Pause the Camera, Listen to the Community

Many San Clemente residents are asking our City Council to pause and reconsider the proposed Federal surveillance camera agreement before installation moves forward.

This is not simply about whether public safety matters — it absolutely does. Residents support protecting our coastline, preventing trafficking, and keeping our community safe. The concern is whether this specific surveillance camera system, in this specific location, is the right solution for San Clemente.

Community members have raised legitimate concerns about the camera placement, lack of meaningful local oversight, privacy implications, and the speed at which this proposal advanced without adequate public discussion. Experts familiar with surveillance technology and camera systems have also called for a more careful review before installation proceeds.

Good government requires transparency, public trust, and community engagement —especially when surveillance technology is involved.

San Clemente residents deserve to have their voices heard before permanent infrastructure is installed on our coastline. We should welcome an open review process that includes technical experts, public input, and thoughtful consideration of whether this system will truly improve safety while respecting community concerns.

Public safety and public accountability should go hand in hand.

— Donna Vidrine