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San Francisco Supervisor Seeks County Ballot Power Over Robotaxis After Waymo Kills Neighborhood Cat

The move challenges California’s state-run system that leaves robotaxi regulation to the DMV and CPUC.

Overview

  • Supervisor Jackie Fielder said she will introduce a resolution urging Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers to let counties put autonomous-vehicle operations to a local vote.
  • Fielder planned to attend a rally before Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting where she intends to present the measure.
  • Under current California law, the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission oversee self-driving cars rather than local governments.
  • Waymo said the cat darted out as a vehicle was pulling away, offered condolences to the community, pledged a donation to an animal rights group, and acknowledged the car ran over the animal.
  • Neighbors built a memorial near Randa’s Market on 16th Street as owner Mike Zeidan called for safer technology, while tech expert Ahmed Banafa warned county-by-county rules could raise costs and create a confusing patchwork.