Detective Sam Reynolds sat in the back of the Planning Commission meeting, observing as the members discussed the approval of a new wireless communication facility in Arcata. As the Director of Community Development, David Loya, presented the staff report, Sam couldn’t help but feel that there was something off about the whole situation.

The proposed facility, owned by VB BTS III, LLC, was set to be built on West End Road, on a former wood products processing site. The site was chosen for its coverage objectives and lack of alternative locations, but Sam couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the story.

As the discussion continued, Sam noticed a man sitting in the back of the room, taking notes and occasionally whispering to another individual. Something about the man’s demeanor raised red flags in Sam’s mind, and he made a mental note to follow up on him later.

After the meeting adjourned, Sam approached Director Loya and requested a copy of the staff report and attachments. As he reviewed the documents, he noticed inconsistencies in the information provided. The Alternative Sites Analysis seemed rushed and incomplete, and the constraints map didn’t align with the actual site location.

Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Sam decided to visit the proposed site of the wireless communication facility. As he arrived at 4300 West End Road, he noticed something peculiar - the six-foot high, solid metal fence surrounding the 1,600 square foot lease area had been tampered with. It looked as though someone had attempted to break in.

Sam’s instincts kicked in as he surveyed the area, looking for clues. He noticed footprints leading away from the fence, towards a nearby wetland. Following the tracks, Sam stumbled upon a hidden camera placed in the bushes, pointed directly at the proposed location of the monopole.

Realization hit Sam like a ton of bricks - someone was trying to sabotage the construction of the wireless communication facility. But why? And who was behind it?

As Sam delved deeper into the investigation, he uncovered a web of deceit and corruption that went all the way to the top. The man he had seen at the Planning Commission meeting was a competitor in the telecommunications industry, desperate to prevent VB BTS III, LLC from gaining a foothold in the market.

With the help of his trusty partner, Detective Maria Alvarez, Sam unraveled the mystery and exposed the culprits behind the sabotage. The Planning Commission ultimately approved the Use Permit, Minor Use Permit, and Design Review for VB BTS III, LLC, but not without a fight.

In the end, justice prevailed, and the new wireless communication facility was built as planned. But for Sam Reynolds, the case was far from over. As long as there were mysteries to solve and criminals to catch, he would always be on the case.

— LoCOBot