Han Li

Chinese President Xi Jinping had a busy Wednesday in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he met with U.S. President Joe Biden and finished the day by attending a highly watched dinner event with American political and business leaders to promote investment in China.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping had a busy Wednesday in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he met with U.S. President Joe Biden and finished the day by attending a highly watched dinner event with American political and business leaders to promote investment in China.

Xi, 70, started the day with a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/biden-xi-jinping-meet-san-francisc-bay-area-apec/">historic hourslong talk</a> with Biden at the Filoli estate, about 30 miles south of San Francisco in Woodside. He then appeared at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Downtown San Francisco for the dinner event.

Biden and Xi Jinping meet in the San Francisco Bay Area: Watch video

Xi, 70, started the day with a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/15/biden-xi-jinping-meet-san-francisc-bay-area-apec/">historic hourslong talk</a> with Biden at the Filoli estate, about 30 miles south of San Francisco in Woodside. He then appeared at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Downtown San Francisco for the dinner event.

The soiree, organized by the U.S.-China Business Council and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, came as China aims to reinvigorate the confidence of foreign investors amid concerns about an economic downturn. Tickets to the event cost $2,000 each.

The soiree, organized by the U.S.-China Business Council and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, came as China aims to reinvigorate the confidence of foreign investors amid concerns about an economic downturn. Tickets to the event cost $2,000 each.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Apple CEO Tim Cook were also <a href="https://twitter.com/Benioff/status/1724993383570227644">at the event</a>.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Apple CEO Tim Cook were also <a href="https://twitter.com/Benioff/status/1724993383570227644">at the event</a>.

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“Ladies and gentlemen, friends, it gives me great pleasure to meet with you, friends from across American society, in San Francisco to renew our friendship and strengthen our bond,” Xi said.&nbsp;

“Ladies and gentlemen, friends, it gives me great pleasure to meet with you, friends from across American society, in San Francisco to renew our friendship and strengthen our bond,” Xi said.&nbsp;

He then recounted how his trip this week brought him full circle.

He then recounted how his trip this week brought him full circle.

“My first visit to the United States in 1985 started from San Francisco, and this formed my first impression of this country,” he told the audience. “Today, I still keep <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/13/apec-xi-san-francisco-1985/">a photo of me in front of the Golden Gate Bridge</a>. This morning, President Biden pulled out this photo and showed it to me. I don’t know how he got it, but he showed it to me.”

38 years after posing at the Golden Gate Bridge, Xi Jinping returns to San Francisco for APEC

“My first visit to the United States in 1985 started from San Francisco, and this formed my first impression of this country,” he told the audience. “Today, I still keep <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/13/apec-xi-san-francisco-1985/">a photo of me in front of the Golden Gate Bridge</a>. This morning, President Biden pulled out this photo and showed it to me. I don’t know how he got it, but he showed it to me.”

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sfs_xijinpingspeech_thumbnail1.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sfs_xijinpingspeech_inline1.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">China’s president Xi Jinping reflects on his first visit to the United States in 1985. | Courtesy National Committee on U.S.-China Relations</figcaption></figure>

Summarizing some of the outcomes of his meeting with Biden, Xi said China &#8220;sympathizes deeply with the American people&#8221; for the &#8220;sufferings&#8221; of Americans due to drugs such as fentanyl. He and Biden had agreed to set up a &#8220;working group&#8221; on drug abuse.

Summarizing some of the outcomes of his meeting with Biden, Xi said China "sympathizes deeply with the American people" for the "sufferings" of Americans due to drugs such as fentanyl. He and Biden had agreed to set up a "working group" on drug abuse.

Summarizing some of the outcomes of his meeting with Biden, Xi said China &#8220;sympathizes deeply with the American people&#8221; for the &#8220;sufferings&#8221; of Americans due to drugs such as fentanyl. He and Biden had agreed to set up a &#8220;working group&#8221; on drug abuse.

China is a producer of precursor chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl, often in Mexico.

China is a producer of precursor chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl, often in Mexico.

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sfs_xijinpingspeech_thumbnail2.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sfs_xijinpingspeech_inline2.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">China’s president Xi Jinping summarizes takeaways from his meeting with President Biden. | Courtesy National Committee on U.S.-China Relations</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-return-to-panda-diplomacy">A Return to Panda Diplomacy?</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-return-to-panda-diplomacy">A Return to Panda Diplomacy?</h2>

Xi said China was prepared to invite 50,000 &#8220;young Americans&#8221; to China on exchange and study programs over the next five years. Such programs have declined dramatically since the Covid pandemic.

