minutes later walking arm with ed lee and gavin newsom, phyllis joined the celebration. she was the first person to be married by the this san francisco mayor, gavin newsom in 2004. >> i think we had a lot of progress and we have to continue. >> relief. and just overwhelming joy. >> it's a long time coming. so it just feels like it's about time. so it's really good. i feel really happy about it. >> reporter: the man credited with sparking the fight over gay marriage in california, gavin newsom says it's hardly the last step in bringing marriage equality to the rest of the country. >> i hope our example shows that change can take place. >> reporter: for now same-sex couples are happy with what they consider a triumph. >> growing up you were told that the government doesn't recognize that you are equal or have equal rights as everybody else. so this decision really overturns that. and i'm hoping that all the kids watching today are going to recognize that, hey, i am the same as everybody else. >> reporter: and san francisco archbishop, a big supporter of prop 8 reacted to

governor gavin newsom, and many others who have been active in the fight for same-sex marriage. in oakland. city officials joined mayor jean quan to celebrate today's supreme court rulings. >> pam: speaking on the steps of city hall. the mayor recounted the excitement the moment the ruling came down. >>"you could hear the screaming in our neighborhood when the decision was read. this is truly a joyful day in the nation and in this city./i think of all the things that we've done in recent years, this is one of the most moving days for me." the mayor says, she is >> pam: making arrangements for a large number of weddings to be performed at city hall. >> pam: grant lodes joins us now with a breakdown of

are you married, and the one man said he did actually get married in 2004 when gavin newsom first made it legal, but in that case, his husband had passed away. but he's met somebody new. they didn't want to disclose their future marriage plans to ne me at this point. but that's a question we'll be asking as soon as we hear what the ruling is on prop 8. >> it will berkeley lesbian couple in the same situation with the couple you were talking to. a lot of people eagerly waiting to see if this time they can get a ruling. >> supporters are planning rallies throughout the bay area tonight regardless of what the supreme court decides. >> and the big one, of course, in san francisco at kas row and market streets at 6:30 in the area where katie is. in oakland, a celebration is planned for 5:30 at 19th and telegraph. in san jose, a rally is planned at city hall at 6:00. >> in concord, a champagne celebration will be held at the rainbow community center on willow pass road at 6:30. there are other events planned for. this is a lengthy list of cities so keep that in mind. mountain view, redwood c

gavin newsom/vice- gobernador de california 1:26 estaba realmente nervioso, esos veinte minutos fueronjo. otros ya empezaron a hacer preparativos lisa dasols/quiere casarse 1:34 oh si estamos listos, tenemos ya nuestros vestidos si vamos a casarnos lo mas pronto posible pero la corte suprema tambien dijo que otra ley, una federal, la de defensa del matrimonio o doma, es inconstitucional....esto quiere decir que el gobierno federal tendra que reconocer beneficios federales a las parejas homosexuales que contraigan matrimonio en los estados en que es valido, lo que incluye ahora a california. yvonne mere/oficina del abogado de san francisco 2:01 como cuales? como el acceso de archivar los impuestos federales como un matrimonio en vez de como dos personas solas tienen derecho a hacer una peticion a esposa o esposo con respecto a inmigracion ha sido una espera muy larga y muy dura algunos creen que esto incluso puede afectar el proyecto de reforma migratoria. david campos/supervisor de san francisco 2:19 en sentido legal la corte suprema lo ha dicho muy claro, la ley federal no puede discr

i'd like to introduce our special guest, lieutenant government gavin newsome.> also represent state mark malone's office tom ammiano. (applause) * >> all will return momentarily, i'm sure. paul henderson, representing mayor ed lee's office. [laughter] >> and to my right, i have the open house, our state association vice president and i'm sure other names, past president san francisco chapter. we have lots of our membership here including a couple of board members, kerry greenberg from fresno. [speaker not understood] is here. we have two representatives from san mateo county, barbara arieta and mike miller. i know people. at this time i'd like to say a few words about the california grand jurors association. it's an all volunteer group, 501(c) (3) dedicated to promoting the participation in the grand jury system, qualifies applicants to be grand jurors, bidthv awareness so we have consumers of the grand jury's product, report. at this point i'd like to turn it over for some lengthy introductions. >> thank you. thank you, keith. welcome, everybody. we're glad to

gavin newsom married them. castro right now where mike pelton is a lot. >> reporter: this is an impromptu celebration. about two dozen people are out waving flags are ringing bells. cars are honking. lots of people are taking pictures of the celebration this celebration is a little bit smaller than some people had imagined when the ruling came down just after 730, a lot of people were hobbled around their cell phones. a lot of media was there. everyone was anticipating. it did not quite happen that way. a lot of people were confused as to what it means that property was overturned. a lot of people said they are quite unclear as to what that means. to a certain extent however, it is a land for california. they are a little bit of disappointed that the supreme court did not rule one way or another. they do say it is better then the supreme court upheld i. >>mark: it was pretty much the ruling that most people did expect. a ruling that the group of defending proposition 8 had no standing. which makes the game merr

have been waiting for, perhaps nowhere more than right here in san francisco where then-mayor gavin newsom, of course, first directed the city to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2004. he's going to be here later. of course as lieutenant governor with mayor ed lee and city attorney her era when the high court releases its decision on whether prop 8, voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage is constitutional. the decision on the federal defense of marriage act. we spoke with one bay area couple planning the wedding of their dreams behind all of this. they've got the rings, invitations, the key, though, they say is being able to say "i do "s legally here in california. >> we are -- we are hopeful and we are people of faith. we have faith that things are going to fall into place. >> reporter: of course, opponents of same-sex marriage expected here today, too. earlier san francisco's city hall was lit up in support of marriage equal. pride flags waving in the city. even though despite the local support, some know that this ruling could well be disappointing. the doors to city hall

among those awaiting the decision is lieu tenant governor gavin newsom. john alston spoke to him and newsom was there when they allowed gays to marry in 2004. >> these are some of the posters showing up here and announcing a rally on the day of the decision. up until now, nobody knows when that will be. they will know in the morning whether it will be a celebration or not. a mixture of anxiety and hopefulness on the eve of a decision that could change their lives. >> the tied is turning, but they would be stupid to not vote in our favor. >> i am hopeful. we have been waiting a longtime. we will finally have -- we will finally know. >> one of the major players who forced the same-sex marriage case is former san francisco mayor and current lieu tenant governor gavin newsom who was in novato for a political fundraiser. >> those are the people who were not afforded the ability to say something that 99.9% take for granted. that is i do. >> it cook struck down or invalidated. if the justices say the most likely outcome is a narrow ruling that uphold is the gay

now, gavin newsom refuses to take credit for being the leader in this movement. he says the people have taken the -- take the credit. >> these are the heroes. these are the folks. they didn't have to show up at city hall. they didn't have to participate in what we had in store. they didn't have to say "i do." it's the fact they did, and their commitment and follow through. fox like -- folks like stewart have not stopped -- stewart and his partner have not stopped. >> reporter: you might remember that gavin newsom, who was mayor of san francisco at the time, took considerable heat for coming out and doing that and allowing gay couples to marry. in fact, he took a lot of political heat. he even told me that barack obama refused to have his picture taken with them and then the leaders came around very slowly and much later. he still rememberers the way it was -- remembers the way it was in 2004 and he like a lot of people say they will be watching intently at 7:00 our time. sal castanedo, ktvu channel 2 news. >> it's amazing how things have changed in the last fine

that's when then-mayor gavin newsom defied state law by issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. then on march 11th, the state supreme court ordered san francisco to stop the ceremonies. but on may 15th, 2008, the state supreme court struck down the state's existing law, banning same-sex marriage. it was on that day that newsom gave his now-famous quote. >> it's unnestable. this door's wide open now. it's gonna happen whether you like it or not. this is the future and it's now. >> within six months of the speech, proposition 8 was on the ba bal -- ballot and now a new ruling from the highest court in the nation. tara moriarty is live at san francisco city hall with reaction from the man many helped focus -- focus attention on this issue. good afternoon, tara moriarty. >> reporter: good afternoon, we have seen a lot of couples go into the courthouse to get married and in less than a month, it will be gay couples tying the knot. it's called a spine-tingling moment. >> my reaction was just tears when he saw them walking down the steps. >> reporter: moments after the u.s. supreme co

