Crime & Safety
'Manhattan Beach Safe Space' Sticker Campaign Hits The Community
Manhattan Beach parents whose teenagers were victims of an assault have launched a campaign for businesses to provide safe spaces.
MANHATTAN BEACH, CA —Parents concerned about the safety of their children were out at Metlox Plaza Saturday. They have partnered with Nick's Manhattan Beach to create "Manhattan Beach Safe Space" stickers for businesses to put on their windows.
The stickers indicate that the business is a place where a child can find a helpful adult in case of emergency.
"We gave out 140 stickers, and over 50 of them were up in local Manhattan Beach establishment’s windows by Sunday," parent Aimee Kirby told Patch.
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The effort came about as a result of an incident that occurred on June 12, 2020, at Metlox Plaza. In a statement given by parents, a group of middle school students was reportedly attacked by two men and one woman. One of the students required medical attention.
"During the attack, one of the boys sought help from local businesses and residents to stop the attack and call 911. Sadly, with the quick and frantic nature of the scene, it wasn't easy to find anyone to help," the parents wrote in the statement.
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The incident is still under investigation, according to Manhattan Beach officials.
"The community is all talking about increased awareness and further ideas to protect our children," Kirby said. "This is just the beginning."
In addition to creating awareness and safety, the families involved are hoping for the arrest and prosecution of the adults involved in the crime.
“Our interests are in keeping Manhattan Beach safe for our children and our community," the parents wrote. "No child should feel scared or unsafe in their hometown. We are hoping an arrest is made soon and the case is prosecuted!”
The campaign will next move to the elementary and middle schools throughout the summer and into next year. "We created a GoFundMe for a camera at the assault location, possibly other locations," said Kirby.
Additional businesses that have already agreed to participate are Shellbacks Tavern, Trilogy Spa, Rock and Brews, F45 Training, Hush Hair Salon, Ercoles, and Pasha Jewelry.
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