Community Voices

“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.”

“This project is a waste of money. If emergency services need help it should go through government channels. The nature of TSRA is under attack. People who want more urbanization should reconsider their residency here.“

“Please don't build a cell tower in Sea Ranch! “

“I would like to see alternate locations considered”

“I am adamantly opposed to any cell towers being built on sea ranch property”

“I am extremely worried about the lack of communication between the Board and the TSR Community about this an other glaring issues on The Sea Ranch.”

“I am opposed to any cell tower being constructed on Sea Ranch property.”

“IMHO, a reservoir location is the only viable option, for a smaller and less costly project.”

“I am quite concerned about the impacts of this project on the community and the board's apparent disregard for the Sea Ranch culture of "living lightly on the land".”

”Where is the utilities Committee? As a Policy Committee that reports to the BoD to HELP the BoD govern the Sea Ranch, it is a conspicuous vacancy.”

”This is an abomination. The board is selling out the land and ideas we fight for. We do not stand for this.”

“I believe this tower is inappropriate for The Sea Ranch and it’s founding philosophy”

“The North End cell tower project is not in keeping with the ethos of The Sea Ranch!”

“Do we truly need the North End cell tower?”

“Very interested in lower profile, aesthetically integrated alternative solutions, mesh and otherwise”

“Why does SRA have to build the tower? Why can’t they just lease the property to the Cell Phone company as a former Cell Phone owner in Western Kentucky we just leased the property or bought it and then paid to put the tower on it.”

“Is the reason this cell tower is in consideration a financial decision? The Dog Park juts up to one of the most lovely trails in TSR, it would be shame to disturb this in any way. TSR area seems to have the strongest cell coverage connection in the north shore. It would be interesting to see the data on why additional coverage is needed. “

“I have been coming to Sea Ranch for 60 years. The philosophy of Sea Ranch has always been to preserve the beauty of the landscape, that is what makes it so unique. I agree, it is a slippery slope if the cell tower is installed. Sea Ranch is a place to put aside the constant connection with all forms of electronic information. It’s a place that reminds us of how important it is to slow down and appreciate the wonder and beauty of nature. We are so fortunate to be a part of this unique environment and it will slowly disappear if we don’t guard what makes this place so special.”

“HOA Membership Dues should not be financing it.”

“I think this is a terrible idea and I wonder what the board is thinking even considering it. I think it might be time to clean house with this board in the next election.”

“The proposed area seems to be a “dumping” ground where nearby properties already endure nuisance of dog park noise and the wood chip staging area with noise associated with this cutting, hauling, and the hazard beeping from vehicles moving in reverse. The health concerns from cell tower is not settled. How about other areas of the association bear some burdens instead of one area having to assume multiple nuisances? Let’s start with the home locations of those on the Board, and others, that support it.”

“I am against commercial use of Sea Ranch commons”

“This tower contradicts everything The Sea Ranch is about. Between this and the proposed video surveillance cameras, the current board has lost touch with the community and the things that make The Sea Ranch the place that it is.”

“The disrespectful, opaque attitude the board has adopted towards TSR members is one of several reasons I oppose this project at this time.”

“The tower will be visible from Highway 1 and TSRA home sites. This does project not support the values of TSR, "living lightly on the land."

“Use of Broadband funds to fund this before loans paid is bad business because the usefulness of this tower has been lost on me. Too many levels of time delays and unknown costs and allowances to make this project successful.”

“Thank you for your continued analysis of this flawed project threatening the very values TSR represents!”

“Our lot is one of the closest to the proposed site of the tower. We are especially concerned about the tower's impact visually and on the value of our lot.”

“I am firmly against it.”

“The board moved forward on this without any member support the day they spent money to explore it and hire a lawyer. This should have gone to a vote way early on. Given the vote to approve a cell phone tower passed by only one vote along with dissent by members should have been cause to not pass this.”

“Very outdated proposal and the manner by which the board knowingly how many members against this still pushed the proposal through!”

“Obsolescence is a reality! We just signed up for satellite service with T Mobile for $10/month”

“The Sea Ranch Association is not a profit making company and it should not be in business ventures and should minimize involvement where potential losses could be a burden to members in the future.”

“This is insane”

“I don't want the large industrial debris of obsolete tower in the future.”