"KitKat, a corner store cat who patrolled and slept alot in Randa's Market on 16th Street, was allegedly run over by a Waymo vehicle, inciting what could be a fresh wave of anti-robot sentiment in San Francisco."
"As Daniel Zeidan, the son of the store's owner, told SFGate, "The atmosphere in the store definitely changed after KitKat arrived. Not only did customers come in more often but many also brought him gifts, like toys, blankets, beds and even food. Someone recently brought him a blanket so he would stay warm in the winter." The store's Instagram announced the death of KitKat on Tuesday, saying, "We're heartbroken to share that our beloved store cat, KitKat, has passed away. He brought warmth, smiles, and comfort to everyone who walked through our doors. Thank you to all who loved him as much as we did. The store won't be the same without his little paws padding around.""
"As Mission Local reports, and this has not been independently confirmed, KitKat was found "dying in the street" Monday night, and "numerous friends and neighbors said the cat was hit and killed by a Waymo autonomous vehicle. (The Instagram post also does not mention this.) Owner Mike Zeidan confirmed this to the SF Standard, and an anonymous 311 call described a Waymo hitting the cat while he sat on the sidewalk next to the transit lane."
KitKat patrolled and slept at Randa's Market on 16th Street and became a beloved local bodega mascot and Instagram star. Customers frequented the store more often and brought gifts, blankets, beds and food for KitKat. The store announced KitKat's death and described the loss of warmth and comfort he provided to visitors. Community members reported finding KitKat dying in the street and said a Waymo autonomous vehicle struck him; the owner's confirmation and an anonymous 311 call echoed that account. It remains unclear how the incident occurred or whether the Waymo entered the sidewalk, and details have not been independently confirmed.
Read at sfist.com
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