job is the opportunity to be a part of this community in such a unique way and i am grateful for that, abc 7 is proud, television partner of the exporatorium and let me acknowledge the president and general manager, william burton, raise your hand if you would, and i want to say that because he has donated just countless amounts of television time to promote this event and be a part of it and so we are very proud to serve in that community. and so we are around a tv anchor and a bunch of politicians that they talk so much that we have to switch interpreters and we have warn them out and thank you for being here. that is how bad it is, right? >> doctor rob stemp er is a renouned physicist and really is the thread that connects in so many ways, the history and the fundamentals and the core values of frank's mission with the new modern day advancements and discoveries of the new

exporatorium. please welcome dr. rob semper. >> good morning, everyone. and welcome to the plaza, one of the wonderful things about the new exporatorium is that we have this wonderful outdoor space as well as in door space and would i like to think of us as an inside out museum and invite, and those that have come behind us outside of the plaza. >> when i first came in, 1977, i was privileged to join, a band of 35 people who already had been working for 8 years with frank in the palace of fine arts a place dedicated to the proposition that individuals need to be encouraged to ex-mror the world to ask the only questions and by learning and doing.

it was an appropriate place, and over the years, the staff and volunteers in the palace of fine arts established exist and produced 500 programs and hired 5,000 high school kids to be the ex-plainers. we built exhibits for over 100 museums from around the world and we design the museums for places as diverse as china and turkey. we published hundreds of papers on the work that we were doing about learning. we are first the website that brought the total solar eclipse live to millions of people and launched the first museum apps for tablets and all of this work was done by thousands of staff members and volunteers. nine years ago we talked to project to date and, we took everything that we learned in those 43 years and brought it

over here and ported it into this building. we are so excited to show it off to you today, and to show off this new, 21st century learning center and we really hope that you enjoy what is here. i think of this moment, not as a break, from the past, but a continuation of the work that was started by the pioneers in 1969. we are still a place dedicated to the proposition that individuals should be encouraged to explore the world by learning by doing and thinking for themselves. it was started in the cold war by frank for the idea that people need to think for themself and the world will be bet foreit. what we need now is just as much spirit and exporatorium will support that going forward. [ applause ] as i look around today, we are about to embark on this amazing new chapter, and i must say that i can't wait to see what

happens over the next 40 years, with this wonderful facility. and to echo dennis, earlier we will not be here without the commitment and the support of our staff, board and donor and designers, and contractors and builders and civic leaders and it and we support our gratitude. and so today i am adding the 7th ring, and supporters and champion and members and volunteers and all of the staff, past and present who have helped to build this place and will live in it going forward. >> notice that it is, the last ring. but it is not the last. i want to invite, now, dennis bartel and our explainers up to place the final piece on top of the bell.

as rob said, sorry, you were bitter as well and we have one more piece to go but i would like to invite all of the speakers on stage if you could please, and while they are coming up here, i wanted to also thank all of you, in particular, i know of a few of our pier colleague institutions from around the world from as far away as finland, and australia, costa rica and france have joined us here today and to all of our friends who come to share this moment with us, thank you so much. >> so, it is my honor to introduce the final piece through the future.

our future. represented in our high school explainer gloria granatos, >> so this final piece represents our friends, our communities our visitors, teachers, students and users worldwide. [ applause ] [ applause ] [ cheers ]

and our artists makia. i believe that means, that the exporatorium is now open, please come inside. thank you, everybody. thank you. ♪ >> 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. -- >> just a few steps away from union square is a quiet corner stone of san francisco's our community to the meridian gallery has a 20-year history of supporting visual arts. experimental music concert, and also readings. >> give us this day our daily bread at least three times a day. and lead us not into temptation to often on weekdays. [laughter] >> meridians' stands apart from the commercial galleries around

