NRT briefing
California’s ‘Danish capital of America’ plots new move on draconian surveillance of tourists
Based on reporting by New York Post.
The Brief
Solvang, California, the self-described “Danish Capital of America,” is set to re-examine its AI camera policy following public concern over surveillance systems. The Solvang City Council approved a three-year contract with XIT Solutions in July 2025 to install Verkada cameras at sites including City Hall, Solvang Park, First Street, and intersections on Alisal Road and Copenhagen Drive.
Councilmember Elizabeth Orona said during the Sept. 14 City Council meeting that the city did not investigate what the camera technology does, where data is stored, or who has access to it. She also noted the camera company had been hacked and super admin credentials compromised, and that the city is considering adding AI tools, facial recognition, and license plate recognition.
Orona said no California law governs facial recognition anymore, leaving city policy as the only safeguard. The day after the Solvang meeting, the Santa Barbara City Council abandoned plans to sign a Verkada contract until a review of its license plate reader policy is completed, according to the Santa Barbara News-Press.