The death of a beloved bodega cat has sparked a potential legislative battle against autonomous vehicle companies in San Francisco. District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder is taking a stand after a Waymo self-driving car allegedly killed KitKat, the resident cat of Randa’s Market in the Mission District.

Fielder isn’t just mourning the loss of a neighborhood pet; she’s using this incident to challenge the unchecked power of tech companies. Her proposed resolution aims to give local communities more control over autonomous vehicle operations, a move that could significantly disrupt the current regulatory landscape.

“Waymo thinks they can sweep this under the rug, but here in Mission, we will never forget our sweet KitKat,” Fielder stated in a social media video. “We will always put community before tech oligarchs, and California should do the same”.

Currently, only state-level agencies like the Department of Motor Vehicles and California Public Utilities Commission have regulatory power over self-driving cars. Fielder’s resolution seeks to change this by urging the state legislature to allow counties to decide whether autonomous vehicles can operate in their jurisdictions.

The Teamsters union has already expressed support for Fielder’s initiative, potentially providing significant political momentum. While the resolution is non-binding, it could inspire state legislators like Assemblymember Matt Haney to draft more comprehensive legislation.

This isn’t just about one cat’s tragic death. It’s a broader conversation about tech accountability, community safety, and the growing tension between Silicon Valley’s innovation and local residents’ concerns. Waymo has acknowledged its vehicle’s role in the incident, claiming the cat darted underneath the car.

As San Francisco continues to be a testing ground for autonomous technology, Fielder’s actions represent a pivotal moment in demanding local oversight and transparency from tech companies that increasingly shape our urban landscape.

The rally and proposed resolution serve as a powerful reminder that behind every technological advancement are real communities with real stakes.