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 — here's what you shared.

🙃 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."

🗣️ 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."

❓At 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."

👍 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."

😌 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."

🤔 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."

💭 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 — I've seen fares hit $30 for a 15-minute trip that might cost half as much on Lyft or Uber.

💨 The bottom line: The future of driving is already here — it just occasionally stops to admire a floating plastic bag.

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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 — including making tech companies shoulder the costs of their AI power use — prove effective.

Full story

🚖 Speaking of Waymos — starting July 1, police will begin ticketing robotaxi companies for traffic violations. (LA Times)

📢 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)

⚠️ Police are warning San Franciscans to stay vigilant against jewelry robbery schemes targeting senior citizens. (KRON)

🏢 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)

🛬 Spirit Airlines is shutting down after failing to identify a path out of its second bankruptcy. (Axios)

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.

💭 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.