July 26, 2002

sfgate.com

Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputies arrested two men this week and dismantled what they described as a "sophisticated'' marijuana growing operation in a Campbell garage. Mark Thomas Brewer, 38, was arrested on Wednesday after authorities allegedly discovered more than 150 marijuana plants growing in the detached garage of a residence he owned in unincorporated Campbell.

The marijuana was being grown using high technology cultivating lamps, exhaust and irrigation systems, authorities said. Authorities became aware of the plants after obtaining a search warrant for the garage upon finding a 32-amp bypass line on the Shamrock Avenue home's electric meter panel. Deputies were at the home on a civil standby while Pacific Gas and Electric Co. workers were turning off the power to the home, according to Sheriff's Office spokesman Terrance Helm.

On Thursday, deputies returned to the home and arrested the renter occupying the main house, Joseph Lizarrago, 31, after allegedly finding marijuana inside his residence.