both the mayor and the general. so, i think what i will do is invite you all, please, to come to the waterfront. our job is to not only welcome the vessels and give them safe berthing, but also to welcome the men and women in uniform who come ashore. and it is a great place to meet these young men and women. last year i had the honor of talking to many of them and i got to realize that several of them were coming home to meet their families. they may never have been to san francisco. they may never have sailed under the golden gate bridge. they were coming into san francisco bay to reunite with their country men and families, in some cases to meet their newborn children. i found an amazing feat. to welcome the beautiful ships and we will have all kinds of ships at the waterfront, most of them passenger ships, a cup of them high recreation ships. but in addition to recognizing and experiencing those, i hope you will stop a man or woman in uniform on the program and and welcome them. and if you feel so inclined,

please buy them a meal. so, thank you very much. (applause) * >> there you go, guys, free burgers. thank you, monique. and general maya talked about the urban search and rescue program that the san francisco fire department puts on for the navy and the marines, and that is a very successful program. we started in 2010. in 2011 what we realized is that every marin is a rifle man and every sailor is a firefighter. and, so, conversely, the navy last year, they're going to do it again this year, invites the fire department on board the ship to learn shipboard firefighting techniques. and with that i'm going to introduce chief joanne hayes white. (applause) >> good morning. thank you, louis. mayor lee, general maya, it's a pleasure once again, san francisco fire department, to welcome the men and women in uniform. and thank you for what you do to protect our lives each and

every day, the service that you do. many times without seeing your family, as our port director indicated. we're very excited once again to welcome and celebrate the military here in san francisco. it is a great opportunity to -- for that cross training bert effort. we look forward to having some of our fire felters on board the ship to learn from the military, conversely we also look forward to your fairly sophisticated constructed scenario whereby we'll be training the men and women in uniform related to that humanitarian assistance in the event of a disaster. and how to go about structural collapse, search and rescue techniques. so, once again shall welcome. glad to be a part of it. and here's to a great fleet week. thank you. (applause) >> thank you, joanne. and planning, planning, planning, it's an amazing thing. the military does t. pains takingly, they have back up plan for the back up plans. and in 2010 when we partnered up with the department of

emergency management, we held on board the u.s.s. macon island, docked at pier 32. we invited command staff, senior leaders from department of homeland security, both federal, state, and local organizations. and we went through a whole briefing on the process to bring in defense, part of defense assets. it doesn't just come automatically. it's not their main mission and is a whole program of process that has to be followed in order to bring in the access. we partnered up with the department of emergency management. we did a briefing on what they call defense port civilian authorities. in 2011 we ratcheted it up with a stable top exercise with mass casualty evacuation. in 2012 back in august, we actually had a functional exercise where we set up command posts and we tested interoperable communications techniques and techniques on route clearing for mass debris

route clearance. all of that is the lead agency in planning part of the emergency management with ralph and diane. and jill ray croft. it's all made possible by the waterfront department that is run by ann cronenberg. i'd loch for her to come up here and say a few words. (applause) >> thank you all. it's a pleasure to be here today. as louis mentioned, department of emergency management has a huge role in fleet week. what you see on the surface is a fun week. we plan for the entire year to come up to this one week. we had a meeting last week in our office with the support staff who are doing all the background work that you, the public, never see. there were 56 people who turned out. the intricate planning that takes place to make fleet week and other activities occur is unbelievable. it makes me so proud to be a

department head in the city and county of san francisco. we have learned since 2010 that we need to meet and get to know the folks that we will need to rely on in an emergency. we all know in a disaster we can't do this by ourselves. we are going to rely very heavily on our military partners. generally maya saw in 2010 that having a big party for fleet week was great, but we needed to do something more. and it was under his inspiration and leadership that we began the humanitarian assistance disaster response program. so, it's really building these relationships over the years, continuing to grow, and going from the one week event that we started with for fleet week into something that we're doing all year round. so, i'd like to thank especially my staff, rob, diana, all the people who have been working on this day and night. right now this week it's fleet week every day, every second,

every minute. but next week it will be fleet week for us again starting for 2013. so, thank you very much. (applause) >> thank you. it's true, the planning cycle for fleet week is really year round. and we have programs going on year round as well with the exercises and lectures and various ways to connect all of our parks. so, i think bottom line is we want you to come down to pier 80 where all the ships will be docked with the exception of the uss macon island coming in at piers 32. where we'll have the senior leader seminar. if you're interested in coming and observing that program, it's very interesting. thursday we have a series of panels and keynote speakers including the united states navy surgeon general. on friday we have former secretary of defense perry who will be speaking. and on friday, as is tradition, since we saw the program, we invite the neighborhood volunteers, the nerts volunteers, people who

