War gaming the science on cell phones and health risks: A conversation with journalist Mark Dowie
By
Mary Beth Brangan and Jim Heddle. 06/28/2018
We’ve been documenting the development of wireless microwave devices and the independent science on its effects for the past 20 years. So we were delighted by a recent confluence of events: the release of the National Toxicology Program peer-reviewed study and the publication of an article in The Nation, “How Big Wireless Convinced Us Our Cell Phones Are Safe,” focused on how industry war-gamed the science.Soon after, a major study was released in Italy that replicated the results of the National Toxicology Project study. Both found that the same rare cancers appeared in animal subjects exposed to both high and low levels of radio frequency electromagnetic radiation.We couldn’t resist interviewing Inverness resident Mark Dowie about all of it. Mark is a celebrated investigative reporter and historian, the author of many books, the winner of at least 19 journalism awards, a former publisher and editor of Mother Jones Magazine and the co-author with Mark Hertsgaard of the recent Nation article. Here is our conversation.
Jim: How did you decide to write this story?
Mark: [Mark] Hertsgaard, who’s the investigative editor of The Nation, asked me to do a big story on cell phones. I looked at the literature and found that cell phones have been beaten to death. It’s a shop-worn story, impossible to advance.
So I said, “I think the story is how industry has been war gaming science”—‘war gaming’ is their term, not mine—and gave him the history going back to military research that was done on microwaves during the Cold War, then up to the present, and how so much of it has been suppressed, classified, hidden and distorted by wireless defenders who tore pages from the playbooks of the tobacco and fossil fuel industries, then used the same P.R. firms, the same law firms. All to do the same thing: manufacture doubt about the harmfulness of this technology. Hertsgaard said, “Okay. Let’s go with that.”
Jim: Did you find anything surprising that you didn’t expect?
Mark: Of course. Whenever you do a story like this, you’re bound to discover amazing things that were never exposed before, meet amazing people. But what really stood out to me was the lack of imagination in this industry. They literally did exactly what cigarette manufacturers did for 50 years, even hired the same people who had tried to make tobacco look safe, tried to make P.C.B.s look safe, tried to make all sorts of horrible things look safe. The very same people who had failed to make tobacco look safe were hired to make wireless look safe. That’s surprising to me. Get some imagination, guys. When people do that, I’m tempted to quote Sun Tzu from “The Art of War.” There’s only one sentence you need to remember from that book: “Don’t ever do the same thing the same way twice and you’ll win the war.”
Anybody who’s written intelligently about conflict repeats that adage—do things a little bit differently every time and you’ll win. It’s about the art of surprise. How can you surprise anyone when you go back to the same lawyers and flacks, who will just pull up same tired tactics?
Mary Beth: Folks in West Marin have been hyperaware of these issues since the growth of cell towers starting in the late 1990s. What should our area be aware of, in terms of the evidence and the science that you’ve uncovered?
Mark: I think we should feel blessed to live where we live. I don’t know whether you’ve ever done any of those searches, which you can do just with antennasearch.com. I did this once in downtown San Francisco, and found the location was being zapped by seven big towers. What have we got here? One up on Mount Vision with a very weak signal. That’s AT&T’s. Then we have Verizon over on Mount Barnaby. That’s pretty much it, where I am in Inverness. You?
Mary Beth: We have two towers at the Bolinas fire station, but we have 27 antennas scattered within four miles of our zip code.
Mark: Well, Bo is being zapped. You’re a laboratory.
Mary Beth: Did you look carefully at the results of the recent National Toxicology Program study?
Mark: Yes, I did. In fact, it was peer reviewed and announced while we were doing the story. It was a clear sign that telling and revealing science was beginning to pile up against the wireless industry.
Mary Beth: By that you mean?
Mark: Evidence. Evidence is accumulating. Five years from now, I might very well be sitting right here telling you, “Yes, non-ionizing radiation is a carcinogen.” But right now, I think that the most compelling fact is that a long-term heavy dose of pulsated non-ionizing radiation can break DNA strands, which is a precursor of cancer. And look, DNA is everywhere. It’s not just in humans. It’s in every living thing. Radiation is affecting the grass on your lawn. It’s affecting the bees, birds and trees.
Maybe this year, but certainly next year, the World Health Organization and its International Agency for Research on Cancer are going to reconsider their classification of cell phone radiation. They recently increased its classification from a 3 (“not classifiable”) to 2B—“possibly carcinogenic.” There are scientists at WHO who want to push it immediately to 2A—“a probable carcinogen.”
Jim: What about this onslaught that’s being conducted by the industry to foist 5G on cities and rural areas?
Mary Beth: Do you think that we’ll have to worry out here in West Marin about 5G, the soon-to-be-rolled-out fifth generation of wireless technology?
Mark: Not immediately. 5G is going to be the heart of so-called smart cities, smart cars, smart transportation, smart everything. That’s going to be concentrated in urban areas. Of course, one goal of the wireless industry is to overcome the so-called “digital divide,” which means people in the country aren’t getting the wonders of wireless that people in the cities are getting. There will be more wireless technology brought into the rural areas of the world, yes. But I still don’t think it’ll ever get to the point where it is in cities, where you’ve got the entire city driving itself on smart devices, and seven towers zapping one location at once. We focus on cell phones because we carry them around. Smart phones are everywhere, but just one of thousands and thousands of devices in the so-called “Internet of Things,” the collective product that will be served by 5G.
Mary Beth: How serious a health hazard do you think 5G could become?
Mark: I don’t think wireless will ever be a big, bad carcinogen like tobacco, where you can’t live a long life if you use it. I think it’s going to affect a small number of humans, the “power users” and screen-addicted children who are exposed all day. But the numbers are deceiving. Right now, there are a billion people in the world smoking tobacco. We know from long-term epidemiology that about 5 percent of them will get cancer every year. And about 1 percent of those people will die. That’s about eight million people in the world dying every year as a consequence of smoking—one half of 1 percent of all smokers, right?
If you take that low cancer death rate from tobacco and transplant it to cell phones, with its universe of six billion users, you get a significant number. Again, a very low rate—half of 1 percent. But crunch that number. It produces a huge number of cancers, 30 million worldwide, every year—about eight times the current global rate of new cancers. And that’s just from cell phones. Wireless radiation is almost everywhere, and it’s invisible, silent and odorless. You can’t escape it, as you can from second-hand smoke. We’re being zapped, unknowingly wherever we are, along with every other living organism on the planet.
Mary Beth: I’m sure you came across the fact that there are very small windows of exposure that have huge effects, right?
Mark: Say more.
Mary Beth: Harm from radio frequency-modulated electromagnetic fields isn’t only dose-dependent; it is also cumulative. Studies show there are some small windows of exposure, very tiny amounts that, because they are so similar to a bodily function frequency, really cause problems, especially with chronic exposure.
Mark: Yeah, that’s probably true. And it’s wave pulsation, not the waves themselves, which are virtually harmless, that appear to damage DNA and sperm, while compromising the blood-brain barrier.
Mary Beth: Who regulates the wireless industry?
Mark: The F.C.C., but they’re essentially powerless. They can set the standard absorption rates for cell phones and other radiation emitting devices, but they can’t spank anyone for exceeding the standard. They have no police power. The F.D.A. does and so does the E.P.A., but not over wireless products. That was taken from them by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, a creation of Al Gore and to my mind the original sin against wireless regulation. The bill took all wireless regulatory power away from the F.D.A., C.D.C. and E.P.A. The E.P.A. can still shut down a factory if it’s causing a public health problem, but not if the origin is wireless. And the F.C.C. can’t shut down anything that is emitting dangerous levels of non-ionizing radiation. They can take a license from a broadcaster if someone says “shit” on the air, but they can’t take anything away from anybody who’s pumping excess radiation into the environment. Thank you Al Gore.
Mary Beth: Do you have advice for wireless device users?
Mark: Sure, I direct them to the fine print on their own phone, which few people have ever seen. It’s a vague, difficult-to-find, arcane warning, in very small print, about the standard absorption rate of the radiation from their device. Then I ask them: “You have children? You see your child sitting on the couch with their device over their lap? Yank it out of their hands. They’re zapping their reproductive organs.” Many studies show that sperm and ovaries can be permanently damaged by non-ionizing radiation. That might not lead to death, but it could create serious birth defects in their children. And Mary Beth, don’t carry your cell phone in your bra.
Mary Beth: (laughing) Of course not.
Mark: A lot of women do that. I have to tell you that I wrote a very cynical conclusion to this article that I expected The Nation wouldn’t run. I was right, they didn’t. But I just had to predict somewhere that if the suspected hazards of wireless radiation turn out to be real, and we keep “progressing” from one generation of wireless technology to another, and never stop to consider the possible consequences, 500 years from now only a very few, very rare humans who are not sensitive to E.M.F./R.F. radiation will have survived. The more important point that did stay in the article is that the objective we are all pursuing here, as activists and journalists, is informed consent. Like participants in a clinical trial, a community cannot give consent to new installations of anything until it is informed. That’s your job, and you’re doing it well. But it should also be the responsibility of industry, local government, elected representatives and the public utilities that are allowing their infrastructure to host radiation-emitting technology. And they are all either withholding what they know, outright lying about it or simply ignoring sound science and public health on their way to the bank. And, of course, informing consent should also be the responsibility of media, which is why I took on this assignment, with the intention of focusing on an industry that, by war gaming science and deliberately manufacturing doubt, may be creating a serious public health problem.
Jim Heddle and Mary Beth Brangan are co-directors of Ecological Options Network, or EON. They live in Bolinas.
Scientists Appeal for 5G Precaution 236 scientists worldwide, with over 2,000 peer-reviewed published studies on this issue, warning 5G will “massively increase” the general population’s exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
Thanks to each of you who took action to urge Gov. Brown to oppose SB 649!
We also thank Gov. Brown for actually vetoing the bill late Sunday night, October 15.
Gratitude to everyone who has phoned, emailed, testified in hearings, or met with legislative staff, written Op-Eds, blogs, articles, gave interviews, produced radio and videos and sent post cards.
Those of us concerned with health as well as democratic choice and rights to local control joined the 300 California cities, 47 counties and over 100 community, planning, health, environment and justice organizations opposed to SB 649.
Altogether we truly made a difference and defended democratic choice and process in California!
People across the nation concerned with health, safety and the right to public oversight were also watching how our battle went and were overjoyed. Our win helps everyone. We were also blessed that many great folks from other states generously contributed their energy and talents to our educational campaign here in California. (Similar bills have already been passed in 12 other states and are being introduced directly into some cities.)
EMF Safety Network and Ecological Options Network opposed SB 649 since the bill was introduced in March because of the exponential increase of harmful microwave radiation that would have been emitted 24/7 close to homes, schools, parks, offices, playgrounds. We commissioned postcards that were sent to the Governor in the thousands.
SB 649 would have given the telecom industry carte blanche rights to install powerfully emitting microwave antennas, and associated equipment along the public right of way — on any publicly owned street light, traffic-signal pole, or any wood poles with electricity, cable, or telephone lines attached, while eliminating local authorities’ oversight and financial options.
