Supervisor Carmen Chu: Pot Farms Under Scrutiny

As chronicled in the local media, a number of illegal marijuana growers have recently been discovered within areas of the Taraval Police District, including the Sunset District.

I would like to commend the men and women of the Taraval Station for their diligent police work. A key component to helping police officers complete their work is neighborhood reporting.

Capt. Paul Chignell of the Taraval Station credits residents of the Sunset District who have provided important information leading to discoveries of these illegal grow sites in residential homes. There are a number of warning signs that marijuana may be growing illegally in a home.

For example:
• A consistent smell of marijuana in the area;

• Individuals coming in and out of the property at all hours of the day and night;

• Lights that are constantly on in the interior of the building;

• Windows that are always covered;

• The sound of generators that are on constantly;

• Unusual extension cords or wiring from PG&E poles.

Under local law, individuals who hold a medicinal marijuana card are able to procure marijuana for their medical uses. However, the recent number of situations that have occurred have been illegal grows, not associated with marijuana card holders.

It is important to identify these illegal grows because they often pose public safety risks for the neighborhood. For example, many of these operations may have unwarranted electrical wiring, which may lead to potential fires.

In the next few weeks I will be holding a hearing to understand the extent to which illegal marijuana grows have been taking place in the District and what action has been taken by local law enforcement agencies. If you would like to make a report to the Taraval Police Station, please call (415) 759-3100.

Upcoming Events in the District
Sunday Streets: I hope to see you out on the Great Highway for the final Sunday Streets event of 2009. I had a great time walking my dog Birdie and talking with residents from the neighborhood.

The Sept. 6 event promises to be even better, closing out with a block party on Taraval hosted by the Riptide. For more information or to volunteer, please visit the Web site at www.SundayStreetsSF.com.

Free Admission to the Academy
The Academy of Sciences is inviting Sunset/Parkside residents to visit during the weekend of Sept. 11 - 13. All residents with 94122 and 94116 zip codes get free admission. For more information, check out www.calacademy.org/events.

The Big Rumble
The Department of Emergency Management is helping neighbors prepare for the next earthquake. It's all part of the "Big Rumble" campaign (at www.bigrumble.org), designed to commemorate the earthquake and events of 1989. To accomplish this, the City is presenting four resource fairs designed to bring neighbors together in the spirit of nurturing a culture of preparedness through information giveaways and family-oriented activities.

For more information on Big Rumble events, visit the Web site at www.TheBigRumble.org.

Free "Build-It-Yourself" Rain Barrel
Learn how to construct your own multi-unit rain barrel system using recycled food drums! The SF Public Utilities Commission and the SF Zoo are partnering to construct rain barrel systems in the Zoo's newest conservation area. Come help build and receive instruction on how to construct a similar system in your own back yard. The event is Monday, Sept. 21. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. To pre-register or learn more about the workshop, e-mail kbriggs@sfwater.org or call (415) 554-0715.

Supervisor Carmen Chu represents District 4.