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Cannabis sellers attempt to silence critic, judge says unconstitutional

August 16, 2025

Ernest and Grace Hall

By KAREN VELIE

While the Paso Robles City Council considers making major revisions to its cannabis ordinance, owners of a marijuana delivery service attempted to silence a critic of their business though a restraining order. However, a judge found the request infringed on the critic’s First Amendment rights.

Late last year, Ernest and Grace Hall, the owners of Dubs Green Garden marijuana delivery service, began posting derogatory social media posts about Linda George, a critic of former Paso Robles City Manager Ty Lewis. Lewis was seeking to resign with a settlement based on allegations of harassment.

Ernest and Grace Hall stepped in as witnesses in support of Lewis’ conspiracy claim in late 2024. Lewis later received a settlement from the city.

Since then, the couple has been delivering recreational cannabis in violation of city cannabis rules which only allow delivery of medical marijuana.

The City Council began making plans to update “its cannabis ordinance to allow existing medical cannabis delivery businesses to deliver adult use cannabis almost a year ago,” according to the Paso Robles City Council agenda for Aug. 19. In addition, the Hall’s want the city to allow retail pot shops.

On July 29, George submitted a public records request to the city seeking information on the couple’s cannabis business. The Halls responded with mutiple social media posts that attacked George’s son and her ex-husband. George responded with a post calling the Halls “F*tards.”

Local online troll Aaron Ochs, who used to defame critics of former San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Adam Hill, also began posting negative comments about George while threatening to file a restraining order to stop George from responding to his attacks.

On Aug. 4, Grace Hall filed for a restraining order against George claiming she had inflicted emotional distress on her, Ernest Hall and their four children. Grace Hall’s filing also accuses George of tortious interference of their cannabis business because of her comments during Paso Robles City Council meetings.

Grace Hall’s filing asks the court to restrain George from speaking or writing about the Halls, their children and Dubs Green Garden on social media, the radio, and at Paso Robles City Council and Planning Department meetings.

San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge Michael Kelley denied Grace Hall’s request for a temporary restraining order because the facts as stated did not sufficiently show acts of violence, threats of violence or a course of conduct that seriously annoyed, harassed or alarmed the Halls.

“The injunction the petitioner seeks would constitute a prior restraint on speech concerning a matter of public interest, which are ‘the most serious and the least tolerable infringement on First Amendment Rights,’ (Paresi v. Mazzaaferro).”

In her response to Grace Hall’s filing, George notes that the state suspended the Hall’s cannabis business in 2024 because they had failed to pay their taxes.

“I have never met the Halls or their children. Even so, the Halls and several trolls affiliated with the SLO Tribune have viciously attacked me for more than a year,” according to George’s response. “I have not harassed or threatened them. I have responded to their insults and I am critical of their attempt to get a permit for a retail cannabis store.”

George accuses the city of “turning a blind eye” regarding the Halls’ business issues.

“Not paying taxes while operating a business like this is illegal and not fair to the rest of us who follow the rules,” George wrote. “After the Halls did a favor for Ty Lewis, the city appears to be turning a blind eye to the illicit activity.”

On Aug. 19. the Paso Robles City Council will discuss permitting local businesses to deliver recreational cannabis and the potential of authorizing retail pot shops.

The next day, on Aug. 20, Grace Hall and George are scheduled to argue their cases in front of Judge Kelly in the Paso Robles Courthouse.

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All I have to say is the Halls make the best fried chicken in the whole world! I miss their restaurant beyond words. They were always friendly, and obviously good people. I am not pro or anti marijuana and have no dog in this fight. I just came back from the deep South and tried fried chicken from all the local favorites and none of them came even close to the fried chicken from Dub’s Paso Grill. I will hold out hope that they will reopen a restaurant !


2

There is no logical explanation for the large number of down votes, on this comment section, other than this site has been hacked.


6

I’ve noticed that this site has been hacked, probably by Aaron Ochs as he is pretty computer literate and hates criticism. His pattern of years of trolling, likely from a relative’s spare room or basement, while holding no means of outside support are classic symptoms for one who will eventually snap. I certainly hope this is not going to be the case and he seeks the help he most desperately needs.


11

south, given the circumstances of the most recent snap of one of the Hill trolls who threatened the lives of our DA, his family, and more than 400 school children, it’s very scary to think of Ochs snapping.


2

Liberal, douchebag, p.o.s. and…..bots.


10

It might be time Aaron Ochs to take a look at your life. For more than 20 years, you have used the internet to promote issues and disparage others. When you fixated on Jen Ford and her family, the entire family was in fear. You have a great voice, you are a good writer, and you are intelligent. At almost 40 years old, why don’t you work on getting a career and a life not focused on causing pain and spreading misinformation.


-21

ITK, Isn’t that the truth! Imagine having to state on a resume that your skillset is causing pain and spreading misinformation.


2

Honestly though; who is obsessed with who here? Countless articles that are anti-pot show a clear bias and agression towards the entire industry. I wouldn’t be surprised if both sides are guilty here.


-6

“The Court is troubled about the conduct of Mr. Ochs, and is worried by his focus on Ms. Velie over a period of years...” SLO Superior Court Case #17CV0400 filing.


Ochs seems to be ignoring well grounded advise spelled out in a 2017 document prepared by the court and filed unsigned:


“…urges [Aaron] to consider the negative consequences of his actions..”


and gives [Aaron] “..fair warning that if he continues his inappropriate actions he is likely to be back before this court; he should step back, step away..”


Och’s obsession with Karen then Debbie Peterson and now Linda George that has progressed over the past decade is concerning. It should be monitored.


Aaron appears obsessed with targeting, harassing and trying to silence the voices of a specific profile: strong vocal women (and their families) demanding transparency and on the right side of justice.


David Platek (alleged former troll for Adam Hill ) ignored the warnings of the court and spun out of control.


-11

Issac, makes me wonder why Ochs almost exclusively targets women.


3

And “online troll Aarob Ochs” has a serious obsession with longtime local activist Julie Tacker. He’s also disparaged several women in the 5 cities area, for years. He’s a menace to society, and exhibits the tell-tale traits that prove women should be very afraid of him.


2

Pay your taxes, deadbeat tax cheats.


Dopers are dopes!


1

It is encouraging to see the judiciary supporting, rather than thwarting the public’s right to comment in opposition to the status quo.


3