Flashback Friday: The Holy City Zoo, Robin Williams, and the Magic of San Francisco

Welcome back to Flashback Friday—a series where I share some of my favorite weird, wonderful, and occasionally hidden stories from San Francisco’s past. This City is full of history, but beyond the landmarks and famous addresses, it’s the people who have made it truly special.

Lately, everyone’s been buzzing about the recent sale of Robin Williams’ former home at 540 El Camino Del Mar in Sea Cliff for $18 million. But while the headlines focus on the price tag, I can’t help but think about the man himself—his legacy, his impact, and the magic he brought to San Francisco. Long before he became a household name, Robin Williams was just another comedian trying to make people laugh. And he did that in one of the most legendary, yet under-appreciated, spots in San Francisco history—The Holy City Zoo.