Please thank Governor Brown today for vetoing this bill by calling his office at:
(916) 445-2841. You can also send Governor Brown a card: Governor Jerry Brown, State Capital, Suite 1173, Sacramento CA 95814
We feel we’ve made an impact with the educational campaign so far and we in our Alliance intend to continue. We give special thanks to the EMF Safety Network, with whom we worked closely from early on in this campaign. Many, many people worked tirelessly to achieve this success!
Now we all need to celebrate and take a brief rest.
Celebrate, but stay alert!
Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Democracy
The telecommunication industry forces behind SB 649 are hard at work at the Federal level with bills S18 & S88 that would further amplify the rights of telecoms and further erode public health, safety and democratic choice at the local level. So the challenge is far from over and corporations like to rush unpopular bills through Congress during the holiday season.
Please stay ready for action with us as we continue to post info and alerts…. We can stop this if we all continue to work together!
Check out the great coverage from this San Jose Mercury News story about the veto and the health implications!
Please consider a donation to EON for us to continue our work on this and other issues!
Hurricanes, flooding, fires…..
Landlines have some major advantages over cell phones in emergencies!
Please be aware of landline advantages over cell phones during emergencies like the recent devastating California fires.
Cell towers rely on electrical power, many emergencies include loss of electricity and landlines can still work without electricity.
Further from the Sacramento Bee:
Northern California wildfires expose emergency alert weaknesses in cellphone era
“County officials in the fire zones are offering a disconcerting mea culpa. Their emergency warning systems are severely limited – and in some ways getting worse.
Traditionally, counties have built their phone alert systems by collecting all households’ landline phone numbers from phone carriers and sending out mass alerts in emergencies.
But the number of people with landlines has dropped dramatically in the last decade. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40 percent of U.S. households no longer have a landline, as more people rely only on cellphones.
County emergency officials say it’s harder for them to collect cellphone numbers. They often rely on voluntary sign-up systems that allow people with cellphones to register their numbers with the county that can be used to send out emergency alerts.
But county officials acknowledge they have not been able to get the word out well that people should sign up. …” http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/fires/article178822381.html
We’ve only got a few more days to urge Gov. Brown veto this seriously dangerous bill! Please take action! He has until 10/15 to sign or veto the bill.
Click here or on the link below to have EMF Safety Network send a postcard from you urging veto to Gov. Brown.
Listen to the RADIO AD from the California Alliance for Safer Technology regarding SB 649. This radio ad was created by Doug Wood and supported by CAST and CA-BTA. It has been and continues to air statewide:
The California Legislature wants to give telecom companies a nice big gift: at least $30 million a year, and perhaps billions of dollars in savings at the direct expense of cities that both rely on the money and use their current leverage to negotiate improved coverage for poor neighborhoods.
Gov. Jerry Brown — or, perhaps more to the point, former Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown — has to stop it. He should veto SB 649, which gives telecoms carte blanche to put their “small cell” antennas on any public property — street lights, public buildings — with a token fee, instead of negotiating with cities for the use of taxpayer-owned facilities.
It’s an outrageous giveaway to companies whose profits are in the tens of billions. And it’s a slap in the face to California residents and taxpayers, who shouldn’t be forced to allow access to public property without just compensation. It will raise serious liability issues, but lawmakers left that up to cities to resolve, even though they took away cities’ bargaining power. Read more…
Please see our previous posts for more in depth information, as well as why this is such a financial, public health and environmental disaster in the making.
Postcard Campaign to Beat the Bill
Prize-winning cartoonist Brian Narelle worked with EMF Safety Network’s Sandi Mauer and EON’s Mary Beth Brangan and Jim Heddle to create a postcard message to Gov. Jerry Brown:
Dear Governor Jerry Brown,
We ask you to veto Senate Bill 649. We don’t want unlimited cell towers in California.
Peer reviewed studies show health effects of cell tower radiation include: fatigue, headaches, sleep problems, anxiety, ringing in the ears, learning, memory and heart problems, increased cancer risk, and more. Studies show radiation harms nature, trees, birds, and bees.
300 cities, 47 counties, and dozens of health, environment, and consumer groups oppose SB 649. Make California a leader by using safer, faster and more secure fiber optics. VETO SB 649!
WHY the wireless industry demands SB 649 – their ‘smart’ city vision doesn’t include the public or elected officials
From reading the following articles we can begin to see the ultimate vision of the national and international wireless industry. They began their long term vision with the dreaded ‘smart’ meters installation and are implementing the necessary additional infrastructure through SB 649. This is all meant to facilitate their concept of “smart” cities. This is a national and international push by the powerful telecoms and related industries, as well as state by state through the assistance of ALEC. They have Trillions of $$ signs in their eyes at the prospect of this reorganizing of our society for their profit. And they are getting impatient.
Therefor, this industrial wireless vision includes removing much traditional authority for local city and county management from elected local officials. Instead, they want ‘smart’ cities where telecommunications companies, software companies and utilities will determine policy. Some examples are forcing driver-less cars, forcing a push for microwave connected products, which neighborhoods get internet access and what our local esthetics will be along our public rights of way. These same companies will determine traffic, municipal, neighborhood and home organization through wireless technology blasting us constantly.
Safety, Environment & Health Policy?
The wireless industry is pretending total oblivion to any environmental or public health impacts from 24/7 microwave irradiation at close range from these powerful antennas along the street, in cars and trucks, as well as from the constant microwave interconnections between all clothes, gadgets and appliances. I say ‘pretending’ because they admit risk to their stockholders that they may be found liable for health damage and have cell phone manual warnings in tiny fonts about placing cell phones too close to the body, particularly for pregnant women.
The public and even local elected officials would have little oversight in these envisioned ‘smart’ cities. Their Internet of (Every)Thing vision includes ever more data gathering. Every IoT “thing”, including robots, sensors, surveillance cameras will generate personal usage-data, which will be mined, stored, and can be used by government, law enforcement, and industry. Our personal life info will be used even more by marketers and those who would monitor and control our behavior and inevitably also by criminal hackers. This is possible only by bamboozling local officials now about the supposed benefits and by removing any real democratic choice over these extreme technological applications.
The challenge in making 5G work for smart cities “…..Julian David, chief executive officer of IT industry association techUK, highlighted the increased capacity and reduced latency compared with existing networks, crucial factors in the use of connected vehicles and harnessing the IoT for rapid responses….All this is feeding the hopes for 5G, but it is going to require a massive investment in the infrastructure and the speakers made clear there are some serious challenges….”
Who is Leading the Smart City Revolution? “As cities look to improve the quality of lives of their residents, they are embracing smart city technologies to usher in clean energy, connectivity, safety, better public transportation and much more.”
EON’s Mary Beth Brangan testifies against SB 649 in the California Assembly
Fighting A Telecom Takeover
August 28, 2017: SB 649, the dangerous, anti-democratic AT&T, Verizon telecommunication industry giveaway bill,is now speeding toward approval by the dis-informed CA Assembly.
[ Listen to EONs Mary Beth Brangan popular interview MICROWAVE SATURATIONon Your Own Health and Fittness. ]
Millions Are Opposed
SB 649 has passed every committee despite tremendous opposition by 300 California cities representing well over 2/3rds of CA’s population. 48 out of 52 Counties, 54 Planning, Communication and Municipal Organizations and 55 Environment, Health, Consumer, and Justice Organizations representing many millions of Californians oppose as of August 28, 2017.
Last Chance to take Action!
A final vote by the Appropriations Committee may be as soon as Sept. 6. Next, the Assembly Floor vote occurs and then either on to the Senate and/or to the Governor’s desk, possibly within a month. Your action now can make a huge difference! Contact your legislators and the Governor Brown.
Devastating Radiation Increase
SB 649 will force a devastating state-wide increase in 24/7 microwave radiation in our neighborhoods, schools, parks and rural areas- the few places left that are now lower in radiation exposure. Cities and counties will have no control over the placement of towers. Children are the most vulnerable and parents will have no rights to protect them from this incessant, dense microwave exposure at close range. Real estate values near antennas will be lowered with no recourse for property owners.
Similar ‘cookie-cutter’ bills giving total control to the telecommunications industry over local officials are moving through other state legislatures in a coordinated corporate campaign.
Telecoms Know Microwave Radiation is Harmful
The telecommunications industry (AT&T, Verizon and smaller entities) know wireless technology is
harmful. All insurers refuse to insure them. Yet they pretend to customers that there’s nothing to be concerned about. Fire fighters have rightfully negotiated an exemption from this bill on the basis of health, yet fetuses, the young, the ill and elderly will all be forcibly exposed 24/7.
We Have Safer, More Efficient Solutions
Fiber-optic cable can be run underground so it is aesthetically and environmentally superior to bulky and dangerous above-ground infrastructure. It has higher speed and much better security as well as being more energy efficient. AT&T has already been paid by customers to run fiber-optic cable to every home. Fiber-optic would allow every resident to have either wired or wireless devices in their home. We must insist on the safest, most effective possible technology!
ACT NOW!
If you don’t want a constantly emitting powerful microwave antenna right in front of your home or school by 2018, take action now! Don’t let California legislators give away our crucial local municipal authority over public health, safety and aesthetics.
More Info
For more information re the threats to public health and democratic choice embodied in the bill, what informed and alarmed citizens are doing to oppose it and what you can do to make a difference:
https://www.emfscientist.org/index.php/emf-scientist-appeal
http://www.babysafeproject.org/joint-statement.html
Press release on the American Pediatrics statement about wireless exposure and children:
http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/american-academy-of-pediatrics-issues-new-recommendations-to-reduce-exposure-to-cell-phones-726805.htm
In this eight-minute video clip Kevin Mottus of the California Brain Tumor Association is interviewed by Gina Loudon about cell phone radiation and 5G for The Dr. Gina Show. Kevin recommends that viewers oppose SB 649 and similar legislation at the state and federal level.
Gina Loudon’s right-wing talk show is distributed on the YouToo America network. She served as a national media surrogate for Donald Trump during the presidential election. Her show reaches a “Tea Party” audience that likely has been underexposed to information about cell phone radiation.
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on Stop SB 649! – Take Action Against ‘Telecom Totalitarianism’
It was beautiful day in Sacramento last Wednesday, July 12 for the hearing on SB 649. But the people I joined in the Capital – people throughout California opposed to this bill, including 216 (of 400) cities and 34 of 58 counties, and at least 34 environmental or health organizations ended up dismayed and outraged.
The California Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee passed the highly contentious bill that day. This was also after SB 649 amazingly passed the Assembly Local Government Committee June 28, despite the huge and growing opposition from the Leagues of California cities and counties, not to mention those of us who know about the severe health and environmental effects. See the Leagues press release: Local Leaders Express Disappointment as Assembly Committee Sides with Corporate Interests over Citizen Control: City, County Officials vow to continue fight against SB 649
The Bill will enable forced placement of powerful microwave radiation antennas called ‘small cells’ on utility poles, street lamps, traffic lights and street signs throughout California neighborhoods as well as noisy, electromagnetic-field emitting refrigerator-sized “associated power equipment” on sidewalks.
