Frustrated by the increasing number of homeless individuals in his neighborhood, Santa Monica resident Stephen McMahon has developed a controversial device designed to deter people from lingering outside his property. Dubbed the “Blue Chirper,” the device emits a blue strobe light and cricket-like noises whenever motion is detected, which McMahon claims is just irritating enough to divert homeless individuals away from his 20-block area.
The Blue Chirper operates using motion sensors that activate the blue strobe light and a high-pitched sound when someone approaches, especially at night. McMahon says his invention has already reduced the number of people camping near his property, and he is now considering offering the device for sale to local businesses facing similar issues.
“People want their sidewalks back,” McMahon said in an interview. “This device doesn’t harm anyone, but it’s annoying enough to make people move along. It’s a humane way to handle a frustrating problem.”
While McMahon insists that his invention is a solution to a local problem, the Blue Chirper is drawing criticism from homelessness advocates and local officials who see it as part of a broader trend of hostile architecture—urban design meant to deter people from occupying public spaces. Critics argue that the device unfairly targets the homeless, who are often left with few options for shelter.
“Devices like the Blue Chirper don’t address the root causes of homelessness,” said Greg Spiker, a representative of a local homeless advocacy group. “They’re just pushing people from one block to the next without providing any real help or solutions. It’s a band-aid on a much deeper wound.”
Homelessness in Santa Monica, like many cities across California, has been on the rise in recent years. The city’s warm climate, along with rising housing costs and economic hardship, has led to a significant increase in the number of people living on the streets. Many of the city’s residents have expressed frustration with what they see as the local government’s failure to manage the issue effectively, leading some, like McMahon, to take matters into their own hands.
McMahon says local business owners have shown interest in purchasing the Blue Chirper as a way to keep their storefronts clear. With the homelessness crisis affecting foot traffic and creating concerns over safety and cleanliness, some businesses believe the device could be a viable tool to protect their property.
“Businesses need to survive, and customers won’t come in if they feel uncomfortable,” said Janet Myers, a shop owner in downtown Santa Monica. “If this device can help make people feel safe without harming anyone, I’d consider using it.”
McMahon has yet to formally market the device but is working on a business plan that could see the Blue Chirper become a common sight in Santa Monica and beyond.
The rise of anti-homeless deterrents, such as spikes on ledges, barred benches, and now devices like the Blue Chirper, has sparked ethical debates about public space, compassion, and the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness. Critics argue that such measures are dehumanizing and worsen the already difficult conditions for those living on the streets.
“People experiencing homelessness are already marginalized, and devices like these just push them further out of sight without addressing their needs,” said Michael Kendall, a professor of urban studies at UCLA. “We need to be finding ways to provide housing and services, not just make life harder for them.”
McMahon, however, defends his creation, stating that his goal is not to punish homeless individuals but to create a livable environment for his family and neighbors. “I’ve got nothing against homeless people,” he said. “I just don’t want them camping on my doorstep. The city’s got to step up, but in the meantime, I’ve found a solution that works for me.”
Santa Monica city officials have not yet commented on the legality or ethics of McMahon’s device, but some have acknowledged the growing frustration among residents and businesses over homelessness in the area. The city has been working on expanding homeless services, including outreach programs and temporary shelters, but the growing scale of the problem has made progress slow.
“We’re aware of the challenges and are working to create long-term solutions that balance the needs of our residents with the humanity of those who are suffering on our streets,” a spokesperson for the city’s Housing and Human Services department said.
As debate over the Blue Chirper continues, the larger issue of how to address homelessness in Santa Monica and across California remains unresolved, with stakeholders on all sides calling for solutions that address the crisis in a more comprehensive way.
