Neil Cuthbert, of California’s Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, talks about marijuana grows on state lands that were uprooted July 8, 2008. (Video by Sentinel reporter Jennifer Squires)
SENTINEL VIDEO: Marijuana found in Santa Cruz Mountains
Read more about: Santa Cruz · Sentinel Video
15 responses so far ↓
Hiker // Jul 9, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Thank you Rangers.
skeptical // Jul 9, 2008 at 9:44 pm
with 14000 septic tanks in the valley, and a highway running up the gut of the watershed, the last thing I’m worried about polluting the water is a few patches on top of the hills…the sheriffs should stick to speaking about things they actually know about…
someguy // Jul 10, 2008 at 6:17 am
waste of resources and tax payer dollar.
this patch hasn’t harmed anyone in years until some stray tattle taler went off-path (not advised last I checked my state park regulations!) and stumbled upon some CO2 factories working away remotely to repair our environment.
think of the energy used to helicopter civil servants in to gut all the plants.
boooooooo!
Bocephus // Jul 10, 2008 at 8:17 am
Say what you’d like but, these sites still pose an additional hazard to humans, wildlife, and the environment.
If you are really for this version of alternative ag, then sprout a patch in your own back yard. The County DA won’t prosecute your for a plant or two.
If I go off of the trail, I don’t want to have to worry about getting shot. So I say, HURRAY to the eradication efforts. If they didn’t conduct such raids with all the publicity, think of how many more would pop up. Do we want to really turn our parks into divided up gang land territory for illicit activities?
I think it is safe to assume that most of us escape to the parks to seek refuge from the hustle and worries of the “civilized” world. I don’t need to be stressed while attempting to relax or have fun.
Kuma Taro // Jul 10, 2008 at 4:05 pm
If one considers the number of Americans suffering from hunger, lack of health care, homelessness,and poverty, the tax dollars being wasted on this type of law enforcement are obviously a mistake. The argument re. the environmental impact of pot growers is doubtful and undermines public support of legitimate law enforcement.
Lori // Jul 10, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I am horrified by comments here that eradication efforts are wasted tax dollars. First of all the toll on society as marijuana works its way into the marketplace is draining on our tax dollars to a far greater extent. Better to nip it in the bud—to remove the plants intact rather than to remove an ounce at a time. Secondly, Amercans do not need to go hungry. There are many charitable organization who will feed the hungry. The government provides food stamps to the needy. There are food banks and churches in every community. Just let someone know if you have nothing to eat and you will be fed by a number of good people. There is no lack of health care. No one is turned away for treatment because they cannot pay for it. You can walk into an emergency room and get treatment without providing payment or insurance. Furthermore, the government’s job is to enforce the law, including drug laws. Why have laws that you do not enforce? People should help the homeless and poor by helping themselves and learning self-reliance, taking care of their own family members and not rely on government to take care of them. If families would provide a place in their home for needy family members, homelessness would nearly disappear. I for one am glad to see illegal substances eradicated in our area and that if we could eradicate them on the street, we would see a reduction in the social ills that you describe.
Steve // Jul 11, 2008 at 7:29 am
To those who have “issues” with these gardens being eradicated: First of all, it’s illegal. If you don’t like it, go change the law!
Second, it’s not their land !!! It does not belong to them. Why would you even think that this is okay. Maybe you could publish your home address so these pot farmers can come and “garden” in your backyard. They protect their gardens not with scarecrows, but guns.
These people are no different then those who move into neighborhood a set-up meth houses. I wonder if you would think that is okay too???
Joser // Jul 11, 2008 at 9:00 am
why isnt Marijuana legal yet?
jim // Jul 11, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Very good helicopters are flying and law enforcement is hard on the job. But maybe we have our priorities misplaced putting so much effort on the evil weed little effort on meth erradication. With all the helicopters and law enforcement available maybe we should be trying to stop the drug that is really damaging our society.
Kuma Taro // Jul 11, 2008 at 5:34 pm
No lack of health care? America ranks # 1 in the world in health care capacity and resources, and ranks 25th in health care services actually available to it’s own citizens. Welcome to the third world Lori.
Lori // Jul 12, 2008 at 1:09 am
You said it. America has the best available health care in the world. The US is the number one destination of foreigners seeking medical care. And always will be as long as the government stays out of it. It is available to all, citizens and foreigners alike. But not free to all. We have a capitalist society and the reason health care and medicine is the best in the world is competition and market incentive. Free enterprise has produced wonderful new safe and effective medicines and treatments and preventatives. There is no finer illustration of what man can achieve when freedom is coupled with incentive. Go USA!
mixpix // Jul 14, 2008 at 9:40 am
Thanks for taking off the default video with the sound. It was irratating to click on the website & have the video sounding off loud & clear.
You may have something if it were advertisements spouting the video clips…
barbara pace // Jul 14, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Big deal, they find one place in Santa Cruz Co. that has pot plants growing–a drop in the bucket compared to what’s really out there. This precious drug will never be completely eradicated–I would say that 80% of Santa Cruz Co. residents spoke the crap, so its impossible to eradicate the place completely!
David // Jul 18, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Hey Lori, I am a hardworking young american who graduated from UCSC. I work as a freelance camera assistant. I work very hard. yet because of the nature of film/video/tv work I have to buy my own health insurance. which because I am just starting out in my career I can’t afford. what do you say to someone like me who works hard yet can’t get coverage and gets turned away for medical aid I desperately need? the US system works good for those who have money. which I suspect you are one of the blessed, but if your not born into money or have a job that gives you benefits you are shit out of luck, pardon my language. a societies greatness is determined from how it treats its lowliest citizens. how about that.
Stooner // Oct 20, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Hmmm , Welll .
Marijuna isnt a harmful PLANT !
It helps people its not bad!
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