The news release said Gavin Newsom's inauguration would be quite a "low-key" affair - compared to what - the Queen's Coronation?
As I sprinted up the front steps of the exquisitely-restored turn-of-the-century City Hall, I immediately encountered security engaged in extensive body searches at the door.
Meanwhile, San Francisco's Police Brass stood ramrod straight in dress blues at manned posts in strategic perches around the main foyer, keeping a watchful eye.
Right off the bat, I spied San Francisco "Royalty".
Dianne Feinstein was in one corner, being well-received by fawning constituents and friends.
The event was being held in the main hall - a plush setting - with rich royal blue carpets, elegant free-standing antique light fixtures, lush palms, and a raft of tasteful chairs trimmed in gold flake, which were artfully placed in a semi-circle around the podium.
Ushers were chaffing at the bit to seat special invited guests such as dignitaries, political cronies, and a couple of hundred of Newsom's closest facebook friends.
In the gallery, the citizenry chuckled and made jokes as they observed His Honor prior to show time - futzing about with the mics and podium - in a concerted effort to ensure his "moment in the sun" was just so.
I laughingly asked a press person next to me if the "swearing in ceremony" meant that his friends would get up and swear at him to lessen the blow of any attacks that may fly his way in the coming year.
"Yeah," he roared, "the rest will be all icing on the cake".
The press were in full attendance with all manner of electronic gadgets at their disposal.
The well-heeled elite were asked to be seated promptly at 11:30 a.m., and with little ado, the celebration commenced.
The young ladies in the all Girls Choir - slated to perform first - slipped into the hushed room in perfect choreographed step.
They looked smashing in matching red vests, and pleated skirts, with black sash flourishes at the waist.
Within minutes, they sang out in sweet glorious song.
On the other hand, when the Boys choir filed in next (smartly-attired in blue blazers, grey slacks, and rep ties) the line ended up in a curious slip-shod mess up front.
In a delightful, humorous moment, a boy here and there pitched in to align the others until the handful of clueless lads properly queued up; then, the conductor began.
Ava Maria was the perfect piece in view of the acoustics.
The voices soared up - touching each and every one in the packed house - the heartfelt moment reminiscent of young angels in flight.
About halfway through - a seasoned soloist joined in, conjuring up some depth and resonance to the awesome song and verse.
Unfortunately, the arrangement was uninspired, and somewhat pedestrian.
At one point - the theatricality of the moment urged that the choir raise its collective voice in eloquent song high above his - but they remained silent.
Ava ended on a predictable note; pleasing to the ear, but no cigar.
The "National Anthem" usually touches, but on this occasion, a lousy rendition signaled how tough it can be for songbirds to perform it. As the male vocalist struggled valiantly to breeze over the top notes - the audience winced - no doubt praying for a swift and successful conclusion.
The Reverend Stephen Privett, Jr. touched the hearts and minds of everyone in attendance when he poignantly recited a poem.
The "Master of Ceremonies" noted that for practical reasons the program sequence was being changed; after all, at the speed they were going, the Mayor would not be inaugurated by twelve noon.
So, Judge Newson instructed his son Gavin (the Mayor) to place his hand on the family Bible - at which point - he declared his Oath of Office with his two young children gazing on.
At long last, Gavin Newsom commenced with his speech.
Mr. Gavin is big on catch phrases and nifty slogans, and he offered up quite a few
One of my favorites?
"Find a way, to lead the way, in a unique way".
Also - the "Spirit of Civic Engagement" - had a nice ring to it, as well.
It was a dizzying task keeping up with all the Mayor's newly-formed connect-it-with-the-dots outreach efforts, and their hyped-up sister organizations, but many of the local were used to that.
All the programs were intended to keep the political machine in San Francisco humming efficiently on a day-to-day basis in the best interests of the "people".
Good plans he elaborated on, included a promise of carbon neutrality by the year 2010, which he argued was feasible. (applause)
Next, he assured that a clean-up of the Hunter Point shipyards was in the works, thanks to a-half-a billion dollars in assistance from Senator Feinstein to accomplish that end.
City Hall was also working towards a fleet with complete bio-diesel capacity.
And, Geo-thermal power was the next alternative energy source on the horizon that San Francisco intended to implement with good measure, he noted proudly.
Although he was glad to underscore that his Health Care Plan had already helped 7,932 individuals, he took the stance that this number was insufficient.
In the next few years, he hoped to expand its reach to 40,000.
At this point, the ebullient Mayor - clearly in his element - noted his intention to get out of the "Shelter Business".
"Shelters are a sleep business. We need to get out of that business."
After pointing out that the city had provided homes for 6,860 residents in the past year, he assured the avid listeners in the audience, that he intended to bolster the numbers in the future.
Housing 1st, an affordable housing plan, was the program to achieve it.
An intervention program was also underway to recognize early chronic users on the streets - with the ultimate aim of providing preventive health care - and much-needed guidance.
He was also proud to announce the opening of a spanking new "Command and Justice Center" to be headed up by the City attorney which will deal with Public Housing safety issues.
The city is also anxious to hire 250 new Police Officers to curb violence, provide free Wi-FI service to San Franciscans, and open up a Science and Technology Learning facility.
However, his plans for a guarantee of four years of education to eligible students at the State University - in exchange for community service - smacks of the one that Hillary Clinton proposed over the weekend in New Hampshire.
In addition - a "Baby Bonds" proposal echoed one that resulted in a ripple of ridicule for Hillary weeks ago - as well.
Don't they keep in touch on the cell, anymore?
He has a lot slated for his plate; after all, he's a real whiz kid with a great sales pitch.
But, does he have the wherewithal to pull it all off?
He does intend to draw on National experts in various fields of endeavour for assistance, so that the plans may be implemented successfully.
However, he's weaved such an intriguing web of bureaucracy (while throwing caution to the wind) that it's wholly possible he'll end up strangling himself and his administration with the exotic strands he's intricately woven near and far.
Only the truth will set him free, in that event.
Streamlined Public Transport to encourage commuters...
