Washoe Family Opposes Verizon Cell Tower Near Sacred Cemetery in Greenville

In a recent meeting of the Plumas County Board of Supervisors, community concerns took center stage as discussions unfolded regarding the proposed construction of a Verizon cell tower near the Washoe Family Cemetery. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as Dwayne Anthony Washoe Jr. spoke passionately on behalf of his family, emphasizing the cemetery's sacred significance. He described it as a place of history and remembrance, where families gather to honor their ancestors. The proposed tower's proximity to this sacred ground raised alarms about potential disruptions to the spiritual connection and peace that the site provides.

Washoe highlighted that the cemetery is not just marked graves but also includes unmarked burial sites that date back centuries. He expressed fears that construction could disturb these ancient grounds, erasing vital pieces of history. "Cemeteries and ancestral burial sites deserve respect, quiet, and preservation," he stated, urging Verizon and Sierra Pacific Industries to reconsider the tower's location to avoid encroaching on this hallowed space.

The meeting also featured public comments from local residents, including Scott and Judy, who shared their distress over the tower's construction near their newly rebuilt home in Greenville. After losing their property in the devastating Dixie Fire, they had hoped to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, only to discover that a 200-foot cell tower would soon obstruct their views. They voiced frustration over the lack of communication from the project developers, noting that neither they nor local tribal elders had been consulted about the tower's placement.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the community's concerns extended beyond mere aesthetics. Residents expressed a desire for more inclusive planning processes that respect both cultural heritage and the natural landscape. The discussions underscored a growing tension between technological advancement and the preservation of sacred and historical sites.

The Board of Supervisors now faces the challenge of balancing the need for improved communication infrastructure with the community's deep-rooted connections to the land. As the meeting concluded, the call for a more thoughtful approach to development echoed through the room, leaving many to wonder how the county will navigate these complex issues moving forward.