Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies seized what may be the largest number of marijuana plants in county history from ranchland on both sides of Highway 1 near Lompoc. One of the ranches involved was owned by the family of Jim Poett, husband of Independent editor-in-chief Marianne Partridge. Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Sgt. Erik Raney said none of the property owners are suspects, and that clandestine cultivators often locate their operations on remote lands. Based on the food found on the scene and the style of cultivation, Raney said Mexican nationals are suspected, but that no arrests have been made.
