RANCHITA RESIDENTS REJECT PROPOSED CELL TOWER

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By Ariele Johannson

March 9, 2013 (Ranchita) -- For most people, their home is their sanctuary. Having a cell tower erected close to your home or in your neighborhood would be an issue. Yet, if you disagreed with a neighbor’s application to install a cell tower, ranging in height to 58’, would you be able to do anything about it? In the unincorporated community of Ranchita, which is 4,065 feet elevation and approximately 12 miles southwest of Borrego Springs, a group of residents is finding out. These residents have formed an organization, Ranchita Community Group for Responsible Cell Tower Siting. They have committed to proving to the county that the proposed location of a new Verizon cell tower is inappropriate. The construction company is Vista Towers, LLC. The county’s job is to review the application for the tower.

The newly-formed organization held an informational meeting on Thursday, February 14, 2013, because members of the San Diego Planning and Development Services offered to come up to Ranchita. Planning Manager, Jarrett E. Ramaiya, and Land Use and Environmental Planner, Marisa Smith, attended for two reasons: to experience the area surrounding the proposed Verizon cell tower site and to hear concerns of Ranchita residents. Not represented at the meeting, however, were the many visitors and tourists who travel each year to our desert region, where this cell tower will be visible from designated Scenic Highway S22. In fact, the proposed site is only 800’-1000’ from what is called the “view shed” on roads designated as scenic highways or byways. County Route S22 begins at the junction with County Highway S2 in San Diego County and runs eastward as Montezuma Valley Road through the rural community of Ranchita. It enters Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and then descends for approximately 12 miles (19 km) to the desert community of Borrego Springs, offering magnificent views of the Borrego Valley as it winds steeply down Montezuma Grade. This route was established in 1968.

The drive into Ranchita from Highway 79 and San Felipe Road features the rolling hills of the San Felipe Mountains, grazing meadows, and various ecosystems and climate zones existent throughout this rugged region of ancient oaks. It is the route to Lake Henshaw, Warner Springs, and Borrego Springs. The proposed site is on Old Mine Road, a private dirt road with about fifty homes in the vicinity that would be affected by the tower. These include the private residential property at which the cell tower is proposed. A neighbor and owner of two historic adobe homes built in 1940 and her tenant are close to that property. The cell tower would be visible from all of the many windows of the adobe, which are on the side of the home facing the proposed area a little farther up on a low hill. The approximate physical distance to the tower site is only 1,000’. Currently, there is nothing blocking the view. Protection does exist under Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act for buildings available for historic designation.

Ranchita residents brought a list of concerns to the gathering. They are urging the county to change to an alternative site, one that is suitable and does not change the character of the area or risk the health and well-being of people and animals. The list includes property devaluation, health concerns, fire safety, public safety, marring of a designated scenic highway, noise, aesthetics, community character, and zoning. The county argues that a large tower like this one has to be close to those homes, businesses, or roadways it will serve. Currently, AT&T provides a good signal and all smart meters in Ranchita transmit data from wireless smart meters via the AT&T signal from Rutherford Peak on Volcan Mountain. So, there is a good signal from that location to all of Ranchita. Several people at the meeting attested to adequate cell phone coverage. They believe Volcan Mountain would be as a better site, co-located on Rutherford Peak. A site on Volcan Mountain would actually benefit the sheriff’s department in San Felipe Valley with a cell signal, whereas the current proposed location in Montezuma Valley would not.

Planning Manager Jarrett Ramaiya told the group they try to borrow elements from existing character to disguise towers. He distributed color copies of computer photo simulations prepared by Vista Towers. In one, the cell tower is hidden by a water tower; and in another, by an artificial monopine, which towers above the existing foliage. The height of the proposed cell tower is 58’. Parts of the equipment shelter are 12’ high. A split-face CMU walled enclosure would be built, ranging from almost 7’ tall to 12’ tall in places (with a 12’ tall steel gate along the front of the tower) for protection and noise reduction. Neither of the options in the photos was well received by the community. There is no structure shown in the photo simulations, so they tend to be misleading.

