Grand Park block party/Julia Tabar

Residents laid out blankets and pulled out picnic baskets as the sweltering afternoon turned into evening, while large crowds gathered around the large teleprompter to listen to Garcetti's first remarks as the 42nd mayor of Los Angeles.

The inauguration ceremony kicked off featuring a performance by musician Moby and an introduction by late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel.

Kenia Castillo, an eigth grader from Burbank and daughter of a janitor, swore in the new mayor.

Garcetti spoke about opportunity and how it "practically hangs from the trees," and called Los Angeles the "home of hope" emphasizing that even through tough times like the recession, this city continues to grow and prosper. 

After the speech lots of people lined up to the food trucks parked around the park, mingled and listened to music from L.A.-based acts Buyepongo, Jungle Fire, Moonlight Trio and the Lula Washington Dance Theatre.

Kimmel cracked some jokes about the heat saying it was because of the "previous administration" and it will cool down now that Garcetti and the new administration comes in.

Grand Park's "Sunday Sessions" was also kicking off. A DJ provided electronic tunes to dancing young adults, who also enjoyed free summer cocktails.

Overall, Garcetti's inauguration aligned to his "of the people" persona, with families lounging on the lawn enjoying L.A. musicians, food trucks, fellow Angelenos and the cautiously hopeful promise that L.A. is heading in a new direction.

Check out some snapshots from Sunday's party: