a broad range of companies. Christian has a proven ability to handle high-level executive authority ranging from all aspects of finance and accounting for multimillion-dollar companies to transforming the corporate culture, large-scale cost control, audit preparation, taxation, and process re- engineering. Christian’s core competencies include Finance & Accounting Management, Capital Planning & Asset Control, Risk Testing & Remediation, Financial Analysis & Reporting, Finance & Accounting Management, Contracts, Covenants & Leases, Budget Management & Forecasting, Process Mapping & Reengineering, SOX Compliance & Certification, Corporate Structuring & Taxes, Inventory & Purchasing (AP), Logistics & Business Planning, Internal Controls & Standards, Cash Flow Management, Internal & External Audits, and Strategic Growth Planning. In Cannabis, Chris has modeled out several pathways for our cultivation and manufacturing operations in the past two years to lead the industry in sustainable growth and profit margin thereby creating a stable flow of income and tax revenue for the communities in which we do business. Rick Palmer (Chief Operating Officer): Rick has been in the CPG industry for over 30 years with companies such as Nestle and Seagram’s as core to his development and thinking. He has served in senior roles within private equity and board positions within every food and beverage segment and recently helped with strategic direction of the world’s largest tomato processor. He was featured on the front page of the LA Times business page for a triple merger within the Mexican Food segment and has been a guest speaker on topics such as post-merger integration. Rick has his MBA from Azusa Pacific University and undergraduate degrees from Chapman University in Food Science and Economics at Stanford. Rick has spent extensive time working in FDA and USDA regulated facilities producing fresh agricultural products such as various row crops and livestock processing of seafood, beef and 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 poultry food segments. Rick has led organic certification within each of these food segments and understands all aspects of labeling, processing requirements and controls from field to consumer. Rick has led sales and marketing teams in identifying new market opportunities and creating a value proposition with consumers to drive new product opportunities. He has personally created new products such as perfect tomato and green tomato to open new market segments in stagnate CPG categories. Rick brings a wealth of knowledge in the food and beverage segments from agricultural management, food and beverage processing, research and development and creating a long term value proposition with the consumer (cost / quality / service) within these segments working with many of the Fortune 100 Food and Beverage Companies such as Kraft Heinz, Pepsi / Frito Lay, Con Agra and Nestle. He is now focusing on creating the same value propositions within the cannabis industry developing FDA and USDA compliant facilities with organic capabilities producing optimal products around ultimate value to the industry and consumers. As Chief Operating Officer, Rick has managed the day to day operations of all facilities under the Greenbrier Holdings LLC umbrella and has brought his wealth of knowledge and experience to continue the success he previously enjoyed at the other companies he helped grow and expand. Philip Fagundes (Owner): Philip, the son of Ralph Fagundes, has quickly adapted from college graduate in 2015 from California State University Fresno with a bachelor’s degree in Science to a successful young business mind contributing significantly to the direction and culture of success at Greenbrier Holdings LLC. In 2016 he took over as Manager of Valley Calf Ranch LLC, a Fagundes dairy business concentrated on nurturing the next generation of cows necessary to supply the fluid milk chain. In just two short years he became Chief Executive Officer of Central Valley Processing LLC, an almond processing facility where he has overseen the successful processing of millions of pounds of almonds that are shipped all over the world. He managed and successfully grew one of the first organic hemp crops in the State of California in 2019 and continues to bring the Fagundes work ethic and agricultural experience to the cannabis companies. His skillset blends a combination of agricultural experience and logistics to make the most efficient use of labor, technology, and product to maximize profits and maintain stability throughout the group of companies we own. He is certainly, with his brother Michael, the next wave of successful business minds to guide our business in the years to come. Michael Fagundes (Owner): Michael, the eldest son of Ralph Fagundes, also has quickly adapted from college graduate in 2012 from California State University Fresno with a bachelor’s degree in Science to lead the young men of the Fagundes family into a continued and sustained success in both the dairy and farming side of the businesses. He has focused on the operations side of the farming and dairy businesses, successfully implementing the tactical and strategic planning to guide those businesses in a complex and highly regulated industry. His strengths include compliance in organic dairy and farming operations. Furthermore, Michael is responsible for strategic planning on the development side of the business, coordinating most of the real estate investments and transactions for properties in the agricultural, commercial, industrial, and residential areas. In addition to his success in these areas, Michael is a principal owner and partner in several businesses including PM Farms, GP, which owns and farms various crops and livestock, PMG Farms, LP which is invested in Greenbrier Holdings LLC, and Danny Clark Trucking, Inc. where he is Chief Financial Officer and a shareholder. His ambition and 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 drive contribute to the cannabis business operations as both an owner and an impressive analytical mind whose contributions in the board meetings have offered a perspective that often result in the implementation of successful strategies. 1.2 See Exhibit “A” 1.3 See Exhibit “B” 1.4 See Exhibit “C” 1.5 Hours of operation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. We are mindful of the area we intend to operate and our focus is to blend in with the current use of the property as a retail hub. Although California regulations might provide for a broader window to operate, our philosophy is one of reasonableness, cooperation, and integration with the other businesses in the surrounding area. Opening and Closing procedures: An employee/manager who has undergone training specifically for opening and closing standard operating procedures (SOP’s) will accomplish the task of opening and closing the store. Those will include: • Arrival no later than 8:30 a.m. with the armed security guard that will be there at the same time. • Greet security and un-arm the alarm system for entry. • Prepare all point-of-sale (POS) registers with designated assigned currency levels. • Set up brand displays and ensure any daily promotions are ready for sale. • 5 minutes before opening, security guards positioned and ready for the open of business and last minute check throughout the store to ensure the business can meet its goals and objectives of the business plan throughout the day. • 8:30 p.m. notify the employees tasked with checking in customers that 30 minutes remains until the store officially closes. Depending on the flow and volume of customer numbers, regulate that flow to conform to a closing time of 9:00 p.m. • The goal is to serve the last remaining customer as close to 9:00 p.m. as possible with a combination of flow control at the front and efficient customer service protocols on the POS end. • Employees will count, log, and lock away cash in registers. • Verification that all safes, offices, secure storage, and doors are locked. • Maintain the aesthetics and cleanliness of the store for the next day by ensuring that all counters are wiped down with sanitary protocols, trash is bagged and taken to the proper receptacles, and floors are clean and free of debris or visible blemishes • Confirm departure with security no later than 9:30 p.m. 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 1.6 Day to Day Operations: Day to Day operations will primarily focus on safety, compliance, and customer experience. Our employees and customers are equally important to ensure the seamless integration of our business and those around us who expect the environment for their customers to be just as enjoyable. With these goals as a primary focus, walking through the day to day operations includes: 1.6.1 (i) Check In Procedure: Screening Lobby & Waiting Area. While the traditional approach to dispensary screening would place a human guard at the door and/or a defenseless worker at an accessible workstation in a lobby, GBH recognizes that these strategies are inherently dangerous, that these strategies bait conflicts, and that these strategies increase the risk of a security incident in comparison to the adopted design herein. Perception and reaction time are critical in terms of a security officer/employee’s ability to respond to a security incident. Strategic placement of panic alarms not helpful if staff is placed in positions that render them susceptible to ambush and which strip them of the requisite perception and reaction time a person would reasonably need to activate an alarm. The use of locking doors to keep offenders out of a premise are meaningless if a human employee equipped with access credentials is placed outside those doors. Doing so promotes the viability of a hostage incident and is a weak approach to premises security. The design adopted by GBH prohibits persons entering the premises from having physical access to any employees until after the person entering has remitted photo identification. It would be an unreasonably incompetent criminal who would choose to commit a serious crime within the premises after having been positively identified. Persons seeking access to this premises must first meet the dress code. Persons wearing clothing or accessories that obscure their identity will not be permitted entry. Persons approaching who can be certainly identified by surveillance cameras will be granted entry by the receptionist by way of a switch controlling the exterior door. Upon entry to the screening lobby, a patron will not have immediate physical access to staff. Staff will be situated behind a protective barrier and a document pass through will be used by patrons to demonstrate eligibility to enter. First time customers presenting a valid identification will have their account created in the Treez Point-of-Sale system. Once the customer has been verified as eligible to purchase cannabis, they will be put on a waiting list accessible to employees on the retail floor area (Budtenders). There will be unique waiting lists for pickup orders and in-store customers for which a dedicated Budtender will be allocated for both types. When the next Budtender is available, the customer will be referred off the list and his/her name called to enter the retail floor area. Once verified, the receptionist will grant the patron access to the retail floor area by way of a switch controlling the maglock on the door. No access to the exit vestibule from the outside is possible without a management credentialed key/fob or receptionist override. In the event that a person outside were to enter the exit vestibule as another patron were departing, the one-way doors in the vestibule will prevent the patron from continuing to the retail area, allowing only for retreat back outside. The wall separating the exit 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 vestibule from the reception/security room is fitted with large windows, providing for natural surveillance over the exit vestibule as an additional safeguard against misappropriation. 1.6.1(ii) Location and Procedure for Deliveries During Business Hours: Third party distributors/vendors and retail delivery drivers will access the premises at the north-east corner of the store (see Section 5 security plan diagram attached hereto as Exhibit “D”), supervised by an armed security officer as they arrive and depart. The vendor entrance is positioned opposite the customer entrance, providing a controlled approach, a gated vehicle bay, and a door redundant vendor lobby for initial intake of cannabis goods. An intake room follows for controlled processing of deliveries by management and vendors. The intake room will be compliant with food-safe GMP standards where temperature and humidity are kept at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 40% humidity to ensure product health. As the shipment arrives, it is unloaded and counted to ensure the physical count matches the Sales Order/Manifest and COA. Once count and METRC tags for track and trace purposes are confirmed, the manifest is signed and the driver released. The shipment is then received into the METRC and ERP/POS systems and label and sticker all products fit for sale. All boxes are clearly designated with their METRC unique identification number. The next step is for the Sales Order/Manifest and COA’s to be filed by date. Finally, the product is placed on the secure access stocking shelves and ready to be sold following the process to ensure proper tracking of cannabis products per state requirements and regulations. 