The Political Landscape:

Costa Mesa residents called on the City Council Tuesday to legalize and regulate marijuana dispensaries.

When her name was called, Marla James slowly moved toward the podium in her wheelchair to address the council. She urged them to find a solution to accommodate residents who need medical marijuana.

“I’m not immoral. I’m a medical marijuana user and I need my medicine, and I’m asking you to repeal the ban and put ordinances that would give your city more control of the dispensaries in your area.”

Despite banning medical marijuana dispensaries in 2005 to promote “health, safety and morals,” Costa Mesa has between seven and nine of them operating under business licenses for alternative health or nutrition services.

In 1996, California legalized medical marijuana, but many cities throughout the state have banned them within their jurisdictions.

City Atty. Kimberly Hall Barlow said she will bring the issue before the council for discussion on whether the city should keep its existing law in place or consider alternatives.

CAMPBELL ENDORSES RENO FOR CITY COUNCIL

Rep. John Campbell has endorsed Ed Reno for Newport Beach City Council.

“Ed Reno brings the enthusiasm of a successful businessman, family man and community leader to this City Council campaign,” Campbell said in a written statement.

Reno, who is in charge of public affairs for the Irvine-based pharmaceutical giant Allergan, is running for Councilman Don Webb’s open District 3 seat.

“I am honored to have Congressman Campbell’s support in this campaign,” Reno said in a written statement.

“He is a fiscal conservative that represents our area with distinction. I am proud to launch my campaign website with the support of our congressman.”

Webb is termed out. Reno will face off with attorney and former Democratic congressional candidate Steve Young in the November election.

“Checking Mr. Campbell’s campaign contribution records, it’s no surprise he would endorse a pharmaceutical lobbyist,” Young said.

ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE TO HOST UCI FORUM ON HEALTH CARE

Democratic congressional hopeful Beth Krom will meet with UC Irvine students to discuss health-care reform at 7:30 tonight at Woods Cove A in the UCI student center.

UCI graduate student Courtney Reynolds, from the group Universities Allied for Essential Medicines, will head up the student round table discussion.

Reynolds and other Universities Allied for Essential Medicines members were denied a meeting to discuss health-care with Rep. John Campbell in December.

Krom, an Irvine city councilwoman, is challenging Campbell for his 48th District seat in November.

DEVORE GAINS IN POLLS

Assemblyman Chuck DeVore is gaining support in his quest to unseat Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer in November, according to the latest poll numbers.

The numbers released this week from public opinion polling firm Rasmussen Reports show that likely voters favor Boxer over DeVore 47% to 42%.

Last month, Boxer had a 46% to 40% advantage over DeVore. Boxer led DeVore by 10 points in November.

Republican DeVore has been labeled a favorite of conservative voters, but he first must duke it out with former Hewlett-Packard executive Carly Fiorina and former Congressman Tom Campbell in the June Republican primary.

With her vast personal wealth, and name recognition, Fiorina may be the one to beat. Boxer lead Fiorina 46% to 42% in the latest Rasmussen poll, that’s one point better than DeVore.

Fiorina started 2010 with $2.7 million cash on hand. About $2.5 million of that is her own money and she has managed to raise about another $1.1 million in campaign contributions.

That stacks up to the $1.2 million DeVore has raised.