Hey, folks.
After a 10-year run that started on 1 August 2013 — !!! — we closed our "Emperor Norton Bridge" petition on 7 August 2023.
The finally tally: 6,708!!!
Change.org invites petition authors to "declare victory" when their stated goals have been met.
Did we meet our stated goals? Did the California legislature put the Emperor's name on the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge?
Well, no.
But, we did put up a 10-year-long billboard for Emperor Norton that elevated the name and the reputation of the Emperor above where it had been.
I call that victory!!!
And, we put nearly 7,000 people on the record in support of placing the Emperor's name on a major San Francisco landmark — something we can use in future efforts.
I call that victory!!!
Indeed, it's worth remembering that the 6,708 signatures on this petition represent many, many, many thousands MORE who support the Big Idea!
To Edgar Etheridge, the final signatory, and to everyone who signed and shared our petition in the 10 years since my launching signature on 1 August 2013...
THANK YOU!!!
And stay tuned. We're not finished — not by a long shot!!!
Best,
JOHN LUMEA
The Emperor Norton Trust