Neighborhood Update

I wondered why there was a police helicopter circling overhead as I walked the dog this morning:

Officials discovered about 700 marijuana plants in two separate indoor growing operations Monday morning at the site of an East Oakland home invasion and a house fire near Allendale Park.

One of the grows apparently sparked a fire about 7 a.m. in the 3900 block of Angelo Avenue, two blocks from Allendale Elementary School. It took longer than usual to put out because firefighters were dealing with flare-ups of hot spots they think were caused by the power system used for the lights and other equipment. Eight car batteries were apparently being used.

Nobody was reported injured in the blaze. Officials found about 300 marijuana plants in the lower levels of the house. The estimated street value of the plants would be more than $100,000.