Politics | gay marriage Gay Couples Tie Knot Across California Dozens say 'I do' in Calif. as lesbian activists tie first knots By Neal Colgrass Posted Jun 16, 2008 7:45 PM CDT Copied San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, right, applauds for Phyllis Lyon, 84, and Del Martin, 87, sitting on wheelchair,in San Francisco, Monday, June 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, Pool) Dozens of gay couples legalized their love in California today as the state embraced same-sex marriage, the Los Angeles Times reports. While small groups demonstrated outside county clerk's offices, activist couples got first dibs in San Francisco and Los Angeles. "We just love each other," said Robin Tyler, whose marriage to Diane Olson was the first gay marriage in Los Angeles County. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom officiated at the wedding of longtime couple Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin as cheers filled city hall, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The activists have been a couple for a half century, and were married before in a union nullified by a court ruling. "I never thought this was going to happen to tell you the truth," said a friend. Read These Next A game of doorbell ditch turns fatal for 11-year-old. Guy accused of snatching hat from boy at US Open IDed as rich CEO. Giuliani injured in high-speed highway crash. At Colorado airport: collision, flames, death. Get breaking news in your inbox. What you need to know, as soon as we know it. Sign up Report an error