Activists Block Google Bus with Scooters, Cite “Techsploitation”
Anti–Silicon Valley activists, who reportedly have not demonstrated in several years, according to the New York Times, banded together for a protest this week. Indeed, they reportedly blocked at least a dozen tech buses in the Mission by blocking the intersection—with electric scooters. If you’ve been wondering where all the scooters have gone since the city turned its attention to them, look no further (just kidding). The activists held a sign that read, “Techsploitation Is Toxic.”
San Francisco Raises Budget to Help Homeless by $29 Million
In good news, the city of San Francisco announced that it is increasing its budget to allocate resources to help people on the city’s streets. A new budget plan has added an additional $29 million to the $250 million previously budgeted to combat the homelessness crisis, according to CBS. The funding will reportedly go to existing programs and plans to create new ones.
Uber and Lyft Are Subpoenaed by San Francisco
Uber and Lyft could soon find themselves in a bind with the city over contract-worker laws. Curbed SF reports that city attorney Dennis Herrera is seeking driver records from both ride-share companies dating back to 2015. This is likely a result of the California Supreme Court’s ruling that determined whether someone is a contractor or a full-time employee in California. The companies’ business models will likely be impacted if it is determined that the drivers don’t meet California state standards regarding who qualifies as a contractor.
Hey! The Bold Italic recently launched a podcast, This Is Your Life in Silicon Valley. Check out the full season or listen to the episode below featuring Aarti Shahani, technology reporter at NPR. More coming soon, so stay tuned!