Xi said China was prepared to invite 50,000 "young Americans" to China on exchange and study programs over the next five years. Such programs have declined dramatically since the Covid pandemic.

Xi said China was prepared to invite 50,000 &#8220;young Americans&#8221; to China on exchange and study programs over the next five years. Such programs have declined dramatically since the Covid pandemic.

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sfs_xijinpingspeech_thumbnail3.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sfs_xijinpingspeech_inline3.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">China’s president Xi Jinping announces that he is prepared to invite 50,000 young Americans to participate in exchange and study programs in China. | Courtesy National Committee on U.S.-China Relations</figcaption></figure>

Xi also hinted that China may be willing to re-up its &#8220;panda diplomacy,&#8221; a decadeslong initiative that saw China loan the rare animals to a number of U.S. zoos. Three giant pandas left their enclosure at the Smithsonian&#8217;s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., this month, marking the end of more than five decades of Chinese pandas being housed at the zoo.

Xi also hinted that China may be willing to re-up its "panda diplomacy," a decadeslong initiative that saw China loan the rare animals to a number of U.S. zoos. Three giant pandas left their enclosure at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., this month, marking the end of more than five decades of Chinese pandas being housed at the zoo.

Xi also hinted that China may be willing to re-up its &#8220;panda diplomacy,&#8221; a decadeslong initiative that saw China loan the rare animals to a number of U.S. zoos. Three giant pandas left their enclosure at the Smithsonian&#8217;s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., this month, marking the end of more than five decades of Chinese pandas being housed at the zoo.

&#8220;I was told that many American people, especially children, were really reluctant to say goodbye to the pandas and went to the zoo to see them off,&#8221; Xi said.

"I was told that many American people, especially children, were really reluctant to say goodbye to the pandas and went to the zoo to see them off," Xi said.

&#8220;I was told that many American people, especially children, were really reluctant to say goodbye to the pandas and went to the zoo to see them off,&#8221; Xi said.

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sfs_xijinpingspeech_thumbnail4.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sfs_xijinpingspeech_inline4.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">China’s president Xi Jinping speaks about China's intention to increase its panda conservation efforts with the United States. | Courtesy National Committee on U.S.-China Relations</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sfs_xijinpingspeech_thumbnail4.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sfs_xijinpingspeech_inline4.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">China’s president Xi Jinping speaks about China&#8217;s intention to increase its panda conservation efforts with the United States. | Courtesy National Committee on U.S.-China Relations</figcaption></figure>

&#8220;I also learned that the San Diego Zoo, and Californians, very much look forward to welcoming pandas back,&#8221; Xi said. &#8220;Pandas have long been envoys of friendship. &#8230; We are ready to continue our cooperation with the United States on panda conservation and to do our best to meet the wishes of the Californians so as to  deepen friendly ties between our peoples.&#8221;

"I also learned that the San Diego Zoo, and Californians, very much look forward to welcoming pandas back," Xi said. "Pandas have long been envoys of friendship. ... We are ready to continue our cooperation with the United States on panda conservation and to do our best to meet the wishes of the Californians so as to deepen friendly ties between our peoples."

&#8220;I also learned that the San Diego Zoo, and Californians, very much look forward to welcoming pandas back,&#8221; Xi said. &#8220;Pandas have long been envoys of friendship. &#8230; We are ready to continue our cooperation with the United States on panda conservation and to do our best to meet the wishes of the Californians so as to deepen friendly ties between our peoples.&#8221;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-xi-s-rare-public-appearance">Xi&#8217;s Rare Public Appearance</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-xi-s-rare-public-appearance">Xi's Rare Public Appearance</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-xi-s-rare-public-appearance">Xi&#8217;s Rare Public Appearance</h2>

Xi’s outing at the Hyatt Regency may be one of his few &#8220;public&#8221; appearances during his U.S. trip as his speech at the APEC CEO Summit was canceled. However, the San Francisco Examiner <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/forum/president-xi-jinping-addresses-the-apec-ceo-conference-in-sf/article_6e1d9d1c-8400-11ee-829c-9356fa16f4dc.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published his planned speech</a> on Thursday.