. >>> former mayor gavin newsom and current mayor ed lee are calling it a major victory for same-sex marriage equality. >> indeed they did. christie smith joinsing us live from san francisco's city half been out there all morning long, talking to people among the masses. what else are they saying? >> reporter: good morning to you. he couldn't have asked for more, inside city hall shouting "we love you, gavin," when he walked into the room surrounded by other politicians but the former mayor admitted that getting to this day was hardly easy. he stood for marriage as mayor and today, gavin newsom walks the steps of city hall again with a renewed wednesday of pride. >> how y'all feeling? what a day. a special day. >> reporter: crowd giving a warm welcome as newsome said this was a journey he was glad to see through. >> i feel very proud on behalf of millions of lives have been affirmed and the lives of their family. the reaction in '04, '05, '56, extremely difficult. politicians ran away from the issue. then all of a sudden, things started to shift. >> reporter: the lieutenant governor

among those awaiting the decision is lieu tenant governor gavin newsom. john alston spoke to himnd newsom was there when they allowed gays to marry in 2004. >> these are some of the posters showing up here and announcing a rally on the day of the decision. up until now, nobody knows when that will be. they will know in the morning whether it will be a celebration or not. a mixture of anxiety and hopefulness on the eve of a decision that could change their lives. >> the tied is turning, but they would be stupid to not vote in our favor. >> i am hopeful. we have been waiting a longtime. we will finally have -- we will finally know. >> one of the major players who forced the same-sex marriage case is former san francisco mayor and current lieu tenant governor gavin newsom who was in novato for a political fundraiser. >> those are the people who were not afforded the ability to say something that 99.9% take for granted. that is i do. >> it cook struck down or invalidated. if the justices say the most likely outcome is a narrow ruling that uphold is the gay ma

among those awaiting the decision is lieu tenant governor gavin newsom. john alston spoke to him and newsom was there when they allowed gays to marry in 2004. >> these are some of the posters showing up here and announcing a rally on the day of the decision. up until now, nobody knows when that will be. they will know in the morning whether it will be a celebration or not. a mixture of anxiety and hopefulness on the eve of a decision that could change their lives. >> the tied is turning, but they would be stupid to not vote in our favor. >> i am hopeful. we have been waiting a longtime. we will finally have -- we will finally know. >> one of the major players who forced the same-sex marriage case is former san francisco mayor and current lieu tenant governor gavin newsom who was in novato for a political fundraiser. >> those are the people who were not afforded the ability to say something that 99.9% take for granted. that is i do. >> it cook struck down or invalidated. if the justices say the most likely outcome is a narrow ruling that uphold is the gay

and that is what gavin newsom has done. 2008. yeah!ty, love for the people. lieutenant governor gavin newsom! >> thank you mayor. how are you all feeling?,Ñ what a day. a special day. let me -- thank you, mayor. i want to thank you, mayor lee, for your stewardship, your faith and devotion to the cause and thank all of the elected officials. mayor brown, thank you for appoint me to the board of supervisors and one of the first acts i had the privilege of participating in right here at city hall in something called domestic partnerships. it seems so strange at the time. but nonetheless, appropriate. san francisco. a city that has long been a city that has prided itself on being on the leading and cutting edge. not a city of dreamers but a city of doers of innovators and entrepreneurs. it's a special place. and i think every single one of you understand core principal that defines our values in this city and the state and for that matter at our best, this nation. that is we don't just tolerate diversity, we celebrate our diversity each an

