ED Talk July 16, 2024 - Roseland: Honoring Heritage, Building Tomorrow

Roseland stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of cultures and histories woven together to create this vibrant community. From its roots as a bustling agricultural hub to its present-day status as a diverse and thriving neighborhood, Roseland encapsulates the essence of resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of progress. Poised at the intersection of tradition and innovation, everyday in Roseland presents an opportunity to honor its heritage while forging ahead towards a brighter tomorrow. Today, you’ll find colorful mega-size murals, a brand-new Boys & Girls Club, Mitote Food Park, charter schools, low-income and market-rate housing developments, a thriving community health center, and a state-of-the-art library coming soon.

We’ll hear from Al Lerma, former Community Economic Development professional of Sonoma County and current Mitote Food Park Operations Manager. Mr. Lerma spearheaded the development of this primarily Latino underserved community in SW Santa Rosa. Al will share with us the history of Roseland, its annexation by Santa Rosa City and what that means, how Mitote Food Park serves as a community center and offers benefits to our city (decrease in Roseland police activity; more jobs, cultural events, connections with multiple organizations in the County), the future of La Plaza, and more. Come hear about this lively, culturally rich Santa Rosa neighborhood, and learn how you can join in on the excitement!