Illegal marijuana grows in the once-quiet Antelope Valley are a threat to California’s environmental goals and the safety of Californians. These operations have caused an increase in human trafficking, assaults, and robberies and are responsible for the murders of at least five people living in our high desert community. … While the secluded forests of Northern California are still popular for these sites, more and more criminals see an opportunity in the sprawling desert–vast amounts of sparsely populated space, lots of sun, and the presence of law enforcement is not as prevalent. The only thing lacking is water, but determined growers simply steal what they need.