Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica, California, is a coastal city in Los Angeles County. Recently, it has been the location of two significant news events. First, a jury in Santa Monica found Bill Cosby liable for sexual battery and assault in a 1972 case, awarding the victim $59.25 million. This trial, held in Santa Monica, brought renewed attention to the numerous allegations against Cosby and the legal consequences he faces. Second, a Waymo self-driving vehicle struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica. This incident has prompted an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and raised concerns about the safety of autonomous vehicles, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic. These events highlight Santa Monica's role as a setting for high-profile legal proceedings and emerging technology challenges.