APRIL 2020 SHORE LINE:

BAYVIEW’S RAQUEL, A TOWERING FORCE

by Sheryl Puckett

It was 2015, after the Cape Horn fire, that work on the Bayview cell tower really starting building. Safety concerns were the most important factor driving the need.

If not for Raquel Kellicut getting everyone talking and playing a pivotal role informing the community we might never have gotten off the ground.

Raquel is not one to toot her own horn, so I will. Neither is she one to give up and once she determines what she wants there’s no stopping her.

Her first move was to call KXLY’s “4 On Your Side” representative Melissa Luck, to tell of the need for a cell tower in Bayview and Verizon’s lack of responsiveness to the need. After the story was broadcast, someone from the CDA Press contacted Raquel to do an additional story. The article highlighted our sketchy cell tower service and its effect on our safety and security.

After the newspaper article, Raquel knew she needed help, and didn’t want to take this on alone. She approached the local organizations seeking assistance. The Bayview Community Council answered her call and a sub-committee was formed: “The Cell Tower Committee.”

The Cell Tower effort is a perfect example of how our community can work together to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Raquel went further and was determined to consolidate community good will at the same time. She challenged divisions in the community with a common vision which served everyone’s interest. She had an unwavering spirit.

Although Raquel had lived in Bayview for decades with her husband, Darwin, both lived a low key life. As with so many other issues with which Bayview has grappled, the challenges and conflicts are always more than compensated for by the good-hearted people who come forward to dedicate their time and money to making Bayview such great place to live.

I know that Raquel would want credit to be given to those in Bayview who worked before her, and with her, on the cell tower project. It was a definitely a team effort.

Thank you, Raquel, for all that you’ve done and I’m proud to count you as my friend. You “kick started” this cause and we are where we are now because of you and I believe credit should be given to those that are due it.

After the cell tower is up and running, the Council is sponsoring a celebratory party, champagne and more. Stay tuned for dates and times.

• Parts of this article were made possible with the clandestine help from Darwin Kellicut. Thanks, Darwin.