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Ronald Reagan, blending patriotism and humble heroes into a new mosaic of America, called for a "new era of national renewal" as he became the 40th president of the United States. His inauguration was marked both by the traditional 21-gun salute and the freeing of 52 American hostages held for 444 days in Iran. — Jan. 20
Jim Plunkett threw three touchdown passes and Rod Martin made a record three interceptions as the Oakland Raiders beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 in Super Bowl XV. — Jan. 26
A Muni coach loaded with commuters collides with a 23-ton gravel truck on Third Street, injuring 63 people, many seriously. — Feb. 26
An emotional 25-minute hearing in an Oakland courtroom brought to an end eight years of wrongful imprisonment for Aaron Owens for a double murder he always claimed he didn't commit. — March 6
A 51-year-old San Francisco printer with a long criminal record, including a rape conviction, was arrested in connection with the slaying of a young woman hiker near Santa Cruz in March. Authorities say they believe he is linked to the seven trailside murders over the last 21 months on Mount Tamalpais and Point Reyes National Seashore. — May 15
First inklings of AIDS: A parasite-caused pneumonia serious enough to require hospitalization has been linked to five San Francisco men. The majority of those infected appeared to be gay men. — June 6
Gov. Brown approves aerial application of the pesticide malathion over 97 square miles of the Santa Clara Valley. He says federal threats to quarantine California because of Medflies forced his decision. — July 10
A ferocious five-alarm fire burned through a gay bathhouse and 25 other buildings South of Market, destroying half a city block worth millions. — July 10
Anglophiles and British expats rise early to watch Prince Charles marry Lady Diana Spencer. Says one: "The wedding makes us all miss England. ......... It's all archaic — but enduring." — July 29
The big cleanup continues in the Financial District, where an estimated 40,000 persons were driven from their workplaces by a roaring natural gas leak and oil slicks laced with potentially deadly PCB. — Aug. 26
Sandra Day O'Connor raised her right hand and swore the oath of office as the 102nd American and the first woman to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court. — Sept. 25
Following a strike-interrupted season, New York Yankees sweep Oakland A's, three games to none, in American League Championship series. — Oct. 16
Moscone (formerly Yerba Buena) Convention Center opens amid controversy over Robert Arneson's lobby sculpture of the late Mayor George Moscone with references to the assassination: a gun, the words "bang bang," five bullet holes and a Twinkie. — Dec. 3