Hayfork wireless tower and county radio gaps draw public concern; sheriff outlines repairs

Multiple Hayfork residents addressed the Board of Supervisors during public comment on Feb. 3 about Planning Commission Project P‑2414, a proposed wireless telecommunications site in Hayfork. Commenters emphasized land‑use compatibility, operational nuisance impacts (emergency lighting), cumulative impacts, and fire‑hazard siting—some urging the county to identify the specific ordinance sections authorizing the use, the required findings for approval, and a clear CEQA pathway before any approval.

"These are land based impacts that directly affect rural communities," Vedette Vanderweide told the board, urging transparency about the county ordinances that permit such uses. Holly Cat stressed health concerns and recent court decisions directing the FCC to explain protections for children and long‑term exposure; she urged consideration of moratoriums or additional safety testing before approvals.

Relatedly, Ben Kellogg and other callers pressed the board about gaps in the county’s public safety radio system. Sheriff Tim Saxon reported that the county obtained $180,000 in a special state fund dedicated to emergency communications and contracted Day Wireless Systems to survey mountaintop repeaters (Ironsight site pending access). Saxon said the survey identified equipment condition and needed repairs; three priority sites for initial repairs are Oregon Mountain, Hayfork and Carville, with longer‑term equipment replacement planned for aging base stations and repeaters.

Board members and staff said they will continue triage work with Day Wireless, share estimates with congressional offices for additional funding, and return to the board if a supplemental appropriation is required.

Speakers and sources: Vedette Vanderweide (public comment), Holly Cat (public comment), Ben Kellogg (public comment), Sheriff Saxon (presentation).