Illegal marijuana cultivation in San Bernardino County was the big topic of last night’s town hall with U.S. Congressman Jay Obernolte, who represents the Morongo Basin. Lieutenant Mark Bracone from the County Sheriff’s Gangs Narcotics division spoke during the event, stating that there are 935 confirmed illegal outdoor cultivation sites in the county with an estimated 300 additional unreported sites as of June 23. Bracone stated that the County is looking into raising fines for illegal marijuana cultivation and implementing more enforcement and education programs in August, but even then, it will take an estimated 1-2 years to successfully combat the influx. Obernolte stated that a recent partnership between local law enforcement and the DEA resulted in a large-scale eradication of illegal grow sites in Los Angeles and that he plans to continue the DEA partnership with San Bernardino County.
Obernolte also briefly reviewed ongoing national topics; including his concerns over inflation, the national debt, and large-scale ransomware attacks; before moving on to other district concerns, including the attempted placement of sexually violent predator Lawtis Rhoden into Twentynine Palms. During Q&A, Obernolte answered public questions regarding breaking up large tech companies, current inflation issues, immigration policies, public access to healthcare, programs for military veterans, mineral mining for green energy projects, and overall crime on the state and national level.