1.6.1(iii) Point-of -Sale System and number of locations: There will be a total of twelve (12) Point-of-Sale locations positioned behind secure display counters on the retail area floor. The security plan diagram in Section 5 attached hereto as Exhibit “D” indicates those positions which are placed 4 to each side of a “U-shaped” retail floor area. The vendor supplying these Point-of- Sale systems, “Treez” was founded to operationalize the demands of running a compliant, high- volume retailer. Treez unites all front of house, back of house, point of sale and business analytics functions into a single, all-encompassing platform — giving life to a dynamic retail management software system, designed exclusively for the modern operator. Initially launched in California as a standalone Point of Sale system, Treez has evolved to become the gold standard in retail management software — powering over 33% of California. GBH Retail will integrate seamlessly with our delivery model for which Treez already provides services and support to our other licensed delivery only dispensary, Cannable LLC. 1.6.1(iv) Estimated number of customers to be served per hour/day: Based on models created by our CFO, Chris Drake, and based on our experience in the cannabis retail business, we expect that conservative number initially at 25 customers per hour/ 300 per day and then scaling appropriately in proportion to the success of the business over time. 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 1.6.1(v) Product Line with percentage of Flower and Manufactured Products: Our experience with the delivery only dispensary space has given us a clear picture of the market preference here in the Fresno area since we currently operate a delivery service through our company, Cannable LLC. Flower is clearly the top seller and we anticipate that it will stay at that level in a retail store. We anticipate that level to be at least 50% of all sales with Vape Cartridges following at 25%, Edibles at 15%, and Concentrates at 10%. Our stock will reflect those numbers although we will stock and sell other products. The following is a list of products we anticipate stocking based on the current preferences of the consumer in the Fresno area which are empirically proven based on the data known from our delivery business that we have been operating for almost a year, primarily in the greater Fresno metro area. • Flower: Medical treatment and adult use, patients and consumers consume the flower through a variety of hardware apparatus including water pipes (helps filter the cannabis), rolling papers, pipes, and other methods. • Vape Cartridges: Patients and consumers alike are turning to cannabis oils for convenience and dosage management. Since the recent “vape crisis” has been proven to be associated with sources other than cannabis, more and more consumers have turned to vape cartridges again and they are reflected in our sales on the delivery side of the business. A vaporizer heats the oil to a certain temperature to release the oil but avoid combustion providing a safe and fast delivery method. • Edibles: These products tend to last longer and have a stronger psychoactive effect on the body. They aid dosage control, simplicity and are increasingly being used by patients that require pharmaceutical medication but want to lead a more healthy, normal life. • Concentrates: Known as “budder”, “shatter”, “dab”, these products are highly concentrated THC, as high as 95-98%, and cater primarily to the experienced cannabis user as the psychoactive effects are more pronounced and the method of delivery, primarily a glass pipe, are more sophisticated and costly. • Tinctures: Liquid tinctures are fast acting and bypass the liver and GI tract as they are absorbed into the body under the tongue. Helps with dosage control and are fast acting as they directly enter the bloodstream. • Topicals: Primarily used for joint and muscle pain, these products don’t typically have the same “high” effect as the other aforementioned products and are used extensively by those patients and consumers to treat muscle and joint pain. These products have proven to be effective for patients with mobility issues and degrading movement. 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 • Capsules: Oral method for ingesting cannabis oils primarily swallowed and digested like an edible but have the consistency of oil. This method allows for measured and controlled dosage through the day for patients. • Hardware: A range of hardware products associated with the consumption of cannabis products would be retailed in the dispensary. 1.6.1(vi) Delivery service procedures, number of vehicles, and product security during transportation: Cannable LLC, a company we operate under the Greenbrier Holdings LLC umbrella, has successfully grown and resulted in an efficient, safe, and profitable business in just over 9 months of operation. We have been able to successfully implement standard operating procedures and efficient delivery models and have done so with sustainable vehicles, strategic delivery routes, and comprehensive employee training. These methods include the following: • Customer places an order through an online portal operated by Treez software mentioned previously. • Order populates in the Treez Point-of-Sale order que and the customer’s identification and delivery location are verified. • Each ordered item is scanned through an inventory barcode system and traced back to our Point-of-Sale systems records and the specific items’ METRC lot. • Orders are populated on a mapping service (Onfleet) allowing the creation of efficient delivery routes for our drivers. • Once a route is created, a manifest is printed that lists all deliveries in order of the most efficient route with order receipts stapled accordingly. • Orders are then packed in child proof exit packages before loading into delivery vehicles in a secured, lockable loading station (safe located in the trunk area of the unmarked Toyota Prius and not visible from the outside). • We intend to use between 3-5 delivery vehicles. • The safety protocol is extensive with each Toyota Prius fitted with Onfleet technology (GPS Tracking/Routing software), a mobile device/tablet, front and rear facing dash cams, a secured safe with keypad entry for orders fitted with a cash drop box inside the safe. In addition, each driver receives extensive safety training with SOP’s designed to alert the driver to potential issues and protocols to follow to ensure safety first. • Delivery customers will receive text notifications that allow them to track the driver en route to their delivery location. 