These are excerpts of some elected official’s, brain tumor victims and EMF safety groups testimonies in opposition who spoke at the July 12, 2017 hearing held by the Assembly Committee on Communications and Conveyance chaired by Miguel Santiago.
Coming Soon Soon to a Pole Near You
These antennas will emit biologically impacting radiation 24/7/365 and will be on the level of second stories of homes, apartments, office buildings and only a short distance from windows, balconies, parks, sidewalks, etc.
Senate Bill 649 would eliminate local permits for cellular equipment such as this across the state. (Kevin Mottus/California Brain Tumor Association)
The telecom industry wants to install 50,000 or more of these 4G/5G antennas and doesn’t want any interference from local authorities or residents.
Telecoms argue that since they will need to put these powerful RF emitting antennas every block they need a streamlined process that also minimizes license fees to the city. These fees have provided much needed income to local areas for basic revenue, but now this hugely profitable industry will use much public property and pay very little. Cities will be left with liability for their property but without the income formerly generated.
Cities are also concerned that they won’t be able to respond to legitimate residents’ concerns of health risks and reduced property values if the antennas are placed in front of or in back of homeowner’s property.
An estimated one to four million Californians already suffer from overexposure to existing levels of radiofrequency radiation, an environmentally induced illness called Electromagnetic Sensitivity. Electromagnetic Sensitivity is a federally recognized disability since 2002.
Over 250 of such people filled out forms on the website of Scientists4wiredtechnology.com within just the three days before the hearing. If this bill continues to pass through the state legislature, and it has passed through the Senate already, there will be nowhere to escape in cities and they fear they will need to move from their homes.
Historic areas are exempt. Coastal communities are governed under the California Coastal Commission so for this bill to go into effect in our coastal communities, telecoms will be required to go through the CCC process.
Firefighters negotiated a clause in the bill prohibiting installation of the antennas onto their firehouses because of their health concerns in return for dropping their opposition.
Children and fetuses, the sick and elderly are most vulnerable. Yet strong, healthy firefighters want to avoid more of this radiation. We think the firefighters deserve protection and we think we should all be protected. Effects are cumulative and no one is immune. Birds, bees, plants, trees, every creature is affected since we’re all electro-chemical.
Dr. Trevor Marshall testified against the bill explaining that people suffering from chronic illness are more sensitive to exposure to RF radiation and that it exacerbates their disease.
Current city council member and former Mayor of Nevada City, Reinette Senum, spoke against the bill as an elected official and as an early adopter of wireless technology; she had opened the first cellular phone store in Nevada County in 1990.
“I have learned enough about 4G/5G technology that I cannot support the expansion of these so-called “Small Cells” into residential zones….
“Governments and representatives, including Assembly Members and myself, have a responsibility to protect the quality of life of our constituents, protect public property in the public right-of-way, AND stop this corporate overreach,” declared Ms. Senum.
July 18, 2017 broadcast -Mary Beth Brangan, director of the Ecological Options Network, discusses 5G (the fifth generation of wireless technology) and California Senate Bill 649 limiting local control over the next generation of wireless technology and its implications for human and environmental health–and democracy.
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Tony Stein and Cindy Franklin hold a protest banner on the steps of the California Department of Health in Sacramento, CA July7, 2017 EON photo by MB Brangan
Legislators & Telecoms Ignore the Peer-Reviewed Science
This dangerous legislation has never been heard in a committee authorized to oversee public or environmental health or toxic pollutants either in the Senate or in the Assembly.
Concerned people from various branches of the EMF Safety movement provided reams of credible, peer reviewed scientific studies; many impassioned injured Californians testified including people disabled by ‘smart’ meters, and brain tumor victims from cell phone radiation. These people, some forced to testify via phone because of inability to tolerate the levels of radiation from wi-fi in the legislature hearing rooms, were totally ignored. The discussion between legislators, the bill’s sponsor and the industry completely omitted any reference to possible adverse health, environmental and safety effects.
Meanwhile, on the same day as the hearing, on the south steps of the Capital building, there was a 30th anniversary extravaganza for the California Department of Public Health.
Musicians played while people flocked to the exhibits under tents.
Cell phone safety advocates Ellie Marks, Cindy Franklin and Toni Stein denounce the CA Department of Health’s refusal to release its own advisory report on radiation risks. They explain how the bill, SB 649, now moving through the legislature – and similar bills being pushed in states around the country – would eliminate any local authority over cell tower placement and result in toxic antennas lining every block leaving the public with no legal recourse.
The California Brain Tumor Association together with Consumers for Safe Cell Phones, organized a polite protest. They wanted the state agency in charge of radiological and other health aspects, to publicly release a cell phone warning document that it had suppressed since 2014.
Ellie Marks, Founder of California Brain Tumor Association. EON photo: MB Brangan
Here is more on that story and media on suppressed document.
If this document, admitting potential health risk from RF microwave radiation, had been released with appropriate outreach (95% of the population has at least one cell phone) the telecoms would have had to admit the very real health and environmental risks of increasing the forced exposure of this same RF radiation through SB 649.
The same RF microwave radiation that you have at least choice over whether you choose to turn off your phone would now be irradiating you 24/7/365 from only tens of feet away. Exposure is cumulative. Standards are obsolete and again, pregnant women, children, the ill and the elderly are most vulnerable.
SB 649 is a horrific bill in California that we urgently need your support by Tuesday July 11 to oppose!
SB 649 gives telecommunications companies rubber stamp approval to install powerful microwave emitting antennas for 4G/5G every 4 to 12 houses on utility poles along the street! It removes local city and county authority over cellular facility placement and we would have no legal right to stop it.
Please take action!
Though this is focused on what’s happening in California now, similar bills are being introduced throughout the nation with ALEC co-distributing the bills. Watch out for it in your state!
Californians, we urgently need your support by Tuesday July 11 to oppose SB 649!
SB.649 will next be heard at the Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Hearing on Wed July 12, 2017 starting at 1:30 pm in State Capitol Room 437.
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Join Our Peaceful Protest!
Coincidentally the California Dept of Public Health, CDPH, is holding a celebratory party on the south steps of the Capitol on July 12 from 10:30 am- noon. As many of you know they wrote a Cell Phone and Health Document for the public BUT refuse to release it.
Taxpayers paid for 27 versions but this will NOT be released to the public. Dr. Moskowitz sued the CDPH and won but they only had to release it to him. WE WANT THIS DOCUMENT RELEASED AND WE WILL BE HOLDING A PEACEFUL RALLY. Hiding the adverse health effects from radio frequency radiation is allowing the telecoms to increase these harmful exposures!
PLEASE JOIN US at 10:15 (pack a lunch or we can munch on CDPH refreshments!) and then at 1:00 we will head to the hearing.
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We strongly oppose SB 649 because it eliminates local zoning authority, conflicts with federal and other laws, and increases harmful radio frequency radiation (RFR). International independent scientists are calling for reducing RFR based on peer reviewed published science showing RFR harms the public and nature, and children are especially vulnerable.
What you can do:
Please join us in Sacramento July 12 to speak to your elected representatives as well as at a peaceful protest before the hearing!
Call – (only 35 minutes of your time) phone numbers are below
Sample Talking Points: Links to references and studies for good quotes are from EON and EMFSafetyNetwork’s opposition letter and statement below. There are plenty of reasons for them to vote No.
Published and peer-reviewed studies show that proximity to antennas is hazardous — and SB 649 would increase the number of powerful microwave transmitters exponentially and bring them much closer to people.
Other peer-reviewed studies show that wireless radiation harms nature, including some studies on birds, trees, insects, and earthworms for example (and you could throw in, as an aside “not to mention people.”)
Current FCC wireless exposure guidelines, which SB 649 is supposed to follow, are completely inadequate and need to be brought up to date with a goal of protecting children, public health and the environment. Plus, those cell towers existing now are not monitored adequately for compliance. With hundreds of thousands more, there would be even less monitoring.
SB 649 will have terrible effects, based on these obsolete FCC guidelines that are not even enforced. Already existing RFR is making people sick. Vote NO on SB 649.
We would also urge you to visit (if you can) your elected officials in person on the effects of SB 649, both in Sacramento and in your city and county offices.
District Maps and Staff handling SB.649 for Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee
Additional Assembly member contact information is here.
Please see our position statement and flyer from EMF Safety Network and Ecological Options Network below.
We strongly oppose SB 649 because it eliminates local zoning authority, conflicts with federal and other laws, and increases harmful radio frequency radiation (RFR). International independent scientists are calling for reducing RFR based on peer reviewed published science showing RFR harms the public and nature, and children are especially vulnerable.
OPPOSE SB 649 (Hueso)
Let’s Get Healthy California or Increase Harmful Radiation?
You can’t have both.
SB 649 would put radio frequency radiation (RFR) cell towers on every block in every neighborhood and countryside in California with an over the counter permit.
Independent scientists citing peer reviewed studies are calling for immediate measures to reduce RFR. 179 cities and 32 counties oppose SB 649.
“Effects include increased cancer risk, cellular stress, increase in harmful free radicals, genetic damages, structural and functional changes of the reproductive system, learning and memory deficits, neurological disorders, and negative impacts on general well-being in humans.”https://www.emfscientist.org/
Metering so-called “Small Cell” antenna mounted 20 feet high on light pole; faux-mailbox power supply exposes people to strong magnetic fields. EMR Specialist Eric Windheim measures radiation pollution. Scientists4WiredTech.org
19 “Small Cell” 4G Antennas with Faux-Mailbox Power Supplies in Palo Alto, CA
Eric Windheim BA, EMRS, BBEC – Certified Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist – Certified Building Biology Environmental ConsultantWindheimEMFSolutions.com
Shown above is Eric Windheim measuring the microwave emissions from what is euphemistically called a ‘small’ cell. The antennas installed along the streets in Palo Alto measured far higher than promised in the legislation and is high risk for all within range, specially the first 500 ft., according to many studies.
“…As if SB 649 wasn’t wreaking enough havoc on the ability for cities to protect their residents, the June 20, 2017 amendments completely deregulate and eliminate all oversight for “micro-wireless” facilities which can be equipment nearly three feet long dangling between utility poles, raising significant public safety issues such as obstructing traffic sight distance without any oversight. The bill also now applies a utility pole “attachment rate” formula which is inappropriate for equipment being placed on city buildings, street and traffic lights.
As amended, the bill is no longer limited to just “small cells.” It now applies broadly to all telecommunications providers and the equipment they use from “micro-wireless” to “small cell” to “macro-towers.” It’s clear from the direction of this bill, that this is not about 5G wireless deployment, but more about local deregulation of the entire telecommunications industry. This latest version places a new ban on city/county regulation of placement or operation of “communication facilities” within and outside the public right of way far beyond “small cells.” This new language would extend local preemption of regulation to any “provider authorized by state law to operate in the rights of way,” which can include communications facilities installed for services such as gas, electric, and water, leaving cities and counties with limited oversight only over “small cells.”
