“I am extremely unhappy by the Board's lack of transparency regarding the cell tower. As a member of the association for the past 40 years I am shocked and disgusted by the lack of knowledge made readily available to us. I also feel that to put a cell tower in clear view of homes, Highway 1 and hikers is against every regulation The Sea Ranch has put in place. It is a clear slap in the face for environmental philosophy The Sea Ranch has endorsed for the past fifty years and is unacceptable.”

“The lack of transparency displayed by this board is deeply disturbing. This project is to be built on Common land, using our dues and we have not been informed. This is NOT an acceptable practice. The process needs to be addressed and protocols for public involvement regarding actions that involve Common land and our dues must be put in place. I oppose placing the tower by the dog park.”

“This tower feels antithetical to everything Sea Ranch stands for. Just NO!”

“There are many sites outside of Sea Ranch property that are alternatives and the Board should not be 'selling' the rights to commons for undesirable use such as this. The Sea Ranch exists and survives because of its esthetics. They need to be protected by the Board, not diminished in this manner.”

“Why do I so often learn of controversial projects from concerned TSR members, yet rarely or never from the board itself? Carbon-offset debacle; Tide Pool Beach fiasco; airport use changes. These come to mind as recent issues that were poorly communicated up-front by the board, but were really only brought to light (at least to me) when concerned residents made an effort to let everyone know about some obviously controversial project. The board should have the foresight to recognize issues that are likely to cause concern and figure out how to communicate these issues to members before the issue reaches a stage of intense controversy. Transparency and open/honest communication should be higher priority by the board and TSR staff.”

“It seems so un-Sea Ranch to populate the land with a cell tower when there are other options available for better cell service. Since I live next to the dog park, I am very concerned about the quality of life implications associated with 5G towers, such as health, real estate value, aesthetics and the role of TSRA.”

“I am concerned about the lack of communication between the Board and Association members on these important matters. I have a concern that the Board is going to spend $40,000 of the Association members funds on this study without polling the membership as to whether we want or need the monstrosity cell tower. This is a huge decision, that will affect property values, be visually horrible in the eyesight of the meadows and bluff trail, and HWY 1, and certainly is not keeping with the "living lightly on the land". The association members certainly should have a say in the location. This is a pattern of this Board making decisions affecting the associations property similar to how the cypress tree removal has been carried out!!”

“Why hasn’t the community been informed of plans? What is the reason Board members want the cell tower in Sea Ranch? I’d be interested in the simple yes or no answer to this question from each Board member: Would you allow a cell tower on your block?”

“The cell tower is not only NOT needed, it is a costly boondoggle. NO to the Cell Tower.”

“I question the need for this tower and the proposed location.”

“Sharing a current coverage survey should be a prerequisite to any other study expenditures. We personally have not experienced significant coverage gaps recently in the north end.”

“I oppose the cell tower on TSR wherever located...especially within 1000 feet of homes. I am on the mailing list. Thank you for your attention and efforts.”

“I’m especially concerned for the health of children and animals.”

“On the ridge would be ok, but by the dog park is ridiculous.
We certainly don’t need it at our place; our coverage is great. Why aren’t the phone companies or Cal Fire paying for it? The ROI is horrible 1%. Why the secrecy?”

“This clearly has not received enough review, nor have realistic alternatives been fully discussed or made public.

Is there a study that shows the 'blank spots' that this tower would supposedly solve? I have minimal, if any connectivity problems in this area, and I would happily trade an occasional problem (which is quickly remedied in a matter of blocks) for the negative effects this ugly tower will have.

Why are we doing this with such great haste and lack of public engagement? Slow this thing way down and get public input and create an opportunity for commentary, analysis, and discussion of alternatives. I'm quite surprised by this, and expect much better and more thorough communication and member engagement for a project with so many potentially negative consequences.”

“More community input is needed”

“Please post the environmental impact evaluation”

“I am opposed to the project.”

“Opposed to the project”

“Why is this necessary? Why has it come up as an issue now after years of cell phone usage on The Sea Ranch?”

“I am totally against this project. I've been an Association member for 3 decades. And suddenly this issue appears??? It would leave an ugly scar on the legacy of our founders and on the future of Sea Ranch.”

“Communication!”

