We’re Talking About Self-Driving Cars the Wrong Way

David Shultz

David Shultz reports on clean technology and electric vehicles, among other industries, for dot.LA. His writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Outside, Nautilus and many other publications.

We’re Talking About Self-Driving Cars the Wrong Way
courtesy of Waymo

In 2013, one of my first assignments in graduate school was to read an article in The New Yorker about Google’s new autonomous car. Back then it sounded like autonomous vehicle (AV) technology was just around the corner—that we stood on the precipice of some new golden era in transportation where cars would form fuel-efficient caravans on highways and parents could send those cars to pick the kids up at school without having to leave the office early. People with disabilities would have access to new levels of personal freedom. Traffic accidents would be a thing of the past.


Now, a full decade later, exactly none of those things have come to pass, and in the process autonomous vehicles have become emblematic of the tech companies’ tendency to over-promise and under-deliver. “Self-driving cars have been one year away for ten years,” the joke goes.

And no company has felt this scorn more directly than Tesla. The electric vehicle giant has endured a series of high profile missteps related to its autonomous technology, and CEO Elon Musk has been extremely incorrect about the timeline for its implementation. Last week Tesla announced a recall of 363,000 vehicles due to issues with its full self-driving software, which, despite its name, does not even offer full self-driving.

This is all to say that it was not without some trepidation that I decided to accept an invitation earlier this month to a ride in Waymo’s autonomous vehicle. Waymo began as the “Google Self-Driving Car Project” in 2009–four years before I’d read the New Yorker Story. The company changed its name and became a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc (Google’s parent company) in December 2016. Waymo is headquartered in Mountain View, CA, which would ordinarily put it outside the watchful purview of dot.LA, but the self-driving start up is setting up shop in Santa Monica.

I meet Waymo Communications Manager Sandy Karp and product manager Vishay Nihalani a few miles from the Pacific Ocean at Virginia Avenue Park around 10am. They’re standing outside a white Jaguar E-PACE equipped with an ostentatious array of cameras, lidars, and radars. Our plan is to have the car drive us to a donut shop on Wilshire Blvd, get a donut, rendez-vous with the car again, and instruct it to chauffeur us back to the park.

The trip begins with the press of a button on a touch screen on the back of the center console. The elephant in the room (or in this case the car), is that there’s actually a person in the driver’s seat. Lindsay Alara, an Autonomous Specialist for Waymo, keeps her fingertips lightly in contact with the steering wheel and her feet waiting near the pedals just in case the vehicle does something it shouldn’t.

In Arizona, Waymo has been running its fully autonomous ride hailing operation with no human present in the car since as early as 2020. But California’s stricter regulatory environment means that her job is safe here, for now.. Waymo is applying for the necessary permits to move the system to fully autonomous, but the process is likely to take months, says Nihalani. The company is spending that time training and validating its AI in new neighborhoods.

“We've expanded in the cities that we're operating in,” says Nihalani. “In San Francisco we’re driving 24/7; in downtown Phoenix we’re driving 24/7. We're driving an increasing set of road speeds, weather conditions, so on and so forth,” says Nihalani. With its primary education complete in Arizona, Nihalani says the AI is picking up the subtleties driving in Los Angeles and San Francisco quite quickly. “That’s something that we're really excited by, I think it’s what's enabling an acceleration of momentum, which may have been different than what we've seen in the past few years.”

Waymo’s city-by-city, street-by-street approach to autonomous driving illuminates a paradigm shift in the way we need to think about the technology, says, Alex Bayen, a transportation and systems engineer at Berkeley. Autonomous driving will probably never be something that’s “solved” all at once, but rather something that develops over time. “I think the right way to look at things is that every year there are more and more use cases where an increased level of automation has become a reality,” says Bayen. “Every company which is trying to grab some real estate in this new technological world, what they're doing is they're trying new use cases. Autonomous vehicles are not going to go everywhere initially, and they are not going to be there all the time. They are only going to operate in specific conditions.”

As that envelope of use cases pushes outward, Bayen and other researchers say now is the time to talk about how autonomous vehicles should be regulated. As easy as it is to imagine the benefits of driverless cars, it’s equally easy to imagine the potential for pitfalls.

