In San Francisco's Castro neighborhood, customers at Harvey's bar checked their mobile phones and kept an eye on local newscasts for updates throughout the afternoon.

Yet when word finally arrived, the response was tempered. The ruling faces years of legal appeals, and for some, it was too soon to celebrate.

"You could get happy about it, but we've been happy before and we got let down," said Michael Valdez, 59, who was out walking with his domestic partner, Ray Smith.

For married gay and lesbian couples, Walker's announcement served as vindication.