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 • Upon arrival, the driver will verify the customer’s identification, ensure a match with the name on the receipt, and collect a signature. • If the order is paid for in cash, the driver will collect cash upon delivery and distribute any necessary change before release of the product package to the customer • All cash collected will immediately be placed in a locked safe deposit box in the trunk of the delivery vehicle as previously mentioned. • Orders paid for by ACH electronically will result in driver only confirming the identification of the customer and collecting signature before release of the product package to the customer. 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 SECTION 2 2.1 Commitment to offer “Living Wage”: A large part of the culture and philosophy of our company is to hire locally first, offer a wage that ensures individuals that the job duties they fulfill for us are consistent with maintaining or exceeding a standard of living consistent with the community in which they live, and offer the opportunity for advancement in the company to discourage high rates of turnover and create a culture of loyalty based on achievement, mutual respect, and work ethic. To that end, we are committed to accelerating the maximum minimum wage commitment of for our entry level job descriptions not requiring a skillset or level that would require a higher level of compensation. This would ensure a wage commitment over and above the current “living wage” requirements of Fresno. We would conduct an assessment at a minimum taking into consideration compensation levels in a comparable community, cost of living, and other analytics used by companies to ensure the least amount of turnover and the most productivity based on the aforementioned core principles of the company. 2.2 Health Care, Vacation, and Medical Leave: Full-time employees will receive a full range of benefits after a probationary period of 90 days. Included are 100% coverage for individuals, spouses, and dependents through Anthem Blue Cross with a provision for coverage of “out-of- pocket” expenses if necessary. In addition, we offer, depending on the job-class designation, up to two weeks of paid vacation per year. For all employees there are certain Federal and State mandated laws that we are fully compliant with including paid sick leave, family medical leave, jury duty, etc. 2.3 Continuing Education and Employee Training: The company covers ALL costs associated with continuing education and employee training. There are certain mandated training requirements for many of the positions in our company including OSHA, harassment, professionally required certification training, and others that require both time and financial resources to fulfill. As part of the philosophy of our company, we cover ALL costs and expenses associated with continuing education and employee training because we feel that it is integral to the continued safety, proficiency, and expertise in a chosen profession and job duty. This ensures the stability, profitability, and maximizes efficiency to achieve the goals of the company. 2.4 Recruiting Plan FMC 9-3316(b)(1): The company, in ALL of our businesses, actively recruits diverse ethnic groups regardless of gender classification, socio-economic status, often times tolerant of those who may have been previously convicted of offenses that would disqualify them in other industries. Furthermore, we actively recruit veterans and those that have previously been unemployed because we are mindful that if a person shows the commitment and willingness to work, that person is more likely to contribute positively to the community in which they live. These recruiting efforts include advertising through our various business platforms indicating that we are actively recruiting individuals for our various companies. We also use platforms such as “Indeed” to find local residents seeking employment. Furthermore, we have found in our experience in the cannabis business that referrals from our current employees for certain positions are productive and successful. We not only currently exceed the minimum requirements mandated by FMC 9-3316(b)(1), i.e., a minimum of 1/3 of the total 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 annual work hours performed by an individual who meets one of the 7 categories found in the code, but we are committing to hire at least 75% of our employees from this class of individuals because we currently are averaging 90%+ local hires and from the categories listed in FMC 9- 3316(b)(1). 2.5 Local influence: Our company fulfills this requirement because we meet the criteria necessary to benefit from this requirement. First, ALL (100%) of our companies are and have been based in the city of Fresno since inception. We are part of the ownership of the building located at 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 and have been since at least one year prior to March 2, 2020, consistent with this part of the requirement. Furthermore, at least 51% of the ownership and/or management of the companies, including GBH Retail, LLC have primary residences in the city of Fresno for the requisite required period of time including Marc Garcia (Owner/CEO, City of Fresno), Fred Fagundes (Principal Owner, City of Fresno), Chris Drake (CFO, City of Fresno), Rick Palmer (COO, City of Fresno), Jeff Tuel (VP Marketing, City of Fresno), Kim Noble (Manager, Compliance, City of Fresno), and Carlos Perez (Manager, Finance Department, City of Fresno). 2.6 Number of employees, title/position, responsibilities: GBH Retail will initially consist of two (2) full-time store employees and twelve (12) part-time employees. The full-time employees will fulfill the duties of Manager and Assistant Manager tasked with the day-to-day operations of the company and ensuring the business plan in Section 1 is implemented successfully. Part-time employees will consist of ten (10) budtenders and two (2) customer check-in clerks. The budtenders will greet customers upon entry and provide informational assistance to new consumers and connoisseurs alike. They will also fulfill the retail sale duties associated with point-of-sale transactions. The customer check-in clerks will greet customers in the entry area behind a secure security window to verify eligibility and place customers in the waiting que for service. 2.7 Labor Peace Agreement: In accordance with FMC 9-3316(b)(2), our business will sign a labor peace agreement allowing employees to join or form a union without interference within thirty (30) days of our 5th hire. 2.8 Workforce Plan: 2.8.1 30% local hire commitment: As previously mentioned, our existing full-time, part-time, executive management, and ownership are overwhelmingly local and we will continue that commitment. We are currently staffed at approximately 90% local hires and considering our existing customer base, we are committing to exceed the 30% minimum commitment to local hires by a significant percentage, consistent with our current practices. We have internal quality control measures to ensure and verify local hiring commitments and will be able to demonstrate the efficacy of our workforce plan to the city of Fresno consistent with this requirement. 2.8.2 Commitment to offer apprenticeships/compensation for continuing education: As previously mentioned, we cover ALL costs and expenses associated with the continuing education of our employees. This shall continue with GBH Retail. Furthermore, we will also commit for those who are certified and qualified as experts in their chosen cannabis area of 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 expertise to offer an apprenticeship program dedicated to nurturing and educating individuals who may have not had the opportunity to gain exposure and/or experience in an area that his highly specialized and in some cases technically driven. 2.8.3 Commitment to offer Living Wage: As indicated previously in the application we are not only committed to offering a “living wage”, we intend to accelerate the process of meeting maximum state wage requirements ahead of its 2022 mandate by starting entry level employees at a was of at least dollars per hour or higher depending on the analysis and assessment of our team regarding the standard wage in a particular job classification. 2.9 Social Equity Business Incubator: Our company has the belief that through education, responsible and sustainable business practices, community outreach, and positive community contributions in various forms, that we can increase awareness and advocate for the expansion of health and wellness derived from cannabis. In conforming with that belief, we would proudly volunteer and commit to mentor, train, donate, and/or assist in any efforts to support local cannabis social equity businesses. Our resources both financially and through its number and quality of staff dedicated to the cannabis industry have demonstrated success previously and will continue that commitment in Fresno in a way that furthers the goals, initiatives, and direction of the company in a way we’ve already been demonstrating in the other communities we do business. 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 SECTION 3 3.1 Complaints: Noise, light, odor, litter, vehicles, and pedestrian traffic have all been legitimate concerns of the communities in which we currently do business and we have found that through active and frequent communication with fellow business owners, government officials, residents, law enforcement (if necessary), community leaders, and our own employees, GBH Retail and the surrounding community can mutually benefit and peacefully and productively co-exist with little conflict. We have found that the key to any of these concerns is to proactively address potential areas of complaint and initiate contact with the relevant interested parties far in advance of opening doors for business. If we are fortunate enough to be awarded a permit to conduct a retail business at 8070 N. Cedar, we first would initiate contact with all the business owners in Parkwood Plaza to discuss any concerns they may have on these issues. We have done this in our current ongoing businesses and have been pro-active in addressing these concerns by articulating a “plan of action” in these areas. For example, on the issue of noise and lighting, we would explain there are built in protections for the surrounding businesses and community given our location. We are located in the northern most part of Parkwood Plaza, and only share one common wall with what is currently an empty space. Furthermore, there is a walkway leading away from other businesses and into a parking lot area that would primarily serve our business. The addition of 24 hour security will further minimize the impact of noise, litter, vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The city of Fresno prohibits any signage illumination and we intend to comply with all FMC and/or state regulations in the area of “signage” and its limitations. Additionally, Light pollution from the site location itself would be minimal and designed for mainly safety requirements which will benefit all surrounding interested parties. Odor is an area for which we have much experience and the nature of a retail business in which those types of odors are at a minimum because of the packaging requirements of the State of California and the quick and orderly transition from vendor deliveries to the indoor parts of the facility minimize the impact odor has on anyone outside of the business itself. In addition, and as will be described in detail elsewhere in Section 3, odor control devices such as carbon filters and other HVAC measures can be incorporated to ensure odors from cannabis are not detectable off-site. Part of our standard operating procedures incorporates a “litter-free” policy by scheduling frequent interior and exterior “scrubs” whereby the waiting room, show-room floor, offices, surrounding parking lots, walkways, and sidewalks, are all walked for litter pick-up. In the event pedestrian traffic exceeds capacity, customers will be organized and routed down a walkway adjoining our building and away from surrounding businesses as they wait to enter the store. Again, in our search for a site, we pro-actively addressed these issues by finding locations that minimize the potential for conflict in these very areas. 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 GBH Retail, as explained in Section 6 of the application, has access to over 100 parking spaces unique and connected to the site location at 8070 N. Cedar Ave. and therefore avoids many of the problems associated with vehicle congestion and its resulting pedestrian traffic. A concentration of parking spaces is located away from any other surrounding business and serves as a built in protection against congestion for the other businesses in the area. 3.2 Nuisance Avoidance/Neighborhood Impacts: The avoidance of nuisance and negative impact on a neighborhood must begin with communication. Consistent with our pro-active approach to contacting surrounding businesses far in advance of us opening doors for business to address any concerns and/or potential problems before they occur, our company has a policy of reaching out to the surrounding community to hold an open forum with management to address any questions or concerns about the cannabis business entering their community. This is typically accomplished by posting a notice on social media platforms, local message boards, and if necessary, notices through mail sent to the various residential addresses in the community detailing the date, time, and