Ride sharing services, in general, have been shown to increase traffic and congestion in cities. So the potential for fleets of unoccupied “ghost cars” to exacerbate Los Angeles’ already abhorrent traffic conditions should be a real concern for policy makers today. Likewise, for private owners, it may prove cheaper to send a vehicle back home during the work day rather than pay for parking at the office. Or the convenience of autonomous vehicles may make it tempting for parents to use one to chauffeur their kids to school rather than have them take the bus. All of these scenarios would worsen traffic and increase emissions–even if the cars are electric. In one study, researchers at the University of Washington found that AVs could either cut our greenhouse gas emissions roughly in half or double them, depending on how the technology is implemented.

“There's a potential for real net positive, if we get leaders in the public sector and the private sector to work together to ameliorate some of those known problems that we suspect will happen,” says Ben Clark, a professor of public administration planning, public policy and management at the University of Oregon. “We don't want to be in the same position as we were when Uber came to town and we were very reactive.”

According to Clark, state governments should be thinking about how to tax or charge for miles driven by unoccupied vehicles and how to incentivize sharing individual vehicles between multiple people, families, or groups. As the use case envelope for autonomous vehicles expands, the model for car ownership may have to change in order for us to actually reap the benefits. The never ending delays to autonomous vehicles may be frustrating or amusing to consumers, but they also should be giving policy makers ample time to see these issues coming. “It's actually an invitation to elected officials to look at this and figure out how to not have a jungle, but how to have a well organized garden where things work properly,” says Bayen.

On our donut run, the vehicle moves cautiously and smoothly; it navigates streets lined with parked cars and turns with poor visibility. It identifies and avoids construction cones. It deftly changes lanes and passes unloading trucks.

Riding in an autonomous vehicle invites you to see the streets with fresh eyes, and suddenly it becomes easy to see why the technology has taken so much longer to arrive than we might’ve expected. Our roads are littered with “edge-case” obstacles. Other drivers don’t always follow the exact rule of law; people go out of turn at 4-way stops; cyclists filter through traffic at red lights, pedestrians jaywalk; emergency vehicles trump all the rules. “The California Stop is a real thing,” jokes Nihalani.

Still, none of that explains one strange moment as we cross over the 10 freeway where the car begins to slow down as we approach a greenlight even though there’s no obvious sign of danger or obstacle in our path. I instinctively look over my shoulder to see if someone is going to rear end us, but the moment passes quickly and the car–for whatever reason–decides the way forward is safe once more. While Alara never has to intervene, it’s a small reminder that the technology is still on its way.

Are we there yet? We’ll get there when we get there.

Standing Together Through the Flames

🔦 Spotlight

To our Los Angeles family,

This week’s wildfires have brought immense pain and hardship to our beloved city. Many of our friends, neighbors, and colleagues have faced evacuations, power outages, and the devastating loss of homes and livelihoods. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.

At dot.LA, we want to express our deepest sympathy to those suffering in this moment. We see your resilience and stand with you during this challenging time. This community has always been defined by its strength and compassion, and now is the time to come together in support.

If You or Someone You Know Has Been Impacted, Resources Are Available:

Evacuation Shelters:

  • Calvary Community Church: 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village, CA 91362
  • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331
  • Pan Pacific Recreational Center: 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
  • Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
  • Pasadena Civic Auditorium: 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
  • Pomona Fairplex: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
  • Stoner Recreation Center: 1835 Stoner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Animal Shelters:

Small Animals:

  • Agoura Animal Care Center: 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
  • Baldwin Park Animal Care Center: 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
  • Carson Animal Care Center: 216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248
  • Downey Animal Care Center: 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA 90242
  • Lancaster Animal Care Center: 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536
  • Palmdale Animal Care Center: 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550

Large Animals:

  • Pomona Fairplex: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona
  • Industry Hills Expo: 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744
  • Antelope Valley Fair: 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536
  • Los Angeles Equestrian Center: 480 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506
  • Pierce College Equestrian Center: 7100 El Rancho Dr, Woodland Hills, CA 91371

Disaster Relief Information:

  • LA County Assessor: Information for property owners and FAQs about disaster relief.

Mental Health Support:

  • Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health: Crisis counseling and support for those affected. Access services through their website or call their hotline at (800) 854-7771.

Temporary Housing Support:

  • Airbnb: In partnership with 211 LA, offering free temporary housing for displaced residents. Spaces are limited; complete the form to be notified of availability.

Transportation Support:

  • Uber: Use promo code WILDFIRE25 for 2 free rides up to $40 each to/from active shelters.
  • Lyft: Code CAFIRERELIEF25 offers 2 rides up to $25 each for up to 500 riders, valid until 1/15.
  • Metro: Fare collection is suspended systemwide.

