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Residents press council on safety of local cell sites; staff explains federal preemption
Summary
Public commenters reported EMF readings at parks and schools and asked what the city can do; city staff said federal standards generally preempt local regulation and offered to connect residents with county/state/federal agencies for technical answers.
Two residents asked the Yorba Linda City Council to act after noticing cellular sites near Little League fields and schools and reporting elevated electromagnetic‑field readings on handheld devices.
Janet Rose said residents did not receive notice when a cellular facility was installed near a Little League field and expressed fear about potential health effects for children: ‘‘I know of some children that go to the public school close by that have had brain cancer and died,’’ she said, asking what the city could do to guarantee safety.
Andrea Coleman, who said she measured elevated EMF readings near her child’s school, asked whether a safe distance exists from towers and whether the city could provide data.
Mayor Rodriguez and staff acknowledged the concern but explained limits to local authority. City Manager Grant told speakers the subject is regulated at the federal level and that the city can help residents contact the appropriate agencies. Todd from staff explained that if a cellular facility meets federal emission standards and submits required documentation, ‘‘we are powerless to prohibit it on that ground’’ and the city generally commissions a conformity study when a wireless facility seeks permitting.
The council said staff would follow up with the speakers to point them toward county, state and federal contacts for technical information and advocacy options.