The Planning Commission is the body which makes the final decision. A hearing will be held with about fifty days notice to the public if the project is approved. However, Mr. Ramaiya told attendees the project is still in draft stage, and they have purposely slowed down the project. He stated that he prefers to hear residents, and for it to be an organic process. So, why is the area on the hill graded if the project is only a proposed one? These and other issues were discussed.

Barbara Schnier brought up the subject of generator noise as the group sat on the patio next to a 500 year old oak in the quiet and peaceful ambience of the land. The response was that the County of San Diego has a noise ordinance that governs proposed projects and a specialist who analyzes all conformity with this ordinance at the property line. One can apply to have this mitigated. But another concern is the frequencies which are emitted by cell towers. When Planning and Development Services applies for a major use permit, only the following aspects have to support the project’s application to the Commission: bulk, scale, coverage, traffic issues, and community character. Potential health hazards to the public are not included in the list of considerations that the county needs to address. Yet, there are numerous studies on real health hazards associated with electromagnetic frequencies. The 2012 BioInitiative reviews all of the current science, and it shows that extremely high radio frequency levels are allowed by the FCC. Some believe FCC guidelines are not based on the current scientific evidence. There are 29 international experts who subscribe to the most current findings, including Cindy Sage and Sage Associates of Santa Barbara. Ms. Sage’s comments and findings as an Environmental Science Consultant since 1972 were filed before the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C. on February 3, 2013.

As much as city and suburban dwellers do not want to pay for wildfires in the back country, so back country residents do not want industrial sites (cell towers, utility lines, power links, etc.) causing fires in their communities. It has been determined that recent major fires have been started by SDG&E utility power equipment in rural areas of San Diego County. Lori Livingston inquired about the danger of sparking in a windy area and incidence of cell towers falling. Cell towers can fall like trees due to weather, fire, or poor construction, and cases been documented with some frequency. Other concerns included the greater likelihood of industrial sites with generated power starting fires in a community with one escape route. But according to Ramaiya, the site would be designated as civic or service, rather than industrial. This was challenged by one resident, because a cell tower can have numerous transmitters for co-location. This might seem like a fine point, but industrial site requirements are more rigorous. Certainly, a cell tower would be perceived by many as an industrial site.

Angela Acosta of Warner Springs Realty spoke to the issue of property values, which in this particular area are the highest in Ranchita. The existence of a cell tower would be a major drawback for potential buyers. A great majority of her clients consider this area for health reasons: minimal chemicals, clean water, fresh air, less radio frequencies-in some cases for autistic children- and quiet. Property values are related to contiguous open space and industrial sites, and can be valued or devalued by 20%. This hurts homeowners when they cannot sell their property for its prior value. According to Ramaiya, property values are relevant and Ms. Acosta’s comments are appreciated, but again, the issue is not one he has to report on for a major use permit.

The county also stated that there are needs of residents who want more cell service, internet, and business opportunities. Yet, residents at the meeting report that cell coverage by AT&T works well throughout Ranchita, and some are getting high speed internet with the “hot spot” device on smart phones now provided by cell phone companies . However, all of a sudden, after having good Verizon service on Montezuma Valley Road, the service got worse to nonexistent in places where it was previously working. Verizon customers noticed it started in November 2012 when the applicant took the project off-hold. Supposedly, there has been no degradation of service. Tammy Cooter added that before the Pine Fire, Verizon was the only active cell company here and that she still has Verizon. She added that a Verizon tower could go on Volcan Mountain without disturbing the health benefits and beauty of this place.

Alana Sills is one of those who moved to Ranchita to heal. She lives in one of the two adobe homes near the neighbors applying for the cell tower project. Once ill and on several medications, her health has improved drastically since moving to this spot. She reports that when she visits relatives in Murietta, she gets sick from a nearby cell tower and will have to move if a tower goes in. She believes radio frequencies would affect the energy and healing properties of the environment here, as well as plants and the abundant wildlife.

