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Draft SB City Telecom Ordinance Public Comment Deadline! SafeTechSBC Community Zoom Meeting
January 7, 2021 @ 6:30 am PST
Here is our recent Media Release with more information and links:
SAFE TECHNOLOGY FOR SANTA BARBARA COUNTY LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE, FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN AND CALL TO ACTION RE: CITY’S DRAFT WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS ORDINANCE
Santa Barbara, CA—January 5, 2021 — Safe Technology for Santa Barbara County (SafeTechSBC), formerly 5G Free Santa Barbara, was formed in 2019 to educate the community about adverse cumulative effects of invisible wireless radio frequency radiation, and to advocate for safe technology. The organization recently launched their new website, (SafeTechSBC.org) and a fundraising campaign to support critical legal review of the City of Santa Barbara’s Draft Small Wireless Facilities Ordinance.
The Ordinance: SafeTechSBC urges the local residents to submit their written public comments to Assistant City Attorney, John Doimas by no later than Friday, January 15, 2021 deadline. To access the City media release link to the draft ordinance along with SafeTechSBC instructions and talking points go to: https://safetechsbc.org/take-action/city-of-santa-barbara/.
“The Ordinance would regulate the placement of small wireless facilities (like cellular installations) in the public rights-of-way. The purpose of the Ordinance is to establish reasonable and comprehensive standards and procedures, including but not limited to aesthetics, construction, operation, modification, and removal, for small cell permitting within the City,” John Doimas, Assistant City Attorney stated in the recent media release.
These additional wireless facilities are designed to deploy the new networks, which include, but are not limited to, “4G” and “5G.” Currently, the City of Santa Barbara is operating under 2016 statutes that allow cell tower installations next to homes, without any protection for the residents, sufficient public notification or public comment opportunities.
Why is this a problem? The overly enticing telecom ads announcing the big roll-out of “5G” sell nothing but the upsides of this new generation of wireless technology, but there are serious downsides the industry does not want us to know.
New Website: Visit SafeTechSBC.org to learn about the biological harms, security and privacy issues, fire hazards and property value impacts associated with telecom wireless facilities. This is a fast-moving issue. Be sure to click the email sign up button on our website to receive the latest news, local updates on the ordinance, safe tech tips, support and calls to action!
Join hundreds of other active members in the Safe Technology for Santa Barbara County Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/safetechsbc. Like our new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SafeTechSBC. Chime in at Nextdoor.com group: https://nextdoor.com/g/zk6byo7wx/ and follow our Telegram channel: https://t.me/safetechsbc.
Fundraising: As an impassioned, grassroots, unincorporated association, SafeTechSBC relies on community support. Legal help is urgently needed for negotiations with local officials. SafeTechSBC has hired an environmental law firm that advises communities on effective regulation of small cell wireless infrastructure. The City of Santa Barbara ordinance will also create a solid foundation and template for other jurisdictions throughout the county going forward. This initial effort could cost as much as $30,000 in legal fees, educational materials and technical support.
SafeTechSBC has partnered with Inspiratia as their local fiscal sponsor to accept tax-deductible donations at https://safetechsbc.org/donate. Inspiratia is dedicated to the health and vitality of individuals, communities, and the environment which is perfectly aligned with SafeTechSBC’s mission.
REGISTER! Thursday, January 7, 2021, 6:30-8:00 PM | SafeTechSBC Community Zoom Presentation and Q&A Re: the SB City Wireless Telecom Ordinance
Meet the SafeTechSBC team and environmental attorney, Mark Pollock who will be negotiating on our behalf with the SB City Attorney to amend the ordinance. We will review the main talking points and assist residents in preparing their written public comment letters to be submitted to the City by Friday, January 15, 2021. Register now on the SafeTechSBC website or go to: https://tinyurl.com/SafeTechSBC-zoom-register.
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