Vibrating Tree

The Palo Alto city council is considering a request for a new cell phone tower on El Camino Real near Barron Park. Some residents fear the potential damage from radio frequency emissions. Complaints first surfaced over proximity to high voltage electrical transmission lines, then from television transmission towers and now cell phone antennas. Study after study consistently finds no harmful effects beyond what would be found normally. And yet, cities repeatedly entertain complaints from those who will never accept these findings. It should be pointed out to those who complain that their computers, televisions and nearly every electrical device they use emit that which they fear. Any chance they'll give up those?

Assuming that the project gets the go-ahead, we'll then have to confront ways to disguise the antenna. Currently, the proposal calls for the 40 foot antenna to masquerade as a broadleaf evergreen. Expect motions be put forth to ensure that the fake tree will not resemble a non-native species.