Three Jewish organizations in the University City/La Jolla area will boost their security systems with unprecedented Homeland Security grants.

The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) awarded $320,885 to six nonprofit organizations in San Diego County, Mayor Jerry Sanders announced Jan. 30. Recipients include the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center (JCC), Chabad Center of University City, the Natural History Museum, Congregation Beth Israel of San Diego, the United Jewish Federation of San Diego County and Chabad of Poway.

The nonprofits are instructed to use the grants “to harden their facility against terrorist attack,” explained William Norris, program manager for the city’s Homeland Security office.

To qualify, the organizations had to provide evidence of their vulnerability to possible terrorist attack, or to have actually been the victim of a terrorist threat or assault, Norris said. Local organizations also qualified if similar facilities have been targeted across the United States and world. Institutions that attract large crowds, such as the Natural History Museum, are also considered at risk for a terrorist attack.

The nonprofits aren’t walking away with money in their pockets, however. UASI issued reimbursement grants, which means that Chabad, Congregation Beth Israel, the JCC and the other organizations will first have to implement changes and then submit their receipts for reimbursement.

For larger institutions with greater reserves, the reimbursement grant poses no problem. The Chabad Center of University City, located on Governor Drive, however, finds itself in a more difficult position as it doesn’t have the funds to begin with ” that’s why it applied for a grant.

Administrator Mariam Goldstein is not deterred, however. The Chabad Center held an auction last weekend that she expects will cover the $36,557 needed to boost security.

Goldstein had also never written a grant proposal before. She said that she didn’t use grant language to prove her need; she spoke from her heart.

With the money, the center will install security cameras, outside lighting, tinted windows, an advanced computer program, flat-screen monitors at security points and an upgraded fire alarm system. The funds will also help to renovate the center ” fix the roof and plumbing and add a fresh coat of paint.

“We are in a location that is very prominent and it does need to be protected,” Goldstein said, referring to the grant as a “godsend.”

The JCC on Executive Drive will install one security device at a time as it has money to fund them, said Ana Kozlowski, director of development. The JCC received $76,558 and will use the money to change its locks and update some safety equipment, as well as “other things best not to describe in detail,” Kozlowski said.
The federal government has recognized the imprtance of the JCC in San Diego and with this grant, Kozlowski said.

Congregation Beth Israel on Town Centre Drive was not available to comment on its plans.

As the Natural History Museum gears up for two tremendous exhibitions that stir controversy and will bring record-breaking crowds of 500,000 to 600,000 people, security is critical. During the museum’s busiest month, it usually attracts about 25,000 visitors.

UASI granted the museum $81,000 that the facility will use to improve its security system, and to safeguard its $8.2 million collection of irreplaceable scientific specimens, said Delle Willett, head of marketing.

The Dead Sea Scrolls will be set up in July 2007, followed by an exhibit of plasticized human bodies and animals that some believe have been obtained illegally. During these exhibits, the museum will be open 24 hours a day.

Nonprofits in four cities were eligible for grants: San Diego, Anaheim, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The grant program for nonprofits will not be renewed in 2006, however, and its future depends on what Congress legislates, Norris said.

The Unified Disaster Council typically determines how Homeland Security funds are spent in San Diego County. In 2005, the council received $14 million, following $10 million in 2004.

The formula for Homeland Security funds will change this year, however. Cities will receive money based on risk, versus receiving a fixed amount. Under the old formula, communities in Wyoming received a few dollars per capita while large cities, such as San Diego and Los Angeles, only got pennies, Norris said.