Death, Robotaxis, and a Cat Named KitKat

When KitKat, a beloved bodega cat, was killed by a Waymo in San Francisco in late October of this year, the incident quickly went viral. It ignited grief and outrage. It also renewed scrutiny of autonomous vehicles. But in a city where hundreds of animals are hit by vehicles each year, why did this incident — and this particular cat — hit such a nerve?

We hear from Oscar Palma, the first reporter on the scene, about what unfolded the night KitKat was killed. Then, Mission Local managing editor Joe Eskenazi and KQED reporter Sydney Johnson explore the limits of autonomous vehicles and why one cat’s death resonated so deeply in a rapidly gentrifying San Francisco.

Guests:

Sydney Johnson, reporter at KQED

Oscar Palma, reporter at Mission Local

Joe Eskenazi, managing editor at Mission Local

Further Reading/ Listening:

KitKat, liquor store mascot and ‘16th St. ambassador,’ killed — allegedly by Waymo — Oscar Palma, Mission Local 

San Francisco Supervisor Calls for Robotaxi Reform After Waymo Kills Neighborhood Cat — Sydney Johnson, KQED

How Kit Kat Was Killed: Video Shows What a Waymo Couldn’t See — Heather Knight, The New York Times 

Driverless car startup Cruise's no good, terrible year — Dara Kerr, NPR

Cruise admits lying to feds about dragging woman in San Francisco — Kevin Truong, The San Francisco Standard

Waymo hits dog in S.F. weeks after killing Mission bodega cat — Kelly Waldron, Mission Local

Dog hit by Waymo in SF put down by family after suffering 'severe pelvic trauma' — Alex Baker, KRON4

The self-driving taxi revolution begins at last — The Economist 

Read the transcript here

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Credits:

Close All Tabs is hosted by Morgan Sung. This episode was produced by Maya Cueva and edited by Chris Egusa. Our team includes producer Maya Cueva, editor Chris Hambrick and senior editor Chris Egusa, who also composed our theme song and credits music. Additional music from APM. Audio engineering by Brendan Willard. Audience engagement support from Maha Sanad. Jen Chien is our Director of Podcasts. Katie Sprenger is our Podcast Operations Manager. Ethan Toven-Lindsey is our Editor in Chief.

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