Local leaders join push to get Gov. Jerry Brown to veto wireless bill
Sherry Barkas
Palm Springs Desert Sun
Some valley officials are hoping Gov. Jerry Brown won't sign a bill intended to simplify the application and siting processes for wireless providers, saying it removes local control over where equipment can be located.
Authored by San Diego-based Sen. Ben Hueso, a Democrat representing the 40th District which includes Imperial County, Senate Bill 649 drew elected officials to the steps of the state Capitol building Sept. 15 for a League of California Cities-hosted press conference in protest of the measure.
"It was a plea to the governor to veto the bill," said La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans, who participated in the protest with mayors and council members from cities throughout the valley.
The bill passed both the Assembly and Senate last week.
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The intent of the bill is to allow wireless providers to more quickly expand and deliver 4G and 5G network service to meet the demand from California consumers, said Erin Hickey, a spokesperson for Hueso's office.
"The legislation achieves this by standardizing the application fees and requirements for telecommunications providers, rather than having the rates and siting requirements vary from municipality to municipality," she said.
SB 649 will help California maximize access to next-generation wireless technology – not just for high-population urban centers but for all communities, Hickey said.
The League of California Cities, however, says while the bill was initially about the installation of small cells, the bill now provides for the placement of equipment which can include antennas as large as 6 cubic feet, utility boxes up to 35 cubic feet as well as electric meters, pedestals, grounding equipment and power transfer and cutoff switches.
"It's like a free-for-all by the wireless companies," Evans said. "We want a say at least in where (equipment) can go."
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While opposed by the League of California Cities and elected officials statewide, including the mayors of San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland, the bill also has a long list of supporters – mostly businesses and chambers of commerce, including the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce.
"Our chamber supported SB 649 because we believe it will increase the telecommunication infrastructure," said Patrick Swarthout, community development officer for the GCVCC.
This legislation is also supported by the four major wireless companies, he said.
"We know there are gaps in coverage throughout the valley and this would close those gaps and increase competition among the four largest providers of wireless," Swarthout said, adding that ultimately the organization believes it is good for its member businesses.
The bill passed with "yes" votes from the valley's representatives, Sen. Jeff Stone and Assemblyman Chad Mayes, both Republicans.
Brown has 30 days to veto the bill or it automatically becomes law.
This article is part of the Insider column, a weekly roundup of political and public policy news, endorsements and events. The full column runs every Sunday in The Desert Sun.
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