In a recent reveal that may only surprise out-of-towners, Senator Scott Wiener has voiced his displeasure with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for an affront to San Francisco's identity. The DMV reportedly issued driver's licenses listing "San Fran" as the place of residence for certain San Franciscans, a term that, for locals, grates the ear like a sour note in an otherwise harmonious symphony of city appellations.
Taking action on this matter, Senator Wiener penned a letter to the DMV Director insisting on the immediate discontinuation of the term. "On behalf of all self-respecting residents of the City by the Bay, I'm asking DMV to promptly cease & desist this nonsense," he wrote in a statement that has been shared on social media platforms and has garnered the attention of both constituents and media outlets, according to Senator Scott Wiener a post on his X account page. True to the city’s spirit of inclusion and self-respect, Wiener's letter highlighted that while the rest of the world may mock, San Francisco has always been, and will remain, a beacon for progressive values and cultural authenticity, provided its name is stated correctly.
DMV issued driver’s licenses listing “San Fran” as the address.
— Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) October 30, 2024
On behalf of all self-respecting residents of the City by the Bay, I’m asking DMV to promptly cease & desist this nonsense. My letter: pic.twitter.com/zV5m05UVip
The DMV addressed the issue with a response that likely aimed to soothe the ruffled feathers of the city’s proud denizens. "The DMV agrees: whether you prefer to be from The Bay, SF, or The City, a no-nonsense "San Francisco" works best on a driver's license," Anita Gore of DMV Public Affairs said in a statement provided to ABC7 News. The department acknowledged the complaint as valid, having identified the 'city abbreviation issue,' and has assured concerned parties that those who received the incorrect designation can have their licenses replaced free of charge.
Senator Wiener, during an interview with ABC7 News, referred to the DMV’s gaffe as a "teachable moment," a chance to educate the masses on the cultural nuances of San Francisco. "A lot of people who do not live in San Francisco do call it San Fran. San Franciscans hate that phrase phrasing," he told ABC7 News. This sentiment echoes the feelings of natives and longtime residents, for whom the term "San Fran" carries an air of disregard for the city's storied heritage and contemporary stature.