Archaeological and paleontological concerns have surfaced. Digging through inches of topsoil to plant her garden, Ms. Sills found, among others, a conch shell. Shells are aged according to how they are fossilized, and this one was dated by a gemological lab at approximately five million years. There is evidence this area was once a waterway and higher than Borrego, perhaps connected to the Sea of Cortez. Water eventually washed off to the Salton Sea, so the area could be full of fossils. Thomas Markell III added that the area is culturally rich in arrowheads, pottery, and metates. Ramaiya assured them there would be a certified paleontologist onsite to monitor all excavating.

The proposed site is on a parcel of private property with a home, and it has been cleared and graded. When asked about this, Jarrett Ramaiya agreed it was suspicious, being cleared so close to the time of application. The resident claims he cleared it for fire defensible space. But there is no reason to clear vacant land over a thousand feet from the home in just the one spot where the tower would go. In fact, it is a violation to prepare a site for development by an individual property owner or an installation company without a permit before project approval. Biological review is required to document the vegetation pattern and determine whether there are any sensitive plants. Vista Towers/ Plancom withdrew two prior applications because of existent protected botanical species that would be disturbed.  Grading prior to application this third time removed that obstacle.

As The Ranchita Community Group for Responsible Cell Tower Siting and their friends hold their breath, the county performs its due diligence. Updates will be made available as the story develops for this group of San Diego County residents determined to fight city hall. They are accepting donations for their legal fund that will go directly to their legal representatives. Donations over $100 are tax deductible and should be made out to Peoples Initiative Foundation. Smaller donations, even as low as $5, are greatly appreciated and those can be made out to Ranchita Community Group for Responsible Cell Tower Siting or RCGRCTS. All donations should be sent to the following address: Ranchita Community Group for Responsible Cell Tower Siting, P.O. Box 501, Warner Springs, CA 92086

 


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Comments

Verizon, wake up to community concerns

As past president of the Ranchita/San Felipe community center and historical society, I and many others have worked hard to preserve the special character of our community.  Clear skies, a peaceful and quiet environment, abundant wildlife, and a natural beauty are just some of the special reasons we have chosen to live here.  Now Verizon, through its avatar Vista towers, is asking the county for permission to site a major industrial use in the middle of our homes.  I say major industrial use because once approved and built, this tower complex can be used by many other companies creating a forest of communication dishes, antennas and assorted paraphernalia.  Currently, both Ranchita and San Felipe Valley have good service from the ATT tower on Volcan Mountain.  Why would Verizon want to locate their industrial tower complex in the proposed location when it wouldn't even provide coverage to San Felipe valley, currently being served only by ATT?  Why would the county, dedicated to preserving much of the backcountry through the proposed 20/20 plan, want to permit such a usage when a good alternative is available?   Though small in size, our community has worked had to preserve its special nature.  I call on county officials and our supervisors to help us in this struggle.

Homeowners have the right to enjoy property and health

There is no right to destroy the enjoyment of property and health through ugly, noisy, dangerous cell towers close to residences. I smell an industry insider calling names, always the same words. These people are paid by corporations to comment on articles like this one, that tells the truth about companies that place cell towers in residential locations. You have the right to be safe and to enjoy your property. Fight cell towers near residential neighborhoods with all you've got! I hope to see them all taken down one day.  BTW, Ranchita has excellent cell phone service already. www.electrosmogprevention.org

illegal grading and decrease in signal coincidence?

STRANGE COINCIDENCES THAT ASSIST VERIZON MAKE ITS CASE AND CLEAR OBSTACLES FOR A TELECOM SITE IN A NON PREFERRED ZONE.

Prior to permits, telecom site was graded irradicating any sensitive species.  The last two sites Verizon tried to move on were withdrawn due to protected species. These sites were in same general area with similar botanical species.

Is it a coincidence, no chance was taken this third time, and grading was done before the County came out for an inspection?