union square, and it is because of their core mission, to increase social, philosophical, and spiritual change my isolated individuals and communities. >> it gives a statement, the idea that a significant art of any kind, in any discipline, creates change. >> it is philosophy that attracted david linger to mount a show at meridian. >> you want to feel like your work this summer that it can do some good. i felt like at meridian, it could do some good. we did not even talk about price until the day before the show. of course, meridian needs to support itself and support the community. but that was not the first consideration, so that made me very happy. >> his work is printed porcelain. he transfers images onto and spoils the surface a fragile shes of clay. each one, only one-tenth of an

inch thick. >> it took about two years to get it down. i would say i lose 30% of the pieces that i made. something happens to them. they cracked, the break during the process. it is very complex. they fall apart. but it is worth it to me. there are photographs i took 1 hours 99 the former soviet union. these are blown up to a gigantic images. they lose resolution. i do not mind that, because my images are about the images, but they're also about the idea, which is why there is text all over the entire surface. >> marie in moved into the mansion on powell street just five years ago. its galleries are housed in one of the very rare single family residences around union square. for the 100th anniversary of the mansion, meridian hosted a series of special events, including a world premiere reading by lawrence ferlinghetti. >> the birth of an american

corporate fascism, the next to last free states radio, the next-to-last independent newspaper raising hell, the next-to-last independent bookstore with a mind of its own, the next to last leftie looking for obama nirvana. [laughter] the first day of the wall street occupation set forth upon this continent a new revolutionary nation. [applause] >> in addition to its own programming as -- of artist talks, meridian has been a downtown host for san francisco states well-known port trees center. recent luminaries have included david meltzer, steve dixon, and

jack hirsch man. >> you can black as out of the press, blog and arrest us, tear gas, mace, and shoot us, as we know very well, you will, but this time we're not turning back. we know you are finished. desperate, near the end. hysterical in your flabbergastlyness. amen. >> after the readings, the crowd headed to a reception upstairs by wandering through the other gallery rooms in the historic home. the third floor is not usually reserved for just parties, however. it is the stage for live performances. ♪ under the guidance of musical

curators, these three, meridian has maintained a strong commitment to new music, compositions that are innovative, experimental, and sometimes challenging. sound art is an artistic and event that usually receives short shrift from most galleries because san francisco is musicians have responded by showing strong support for the programming. ♪ looking into meridian's future, she says she wants to keep doing the same thing that she has been doing since 1989. to enlighten and disturbed. >> i really believe that all the arts have a serious function and that it helps us find out who we are in a much wider

sense than we were before we experienced that work of art. ♪ >> good morning, everyone. >> good morning. >> all right. i'm mohammad nuru from the department of public works and i want to first begin by thanking all of you for coming out today. it is a very, very great day in san francisco. yeah? >> yeah. >> all right. [ applause ] >> i remember about 16 months ago when we were here, we broke ground on this site and today, we are here for the topping ceremony. it is going to be a very, very great event, but i would like to first of all just thanks san francisco police department,

fire department, dpw and everybody who has got us to this point. as we all know, public safety is a number one priority in this city. and it is the number one priority for our mayor and so, today, is a very, very great day as we take this step in topping this public safety building. before i introduce our mayor, as many of you know, when mayor lee ran for office there were three very important things that the mayor said that he was going to do. and one of them was he was going to create jobs. and we all know, all of these projects, we have ordinances, that make sure that we have people on these jobs. and he also is an environmental stewart ship that we would do everything that we can to project our environment and build the green and lead buildings. >> this building will represent

that and as i said earlier public safety was his number one priority and without going further, let me introduce the man who has worked very hard to get us to this point, our mayor, ed lee. >> thank you. good morning, everybody, welcome to mission bay. you know, in 2010, the board of supervisors and the mayor did everything that it could to create a dialogue with our voters. and asked them to pass a very important bond, the earthquake safety and emergency response bond of 2010. 412 million dollar bond and should they pass it we would honor it with the best thought and planning process that the city could proviet and of course all of the agencies came together, our law enforcement agencies and i am glad