>> keep the applause going for the fabulous lisa malone. that was just terrific. [applause] i almost wore the same thing today. [laughter] would have been so awkward. [laughter] no, she was fantastic. now, everyone, without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our host, the 43rd mayor of the city and county of san been cisco, the honorable edwin m. lee -- the 43rd mayor of the city and county of san francisco. [applause] mayor lee: wow, welcome to city hall. and thank you, beach blanket babylon. what a wonderful performance. let's give her another hand. that was just fantastic.

when i started being mayor of the city, i turned to our protocol officer and said, "you know, charlotte, we are going to do a lot of work this year, but these years forthcoming, as we work hard, i want to also have fun. isn't this fun? all right. [applause] this is our 50th anniversary of the wonderful song, "i left my heart in san francisco." tony, it is wonderful for you to be here and grace us and honor us with your presence. your 17 grammys are just so unprecedented. you just won two more this past week, and what a wonderful career. congratulations, tony. i want to thank our school of the arts. i want to thank our boys and girls choruses.

thank you. wonderful performances. it is a fitting tribute that our boys and girls choruses and ouryouth -- our yout are here today to perform because they reflect tony's dedicated career to ensure the future of arts education. we have seen what he has done and seen what his support is, and he is encouraging youth to be leaders on and off the stage, to make sure they grow up with the values and the shared values that he has. this is such a wonderful opportunity. i also want to thank some of the school kids especially here today. we have kids from our tenderloin community school. thank you for being here. [applause] all right. we also have, for the first time, at the request of -- the idea ofcesa -- that cesar chavez

elementary school wanted us to webcast this live, so we did it for them. wherever you are, welcome. [applause] tony, for 50 years, you have helped us not only remember a great song, but whenever any of us leave our town, we always come back and call san francisco our home. i know we talked a little earlier and tried to recall that wonderful initiation where in 1961, you first sang that song in the venetian room up at the fairmont. little did you know at the time that then mayor george christopher was in the audience with joe alioto. it was such a marvelous performance that when joe became mayor, he adopted that as one of our two official anthems.

thank you for performing first in san francisco. [applause] tony, you have helped us celebrate so many milestones in our city. you have helped us after earthquakes to come back and revive the spirit of our wonderful city. you have designed the wonderful art pieces to raise funds for those who need that service. you help us to reopen. after earthquakes, you have helped us climb -- not half way, you have helped us climb all the way to the stars with the -- a nation of our cable cars. you have just -- i in your career, you have generated more love and more nostalgic for our bay area -- more nostalgia for

our bay area than all the songs and all the movies and all the television shows associated with us combine. for that reason -- it is really for that reason, tony, that it is my pleasure if you would please come up, to declare today, valentine's day, february 14, 2012, as tony bennett day in san francisco. [applause] and also, on behalf of all of us and with all of our love and with all of our hearts together, to present to you the key to the city of san francisco. [applause]

>> would you like to say a few words? you have 45 minutes. [laughter] >> well, i would like to thank mr. ralph sharon, my great friend and musician, for finding this song. i was in little rock, arkansas, and we were on our way for the first time in my life. he found a song, and he said, "why don't we do this in san francisco?" i said ok, and i have no idea,

but there was a bartender who said, cassette and i don't mean to interrupt your rehearsal, but if you record that song, i'm going to be the first customer -- "i don't mean to interrupt your rehearsal, but if you record that song, i'm going to be the first customer." as i started singing it, the people came up and said, "you have to record the song immediately." i always thought it would be a local song in the area, but the fact that it has become such an international song throughout the world -- everybody loves it, and they love this city. it reminds me of one time when i was playing the fairmont hotel, gorbachev from russia with here and travel throughout the whole united states and in front of the company could tell, i was listening to him speak about san

francisco. he said, "i traveled to every city in the united states, and i was disappointed with what i saw. there was not one city that i liked, but as far as i'm concerned, san francisco is so beautiful that i would like to design 15 cities in russia that look like san francisco." [laughter] and he was right. [applause] my wonderful wife, my family is here. i'm thrilled. thank you very much. i must say -- excuse me, i have to mention one thing.

i have never seen anything in my life as beautiful as these young people. [applause] you stand so beautiful. [applause] -- you sang so beautiful. [applause] >> it is tony bennett day in san francisco. [applause] just fantastic. now, before we leave here today, just one more time, let's hear that special song one more time, now performed by the talented san francisco gay men's chorus, who will be joined by -- yes -- who will be joined by all of our performers here today and then all of you. you can sing along by following the lyrics on the screens. ladies and gentlemen, the san francisco gay men's chorus.

[applause] ♪ >> ♪ the loveliness of paris seems some house sadly -- somehow sadly gay the glory that was rome is of another day i've been terribly alone and four got 10 -- forgotten in manhattan i'm going home to my city by the day -- city by the bay

♪ >> and now it is your turn. >> ♪ i left my heart in san francisco high on a hill it calls to me to be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars in the morning fog may chill the air i don't care my love waits there in san francisco

of of the blue and windy see -- above the blue and windy sea when i come home to you san francisco your golden sun will shine for me ♪ [applause] >> very nice job, everybody.

well, as we close here today, mr. bennett, you have always had the key to our hearts. now you have the key to our city. we hope to see you back here soon in your city by the bay. thank you for this wonderful gift you have given us all these years and thank you so much for letting us honor you today. tony bennett day in san francisco. once again, for the man of the hour. [applause] thank you all so much for celebrating with us today. happy valentine's day. we will see you at the ballpark.

♪ >> hi, my name is jamie hopper and i am with the san francisco recreation and parks department. we are featuring the wonderfully romantic part rotations in your very own backyard. this is your chance to find your heart in san francisco with someone special. our first look out is here, san

francisco's heavily forested hill. a favorite for couples and a dog walkers. both have a significant stand with a live oak forest. the romantic paths that meander up and down are under a canopy of ochre, redwood, cyprus, and eucalyptus. chill out in this pleasant environment and you might seem butterflies and dandelions. blue jays fly between the tall eucalyptus. one of this the parking is accessible. take the six, 24, or 37 bus. we share the pathways, we walked the dogs, and we have and enjoy the beautiful view that the park has to offer. this is a place to take someone

special and enjoy a beautiful look out. >> welcome to corona heights located in the heart of the castro district. it offers a spectacular view of the downtown skyline. the iconic bridge and on towards the east bay. >> is one of the city's best kept secrets. it is hardly ever crowded and on any given sunday, you will probably run into a few locals. you can get there without any parking worries. locals bring their four-legged friends to run freely. at a small patch of grass for small dogs. >> is wonderful for the city to have these kinds of parks. and the dog owners really appreciate it. >> take time to notice the wonderful wild flowers. and keep your head up on the lookout for hawks and other bird

life. take your camera and be prepared for views that you will not soon forget. this summer, there were beautiful red rock formations and are perfect to relax with someone special while you watch the sunrise over the bay. this is another one of our great luck out. and we are at mount davidson. it has the highest point of elevation in san francisco heading 928 feet. this is the place for you to bring someone special. don't forget the dogs and enjoy all the pathways and trails that surround you. >> that provides a peaceful oasis of public open space and great hiking trails. >> the spectacular view offers a perfect place to watch the sunrise.

>> it is a good place to get away from the hectic life of the city. and get some fresh air. the view is fantastic. >> wear sturdy shoes to come for the western slope drills were the overgrown vegetation gives the feeling of being in a rain forests. not davidson is also a great part to escape from the noise and bustle of the city. take the 36 bus and it will drop be right at the entrance. it is quite a hike. it is worth every step of the way and you can bring someone special. golden gate park's largest body of water is very enchanting.

it is a popular spot for strolling as well as hot boats that can be rented at the boathouse. created in 1893, it was designed for it, got for horse-drawn carriages. that surrounds a strawberry hill island and the wild strawberries once flourished. 110 ft waterfalls, and they connect the strawberry hill island where they fall of the shoreline and climb the highest point at more than 400 feet. you can still catch a glimpses of the western side of the city that makes the hilltop here romantic luck out. for public transit, take the train. it has a peaceful atmosphere where you could enjoy the warm san francisco de.

watch many lighting. it is a tranquil spot to stroll and enjoy the company, rent a boat, and sail away. many couples come to take a boat ride around the lake. passing the chinese pavilions and of the waterfalls. making for a very memorable and a magical experience. located on nineteenth avenue, the wondrous growth is the place to wear your hiking boots, bring the family, don't forget the dog. there are so many strolls to offer you and your loved ones. it is a truly hidden gem in the city. the park is rich with eucalyptus trees.

