Beloved SF cat’s death fuels Waymo criticism

The Mission District in San Francisco is reeling from the recent loss of a cherished local cat named Kit Kat, who was tragically killed by a Waymo robotaxi on October 27. In the wake of this incident, residents have come together to create a memorial shrine in Kit Kat's honor, reflecting the deep connection the community had with the feline. The area surrounding the memorial has become a focal point for mixed sentiments, featuring a variety of signs. Some express anger towards Waymo, while others highlight the dangers posed by human drivers. Jackie Fielder, a representative for the Mission District on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, referenced Kit Kat’s death during a discussion about a proposed city resolution. This resolution aims to empower local voters to decide on the use of driverless cars in their neighborhoods. Fielder articulated a poignant concern, stating, "A human driver can be held accountable, can hop out, say sorry, can be tracked down by police if it’s a hit-and-run. Here, there is no one to hold accountable." In response to the incident, Waymo described it as an unfortunate event where the cat “darted under our vehicle as it was pulling away.” The company extended its heartfelt condolences to Kit Kat's owner and the community that cherished him.