Letters to the Editor: Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015

Lesiure Worlders being video, audio taped

Another enlightenment!  The Seal Beach 55+ Community now has the “Gates and Patrol” employees wearing video cameras.  These video cameras are referred to as “body worn cameras and surveillance.” And it was stated to me: “Our use of body worn cameras and surveillance is no different than any business that you may encounter on a day- to- day basis.” However, I did not know that this 55+ Community was a “business.!”

Then I decided to find out if “any business” near the 55+ Community wear “body worn cameras.”  First visited the nearby Dollar store.  There, when I asked the clerk if she was wearing a camera, she responded: “what is that?”  Then I decided to find out from the Seal Beach Police Department if they are wearing surveillance cameras.  The response there was: “Not yet!”

However, in the 55+ Community these video cameras are in every clubhouse, every room in the clubhouses.  Could it be just like “Big Brother is watching”?

Please recall in the novel: “1984” (Nineteen Eight-Four), the Party leader is named “Big Brother.”

In this book the author states: “The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake.  It is not interested in the good of others; it is interested solely in power.”

While looking at the laws, I learned that the California Penal Code section 632 (a) states that NO ONE can videotape anyone without their consent.  If they do not get permission, they could be put in jail.

After the “Big Brother” was notified regarding the Penal Code, every entry into the Seal Beach 55+ Community has a sign stating: “NOTICE: Security cameras and audio recording in use.” But, DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE “AUDIO.”

And right here in Seal Beach’s wonderful 55+ Community.

Carol Franz

Leisure World