that allows you to meander around the trees and there are perfect for the wooded environment. >> i enjoy the history behind the space. the diversity of major out here in the city and the concrete streets and cars, we have this oasis of the natural environment that reminds us. >> there is plenty of parking. plentiful transit on the 23, 28, or 91 buskin the there easily. and the park is 88 accessible. on the west as high in lake, one of the few remaining natural lakes. this is your chance to stroll around the lake hand in hand and let the kids run free. there are many birds to watch. they'll find some solitude and

appreciate what you can share with great strolls and wonderful breath of fresh air. come and experience of lafayette park and enjoy the people with picnics in the sunshine. this is a place to take an afternoon stroll with your loved one hand in hand. located in the middle of pacific heights on top of the rolling hills, it offers a great such a square and a large trees hall porter the grass and greenery. the park features comfortable tables and benches, a playground, restroom, and more at the end of the park. there are plenty of areas for football and frisbee. it is a couples park with a multitude of activities you can experience together. trauma on the pathway for the entire park, who watched the dog

friendly community. enjoy all the lafayette park has to offer. you can soak up the sun. this wonderful heart is a majestic place you can share with someone you cherished. it is also easily accessed from the 47, 49, at 97. it is eta accessible. starting off our hectic segment, we're at the lovely and historic palace of fine arts. originally built for the 1915 panama pacific exposition, it is situated along san francisco's northern waterfront. the palace of fine arts is

accessible and easily reached by the 28, 30, and 91 bus lines. with the elegant rotunda, set against the reflecting waters of the surrounding lagoons and fragrant eucalyptus trees, it is one of san francisco's most romantic settings for a special dates and memorable proposals. it is also a perfect picnic spot rican relax with that special someone while the waters and fountains in the lagoon grazing as the swans go gracefully by. and many locations along the lagoon, it is an ideal place to walk around with your loved one. the palace of fine arts is the most popular wedding location. those events are a variablea -- available at sfrecpark.org. >> the garden contains plans

referred to by william shakespeare's plants. welcome to the beautiful and unique shakespeares garden in the famous golden gate park. located near the museum at the california academy of sciences, it was designed in 1928 by the california spring blossom had wildflower association. flowers and plants played an important tool of imagery extensively throughout shakespeare's literary masterpieces. here is the truly enchanting in a tranquil garden tucked away on the path behind a charming a that leaves its romantic magic. this garden is the spot to bring your day. stroller around and appreciate the beauty of its unique setting. the overarching cherry trees and the brick walls, the enchanting as envisaged in the rustic sundial. sure the birds words as he read the plaques on the brick wall that fill the garden full of

shakespearean lines and verses from plays. the garden is a sweet jam to share with someone special. pack a picnic, find a lovely bench, enjoy the sunshine and soft breezes and let the words of shakespeare take you and your loved one away. this is one of the most popular wedding locations and is available for reservations. have no parking worries by hopping on the 29 bus. it is also accessible. >> in just a little park located at the bottom of the hill, it is a secret garden with an infamous and captivating appeal. carefully tucked away, one from the bottom of lombard street, it is the top of our list for most intimate picnic setting. avoid all tourist cars by hopping on the cable cars.

for the 30, 41, 45, or 91 bus. installed by rec and park in 2006, and they are accessible. the garden was designed by famous landscape architect in 1957. the best is yet to be, it is inscribed the sundial at the park. a lush oasis anchored by twin gazebos, lovely >>, and splashes of color year round. this is the place to tell someone something special for the place to declare the commitment you share. weddings and event reservations are available for this historic hidden gem. >> we know there are many other 11 romantic parts in san francisco. we hope you have enjoyed this short tour of these roles

available every day. i am jaime hopper with the recreation and parks department. until next time, don't forget to get out and play. for more information about reserving one of these romantic locations or any other park location, call. this number is best for special events, weddings, headaches, and the county fair building. or for any aquatics fields at a neighborhood parks. you can write us at permit consideration. or just walking in and say hello at old log cabin stone lake drive at golden gate park. and you can find more information on line.