More than 80 people protest proposed cell towers at Cliffridge Park in La Jolla.

On April 11, 2025, more than 80 parents, children, and community members gathered at Cliffridge Park in La Jolla to express their opposition to a proposal for installing cell towers within the park’s premises. Equipped with posterboard signs and utilizing a sound system, demonstrators highlighted their concerns regarding the potential placement of these structures in proximity to schools and recreational areas.

The rally was organized by Kerri DeNies, a parent of a student at nearby Torrey Pines Elementary School. During the event, she outlined what she and other community members view as serious detriments associated with cell towers located close to schools, community clubs, fields, and heavily populated areas.

Cliffridge Park, located at 8311 Cliffridge Ave., is positioned adjacent to the Dan McKinney Family YMCA and Torrey Pines Church, as well as the elementary school itself. The current proposal by Dish Network seeks to incorporate wireless antennas into two 30-foot tall foul poles on the park’s baseball field, as part of an initiative aimed at enhancing 5G connectivity. These poles, which are replacing former T-Mobile equipment, were previously decommissioned.

Community apprehensions regarding the project predominantly center around health risks associated with electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell facilities. Many residents express concern over potential health implications, particularly for children.

Children present at the protest held signs bearing messages such as “Kids play here! Keep the cell towers away,” signaling the urgency of their message. Alongside DeNies, Patti Garay, chairwoman of the Save the La Jolla Bike Path Coalition, contributed to the dialogue. Garay’s coalition previously fought against a similar proposal by AT&T to install a cell tower along the La Jolla bike path, successfully leading to the withdrawal of that initiative earlier this year.

DeNies has taken proactive measures in organizing community awareness efforts, forming a task force in February that has collected approximately 300 signatures against the proposal through a virtual petition. In addition, she has held multiple meetings at the YMCA to discuss concerns with local residents.

As the review process continues within the San Diego Development Services Department, a representative confirmed that the application for the project remains incomplete pending further submission from Dish Network. If the proposal moves forward, it will be subject to a hearing by the San Diego Planning Commission, although no date for such a hearing has been established.

In anticipation of potential legal challenges, community organizers have initiated a fundraiser with the objective of raising ,000 to secure legal representation specializing in telecommunications law.

Amid the debate, it is important to note that existing research offers mixed findings regarding the health impacts of electromagnetic fields. A study published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology found no confirmed evidence linking low-level RF fields, such as those utilized in 5G networks, to human health risks. Conversely, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences acknowledges ongoing concerns about possible adverse effects associated with EMF exposure, advocating for further investigation and educational outreach to mitigate risks.

The outcome of this proposed project at Cliffridge Park remains uncertain, as community members continue to advocate for a more health-conscious approach to wireless infrastructure developments. Media News Source