location, of a community forum to address these concerns. Inviting law enforcement and government officials to participate will promote a cooperative atmosphere between us and will also encourage trust and ensure that should there be any future problems or issues, the confidence of the community will exist to efficiently resolve any of these challenges. We would designate a single point of contact who is appointed by the company to directly and efficiently address any concerns or issues a citizen, government official, surrounding business, or other interested party may have. Although, these types of concerns might be considered potentially negative, we believe that we will have many positive impacts on the surrounding community and businesses as well. The company envisions a spike in pedestrian traffic which often times means positive impacts on the surrounding businesses. Furthermore, we will be pro- active in efforts to accommodate requests from neighboring businesses or citizens. We believe that positive, supportive relationships with the businesses and community promote a common goal of growth and success. 3.3 Odor Mitigation Practices: There are several built-in measures inherent in a retail business that promotes mitigation of odor and also measures we will take to fill in any gaps that exist. First, all products coming into the store are pre-packaged, sealed, and boxed by licensed manufacturers or licensed distributors off-site. Since we own businesses in both areas there are additional assurances that this will always occur in conducting a retail business in Fresno. The packaging and sealing will eliminate the vast majority of odors. Furthermore, we receive all deliveries at the back of the store, physically distanced from areas that might emit to surrounding businesses and/or customers. As an additional measure to further eliminate odor, devices such as carbon filters and other HVAC measures and techniques will be employed to ensure that odors from cannabis are not detectable off-site. To accomplish this, we shall provide a sufficient odor absorbing ventilation and exhaust system so that odor from within 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 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 GBH Retail. 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 3.4 Identify potential sources of odor: There are extraordinarily little sources of odor in the retail cannabis business detectable outside of the building. As mentioned before, they are confined, if at all, to the delivery of product to the facility as stock. However, they are packaged and sealed to confine these odors almost completely and they are further boxed and sealed as they enter the facility. These odors will remain in the facility itself. The other potential source is the consumer themselves either opening the package or otherwise attempting to engage in consumption which is illegal and would be addressed directly through security measures at the facility expeditiously. 3.5 Odor Control Devices and Techniques: In the event odor abatement measures are needed, we will employ the latest technology and techniques given the individual circumstances. Available technologies and techniques include but are not limited to: Exhaust air filtration systems with odor control preventing internal odors from being emitted externally. Air system that creates negative air pressure between our interior and exterior so odor generated inside the building are not detectable outside of the building. Installation of industrial carbon filters in each room within the building. GBH can further manage odor emittance through air-treatment procedures and a range of industry-approved filters (carbon filters) and HVAC system elements designed to treat air from the facility before it is emitted into the atmosphere. Employ, if necessary, SAGE Industrial Corporation’s air purification system (Oxyion) for the continuous reduction of odor. Oxyion is approved and registered with the National Organic Program for use in organic agriculture. The air purification system provides odor control without chemical additives. The air purification system results in a significant reduction in the odor associated with cannabis. Utilize Benzaco Scientific’s technology if necessary, which includes deploying Odor- Armor 420 into the air to intercept and treat any odors on the exterior of the building. Odor- Armor 420 is an odor neutralizer that chemically eliminates odors. It is not a masking agent that simply overpowers the odor by adding a different odor. Instead, it eliminates odor. Conducting routine spot checks to ensure adherence to air quality and odor control. 3.6 Odor Training and Maintenance: Because of the nature and technology associated with the filtration systems, there will be no training required to operate the systems we have used in our other businesses because they run automatically in conjunction with the existing HVAC system. Training will occur only in the sense of our normal standard operating procedures because odor emittance is inherently prevented through the pre-packaged, sealed, and boxed product 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 packaging. Employees will be instructed and prevented from opening and/or accessing any product either inside the store or outside the store. Security personnel will ensure that all regulations governing the prohibition of opening product is strictly enforced. 3.7 Waste Management Plan: General Waste: All rubbish from the site shall be collected regularly both inside and outside by employees assigned for such duty, centrally placed in designated bins and taken off- site for treatment by a contracted business specifically hired for such purpose. All waste shall be taken to an appropriately licensed facility both state and local. As part of the plan, materials for recycling (paper and plastics primarily) shall be separated from general waste to promote sustainability practices. Cannabis Waste: This should rarely or if ever occur in a retail facility, however, in the event there is this type of waste at our retail cannabis facility, any waste that is not hazardous waste, as defined under California law, is organic and contained cannabis shall be made unusable and unrecognizable. Thereafter GBH Retail shall, in accordance with regulations, dispose of the waste by composting it in compliance with Cal. Code Regs. Title 16 Section 5055(e)(1) or hauling it to a solid waste facility in compliance with Cal. Code Regs. Title 16 Section 5055(e)(2). Except as described above, cannabis waste shall not be sold transferred, donated, or given away. Per CFC table 5003.1.1(1), the maximum allowed quantity for a class 3B liquid in a control area is 13,200 pounds. This quantity can be increased by 100% for a sprinklered