The property owners at Island Breeze Farms, a controversial cannabis greenhouse operation across from the Polo Condos, are embroiled in bankruptcy proceedings, having declared $9.6 million in debts, $6.4 million in real estate assets, and $3,400 in the bank, according to records at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Santa Barbara.
Island Breeze has been a persistent hot spot for the "skunky" smell of pot in the western Carpinteria Valley, and a target of complaints from nearby residents, who urged the county to shut it down.
None of the odor complaints was ever enforced. Now, however, it appears the economic laws of supply and demand, added to the owners' difficulties in obtaining a county zoning permit, have forced Island Breeze to shut down. The news comes years after the neighbors first started imploring the county and former 1st District Supervisor Das Williams through emails, phone calls, formal complaints, and in-person meetings to do something about the pungent smell of pot that was wafting into their homes at all hours.
"It's taxing to live under that smell; it's not fun," said Robyn Geddes, a Polo Club homeowners' association boardmember, adding that he would often get headaches because of the odor. "A lot of people just gave up calling in to the county. They'd make the complaint, and nothing would happen."
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