San Francisco, CA
Should Waymo be allowed at SFO? Robotaxi company one step closer to airport service amid expansion
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Two major announcements came from Waymo Monday as the self-driving rideshare company has expanded its service to the South Bay.
The company first announced San Francisco is giving it permission to map roadways around SFO, one step toward driverless rides to and from the airport.
The second announcement was that the California DMV also granted Waymo approval to operate its vehicles in the South Bay, including most of San Jose.
Those rides will not be open to the public yet, but come after Waymo just announced expansion to parts of Silicon Valley.
MORE: Waymo’s driverless car service expanding to parts of Silicon Valley
While Waymo itself is happy with the double dose of good news, others, like Evelyn Engel are more skeptical.
Engel is a part of the SF Taxi Alliance and worries more autonomous vehicles could lead to more unemployed people.
“Maybe starting with Uber and Lyft drivers and then maybe taxi drivers. Perhaps even shuttle bus drivers. Perhaps even MUNI bus drivers,” Engel said.
South Bay State Senator Dave Cortese says he’s not against the robotaxis but is advocating for local officials to have more say over where they drive.
“When you see those Waymo ads that say the robots are here, they’re not kidding,” Cortese said. “They’re in charge right now. Your city mayor is not in charge of those robotaxis right now.”
MORE: Waymo exec. joins livestream, apologizes to SF residents for robotaxi honking mess
A Waymo executive spoke directly to the San Francisco residents via a livestream and apologized for the honking mess.
Many people are excited about Waymo’s expanding footprint too.
At SFO, ABC7 News spoke to several travelers and most of them were excited about the company’s announcements.
That includes San Francisco resident Makenna Growney and her parents, who said they’d happily book a Waymo to the airport if that option becomes available in the future.
“I think it also depends on how big they make the cars,” Growney said. “Because right now, they’re all sort of the same size and not that large so it depends on how many suitcases you have.”
Others like Todd Auker say they don’t love Waymo in general. But Auker says the choice would come down to pricing.
“I was just looking at the Uber rates to get home and they’re outrageous,” he said. “So more options, more competition, I think better service for the community.”
Waymo’s permit to map SFO roadways began Friday and will last for 30 days.
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San Francisco, CA
Pedestrian killed in San Francisco hit-and-run crash
SAN FRANCISCO – A hit-and-run crash in San Francisco on Wednesday evening left a pedestrian dead.
Driver fled scene
What we know:
According to the San Francisco Police Department, the crash happened around 6:05 p.m. in the 5500 block of Mission Street. The driver fled the scene after striking the pedestrian.
The victim died at the scene.
Officers have not yet provided a description of the suspect vehicle involved in the incident.
No further details were immediately released.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco: Anti-ICE protester gets probation for ‘depredation’ of ICE van’s tire
SAN FRANCISCO — A protester who was initially charged with misdemeanor assault has been sentenced to probation for a less serious offense, ending a federal prosecution that only started four months ago, court records show.
On Dec. 8, Angelica Guerrero, 35, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor “depredation” of an ICE van’s tire — a fancy legal term for slashing it with a knife. The same day, a federal judge sentenced Guerrero to probation, according to a minute order of the hearing.
The charge stemmed from an Aug. 20 protest, when Guerrero slashed the tire of an unmarked Chevrolet van being used in an ongoing “enforcement and removal” operation by the Department of Homeland Security on the 100 block of Montgomery Street, according to prosecutors. The complaint alleges that Guerrero “made repeated threats” against one of the officers, including stating, “I’m going to (expletive) you up” and “I’m going after your family,” as well as threatening to stab the officer.
Guerrero was released within 48 hours but complained of “barbaric” conditions inside Santa Rita Jail, during an interview with ABC7.
San Francisco, CA
Beloved 11-Year-Old Bay Area Italian Restaurant Is Closing Its Doors For Good
BAY AREA, CA — Vespucci, a longtime Italian restaurant in San Mateo, will close permanently at the end of the year after 11 years in business, its owners announced this week.
Dec. 31 will be the restaurant’s final day of service, according to a message shared by owners Manuela Fumasi and Francesco Zaccaro, who reflected on more than a decade of serving the local community.
“From the moment we opened our doors, this community welcomed us with a warmth and kindness we will never forget,” the owners wrote. “As Italian immigrants, far from our first home, you made San Mateo feel like our home.”
The couple described the restaurant’s run as a “beautiful adventure,” acknowledging that it was often challenging but filled with meaningful connections, friendships and lasting memories. They thanked customers for celebrating milestones with them and for supporting the business over the years.
“This decision hasn’t been easy, but we know it is the right one for us at this time,” they said.
Vespucci has been a fixture in San Mateo’s dining scene since opening in 2015, offering Italian cuisine and serving as a neighborhood gathering spot for residents and regulars alike.
Inside, all of the artworks displayed were created by Maestro Vittorio Fumasi, with several pieces having been exhibited in major art shows in Italy and internationally. While some works predate the restaurant, others — including the low-relief piece “Italy” and the high-relief portraits of Vespucci — were commissioned specifically for the space.
Fumasi has also adorned Vespucci’s dining tables with her own artwork, and said some of those pieces will be offered for sale after the restaurant closes, allowing longtime customers to take home “a piece of Vespucci,” she told the San Mateo Daily Journal.
“We are going to miss you all,” the owners wrote. “With all our affection.”
The restaurant is located in downtown San Mateo at 147 E 3rd Ave. The menu can be found here.
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