If you received a flyer on your doorstep or if you just came across this blog via a search engine, I would like to welcome you to the site and also, if this subject is unfamiliar, to the  topic of “Smart” Meters.  There is a wealth of information on the Internet, and we in Southern California are fortunate in being able to benefit from the work that those in Northern California (as well as other states and countries) have been doing.  Josh Hart’s StopSmartMeters.org is one of the many excellent websites. The electromagnetichealth.org site is also very reputable in terms of science.

Since Smart Meters are new to Southern California we are just now setting up local websites and Facebook pages.  A new Santa Monica site will be launched next week. Other Southern California blog sites are either devoted exclusively to Smart Meters  or have added “Smart” Meters as a main topic of concern to an existing blog. See the links in the “blogroll” at right for more information.  It’s a fascinating topic and you will learn good information from all these websites and experts.

Unfortunately, there has been such a media blackout and extremely poor notification by the utility companies of what exactly they have been installing on our homes, that most residents are unaware of the issues regarding the Smart Meters and that they even had the option to get on a temporary delay list.

Instead of doing an environmental  impact report or investing in the more secure type of “Smart” grid (using fiber optics) that Italy has successfully installed, the utility companies chose to go with a cheap wireless system, which may have profound and, as yet, not completely known health impacts on the population; a system, also which is a security threat vulnerable to hacking and even to cyber terrorism.   The utility companies have received billions of dollars in money via rate payer increases and Federal grants to foist this boondoggle on the public.

Because of the strong outcry from Northern Californians, the CPUC is considering an individual opt out program.  While we are immensely grateful that this is being considered, we are concerned that because the wireless mesh system they are using washes our neighborhoods in pulsed radiation 24/7 (the exact same kind the World Health Organization last May classified as a possible class 2b carcinogen), there needs to be a community, even “state,” wide opt out, to protect the public’s health.   Also, because there are reported health issues with the experimental “powered down ” Smart Meters (I will write more about that in the future), the option needs to be an analog type meter.  In addition, rate payers should not be forced to pay more to keep (or have re-installed) their old analog meters.

In order for these positive things to happen, we need everyone who is concerned to get involved.  See “Take Action” tab at the top of this page for some easy suggestions.  Do what you can.  Even a very tiny action such as a 60 second phone call is a big deal.  We also invite you to volunteer and work with our group (or the local group in your area).

I am an educator and parent, and I put this web site together to share what I’m learning and to reach out to the community, and connect with others to stop smart meters. I’m especially interested in the actual scientific research done by independent, non wireless company affiliated scientists.

I invite you to participate and to share your opinions, knowledge, research and ideas. The web site is for all those concerned about this issue, not just for Irvine residents, wherever you happen to live.

Disclaimer.  The information on this site is for educational purposes only.  As with all information you come across on or off the web,  be a critical reader of anything you read here.