The California Tower in Balboa Park is 100 years old. A stair climb up the tower opened Jan. 1 and is almost sold out for the rest of the month. (Mary Forgione / Los Angeles Times)
The Spreckels Organ Centennial Concert on New Year’s Eve kicked off the 100-year celebrations planned all year long at Balboa Park in San Diego. (Tom Politeo / For The Times)
The organ’s pavilion opened New Year’s Eve 1914, the day before the opening of the Panama-California Exposition that would put San Diego on the map. (Tom Politeo / For The Times)
Organist Carol Williams performed in a dazzling backless gown, despite the temperatures in the 40s. (Tom Politeo / For The Times)
A grand procession took place before the organ concert that included bagpipers and musicians from the House of Scotland and Cameron Highlanders pipe bands. (Tom Politeo / For The Times)
A 150-voice chorus sang “God Bless America” and the Hallelujah Chorus from the “Messiah” during the organ concert. (Tom Politeo / For The Times)
During the Hallelujah Chorus, fireworks went off above the organ pavilion and the colonnade. (Tom Politeo / For The Times)
Walter Ritter (at microphone) plays the role of John Spreckels and re-creates the philanthropist’s giving the organ to the city of San Diego 100 years ago. (Tom Politeo / For The Times)
