Vol. 4 January 10th, 2011

https://stopsmartmeters.org

Quotes of the Month

 

“It’s not green if you’re going code blue.”

 

-Rebecca from San Diego, who has had to move out of her home and abandon her professional practice because of the medical symptoms caused by her ‘smart’ meter. (More 1^st person health testimonials here: http://emfsafetynetwork.org/?page_id=2292)

 

“Continuing the program will allow all our customers to enjoy these benefits.”

 

–PG&E spokesperson Jeff Smith, in response to Marin County’s criminalization of ‘smart’ meter installation last week

“Wow. Ok, so (the Tea Party) and (the Sonoma County Republicans) are actually protesting with the EMF Safety Network. Never saw that coming, cats and dogs living together.”

 

–PG&E’s spy-for-hire commenting on his surprise at unlikely political alliances forming to stop smart meters.

 

ALERT!  ATTEND COUNTY BOARD MEETINGS THIS WEEK!

Last week, Marin County became the latest local government to respond to growing public pressure—voting to ban smart meter installations in order to protect human health.  Now, a number of other governments are considering the same move to protect their own residents- an emergency move given the evidence that smart meters likely exceed already insufficient federal standards on microwave exposure.  Plan to attend and speak out at the following meetings:

Santa Cruz County– Considering one year emergency ban- similar to Marin County’s action last week.  TOMORROW MORNING Tuesday, January 11^th 9am County Board of Supervisors Chambers 701 Ocean St. Santa Cruz

Monterey County- TOMORROW MORNING Tuesday, Jan. 11^th 9am Board of Supes will consider adopting a heavily flawed report from the County Health Dept. that accepts PG&E misinformation without question.  Smart meter item is #38 on the consent agenda.  More info http://publicagendas.co.monterey.ca.us/ Contact your supervisor in advance and ask that the item be removed from the consent agenda!

Lake County- Board of Supes will consider a moratorium request. TOMORROW AFTERNOON Tuesday Jan. 11^th 1:30pm 255 N. Forbes St. Lakeport- more info http://lakeconews.com/content/view/17741/919/

San Luis Obispo County- Not agendized as far as we know but supervisors have signalled intent: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2011/01/04/1431031/san-luis-county-supervisors-start.html?story_link=email_msg

City of San Clemente- We are told that City Council will consider the issue at the Feb. 1^st meeting.  OC Register article here: http://www.ocregister.com/news/smart-281391-meters-san.html

City of Monterey- Monterey plans to discuss the smart meter issue within the next month: http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_17014704?nclick_check=1

Please let us know if there are other meetings related to smart meters in your area and we will post them.

WHAT ARE SMART METERS!?

The installation of wireless gas and electric meters is one of the largest technology rollouts in history.  Yet in California and other states, there was virtually no consultation with the public and local governments in advance of the $2.2 billion “Advanced Metering Infrastructure” (or AMI) project — the first mandatory microwave radiation device to be installed on our homes and businesses.   Wireless radiation has been linked with cancer[1] and DNA damage[2] at exposure levels far below FCC guidelines, in peer-reviewed scientific studies.  “Smart” meters pose health risks, violate individual privacy, interfere with electronic appliances, increase carbon emissions and overcharge customers. But utility companies and tech firms love them because they allow them to layoff meter readers and generate more profit.  Luckily, more communities every day are learning the facts and refusing the DumbMeter onslaught.

WHAT IS “STOP SMART METERS!”?

Growing out of the grassroots group Scotts Valley Neighbors Against Smart Meters, which was started in June, Stop Smart Meters! is now a community supported statewide advocacy, media outreach, and direct action group providing activism consultation, technical assistance advice to dozens of local groups around the state (and now around the country) who are fighting the wireless ‘smart’ meter assault.

The fight against ‘smart’ meters has brought about new, unexpected political alliances.   Please join us and add your voice to thousands of others.  More info, regular news updates, analysis, and tips on resisting ‘smart’ meters at our website: https://stopsmartmeters.org

THANK YOU FOR DONATING TO STOP SMART METERS!

Even if it’s only a small amount, it all adds up and it really goes a long way toward making this education and advocacy possible.  Remember we are community supported- please chip in if you can!  Please make checks payable to Joshua Hart, write Stop Smart Meters! on the memo line and send to Stop Smart Meters! Post Office Box 66165 Scotts Valley CA 95067.  Contact us directly if you require a tax deduction.  Thank you for your support!

CHECK OUT OUR ALLIES

We urge you to get to know, and contribute to our friends at the following organizations, who are all working on different angles of the smart meter issue:

Health and Safety: EMF Safety Network http://emfsafetynetwork.org

Health and Envt: Environmental Options Network (EON) http://eon3.net

EON EMF Blog: http://eon3emfblog.net/

Environmental Health Trust: http://www.environmentalhealthtrust.org/

Privacy issues: Electronic Frontier Foundation http://eff.org

Consumer Rights: The Utility Reform Network (TURN) http://turn.org

SMART METER CAMPAIGN UPDATES

SMART METER STUDY SAYS METERS ARE VIOLATING FCC LIMITS, RISK TO HEALTH

A study released last week reports that wireless ‘smart’ meters being installed by PG&E and other utilities are likely to violate Federal Communications Commission (FCC) safety limits as they are being installed and operated.  Further, the study found that excessively elevated radiofrequency radiation levels can be expected throughout homes and businesses where ‘smart’ meters have been installed, comparable to living within 200 – 600 feet of a major cell phone tower in many cases.  Health risks have been associated in some published studies to levels commensurate with those of smart meters. The study, carried out by consulting firm Sage and Associates, finds that associated health impacts may include neurological symptoms such as headache, sleep disruption, restlessness, tremors, cognitive impairment, and tinnitus, as well as increased cancer risk and heart problems such as arrythmias, altered heart rhythms, and palpitations. More at: http://stopsmartmeters.wordpress.com/2011/01/07/smart-meters-violate-fcc-radiation-exposure-limits-says-new-study/ Download and read the entire study at: http://sagereports.com/smart-meter-rf/

MARIN COUNTY TAKES ON SMART METERS IN A BIG WAY:

BLOCKADE OF INSTALLATION TRUCKS- 2 LOCAL MOMS ARRESTED IN WEST MARIN-

COUNTY CRIMINALIZES SMART METER INSTALLATIONS

Two mothers from West Marin County were arrested Dec. 29th after a group of concerned residents gathered on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in Inverness Park to deny access to PG&E’s ‘smart’ meter contractors Wellington Energy.  More details, first person accounts, and video coverage here.  Direct links to media coverage here:

http://www.marinij.com/sanrafael/ci_17009004

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/north_bay&id=7871094

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2010/12/29/2-arrests-at-pge-smartmeter-protest-in-marin-county/

http://www.marinij.com/westmarin/ci_16967732

SERIES OF PROTESTS SHUT DOWN PG&E OFFICES IN 3 BAY AREA COUNTIES

In December, protests shut down PG&E service centers in Sonoma, Marin, and Santa Cruz Counties.  The coordinated actions show the growing public movement in opposition to the Northern California power monopoly’s attempt to force wireless meters on non-consenting rate payers, property owners and people being made sick by exposure to the radiation emitted by the untested devices.  Video coverage here: http://stopsmartmeters.wordpress.com/2010/12/21/insurgency-grows-in-northern-california/

http://www.kionrightnow.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=5383389&h1=Santa%20Cruz%20Group%20Protest%20Smartmeters&vt1=v&at1=undefined&d1=97100&LaunchPageAdTag=News&undefined&activePane=info&rnd=52808977

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OPPOSITION GROWS

The number of local governments opposed to the ‘smart’ meter program continues to grow.   A total of 21 cities and 3 counties throughout CA- representing several million citizens- have now formally opposed PG&E’s ‘smart’ meter program.  The cities of Morro Bay and San Clemente recently came on board. It is now illegal under local ordinance to install in Fairfax, Watsonville, Santa Cruz, and Marin Counties.  Call the sheriff if you see installations in any of these areas (or if PG&E tries to install on your home against your will).   The updated list of local governments protesting can be found here at the EMF Safety Network site.  Is your city or county on the list?  If not, why not send them a letter?  Sample letter here.

GOV. BROWN APPOINTS EX PG&E VP NANCY MCFADDEN AS SENIOR ADVISOR

People were horrified to hear last week that Governor Jerry Brown- in one of his first moves as Governor- appointed the architect of Prop. 16 (the stealth initiative that would have prevented local governments from getting into the public power business and threatening PG&E’s market share) to one of his top posts.  But really are you that surprised?  You secretly knew that PG&E and the other major corporations run the whole game anyway.  We didn’t vote for him.  Anyway, if you want to take action, click on the link below:

More here: http://www.themmob.org/2011/01/07/nancy-mcf-f-f-fadden/

 

SMART METER CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE- THE MOVIE

From Isis in Oakland:  Okay, it’s not really a movie. It’s just a compilation of some of the various different kinds of direct actions communities have taken to defend themselves against the wireless “Smart” Meters in California.  So much has happened already, there’s enough footage for a feature length film. Grab a bucket of popcorn, click “Play All”, and enjoy – then get off the couch and join in! http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=21241D4C4663427B

STOP SMART METERS! INVESTIGATES REPORT OF HEALTH EFFECTS IN MARIN

While visiting Marin in December to conduct a series of lectures and direct action trainings, we came across some possible health impacts- documented in our video here:  http://stopsmartmeters.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/not-so-smart-meter-making-people-sick-in-west-marin/

PROTECT YOUR BOX: PHYSICAL DEFENSE AGAINST MICROWAVE TRESPASS

Want to relax when you are away from your home? Here is a secure and legal design to protect your electric meter from accidents and tampering. Remember, the meter doesn’t belong to you, but the box it is contained in does. This design doesn’t touch the meter.

http://mocotp.com/posts/electrical-box-protector

 

DEMAND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSIONERS WHO ARE NOT OWNED BY INDUSTRY

Governor Brown will soon be making appointments to the California Public Utilities Commission, the body who is responsible for continuing the reckless ‘smart’ meter program in CA.  We recommend three qualified candidates who will stand up for the public interest against powerful corporate interests:  Charles McGlashan, Dean Florez, and John Geesman.  Contact Gov. Brown today and let him know you are outraged at his appointment of Nancy McFadden, and that you will be watching his appointments to the CPUC like a hawk.  Contact Brown at http://gov.ca.gov/m_contact.php

 

CA ASSEMBLY REQUESTS OFFICIAL REPORT ON SMART METER HEALTH IMPACTS

Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D- San Rafael) and Bill Monning (D- Santa Cruz) have requested a report from the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) on the potential health impacts of wireless ‘smart’ meters.  A draft version of the report is expected to be released tomorrow, and the public are urged to comment.   http://www.ccst.us

MEDIA UPDATE AND LINKS

Health Concerns Over ‘Smart’ Electric Meters Gain Traction in Calif.

http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/01/10/10greenwire-health-concerns-over-smart-electric-meters-gai-81496.html

California County Criminalizes Smart Meter Installations

http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/01/05/05greenwire-calif-county-criminalizes-smart-meter-installa-66649.html

Time Magazine reports on the campaign: “Rage Against the Machine”

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2040176,00.html

Industry Analysis: Should the Wireless Sector be Concerned with Increasing EMF Militancy ?

http://www.stimulatingbroadband.com/2010/12/first-arrests-of-smart-meter-protesters.html

Forbes: Why Smart People are Suspicious of Smart Meters

http://blogs.forbes.com/williampentland/2010/12/10/why-smart-people-are-suspicious-of-smart-meters/

The “Summer of Smart Grid Smackdown” Analysis by Smart Grid Legal News

http://www.smartgridlegalnews.com/commission-approval/a-california-group-says-smart-meters-can-make-you-sick/

Chronicle: PG&E and CPUC “dangerously out of sync with safety rules”

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/17/ED211GRNP2.DTL

CPUC “Rewarding PG&E for Failure”

http://www.baycitizen.org/pge/story/pge-receive-tens-millions-dollars-green/

After smart meters and San Bruno, “people wonder if they are being adequately protected”

http://legalplanet.wordpress.com/2010/12/16/of-smart-meters-san-bruno-and-regulatory-action/

SF Chronicle:  Marin County Supes Approve Smart Meter Moratorium

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/01/04/BUVC1H443C.DTL

Pacific Sun: Smart Meter installers ‘stalled’ by protesters

http://www.pacificsun.com/news/show_story.php?id=2604

Marin Voice: Smart to worry about smart meters

http://www.marinij.com/opinion/ci_17038771

Consumers Push for Hearings on Health Effects of Smart Meters

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_16752402?nclick_check=1

Legal Challenge to Smart Meters by Judy Vick

http://calcoastnews.com/2010/12/legal-challenge-to-smart-meters/

Tea Party Group Decries Smart Meters

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20110105/ARTICLES/110109761/1350?Title=Tea-party-group-decries-SmartMeters

Wyoming backlash commences: Residents Blast Smart Meters

http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2011/01/05/news/19local_01-05-11.txt

Maine Utilities Commission Considering “Opt Outs”

http://www.mpbn.net/News/MaineNewsArchive/tabid/181/ctl/ViewItem/mid/3475/ItemId/14724/Default.aspx

Smart Meters Turned Down in Westerville Ohio

http://www.snponline.com/articles/2010/12/25/multiple_papers/news/allwecityy_20101224_0947pm_57.txt

“Smart Decisions” North Bay Biz Analysis on the Smart Meter Crisis

http://www.northbaybiz.com/General_Articles/General_Articles/Smart_Decisions.php

A ‘pro-smart grid environmentalist takes a second look at ‘smart’ meters

http://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/elist/eListRead/emf_concerns_causing_smart_grid_interference

PG&E to ‘incease efficiency’ of meters

http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/ci_16951242

Inaccurate ‘smart’ meters in Texas being removed

http://www.click2houston.com/news/26367960/detail.html

Independent analysis: How ‘Smart’ are the Smart Meters? By Barri Boone

http://www.solidarity-us.org/current/node/3133

SF Water Meters Get “Smart”

http://www.smartplanet.com/technology/video/san-francisco-water-meters-get-smart/464935/#comments

KPFA Segment Interviewing Josh Hart of SSM! and Rebecca, a Smart Meter Victim

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/01/06/18668411.php

So. Humboldt County KMUD Coverage of Smart Meter FCC violation report-

Look for the 6pm news on 1/7/11. It was the top story that night.

http://www.kmud.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=83

GENERAL PG&E EVIL-NESS

Woodland woman begs PG&E to save her life

http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=113557

PG&E – Profiteers, Gamblers and Extortionists

http://www.gilroydispatch.com/opinion/270586-pge—profiteers-gamblers-and-extortionists

Cell Phones and General EMF Info

New 700 Mhz frequency provides “very strong signal inside buildings and it’s extremely good at penetrating walls and windows”

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/12/20/BU111GT6IU.DTL#ixzz1AgWKmWiA

MSNBC: Is Electrosmog Harming Our Health?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34509513/ns/health-cancer/

Study Links Cell Phones to Child Misbehavior

http://ca.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idCATRE6B607R20101207?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0

University of Washington’s Henry Lai Makes Waves in the Cell Phone Industry

http://www.seattlemag.com/article/nerd-report/nerd-report

UK Guardian: We need to get to the bottom of what mobile phones do to our health

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/dec/20/mobile-phones-health-companies-precaution-research

UK Daily Mail: Is Wifi Frying our Brains?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1334291/Is-Wi-Fi-frying-brains-Fears-cloud-electrosmog-harm-humans.html

Planet Irth: A Grim Fairy Tale by Magda Havas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtb8dTgB3LE

Smart Meters and Health, a presentation made in September by physician and biomedical engineer Karl Maret:

http://www.communitytv.org/programs/online/truth-about-smart-meters (beginning at 23:40 on the video telecast)

Joshua Hart of Stop Smart Meters! interviewed on KSCO- great radio show with call-ins!

http://www.ksco.com/podcasts/saturday-special

EMF Phone Home- Great Coverage of the Electromagnetic Health Forum

http://www.pacificsun.com/news/show_story.php?id=2487

If you’d like to be removed from this list, please e-mail us at joshuanoahhart@gmail.com and we will do so immediately.  ~Thank you for your support!~  – Stop Smart Meters!

Endnotes:

[1] Hardell L, Carlberg M, Söderqvist F, Hansson Mild K and Morgan LL: Long-term use of cellular phones and brain tumours- increased risk associated with use for ≥10 years. Occup Env Med 64: 626-632, 2007. DOI 10.1136/oem.2006.029751.

[2] Lai, H. and Sigh, N.P. DNA single- and double- strand DNA breaks in rat brain cells after acute exposure to low-level radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation. Int. J. Radiat. Biol. 69:513–521, 1996.