Health, environment and consumer justice organizations opposed to SB 649 include:
Citizens for Health, Environmental Working Group, Sierra Club California, California League of Conservation Voters, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, Center for Environmental Health, The Utility
Reform Network, Teens Turning Green, As You Sow, Baby Safe Project, Bay Area Educators for
Safe Tech, California Brain Tumor Association, Ecological Options Network, EMF Safety
Network, Environmental Health Trust, EMR Protection Forum, Green Sangha, Health & Habitat
Inc, Marin Chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation, Physicians for
Safe Technology, Radiation Research Trust, Sacramento Smart Meter Awareness, Sage
Associates, Scientists for Wired Technology, Seniors for Environmental Awareness, Stop Smart
Meters,Veterans for Radiation Safety, Windheim EMF Solutions, Wireless Radiation Alert
Network, Your Own Health and Fitness, and more.
Peer reviewed, published science shows RFR poses serious health and safety risks to the public and nature. Children are more vulnerable.
• The National Toxicology Program published a 25 million dollar study which is one of
the largest and most comprehensive studies on cell phone radiation and cancer. In
the study the rats exposed to cell phone radiation developed two types of cancers,
glioma, a brain tumor, and schwannoma, a tumor in the heart. The summary
includes,“Given the widespread global usage of mobile communications among
users of all ages, even a very small increase in the incidence of disease resulting
from exposure to RFR could have broad implications for public health.”1
• The BioInitiative Report updated in 2012, prepared by 29 authors from ten
countries, reviewed 1800 studies and conclude,“EMF and RFR are preventable
toxic exposures. Proactive and immediate measures to reduce unnecessary EMF
exposures will lower disease burden and rates of premature death.”2
• The International Agency for Research on Cancer at the World Health Organization
classifies wireless as a 2B (possible) carcinogen.3
Peer reviewed published studies show proximity to antennas is hazardous.
Neurobehavioral effects among inhabitants around mobile phone base stations “The
prevalence of neuropsychiatric complaints as headache (23.5%), memory changes
(28.2%), dizziness (18.8%), tremors (9.4%), depressive symptoms (21.7%), and sleep
disturbance (23.5%) were significantly higher among exposed inhabitants than
controls…”4
• Epidemiological Evidence for a Health Risk from Mobile Phone Base Stations “We
found that eight of the 10 studies reported increased prevalence of adverse
neurobehavioral symptoms or cancer in populations living at distances < 500
meters from base stations.”5 Future cell tower plans are for 5G which emits millimeter waves. Peer reviewed
published science shows millimeter waves penetrate the skin and affect human health.6
Millimeter wave technology has been developed as a crowd control weapon which
causes acute burning pain, as if the body is on fire.7
• An analysis of studies on millimeter waves (MMWs) “State of knowledge on
biological effects at 40–60 GHz”8 states, “At the cellular level, it stands out from the
literature that skin nerve endings are probably the main targets of MMWs and the
possible starting point of numerous biological effects.” Effects reviewed include
effects on capillaries and nerve endings, protein insults, epigenetic regulation, and
the risk of homeostasis disruption, which would have dramatic consequences.
Despite the misleading title, the 5G MMW technology used in this weapon makes you feel like you’re burning alive. However, scientists are very concerned about the effects on biological systems from its use. Similar frequencies will be able to be deployed from utility poles if SB 649 is allowed to come into effect in California.
Assembly Member Miguel Santiago
Chair of the Communications and Conveyance Committee
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0053
RE: SB 649 Wireless and Small Cell Telecommunications Facilities (amended 7/3/2017)
Strongly oppose
Dear Assembly Member Miguel Santiago,
EMF Safety Network and Ecological Options Network 1 2 strongly oppose SB 649
regarding telecommunications facilities. SB 649 eliminates local zoning authority,
conflicts with federal and other laws, and increases harmful radio frequency radiation
(RFR). International independent scientists are calling for reducing RFR based on peer
reviewed published science showing RFR harms the public and nature, and children are
especially vulnerable.
SB 649 abandons the public to trust the telecom industry to certify safety and
RFR compliance with federal laws.
1) SB 649 eliminates local authority
SB 649 will allow a ministerial permit for antenna siting for the majority of local
governments. This over the counter permit will gift multiple companies unlimited access
to deploy unlimited antennas in our neighborhoods and countrysides. Local authority isneeded to ensure community safety and welfare , and compliance 3 with federal laws4.
SB 649 would overturn a recent California court case where San Francisco won the
right to determine antenna placement. The court discussed in detail and ruled Public
Utilities Codes 7901 and 7901.1 did not limit a city’s right to design review.5 SB 649
conflicts with California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) no and low cost EMF
avoidance policy6 adopted in 1993. In 2006 the CPUC upheld the policy, which included
RFR.7
2). SB 649 conflicts with federal laws
The Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 preserves local zoning authority,
and requires compliance with environmental laws and RFR safety rules. An over
the counter permit would conflict with RFR compliance required by federal Law.
According to the Federal Communications Commission(FCC) website8:
• “Building a new tower or collocating an antenna on an existing structure requires
compliance with the Commission’s rules for environmental review. These rules
ensure that licensees and registrants take appropriate measures to protect
environmental and historic resources, and that the agency meets its obligations
under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to consider the potential
environmental impact of its actions, as well as under other environmental statutes
such as the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the Endangered Species
Act (ESA).”
• “NEPA requires agencies to consider and disclose the environmental effects of its
actions to improve decision-making and encourage transparency, public
participation,and accountability. Effects are defined broadly to include ecological,
aesthetic, historic, social, and cumulative and indirect effects.”
• “Collocations, including Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and Small Cells, may
also require compliance with these same processes.”
• “Section 332(c)(7) of the Communications Act preserves state and local authority
over zoning and land use decisions for personal wireless service facilities, but sets
forth specific limitations on that authority.” …”The statute also preempts local
decisions premised directly or indirectly on the environmental effects of radio
frequency (RF) emissions, assuming that the provider is in compliance with the
Commission’s RF rules.”
The fact that these antennas are called “small cell” does not mean they comply
with the FCC rules quoted above. The FCC calculates RFR by what the public’s
exposure levels are, including frequencies, radiated power, and distance.
For example:
• What frequencies will be used?
• What is the radiated power at the source?
• How many antennas are in one enclosure?
• What is the exposure level at ground level? at 20 feet? at 100 feet?
• What is the existing cumulative RFR exposure level at ground level? at 20 feet? at
100 feet?
• Is the ground flat or falling? If not, what are the exposure levels at what height and
distance?
• What is the future colocation RFR exposure?
SB 649 also conflicts with federal law (Section 6409) which exempts cities from antenna
modifications on city property.9
3) California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) laws apply
The deployment of a denser “small cell” antenna system is a major change to the
environment, not a minor one, and therefore subject to CEQA laws. There is no
substantial evidence to support SB649’s determination that the deployment fits the
CEQA exemption. There is substantial evidence in support of a fair argument that the
“project may create environmental impacts. Whenever it can be fairly argued on the”
“basis of substantial evidence that there is a reasonable possibility that a project may have a significant effect on the environment, an exemption is not proper.”
“4) Telecoms’ interests should not outweigh city and county jurisdiction”
““Telecoms want customers… Wireless service has become essential… for better quality”
“of life.” These claims were part of the supporters testimony at the Local Government Committee hearing on June 28, 2017. Not all Californians want their homes, neighborhoods, towns, and rural country-sides to be polluted with RFR. Telecom deployment serves the unbounded profit motive of telecom corporations. What is in the best public interest is to avoid unnecessary RFR exposures. There is a growing movement of educated Americans who are aware of cancer and other health impacts associated with RFR. In California tens of thousands of utility customers have refused, or opted out of smart meters. Significant percentages of people, those already sickened, and those trying to avoid being injured, adamantly oppose being involuntarily exposed to more radiation for benefit of telecommunications profits. Access to the internet is safer using wired connections. Wireless is not an essential public service.”
“5) The FCC historically honors local control”
“On July 14, 2016 FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel stated during her approval”
“of 5G millimeter wave deployment, “By law and tradition we honor local control in”
“this country.”10”
“SB 649 should be opposed because it will dishonor and impede local”
“control and deliberately thwart public participation. We support the comments of The”
“League of California Cities who state SB 649, “unnecessarily and unconstitutionally strips local authority over public property and shuts out public input and local discretion by eliminating consideration of the aesthetic and environmental impacts of “small cells.””
“6) SB 649 increases harmful RFR exposure to humans and nature.”
“International independent scientists are calling for immediate measures to reduce RFR. Peer reviewed, published science shows RFR poses serious health and safety impacts”to the public and nature. Children are more vulnerable.
• 224 scientists have signed the International EMF Scientist Appeal: “We are
scientists engaged in the study of biological and health effects of non-ionizing
electromagnetic fields (EMF). Based upon peer-reviewed, published research, we
have serious concerns regarding the ubiquitous and increasing exposure to EMF
generated by electric and wireless devices. These include–but are not limited to–
radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitting devices, such as cellular and cordless
phones and their base stations, Wi-Fi, broadcast antennas, smart meters, and baby
monitors as well as electric devices and infra-structures used in the delivery of
electricity that generate extremely-low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF).”
“Effects include increased cancer risk, cellular stress, increase in harmful free
radicals, genetic damages, structural and functional changes of the reproductive
system, learning and memory deficits, neurological disorders, and negative impacts
on general well-being in humans.” 11 Scientists quotes:
• “Based upon epidemiological studies there is consistent evidence of
increased risk for brain tumors (glioma and acoustic neuroma) associated
with use of wireless phones.” Lennart Hardell, MD, PhD University Hospital,
Orebro, Sweden
• “The harmful effects of electromagnetic fields, regardless of their
frequencies, are now scientifically settled. Pregnant women (the fetus) and
children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable.”- Dominique
Belpomme, MD, MPH, Paris V Descartes University, European Cancer &
Environment Research institute.
• “Migratory birds — incredibly important to the global economy and for the
ecological services they provide — now appear to be negatively affected by
non-ionizing radiation.” Dr. Albert Manville, Adjunct Professor, Johns Hopkins
University; Senior Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS),
Emeritus/Retired
• The National Toxicology Program published a 25 million dollar study which is one of
the largest and most comprehensive studies on cell phone radiation and cancer. Inthe study the rats exposed to cell phone radiation developed two types of cancers,
glioma, a brain tumor, and schwannoma, a tumor in the heart. The summary
includes,“Given the widespread global usage of mobile communications among
users of all ages, even a very small increase in the incidence of disease resulting
from exposure to RFR could have broad implications for public health.”12
• The BioInitiative Report updated in 2012, prepared by 29 authors from ten
countries, reviewed 1800 studies and conclude,“EMF and RFR are preventable
toxic exposures. We have the knowledge and means to save global populations
from multi-generational adverse health consequences by reducing both ELF and
RFR exposures. Proactive and immediate measures to reduce unnecessary EMF
exposures will lower disease burden and rates of premature death.”13
• The International Agency for Research on Cancer at the World Health Organization
classifies RFR as a 2B (possible) carcinogen.14
7) Peer reviewed published studies show proximity to antennas is hazardous.
