Or at least much of Santa Monica soon will be, as the Santa Monica Police Department finishes up installing 123 surveillance cameras in tourist-heavy areas such as the Pier, Third Street Promenade and downtown alleys. The security system, at a price tag of $1.3 million, comes in response to a perceived terrorist threat on the pier last July.
Still, a contingent of residents views the cameras as a step towards less privacy.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 22, 2006. Read the original PDF.