building. Hence a total of 26,400 pounds is allowed. The quantity above is 198.48 pounds, hence exempt from requirements of CFC chapter 50. Spill control is not required. Secondary containment is not required. Explosion control is not required. Distribution Facility Operation This facility is used for storage only. No plastic storage is envisioned. The product is to be stored in plastic bins. Carbon Monoxide detection system Per CFC 915, A carbon monoxide detection system is not required. Portable Fire Extinguishers (Location) Portable fire extinguishers will be installed throughout per CFC 906.1. Within 30 feet (9144 mm) of commercial cooking equipment. In areas where flammable or combustible liquids are stored, used or dispensed. On each floor of structures under construction. Page 3 Page 4 Per CBC table 906.3(2), provide 20-B rated fire extinguishers in areas where the cannabis products are stored. Maximum distance of travel to fire extinguishers shall be 50 feet. Per CBC table 906.3(1), provide 2-A rated fire extinguishers in all other areas. Maximum distance of travel to fire extinguishers shall be 75 feet. Max coverage area per extinguisher shall be 3000 sq. ft. Egress Means of egress shall be provided per the CFC and CBC. All the exits shall be provided with exit signs. All areas shall also be provided with emergency lighting. Electrical Code Analysis Electrical classification for the space is Ordinary. No flammable or explosive materials. Mechanical Code Analysis Per CMC table 403.7, a minimum ventilation rate of 1 cfm/sq. ft. should be provided for other rooms, and 1.5 cfm/sq ft for chemical storage areas. HVAC system shall be installed per CMC for all occupied spaces. Fire Protection system Page 5 The buildings are proposed to be protected by an approved wet pipe automatic fire sprinkler system. It shall be designed for ordinary hazard group 2 occupancy, 0.2 gpm over 1,500 sf most remote area. Fire Alarm system Per CFC 907.2.7, fire alarm system is not required as the occupant load is less than 500. A sprinkler monitoring system is required per CFC 907.6.6. Fire Access Fire apparatus access road is within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls. CFC 503.1.1. Fire Evacuation Plan/ Evacuation Routes The developer shall also provide a fire evacuation plans. a. Fire evacuation plans shall include the following: i. Emergency egress or escape routes and whether evacuation of the building is to be complete by selected floors or areas only or with a defend-in place response. ii. Procedures for employees who must remain to operate critical equipment before evacuating. iii. Procedures for assisted rescue for persons unable to use the general means of egress unassisted. iv. Procedures for accounting for employees and occupants after evacuation has been completed. v. Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for rescue or emergency medical aid. Vi. The preferred and any alternative means of notifying occupants of a fire or emergency. vii. The preferred and any alternative means of reporting fires and other emergencies to the fire department or designated emergency response organization. viii. Identification and assignment of personnel who can be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under Page 6 the plan. ix. A description of the emergency voice/alarm communication system alert tone and preprogrammed voice messages. Accident and Incident Reporting Procedures The developer shall also provide a fire/accident/incident notification plan. The notification Plans shall include the following: i. Procedure for reporting a fire or other emergencies; ii. Strategy and procedures for notifying, relocating or evacuating occupants; iii. Site plans including assembly points, locations of fire hydrants and normal routes for fire department access; iv. Floor plans identifying the locations of exits, evacuation routes, exterior areas for assisted rescue, portable fire extinguishers and first aid kit locations. Procedures and Training for fire and medical emergencies Training shall be provided annually to all employees at varying times under the leadership of a competent employee and under the advice and approval of the Fresno Fire Department and in accordance with 2019 Fire Code Section 405 Emergency Evacuation Drills and 406 Employee Training and Response Procedures. 406.3.1 Employees shall be apprised of the fire hazards of the materials and processes to which they are exposed. Each employee shall be instructed in the proper procedures for preventing fires in the conduct of their assigned duties. 406.3.2 Employees shall be familiarized with the fire alarm and evacuation signals, their assigned duties in the event of an alarm or emergency, evacuation routes, areas of refuge, exterior assembly areas and procedures for evacuation. 406.3.3 Employees assigned fire-fighting duties shall be trained to know the locations and proper use of portable fire extinguishers or other manual fire-fighting equipment and the Page 7 protective clothing or equipment required for its safe and proper use. 406.3.4 Where a facility has a lockdown plan, employees shall be trained on their assigned duties and procedures in the event of an emergency lockdown. Any questions, please call our office. Himanshu Bhartiya ME (M34132), EE (E16945) FPE (FP1588), LEED AP Vice President 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 Marc Garcia GBH Retail, LLC 470 E. Herndon Avenue, Suite 204 Fresno, CA 93720 marc@greenrbrierhldgs.com Dear Applicant: SUBJECT: ZONING INQUIRY NUMBER P20-04299 REQUESTING INFORMATION REGARDING CANNABIS RETAIL FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8070 NORTH CEDAR AVENUE (APN 403-141-28) 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 CC/UGM (Commercial Community/Urban Growth Management), which is one of the allowable zone districts for cannabis retail businesses. Development standards of the CC 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- Zoning Inquiry P20-04299 8070 North Cedar Avenue Page 2 November 25, 2020 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 center that is in existence at the time a complete commercial cannabis business permit is submitted. Although the subject property is located within 800 feet of a day care facility that provides both day care and pre-school services, the existing multi-tenant retail building, located at 8070 North Cedar Avenue (northerly building) on the subject property is not located within 800 feet of the property boundary of any of the above-mentioned uses (see Exhibit A). 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 2 cannabis retail businesses may be located in any one Council District. If more than 14 are ever authorized by Council (more than 2 per Council District), they shall be dispersed evenly by Council District. The subject property is in Council District 6. There are currently no cannabis retail businesses located in Council District 6. 