Pubdate: Fri, 30 Jul 1999 Source: Auburn Journal Copyright: 1999 Auburn Journal Contact: 1030 High St., Auburn, CA 95603 Website: http://www.auburnjournal.com/ Author: Lee Eisenstein KUBBY CASE EXTRAORDINARY The extraordinary political persecution of Steve and Michele Kubby deserves more coverage in your paper. An enormous and intrusive investigation against them was launched by an anonymous tip. The Kubby's never made any secret of the fact that they were growing cannabis (in compliance with California law). The sole issue here is the number of plants. No evidence to support the charge of sales was introduced at pre-trial hearings. The arrest has been destructive and potentially harmful; there is unimpeachable medical opinion that the behavior of the police and prosecutor has already recklessly endangered Steve's life; they have exhibited no acknowledgement of that fact - let alone regret or an apology. They have also severely injured the Kubbys financially by retaining their computer hard drives and essentially forcing them out of business. Refusal of law enforcement and judge to grant (relatively routine) motions allowing a delay or compelling return of the computer hard drive before the trial is both unusual and highly suspicious. Lee Eisenstein Watsonville - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake