The goal, he said, is to force those organization to indoor grow houses which can be easier to discover and prosecute growers.

Informants and the use of wire tapping have helped in the battle against marijuana cultivation across the country. But officials also rely on the citizens for their help.

LaNier encouraged the public to contact their local law enforcement officials if they notice any unusual activity.

The conference which ends today at the Ontario Convention Center, has brought together 300 community leaders, youth, and law enforcement officials - from 15 different agencies throughout the state - for workshops and discussions on drug abuse and violence.

Attendees also heard from another national figure in the fight against drugs, Gil Kerlikowske, President Barack Obama's drug czar.

Kerlikowske, director for the White House Office National Drug Control Policy, speaking in a recorded message, assured attendees that Obama has taken a vital interest in the drug-related issues facing the nation.

More teens are now using marijuana and prescription drugs rather than any other drug, he said.

Kerlikowske urged attendees to continue their mission to end drug use.

"Your efforts will help our country thrive for generations to come," he said.

Diane Fox, executive director of Reach Out, said the goal of the conference was to bring together advocates from the national, state and local level to share policies and initiatives that are effective.

"Local leaders, working with their cities and counties can build healthy communities through policy and prevention, she said.

In Ontario, officials have incorporated their efforts into their city planning, said Mayor Paul Leon.

When the city was looking at updating its general plan, officials recognized that in order to build a healthy community, they needed to incorporate a plan "that gives family the opportunity spend time together," Leon said.

It also meant "people in the community coming together and refocusing our effort to stop drug abuse and violence," he said.

Ontario Police Chief Eric Hopley credits the reduction in crime and drugs in the city, to actions taken by a network of agencies several years ago.

"It's all about partnerships," he said.

In 1985, when Hopley first joined the department, the city faced double-digit homicides.

"Because of the connections we made, today, our homicides have gone from 22 to 2 a year. It's very significant," he said. "The police department can not do it by themselves. It's a network, relationship."

Keynote speakers today will include San Bernardino County Supervisor Gary Ovitt and Bertha K. Madras. deputy director, Demand Reduction for the Office of National Drug Control Policy.