Neurobehavioral effects among inhabitants around mobile phone base stations “The
prevalence of neuropsychiatric complaints as headache (23.5%), memory changes
(28.2%), dizziness (18.8%), tremors (9.4%), depressive symptoms (21.7%), and sleep
disturbance (23.5%) were significantly higher among exposed inhabitants than
controls…”15
• Epidemiological Evidence for a Health Risk from Mobile Phone Base Stations “We
found that eight of the 10 studies reported increased prevalence of adverse
neurobehavioral symptoms or cancer in populations living at distances < 500
meters from base stations.”16
8) Future cell tower plans are for 5G which emits millimeter waves. Peer reviewed published science shows millimeter waves penetrate the skin and affect human health.17
Millimeter wave technology has been developed as a crowd control weapon which
causes acute burning pain, as if the body is on fire.18
• An analysis of studies on millimeter waves (MMWs) “State of knowledge on
biological effects at 40–60 GHz”19 states, “At the cellular level, it stands out from
the literature that skin nerve endings are probably the main targets of MMWs and
the possible starting point of numerous biological effects.” Effects reviewed include
effects on capillaries and nerve endings, protein insults, epigenetic regulation, and
the risk of homeostasis disruption, which would have dramatic consequences.
9) Peer reviewed published studies show RFR exposure harms nature.
• The US Department of the Interior states RFR threatens birds, and they criticize the
FCC’s radiation safety guidelines stating,“the electromagnetic radiation standards
used by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continue to be based on
thermal heating, a criterion now nearly 30 years out of date and inapplicable today.”
Two hundred forty one bird species are at mortality risk from both tower collisions
and from exposure to the radiation towers emit. This includes birds that are
endangered or threatened, Birds of Conservation Concern, migratory birds, and
eagles. Studies of radiation impacts on wild birds documented nest abandonment,
plumage deterioration and death. Birds studied included House Sparrows, White
Storks, Collared Doves, and other species. Studies in laboratories of chick
embryos documented heart attacks and death.20
• Scientists in Germany studied tree damage in relation to electromagnetic radiation
from 2006-2015. They monitored, observed and photographed unusual or
unexplainable tree damage, and measured the radiation the trees were exposed
too.“The aim of this study was to verify whether there is a connection betweenunusual (generally unilateral) tree damage and radiofrequency exposure.” They
found significant differences between the damaged side of a tree facing a phone
mast and the opposite side, as well as differences between the exposed side of
damaged trees and all other groups of trees in both sides. They found no tree
damage in low radiation areas. The scientists concluded, “Statistical analysis
demonstrated that electromagnetic radiation from mobile phone masts is harmful
for trees.”21
• Studies show insects are harmed by radiation: Food collection and response to
pheromones in an ant species exposed to electromagnetic radiation found
exposure to radiation caused colony deterioration and affected social insects’
behavior and physiology.22 Oxidative and genotoxic effects of 900 MHz
electromagnetic fields in the earthworm concluded radiation caused genotoxic
effects and DNA damage in earthworms23.
• Mobile Phone Induced Honey Bee Worker Piping. The study abstract states,“The
worldwide maintenance of the honeybee has major ecological, economic, and
political implications.” Cell phone RFR was tested for potential effects on honeybee
behavior. Handsets were placed in the close vicinity of honeybees and the sound
made by the bees was recorded and analyzed. The information revealed that active
cell phone handsets induced the bees worker piping signal. “In natural conditions,
worker piping either announces the swarmingSB 649 is an unnecessary gift to the telecom industry.
Respectfully submitted on July 6, 2017:
/s/_____________________ Sandi Maurer, Director
EMF Safety Network
PO Box 1016
Sebastopol CA 95473
/s/_____________________ Mary Beth Brangan, Co-Director
Ecological Options Network
PO Box 1047
Bolinas CA 94924
Sources:
1 EMF Safety Network (EMFSN) was founded in 2009. Our mission is to educate and
empower people by providing science and solutions to reduce EMFs, achieve public
policy change, and obtain environmental justice. We have participated in proceedings at
the California Public Utilities Commission since 2010. www.emfsafetynetwork.org
2 Ecological Options Network(EON) was founded in 2003, is a 501 (c) (3) organization
that networks with utility customers and organizations to empower policy protecting
health, environment and consumer rights. http://www.eon3.net/
3 Cal. Const., art. XI, §7 “A county or city may make and enforce within its limits all local,
police, sanitary, and other ordinances and regulations not in conflict with general laws.”
4 FCC Tower and Antenna Siting: https://www.fcc.gov/general/tower-and-antenna-siting
5 T-Mobile West vs City and County of San Francisco (Appeal denied):
‘Smart’ Meters, Forced Wireless Phones and Pulsed Microwave Emitters Everywhere!
by Mary Beth Brangan
We have three huge new emerging sources of pulsed microwave emissions:
1) The telecom industry push to install millions more microwave emitting antennas and to completely remove any antenna regulation at National, state and local levels. Here in California it’s written in SB 649 that’s already passed by the Senate and looking like it’s going to sail through the Assembly. (as of June 26.)
2) AT&T is in the process of eliminating landlines, forcing wireless phones for those in its territories.
3) Utilities installing ‘smart’ meters on homes and businesses, schools and stores that pulse microwaves thousands of times per day non-stop.
The timelines for these three are slightly different, but all will combine in the next few years – unless we stop them.
The Problem: Telecoms are De-regulating Themselves
The wireless industry wants full control of the process of placing millions more cell antennas for transmitting microwaves for 4G and 5G products. They feel the local city and county discretion of cell tower placement and legal compliance is too onerous since there will be so many. Voila! Write legislation that removes local jurisdiction. So the Telecoms wrote boiler plate legislation co-authored through ALEC as well as enlisting help from Trump. These bills have been introduced into a few states so far. Ohio passed their bill but then 80 Ohio cities sued the state over its removal of their local authority.
California’s bill is SB 649 which is designed to allow 4G/5G equipment – very powerful two-way microwave-transmitters to be placed on virtually every utility pole, light pole even non pole structures in the public rights-of-way in both commercial and residential zones. The bill will also allow ‘associated equipment’ power supply cabinets right on the sidewalk as large as 35 cubic feet next to each pole or non-pole mounted microwave transmitter. 5G would deploy multiple centimeter and millimeter microwaves and RF/MW radiation that has been heavily tested by scientists. Much of it is now declassified military research in the public domain.
Certain sized 5G waves (from 28 GHz to 90 GHz) do not penetrate buildings or human tissue as deeply as 4G microwaves – they concentrate their energy on the outer surfaces of buildings or living organisms (skin, eyes, ears.) These smaller 5G waves don’t travel as far as 4G waves and thus require closely spaced cell towers.
Nearly 150 cities and counties in California oppose SB 649 as well as the League of California Cities; we sincerely hope California’s League of Cities will also sue if the legislation passes.
Electro-Magnetic Denialism
Legislators and Telecoms continue to assume no biological effects exist from pulsing microwaves and continue to ignore the following facts.
SB 649 ignores the California Constitution. The California Constitution declares safety an inalienable right, yet SB 649 mandates compulsory microwave exposure for the public – for men, for women, for children, for pregnant women, for infants, for the elderly, for the infirm and disabled, for those already disabled by electromagnetic sensitivities (EMS) caused by overexposure. (We know many of these unfortunate people.) It is rolling out a new level of microwave-emitting infrastructure without informed consent, increasing public exposure dramatically.
Disability due to electromagnetic sensitivity (EMS) was recognized by the U.S. Access Board in 2002. SB 649 ignores this. SB 649 also ignores a 1998 survey by the California Department of Health Services finding 3.2% of respondents were very sensitive or allergic to EMF. That was over 1 million Californians in 1998 when RF exposure levels were much lower. There is no current prevalence data for EMS in California.
Already existing pulsed microwave emission exposures to the public are sickening growing numbers daily. That number is surely much greater now in 2017 with the ongoing explosion of microwave transmitters and emissions from devices like ‘smart’ meters, ’smart’ phones, wi-fi, baby monitors, I-pads and tablets, geoengineering, weather modification, electronic surveillance and directed energy weaponry.
This is happening despite a mass of well documented and peer-reviewed research on the serious public health and safety concerns from increasing and widespread electromagnetic pollution. Risks include: lack of safety and privacy; growing numbers of digital dementia, sickened, disabled people, plants and wildlife caused by RF/EMF.
California Fire Fighters realize the severe health risks from these pulsed microwave emitters and have negotiated a deal to prevent them from being placed on Fire Houses. We want our essential Fire Fighters to be protected, yet we all deserve protection. The Fire Fighters asked for and received an exemption based on negative health effects from RF/MW radiation exposures. The basis for this is the 2004 brain study of California Fire Fighters which showed brain abnormalities, cognitive impairment, delayed reaction time and lack of impulse control in all firefighters tested.
In California, SB 649 has already been passed by the state Senate and is being rushed through the Assembly. Amendments June 20 have changed this from a seriously dangerous bill to a horrific one.
SB 649 amendments would open the right of way to macro cell towers, as well as “small cells” on utility poles, without regulation, and the bill preempts regulation of broadband over powerline.
Although SB649 proponents claim a huge financial bonanza from additional microwave emitting antenna deployment, there is no objective evidence to support this claim. The cell phone industry is a mature industry: everyone who wants a cell phone already has one. Driverless cars and the Internet of Things are some of the new uses being visioned by industry. The frequencies used by 5G are also used by the Dept. of Defense crowd control weapon, ‘Active Denial’ that works by inflicting unbearable pain, as if your body is on fire.
Millions more cell towers would be along every street, every 4 to 10 homes at second story levels and lower. Multiple antennas could be placed on each pole, with emissions that can reach 5 miles. Yet, current recommendations are for at least 1,500 foot set-backs from people, homes, medical facilities, fire and police facilities, elder care facilities, schools and wilderness areas from a single antenna 200 ft. high. However, with SB 649, microwave exposures may be as close as 12 to 15 ft. and possibly from multiple antennas.
Several studies from around the world show people within the first 500 ft. of a microwave emitting antenna have much higher adverse health effects, including cancer. Once again, children, pregnant women, the ill, the elderly and those already injured by overexposure are most vulnerable. There will be no where to escape from these microwave emissions.
What you can do: Contact your Assembly Members URGENTLY to oppose SB 649. Contact info: http://alcl.assembly.ca.gov/membersstaff & http://acom.assembly.ca.gov/membersstaff. It would also be very helpful to urge opposition to be expressed from any major organizations you may be members of, or fund.
If letters in opposition to SB 649 are sent before 1:30 pm JUNE 28, they should be sent to:
Assembly Member Cecilia M. Aguiar-Curry,
Chair of the Local Government Committee
1020 N Street, Room 157
Sacramento, California 95814
RE: SB 649 Wireless and Small Cell Telecommunications Facilities (amended 6/20/2017)
Strongly Oppose
A brief statement of strong opposition to SB 649 is all that’s needed right now.
At this point it’s not about persuading but about numbers of calls.
If the staff member is not available you will likely be asked if you want their email. Obviously that’s tough for you, Shary, if you have limited access to a online work right now, but …
you can ask to leave a message or have the receptionist make a record that you’re calling in strong opposition.