Staying Informed:

  • Watch Duty App: Provides real-time wildfire tracking, evacuation warnings, and updates.
  • Los Angeles Fire Department Alerts: Visit their website for the latest information on fire status and safety guidelines.

Safety Precautions:

  • Ready, Set, Go!: Personal Wildfire Action Plan by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

To those in our community who are volunteering, donating, or offering aid in any form—thank you. Your efforts embody the spirit of LA: strong, compassionate, and unstoppable.

At dot.LA, we’re committed to amplifying stories of resilience and support. If you’ve seen inspiring acts of kindness or have resources to share, please let us know. Together, we can shine a light on the incredible ways this community is stepping up during these trying times.

In the days ahead, let’s hold tight to the bonds that unite us and remember that we are stronger together. The fires may scar the land, but they cannot dim the collective spirit of Los Angeles.

We’re here for you, and we’re with you.

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    A Strong Finish to 2024 for LA Tech: Crosscut Ventures Leads the Way

    🔦 Spotlight

    Happy Friday LA!

    As we close the book on 2024, Los Angeles has had a remarkable year in tech and venture capital. From groundbreaking funding rounds to industry-defining innovations, the city’s tech ecosystem has showcased its ability to adapt and thrive. Among the year’s final highlights was the announcement that Crosscut Ventures, one of LA’s premier early-stage venture capital firms, has added Jon Ylvisaker as its newest Partner.

    Crosscut Ventures’ Bold New Direction

    Announced in late December, Jon Ylvisaker’s appointment reflects Crosscut Ventures’ commitment to advancing its focus on the energy transition. Ylvisaker brings decades of experience in driving investments in energy technologies and digital infrastructure. As the founding partner and managing director of Yield Capital Partners, he led investments in startups and established companies shaping the future of sustainability. At Wolfacre Global Management, a Tiger Management hedge fund, he further honed his expertise in supporting impactful climate-focused solutions.

    Brian Garrett, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Crosscut Ventures, said, “Jon's extensive experience in climate and digital infrastructure investments, coupled with his impressive track record of bringing groundbreaking technologies to market, makes him the ideal partner to help lead our focus.”

    Since its founding in 2008, Crosscut has played a key role in shaping LA’s tech landscape. Ylvisaker’s addition reinforces the firm’s commitment to addressing global challenges like energy transition and sustainability, further solidifying its leadership in venture capital innovation.

    What’s Next for LA Tech in 2025

    The momentum from 2024 has set the stage for an even bigger year ahead. Entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators in LA are poised to take on new challenges and create meaningful change across industries.

    As we step into 2025, we want to thank everyone who helped make 2024 such a standout year. Here’s to another year of progress, innovation, and success. From all of us at dot.LA, Happy New Year!

    🤝 Venture Deals

    LA Companies

    • First Resonance, a company specializing in digital manufacturing software through its ION Factory OS, has raised a $20M funding round led by Third Prime with participation from Blue Bear Capital and others. This brings its total funding to $36M and will be used to accelerate product development, grow its customer base, and enhance support for advanced manufacturing sectors like aerospace, robotics, and clean energy. - learn more
    LA Venture Funds
    • Finality Capital Partners led a $17M Seed funding round for ChainOpera AI, a California-based company developing blockchain networks for AI-powered agents and applications, to accelerate product development, expand its team and enhance its blockchain and AI integration capabilities. - learn more

    LA Exits

    • Thirteen Lune, an inclusive beauty e-commerce platform, has been acquired by SNR Capital, marking a significant milestone in the platform's mission to amplify underrepresented beauty brands while fueling its next stage of growth. - learn more
    • Ergobaby, a leading brand in juvenile products known for its high-quality baby carriers, has been acquired by Highlander Partners. The acquisition aims to bolster Ergobaby’s growth, expand its product offerings, and strengthen its position in the parenting solutions market. - learn more

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    Salt AI’s $3M Bet, Snapchat’s Creator Cash, Rivian’s EV Tech, and ŌURA’s $200M Win

    🔦 Spotlight

    Happy Friday, LA - let’s dive right in to this week’s highlights:

    Salt AI, a forward-thinking AI startup based in Los Angeles, has secured a $3 million seed funding round led by Morpheus Ventures with participation from Struck Capital, among others, to tackle the complexity of managing workflows.Salt AI's blog details how its platform centralizes tools like CRM systems, project management software, and data trackers into one interface, eliminating inefficiencies and freeing up teams to focus on meaningful work. With new funding in hand, Salt plans to scale its platform and expand its reach, a move that underscores how AI can solve everyday business challenges.