volunteer their time to learn how to save their neighbors. so, we bring them on board and include them in the program. they get a nice tour of the ship. we feed them a will youctionvv of. fleet week always has a luncheon attached to it. i think everybody will remain, if you have any questions, want to talk to anybody more about the fleet week program, thank you very much, mayor lee. thank you, city and county of san francisco. and thank you all for coming out. (applause) >> hello, i am with the

recreation and parks department. we are featuring the romantic park location in your backyard. this is your chance to find your heart in santa and cisco with someone special. -- san francisco with someone special. our first look out is here at buena vista park, a favorite with couples and dog walkers. both have a significant force. a refreshing retreat from urban life. the romantic past that meander up and down the park under pines and eucalyptus. hang out in this environment and you might see butterflies it,

fennel, and then the lines. -- dandelions. is ada accessible. public transit is plentiful. we have conquered the steps, we have watched the dogs, and we have enjoyed a beautiful view. this is a place to take someone special on a romantic stroll and enjoyed a beautiful look out. welcome to corona heights located in the heart of this district. it offers a view of the downtown skyline, the bay bridge, and the east bay. it is one of the best kept secrets in the city. it is hardly ever crowded. on any given day, you will run into a few locals. , bought a 37 bus to get there without any parking worries.

for legged friends can run freely. there is also a patch of grass for the small box. >> it is a great place. it is a wonderful place to have these kinds of parks. that dog owners appreciate it. >> take time to notice of the wildfires that are on the grassland and keep your head out on the lookout for hawks and other bird life. be sure to take your camera and be prepared to take a view of the city will not forget. it has a beautiful red rock formations. you could watch the sunrise over the bay. this is another one of our great lookouts. we are at mount davidson.

928 feet. this is the place for you to bring someone special. to not forget that dogs and enjoy all of the pathways and greenery that surrounds you. it provides a peaceful oasis of open space and great hiking trails. the spectacular view offers a perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset with someone you love. >> it is a good place to get away from the hectic life of the city. come up here and listen to nature, i get some fresh air. that view is fantastic. >> where sturdy shoes. hikers get the feeling of being in a rain forest. mount davidson is also a great place to escape the noise and the bustle of the city. take the 36 bus and it will drop

you at the entrance. it is quite a hike to the top but the view is worth every step. this is the place to bring that someone special. golden gate park's largest body of water is an enchanting place. is a popular spot for paddling around in boats, which can be rented. created in 1893, it was designed for these your boating -- for leisure boating. it is named for the wild strawberries that once flourished. there is also a waterfall, two bridges, and trails the climb to

the summit, the highest point at more than four hundred feet. you can catch glimpses of the western side of the city that make this hilltop a romantic look out. for public transit, i take the n train. the lad the ad -- lake is ada accessible. watch many ducks, swans, and siegel's. -- seagulls. it is a great place to stroll and sail away. many couples come here to take a ride around a lake, going under the bridges, passing the chinese pavilion and the waterfall. for a quiet getaway, making for a memorable and magical experience.

located on 19th avenue, this growth is the place to where you're hiking boots, bring the family and the dog because it has so much to offer you and your loved ones. it is a truly hidden gem in the city. the park is rich with eucalyptus trees. long paths allow you to meander, perfect for a dog walking in a wooded environment. >> i enjoy the history. the diversity of nature that exists in such an urban city, concrete streets, cars, we have this oasis of the natural environment. it reminds us of what the history was. >> there is a section for dogs and plenty of parking.

transit is available on the 28 bus to get you very easily. the part is ada -- park is ada accessible. it is also a natural lake. this is your chance to stroll around the lake and let the kids run free. it also has many birds to watch. it is a place to find and appreciate what you -- a wonderful breath of fresh air. come and experience in this park and enjoy the people, picnics, and sunshine. this is a lovely place to take a stroll with your loved ones. in the middle of pacific heights, on top of these hills, it offers a great square, a

peaceful beauty, large trees and grass and greenery. it features tables and benches, a playground, restaurants, and tennis courts. there are plenty of areas for football and picnics. it is very much a couple's park. there are many activities you can experience together. stroll on the pathways, bring your dog, or just picnic at one of the many tables and enjoy all that it has to offer together. many couples find this is a perfect park to throw down a blanket and soak up the sun. it is a majestic place that you can share with someone you chairs. lafayette park is also easily accessed from the 47, 49, and 90 buses. it is ada accessible.

