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." - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom