In the early afternoon on November 21, 2009, Ejiria Walker called an informal meeting of concerned citizens, including Woodlawn residents and board members of the Woodlawn Neighborhood Association, to discuss issues surrounding the Cannabis Café. The meeting was held at In Other Words Bookstore on North Killingsworth.

Although not a Woodlawn resident, I attended the meeting as part of ongoing coverage on the opening of the café, and the ensuing controversy. Coverage began on November 13th, when the café first opened its doors at 4: 20 pm, and continues today as Woodlawn residents continue to debate the newest addition to their neighborhood. .

Walker stated that the intention of the meeting was not to personally attack Eric Solomon, but rather to discuss issues surrounding the Cannabis Cafe as a business. Nonetheless, discussion was centered almost entirely around Solomon.

Attendees engaged in a free-flowing conversation describing their feelings on the cafe, and recounting their interactions, past and present, with Eric Solomon, the leaser of the building which houses the Cannabis Cafe.

Many of those present complained that Eric never told them he was closing his restaurant (Rumpspankers) and allowing Oregon NORML to open the Cannabis Cafe in the same space. Others reported that since the cafe’s opening, all regularly hosted events in the Village Ballroom have been suspended, with the exception of a dance group that meets Sunday mornings.

Attendees also discussed the possibility of a Good Neighbor Agreement, an idea that first came forth during a November 4th meeting of the Woodlawn Neighborhood Association. To date, such an agreement has not been reached.

Walker suggested that the meeting should strive to agree on an appropriate course of action to pursue. Among the ideas suggested included contacting the Better Business Bureau and writing a letter to the owners Ryan and Sharon Flegal. No definitive plans were set.

A more detailed article about the meeting, and greater community response to the Cannabis Cafe, is forthcoming.