Tree, ceremony to honor late San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee on his birthday

The late San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee would’ve turned 66 today. And in his recognition, a signature tree ceremony was held Saturday morning.

The occasion that began at 9:30 a.m. was marked with a magnolia tree that’s within view of City Hall. A wooden plaque honoring Lee sits in front of the tree. Lee was San Francisco’s 43rd mayor. He suffered an unexpected death from a heart attack last December.

The Department of Public Works planted the magnolia tree on Fulton Street, east of Larkin Street, in the Civic Center area. Magnolia trees are large and fragrant with white blossoms.

Lee was the city's public works director, and then city administrator, before being tapped as mayor. He was the city's first Asian American mayor.