Rainbow tunnel in San Francisco to be renamed after Robin Williams
The California Senate has passed a bill to name a tunnel in the San Francisco Bay area after the late actor Robin Williams. The rainbow-arched tunnel, also known as the Waldo Tunnel, connects Marin County and the Golden Gate Bridge.
"Robin Williams was a friend of the North Bay community" reads the bill. "He would often drop unannounced at comedy nights ... where he would encourage young, budding comedians."
The move was motivated by an online petition started by resident Julie Wainwrite. The petition gathered more than 61,800 supporters.
The CA Senate just approved plans to rename the "rainbow tunnel" in SF for Robin Williams. <a href="https://t.co/jGkPmpOeCQ">https://t.co/jGkPmpOeCQ</a> <a href="http://t.co/htB27WLAt9">pic.twitter.com/htB27WLAt9</a>
—@ChangeThe bridge, which was originally named after William Waldo, a California politician in the 1850s, will carry its new name starting early this fall, according to the LA times.
The bill states that 'non-state sources' will pay for the name change, and signage is expected to cost about $3,000.
Williams died in August of 2014. His death was ruled a suicide. His wife, Susan Schneider, has said the actor and comedian was struggling with depression, anxiety and a recent Parkinson's diagnosis.
With files from The Associated Press