Star Smog Check

"It is unfortunate when skin color dictates treatment and service. I almost never ascribe negative experiences to my race, because I try to believe most people have moved beyond that. However, upon my visit here, I was told to wait in the outdoor area while my car’s smog was checked. I was told it would take “just 10-15 minutes”. So despite the very cold, windy, and rainy day it was today, I needed my smog checked so I weathered it. As the “10-15 minutes” became 45-50 minutes, the outdoor area I was waiting in began to flood as the rain and wind picked up. Though the area was under a canopy, the bottom of my shoes became quite wet as the ground around me began to swell with water. Since it was taking so long (and because the outdoor waiting area was becoming uninhabitable), I made my way through the puddles surrounding me and asked the owner (I think his name is Mohamed) how much longer it would take. He told me he was “almost done”, and a few minutes later directed me into the warm, INDOOR waiting area to make my payment. In this indoor area, I was surprised to notice other patrons — who happened to all be White — sitting comfortably in the warm waiting room as they waited for their vehicles (including one person who arrived around the same time I did when I initially brought my vehicle). It was clear that there was a deliberate separation between where I was told to wait and where the other customers were told to wait, though I did not realize this until later when making my payment. Though, as I mentioned, I am someone who does NOT make things about race, I am not sure how else to interpret having all of the White customers waiting indoors while the lone Black customer waited outdoors in increasingly torrential conditions. To add insult to injury, as I got back to my car, I noticed the entire door panel — which includes all of the power buttons to lock/unlock my doors and windows — was DRENCHED in rain water, as he carelessly left my door open the entire time my car was being serviced (I’ve attached a pic). This treatment is highly problematic. Segregating your guests feels very 1950s America and should have no place in Marin County in 2024. This business is emblematic of the anti-Blackness that is prevalent in other communities of color, and I would advise anyone who is actively attempting to be anti-racist and not about promoting prejudice and segregation to avoid this place at all costs."

"Excellent friendly trustworthy service and yummy dates for customers ;) highly reccomend!!"

"Great customer service, quick, easy, inexpensive, and very friendly."

"Best experience while getting a smog . They offered me water and snacks and a cool place to sit inside while I waited . Super friendly fast and efficient. Definitely will be back ."

"Amazing and super quick service! Been smoging my cars at this place for several years now. The owner is very nice and offers dried fruit at the end from his farm I believe. Nice little treat. Check this place out for your next smog! Highly recommend!"