Waymo-Involved Death of Beloved Mission District Cat KitKat Ignites Autonomous Vehicle Debate

The death of KitKat, a cherished nine-year-old bodega cat from Randa’s Market in San Francisco’s Mission District, has sparked widespread community grief and intensified the ongoing debate surrounding autonomous vehicles. KitKat, affectionately known as the "Mayor of 16th Street," was fatally struck by a Waymo self-driving car late on Monday, October 27, prompting a local supervisor to call for new legislation. The incident has become a focal point for frustrations over the expanding presence of driverless technology in urban environments.

Following the cat's death, a makeshift memorial quickly appeared outside Randa’s Market, adorned with flowers, candles, and notes from heartbroken residents. The community's outpouring of emotion highlights KitKat's significant role, with many customers considering the tabby a comforting presence and a local celebrity. The store's Instagram account, which frequently featured KitKat, announced his passing, stating, "He brought warmth, smiles, and comfort to everyone who walked through our doors."

The incident has drawn political attention, with District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder announcing a "Justice for KitKat" rally and proposing a resolution that would allow local voters to have a say in autonomous vehicle operations. This move underscores growing concerns about the safety and integration of driverless cars within city infrastructure. Waymo has acknowledged the incident, expressing condolences to the cat's owners and community, and has pledged a donation to a local animal rights organization in KitKat's honor.

Amidst the community's sorrow and the burgeoning political discourse, local media personality Susan Dyer Reynolds criticized the politicization of the tragedy. In a tweet, Reynolds stated, > "This is so outrageous. There is no bigger animal advocate in the media than me, but to use this poor cat’s death for political fodder is beyond reprehensible. As an outdoor cat, it’s a miracle KitKat lived as long as he did, especially in the Mission." Her comments reflect a sentiment that the cat's death is being exploited for broader political agendas related to autonomous vehicle regulation.