    Image Source: Salt AI - Aber Whitcomb

    While Salt AI focuses on the workplace, Snapchat is doubling down on creators, with its latest updates introducing revenue-sharing opportunities and direct monetization features. The company’snewsroom update outlines how enhanced analytics will help creators better understand their audiences and sustain their work. The platform's latest updates introduce revenue-sharing opportunities and direct monetization features, along with analytics that give creators deeper insights into their audience. By making it easier for creators to grow and sustain their work, Snapchat positions itself as a key player in the creator economy, offering features that rival platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

    Image Source: Snap

    On the roads, Rivian is redefining what it means to drive an electric vehicle. The company’s latest software update includes advanced route planning, energy management tools, and customization options that make every trip more intuitive and efficient. Additionally, Rivian has introduced new entertainment features, including Google Cast, YouTube, and SiriusXM, as featured in Rivian’ssoftware spotlight, enhancing the in-cabin experience for drivers and passengers alike. This isn’t just about convenience; Rivian is showing how thoughtful software design can elevate the entire EV experience, blending practicality with sophistication.

    Image Source: Rivian

    ŌURA is making headlines with a fresh $200 million Series D funding round, with participation from Fidelity Management & Research Company and Dexcom, which now values the company at $2.55 billion. This investment, as reported byBusiness Wire, highlights the growing demand for wearable health technology and positions ŌURA as a leader in the space. With its sleek design and emphasis on actionable health insights, the funding will enable ŌURA to expand its reach and further integrate wearables into daily health management, strengthening its position in the competitive health tech market. With this funding, ŌURA aims to reach more users and expand its capabilities, further embedding wearables into daily health management.

    Image Source: ŌURA

    Stay tuned as Salt AI, Snapchat, Rivian, and ŌURA continue to evolve, offering us new ways to work, connect, and live better.

    🤝 Venture Deals

      LA Venture Funds
        • Undeterred Capital participated in a $7M Seed funding round for Portal, a Watertown, Mass.-based biotech company specializing in advanced intracellular delivery technology to drive innovations in biological research and cellular therapeutics. - learn more
        • Vamos Ventures participated in a $7.9M Series A funding round for Culina Health, a Hoboken, NJ-based company that provides personalized, science-based virtual nutrition care by connecting patients with registered dietitians, with plans to use the funds to expand its offerings for dietitians and patients, implement AI-driven tools to enhance care efficiency, and strengthen its leadership team through key hires. - learn more
        • Humans Ventures participated in a $3.8M Seed funding round for Hamming.ai, a San Francisco-based company specializing in automated tools for testing and optimizing voice agents, with plans to expand its platform, enhance reliability and perform, and accelerate product development. - learn more
        • Fifth Wall led, with participation from Starshot Capital and others, in a $9.5M Series A funding round for Mojave, a Sunnyvale, CA-based company developing energy-efficient commercial air conditioning technology. The funds will be used to accelerate the adoption of its innovative systems and reduce energy consumption in the cooling industry. - learn more
        • ReMY Investors participated in a $17M Series B funding round for Scripta Insights, a company that leverages data analytics to help employers and healthy plans reduce prescription drug costs, with the funds aimed at expanding its platform and scaling operations. - learn more
        • Mantis VC participated in a $16.5M funding round for Nuon, a company specializing in Bring Your Own Cloud (BYOC) solutions that streamline AI, data, and infrastructure software deployment. The funds will support product development, readiness for general availability in 2025, and efforts to expand customer acquisition. - learn more
        • B Capital participated in a $102M Series C funding round for Precision, a company developing minimally invasive brain-computer interfaces to treat neurological disorders, with plans to use the funds to expand its team, advance clinical research, and refine its AI-powered brain implant for helping users with severe paralysis operate digital devices using their thoughts. - learn more
        • The Games Fund led a $3M Seed funding round for Dark Passenger, a Poland-based game studio founded by veterans of The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, to create an unannounced, innovative, first-person multiplayer PvPvE stealth-action game set in a distinctive universe inspired by feudal Japan and martial arts cinema. - learn more

            LA Exits

            • Calliope Networks, a generative AI company providing licensed media content like movies, TV shows, and news, has been acquired by Protege to strengthen its platform’s capabilities in advancing AI development. - learn more

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