County OKs Disputed Cellular Phone Tower

Unconvinced that health hazards exist and in the belief that federal regulations allow them little latitude anyway, Ventura County officials Tuesday approved a 35-foot Faria Beach cellular telephone tower despite local residents’ protests.

About 25 people from the 130-home beach-side community north of Ventura attended the Board of Supervisors meeting to express opposition to the project. But the board unanimously denied the appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision last November to permit the tower.

“I’m not convinced one way or another,” said Supervisor Kathy Long, after hearing arguments about the allegedly dangerous health effects of such antennas. “I feel our hands are tied somewhat by the federal regulations.”

Several speakers spoke darkly of brain cancer and other frightening illnesses some studies have linked to electromagnetic radiation that such towers emit. They noted that products ranging from cigarettes to the infamous drug thalidomide were once considered safe.

“We can’t deny a project based on health effects if the emissions from the specific sites are below the adopted standards,” planner Lisa Woodburn said.

Residents huddled after the hearing to discuss the possibility of a lawsuit. Few were surprised by the board’s action.

“Pro-growth prevails again,” said resident Bill Stratton. “They brushed aside the health risk as if it didn’t matter.”

Still, with more applications for such towers pending elsewhere, board members said they probably need a policy governing the facilities.

The county will require Pacific Bell Mobile Services to plant palm trees to shield both the planned tower and existing ones, but that didn’t placate the residents.

Several speakers said they were insulted by Woodburn’s suggestion that the newest tower will improve the view because of the landscaping requirement.