A Buddhist monk who is head of Soto Zen Buddhism in North America conducted the ceremony.
Bishop Gengo Akiba rang the 500-year-old, one-ton bell 108 times at the Asian Art Museum. The bronze bell was from a temple in Japan.
Tradition says that the bell ringing leaves the ills of old behind, allowing a fresh start in the New Year.
Buddhist monk rings out the old year
SAN FRANCISCO