SCVNews.com | Opinion/Commentary: Site Unsafe for Seniors?

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside

Weather

Calendar

Today in
S.C.V. History

November 23

1931 - Fall Roundup held at Hoot Gibson's Saugus Rodeo [story]

Site Unsafe for Seniors?

Commentary by Dr. Gene Dorio

Dr. Gene Dorio | Sunday, Nov 2, 2014

Click Here to Get Our 'SCV This Morning' Newsletter

Tweet This

Facebook

Digg This

Bookmark

Stumble

RSS

Within the past few years as a hospice doctor, I have had two cases of young patients in Santa Clarita dying from a brain tumor and lung cancer. In common, both lived next to high-power transmission lines.

The citizens of the Santa Clarita Valley have learned to live with power lines. The question remains: Are they dangerous?

As you drive eastbound on the cross-valley connector – on Newhall Ranch Road near the Fallen Warrior Memorial Bridge – you see multiple parallel power lines traversing next to the Five Knolls project grading site.

This is where community leaders have designated a potential new location for the SCV Senior Center. Los Angeles County announced a possible $3 million contribution to the center, and I’m sure the city will donate a similar amount.

Originally, this development was approved in 2006 as the Keystone Project. The studies presented to the city by the developer at that time stated: “It is unlikely that the DWP power lines raise any significant health problems to the project site.”

Because of what I have seen as a hospice doctor, I did an unscientific study of these power lines using an Extech Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) meter to collect data.

Most readings around our house are 0.0 to 0.1 milligauss units. When on, the TV reads 4.0 and our microwave 6.0. Not being able to access the Five Knolls property, I went a half mile south to Centre Pointe Parkway next to the Santa Clarita Sports Complex and took readings. Underneath the lines, I measured a continuous 9.9.

At that location, I noticed another large power transmission line from the east converging with the ones I was under, then passing next to the project. So I drove closer, north of Soledad Canyon Road to Santa Clara Street, just 300 yards south of the project grading.

Standing next to all the converged power lines, I measured 48.0 . Not only that: I could hear the lines “sizzling.” The combined power lines I believe increased the EMR exponentially.

I walked backward and east to a street called Oak Avenue, about 100 yards, before the meter returned to 0.1. Within this distance is approximately where the SCV Senior Center and a new YMCA will be located in the project.

The scientific jury is still out on the controversy whether EMR is harmful to humans or if some people might be more sensitive, but anecdotally there may be evolving evidence that high-power transmission lines cause medical problems. Our microwave is not on all the time, but at the Five Knolls project location, there will be continuous exposure for hours to our children and elder seniors.

As we have done in the past, let’s protect those in our community who might be the most vulnerable. I therefore ask the City Council and L.A. County Board of Supervisors, before investing a large sum of money to this location, do a true scientific study measuring the EMR coming from these power lines.

Just don’t let the developer pay for it.

Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D., is a housecall geriatric physician on staff at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital and has been engaged as an advocate in many community activities. The views expressed in this column as his alone.

Comment On This Story

COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

29 Comments

Linda says:

Sunday, Nov 2, 2014 at

I agree that high power lines have an affect on our cells. I did not know that was a proposed site for the new Center. I am a voluteer and would be concerned regarding my health and that of the others attending the Center. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

Reply
Jane Haida Del Vecho says:

Sunday, Nov 2, 2014 at

Thank you!

Reply
Robin Cantor- Silver says:

Sunday, Nov 2, 2014 at

Scary

Reply
Carolyn Heinz says:

Sunday, Nov 2, 2014 at

Lauren Lefkowitz Greber…..things that make you go hmmmmmm????

Reply
Chris Hulse says:

Sunday, Nov 2, 2014 at

Nice report

Reply
Lauren Lefkowitz Greber says:

Sunday, Nov 2, 2014 at

Definitely. ..

Reply
Melissa D. Lennon says:

Sunday, Nov 2, 2014 at

Christina

Reply
Kitti St John says:

Sunday, Nov 2, 2014 at

Glad you have pointed this out…truly…!

Reply
Joyce U Thomas says:

Sunday, Nov 2, 2014 at

One of the newer developments near Kelly Johnson Parkway, .. homes being built with those power lines and transformers next to them.

Reply
Melanie Imber-Baker says:

Sunday, Nov 2, 2014 at

I never understood how people think it’s ok to live near power lines?! They buzzzz hello?! Growing up in Maine we never lived near them. Everyone stayed clear

Reply
Chris Kramer says:

Sunday, Nov 2, 2014 at

I’m glad he at least stated it was an unscientific study. The observations are anecdotal. I’ll bet all the individuals he encountered in hospice lived in homes with doors, but the doors did not necessarily cause the cancer. I’m really surprised there are no real scientific studies on exposure to high level exposure to these flux densities. I’m also not so naive as to believe all “scientific” studies are relevant. They usually support the view of the folks that paid for the study…

Reply
- David Navarette says:
  
  Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at
  
  What DOORS cause cancer!!! I knew it. Unhinge them honey! I want to live.
  
  Reply
Chris Cramer says:

Sunday, Nov 2, 2014 at

Cancer is an epidemic and running rampid!

Reply
- David Navarette says:
  
  Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at
  
  What rampids cause cancer????
  
  Reply
Dana Kert says:

Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at

Joel

Reply
Michele Klein Feldman says:

Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at

I knew of 2 sisters who lived in a house under high power lines. The younger developed leukemia.

Reply
- David Navarette says:
  
  Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at
  
  I knew two sisters too. Does that cause cancer?
  
  Reply
Deborah Acker-Zolnoski says:

Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at

Unsafe for anyone! This is the only community I have ever seen where homes are built so close to power lines.

Reply
Marcos Rubalcava says:

Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at

I’ve always said this and have chosen apartments based on location for this reason. Can’t be good living under or near these structures.

Reply
Carol Round says:

Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at

Marcus Round

Reply
Sarah Raye Raza says:

Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at

We will never live by power lines because of the possibility of serious health risks.

Reply
Sarah Raye Raza says:

Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at

Melanie Imber-Baker i’m from Maine too and i noticed you’re friends with my cousin Jason Raye! Small world!!

Reply
- Melanie Imber-Baker says:
  
  Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at
  
  That’s crazy! You live in scv?
  
  Reply
- Sarah Raye Raza says:
  
  Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at
  
  Yeah in Circle J Ranch!
  
  Reply
- Melanie Imber-Baker says:
  
  Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at
  
  I sent you pm
  
  Reply
Linda Hitsman says:

Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at

When I was teaching in S.C., I had a student who had leukemia who lived under large power lines in Acton. Her mother was sure that had led to her disease and moved to C.C. The good news is, she was cured and now has a family of her own!!

Reply
Jim Van Sickle says:

Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at

Scientific studies abound, but they tend to be quite technical, and so far as I know are not conclusive in either direction. Most of the information I’ve seen that indicates biological activity is based on laboratory tests of cells, not complete organisms.
There is a lot of anecdotal information that is strongly anti EMF/EMR (ElectroMagnetic Fields/ElectroMagnetic Radiation), and some that comes from the Electric Power Industry supporting their point of view. Unfortunately, when those groups do reference scientific materials, they tend to cherry-pick to support their arguments.

It’s easy enough to find out for yourself; google EMF and/or EMR. YOu can start at this site if you like: http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/emf.htm

Reply
Juan Delacruz says:

Monday, Nov 3, 2014 at

This is a good man know him personally

Reply
Misty Minchello says:

Tuesday, Nov 4, 2014 at

I have a friend that had brain cancer at the moment, one with intestinal cancer and one with breast cancer. All under the age of 30. This can’t just be random

Reply

Click here to cancel reply.

Opinion Section Policy

All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.

Mayor Cameron Smyth | Experience Holiday Cheer on the Tracks

Thursday, Nov 21, 2024

The holiday season is just around the corner and it’s one of the most magical times of the year.

Barger on Protections for Youth in Juvenile Halls

Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024

Supervisor Kathryn Barger commented on Attorney General Rob Bonta’s announcement that he is pursuing additional monitoring and strengthened protections for youth in Los Angeles County’s juvenile halls.

Marcia Mayeda | Winter, Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024

I think we’re all glad that the extreme heat of the past few months here in southern California has passed, and we are now enjoying some beautiful fall days.

Kathryn Barger | Oath of Office

Monday, Nov 11, 2024

This week, I took my Oath of Office for my third and final term as Fifth District Supervisor.

Mike West | CIF-SS Message from the Commissioner

Monday, Nov 11, 2024

As we conclude the 2024 Fall season, I would like to thank all the athletic directors, school administrators, athletic trainers and anyone else responsible for helping implement and navigate our new Health and Safety Bylaws.

