Concerned about power lines

To all parents of future Yerba Buena Elementary students: Do you think the new school will be at the end of Reyes Adobe, tucked away safely in your neighborhood? Think again.

You need to drive up Lindero Canyon to see the new school site. Check it out and be sure to look up. I called Southern California Edison to see what kinds of power lines are overhead. They are "very high voltage transmission lines" I was told. Residential lines are 9,500-16,000 volts. These transmission lines are 66,000 volts! I was also told these lines may not be possible to bury because of the voltage.

At least 14 studies have analyzed a possible association between proximity to power lines and various types of childhood cancer. Physicists at Britain’s University of Bristol concluded that "power lines attract particles of radon, a colorless, odorless gas irrefutably linked with cancer," while other scientists suggest that invisible electromagnetic fields—created by high voltage utility company lines—are linked to a frightening array of cancers and other serious health problems in children and adults, including leukemia.

Additionally, "among staff at an elementary school near transmission lines in California, 13 cancers of various types were identified"! There’s no proof that buried lines are safer.

I’m sure it was exciting for you to hear about a new school for your children. Schools are great for the community. But what was the school district thinking when they agreed to build closer to Lindero Canyon (instead of the original plan at the end of Reyes Adobe), under the wires? Surely the lives of children and teachers are more precious than preserving a few oak trees. Just thought you’d want to know these facts.

G. Papkoff-Sloan

Westlake Village