Owning a Tesla used to be a badge of honor in the Bay Area. Remember cruising around in that sleek Model S, feeling like a planet-saving eco-warrior? The good ol’ days! Janis Brown, a Sunnyvale resident, fondly recalls her dark green Model S she bought in 2012. It was more than a car; it was a lifestyle. But like many of us, the thrill faded as the reality of Elon Musk’s antics crashed into her electric dream.

From layoffs at Twitter to not-so-subtle support for Trump, Musk’s shenanigans have left a sour taste in the mouths of once-loyal Tesla owners. According to Brown, owning a Tesla transformed from a point of pride to sheer embarrassment. “I’m really embarrassed to be seen driving this thing. I don’t want people to think I think like he does,” she confessed after pulling off her custom plate, “Geeks Rule”.

Brown isn’t alone. Residents across the Bay are offloading their Teslas, aiming to distance themselves from Musk’s ever-growing mess of controversy. Protests at Tesla showrooms are becoming a common sight, and sales are in a freefall, down 11.6% from just last year. Yikes!

Richmond couple Brian Ambrosch and Shelley Facente couldn’t hang onto their Model 3 any longer either. “Over the years, it got worse and worse, the feeling of driving a car associated with Elon,” Ambrosch lamented. The couple’s heartbreaking farewell symbolism, their tears for a vehicle that made them feel like part of the future, came after the wave of disapproval surged when Musk dismissed crucial matters like transgender rights.

Even Los Gatos resident Monika Gorkani admitted that her admiration faded. She once believed Elon was the green hero we needed. However, after he bought Twitter and spouted off some questionable views, she felt compelled to cut ties. “I could not sleep knowing that I was somehow supporting him,” she stated.

In a dramatic twist, Tesla’s stock has plummeted over 50% since hitting rockstar heights just last December. Still, amidst the backlash and sell-offs, loyalty endures. Despite the noise, some die-hard fans continue to rally around their Teslas, proclaiming, “Hey, it’s not all him!” Tesla Owners East Bay is keeping the spirit alive with events and in-person camaraderie.

Musk may be igniting some serious backlash, but remember, not all Tesla owners want to shovel their rides off to Carvana just yet. So, will you stay or will you go? The Bay Area will be watching, and yes, judging, whatever you decide.