I do feel calls are important tomorrow morning before the hearing. Numbers matter.
Additional Assembly member contact information is here.
Courtesy EMFSafetyNetwork.org
2) The Problem: In areas that were strenuously opposing, ‘Smart’ meters are again being forced onto homes.
PG&E is again forcing homeowners to allow installation of harmful ‘smart’ meters on homes in West Marin, Fairfax and other areas that previously had moratoriums against it. These electronic meters pulse microwave radiation that travels 2 miles and emits thousands of times per day, non-stop, 24/7, 365 days per year. Because a neighbor’s meter emissions can penetrate adjacent homes, EON, along with others, argued for Community-wide opt out in a special proceeding at the California Public Utilities Commission. The corrupt Commission, however, merely pretended that was not part of the discussion and ruled against us, though it was clearly defined in the initial proceeding scope.
Courtesy EMFSafetyNetwork.org
What you can do: Unfortunately, all we can do now is to ‘opt out’ though we never opted in to such a dangerous scheme in the first place. You must contact PG&E to refuse the ‘smart’ meter, or AMI, or any electronic meter (they call them different names) and pay the fees that we consider extortion because you will be paying to not have a harmful meter on your own home. Various legal challenges have been made over the past years, but the courts always refer the challenges back to the CPUC. You must pay the $75 up front charge and agree to pay $10 extra per month for three years. If you change addresses or names on your electric bill, the whole process starts over, according to PG&E rules. Customers enrolled in the CPUC’s low income program (California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)) electing to opt-out will be assessed an initial fee of $10 and a monthly charge of $5.
If you can get your neighbors to agree to opt out too, it will be more protective against the harmful pulsed microwaves that transfer into your house wiring and cause pulsing out from between 3 and 8 feet out from the wires in your walls.
3) The Problem: AT&T wants to stop servicing their copper wires and eliminate their landline service.
Many AT&T customers depend on landlines for service; small businesses, the elderly, the hard of hearing, the poor. Landlines are essential in situations when the electrical power is down for any length of time, since they still operate when cell and smart phones do not. Tellingly, after a recent natural disaster, Florida’s governor pleaded with people to preserve their landlines. Landlines are essential for emergency calls, since your location isn’t transmitted automatically when calling 911 on a cell phone.
19 states voted to allow AT&T to discontinue landlines. California did not; in 2016 state legislators voted against AT&T dropping this legacy service. Too many people rely on it, despite widespread use of cell phones. Yet AT&T is beginning their process anyway which is slated to be finished by 2020.
This last May, 2017, AT&T customers across the country, including California, found an Amendment to their Service Agreement insert in their bills warning that if AT&T wanted to install electrical equipment on their premises, they must allow them as well as agreeing to both pay the extra for the equipment and pay for the electricity to operate it. If you did not agree to this, AT&T warned, your telephone service may be disconnected. The deadline AT&T gave was July 1, 2017. Many people didn’t recognize the small insert as anything other than advertising and didn’t even read it. This is an attempt by AT&T to abandon reliable copper landlines and a ‘forced migration’ to AT&T’s digital U-verse service, forcing an Opt-in by default. (According to one AT&T service rep.)
What you can do:
1.) Call AT&T, 800-288-2020. ask for a center manager, let them know you object to the loss of your landline. You must contact and complain to AT&T before filing a complaint with the CPUC.
2.) File an official complaint with the CPUC, https://appsssl.cpuc.ca.gov/cpucapplication/, get a file number for that complaint if you do it online, or ask for a confirmation number if you complain by phone. 3.) Do not allow AT&T to install any new equipment on your property without full disclosure of what it is, what it does, and how it differs from your current service. 4.) Mark any payments to AT&T paid under protest. You could also say ‘no forced migration’ and ‘keep my landline.’
Tell the CPUC’s complaint department: Customers are being threatened and misinformed by the rogue activity of AT&T. Customers should be told exactly what equipment is involved, what is planned, what their options are, a resource for getting help or information, and what portions of what contractual relationships or agreements AT&T is using to justify their actions. Please, CAB, take action against these errors. The CPUC should fine AT&T make them issue corrective Notices and apologies. Please, respond to me and give me a file number for this complaint. (this info is for an informal complaint) Thank you.
You can also file a formal CPUC complaint. But the BEST method is to appear before the formal agenda begins at the regular CPUC business meetings and speak your mind. That’s the only sure way to be heard in this system.
If you want to keep your landline, NOW is the time to fight to save it. Pass this information on to others as it is being done surreptitiously.
Who will pay the price for AT&Ts aggressive push to end traditional landline service?
Seniors
Businesses
Working Families
People with health issues
Disabled and blind
Residents of rural areas
Individuals who want a choice
Loss of reliable 911 emergency services
Why is the loss of traditional, reliable landlines a travesty to all residents and businesses? 911 emergency services will not work during a power outage. This is critical for everyone concerned. All phone service available, including AT&T U-verse, requires electricity to operate the equipment. Even cell phones need to be charged, which is not possible during extended power outages.
Before the last hurricane in Florida, the Governor was repeating on TV and radio announcements, “Get a landline! Keep and maintain a landline.”
During Hurricane Sandy the only residents that could stay in touch with others were the ones who could use landlines. All communication devices dependent on electricity were useless. Cell phones could not be charged and computer-based phone lines dependent on a cable modem, would not work without electricity.
Illinois may not get hurricanes, but the state has had its share of floods, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms that caused power outages.
AARP says,
“Recent wireless 911 outages show that telecommunications companies have yet to offer a viable alternative for a significant number of customers. In March, for example, a wireless 911 outage hit AT&T wireless customers in 14 states for about five hours, forcing police departments to urge people to call alternative numbers in an emergency.”
AT&T motive for dismantling copper-wired landlines
AT&Ts reason for aggressively pushing legislation through the General Assembly is to release the corporation from the responsibility for maintaining copper-wired phone lines. AT&Ts agenda: Move customers to computer-based (VoIP) phone services. For the consumer this means using a high speed Internet connection through a cable modem which runs on electricity.
Citizens Utility Board says,
“AT&T, which made $13 billion in profits in 2016, wants the power to end traditional phone service and force customers to use computer-based or wireless substitutes. That could subject those customers to higher bills and unreliable service.”
“AT&T claims that its 1.2 million business and residential landline customers have viable alternatives to traditional servic . . . for many people — including seniors, low-income families and rural residents — home phone service is the most reliable, affordable lifeline to vital services such as 911, home security systems and medical monitoring devices.”
No reliable alternatives to landline phone services
A U. S. Senator leading the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (which has jurisdiction over the FCC) writes to a constituent:
“For decades, Americans have counted on the nation’s landline communications network and its reliability. Even in a time of great change in our communications networks, I agree that landline voice service is an important service. In fact, many people do not realize that wireless communications networks themselves rely upon the availability of landline communications networks to function effectively. It is critical that consumers are protected during this technological change and that new networks provide the same level of reliability as our legacy landline infrastructure.”
AT&T’s alternative, computer-based VoIP, does not provide the same level of reliability. U-verse is NOT a viable alternative.
Professionals and businesses that require secure phone service count on landlines. Law firms, real estate offices, medical facilities, government offices, and financial institutions use landlines because they are cyber-secure and not connected to the Internet. During a power outage, these businesses have to continue providing consumers with vital services. For cyber-secure, uninterrupted phone service, landlines are the only viable option.
Warnings from AARP:
Forcing people onto alternatives, such as wireless or computer-based phone service, could subject them to higher bills, lack of service in extended power outages, spotty reception and dropped calls.
Landline telephone service allows residents to have reliable access to emergency services; it helps low-income families to connect with job opportunities; it helps small businesses to stay in business and connect with new opportunities and customers; and it allows older residents and residents in rural areas to stay connected to family, friends, and neighbors, as well as vital services. Furthermore, [landline telephone service] saves callers millions of dollars by having access to affordable calling plans.
“Those who depend on home phone service shouldn’t have that choice stripped away.”
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on Dangerous new combination of pulsing microwave radiation coming!
Help Stop a Telecom Coup Attempt
Cities throughout California are joining others across the country in opposing a fast-tracked mass build-out of radio-toxic ‘small cell’ 5G millimeter wave antennas being pushed by the telecommunications industry and its captive regulatory agency, the Federal Communication Commission.
Encourage your city or county to join the fight. Here’s why and how.
Antennas at every 4th to 12th House – various sized bases up to refrigerator-size on every block? The Telecom industry says “Get out of our way!” Across the country, city governments are saying, “NO”
SB649 will streamline placement of 5G small cell Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) on electric and light poles in front of businesses and residences. This bill eliminates local control and jurisdiction in regard to small cell distributed antenna systems (DAS) placement throughout the state of California. SB.649: Wireless Telecommunications Bill Read more at Oppose CA
California Bill SB 649 is at the Governance and Finance Committee right now.
Please write and/or call the senators and tell them to vote ’NO’ to CA Bill SB 649.
In addition , please write on their twitter account.
Your comments will be perpetually in cyberspace and everyone will see it.
We need many people to show up at the hearing on April 26, 9:30am, Room 112 at the Sacramento Capitol.
We will meet at Starbucks at 8:30 am on 4/26/17: 1123 12th St/L St., Sacramento, CA 95814
I am going to Sacramento for this on April 26. If anyone wants a ride please let me know- or perhaps we can all take the train together. This is a major power play by industry to put 5G wherever they want it and they are the only ones that truly benefit from this. We must stop this bill.
Please distribute this to your mailing lists. If people do not reside in CA they can still write to the legislative directors and/or the Senators on the committee.
PLEASE WRITE TO THEM NOW and ask them to vote NO ON SB 649- DO NOT WAIT FOR THESE MILLIMETER MICROWAVE ANTENNAS TO BE OUTSIDE YOUR HOMES.
Legislative directors emails:
Senator McGuire- Annabel.snider@sen.ca.gov
Senator Beall- lynne.andres@sen.ca.gov
Senator Nguyen- Elizabeth.watson@sen.ca.gov
Senator Lara- megan.baier@sen.ca.gov
Senator Hernandez- alex.norring@sen.ca.gov
Senator Hertzberg- Michael.bedard@sen.ca.gov
Senator Moorlach- Catherine.bird@sen.ca.gov
The senators emails are in this format- senator.mcquire@senate.ca.gov
Excellent points are included below. Basically 5G will need antennas and boxes every 4-5 homes and will be in the public right of ways- they will even have fake mailboxes with 5G equipment on them. This is very powerful microwave radiation and we do not want it outside our homes and offices. Russia has banned it and replaced it with fiber optics.
The California League of Cities is opposed to SB 649 but it passed unanimously through the first committee.
See Phone Numbers Below.
