Emperor Norton Bridge

Days when I wish I lived in San Francisco — days when I am glad I live near San Francisco.

There’s a movement afoot to rename the Bay Bridge after Emperor Norton. Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico.

This guy was real. He’s turned up in Tim Powers novels, in Sandman, and I suspect many other places. In his day, policemen saluted him in the street, and he was generally honored as royalty throughout the city.

Only here, San Francisco, would a movement to re-name a major bridge in honor of such a figure get taken seriously.

God, I hope they can pull it off. Though I still disagree with the Emperor about calling it Frisco.