Jason Gibbs | Get Your Passport at the Santa Clarita Public Library

Thursday, Nov 7, 2024

Did you know that our local Santa Clarita Public Library offers passport acceptance services? Whether you’re planning a vacation, studying abroad or reconnecting with family, the Santa Clarita Public Library is here to support your journey.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com


Today in SCV History (Nov. 23) 1931 - Fall Roundup held at Hoot Gibson's Saugus Rodeo [story]	Jan. 31: SCV Chamber Awards + Installation Early Bird Tickets The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Awards + Installation event on Friday, Jan. 31 at the Hyatt Regency.	Dec. 12: Cocktails & Conversation with Cameron Smyth The Valley Industry Assoction will host a Cocktails & Conversation event with Cameron Smyth on Thursday, Dec. 12, 5:30=7:30 p.m. at Margarita’s Mexican Grill, 23320 Valencia Blvd., Valencia, CA 91355.	Hart Board Selects Current Interim Superintendent to Fill Vacancy Following an extensive search, the Governing Board of the William S. Hart Union High School District has unanimously selected current Interim Superintendent Dr. Michael Vierra as the new Hart District Superintendent, filling the vacancy created when Mike Kuhlman resigned effective June 30.	Nov. 29: ‘Christmas Carol, The True Meaning of Christmas’ "Christmas Carol: The True Meaning of Christmas" will be performed on stage at the Canyon Theatre Guild on weekends beginning Friday, Nov. 29 thru Monday, Dec. 23 at 24242 Main St., Newhall, CA 91321.	CARB Incentive Plan Focuses on Fleets for Small Businesses The California Air Resources Board has approved a $34.94 million incentives funding plan that will continue support ongoing efforts to increase access to medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission trucks, buses and equipment, with a focus on small businesses.
Recycle Broken Holiday Lights at SAFE Collection Centers Preparing to decorate for the holidays? If you come across broken string lights that are no longer usable, instead of tossing in the trash you can now drop them off for recycling at one of the SAFE collection centers	Dec. 8: ‘Charles Phoenix Holidayland’ at Newhall Family Theatre The nonprofit Raising the Curtain Foundation will host a fundraising event, "Holidayland" with mid-century pop culture expert Charles Phoenix, on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 3 p.m.	Nov. 26: City Council Meets to Discuss Contracts, Open Space Naming The Santa Clarita City Council will hold its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 26, beginning with a special closed meeting at 5 p.m., followed immediately with open session at 6 p.m.	Nov. 23: ACS Relay for Life SCV Holiday Boutique The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Santa Clarita Valley will present its holiday boutique fundraiser, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church, 26640 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.	State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program Launch California State Parks Office of Historic Preservation has announced it will begin accepting applications for the State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program at 8 a.m. on Jan. 6, 2025.	Today in SCV History (Nov. 22) 1843 - Rancho Castec (Lebec-Tejon area) granted to French immigrant Jose Covarrubias [story]
Central Park Exercise Staircase Closure Extended Thru Nov. 28 Due to construction and weather delays, the closure of the exercise staircase at Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, will be extended through Nov. 28.	Dec. 14-15: Santa Clarita Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Santa Clarita Ballet's 30th anniversary production of "The Nutcracker" will perform, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15 at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.	COC Winter 2025 Registration Underway Registration is underway for the College of the Canyons winter 2025 session, which boasts more than 300 class sections.	TMU Men’s Basketball Knocks Off No. 2, Starr Sees 300th Win Christmas came early for The Master's University Men's Basketball Head Coach Kelvin Starr.	Dec. 13-15: ‘Holiday Hijinx’ Presented by Theatre in a Week, Off Book Theatre Theatre in a Week and Off Book Theatre is back with its holiday one act comedy "Holiday Hijinx" Friday, Dec. 13- Sunday, Dec. 15 at The MAIN in Old Town Newhall.	Dec. 8: Santa Clarita Master Chorale Presents Silver Bell Jubilee The Santa Clarita Master Chorale presents its Silver Bell Jubilee concert Sunday, Dec. 8, 4 p.m. at Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
Mayor Cameron Smyth \| Experience Holiday Cheer on the Tracks The holiday season is just around the corner and it’s one of the most magical times of the year.	Dec. 7: The 29th Annual Winter Magic Lighted Boat Parade Celebrate this special time of year with the 29th annual Winter Magic Lighted Boat Parade and holiday event Saturday, Dec. 7 at Castaic Lake, Lower Lagoon.	Today in SCV History (Nov. 21) 1967 - Local voters approve formation of community college and elect COC's first five-member board - Dr. William G. Bonelli Jr., Bruce Fortine, Sheila Dyer, Peter Huntsinger, Edward Muhl [story]	Hope for the Holidays with Boys & Girls Club of SCV You can make a difference in a child or teen’s life this holiday season through the Boys and Girls Club of the Santa Clarita Valley. You can volunteer at a club holiday event, host a toy drive, sponsor a club family or make a donation.	Kalli Arte Collective to be CSUN’s First Orndorff Artist-in-Residence Art, in whatever the medium, can communicate so much. It can inspire imagination, exude peace and calm, or tell the world the stories of a community and a culture or connect on an extremely personal level.	Nov. 23: New Honorees Inducted into Walk of Western Stars The city of Santa Clarita invites community members to attend the unveiling of the newest inductees to the Walk of Western Stars.