Cell Towers in Residential Neighborhoods
Former County Commissioners pushed through approval for Inland Cellular to build a tower in a residential part of Santa, despite very vocal dissent from residents. Inland Cellular made the promise that the 4G tower would never be upgraded to 5G. Technically, they are correct, as 5G cannot traverse long stretches in rural areas; however, a few weeks ago, Inland Cellular "upgraded" their tower, which now shows up in devices as 5G and has three times the amount of power draw than it previously had. Although the United States government hasn't updated its safety and regulatory requirements for cell towers since 1996, the industry has rapidly advanced, technologically, and multiplied the presence of these towers throughout the country. Currently, studies from 64 countries, including Germany and Israel, show serious concerns with health risks for humans, animals, insects, and plant life. Cancer cases are reportedly tripled among people who reside close to cell towers. The rush for "connectivity" must not come at the cost of lives. Dalton Gardens successfully lobbied to keep out all cell towers from their residential neighborhoods and we must follow their example, because if these studies are correct, it is unconscionable that anyone should have to be exposed to radiation at these levels. It's time to get cell towers out of our residential areas.