Xi’s outing at the Hyatt Regency may be one of his few "public" appearances during his U.S. trip as his speech at the APEC CEO Summit was canceled. However, the San Francisco Examiner <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/forum/president-xi-jinping-addresses-the-apec-ceo-conference-in-sf/article_6e1d9d1c-8400-11ee-829c-9356fa16f4dc.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published his planned speech</a> on Thursday.

Xi’s outing at the Hyatt Regency may be one of his few &#8220;public&#8221; appearances during his U.S. trip as his speech at the APEC CEO Summit was canceled. However, the San Francisco Examiner <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/forum/president-xi-jinping-addresses-the-apec-ceo-conference-in-sf/article_6e1d9d1c-8400-11ee-829c-9356fa16f4dc.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published his planned speech</a> on Thursday.

Attendees of Wednesday&#8217;s dinner included nearly 400 business leaders and government officials, including U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, who delivered remarks before Xi addressed the audience. California State Treasurer Fiona Ma was also among those in attendance.

Attendees of Wednesday's dinner included nearly 400 business leaders and government officials, including U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, who delivered remarks before Xi addressed the audience. California State Treasurer Fiona Ma was also among those in attendance.

Attendees of Wednesday&#8217;s dinner included nearly 400 business leaders and government officials, including U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, who delivered remarks before Xi addressed the audience. California State Treasurer Fiona Ma was also among those in attendance.

Outside the hotel, pro-China activists and anti-Chinese government protesters had a busy day, having gathered there since the early afternoon, hours before the Chinese president’s arrival. The two sides chanted slogans, blared Chinese songs and engaged in scuffles that were <a href="https://twitter.com/RHandaNBC/status/1724880501255930133" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caught on video</a>.

Outside the hotel, pro-China activists and anti-Chinese government protesters had a busy day, having gathered there since the early afternoon, hours before the Chinese president’s arrival. The two sides chanted slogans, blared Chinese songs and engaged in scuffles that were <a href="https://twitter.com/RHandaNBC/status/1724880501255930133" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caught on video</a>.

China’s Xi Jinping dines in San Francisco with U.S. business leaders, hints at return of pandas

Annie Gaus

After the California Department of Motor Vehicles abruptly suspended driverless Cruise vehicles from operating on San Francisco streets, city officials—many of whom had spoken out against the company&#8217;s expansion—celebrated the move Tuesday.

After the California Department of Motor Vehicles abruptly suspended driverless Cruise vehicles from operating on San Francisco streets, city officials—many of whom had spoken out against the company's expansion—celebrated the move Tuesday.

After the California Department of Motor Vehicles abruptly suspended driverless Cruise vehicles from operating on San Francisco streets, city officials—many of whom had spoken out against the company&#8217;s expansion—celebrated the move Tuesday.

“Thanks to the DMV for putting safety first,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman at a meeting of the county&#8217;s transportation authority.

“Thanks to the DMV for putting safety first,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman at a meeting of the county's transportation authority.

“Thanks to the DMV for putting safety first,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman at a meeting of the county&#8217;s transportation authority.

The body received an update about autonomous vehicles&nbsp;at its Tuesday meeting, which included a presentation noting an <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/SFCTA_Board_AutonomousVehicleReportPRESENTATION_2023-10-24_1.pdf">increasing number of reported incidents</a> involving robotaxis between January and August of this year. A majority of those reports involved Cruise vehicles.

The body received an update about autonomous vehicles&nbsp;at its Tuesday meeting, which included a presentation noting an <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/SFCTA_Board_AutonomousVehicleReportPRESENTATION_2023-10-24_1.pdf">increasing number of reported incidents</a> involving robotaxis between January and August of this year. A majority of those reports involved Cruise vehicles.

&#8220;Ultimately, you know, safety is the most important,&#8221; Mayor London Breed said at a Tuesday press conference about the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November.

"Ultimately, you know, safety is the most important," Mayor London Breed said at a Tuesday press conference about the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November.

&#8220;Ultimately, you know, safety is the most important,&#8221; Mayor London Breed said at a Tuesday press conference about the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November.

Breed tempered her remarks by saying that she&#8217;s &#8220;really excited&#8221; about the potential of driverless technology but emphasized caution in not &#8220;[oversaturating] our streets when we&#8217;re not necessarily ready.&#8221;

Breed tempered her remarks by saying that she's "really excited" about the potential of driverless technology but emphasized caution in not "[oversaturating] our streets when we're not necessarily ready."

Breed tempered her remarks by saying that she&#8217;s &#8220;really excited&#8221; about the potential of driverless technology but emphasized caution in not &#8220;[oversaturating] our streets when we&#8217;re not necessarily ready.&#8221;

&#8220;My hope is that, as a result of this, they can spend some time working on improving their safety measures because we want to welcome this technology, but we want to do so responsibly and safely,&#8221; Breed said.

"My hope is that, as a result of this, they can spend some time working on improving their safety measures because we want to welcome this technology, but we want to do so responsibly and safely," Breed said.

&#8220;My hope is that, as a result of this, they can spend some time working on improving their safety measures because we want to welcome this technology, but we want to do so responsibly and safely,&#8221; Breed said.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-allegations-of-hidden-video">Allegations of Hidden Video </h2>

In a statement Tuesday, the DMV said it had suspended Cruise&#8217;s deployment and driverless testing permits and cited four California codes related to vehicle regulations and safety practices. Among other rules, the agency said that Cruise violated a code prohibiting the misrepresentation of information related to driverless technology.

In a statement Tuesday, the DMV said it had suspended Cruise's deployment and driverless testing permits and cited four California codes related to vehicle regulations and safety practices. Among other rules, the agency said that Cruise violated a code prohibiting the misrepresentation of information related to driverless technology.

In a statement Tuesday, the DMV said it had suspended Cruise&#8217;s deployment and driverless testing permits and cited four California codes related to vehicle regulations and safety practices. Among other rules, the agency said that Cruise violated a code prohibiting the misrepresentation of information related to driverless technology.

The DMV later said that Cruise didn&#8217;t show regulators complete footage of an Oct. 2 incident in which a robotaxi dragged a woman after she was struck by a human driver. In that incident, the woman was thrown into the path of the Cruise vehicle near Fifth and Market streets. Cruise disputes that it <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/24/cruise-robotaxi-dmv-suspension-video/">hid footage or information from the DMV</a>.

Cruise hid video of woman being dragged along San Francisco street, DMV says

The DMV later said that Cruise didn't show regulators complete footage of an Oct. 2 incident in which a robotaxi dragged a woman after she was struck by a human driver. In that incident, the woman was thrown into the path of the Cruise vehicle near Fifth and Market streets. Cruise disputes that it <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/24/cruise-robotaxi-dmv-suspension-video/">hid footage or information from the DMV</a>.

The DMV later said that Cruise didn&#8217;t show regulators complete footage of an Oct. 2 incident in which a robotaxi dragged a woman after she was struck by a human driver. In that incident, the woman was thrown into the path of the Cruise vehicle near Fifth and Market streets. Cruise disputes that it <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/24/cruise-robotaxi-dmv-suspension-video/">hid footage or information from the DMV</a>.

Firefighters responded to a report of a woman trapped under a Cruise robotaxi on Oct. 2, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Screenshot-2023-10-02-at-10.41.14-PM.png?w=998" alt="" class="wp-image-207496"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Firefighters responded to a report of a woman trapped under a Cruise robotaxi on Oct. 2.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Screenshot-2023-10-02-at-10.41.14-PM.png?w=998" alt="" class="wp-image-207496"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Firefighters responded to a report of a woman trapped under a Cruise robotaxi on Oct. 2.</figcaption></figure>

San Francisco officials, namely the fire department and other first responders, have vociferously opposed the expansion of robotaxis this year, pointing to incidents in which the vehicles interfered with emergency responses.

San Francisco officials, namely the fire department and other first responders, have vociferously opposed the expansion of robotaxis this year, pointing to incidents in which the vehicles interfered with emergency responses.

On Aug. 10, the California Public Utilities Commission voted to allow Cruise and Waymo to operate across the city 24/7 and charge passengers for rides. City Attorney David Chiu later <a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/2023/08/17/san-francisco-seeks-reprieve-from-cpuc-decision-allowing-unfettered-autonomous-vehicle-expansion/">filed a motion to pause the rollout</a>.

On Aug. 10, the California Public Utilities Commission voted to allow Cruise and Waymo to operate across the city 24/7 and charge passengers for rides. City Attorney David Chiu later <a href="https://www.sfcityattorney.org/2023/08/17/san-francisco-seeks-reprieve-from-cpuc-decision-allowing-unfettered-autonomous-vehicle-expansion/">filed a motion to pause the rollout</a>.

On Aug. 18, at the DMV&#8217;s request, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/18/california-dmv-reduces-san-francisco-cruise-fleet-by-half/">Cruise agreed to cut its San Francisco fleet in half</a> following an incident in which a Cruise driverless vehicle and a fire truck collided. The agency opened an investigation into the incident.

State puts half of Cruise robotaxi fleet on ice after San Francisco injury crash

On Aug. 18, at the DMV's request, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/18/california-dmv-reduces-san-francisco-cruise-fleet-by-half/">Cruise agreed to cut its San Francisco fleet in half</a> following an incident in which a Cruise driverless vehicle and a fire truck collided. The agency opened an investigation into the incident.

On Aug. 18, at the DMV&#8217;s request, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/18/california-dmv-reduces-san-francisco-cruise-fleet-by-half/">Cruise agreed to cut its San Francisco fleet in half</a> following an incident in which a Cruise driverless vehicle and a fire truck collided. The agency opened an investigation into the incident.

Earlier this month, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/cruise-gm-federal-investigation-safety/#">federal regulators opened a probe into Cruise</a> after receiving reports that its driverless vehicles may not have exercised proper caution around pedestrians in roadways.

Cruise under investigation by federal regulators over robotaxi safety

Earlier this month, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/17/cruise-gm-federal-investigation-safety/#">federal regulators opened a probe into Cruise</a> after receiving reports that its driverless vehicles may not have exercised proper caution around pedestrians in roadways.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-late-than-never">&#8216;Better Late Than Never&#8217;</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-late-than-never">'Better Late Than Never'</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-late-than-never">&#8216;Better Late Than Never&#8217;</h2>

Adam Wood, secretary-treasurer at San Francisco Fire Fighters Local 798, a union representing city firefighters, said the&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/18/california-dmv-reduces-san-francisco-cruise-fleet-by-half/">forced halving of Cruise’s fleet in September</a>&nbsp;was a sign the DMV had concerns about the driverless car company.

Adam Wood, secretary-treasurer at San Francisco Fire Fighters Local 798, a union representing city firefighters, said the&nbsp;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/18/california-dmv-reduces-san-francisco-cruise-fleet-by-half/">forced halving of Cruise’s fleet in September</a>&nbsp;was a sign the DMV had concerns about the driverless car company.

At a July 14 rally, members of the Teamsters Union and San Francisco officials backed regulations for autonomous vehicles. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AVProtest_1.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-182135"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">At a July 14 rally, members of the Teamsters Union and San Francisco officials backed regulations for autonomous vehicles. </figcaption></figure>

“I guess this indicates that they remained concerned and haven’t seen the fixes they needed to see,” Wood said, adding that Local 798 is relieved at the news.&nbsp;

“I guess this indicates that they remained concerned and haven’t seen the fixes they needed to see,” Wood said, adding that Local 798 is relieved at the news.&nbsp;

&#8220;Better late than never,&#8221; said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin about the Cruise suspension. &#8220;San Francisco has long held that Cruise vehicles were not ready for prime time, and the state should never have allowed their unlimited deployment in the first place.&#8221;

"Better late than never," said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin about the Cruise suspension. "San Francisco has long held that Cruise vehicles were not ready for prime time, and the state should never have allowed their unlimited deployment in the first place."

&#8220;Better late than never,&#8221; said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin about the Cruise suspension. &#8220;San Francisco has long held that Cruise vehicles were not ready for prime time, and the state should never have allowed their unlimited deployment in the first place.&#8221;

In a statement, Chiu wrote that the DMV&#8217;s suspension of Cruise permits &#8220;vindicates the significant public safety concerns raised by the City.&#8221;

In a statement, Chiu wrote that the DMV's suspension of Cruise permits "vindicates the significant public safety concerns raised by the City."

In a statement, Chiu wrote that the DMV&#8217;s suspension of Cruise permits &#8220;vindicates the significant public safety concerns raised by the City.&#8221;

&#8220;While we support the promise of this technology to improve transportation, we urge the CPUC to come up with a sensible, measured plan for the future based on safety and performance metrics,&#8221; Chiu said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"While we support the promise of this technology to improve transportation, we urge the CPUC to come up with a sensible, measured plan for the future based on safety and performance metrics," Chiu said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&#8220;While we support the promise of this technology to improve transportation, we urge the CPUC to come up with a sensible, measured plan for the future based on safety and performance metrics,&#8221; Chiu said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Roughly 90 minutes before the DMV&#8217;s announcement, teamsters staged an anti-Cruise protest at the company’s San Francisco headquarters. The protest, which primarily focused on safety and labor concerns, had Supervisors Shamann Walton and Connie Chan in attendance. Walton led the crowd in a chant of “Cruise will lose!”

Roughly 90 minutes before the DMV's announcement, teamsters staged an anti-Cruise protest at the company’s San Francisco headquarters. The protest, which primarily focused on safety and labor concerns, had Supervisors Shamann Walton and Connie Chan in attendance. Walton led the crowd in a chant of “Cruise will lose!”

Roughly 90 minutes before the DMV&#8217;s announcement, teamsters staged an anti-Cruise protest at the company’s San Francisco headquarters. The protest, which primarily focused on safety and labor concerns, had Supervisors Shamann Walton and Connie Chan in attendance. Walton led the crowd in a chant of “Cruise will lose!”

Chan, who represents the Richmond, described the neighborhood as “the testing ground” for robotaxis.

Chan, who represents the Richmond, described the neighborhood as “the testing ground” for robotaxis.

“We’re here, we’re making noise, but most importantly, we’re here to remind our governor where he comes from because he forgot where he came from,” Chan said.

“We’re here, we’re making noise, but most importantly, we’re here to remind our governor where he comes from because he forgot where he came from,” Chan said.

Chan was likely taking Newsom to task for vetoing Assembly Bill 316, a bill that would have required driverless trucks to have human operators. In his veto, Newsom stated that existing law is “sufficient” for regulating these vehicles.

Chan was likely taking Newsom to task for vetoing Assembly Bill 316, a bill that would have required driverless trucks to have human operators. In his veto, Newsom stated that existing law is “sufficient” for regulating these vehicles.

San Francisco officials praise Cruise robotaxi suspension: ‘Better late than never’

Josh Koehn

A vulgar tweet in which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan</a> riffed on famous rap lyrics and suggested San Francisco&#8217;s progressive-leaning supervisors could “die slow” has resulted in two of the elected officials filing police reports against the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/13/san-francisco-politics-y-combinator-ceo-garry-tan/">influential tech leader</a> and a third saying he intends to go to the police.

Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan’s war on San Francisco politics has only just begun

Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan is organizing San Francisco&#8217;s moderate political agenda

A vulgar tweet in which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan</a> riffed on famous rap lyrics and suggested San Francisco's progressive-leaning supervisors could “die slow” has resulted in two of the elected officials filing police reports against the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/13/san-francisco-politics-y-combinator-ceo-garry-tan/">influential tech leader</a> and a third saying he intends to go to the police.

A vulgar tweet in which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan</a> riffed on famous rap lyrics and suggested San Francisco&#8217;s progressive-leaning supervisors could “die slow” has resulted in two of the elected officials filing police reports against the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/13/san-francisco-politics-y-combinator-ceo-garry-tan/">influential tech leader</a> and a third saying he intends to go to the police.

Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Connie Chan confirmed to The Standard they have already filed police reports, while Supervisor Ahsha Safaí announced during Tuesday&#8217;s Board of Supervisors meeting that he will be going to law enforcement after learning of a death threat sent to Supervisor Dean Preston’s home.

Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Connie Chan confirmed to The Standard they have already filed police reports, while Supervisor Ahsha Safaí announced during Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting that he will be going to law enforcement after learning of a death threat sent to Supervisor Dean Preston’s home.

Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Connie Chan confirmed to The Standard they have already filed police reports, while Supervisor Ahsha Safaí announced during Tuesday&#8217;s Board of Supervisors meeting that he will be going to law enforcement after learning of a death threat sent to Supervisor Dean Preston’s home.

Later in the evening Tuesday, Peskin told The Standard he received the same message in the mail.

Later in the evening Tuesday, Peskin told The Standard he received the same message in the mail.

Tan is well known on X for his aggressive tweets, but the Y Combinator CEO stepped over the line just after midnight Saturday when he sent a post mimicking 2Pac’s famous diss track “Hit ’Em Up.” The late-night rant replaced 2Pac’s expletive-laced references to the Notorious B.I.G. and Bad Boy Records with the names of Supervisors Chan, Peskin, Safaí, Dean Preston, Shamann Walton, Myrna Melgar and Hillary Ronen.

Tan is well known on X for his aggressive tweets, but the Y Combinator CEO stepped over the line just after midnight Saturday when he sent a post mimicking 2Pac’s famous diss track “Hit ’Em Up.” The late-night rant replaced 2Pac’s expletive-laced references to the Notorious B.I.G. and Bad Boy Records with the names of Supervisors Chan, Peskin, Safaí, Dean Preston, Shamann Walton, Myrna Melgar and Hillary Ronen.

A vulgar tweet by Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan, which has been deleted, referenced lyrics from a Tupac Shakur song. The tweet is now the subject of police reports by two San Francisco supervisors.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/garry-tan-tweet.jpeg?w=1080" alt="A screenshot of a Garry Tan tweet" class="wp-image-244306"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A vulgar tweet by Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan, which has been deleted, referenced lyrics from a song by 2Pac aka Tupac Shakur. The tweet is now the subject of police reports by two San Francisco supervisors.</figcaption></figure>

Tan later deleted the post and apologized, saying there’s “no place, no excuse and no reason for this type of speech and charged language in the discourse.”

Tan later deleted the post and apologized, saying there’s “no place, no excuse and no reason for this type of speech and charged language in the discourse.”

However, it appears that his post inspired someone to send threatening messages to at least two supervisors: Preston and Peskin. The letter included a screenshot of Tan’s deleted tweet and a message that reads, “I WISH A SLOW AND PAINFUL DEATH FOR YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES.”

However, it appears that his post inspired someone to send threatening messages to at least two supervisors: Preston and Peskin. The letter included a screenshot of Tan’s deleted tweet and a message that reads, “I WISH A SLOW AND PAINFUL DEATH FOR YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES.”

This message was sent to Supervisor Aaron Peskin after Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan sent out an expletive-filled tweet that has since been deleted.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_0113.jpg?w=1696" alt="A threatening message with an image of Garry Tan's deleted tweet," class="wp-image-244437"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This message was sent to Supervisor Aaron Peskin after Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan sent out an expletive-filled tweet that has since been deleted.</figcaption></figure>

“I’ve been a champion for free speech in these chambers … and for any individual’s right to express themselves,” Peskin said during Tuesday’s meeting. “I’ve tolerated borderline hate speech on social media.”

“I’ve been a champion for free speech in these chambers … and for any individual’s right to express themselves,” Peskin said during Tuesday’s meeting. “I’ve tolerated borderline hate speech on social media.”

However, Peskin said, it’s important “to draw the line on … incitements to violence and death.”

However, Peskin said, it’s important “to draw the line on … incitements to violence and death.”

The message sent to Peskin also featured an image of Tan on the envelope, the supervisor told The Standard.

The message sent to Peskin also featured an image of Tan on the envelope, the supervisor told The Standard.

An envelop with a photo of Garry Tan and a threatening message was sent to at least two San Francisco supervisors.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_0115_563e57.png?w=2500" alt="An envelope with Garry Tan's image." class="wp-image-244440"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An envelope with a photo of Garry Tan and a threatening message was sent to Supervisor Aaron Peskin.</figcaption></figure>

Chan said she was motivated to file her own police report, in part, because of Tan’s support for Marjan Philhour, a supervisor candidate who is challenging Chan in November.&nbsp;

Chan said she was motivated to file her own police report, in part, because of Tan’s support for Marjan Philhour, a supervisor candidate who is challenging Chan in November.&nbsp;

Chan provided The Standard with <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24397939-connie-chan-police-incident-report">a police incident report</a> that not only noted Tan’s support for Philhour’s candidacy, but also referenced a 2023 police report the supervisor filed against Forrest Liu, who is noted as a paid Philhour campaign staffer. Chan accused Liu of physically threatening her on two occasions.

Chan provided The Standard with <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24397939-connie-chan-police-incident-report">a police incident report</a> that not only noted Tan’s support for Philhour’s candidacy, but also referenced a 2023 police report the supervisor filed against Forrest Liu, who is noted as a paid Philhour campaign staffer. Chan accused Liu of physically threatening her on two occasions.

According to the incident report, Chan told police that after Tan’s tweet it “dawned on me that these unhinged individuals who now have wished me death online as well as physically threaten me are connected, it became alarming to me that the threats are potentially violent and imminent.”&nbsp;

According to the incident report, Chan told police that after Tan’s tweet it “dawned on me that these unhinged individuals who now have wished me death online as well as physically threaten me are connected, it became alarming to me that the threats are potentially violent and imminent.”&nbsp;

Chan said she filed a police report against Liu in October after two unprovoked confrontations with him—one at an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/09/outside-lands-2023-guide/">Outside Lands</a> community meeting on Aug. 9 and another at the <a href="https://richmondsf.org/event/wineandwhiskey/">Wine on the Westside gala</a> on Oct. 12.