we are here at the historic palace of fine art in the marina district. originally built for the 1950's exposition, the palace is situated on san francisco's number waterfront. it is ada accessible and is reached by the 28, 30, and 91 bus lines. set against the reflecting waters of the lagoon and eucalyptus trees, the palace is one of san francisco post most -- san francisco's most romantic spots to relax with that special someone while listening to the water and gazing at the swans. a beautiful to view from many

locations along the mattoon, an ideal place to -- all -- lagoon, an ideal place to walk with a loved one. reservations for weddings are available at sfrecpark.org. discarding contains plants referred to by william shakespeare's plays and poems. welcome to the shakespeare garden here in the famous golden gate park. located near the museum and the california academy of sciences, the garden was designed by the california spring blossom and wildfilower association. here is a truly enchanting and tranquil garden along a path

behind a charming gate. this garden is the spot to woo your date. stroll around and appreciate its unique setting. the gorgeous brick walkway and a brick wall, the stone benches, the rustic sundial. chaired the part -- share the bard's word hundred famous verses from a shakespearean plays. this is a gem to share with someone special. pack a picnic, find a bench, and enjoy the sunshine, and let the whimsical words of william shakespeare and floats you and your loved one away. this is one of the most popular wedding locations and is available for reservations. take a bus and have no parking worries. shakespeares' garden is ada

accessible. located at the bottom of this hill, it is a secret garden with an infinite in captivating appeal. carefully tucked away, it makes the top of our list for most intimate pyknic setting. avoid all taurus cars and hassles by taking a cable car. or the 30, 45, or 91 bus. the garden was designed by thomas church in 1957. grow old with me, the best is yet to be is inscribed on a sundial. it is anchored by twin white gazebos and flowers that bloom

year-round. this is the place to tell someone special or the place to declare the commitment you two share. weddings and the event reservations are available for this adorable hidden gem. we know there are many other romantic parks in san francisco. we hope you have enjoyed this torre of lookouts, picnics, and strolls that are available every day. until next time, do not forget to get out and play. for more information about reserving one of these romantic locations or any other location, call 831-5500. this number is best for special events, weddings, picnics, and the county fair buildings. or for any athletic field, call 831-5510.

you can write us at -- or walk in and say hello. and of course you can find more information moresfrecpark.org. -- >> welcome to culture wire. we will look at the latest and greatest public art project. recently, the airport unveiled the new state of the art terminal. let's take a look.

the new terminal service and american airlines and virgin america was designed by a world- renowned architecture's firm. originally built in 1954, the building underwent massive renovation to become the first registered terminal and one of the must modern and sustainable terminals and the united states. the public art program continues its 30-year legacy of integrating art into the airport environment with the addition of five new commissions that are as bold and dynamic as the new building. >> this project was completed in record time, and we were able to integrate the artist's early enough in the process that they could work with the architect said that the work that is completed is the work that really helps complement and

instill the space as opposed to being tucked away in a corner. >> be experience begins with the glass facades that was designed with over 120 laminated glass panels. it captures the experience of being under or over clouds when flying in a plane. depending on the distance or point of view, it can appear clear for more abstract and atmospheric. the subtle colors change gradually depending on the light and the time of day. >> i wanted to create an art work that looks over time as well as working on in the first glance. the first time you come here, you may not see a. but you may be able to see one side over the other. it features a couple of

suspended sculptures. each was created out of a series of flat plains run parallel to each other and constructed of steel tubing. >> it is made up of these strata. as the light starts to shift, there is a real sense that there is a dynamism. >> it gives the illusion that this cultures might be fragments of a larger, mysterious mass. >> the environmental artwork livens it with color, light, and the movement. three large woven soldiers are suspended. these are activated by custom air flow program. >> i channeled air flow into each of these forms that makes

it move ever so slightly. and it is beating like a heart. if-0 when as of the forces of nature moving around us every second. >> shadow patterns reflect the shapes of the hanging sculptures. the new terminal also features a children's play areas. both of the market the exploratory n.y. -- exploratorium. the offer travelers of all ages a playful oasis. using high quality plywood, they created henches shaped like a bird wings that double as musical instruments. serving as a backdrop is a mural featuring images of local birds

and san francisco's famous skyline. >> in the line between that is so natural, you can see birds and be in complete wilderness. i really like that about this. you could maybe get a little snapshot of what they are expecting. >> it is an interactive, keck sculpture that is interacted with by the visitor. >> they are a lot about and they fall down the belt. it moves the belt up, and if you turn that faster, the butterflies fall in the move of words. >> the art reflect the commission's commitment to acquiring the best work from the bay area and beyond.

in addition to the five new commissions, 20 artworks that were already in the airport collection were reinstalled. some of which were historically cited in the terminal. it includes major sculptures by the international artists. as a collection, these art works tell the story of the vibrant arts scene in the early 1960's through the mid-1980s's. the illustrate san francisco's cultural center and a place of innovation that is recognized and the love throughout the world. one of the highlights is a series of three left tapestries. they are on view after being in storage for 20 years. these tapestries representing various gardens. from his years of living in san francisco.

hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, and whilst dahlias in rich, deep shades as they make their way to the baggage area. they can access behind-the- scenes information and interviews with the artist through an audio to work. it features archival audio as well as interviews with living artists. he can be accessed on site by dialing the telephone numbers located near the artwork or by visiting the commission's web site. the public art speaks volumes of san francisco as a world-class city with world-class art and culture. for more information, visit