Rolando, San Diego facts for kids
Rolando is a neighborhood in the Mid-City area of San Diego, California. It is mostly a place where people live, with many homes and quiet streets. The main exception is El Cajon Boulevard, which has the Campus Plaza shopping center. Rolando is split into two parts by University Avenue: Rolando Village is to the north, and Rolando Park is to the south.
Contents
Exploring Rolando's Location
Rolando is located in the eastern part of San Diego. It shares borders with other communities and cities.
Where is Rolando Village?
Rolando Village has clear boundaries. To the west, it is bordered by College Avenue. El Cajon Boulevard forms its northern edge. University Avenue marks its southern border. The eastern border, next to La Mesa, is not straight. It follows several streets between 67th and 73rd streets.
Where is Rolando Park?
Rolando Park also has specific borders. College Avenue is to its west. University Avenue is to the north. The 94 freeway forms its southern boundary. The city of La Mesa is to its east.
Discover Rolando's Walkways
Rolando has eight special public walkways. These are known as "Catwalks." They are great for people who want to walk or jog. These paths connect different streets in the neighborhood.
- Paseo de los Agaves
- Paseo del Colibrí
- Paseo de los Coyotes
- Paseo de los Halcón
- Paseo de las Naranjas
- Paseo de las Palmas
- Paseo de los Papagayos
- Paseo de los Pinos
Rolando's Past: A Brief History
Rolando has an interesting history, from ranch land to a busy neighborhood.
Early Days of Rolando
Long ago, the area now known as Rolando was ranch land. It belonged to Mission San Diego de Alcalá. After the Mexican government took control of the mission lands, Don Santiago Argüello was given the Rolando area in 1846. However, there was confusion about land ownership after the Mexican–American War. Because of this, the land was not divided for sale until 1885.
Growing into a Community
California grew very fast in the mid-1920s. Rolando became a popular place for real estate. This happened when the city announced plans to pave University Avenue. This new road would connect Euclid Avenue to La Mesa.
In 1949, the Rolando Village Company started developing the area. This company later changed its name to Lincoln Homes Company. They worked with a local builder named Chris Cosgrove. Many homes in the Rolando Park area were built quickly. This helped meet the high demand for housing after World War II.
Schools and City Life
In the 1950s, people in Rolando started thinking about schools and city services. Rolando Park Elementary School opened in 1951. It was later sold to the San Diego Unified School District in 1955.
In 1951, a famous restaurant opened in Rolando. Robert O. Peterson started the very first Jack in the Box at 63rd Street and El Cajon Boulevard. This was special because it was one of the first drive-thru restaurants with a two-way speaker system.
The people living in Rolando Park decided to join the City of San Diego. They voted against joining La Mesa. So, in 1954, Rolando Park and Rolando officially became part of San Diego.
Special Events and Centers
The 1984 Olympic Torch Run passed through Rolando Park. The torch traveled along University Avenue.
In 2002, a big community center opened. It was the the Salvation Army's Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center. Famous people like singer Tony Bennett and children's TV star Fred Rogers attended the opening.
Learning in Rolando: Local Schools
Rolando has two public elementary schools. One is in Rolando Village, and the other is in Rolando Park. Both schools are part of the San Diego Unified School District.
- Henry Clay Elementary School
- Rolando Park Elementary School
Henry Clay Elementary School shares its fields with Clay Neighborhood Park. This is part of an agreement between the San Diego Unified School District and San Diego Parks & Recreation.
