Capital Public Radio
The city of Sacramento has issued nearly $100 million in fines against Northern California homeowners for illegal cannabis grows in the past two years. Many are rental property owners who claim rogue tenants operated the grows without their knowledge. Dozens have taken legal action to challenge the city, but some attorneys call the process "a kangaroo court."
CapRadio's Scott Rodd has been following the story: from homeowners worried about keeping their properties and retirement investments intact, to city officials who say the enforcement is needed to cut down on the cannabis black market in Sacramento.
Check back here for the latest as Rodd continues to dig into this story.
Have you been affected by the city's cannabis fines? Contact reporter Scott Rodd at scott.rodd@capradio.org.
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January 16, 2020 | Scott Rodd
Sacramento has held property owners responsible for cannabis grown on their property by a tenant, even if they can prove they didn’t know about it. The city just scrapped that rule.
December 18, 2019 | Scott Rodd
From Stanislaus County to Malibu, local governments are hitting property owners with heavy fines to curb illegal pot grows.
October 9, 2019 | Scott Rodd
The city has issued about $94 million in fines against homeowners for illegal cannabis cultivation. Many are rental property owners who claim their tenants operated the grow without their knowledge. Now, dozens are taking their case to court.
September 26, 2019 | Scott Rodd
When homeowners appeal the fines, which are often hundreds of thousands of dollars, the city says the hearings are designed to be “informal.” But defense attorneys say appealing the penalties rob owners of their right to due process.
September 16, 2019 | Scott Rodd
Hundreds of property owners have challenged the penalties. Their attorneys allege the city’s enforcement has turned into a money-making scheme.
