Name It the Emperor Norton Tunnel

In all three of his “bridge Proclamations” of 1872, Emperor Norton specified that a bridge connecting Oakland and San Francisco be routed “via Goat Island” — what we know today as Yerba Buena Island.

Today, the tunnel through this island connects the east and west “halves” of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge. Opening as part of the bridge in 1936, this never officially named tunnel is the key that unlocks the Emperor’s vision.

2026 marks the 90th anniversary of both the tunnel and the bridge.

In response to this symbolic opportunity, California State Senator Scott Wiener has introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 193 that would…

Name the Yerba Buena Island tunnel the Emperor Norton Tunnel.

The Emperor Norton Trust urges state lawmakers to pass SCR 193 in 2026.

Please join us!