City Approves Funding For Security Cameras At MBUSD Schools

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — The Manhattan Beach City Council unanimously agreed to provide $250,000 in funding toward adding security cameras to the Manhattan Beach Middle School and Mira Costa High School campuses.

The goal of the cameras is to promote campus safety and security, the city said. In 2022 alone there have been nine different reports of antisemitic incidents, with the most recent being on Sept. 17 at Pennekamp Elementary School where officials found hateful phrases drawn on walls.

"Eighth grade was the first time I saw a swastika drawn on the bathroom stall at school," Mira Costa High School senior Brent Torres said at a community rally last month. "An assembly was called to address this, but within weeks more hateful symbols and phrases would appear on desks throughout campus."

The funding for the project came from Manhattan Beach's five-year Capital Improvement Plan to help promote and maintain the city's relationships with educational institutions.

MBUSD requested the money to reimburse a portion of the total cost of installing the surveillance system. With the money provided, the installation and connection of the cameras to a recording and monitoring system is fully supported.

The remaining balance, approximately $150,000 according to the city, will be paid to the district's general fund that is used to fund infrastructure projects.

“The City’s number one priority is public safety,” Mayor Steve Napolitano said. “This project aligns with the City’s goals to enhance the safety and security of Manhattan Beach schools. With the installation of cameras on school sites, Manhattan Beach Police Department will be better equipped to apprehend and hold those accountable for committing crimes on school campuses.”