Is it a coincidence that numerous people report degradation of cell phone service since November 2012 in the exact area Verizon claims there is no service and it needs another tower to "fill a gap" in service? For at least four years this stretch of S-22 had almost uninterrupted service along this same stretch of road. But mysteriously service was markedly degraded the same month Verizon decided to restart its application process for a telecom facility on Old Mine Rd, in Ranchita.

  No admission by Verizon of intentional degradation of service to make a stronger case for its application for another telecom site on S-22.

Information from Verizon sources, show a change in Codes at the Volcan/Rutherford Peak Site on August 27th, 2012, just prior to close of the public comment period with the County.

Do we need to call the TURKO files to find out what this is all about?  It appears so.

 

 

 

GO RANCHITA -STAND UP TO VERIZON RE STAYING W/I THE LAW!

Ranchita Community Group is a living example of democracy in action.  They are holding VERIZON to the same standard as other citizens. ...

'Play by the rules' .  The rules can be found in numerous places, among them, San Diego Grading Ordinance, Fire Safety Codes and Construction Codes, CEQA, Telecommunication policy of San Diego County found in its Ordinances regarding zoning and cell tower siting.

This location runs afoul and violates numerous laws San Diego County has put in place to protect neighborhood character, Safety of residents, sensitive environmental issues and the natural beauty of our back country viewshed from our County Scenic Highways. 

The  project proposed for Old Mine Rd in Ranchita has numerous incurable flaws.  From violations of Grading  Ordinances, Fire Safety, non-preferred siting in a residential area etc.  There is an alternate site that meets Verizon's stated coverage objectives on Montezuma Valley Road.  There is already an AT&T site on Rutherford Peak that gives excellent coverage to Verizon's target area which is a seven (7) mile stretch of Montezuma Valley Rd. (s-22).  Smart meters all over Ranchita are communicating to the Utilities through the cell signal from this AT&T Rutherford Peak site. There is  NO NEED, There is no Significant GAP in coverage that would necessitate this additional tower.

Make no mistake about it, the community group  prefers Verizon coverage. Its signal is more bio-compatible than AT&T's technology (see World Health Organization's 2012 position on this)

 But better Verizon coverage can be accomplished without destroying a beautiful scenic neighborhood  with the most expensive homes in the area as well as homes of historical significant protected under section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act.  

Verizon does not have to put resendents at higher fire risk to accomplish its coverage goals and it does not have to destroy one of our most beautiful views from Scenic Highway S-22.

We invite Verizon to take another look at its coverage maps and see that this site not only doesn not add to its coverage objectives it destroys beauty we cannot recover.  

Tin Foil Hats

A better title for the article would be some Ranchita Luddites oppose progress.

Verizon has better nationwide services than AT&T, always has, always will. Why should I pay for a second inferior cell service?  Let Verizon improved services for everyone, including our firefighters and paramedics. It will benefit all, including the Luddites when they need help..

Bravo to Ranchita Community in Fighting Cell Tower

My congrats to the Ranchita community in standing up to cell tower companies by saying "NO" to an ugly and unhealthful cell tower being planned for their community. A major "BOO!" to those who would profit from the lease of this cell tower. Radiofrequency emissions from cell towers have been decried by a large number of researchers as unhealthful - opening the door to cancers and other quite nasty disorders. The Ranchita community is pristine, one of the least polluted areas in our county. Let's keep it that way by not allowing hazardous electrosmog to impact humans and wildlife. Support these people with a comment or donation to stop this cell tower from being built. There is already good cell reception there, this is unnecessary and an abomination due to the health impacts.

For more info on electrosmog (electromagnetic pollution from cell towers and other manmade sources, such as smart utility meters) go to www.electrosmogprevention.org, sponsored by a La Mesa, CA -based nonprofit, Center for Electrosmog Prevention. Don't forget to reduce electrosmog in your home and neighborhood by opting out of smart meters (get rid of them). Contact SDG&E to request a smart meter opt-out today. Your health is worth it.