Council takes first steps towards conquering K2

Yesterday, City Council members approved a resolution intended to address the growing problems with the K2, or Spice, drug in the downtown area. This resolution, sponsored by Mayor Steve Adler, asks for a public safety plan, an education campaign and requests that the city manager identify resources that could be used to address the current crisis. Saying a few words prior to passage, Mayor Steve Adler singled out Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo and Council Member Ora Houston for their work with the homeless community, which has been hard hit by the drug. “This K2 situation is obviously a crisis,” said Adler. “The number of people its impacting – these are some of the most vulnerable in our population and, ultimately, I think we are judged by how we serve those who are most vulnerable. So I’m proud we are doing this.” Council approved the resolution in a vote of 10-0, with amendments by Council Member Greg Casar that addressed strategies for harm reduction and addiction treatment. “Obviously, this isn’t an issue that can be addressed through enforcement alone,” he said. “We have to bring a holistic approach and a research-based approach to this really serious challenge.”