Outside Lands 2023: A guide to San Francisco’s biggest music festival

Chan said she filed a police report against Liu in October after two unprovoked confrontations with him—one at an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/09/outside-lands-2023-guide/">Outside Lands</a> community meeting on Aug. 9 and another at the <a href="https://richmondsf.org/event/wineandwhiskey/">Wine on the Westside gala</a> on Oct. 12.

Chan said she was shocked when Liu allegedly challenged her to a fight at the meeting for the music festival. Months later, Liu allegedly threatened her while standing “an inch away from my face.&#8221;

Chan said she was shocked when Liu allegedly challenged her to a fight at the meeting for the music festival. Months later, Liu allegedly threatened her while standing “an inch away from my face."

Chan said she was shocked when Liu allegedly challenged her to a fight at the meeting for the music festival. Months later, Liu allegedly threatened her while standing “an inch away from my face.&#8221;

“I saw this individual at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=apec">APEC</a> [working for the Mayor’s Office of Protocol], and it was alarming to me,” Chan said. “Luckily for me, I didn&#8217;t have an interaction with that individual at that time.”

“I saw this individual at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=apec">APEC</a> [working for the Mayor’s Office of Protocol], and it was alarming to me,” Chan said. “Luckily for me, I didn't have an interaction with that individual at that time.”

“I saw this individual at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=apec">APEC</a> [working for the Mayor’s Office of Protocol], and it was alarming to me,” Chan said. “Luckily for me, I didn&#8217;t have an interaction with that individual at that time.”

Philhour confirmed to The Standard that Liu works for her campaign, but she said she is “not aware of anyone on my campaign team being involved in any crime.”

Philhour confirmed to The Standard that Liu works for her campaign, but she said she is “not aware of anyone on my campaign team being involved in any crime.”

“I would trust that any suspected crime including threats would be promptly and properly reported to the police and the police would investigate,” Philhour said in a text message.

“I would trust that any suspected crime including threats would be promptly and properly reported to the police and the police would investigate,” Philhour said in a text message.

Liu did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Liu did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Tuesday, Peskin asked City Attorney David Chiu to draft legislation that would require candidates who receive campaign contributions from “purveyors of hate and violence” to disclose this money in some fashion.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Peskin asked City Attorney David Chiu to draft legislation that would require candidates who receive campaign contributions from “purveyors of hate and violence” to disclose this money in some fashion.&nbsp;

Sam Singer, a public relations consultant and spokesperson for Tan, dismissed the supervisors’ police reports as a form of political theater.

Sam Singer, a public relations consultant and spokesperson for Tan, dismissed the supervisors’ police reports as a form of political theater.

“I’ve never heard of anybody filing a police report against rap lyrics,” Singer said. “It was wrong of Garry to post that, he knows that and he immediately withdrew it and apologized to the Board of Supervisors.”

“I’ve never heard of anybody filing a police report against rap lyrics,” Singer said. “It was wrong of Garry to post that, he knows that and he immediately withdrew it and apologized to the Board of Supervisors.”

Safaí said during Tuesday’s meeting that he plans to file a police report and was particularly alarmed by Tan’s statements given the 1978 assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk at City Hall. He noted that Preston received a note at home saying Tan’s tweet was right.

Safaí said during Tuesday’s meeting that he plans to file a police report and was particularly alarmed by Tan’s statements given the 1978 assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk at City Hall. He noted that Preston received a note at home saying Tan’s tweet was right.

Preston, who did not respond to a request for comment, seemed to receive a similar message sent to Peskin, based on reporting by the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/sf-garry-tan-x-threatening-peskin-police-report-18637813.php">San Francisco Chronicle</a>.

Preston, who did not respond to a request for comment, seemed to receive a similar message sent to Peskin, based on reporting by the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/sf-garry-tan-x-threatening-peskin-police-report-18637813.php">San Francisco Chronicle</a>.

“Even if you weren’t named [in the tweet],” Safaí said, “they’re coming for all of us.”

“Even if you weren’t named [in the tweet],” Safaí said, “they’re coming for all of us.”

Josh Ram contributed to this story.

Josh Ram contributed to this story.

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