The Cost of Pseudoscience  Much has been written about the scare
tactics and pseudoscience of the anti-wi-fi campaigners. Most of
the time, the discussion is around wasted resources and the
potential for lost productivity in taking a technological step
backwards. In Santa Monica, the cost is potentially huge in
straight dollar figures.  Denise Barton has a number: $1.7
billion, plus another $1.7 million every month thereafter.
Barton, known amongst City Council regulars for her detailed
reports during public comment periods, filed a claim against
City Hall for that hefty sum alleging that new “smart” parking
meters were impacting her health.  In the claim, Barton asserts
that radiation from the wireless signals emanating from the
meters, which is similar to Wi-Fi Internet or cellular waves, is
causing ringing in her ears, ear infections and tightness on the
back, left side of her neck.  Fist of all, this is an absolutely
ridiculous number, even if there was any good science behind the
claims, which there is