San Francisco Little Italy Honor Walk Celebrates Its First Honorees in 2024

Just one year after its launch, the San Francisco Little Italy Honor Walk (SFLIHW) proudly inducted its inaugural honorees in 2024: George Moscone, the city’s 37th mayor, and Dr. Mariana Bertola, a trailblazing educator, physician, and philanthropist. Their legacies now shine in North Beach, immortalized with plaques that invite us to reflect on their contributions to justice, equality, and community.

George Moscone: October 4, 2024

He was known as the “People’s Mayor”. George Moscone earned his title through an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusivity. His dedication to social justice left a lasting mark on San Francisco, making him a fitting first honoree for the SFLIHW. On October 4, 2024, his plaque was unveiled at Washington Square, an event graced by luminaries, including former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, then-Mayor London Breed, Moscone family members, Consul General of Italy Sergio Strozzi, and representatives from Le Donne d’Italia and the SFLIHW board. The day concluded with “The Legacy of George Moscone,” an evening of reflections by Lincoln Mitchell and personal memories from James Molinari, hosted at INNOVIT. It was a powerful tribute to a leader who shaped the city’s soul.

Dr. Mariana Bertola: November 8, 2024

On November 8, 2024, the SFLIHW celebrated its second honoree, Dr. Mariana Bertola—a visionary in public health, education, and women’s rights. Her resilience and compassion broke barriers and continue to inspire. The plaque unveiling brought together members of the Native Daughters of the Golden West—including Grand President Darleen Carpenter and Past Grand President Dawn Dunlap—alongside Consul General Sergio Strozzi, Le Donne d’Italia, and SFLIHW officers and board members.

The celebration began the previous evening, November 7, with a symposium at Dr. Bertola’s final residence, now the Native Daughters of the Golden West’s home. Historians Drew Bourn (PhD, MLIS), Dawn Dunlap (PGP), and Laura E. Ruberto (PhD) led a captivating discussion, illuminating Dr. Bertola’s extraordinary life and enduring impact. These events united our community in honoring a woman whose dedication to change echoes Mayor Moscone’s.

Visit the Plaques in Washington Square

You can see these tributes for yourself in North Beach:

- Mayor George Moscone: Corner of Stockton Street and Filbert, next to Washington Square.

- Dr. Mariana Bertola: Across the way at Stockton and Union Street.

Looking Ahead

The SFLIHW is just getting started. More plaques are set to be unveiled in 2025, and we can’t wait to share the next chapters of this journey. Stay tuned for updates and sign up for our newsletter to join us in celebrating the people who built—and continue to shape—San Francisco’s vibrant Little Italy.