LAGUNA BEACH : Parents Seek Removal of Schoolyard Tower

A group of parents who have fumed for a year over a 90-foot microwave tower at El Morro Elementary School will formally air their complaint before school board members tonight.

The parents, who have organized under the banner of PEST, Parents for the Elimination of the Schoolyard Tower, say such equipment might pose a health risk for children and doesn’t belong on campus.

District Supt. Paul Possemato said Monday that the equipment poses no health hazard, but the board will hear the parents and may take some action on the subject at a later date.

AirTouch Cellular, previously PacTel, installed the tower--which allows cellular telephones to operate in the area--and a microwave satellite at the school in August, 1993. A contract between the district and the company allowed AirTouch to lease the school property for $18,000 per year.

The satellite dish was removed a year ago after parents complained about the danger of possible emission of electromagnetic radiation.

While an AirTouch spokeswoman has said the equipment poses no hazard for humans or animals, some parents think the equipment belongs elsewhere.

“Until they know what the long-term effect is,” parent Catherine Rowe said, “we want it away from our kids.”

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at 550 Blumont St.