SenatorMike McGuire (Chair) – 2nd Senate Dist — North Coast/North Bay,
State Capitol Rm. 5061, email: senator.mcguire@senate.ca.gov, Phone: 916-651-4002
SenatorJanet Nguyen (Vice Chair): 34th Senate Dist — NW Orange County,
State Capitol Rm. 3048, email via website portal, Phone: (916) 651-4034
SenatorJim Beall:15th Senate Dist — Including cities of San Jose, Campbell, Cupertino,
State Capitol Rm. 2082, email via website portal Phone: (916) 651-4015
SenatorEd Hernandez: 22nd Senate Dist — San Gabriel Valley communities
State Capitol Rm. 2080, email via website portal, Phone: (916) 651-4022
SenatorRobert M. Hertzberg: 18th Senate Dist — San Fernando Valley
State Capitol Rm. 4038, email via website portal, Phone: (916) 651-4018
SenatorRicardo Lara: 33rd Senate Dist — LA & LA County-various cities
State Capitol Rm. 5050, email via website portal, Phone: (916) 651-4033
SenatorJohn M. W. Moorlach: 37th Senate Dist – Much of Orange County
State Capitol Rm. 2048, email via website portal, Phone: (916) 651-4037
Points to help you draft letters, make calls and/or give testimony at the hearing, provided are some sound bites for you to give to the Governance & Finance Committee:
Taking away property rights will result in lowered property value
Lowered property value will then lead to lowered property tax revenues
US NTP $25 million dollar study proved RF emissions from 2G causes DNA breaks, cancers of the brain and heart.
Over 220 international scientists have sent an appeal to the WHO that RF emissions are already out of control, and this statement was made two years ago.
Increase in health care costs due to growing health problems amongst the population
Lowered productivity at work due to negative health impacts from the increased wireless radiation exposures
Lloyd’s of London and Swiss Re, two major insurance companies of the world, will not cover medical expenses incurred due to exposure to electromagnetic radio frequency radiation (EMR) (i.e. cellphones, wifi, cell tower, antennas, DAS, IoT devices, smart meters, etc.)
Environmental devastation from loss of oxygen producing foliage due to damage of trees and vegetation from EMR exposures
Environmental devastation from astronomical increases of approximately 124,416 lbs. of CO2 per city every day, or 1.6 trillion lbs. of carbon per year nationwide emissions from powering up the 5G DAS infrastructure 24/7 (and this does not include the carbon footprint created from all the other IoT network and clouds)
Fiber optics is the best and only solution. They are energy efficient, less vulnerable to shut down due to EMP or hacking, and do not create hazardous RF emissions that cause damage to health and the environment
Russia has denied 5G rollout in their country. Instead, they are utilizing fiber optic cables to deliver the internet to every private resident.
If you have any question please email Mark at mark.graham@scientists4wiredtech.com
WE RETURN YOU NOW TO OUR SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING…
A Threat to Us All
For the growing numbers of electro-sensitive people in our population, adding the 5G antenna network to the current electro-magnetic soup in which we already live would intensify it into a living nightmare. For the rest of us, it would speed our joining their ranks. The 5G antenna rollout would combine all other frequencies currently being used for wireless devices (3G, 4G) plus unlimited bandwidth for the Telecom vision of wirelessly connecting everything such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and driverless cars. Despite industry and government denials and cover-up attempts,independent research data shows conclusively that man-made radiation, much stronger than natural background radiation, disrupts human beings and other living creatures, since we are electro-chemical beings exquisitely tuned to the natural environment.
The attached pictures show the true size of the base of some of these so-called ‘small’ cells. Placed every four to twelve houses and in rural areas, even more frequently, these antennas represent a huge intrusion into our common space. There would be no escape, not even in our homes, not even in rural areas. All living things would be effected.
80 Ohio cities filed suit against Ohio because of the passage of Senate Bill 331 that, as one Mayor put it, “… effectively prohibits cities from regulating the placement of wireless facilities in our communities. This will impact the streetscapes of our communities and reduce area property values.”
But danger to local democratic choice and property values pales in relation to the dangers to public health and safety posed by these boiler plate bills that are being pushed in various versions state-by-state by the telecom industry. The California clone bill now before the legislature is SB 649.
In California the growing municipal push-back already includes the City of San Francisco, the California League of Cities and the Marin County Council of Mayors and Council members and Santa Cruz County (as of April 12.)
5G antennae come in many forms
OPPOSITION: (as of April 4, 2017)
American Planning Association
CA Chapter of the American Planning Association
California State Association of Counties
City of Buena Park
City of Chino Hills
City of Citrus Heights
City of Cloverdale
City of Dublin
City of Hayward
City of Indian Wells
City of Lafayette
City of Laguna Beach Mayor
City of Lakeport
City of Lodi
City of Murrieta
City of National City
City of Nevada City
City of Norwalk
City of Point Arena
City of Roseville
City of Santa Clara
City of Santee
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Vista
EMF Safety Network
Ecological Options Network
League of California Cities
Marin County Council of Mayors and
Councilmembers
Northern California Power Agency
Protect our Local Streets Coalition
Rural County Representatives of California
Scientists for Wired Technology
Town of Danville
Town of Hillsborough
Urban Counties of California
An Individual
Why Resist?
Ecological Options Network opposes this bill because it would fast track wireless radiation antenna deployments in our neighborhoods and communities, remove all regulations protecting public and environmental rights, thwart public participation and expose us and all lifeforms to exponentially increased harmful radiation.
The telecommunication industry, like the tobacco industry, still denies the scientifically established effects of their product. That the Dept. of Defense uses the same frequency as 5G in their crowd control weapon belies that denial. The ‘Active Denial’ weapon directs a beam of 5G – like millimeter waves that cause unbearably intense burning pain.
5G millimeter wave technology is scientifically shown to affect humans, penetrating the skin and affecting all biological systems.
(Thanks to Nina Beety)
Microwave radiation is a Class 2B – possible — carcinogen according to the World Health Organization IARC, but last year the NIH National Toxicology Program found cellphone radiation caused cancer. The NTP released final peer-reviewed results that 1 in 12 male rats – 8.5% — developed malignant brain tumors, malignant heart tumors, or precancerous lesions when exposed to wireless radiation for only two years, 9 hours per day. Ken Foster of the industry association Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) said he
Then, in March, ABC 7: CA HEALTH DEPT. RELEASES REPORT SAYING CELLPHONE USE MAY CAUSE CANCER
Now a new report says that the state of California may have kept information about the cancer risk secret. This is significant because it comes from a government agency and it mentions radiation and its harmful effects. It also mentioned that children are more susceptible to the effects of radiation.
Research has previously found cancer clusters around cell towers, up to ¼ mile away. Wireless radiation is associated with breaches in the blood-brain barrier, DNA damage, changes in the blood, heart rhythm disturbances, neurological, cognitive function, and immune impacts, cancers and tumors, migraines, and insomnia.
The League of California Cities opposes SB-649. They describe it stating, “This proposal unnecessarily and unconstitutionally strips local authority over public property and shuts out public input and local discretion by eliminating consideration of the aesthetic and environmental impacts of “small cells.”
The All-Knowing-House – appliances eavesdrop for the NSA and whisper behind your back. How ‘smart’ is that?
How to Oppose this bill (thanks to Lena Pu and Nina Beety)
California Bill SB 649 is at the Governance and Finance Committee right now. Please write or call the senators and tell them to vote ’NO’ to CA Bill SB 649. In addition to writing and/or calling, please write on their twitter account; your comments will be perpetually in cyberspace and everyone will see it. And we need as many people to show up at the hearing on April 26, 9:30am, Room 112 at the Sacramento Capitol.
Anton Favorini-Csorba is the consultant writing the legislative analysis of SB 649 for the Senate Governance and Finance Committee. Written opposition is due as soon as possible so that he can include the names of groups and entities opposing SB 649 in the analysis; absolute deadline is next Wednesday, April 19. If you have arguments you want considered in the analysis, send him the info asap.
You can also send it to https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/ You have to create an account first.
A copy should also be sent to the author of the bill as a “courtesy” — in this case, Sen. Hueso.
Senator Mike McGuire (Chair) 2nd Senate Dist — North Coast/North Bay, State Capitol Rm. 5061, email: senator.mcguire@senate.ca.gov, Phone: 916-651-4002
Senator Janet Nguyen (Vice Chair) 34th Senate Dist — NW Orange County, State Capitol Rm. 3048, email via website portal, Phone: (916) 651-4034
Senator Jim Beall 15th Senate Dist — Including cities of San Jose, Campbell, Cupertino, State Capitol Rm. 2082, email via website portal, Phone: (916) 651-4015
Senator Ed Hernandez 22nd Senate Dist — San Gabriel Valley communities, State Capitol Rm. 2080, email via website portal,Phone: (916) 651-4022
Senator Robert M. Hertzberg 18th Senate Dist — San Fernando Valley, State Capitol Rm. 4038, email via website portal, Phone: (916) 651-4018
Senator Ricardo Lara 33rd Senate Dist — LA & LA County-various cities, State Capitol Rm. 5050, email via website portal, Phone: (916) 651-4033
Senator John M. W. Moorlach 37th Senate Dist — Much of Orange County, State Capitol Rm. 2048, email via website portal, Phone: (916) 651-4037
Send your comments also to your State Senator which you can find here: Type in your address and city. https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/
To help with your letters, calls and/or public comments, here are some sound bites relating to the Governance & Finance Committee.:
– Taking away property rights will result in lowered property value
– Lowered property value will then lead to lowered property tax revenues
– Increase in health care costs due to growing health problems amongst the population
– Lowered productivity at work due to negative health impacts from the increased wireless radiation exposures
– Lloyd’s of London and Swiss Re, two major insurance companies of the world, will not cover medical expenses incurred due to exposure to electromagnetic radio frequency radiation (EMR) (i.e. cellphones, wifi, cell tower, antennas, DAS, IoT devices, smart meters, etc.)
– Environmental devastation from loss of oxygen producing foliage due to damage of trees and vegetation from EMR exposures
– Environmental devastation from astronomical increases of approximately 124,416 lbs. of CO2 per each city with populations over 35,000 every day, or 1.6 trillion lbs. of carbon per year nationwide emissions from powering up the 5G infrastructure 24/7 (and this does not include the carbon footprint created from all the other Internet of Things (IoT) network and the storage clouds.)
– Fiber optics is the best and only solution. Fiber Optics are energy efficient, not prone to hacking, and do not create hazardous EMR emissions that causes damage to health and the environment
Also Tell City of Sacramento ‘No’ to 5G pilot program:
Please send letters of opposition to the proposed rollout of 5G pilot program in the City of Sacramento by writing to:
1 Darrell Steinberg Mayor, City of Sacramento
2 Maria MacGunigal Chief Information Officer, City of Sacramento
3 Head of Planning Department, City of Sacramento
4 Joyce Terhaar is Executive editor and Senior Vice President, Sacramento Bee
Thank you so much for your care and involvement! We need to band together and not let our homes, city, state and country be bullied into relinquishing our constitutional rights to health and safety and well being!
Google’s omni-directional raidar-guided self-driving car – thickening the electro-magnetic radiation soup in which we live.
EMF Safety Network and Ecological Options Network sent this letter in opposition to SB-649 author Sen. Hueso.
Here is a sample letter for Sen. McGuire:
Dear Senator Sen. McGuire,
I respectfully oppose SB-649. This proposal unnecessarily and unconstitutionally strips local authority over public property and shuts out public input and local discretion by eliminating consideration of the aesthetic and environmental impacts of “small cells.”
