SFLIHW Newsletter Issue #3
- bmastrangelo3
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
San Francisco Little Italy Honor Walk
July 2025
You're Invited:
Join us for the next celebration of A.P. Giannini’s legacy!
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
2:00–3:00 PM
Washington Square Park
1600 Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA
Presented by the San Francisco Little Italy Honor Walk, this public event will feature the unveiling of Giannini’s commemorative plaque at the very heart of the community he helped shape.
July 23 Plaque Unveiling & A Night to Remember: Honoring the Legacy of A.P. Giannini
Visionary. Immigrant. Banker. Icon.
From a sold-out film premiere of over 300 guests to a public tribute on July 23, San Francisco celebrates the enduring legacy of A.P. Giannini.
On June 2nd, the Cowell Theatre came alive as more than 300 guests filled the venue for the premiere screening of “A Little Fellow: The Legacy of A.P. Giannini,” the newest documentary by acclaimed Italian filmmaker Davide Fiore. The evening celebrated the extraordinary life of A.P. Giannini, the visionary founder of Bank of America, whose radical commitment to accessible banking transformed modern finance.
The event was a collaborative effort, led by Italian Community Services, Museo Italo Americano, and the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club Foundation; all proud founding supporters of Fiore’s powerful film project. Their work was supported by Le Donne D’Italia, reinforcing the community-wide commitment to honoring Giannini’s immigrant legacy and enduring impact.
A Legacy That Rolls On
Before the screening, guests were welcomed on the red carpet by a striking piece of living history: A.P. Giannini’s personal 1933 KB Lincoln. One of only 52 ever built—and originally sold in San Francisco—the car accompanied Giannini during his legendary “Back to the Good Times” tour, where he helped Californians rebuild their financial lives during the Great Depression. It was also during this era that he financed transformational projects like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hetch Hetchy water system, California agriculture, and the emerging Hollywood film industry.
For nearly three decades, Randy Welch—former Bank of America staffer and passionate caretaker—has preserved the car, now housed at the California Auto Museum, with the support of his wife, Linda, Ron Gomes, and docent Bob Daloia.
Stories Behind the Screen
Following the film, Italian Community Services Executive Director Vyria Paselk Haverhals led a captivating Q&A with Fiore and producer-narrator Sacha Smith. They shared insights into the creative process, the challenge of distilling Giannini’s far-reaching impact into a single film, and how his story continues to resonate today. One audience favorite: Giannini reopening his bank from a plank-and-barrel desk days after the 1906 earthquake, a bold act of resilience that set the tone for his legacy.
Fiore and Smith concluded by sharing their ambition to turn the documentary into a full-length feature film and expressing the hope that more people will be inspired by Giannini’s unwavering commitment to equity, vision, and community.
Reception & Rare Artifacts
The celebration continued at the Museo Italo Americano, where guests viewed the museum’s newest archival treasure: Giannini’s original desk and bank stationery, generously donated by Bank of America, further cementing his deep ties to San Francisco’s history.
Special Thank Yous
The SFLIHW would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to these organizations and individuals:
SFLIHW Board Members who participated in this fantastic event and contributed to this newsletter are: Sandra Bagnatori, Nick Figone, Bianca Friundi, Jennifer Consalvi-Hodges, Vyria Paselk Haverhals, Sandy Martino, Bill Mastrangelo, and Gina von Esmarch.
The Salesian Boys' & Girls' Club volunteers were on vigil over the historic vehicle while patrons enjoyed the film.
Nadia Andreini from DILUNA Photography for capturing the guests at this prestigious event.
Angel Amezcua for capturing video footage of the event and interviews with producer Davide Fiore, to add to our growing collection of B-roll and video clips.
Le Donne D’Italia for organizing A.P. Giannini’s prized car as part of the red carpet experience at the event.
Italian Community Services for orchestrating the in-depth Q&A sessions with producers and directors.
The San Francisco Italian Athletic Club Foundation for generously providing a wonderful spread of finger foods and Italian wines at the reception.
Museo Italiano, for arranging the viewing venue and hosting a perfect finale to the A.P. Giannini celebrations.
About San Francisco Little Italy Honor Walk (SFLIHW)
The SFLIHW celebrates the cultural, historical, and entrepreneurial contributions of Italian Americans to San Francisco and the nation. Through our bronze sidewalk plaques across North Beach, we proudly preserve and showcase the stories of those who have shaped our collective heritage.
We invite you to stand with us on July 23rd, honoring a man whose belief in everyday people helped shape a better future for generations. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to preserving our rich heritage.
Warm regards,
Gina von Esmarch
President
San Francisco Little Italy Honor Walk
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