Jewish Leaders Must Treat Community Members as Their Brothers and Sisters
A Torah scroll. Photo: RabbiSacks.org. Last week, California State Senator Scott Wiener introduced a proposal that is pure San Francisco. He wants the tunnel through Yerba Buena Island, which connects the two halves of the…
Assessment
A California state senator has proposed renaming a Bay Bridge tunnel after Emperor Norton, a 19th century San Francisco eccentric who declared himself emperor. The proposal highlights how local political figures can elevate obscure historical figures into official recognition. The story invites readers to consider what criteria should govern public commemorations and whether whimsy has a place in civic naming decisions.