A San Francisco neighborhood is in an uproar after a beloved cat named KitKat was killed by a self-driving car from Waymo, a leading autonomous vehicle company. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for stricter regulations on the industry, with local politicians and community leaders demanding limits on the expansion of autonomous vehicles.
KitKat, a regular fixture at a local deli and market, had gained widespread recognition and adoration in the neighborhood. His owner, Daniel Zeidan, described him as "the mayor of 16th Street," saying that KitKat would stroll down the street and interact with employees, who would often throw chicken for him.
The Waymo vehicle was traveling when it struck KitKat, according to company officials, who claimed that a nearby cat darted under the vehicle as it was pulling away. However, local residents are skeptical of this explanation, and have called on Waymo to take greater responsibility for its operations.
As news of KitKat's death spread, tributes poured in on social media, with many calling for stricter regulations on autonomous vehicles. Local legislators, including San Francisco city supervisor Jackie Fielder, have announced plans to introduce legislation that would allow counties to decide whether they will permit the operation of autonomous vehicles.
Fielder's bill aims to address concerns over job displacement and loss of local control to tech companies. "We are coming for your bottom dollar," she said in a press conference outside Randa's Market, where KitKat was a regular visitor.
While Waymo has denied any wrongdoing, the company has faced increasing scrutiny over safety concerns and the lack of transparency in its operations. Protesters have taken to disabling Waymos by placing traffic cones on their hoods or setting them on fire.
The incident has also raised questions about how to ticket and discipline autonomous vehicles when they violate traffic laws. Waymo declined to comment on the proposed legislation, but said that "trust and safety" is its top priority.
In a bizarre twist, KitKat's owner, Daniel Zeidan, has released a memecoin honoring his cat's legacy, with proceeds going to support local veterinarians and animal welfare organizations. However, some have criticized him for profiting off his cat's death by launching his own tokens.
As the debate over autonomous vehicles continues, one thing is clear: KitKat's tragic death has sparked a wave of outrage and calls for greater regulation in San Francisco.
KitKat, a regular fixture at a local deli and market, had gained widespread recognition and adoration in the neighborhood. His owner, Daniel Zeidan, described him as "the mayor of 16th Street," saying that KitKat would stroll down the street and interact with employees, who would often throw chicken for him.
The Waymo vehicle was traveling when it struck KitKat, according to company officials, who claimed that a nearby cat darted under the vehicle as it was pulling away. However, local residents are skeptical of this explanation, and have called on Waymo to take greater responsibility for its operations.
As news of KitKat's death spread, tributes poured in on social media, with many calling for stricter regulations on autonomous vehicles. Local legislators, including San Francisco city supervisor Jackie Fielder, have announced plans to introduce legislation that would allow counties to decide whether they will permit the operation of autonomous vehicles.
Fielder's bill aims to address concerns over job displacement and loss of local control to tech companies. "We are coming for your bottom dollar," she said in a press conference outside Randa's Market, where KitKat was a regular visitor.
While Waymo has denied any wrongdoing, the company has faced increasing scrutiny over safety concerns and the lack of transparency in its operations. Protesters have taken to disabling Waymos by placing traffic cones on their hoods or setting them on fire.
The incident has also raised questions about how to ticket and discipline autonomous vehicles when they violate traffic laws. Waymo declined to comment on the proposed legislation, but said that "trust and safety" is its top priority.
In a bizarre twist, KitKat's owner, Daniel Zeidan, has released a memecoin honoring his cat's legacy, with proceeds going to support local veterinarians and animal welfare organizations. However, some have criticized him for profiting off his cat's death by launching his own tokens.
As the debate over autonomous vehicles continues, one thing is clear: KitKat's tragic death has sparked a wave of outrage and calls for greater regulation in San Francisco.
. A self-driving car just killed an innocent cat on the streets of San Francisco? It's like, what even is the point of having autonomous vehicles if they can't even keep a safe distance from wildlife? 
And yeah, the explanation about the nearby cat darting under the vehicle doesn't add up. I mean who expects that to happen? 
It's like, let's just focus on getting better regulations in place instead.
I mean, who thought it was okay to let a self-driving car just cruise around the neighborhood without even having basic animal controls in place? 
And now the owner is profiting off his death with some memecoin nonsense... 
come on Daniel, use your platform for good, not just to line your pockets. 
and btw, what's going on with Waymo's lack of transparency? shouldn't they be held accountable for this tragedy? 
anyway, I'm all for stricter regulations on autonomous vehicles - we need to prioritize human safety (and animal welfare!) over tech company profits. 
it's not just about safety, it's also about accountability and transparency 
we need better regulations in place before these tech companies start rolling out autonomous vehicles like they're going out of style 
KitKat may be gone but his memory will live on 
like what kinda world is dis? waymo says it was an accident but the ppl in san francisco are not buying it 
how is it even possible for a cat to just dart under a moving car tho? 
and now they wanna make laws about self driving cars? like whats next? 
i heard he made a memecoin tho idk what to think about that...
I'm literally shaking thinking about that poor KitKat 
... like what kinda sick logic do self-driving cars have to just plow into an innocent cat?! 
... those companies have been talking a big game for years but when it comes down to it, they're only looking out for their own interests not the public's. 
I don't care if it's "just an accident" or whatever they want to spin it as... some lives are lost and families are left to pick up the pieces 
... and that's what matters most 
also what's up with the memecoin? profit off your cat's death? seems kinda low to me 
KitKat was literally the king of that neighborhood! I'm not surprised people are out for waymo's blood though - they need to take responsibility for their tech 
. This cat was more than just a feline friend, he was a local icon. Can you imagine being able to stroll down 16th street and everyone knows who you are? 
. We can't have tech companies prioritizing profits over people's lives 
. This is a sad but necessary lesson to learn 