Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
Special to Valley News
It was standing room only in the multipurpose room at the new Rose Salgado Elementary School when the San Jacinto Unified School District hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Aug. 1. The event celebrated the legacy of the school’s namesake, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal member Rose Salgado, who passed away in May 2021 at the age of 65 after serving on the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal Council for 28 years and on the boards of many other organizations in the valley.
More than 400 attendees were on hand to celebrate the district’s newest and largest elementary school. The campus sits on 12 acres, with buildings covering 77,000 square feet. Student capacity, allowing for future growth, is 950 students, with about half that amount starting there Aug. 7.
Guest speakers at the ribbon cutting included SJUSD Superintendent David Pyle, Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, SJUSD Board President Sandra Peñaloza, retired SJUSD Trustee John Norman, and Rose’s daughter Desiree Salgado, who all shared heartfelt reflections.
“On behalf of our family, thank you for honoring my mother, Rose Salgado, in such a beautiful way,” Desiree said. “My mom was a proud Native woman who believed deeply in giving back—not just to our people, but to the entire community. This school is more than a building—it’s a symbol of her love for community, education, and the future of our children. She believed in lifting others, and I know she would be deeply proud to see her name here today.”
Chairman Vivanco said, “A person can build a legacy through community involvement and through volunteering as well as contributing to positive change in their communities. One’s legacy is not about what you’ve done for yourself but more of what you’ve done for others or the impact you’ve had on others. What an honor to have one of our own have a school named after them in this valley. It goes without saying that Rose made an impact wherever she went.”
Peñaloza said she was honored to be present at the momentous occasion of the school’s ribbon-cutting to mark its official opening. On behalf of the Board of Education, she offered their deepest gratitude to the Salgado family for sharing Rose with them and allowing her to lead, inspire, and serve so selflessly.
“The school bears the name of a woman who exemplified grace, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to children and the community,” she said. “Rose was more than a school board member; she was a pillar of this community, a proud Native American whose legacy is woven into the fabric of San Jacinto. Through her advocacy, her service, and her heart, she shaped generations. And now, through this school, her spirit will continue for generations to come.”
Throughout the long history of the district, other elementary schools have been named for founders of the area such as Juan Bautista De Anza, Edward Hyatt, and Jose Antonio Estudillo. This is only the third school that has been named for an outstanding community leader. Previous elementary schools were named for Megan Cope and Clayton A. Record Jr.
When the governing school board voted in 2022 to name its newest school after Rose Salgado, the vote was unanimous. A groundbreaking was held in December 2023, and a formal Legacy Committee was formed several months ago with Salgado family members, close friends, community leaders, and district personnel.
The purpose of the committee was to ensure that the spirit, legacy, and contributions of Rose Salgado were honored in a meaningful and lasting way as part of the opening of the new school. Its goal was to make sure that every detail—from the school’s name to specific design elements—reflected Rose’s lifelong dedication to education, cultural preservation, and community.
Principal Amy Rose shared her excitement for everyone’s input in shaping the heart of Rose Salgado Elementary. She reflected on the importance of building traditions, identity, and cultural representation in honor of Salgado’s legacy.
The focus group also contributed to the development of storytelling and historical context for Rose’s life, including the school’s website, staff/classroom lessons, a published book timeline, family tree, photos, and a permanent mural on campus.
There were approximately 25 members of the invitation-only Legacy Committee. The group was carefully selected to reflect a wide range of perspectives from family, Tribal leadership, the school district, and the broader community. It was truly a representation of the people and institutions Rose impacted most.
Some of those on the committee were former Soboba Tribal Chairwoman Rosemary Morillo, Soboba Tribal Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado, Soboba Tribal Council Secretary Monica Herrera, Rose’s granddaughters Avellaka Arviso and Tuupash Arviso, her daughter Desiree Salgado, sisters Raina Maciel and Frances Diaz, brother Ernie Salgado, sister-in-law Claudia Salgado, nieces Arlene Salgado, Stacia Maciel, Maureen Hernandez, Angela Hernandez, Lisa Huber and Andrea Salgado, nephew Jorge Hernandez, former SJUSD School Board President and longtime friend John Norman, and other close friends Andrew Vallejos, Steven Estrada, Mike Hiles, Gale Hill, Lori VanArsdale and Vince Record.
“While the committee was very collaborative and inclusive, the voices and insights of Rose’s family were truly the guide,” Mike Hiles said. “Amy Rose, Principal of Rose Salgado Elementary, served as the central facilitator, and her leadership, kindness, and clear vision helped us stay on track while making space for every voice. She ensured the work stayed grounded in what Rose stood for—service, culture, humility, and education.”
Several in-person and virtual meetings were held in addition to multiple side sessions with a handful of the members that allowed them to go deeper into the emotional, cultural, and narrative pieces of planning, and ensured that decisions were made thoughtfully and with care.
“Rose wasn’t just a leader—she was my best friend, my constant, and the heart of so much good in this world,” her close friend Andrew Vallejos said. “To know her was to feel seen, loved, and reminded that every child deserved to be lifted up. Her strength was quiet but powerful, her humility unmatched, and her love for her Tribal and local communities ran deeper than words.”
He said seeing this school named in her honor is overwhelming in the best way, as it feels like her spirit is still here, guiding every step, every lesson, every little voice that walks through its doors.
“This isn’t just a school—it’s her legacy in motion. And I know, without a doubt, she’d be proud and humbly honored,” Vallejos said.
There were also school community meetings with school staff, parents, and district personnel, along with Soboba Tribal members and Salgado family members, which were held prior to the formation of the formal Legacy Committee.
Those involved made several impactful and thoughtful recommendations, such as the visual identity and signage for the school mascot, which is the bear. The family felt the bear symbolized strength, power, protection, and wisdom; all qualities they felt reflected Rose.
“This year, and every year forward, we will be guided by five core values of Belonging, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Service to others which reflect the spirit of Rose Salgado, whose life reminds us that education is not only about achievement—it’s about purpose, connection, and service,” Principal Rose said.
The committee also selected quotes, artwork, and language that captured Rose’s values. A dedicated space has been designed inside the school to honor her life and legacy, ensuring that Tribal history and culture are represented respectfully and authentically in the school’s identity. Every decision made has been rooted in love, tradition, and a desire to preserve the spirit of who Rose Salgado was.
“How do you honor someone whose impact will echo through hundreds of years?” Peñaloza asked. “You build a place where children can learn, grow, and be nurtured—just as Rose would have wanted. Welcome to Rose Salgado Elementary, a school built on purpose, hope, and a legacy that will never fade.”
For more information on Rose Salgado Elementary School at 600 N. Vernon Ave. in San Jacinto, please visit https://rses.sanjacinto.k12.ca.us.
