In the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, a furry local celebrity named KitKat became an unlikely catalyst for potential tech regulation. Last week, a Waymo autonomous vehicle allegedly ran over the beloved bodega cat, sparking outrage and a political movement that could change how self-driving cars operate in California.

District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder isn’t letting this tragedy slide under the algorithmic rug. She’s rallying community support and promising to challenge the unchecked power of tech giants. “Waymo thinks they can just sweep this under the rug and we will all forget, but here in Mission, we will never forget our sweet KitKat,” Fielder declared in a social media video that’s capturing local hearts.

A Community Fights Back

Fielder’s response goes beyond mourning a lost feline friend. She’s proposing a non-binding resolution that could give local communities a say in autonomous vehicle operations. Currently, only state-level agencies regulate these robo-rides, leaving municipalities powerless against tech expansion.

Union Power Enters the Chat

The Teamsters union has already pledged support, adding political muscle to Fielder’s campaign. This could potentially resurrect a previously stalled state Senate bill, transforming a tragic cat death into a watershed moment for local tech regulation.

Tech Accountability Takes Center Stage

While Waymo claims the cat “darted beneath the vehicle,” the community sees a larger issue of unaccountable autonomous technology. Fielder’s proposed resolution could be the first step in demanding more responsible innovation that prioritizes community safety over corporate convenience.

Stay tuned, San Francisco - this isn’t just about one cat, but about who truly controls our city’s technological future.