Meet a few board members of Rose Park Neighborhood Association. We asked Esmeralda Garcia, Chris Robson, and Jasmin Sheth to tell YOU a bit about themselves and their involvement with Rose Park Neighborhood Association.
What’s your professional background? I have professional experience working at nonprofits and the private sector, but most of my professional career has been within the public sector focused on facilitating public health programming and initiatives that address social determinants of health and health inequities.
Describe your current interests with RPNA. My current interests include working alongside Rose Park residents to collectively reimagine and recreate our alleys within our neighborhood to promote interconnectivity within our community. I also hope to meet more amazing Rose Park residents and learn about all the cool projects my neighbors are pursuing.
What do you think makes a great neighborhood? A great neighborhood is in the eye of the beholder. I truly think that neighborliness, mindfulness of others, and neighborhood pride are key to making a great neighborhood. Combining that with safe streets, pockets of community art, and a human-scale, family-friendly built environment are vital in creating a neighborhood we all want to live in, explore, and sustain!
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What’s your professional background? I am currently retired after a 50-year career in healthcare management, administration and marketing, having worked for health plans (Health Net Anthem Blue Cross and UnitedHealthcare), hospitals, primary and specialty physician medical groups. I currently serve in my fourth term as a Commissioner here in Long Beach on the Board of Health and Human Services.
Describe your current interests with RPNA. As a 15-year resident of Rose Park I decided to become involved with the Neighborhood Association and currently serve on the board as the secretary. I see the RPNA as an opportunity to better define and attain status as a “healthy community” and see it interacting with the City including its Department of Health and Human Services to impact other neighborhoods in the City of Long Beach
What do you think makes a great neighborhood? A great neighborhood in an urban setting consists of several critical elements: These include socioeconomic diversity, along with multiple generations and mixed sexual and gender identity, and a balance of property owners and renters; existence of a strong shared community interest in improving quality of life issues such as equal access to adequate affordable housing and complete nutrition, mobility safety and quality healthcare services.
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What’s your professional background? I have been a lifelong organizer, organizing parties, family gatherings, dinners, and sleepovers since I was a young child. My professional life started in public health, moved through dance, food service, and the legal industry. Currently, I am pursuing a Certificate in Sustainability with a goal to work as an organizer in environmental justice movements.
Describe your current interests with RPNA. Through RPNA, I hope to build my community and connect the residents of Rose Park and Long Beach at large through direct engagement efforts, including outreach and education.
What do you think makes a great neighborhood? A great neighborhood is safe and comfortable for the members of the community, connected to each other and invested in the well-being of their friends, family, and neighbors.