The attached pictures show the true size of the base of these so-called ‘small’ cells. Placed every four to twelve houses and in rural areas, even more frequently, these antennas represent a huge intrusion into our common space.
It is unthinkable that telecommunication corporations would be exempt from municipal considerations. This would be a huge concession of public rights to corporate desires held by no other industry.
SB 649 intends to minimize costs for the telecom corporations, yet it could dramatically lower real estate value for those homes on whose premises the antennas are forced. This in turn, would lower the tax base for the locality and negatively effect overall municipal and county income.
The increased extensive use of transmitting radios for this 5G rollout can also affect overall costs from climate chaos. Calculations of the additional electrical power needed to run such huge numbers of additional transmitting radios show that at least 1.6 trillion more pounds of CO2 would be added each year nationally.
The telecommunication industry, like the tobacco industry, still denies the scientifically established effects of their product. That the Dept. of Defense uses the same frequency as 5G as a foundation for their ‘Active Denial’ crowd control weapon belies that denial. The Active Denial weapon directs a beam of 5G – like millimeter waves that cause unbearably intense burning pain.
5G millimeter wave technology is scientifically shown to affect humans, penetrating the skin and affecting all biological systems.
There is no substantial evidence to support SB 649’s determination that the deployment fits the CEQA exemption. There is substantial evidence in support of a fair argument that the project would indeed create environmental impacts.
SB 649 goes too far by requiring local governments to approve “small cells” in all land use zones, including residential zones, through a ministerial permit, thereby shutting the public out of decisions that could affect the aesthetics of their community and the quality of their environment.
Please oppose SB 649.
Thank you!
[your name]
Thanks for taking action!
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on Help Your City Ban 5G & Block Harmful Telecom Coup Attempt! – UPDATED
The new 5G technology will impact us all in a very serious way. FCC Chair, Tom Wheeler, wants virtually everything to be connected via 5G which will launch a whole slew of new frequencies, and no testing whatsoever. Please read the email below and consider writing a letter to the FCC and our elected reps. Our voice must be heard over that of industry.
Thank you,
The MSMA Team
As you may have already heard, July 14th is the day set for the FCC to vote on Tom Wheeler’s vision of 5G in the USA. He wants to be “first out the gate.” Wheeler says, “Turning innovators loose is far preferable to expecting committees and regulators to define the future.” A full highlighted PDF version of Wheeler’s talk from last week is attached.
I am certain a cursory reading of the talk will inspire you to write a strong letter to the FCC and others.
Calls and letters to the FCC, Representatives, Senators and relevant committees are needed by the thousands!!!!! …by July 13th. Please share this info widely and post wherever possible. Most important to contact is the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology since they will vote July 12 on their recommendation to the FCC who will vote July 14.
Below is a package prepared mostly by www.electricalpollution.com which offers guidance in letter writing and contacting representatives.
If the Commission approves my proposal next month, the United States will be the first country in the world to open up high-band spectrum for 5G networks and applications. And that’s damn important because it means U.S. companies will be first out of the gate.
We will be repeating the proven formula that made the United States the world leader in 4G. It’s a simple formula: Lead the world in spectrum availability, encourage and protect innovation- driving competition, and stay out of the way of technological development.
Unlike some countries, we do not believe we should spend the next couple of years studying what 5G should be, how it should operate, and how to allocate spectrum, based on those assumptions. Like the examples I gave earlier, the future has a way of inventing itself. Turning innovators loose is far preferable to expecting committees and regulators to define the future. We won’t wait for the standards to be first developed in the sometimes arduous standards-setting process or in a government-led activity. Instead, we will make ample spectrum available and then rely on a private sector-led process for producing technical standards best suited for those frequencies and use cases.
Help Stop 5G Wireless – a dangerous radiation intensive technology!
The FCC is voting on whether to move forward with 5G, an extremely dangerous technology. Read Chairman Wheelers comments about the Spectrum Frontiers Proceeding (https://www.fcc.gov/document/remarks-chairman-wheeler-future-wireless). This would put 5G transmitters on power and light poles throughout communities across the United States with the aim of creating enough saturation of very high frequency microwave radiation that fiber optic level connectivity is available wirelessly everywhere.
We will need as many people as possible from the U.S. and around the world, including experts, to contact the FCC by July 13, 2016. They vote on the proposal on July 14, 2016.
Please take a moment to contact the FCC Commissioners BEFORE their vote on July 14 in opposition to the rollout of 5G. A template letter is below, please take a moment personalize it briefly with your experience to give it greater impact.
Tom Wheeler, Chairman Tom.Wheeler@fcc.gov
Mignon Clyburn, Commissioner Mignon.Clyburn@fcc.gov
Jessica Rosenworcel, Commissioner Jessica.Rosenworcel@fcc.gov
Ajit Pai, Commissioner Ajit.Pai@fcc.gov
Michael O’Rielly, Commissioner Mike.O’Rielly@fcc.gov
Please send a copy of your letter also to your U.S. Representative and Senators and the relevant committees (listed below). It was Congress that decided to give sole responsibility for wireless promotion and safety to the FCC, an industry dominated agency. It is essential that they hear from you. Only they can give authority for health back to the EPA, which has tried in the past to protect the public. Congress defunded EPA and removed its authority to protect the public from wireless radiation to stop it (https://www.stopglobalwifi.org/documents/PressReleaseDec2015.pdf).
Call the White House
tel: 202-456-1111
Ask President Obama to halt the rollout of 5G in light of the safety hazards. President Obama can also be emailed using the form at https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Congressional Committees
Ask for oversight hearings on dangers of societal saturation with radiation from wireless technology. Most important to contact is the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology since they will vote July 12 on their recommendation to the FCC who will vote July 14.
House Energy and Commerce Committee – (202) 225-2927
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: (202) 225-5074
U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions – (202)-224-5375 https://www.help.senate.gov/ links to contact the two ranking members on webpage
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation – Majority: 202-224-1251, Minority: 202-224-0411 U.S.
Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources – (202) 224-4971
Spectrum Frontiers Proceeding is being represented as an unqualified good, but it is not. It will do great harm to human health and the environment.
Please vote “no” to the Spectrum Frontiers Proceeding. There has been no NEPA review of the environmental and human health impacts of moving forward with 5G. The FCC has put the cart before the horse in promulgating rules for 5G without first studying the safety of 5G for humans and the environment. There is consensus within the scientific community that the existing FCC limits for wireless radiation do not protect the population from biological effects (https://www.emfscientist.org) The National Toxicology Program recently release results showing that radiofrequency radiation (RFR) can indeed both break DNA and cause cancer (https://www.saferemr.com/2016/05/national-toxicology-progam-finds-cell.html and https://microwavenews.com/news-center/ntp-nyt).
Don’t vote to unleash a dangerous environmental pollutant on your friends, family, and, indeed, the whole country. Vote to protect your family, friends, and the country – vote “no” on Spectrum Frontiers. Be on the right side of history.
Sincerely,
Your name
Thanks for taking the time to do this…it feels a bit like a lost cause – But..as the Good Book tells us, We are not obligated to complete the task, but neither may we desist from trying. (Ethics of our Fathers)
STOP the FCC Vote to Release New High Band Spectrum (above 24Ghz) for the 5G network. [ Fact Sheet pdf ] It means more harmful frequency, more small cell transmitters and END TO ALL LANDLINES. Demand that the EPA not the FCC establish and maintain the safety standards for non-thermal biological effects for wireless radiation before rolling our more wireless spectrum.
Vote, Announcement, & Roll Out- Thursday, July 14th, 10:30am EST-Room TW-C305, FCC 445 12th St SW, Washington DC (See Attached)
Demand These Congress Members protect us from harm. According to Martin Pall PhD, we know 4G is harmful and reports from other countries in Europe and South Korea say it is making more people sick because it pulses more. We know from the NTP study that harm is not about power and heating but more about frequency, wave length and pulsation. 5G heats less but it pulses more. None of these transmitters have been tested for non-thermal effects which the NTP study proved causes cancer and is neurotoxic.
Please call, email and ideally visit the US Senate and House Committees with Oversight over the FCC. We have researched it for you. Their names, pictures, email addresses, phone numbers, chiefs of staff, and the staff member with responsibility for the FCC are listed. Try to hit Chief of Staff as well as legislative staff. Chiefs of Staff definitely have more power and have the ear of the Senator or House member. This is the “Committee Members – U.S. Senate Committee On Commerce, Science, & Transportation Senate list. Please call the FCC commissioners as well-see attached.
Start emailing, calling and visiting now. I am in DC with others working to educate lawmakers. If you are visiting offices, I suggest you go separately or in pairs and represent different groups. You can say info is circulating on the internet and many many groups are outraged.
If you are Electromagnetically Intolerant tell them your symptoms; this way we may identify staff members who are also ES who can help us.
Kevin Mottus
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on Take action against 5G NOW!
Please help members of “We are the Evidence,” “Parents for Safe Technology,” and “Americans for Safe Technology” get an appointment to meet with key staff from your Senators and Representative.
Can you please:
1. Call your state senators and representative and tell them you want them to meet with members of “We are the Evidence,” “Parents for Safe Technology,” and “Americans for Safe Technology” on behalf of you, a constituent. They are available for meetings on July 11, 12, and 13.
Be sure to express the importance of having oversight hearings related to the negligence of the FCC in promoting wireless technology, and even rolling out an additional radiation intensive technology (5G), after the National Toxicology Program released findings that radiation from wireless technology causes cancer and breaks DNA.
The consensus of the scientists studying the health effects of radiation from wireless technology is that the FCC limits are outdated and inadequate or, in the words of the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI), “the electromagnetic radiation standards used by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continue to be based on thermal heating, a criterion now nearly 30 years out of date and inapplicable today.”
2. If they offer to schedule an appointment as you speak, take a tentative appointment and immediately email Kate at kkheel@verizon.net so that she can work it into the schedule or immediately call the office to reschedule.
Please include the following information in your email:
your name
your state
all contact information for you
contact info and full names of elected officials you contacted
confirm that you called and outcome of call
Copy of letter to FCC, if you sent one – details at (https://www.electricalpollution.com/Stop5G.html)
If they say they want you to email to schedule an appointment, please do that ccing Kate at kkheel@verizon.net so they can complete the scheduling with her. You should include your complete contact information so they know you are a constituent.
Sample email:
Dear *****,
Please schedule an appointment on July 11, 12, or 13 with Kate Kheel to meet with representatives from “We are the Evidence” and “Parents for Safe Technology” and “Americans for Safe Technology.”
It is very important to me as a constituent that you learn more about the urgent need for Congress to hold oversight hearings related to the FCC’s negligence in promoting wireless technology in the face of mounting evidence (including the National Toxicology Program finding that wireless technology is carcinogenic and causes DNA breakage) and scientific consensus that wireless technology causes dangerous biological effects (www.EMFscientist.org).
Thank you in advance for scheduling an appointment to learn more,
Protecting my health and that of others by using a hardwired computer in a low RF environment.
For more information, see www.electricalpollution.com
P
