Luther Burbank was an innovative horticulturalist who lends his name to buildings throughout our community. He was also the secretary of Santa Rosa’s Chinese Removal Project. As Santa Rosa Junior College renovates the Burbank Auditorium during its centennial year, should the name of the building remain? We asked SRJC community members.
Ask SRJC: New Burbank Auditorium, new name?
About the Contributor
Michael Barnes, Features Editor
Michael fears he has a learning disability that is yet to be diagnosed. Journalism is a struggle for Michael, because he actually enjoys writing. Michael also enjoys repetition. Michael. Michael. Michael.
Bob • May 24, 2018 at 8:55 am
I am very interested in your statement “A group of Santa Rosans formed the Anti-Chinese League in 1886 with the explicit goal of removing all Chinese residents from Santa Rosa. “Santa Rosa: A 19 Century Town,” lists Burbank as the secretary of this committee.”
Can you tell me on what page in that book does it list Mr. Burbank as secretary of the Anti-Chinese League?
Thanks, Bob
Jeff Elliott • May 23, 2018 at 8:51 pm
Where’s your fact checker? Julia Modell makes extraordinary claims Burbank was a racist because he was secretary of an anti-Chinese committee, citing LeBaron’s book on 19th c. Santa Rosa. That does NOT appear in the book. Nor is it mentioned in any bio of LB. Nor does it appear in the 1886 Santa Rosa newspaper.
Geoff Nixon • May 25, 2018 at 4:18 pm
I too have the book and fact checked this. The one actual “factual” reference, the very basis for the editorial, WAS FABRICATED. You will be receiving a Letter to the Editor from me. And I call for the piece to be retracted, with an apology and correction.
Geoff Nixon • May 25, 2018 at 4:22 pm
I too have researched this and reached the same conclusions. The editorial should be retracted, with an explanation for how the editorial staff at the Oak Leaf reached conclusion it was worthy of publication. Journalistic integrity, anyone?