Feb 28

SFPCF February 2026 Update

Celebrating Community, Lunar New Year & the Central Station Officers Who Serve San Francisco

Friends and Neighbors,

We’re shaking things up a bit! Every month, the San Francisco Police Community Foundation will highlight a different San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) station in our newsletter. 

For February 2026, we’re excited to spotlight Central Station, proudly serving one of San Francisco’s most vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods. Every year, more than 13 million tourists flock to central San Francisco, an area encompassing 35 hotels, 34 consulates, and eight of San Francisco’s top ten attractions, including Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, the Financial District, and three famous hills: Telegraph, Nob, and Russian.

As our community celebrates the Lunar New Year, Central Station looks forward to being out in the community during this festive season, keeping celebrations safe, connecting with residents, and honoring the traditions that have shaped this neighborhood for generations:

YEAR OF THE HORSE ON PARADE

February 17, 2026, marks the first day of the Year of the Horse. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco proudly presents this year’s Zodiac on Parade featuring the Horse. The public art project, which was introduced in 2021, will display two Horse Statues in San Francisco from January 31, 2026, through March 15, 2026. The Horse Statues spotlight artwork that reflects upon the culture, people, and traditions surrounding the Chinese New Year.  Find All the Horse Statues!

FIREWORKS SAFETY

In conjunction with Lunar New Year celebrations, the San Francisco Police and Fire Departments and the Department of Emergency Management are reminding residents and visitors that all fireworks (including those branded as “Safe and Sane”) are illegal in San Francisco. Read the full municipal code and important warnings about fireworks on our blog.

A MESSAGE FROM CENTRAL STATION’S CAPTAIN

We sat down with Captain Christopher Del Gandio to talk about what’s happening at Central Station, the partnerships that are making a difference, and what’s ahead for our community.

After briefly working in law enforcement on the East Coast, he moved to San Francisco. He did field training at Ingleside, his probationary assignment at Central in 2008, and then a permanent post at Mission Station before being promoted to sergeant. He returned to Central as a lieutenant from 2019 to 2022 and now returns as a captain.

“It feels like I’m back home,” he said. “Not too many people get to come to Central three times. I’m super blessed that I made it back… We have the Chinatown foot beat, the North Beach foot beat, and now a new Lower Nob Hill foot beat. The Chinatown foot beat officers all speak Cantonese, which really helps with connecting to the community.” 

Stay tuned for the full interview and profile!

CENTRAL STATION MERCHANDISE

Stop by the station today at 766 Vallejo Street and check out their merch!

WORKING TOGETHER: OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

The Foundation and Central Station are proud to work alongside organizations that share our commitment to a safe, connected, and thriving community. Here’s a look at some of the groups we’ve been working with.

TEL HI Neighborhood Center has been a trusted community anchor in North Beach for 136 years, serving everyone from infants to seniors with programs that build skills, connection, and stability. Central Station partners with TEL HI on youth programming, including a soccer league with SF Rec & Park, keeping kids active and engaged right in our neighborhood.

This month, TEL HI is hosting a Lunar New Year Celebration for the Year of the Horse on Friday, February 27, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at their gym at 555 Chestnut St. Featuring a Lion Dance, festive food, and raffle prizes. RSVP required. Contact Michael Lee at MLee@telhi.org or (415) 580-7228.

NEXT Village SF is a nonprofit dedicated to helping seniors in northeast San Francisco live independently at home as they age, building the caring connections that make a real difference.

This Valentine’s Day, Central Station was proud to join NEXT Village, North Beach Neighbors, Patricia’s Flowers, Laura Vicuña Preschool, Z Cioccolato, and Maison Nico in delivering Valentine’s gifts to 50 seniors across the neighborhood. The response from members said it all: 

  • “Sometimes being alone gets old, and it is wonderful to know that ‘someone else’ is even thinking of you.” — Kit
  • “The two young women who brought it remind us that there is far more good in the world than bad. You are part of that.” — Mary

North Beach Neighbors has been the voice of the community for over 45 years, advocating for residents, supporting local businesses, and working hand in hand with Central Station on neighborhood safety. They hold regular meetings with our station, have partnered with us on Park Smart car break-in prevention campaigns, and personally welcomed our new Captain with a tour of the neighborhood to meet local merchants. They also contributed to the Valentine’s Day delivery with NEXT Village SF, helping bring joy to 50 seniors this February.

Together, these partnerships help us go beyond traditional policing and build the kind of trust that makes neighborhoods safer for everyone.

FACES OF CENTRAL STATION