Santa Monica Seeks Court Order Against Waymo Recharging Stations as Public Nuisances

Santa Monica is seeking legal action against Waymo LLC regarding two recharging stations, labeling them as public nuisances. Court documents filed on December 24 in Beverly Hills Superior Court report that residents are distressed by noise and lighting from the stations.

Residents Voice Their Concerns

Locals have described their living situations with phrases like “mini-Las Vegas” and “a circus.” The disturbances, especially at night, have significantly affected their quality of life. The court filings indicate that noise levels allow residents to overhear conversations outside their homes, disrupting their peace.

• Nighttime Operations: The city is requesting that recharging activities be halted between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Lighting Issues: Residents complain of harsh lighting that impacts their nighttime environment.

Impact on Daily Life

Residents have reported disrupted sleep and altered daily routines due to the Waymo vehicles. One such resident, Paula Achter, has adapted her work schedule and sleeping habits, citing a loss of serene sounds like birds chirping.

“I believe they have nested elsewhere due to the Waymo frequency,” Achter noted in her declaration.

Parental Concerns

Victoria Benchuk, a mother of an autistic child, reported that the noise from the Waymo lot disturbs her son’s sleep multiple times a week. As the noise and activity increased following the opening of the stations in October 2024, both she and her son experienced significant difficulties at night.

Waymo’s Response

In a counter lawsuit filed on December 17, Waymo denied the existence of public nuisances. The company informed the court that it has taken measures to address noise complaints, including:

• Hiring additional staff
• Implementing software updates to lower noise
• Installing noise and light barriers
• Adjusting vehicle behaviors

Waymo claims these actions have led to a noticeable reduction in disruptive noise and light levels. Furthermore, the company expressed frustration over Santa Monica’s approach to their operations.

Community Relations

Waymo emphasized its commitment to being a responsible neighbor, stating that it has invested significantly in the Santa Monica community. The spokesperson criticized the city’s opposition as inconsistent with its economic goals, especially amidst a fiscal crisis.

The future of the recharging stations will now be determined through the legal process, as both parties await the judgment from the court.