Town of Yountville • 6550 Yount Street • Yountville • California • 94599 Telephone (707) 944-8851 • FAX (707) 944-9619
March 5, 2024
Dear California Public Utilities Commission,
ATT landlines are vital for the safety of our residents in the Town of Yountville, and I, as the Mayor, assert that they must continue to be available. The reliance on landlines during emergencies is a critical aspect of community preparedness. When power outages strike and internet connectivity falters, landlines remain steadfast. They become a lifeline for residents to reach out to emergency services, family, and neighbors.
My top priority is to ensure the safety of our residents, and over the past ten years, Yountville has faced various life-threatening situations such as earthquakes, fires, power outages, and storms.
During these emergencies, power outages continued for days, internet and cell phone services were unreliable, and landlines were our only reliable form of communication.
In our community of more than 3000 residents, most are senior citizens, including 650 senior Veterans residing at the California Veterans Home - Yountville, who depend on landlines as cell service is not reliable in the area. Landlines serve as an essential public service and are indispensable for our community during emergencies.
As the Mayor, I rely on my two home landlines for my disaster-management efforts, and I open my home to residents during emergency events to use my landline phone lines. Landlines are the bridge to connect with their worried friends, neighbors, and emergency services.
While technological advancements are essential, they are not always reliable in our rural areas. We must balance progress with the needs of vulnerable populations. I trust that the California Public Utilities Commission will oppose approving ATT's request to discontinue their landline business.
I urge the Commission to consider the safety of our residents and ensure that landlines continue to be available in the Town of Yountville.
Regards,
Margie Mohler
Mayor Town of Yountville
[email protected]