From The Earth v. Beltran CA2/7

background of From The Earth’s cause of action for extortion. According to Patel, in October 2018 From The Earth applied to the City for non-storefront commercial cannabis delivery,

Statutory references are to this code unless otherwise stated.

2 cultivation, manufacturing and distribution business licenses. As part of its application From The Earth completed a mapping report verifying that its proposed business location was more than 600 feet from any schools, daycares, parks and youth centers as required by the City’s municipal code. On October 31, 2018 the City notified From The Earth its application had been successfully submitted and was being advanced to phase two of the application process. On November 7, 2018 the City notified From The Earth it was a “qualified applicant” and its application had advanced to the third and final phase, city council consideration. Around the time of the City’s November 7, 2018 notice, Beltran telephoned Patel. Patel’s declaration stated he understood Beltran was a former City of Bell councilmember with a criminal record and a reputation for attempting to assert influence in cities that were awarding cannabis licenses. According to…