Pubdate: Sat, 30 Jul 2016
Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA)
Copyright: 2016 Union-Tribune Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.utsandiego.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386
Note: Seldom prints LTEs from outside it's circulation area.
Author: Monte Jones
Note: Jones is chief executive officer of BAME Community Development 
Corp., which was founded in 1995 by members of Bethel Memorial 
African Methodist Episcopal Church.

ILLEGAL POT SHOPS HURT SAN DIEGO

Meet Javier Rodriguez. Born and raised in Columbia, Rodriguez 
immigrated to the United States in 1989. He set down roots in Logan 
Heights as the owner and manager of Restaurante Antojitos Colombiano.

Serving authentic Columbian cuisine by an attentive, knowledgeable 
staff, Rodriguez's restaurant soon cultivated a loyal customer 
following. His business thrived, until an unpermitted, unregulated 
marijuana outlet opened for business next door.

In no time, Rodriguez's restaurant was enveloped in a persistent, 
pungent cloud of marijuana smoke. As Rodriguez, his staff and patrons 
reeled from the fumes, a steady stream of people frequented the pot 
shop next door during all hours of the day and well into the night.

Diners complained to Rodriguez of the overpowering marijuana smoke 
seeping into the restaurant as they attempted to enjoy their meals. 
His kitchen staff was impacted particularly by the marijuana smoke, 
complaining of shortness of breath and headaches, as well as nose and 
throat irritation.

While Rodriquez's legal, permitted business suffered, an outlaw 
marijuana outlet bustled with business, selling drugs to a 
suspicious, at times disruptive, clientele.

Rodriguez's story is not uncommon. In fact, his experience is shared 
with many small business owners, across the city of San Diego, who 
have the misfortune of operating a restaurant, retail or professional 
establishment next door to an illegal pot shop.

Despite San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith's recent success in 
shutting down several illegal marijuana dispensaries, dozens remain 
open for businesses.

Operating in defiance of municipal laws - and at times, court orders 
to close shop - these unpermitted, unregulated businesses are a 
blight on neighborhoods.

Complaints filed with the City Attorney's Office describe the 
negative impacts illegal marijuana operators and their customers 
impose on neighborhoods: loitering, littering, graffiti, vulgarity, 
smoking marijuana in public view, and at times, violence.

In short, illegal marijuana outlets are putting the health, safety 
and general well-being of neighborhoods in jeopardy.

Rodriguez lost family members to drug violence in his native 
Columbia. He came to America to achieve his dream of becoming a 
successful businessman in a city where the rule of law is respected, 
and where people are willing to do their part to make San Diego a 
stronger, more vibrant community.

For his part, Rodriguez is grateful his story had a happy ending. 
Several weeks ago, the operators of the illegal pot shop next to his 
restaurant vacated the storefront. A lawsuit filed by the property 
owner - and an impending visit by officers with the U.S. Marshals 
Service - prompted their departure.

Sadly, the relief Rodriguez and his neighbors felt was short-lived. 
The operators simply moved their illegal drug business to a 
storefront down the street.

Rodriguez rejects the attitude of out of sight, out of mind. He is 
determined to continue championing the passage and enforcement of 
laws that prevent unlicensed, unregulated marijuana outlets from 
destroying Logan Heights and other neighborhoods throughout 
Southeastern San Diego.

Every wasted moment enables more illegal pot shops to take root in 
communities that are already striving to overcome economic hardship, 
blight and crime.

As a San Diego resident, small business owner and neighborhood 
advocate, Rodriguez is proud to lend his voice to the chorus of San 
Diegans who urge the San Diego City Council and City Attorney Jan 
Goldsmith to "Pull the Weeds Now."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom