A large crowd gathered Wednesday night, Feb. 27 in Escalon’s Community Center, as the city council sought to get input for the future of the community.

Areas touched on ranged from the city’s current slow growth policy to the possibility of allowing cannabis – either cultivation or dispensaries – in the city and discussion also featured the need for improving the city’s infrastructure.

By far, the majority of those in attendance gave a thumbs down to cannabis in any form entering the city and many residents said they would consider voting for a bond issue to help the city improve the infrastructure but would need more information on costs before committing.

The two-hour session was designed primarily as an information gathering event and was the brainchild of City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Ed Alves, who said he was pleased with the turnout and felt the community meeting is something the council should do at least once, if not twice, a year.

Look for the full story in the March 6 issue of The Times.