. >> dennis herera started the battle after gavin newsom started issuing marriage licenses nine years ago. >> putting yourselves in the shoe who's happens to fall in love with someone of the same sex. it's not about the couple it's their brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, kids and grandkids. that is what we're celebrating not just for california but that is for the rest of the world. >> it means jenny and her long time martner can tie the knot legally. >> i just feel like finally the government is recognizing this and it's a relief. >> this episcopal bishop says same-sex marriages will are happen soon at every parish in the bay area. >> there is a lot more work to be done. there are civil rights we need to continue to work for. this is a historic moment for the country and for california. >> until same-sex marriages are allowed to resume today's victory will likely set the tone for this weekend's pride parade and festival, one of the nation's largest. >> and there is celebration, there is disappointment. opponents say it leaves them worried about the future of the country. >> san franc

same-sex marriage started at san francisco sit hall a decade ago when then mayor gavin newsom made it legal. it's decision to invalidate prop 8 was reason to celebrate. carolyn tyler with reaction. >> high anxiety mixed with high hopes as people rushed to get inside city hall to share the moment. california is now set to become the 13th stated to allow same-sex marriage. >> it's been a long wait. it's been 37 years. it's been a long journey. i feel like we almost arrived. >> this battle took off in 2004 when then san francisco mayor gavin newsom defined state and federal law ordering the county clerk to issue marriage licenses to gays and lesbians. >> the reaction has been extraordinary difficult and politicians ran away from the issue. then they started to shift in 2008, 2009 and politicians came back into the fore. it's it's been an extraordinary process. >> clouds oh the horizon for the initiative process because the justices decided prop 8 backers had no legal right to fight for the voter approved ban after state officials refused to. >> imagine you had overwhelming support for ma

appropriate it's taking place at city hall which is where this began nine years ago when then-mayor gavin newsom decided to issue same-sex marriage licenses. >> as you recall that is what started this. it's set the series of events into motion. and i don't recall, but hundreds of couples rushed to get hear married and did so while it is allow ntd sti we do have some, we want to share with you interviews and sound we saw today. chris ask sandy getting married. can you show that please. >> normally when there is a constitutional violation, the real reason orders were stayed was due to an abundance of caution to preserve the status quo but now it's clear the status quo... >> that is julie knight legal expert spoke with us during 4:00 news today. >> she's a constitutional law exexpert invaluable to guide us through legal tangle autos terrific. this is an historic event. sergio have you been a witness to history. >> you mentioned how so many people got here so quickly. they did. this happened on the mayor's balcony. word got out and within a half hour there were dozens and dozens of people who floate

mayor ed lee, city attorney denis her rear end former san francisco mayor gavin newsom will all be here. you can still lights of city hall already let up. now that we do know there will be rolling at 7:00 this morning, they are ready to go and as soon as the ruling comes down, they will have news conferences. we're not sure if this will be together or separately but either way, kron4 have you covered the route san francisco as well as the supreme court. >>james: we will be watching and waiting as people assemble and elsewhere. >>darya: let's go over live to the castro district where they are ready for the ruling and to find out if they should be celebrated and the streets. kron4's mike pelton is out there. >> reporter: this castro community is just beginning to wake up. the nine year battle is down to its final hours. the court should make its ruling about 715. especially here in the castro or gay rights are supported we are expecting some of the biggest reaction to the court's ruling. we're just not sure yet if that will be a celebration or protest. in the past several days, this commu

does, so we have an extraordinary amount of work ahead of us. >> on the phone with us live is gavin newsome, driving to san francisco city hall to look over some of these gay marriages that are now happening. lieutenant governor, you know this. you've been asked it several time, the catholic church and millions of californians still oppose same-sex marriage. this fight is not over. what's your response? >> good people can disagree. i think i've shared this before. my own father in 2004, thought i was -- he said, it would be good progressive judge, on the california court of appeals, can't you just call it something else? supported equality, but had difficulty. from an irish catholic background. a few years ago, he said he finally changed his position. truly, millions of people across this country, his positions have evolved, so i respect good people of faith that have a different point of view, but i hope they would consider these are civil unions, not religious marriages and i hope they would consider the full promise of the constitution, regardless not just of race and ethnicity, but also

gavin newsom ordered the county clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples this is where victory was declared today. >> this history is dr. king said we love to quote this, because it's true. people have to take action. >> one pioneer was in the rotunda, celebrating today. this couple was together 41 years. >> i am having fun. it happened this way so. glad it's happen oogt supreme court justices decided the backers have no legal standing in federal court it's still a victory. it's the largest state in the union. >> soon, separate administrate couples will share the spotlight with gay and lesbian couples as they did in 2008 after the supreme court okayed same-sex marriage. and before prop 8 took affect. >> we printed out instruction asks have volunteers ready to review document that's have to be record sod we're ready. >> here at city hall doors are open 8 to 8 but on that first day and yontd hours will be extended. live in san francisco, abc 7 news. >> you've been covering this story for us, boots on the ground there. what has it been like for you?. >> i remember when they starte

