Justin Herman/Embarcadero Plaza Vaillancourt Fountain. Editorial Image

The Justin Herman/Embarcadero Plaza at the very foot of Market Street, with its wide, expanse of space, is just the type of plaza that has many uses. There are demonstrations and rallies; local artists and occasional live outdoor concerts; during the Christmas season there is even an outdoor ice rink. The Plazas name change finally came about is 2017 because Herman was personally responsible for the displacement of many of the cities poor and minority residents, at the time he was in charge of the redevelopment agency. Being able to pump 30,000 gallons of water per minute, not only does it consume a lot of power, but during the cities drought years, the fountain needs to be shut off, just ro conserve on water.