“The area around the dog park has become increasingly industrialized by TSRA with storage of a huge pile of debris and decrepit equipment. We are required to shield our vehicles from view but TSRA maintains and increases this eyesore on the north end.”

“Thank you for informing me about this issue”

“I am not sure why this is needed”

“Keep us informed”

“Why is the Homeowners Association paying for this? Who wants it? Who does it serve?”

“No”

“Transparency is vital and I wish to be informed!!”

“Yes, I am very concerned about hearing this for the first time and where the proposed location is relatively close to my house.”

“Such an impactful project should include community involvement/input”

“Will the tower be able to support future generations of cellular technology (5G, 6G)? We don't want to invest in a structure that becomes quickly obsolete. The construction process and the presence of the tower and associated equipment (access roads, fencing) can disrupt local wildlife and their habitats. Towers can also pose a collision risk for birds. What are we doing to prepare for these concerns? Are we building this cell tower to bring 5G or other advanced, high-speed technologies? Most of us are in Sea Ranch to get away from high speed technologies.”

"I DO NOT support the proposed North End cell tower project as I find the concept of this construction absolutely appalling and environmentally toxic."

“I am in opposition of a cell tower being constructed on TSR common land. In addition, I am opposed to any Sea Ranch association funding being utilized on a project of this kind, including site investigations, without presentation of a vote by the majority of the members.”

“As a 20 year oncology researcher, I am extremely concerned about the adverse health impacts of RF, aesthetic and property value impacts to ALL sea ranchers, and how antithetical this feels to ‘our core values of light on the land. I live part time on the north end and have great service and am stymied as to why we would take on this project at this time, particularly ad the pace of tech development may render this visual blight and health risk obsolete. I bought a home here to disconnect, experience nature, and focus on my health. This project is antithetical to those common goals. Additionally, at a time where we’re watching constant connection and technology have an incredibly adverse effect on our society why would we encourage it by building a tower? We should be encouraging off-line time, community, and in person interaction.”

“I believe this project absolutely needs to be put before the larger Sea Ranch community for consideration, not just the TSR Board.”

“We agree that no funds should be expended until all facts are presented for this and other suitable locations will income from the towers offset the expenses? Why is this cell tower needed.”

“This proposal is totally contrary to what the TSR philosophy is about. Benefits communicated to TSRA appear to be weak and minimal. Expenditure of $40K in our funds for a site analysis definitely needs better oversight and community involvement. We need to know/see more regarding the alternative tower sites being considered and the decision making process. TSR is all about community involvement. What is going on here?”

“I do not even see the need for a cell phone tower - a waste of money and a negative environmental impact.”

“Sea Ranch members should not be responsible for cell phone reception for the entire Gualala area”

“This is a terrible idea.”

“The Internet fiber is great. Phones (iPhones) are satellites enabled now (probably gonna be better and better overtime). No such crucial need for a cell tower. Preserve the beauty of Sea Ranch!”

“Who will pay for the construction and then maintenance of the tower? If on Sea Ranch land we the Association be paid for the use of the land?”

“I’m outraged that this is going forward without the ok from the community. It seems to violate our community’s core principles.”

“My initial reaction is one of opposition to this project for the concerns noted.”

“I want the question: do we need a 2nd cell tower built on Sea Ranch property clearly answered.”

“More community involvement/discussion would be appropriate.”

“This project is antithetical to the founding principles of Sea Ranch. If an antenna tower were proposed for a lot, it would be vetoed by the Design Committee. Why would the members allow this on the land held in common?”

“The dog park location is not ideal for this project. The community uses the dog park and surrounding trails on a daily basis and the exposure to potential harmful cell tower emissions as well as the eye sore that will be created is not welcome.”

“We must explore the mesh cellular options”

“We moved here to get away from these kind of things. it is not needed.”

“Dangerous for helicopters and a rash would spark fire. To bad because connectivity is so critical.”

“It is opposite of the 'professed' ideals of the Sea Ranch community.”

“What alternate sites have been considered?”

“This project, as proposed, is a violation of Sea Ranch principles and the community’s trust in the board.”

“Don’t see this as a pressing or urgent need and question why another location that would not be so invasive to the sea ranch community isn’t being considered.”