. >> we're joined now by gavin newsom, governor of california and christine quinn the speaker of theew york city council. christine quinn, first of all, you're gay up against anthony weiner. i think you're pretty mainstream. let's talk about this. it's so fascinating. this is pretty nonpartisan. i'm looking at this. judge kennedy, a reagan guy. a reagan personal friend and appointed by him. ted olson who fought for bush down in the bush versus gore fight in florida. and only one democrat. two out of three guys, all straight i believe pushed through this thing. it isn't just a gay rights movement in a narrow sense. >> not at all. look, these decisions today are huge steps forward. and they're steps forward in what they ruled but also you're totally right in who ruled, it was involved in the case and this idea that lgbt civil rights are just some special interests that only a few americans care about who live in california or new york. that reality does not exist anymore. this is much more becoming a pain stream movement. i think that's what's going to help propel us forward. but i do

we are told that lieutenant governor gavin newsom may be making an appearance.d cleve jones a little while ago. they are expecting, according to the organizers, 200,000 people to come down here tonight. all of this of course to celebrate the supreme court ruling that will now allow same- sex couples to get married in california. joe vazquez has been busy inside the crowd taking a look and getting some reaction. >> this is the epicenter of gay rights here in san francisco. and for many people across the state, for that matter. now, what you see behind me are a lot of flags waving, rainbow flags. others, the equality flag flying here, as well. these folks say they are celebrating these two supreme court decisions today. they are in fact celebrating with a great deal of exuberance as many of them here tell me they have been on pins and needles for several days waiting for these decisions to come down. now that this decision is made, they planned a rally and they are expecting thousands of people here tonight. reporting from the castro district in san francisco, joe

the spot when then mayor gavin newsom put the debate into over drive in 2004 when he orders clerks to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. lawsuits resulting from the decision prompted the supreme court to over turn california's marriage laws. the battle has been raging ever since and today he had this to say. >> i feel proud for all of the lives that have been affirmed and families whose lives are better today. >> it is unclear when weddings will resume. clerks are bracing for the rush. some are even taking reservations. >>> the latest on the bart strike. big bay area business group is warning it could be a disaster if it goes off. unions, contracts are set to expire sunday. meaning a strike could happen monday morning. transit authorities are encouraging bay area businesses to work with their employees, find alternative ways to get around now before it is too late. transit buses, ferries. >> half hour trip will take twice that and it will cost me 20 buck as day. i won't be able to sustain it. >> i have been through strikes, delays are horrible. 15, 20 minutes at a time. it w

that was when then-mayor gavin newsom decreed that san francisco would begin performing same sex marriagesspite a state ban on the practice. 4,000 couples got licenses and got married to the dismay of conservative groups like the campaign for children and families. >> state law is very clear. marriage is only for a man and a woman. the mayor of san francisco is violating state law. >> reporter: within a month, the state supreme court halted those weddings and both sides of the debate took to the streets for a long fight. eventually, the state supreme court decided such weddings were legal, and another 18,000 couples were wed, until proposition 8, passed by the voters in 2008, banned same sex marriage. prop 8 was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge who asserted it was discriminatory, but the supreme court now must rule on that issue. and interested parties throughout california are waiting with bated breath. >> we certainly hope that the court will uphold the right of voters of california to define what marriage is. >> reporter: william may is president of catholics for the common goo

joining us now as we await that is california lieutenant governor, gavin newsom.e years ago in 2004, one month into his term as the mayor of san francisco, gavin newsom defied state law when he told the county clerk's office in san francisco that he wanted them to start issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. we saw that again today but the order this time came from the ninth u.s. circuit court of appeals. mr. lieutenant governor, thank you very much for being with us. >> great to be here, rachel. >> am i right you are in transit between sacramento and san francisco? >> you can't make it outside. my friend, antonio and kamala, are there nearly nine years and i wanted to be there in the moment. this proves the point how surprised all of us were. >> i've got to tell you, while i'm talking to you, we're watching what seems to be the impending marriage of paul and jeff, two of the named plaintiffs in prop 8. the mayor is there about to convene the ceremony. we will go to that as soon as it starts. i just want to ask how it feels that this is all now suddenly ha