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. Zoning Inquiry P20-04299 8070 North Cedar Avenue Page 3 November 25, 2020 Cordially, Marisela Martínez, Planner I Development Services Division Planning and Development Department Enclosures: Exhibit A: Plot Plan Showing Location of 8070 North Cedar Avenue (tenant space) 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 SECTION 7 7.1 Social Responsibility Plan: GBH Retail LLC is part of a fully integrated and vertical cannabis company, Greenbrier Holdings, LLC, formed in September of 2017 and operational as an ongoing, licensed cannabis business in the areas of cultivation, distribution, manufacturing, and a delivery only dispensary service. We currently have business operations with offices in the cities of Carpinteria, Parlier, and Fresno and serve the communities of Santa Barbara, Fresno, and Madera counties and currently expanding at fiscally and sustainable intervals. All business operations, including all executive officers are based in Fresno, California. In every one of the communities we are present and serve, our business has contributed positively to the community in the form of local hiring, funding community based organizations, collaboration with community leaders and officials to educate and assist in the transition to a local economy that includes cannabis, and incorporating environmentally sustainable practices including location for odor mitigation, solar, water conservation, energy and environmentally efficient buildings and vehicles to reduce our carbon footprint. Rather than spend several pages explaining what we could do, we are actually taking action in these communities and doing what we say we are going to do. Specific examples of this include but are not limited to: • Parlier  Beautification project including new landscaping and sign for the entry to the City.  Banners for high-school graduates acknowledge achievement because they could not participate in ceremonies due to COVID-19.  Fireworks display to boost the morale of the community during the 4th of July celebration.  Purchase of a community Christmas tree.  Funding Christmas party for city employees. • Carpinteria  Scholarships for Girls Inc. of Carpinteria  Funding for Carpinteria High School graduation ceremony  Scholarships for Carpinteria Children’s Project  Food distribution for Foodbank of Santa Barbara County  Funding for Santa Barbara Earth Day  Community breakfast sponsor for the Carpinteria Children’s Project  Trail improvements for the Friends of Franklin Trail  Funding after school running club for Carpinteria Middle School 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720  Benefit for the Carpinteria Arts Center  Funding for gun buyback program for Santa Barbara coalition against Gun Violence  Funding dedicated to the expungement of criminal cannabis convictions 7.1.1 Since our group of companies already has a history of community outreach and involvement, we would continue that commitment by directly providing financial aid as well as participating in outreach services to educate and supplement addiction services locally. We have and will continue to fund expungement clinics for those who have been affected by cannabis related convictions and hire those whose records have either been expunged or criminal offenses reduced as a result of such services. 7.1.2 We have already incorporated an environmentally sustainable model both in Carpinteria and Parlier by utilizing vehicles that reduce the carbon footprint of the company, building with solar use and equipment that recycles water for use with the cultivation operations, and encouraging employees to recycle and use best practices grow, manufacture, and deliver cannabis throughout the state. 7.2 GBH Retail shall develop and make available to youth organizations and educational institutions a public education plan that outlines the risks of youth addiction to cannabis, and that identifies resources available to youth related to drugs and drug addiction. Our Community Outreach Officer shall then work with youth organizations and schools to help deliver such packages and education programs to youth in City of Fresno. As mentioned in previous sections of this application process, our philosophy includes active outreach and communication with every sector of a particular community including its residents, government officials, law enforcement, fellow businesses, and community leaders to effectively identify challenges unique to that community and build a plan in collaboration with these various interested parties. We make every attempt to get parents involved when dealing with youth interaction and seek to discourage the use of cannabis among youth. This program would be completely separate and apart and achieve a completely different goal than the program intended as a public health and outreach program which is mainly aimed at adults who are either addicted to pharmaceutical drugs ostensibly supplied legally through prescription OR street drugs seeking to accomplish the addicts goal of self-medication. Our CEO, Marc Garcia, was a former Merced County Superior Court Judge who handled drug addiction issues both at the juvenile and adult level and has years of experience confronting the challenges that both situations present. With his guidance and input regarding the implementation of a program in collaboration with other stake holders, there would be attempts to convert adult addicts from reliance on pharmaceuticals and hardened street drugs, to cannabis based medicines whose medicinal value has been proven in clinical settings with a diverse range of individuals from mentally ill patients, to homeless addicts, to veterans dealing with the issue of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cannabis programs would be developed for use as a therapeutic intervention to remove or break addition from these drugs in adults. As a person with experience and credibility in this area, our CEO Marc Garcia would be tasked with outreach and a point of contact on behalf of the company to these various stake holders to create and implement a sustainable plan to outline the risks and curb the use of cannabis and also 470 E. Herndon Ave. #204 Fresno, California 93720 create and implement a sustainable plan on the other side of the spectrum for adults with a completely different goal. 7.3 As part of our commitment to the city of Fresno in the area of community investment and benefits, we are committing to contribute to the Fresno Community Reinvestment Fund as a part of our overall strategy to create and maintain a positive impact on the community in any way that we can.