San Francisco City Hall celebrates 100th birthday

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - San Francisco was the place to be Friday night as city hall celebrated its 100th birthday.

There was a spectacular street party befitting a city known for its color and character.

On this beautiful June night, iconic city hall became the canvas to showcase the new LED lighting system with a dazzling display of colors.

It was a show bringing the 100-year-old building into the 21st century.

There was live music on various stages representing the past and present, featuring homegrown musical talent for all tastes.

Sideshows exemplified the best of street theater and performance art.

"The people, the food...nobody can do it like San Francisco can," said Tyree Leslie of Vallejo.

There was a wall to share personal perspective of city hall with a paintbrush, and different creative outlets to celebrate the centennial of city hall.

"It's a great symbol for the city. It's a strong symbol of the city... how it rebuilt since the earthquake. I see it as a strength for San Francisco," said Roy Golingan of Pittsburg.

Inside city hall, decorations welcomed the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

It's a place that is known as the People's Palace. It has launched political careers and hosted countless weddings, including the union between baseball great Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe.

History is etched into the building itself, which was heavily damaged during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.

"Behind me and up above my head are four major medallions," said Ellen Schumer, SF city hall historian.

The building has been restored to its former greatness and more, in a four year seismic renovation from 1995 to 1999.

Now, it is the city's crown jewel inside and out.

"It sparkles in the sunlight but it also sparkles on a foggy day in San Francisco," said Schumer.

As part of the celebration, the city will offer free public tours the third Sunday of every month starting July 19th through December.