in 2004, then-mayor gavin newsom first directed the city to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, 4,000 licenses issued before the state supreme court stepped in and put a to. to that. newsom will be here today with mare ed lee, city attorney herrera. we spoke with one couple. they want to get married legally in california. they've got their invitations, the rings, but that's just not %kykykyç >> you realize it's still not complete, you know? your still missing that legal piece of it.'okyykykykykykykyky0 live coverage here in the bay area and washington, d.c. throughout the morning. and during a special hour-long 11:00 a.m. broadcast. for continuing coverage, visit our website, nbcbayarea.com. just search prop 8. >>> other news, just a matter of hours expecting to learn if b.a.r.t. workers are planning to walk off the job. ballots counted through the night as workers wrapped up a vote whether to authorize that strike. this happened late last night. right now, both sides at odd over wages, health care benefits and pensions. if a strike is called it could come as early as monday wh

this is where it began for san francisco backs in 2004 when gavin newsom started allowing same-sex marriage starting the path to this u.s. supreme court decision which could come today. it comes just as pride is kicking off. there was a red carpet party last night to start pride. the focus is the gay pride celebration but the supreme court and the fate of prop 8 was on the minds of many. >> still very hopeful about it. i'm really excited. i think what we see around the country so many states have marriage equality movements and so this is a very exciting time and for it to happen in the middle of pride i think couldn't be any sweeter. >> reporter: now, prop 8 bans same-sex marriage in california. it was approved by voters in 2008 by 52% of the vote. same-sex advocates challenged prop 8 right away and the challenge made its way all of the way to the supreme court. the decision could come today. if not, the last day of scheduled decisions is next thursday. some say this decision will be a landmark one. reporting live in san francisco, amy hollyfield, nbc 7 news. >>> it's 4:31 now. heading to

gavin newsom signed off that and there is short fall in the comment and the black community sat back and allowed everybody else to grow. even in the budget cuts right now and the city has recognized the shortcomings, the development done in district 10, billions of dollars being pumped in how can you not take under consideration when you do the budget these important short coming in these reports. you might as well use it as a table mat. number two, i sat on a few board in the city. fob and executive board for affordable housing. i also worked in real estate for 10 years selling money. i am trying to figure out why i can't get black people in housing and why i got into community work. at the end of the day any investment, the investment dollars that we have that are city taxpayer members that pay taxes we're looking for a return. our return is the majority of our people have jobs. the majority of our people are not in jail. the majority of our people are productive. that's the return you want to see. thank you. >> thank you very much. next speaker please. come on up. >> hello. i am a

we will hear from gavin newsom then mayor of san francisco who played a historic role in this story. we'll hear why he says whatever the decision tomorrow the fight will not as he believes be over. in san francisco, ken pritchett, ktvu channel 2 news. >>> there are two potential outcomes when the supreme court rules. it could simply dismiss the appeal and clear the way for same-sex marriage here in california. it could decline to rule saying the court shouldn't have taken up the court to begin with. in that case the supreme court's decision would stand and gay marriage would be allowed in california. or the high court could overturn the lower court's ruling. in that case proposition eight would be upheld and same-sex marriage would remain banned here in california. be sure to stay with ktvu for the latest. we are also expecting a rules tomorrow morning as well. mornings on 2 will have both decisions as soon as they come down expected just after 7:00 a.m. we'll bring it to you on air and online. then in the evening we'll go in- depth into the decision at 8:30. >>> san francisco police

she was 2 when then mayor gavin newsom allowed couples to marry. in 2008, same-sex couples were allowed to marry for a short time. now gay marriage is in the hands of the supreme court after a very long legal fight. >> i do wish the courts would get on with it. >> her entire life has been dominated in our household by prop 8. >> reporter: california voters approved prop 8 which says marriage is between a man and a woman. >> i don't think it should have gone this far at all. >> reporter: for people like art lopez who believes in traditional marriage, waiting for the supreme court decision does not sway his opinion. >> i have a difficult time adjusting to so many others that have seemed to accept the direction we're going. >> reporter: cheryl hurd, nbc bay area news. >>> thousands of political leaders and activists are in the bay area this area. it featured nationally elected officials such as house minority leader nancy pelosi, representative mike honda and darryl steinberg. among the topics, guns, immigration and marriage equality. the supreme cour

this is where it began for san francisco backs in 2004 when gavin newsom started allowing same-sex marriageh to this u.s. supreme court decision which could come today. it comes just as pride is kicking off. there was a red carpet party last night to start pride. the focus is the gay pride celebration but the supreme court and the fate of prop 8 was on the minds of many. >> still very hopeful about it. i'm really excited. i think what we see around the country so many states have marriage equality movements and so this is a very exciting time and for it to happen in the middle of pride i think couldn't be

. >> if you're looking at why this building came to be, in many ways it also included mayor gavin newsomerticularly, who really had an affection for this building. he saw the design. he saw the potential. he wanted to make sure that that building got built. and he said, do what you need to do, but please, if you can make that building work, we need to have that building in civic center. >> i happened to be at a green conference santa clara. he said you shouldn't cancel that project. can you work with us? michael cohen phoned me up the next day. can we cut $40 million out of this project? it was one person more responsible than any others, it's tony irons, was the architect that was responsible for the revitalization of city hall who came to my office and said, we cannot abandon this. we can't walk away from this project. we have an opportunity to really take a lot of our values and principles, particularly raising the bar as we did as a city on our green building standards, mandating the most aggressive green building standards for private construction anywhere in the united states. and s

please welcome our lieutenant governor, gavin newsom. >> my role was to get tom to speak. i'm just going to jump in because i want to keep you all on time. you've got an agenda packet and i'm going to be held accountable if you don't meet it. roslyn, let's pick up on tom's passion. he told me a couple points that are important, that is the consciousness awareness, this growing consciousness around bullying. and it's a question i guess that requires, has bullying gotten worse or have we gotten better to begin to recognize it? >> hard to know. tom and the president refer to as far too often as a rite of passage. we certainly are seeing evidence in ways that i don't recall, the levels of violence, the vitriolic violence, it's not just coming from the back of the school, it's coming at home, social media, you are inundated with it, the effects of it. we also certainly there's been an evolution of what we should tolerate. for me, for example, very early on in the administration i had the privilege of meeting with carl hoover walker's mother. he would have been 11 years old on t

in may 2008, san francisco opened the office of small business, under the leadership of gavin newsom, under the urging of our small business leaders. the mayor heard there was a need for the community to have a small office to help the needs of our small businesses in san francisco, help them understand and navigate the complex structure in getting a business opened within the city and county of san francisco. initially, primarily, we were going to be about helping you understand licensing and permitting requirements, but, really, shortly after we open our doors, we understood that we were also, as a government entity, a place for people to come when they want to know about loans, about writing a business plan. where to go to do that, where to go to get assistance. we are also a resourced. when we do see people in our office, many of them are a year or two out from even opening their business, so we will ask them what their credits for is, have they done their business plans, do they know what they're capital needs are going to be, how much money they have, how much money they are goi

she was 2 when then mayor gavin newsome allowed couples to marry only to have the state supreme court stop the weddings for legal reasons. in 2008, same sex couples were allowed to marry for a short time. now, gay marriage is in the hands of the supreme court after a very long legal fight. >> i do wish that the courts would get on with it. >> her entire life has been dominated in our household by prop 8. >> reporter: california voters approved prop 8 which says marriage is between a man and a woman. >> i don't think it sh gotten this far at all. >> reporter: for people like art lopez who believes traditional marriage, wait gt for the supreme court decision does not sway his opinion. >> i have a difficult time adjusting to so many others that have seemed to accept the direction we're going. >> reporter: there has been a lot of waiting on this issue. a decision from the supreme court could come on monday. reporting live in walnut creek. nbc bay area news. >>> thank you. new at 11:00, the decision to fly a gay flag was put up yesterday in celebration of pride month. but since it went up,