As the Civic Center Plaza continues to witness a revival of energy and activity, city officials gathered to celebrate the opening of a new Limoncello outpost in its café kiosk. This popular Italian deli, known for pizzas, sandwiches, and gelato, is a key piece in the ongoing efforts to rejuvenate San Francisco’s public space. The Mayor expressed her enthusiasm for the project, "Our parks and open spaces are so vital to our neighborhoods and a significant resource for San Francisco families and kids, residents and visitors." Breed believes that the investment into the revitalization of the area is beneficial not just for neighboring communities but also for the wider populace that it serves.
The progress in the Civic Center area has been marked by a 70% drop in daytime drug-related incidents at UN Plaza, highlighting the effectiveness of the City's multi-agency coordinated efforts. In addition to the improved safety measures, the neighborhood has seen summer crowds at the Heart of the City Farmers Market and attracted many visitors to the monthly SF Vintage Market held at Fulton Plaza. Such initiatives are reshaping the community's dynamics.
The gastronomic addition of Limoncello is complemented by a colorful array of programming by San Francisco Recreation and Parks in collaboration with various partners. These events and amenities draw residents and tourists, bolstering the Plaza's food, culture, and recreation hub function. Phil Ginsburg, General Manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, as per the City and County of San Francisco, celebrates this, "Through partnerships and programming, we’ve created a vibrant, welcoming environment where food, culture and fun come together."
Limoncello owner Jelal Heydari shared his excitement about providing service in an "all-unique park venue." Heydari emphasizes the cafe's commitment to the community, echoing the satisfaction of contributing to the area's vibrant atmosphere. Limoncello, funded partly by a generous donation from the Helen Diller Family Foundation, will serve patrons Mondays to Saturdays from the early morning until the evening, remaining open late for special events. In the upcoming weekend, activities in the area will include a concert by the indie rock band Portugal.
