Tunnel of Mork

Rather than memorializing a 19th century nobody, the Waldo Tunnel (pictured) and its rainbow arches north of the Golden Gate Bridge ought to honor actor and comedian Robin Williams, who became famous while wearing rainbow suspenders. That’s the wish of thousands of people who by yesterday — eight days after Williams’ apparent suicide at his Tiburon home — had electronically signed a petition on change.org, urging Assemblyman Marc Levine to introduce legislation to christen the “Robin Williams Tunnel.” The twin tubes, which carry Highway 101 drivers through the Waldo Grade toward Sausalito, have become a landmark, featured in “Dirty Harry” and other films. But few people know their namesake, William Waldo, a Whig Party candidate who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1853 after being drawn west by the Gold Rush. Williams called Marin County home, and the online petition’s creator, Julie Wainwright, said changing the name of the tunnel would “honor the very important citizen and world-renowned entertainer.” She wrote that the name would help North Bay residents and visitors remember “the joy he brought to the world.” It makes sense, because there is no one better to be named for a tunnel that takes you out of the fog and into the sunshine than Robin Williams. Williams had himself referenced the Waldo Tunnel in his 1982 HBO comedy special, “An Evening with Robin Williams,” which was shot at San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall. He poked fun at Marin County’s exclusive image. “People going into Marin County say, ‘My God, look at that little rainbow. Isn’t that cute.’ They lied. They lied to you — it’s an ethnic detector,” he quipped. Click here to go straight to that line.