The crucifix is one of the prime locations suggested in the city's master plan for wireless services. However, under pressure by neighboring residents, Sprint's proposal was turned down in a 3-1 vote at the July 12 planning commission meeting.

Sprint representatives, as well as a local consultant hired by the company, say the crucifix is a safe place, with a safe distance from the population.

However, dozens of residents of the Huntridge area showed up to voice their opposition at the July 12 meeting. They had several complaints.

Some were angry at the short notice they received about a community meeting scheduled by Sprint—at which only five people showed up.

"It was very confusing when we got this notification," resident Judy O'Brien told the commission. "This has been going on for over a year, but nobody let us know until three weeks ago," she said.

One resident said it was disrespectful to place a dangerous antenna under the disguise of a Christian crucifix. "God bless us all," he said as he concluded his statement.

At the meeting, Sprint representative Sandra Steele explained why Sprint chose this particular location.

"This site meets all the city and government requirements," she said, referring to the city's regulations for a communications tower, which include setback from the community and proper concealment. "Sprint needs to meet our customers' demands and improve service for them in this area," Steele said.

She said that the reception for Sprint mobile users in the area was not very strong, and the new site was necessary to provide reliable service to areas within a half-mile radius of the tower. She said that Jollyman Park, which is close to the church, and Monta Vista High School were alternatives but they did not meet all requirements.

She said that Sprint really wanted to work with the neighbors near this project, but out of 95 notices sent to residents, only five residents showed up at Sprint's public information meeting.

One Huntridge resident at the July 12 meeting said she suffers from a condition known as electrical sensitivity syndrome, which prevents her from being around any electrical appliance for an extended period of time. She said that if the tower was put up, she would likely be forced to move out of the area.

Paul Chang, another resident, expressed his concern about having radio frequencies broadcast so close to his home. He also said it would be especially unfair for the woman with the sensitivity to electricity to have to move out of the neighborhood. "I personally don't think we can ask the couple to leave the community... they have been living here for over 40 years," he said.

He also presented a protest letter, which he said had 134 signatures from concerned citizens.

Dawn Teuthorn, pastor of the Redeemer Lutheran Church, told the commission and residents that she and her associates had been approached by the city and Sprint, and after hearing the details of the proposal, had approved the antenna. However, she said that she was shocked to hear the backlash from the residents. "We didn't have any complaints before this," she said.

In the days following the meeting, Teuthorn said her concerns about the tower grew as she listened to residents' concerns.. "It was good to spend time with the community and get to understand their fears," she said.

She said that when the church was approached with the proposition, she was told the antenna would be safe and posed no serious health risks. William Hammet, a safety consultant hired by Sprint, said his company had decided the church was a safe place to mount the tower.

He said Sprint's standard for this project was 50 times below the safe threshold level of frequency exposure required by the federal government.

Dr. Katz, an assistant professor at Stanford Medical Center and resident on Huntridge Lane, said that studies on exposure were not conclusive. "We cannot say with 100 percent assurance that [frequency exposure] is causing a problem or is not causing a problem," she said.

Sherman Wong, 19, said he was concerned that the tower could cause unintentional harm to children since the church is located next to Jollyman Park where children play.

The commission swayed its decision in favor of the residents in a 3-1 vote, leaving Sprint with the option to appeal the decision to the city council.