Andrew Thurm SM to Coldwell Banker LAX In today's challenging real estate market, 310-444-4444 work with Andrew Thurm, an award winning agent 310.442.1651 $30 w w w . a n d r e w t h u r m . c o m Hybrid • Mercedes-Benz representing Santa Monica and the Westside! SantaMonicaTaxi.com not valid from hotels or with other offers • SM residents only • Expires 5/31/09 Visit us online at smdp.com THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2009 Volume 8 Issue 223 Santa Monica Daily Press WHAT WENT WRONG? SEE PAGE 4 We have you covered THE MAD DECENT ISSUE Marijuana discovered in SM Mountains BY DAILY PRESS STAFF SM MOUNTAINS More than 3,000 marijuana plants in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area were destroyed this week after authorities raided three pot plantations. Rangers from the National Park Service were joined Tuesday by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California State Park Police, CAMP (Campaign Against Marijuana Planting) and the Mountains Conservation Authority as they entered the plantations, two of which were located in Malibu Creek State Park, while the other was found in the Zuma-Trancas Canyon area. In all, 3,509 plants were destroyed, including 1,421 plants at Zuma Canyon, authorities said. Garbage, PVC piping, camping equipment, fertilizer and chemicals were also removed. “This was an extremely successful collabora- tive effort,” said Chief Park Ranger Evan Jones. “Not only were we able to pool our resources to eradicate the marijuana plants, but we were also able to take initial steps toward site clean- up and natural resource restoration.” AWESOME VIEW Brandon Wise
[email protected] Collaboration between the many local, Steve Hazarabedian and his fiancee Sharyl Dean enjoy a ride on Pacific Park’s Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier Wednesday.