Axios San Francisco

May 04, 2026
π It's Teacher Appreciation Week. Here's to all the educators who go beyond the lesson plan.
π€οΈ Today's weather: Mostly cloudy with highs in mid-60s, lows near 50.
π Happy birthday to our Axios San Francisco members Robert Pendoley and Timothy Bridge!
π§ Sounds like: "Changes" by David Bowie.
Today's newsletter is 1,077 words β a 4-minute read.
1 big thing: π€ Your Waymo thoughts
Self-driving cars have become as much a part of San Francisco's streetscape as cable cars and fog, but the rise of Waymo has brought with it a mix of optimism, skepticism and at times outright bewilderment.
- Robotaxi backers cite sharply lower pedestrian injury rates, but concerns over driving performance, data privacy and jobs continues to drive resistance.
We invited readers to weigh in β here's what you shared.
π We'll start off strong with a hilarious observation from Remington P., who aptly noted a sight many of us have seen: Waymos freezing or overreacting to minor obstacles, creating confusion and traffic jams.
- "My favorite was a few months ago while walking my dog seeing a plastic bag flying in the wind (cue the Ricky in American Beauty comparisons). Waymo could not drive through it or was 'taken aback by its beauty' and created a jam for a whole light cycle with cars honking on every corner."
π£οΈ John S. pushed back on how Waymo incidents are portrayed, arguing isolated accounts lack context.
- "Reporting anecdotal reports of issues without information on the rate of the issues per ride or mile versus human drivers (or more appropriately, ride-hailing service drivers), removes critical context."
βAt the same time, he acknowledged the cars have made strange decisions or taken inefficient routes: "Why do they often drop to 10 mph on Market Street between Castro and 15th for no apparent reason?"
- "Why do they sometimes bypass 17th Street when your route from the east side takes you over Clarendon and instead takes Market/Portola all the way around Twin Peaks, going over a mile out of the way?"
- Still he remains a fan: "Generally, I'm amazed by how well Waymo cars manage different situations."
π Todd L. agrees and recently took his first ride, which went "much better than expected."
- "I felt more comfortable in Waymo with all the sensing tech versus my Full Self-Driving Tesla that only has cameras. No drama and no surprises... I would definitely use Waymo again."
π Sarah G.S. also expected a nerve-wracking highway ride, but instead felt unexpectedly calm.
- "I was ready to have a panic attack but it did great! I was so surprised but I really felt safe in it."
π€ Stephen R. isn't so sure the cars are as safe as they're purported to be, recounting an experience where he narrowly avoided being hit while biking to Golden Gate Park.
- "Had I not been so alert, a Waymo would have taken me out."
π My thought bubble: Riding a Waymo can feel like a luxurious experience if you're not in a rush to get anywhere. I love the ease and convenience, but am regularly confused by the exorbitant costs β I've seen fares hit $30 for a 15-minute trip that might cost half as much on Lyft or Uber.
π¨ The bottom line: The future of driving is already here β it just occasionally stops to admire a floating plastic bag.
2. Charted: π Energy costs spike

San Franciscans spend an estimated $282 a month on their home electric bills, a new Axios analysis of data collected and shared by climate newsroom Heatmap News shows.
Why it matters: Rising energy bills and the growing power demands of AI data centers are becoming a major political flashpoint and could play a significant role in this year's midterm elections.
- Americans are also paying more for gas amid the Iran war.
Zoom in: San Francisco had the second-highest estimated average monthly electric bills in the U.S. last year, surpassed only by Nantucket County, Massachusetts. ($296).
- That figure jumped 131% from January 2021 to January 2026.
Between the lines: The rate hikes are part of why San Francisco is seeking a split from PG&E.
What we're watching: Whether attempts to rein in energy prices β including making tech companies shoulder the costs of their AI power use β prove effective.
3. The Wiggle:π¨ Waymos can get ticketed
π Speaking of Waymos β starting July 1, police will begin ticketing robotaxi companies for traffic violations. (LA Times)
π’ Board President Rafael Mandelman and Supervisor Connie Chan were arrested at SFO on Friday during a May Day protest against ICE at airports nationwide. (Mission Local)
β οΈ Police are warning San Franciscans to stay vigilant against jewelry robbery schemes targeting senior citizens. (KRON)
π’ Mission Action, a nonprofit that provides housing, shelter and legal services to immigrants, is adding an office at the former Thrift Town at 2101 Mission St. (Mission Local)
π¬ Spirit Airlines is shutting down after failing to identify a path out of its second bankruptcy. (Axios)
4. 1 fun thing: 𦡠My dead quads
Just kidding. I'm a drama queen. My quads are (mostly) fine.
My friend Yuki and I took on Walk SF's Stair Challenge on Saturday. The 5-mile trek sent us traversing across secret passageways and historic staircases in the Pacific Heights neighborhood.
- As Zillennials (yes, it's a thing), we resolved to avoid using Google Maps as much as possible and stick only to the physical map.
- Unfortunately, we veered off the path within 10 minutes and needed it to get us back on track. We only used it once more during the whole 2,000-step journey, though!
Along the way, we found ourselves chatting with Stair Challenge participants of all ages, including a couple who'd walked the route with their tiny chihuahua.
Yes, but: Pacing was key. My legs would be suffering way more if we hadn't maintained a leisurely stroll.
Our favorite highlights:
- The majestic curving staircase up to Lone Mountain Residence Hall at USF, which features a gilded lion water fountain head. (It was modeled after the Spanish Steps in Rome!)
- The cozy terraced parkway tucked along Goldberg Alley and Cottage Row, right off Fillmore Street.
- A quiet staircase, adorned with leafy greens, that zig-zags between USF buildings near Anza Street.
π My thought bubble: The challenge was a great way to see hidden gems in a neighborhood I don't visit as much. We definitely hope to try it again next year and look forward to the new route Walk SF whips up.
π Shawna had a lovely time celebrating her friends Tessera and Robert at their wedding.
π¨βπ€ Nadia is feeling grateful for her high school teacher Todd Glaeser, who sparked her love for David Bowie and glam rock.
This newsletter was edited by Geoff Ziezulewicz.
Sign up for Axios San Francisco







