Hamiinat Magazine - Fall 2021 by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

Hamiinat THE M AGA ZINE OF THE SAN M ANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

Fall 2021

Santos Manuel SAVING HIS PEOPLE, SAFEGUARDING THE CULTURE

C O M P L I M E N TA R Y

G N I T A R B E L CE

Note from the Chairman

Welcome

to our inaugural issue of Hamiinat, the magazine of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The title translates to “hello” in the Maara’yam (Serrano Indian) language, and that is just what we want to extend to you – a warm hello. On the cover, we proudly feature Santos Manuel, Kiika’, or leader of the Yuhaaviatam people. We share the story of how Santos Manuel showed great leadership and took the action necessary to protect our ancestors when they were in the most danger. If it hadn’t been for him, we wouldn’t be where we are today: on the verge of exciting new changes. As one of 109 sovereign Indian tribes in California recognized by the U.S. government, we have the authority to operate government gaming on our lands. It is for this reason that we have been able to enhance the well-being of our people, revitalize our culture, support our neighboring communities and continue to build out entertainment experiences for our guests. And we believe that the best is yet to come. In July we unveiled our newly expanded gaming space, which features more than 1,300 new slots and 40 new table games, plus a high limit room, three new bars and three high-end retail boutiques. We are also adding two additional dining venues. This winter, we will complete our expansion by putting the finishing touches on our first luxury resort. And in May, the Tribe announced it had entered into a definitive purchase agreement for the Palms Casino Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. We invite you to learn more about our heritage and our history within these pages. Along with our profile of Santos Manuel, we share how we keep the Serrano culture alive today: the celebrations, the people and the art. And finally, you’ll meet the people who make San Manuel Casino great: tribal citizens, mixologists, chefs, cherished team members and first responders. We thank you for being our guest and can’t wait to share our hope for our Nation’s future and our enthralling new experiences with you.

Chairman Ken Ramirez San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 1

N EW

T HR I L L TA KES

S H A P E

E X C LU S I V E LY AT S A N M A N U E L C A S I N O . D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 1 .

Contents

Heritage

Together

Indulge

In the aftermath of colonization, with only a few dozen surviving tribal citizens, Santos Manuel leads his people to safety.

More than crafts, food and dancing, the San Manuel Pow Wow brings together people from all nations.

Stylish ways to protect the things that matter to you.

HISTORY

CELEBRATE

The history of the People of the Pines.

Helping each other up: the story of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and Loma Linda University Health.

PROGRESS

ARTISTRY

Once used for cooking, carrying water and collecting herbs, Serrano baskets are defined by expert craftsmanship and intricate design.

AWARENESS

Meet the four girls who have raised their voices for missing and murdered Indigenous people and the leaders addressing the crisis.

PHILANTHROPY

PROTECT

Keeping the Reservation and surrounding communities safe: the first responders of San Manuel.

PARTNERSHIPS

ON TREND

SAVOR

San Manuel Casino is on the verge of becoming a stand-alone dining destination.

DISCOVER

Find a menu chock full of locally sourced, seasonal dishes at Bear Springs Bistro.

PROFILE

The pastry chef behind those hard-to-resist sweet treats shares the recipe for his favorite dessert.

SPIRITS

Raiders’ Tom Flores – head coach, assistant coach and quarterback – finally gets inducted into the Hall of Fame. Now he shares his journey.

A tribal elder’s reflection on reservation life – from the late ‘30s to today.

The possibilities are endless as a team member of San Manuel Casino.

New lounges offering the highest limits on the West Coast elevate the gaming experience.

PERSPECTIVE

TRADITION

Beautiful, handcrafted ribbon regalia connects tribal citizens with their ancestors.

SUCCESS

FAMILY

There’s a burgeoning cocktail culture in the Inland Empire. Now the men driving the transformation share their vision.

EXPERIENCE

A day-one employee shares why she loves working at San Manuel Casino.

Hit this study guide before hitting the felt: the ins and outs of table gaming at San Manuel Casino.

HELLO

ACTION

From poverty to prosperity: how the fight for gaming on tribal lands transformed the Tribe and the surrounding communities.

Get a peek at San Manuel’s new luxury resort before it opens this winter.

ON THE HORIZON

Immersed in the Tribe’s most important values, the Youth Committee is poised to carry those values into the future.

STAY

LAST BITE

The inspiration behind the scrumptious desserts.

Ancestral motifs from Native designers bring deeper meaning to the fashion scene.

Strictly for whiskey aficionados: the extravagance of a lifetime.

FASHION

DRINK

WHAT’S NEXT

San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority stakes a claim in Las Vegas with their newest acquisition: Palms Casino Resort. 4 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

’ LET S BUILD SOMETHING GREATER

TOGETHER We are more than a destination. More than just a job. We are a team. So let’s kick-start your career today! San Manuel is creating the ultimate resort and entertainment experience in Southern California, and we are adding thousands of new positions in all departments and skill levels.

SEE ALL THE CURRENT OPENINGS AND APPLY ONLINE AT SANMANUELCAREERS.COM

Hamiinat Fall 2021

BUSINESS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

VICE CHAIRMAN SECRETARY

Ken Ramirez

Johnny Hernandez, Jr. Audrey Martinez

TREASURER

Latisha Casas Alexis Manzano

MEMBER AT LARGE MEMBER AT LARGE

Karina Torres

MEMBER AT LARGE

Ed Duro

CONTRIBUTORS

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING:

Kyle Anderson

Tonya Oatman

Peter Arceo

Michelle Olden

David Bentley

Anthony Olivas

Afsi Bird

Chris Rosano

Jenna Brady

Brigitte Saria

Lee Clauss

Dianna Scina

Jacob Coin

Ryan Sharpe

Kyle Corcoran Christopher Ditico Melissa Duro Hernandez

Ken Shoji Stephanie Short-Smith Michael Smith Robert Tager

Timothy Evans

Jasmine Takeshita

Andrea Ferguson

Rikki Tanenbaum

Stevie Goldstein Steven Gomez Joey Gottesman

Adam Torres An Tran Brandi Vega

Kenji Hall

Laurens Vosloo

Serena Harper

Chuck Williams

Cathy Knowles

Oliver Wolf

Gerri Manzo

Wendy Zhu

Chelsea Marek Summer Massoud Jessica Mauck Pete Mateo

Jamie Barron Presley Calderon Becky Campos Jayden Casas Raven Casas Shila Chacon Destiny Duro Henry Duro Nicole Fields Alyssa Guerrero Annabella Hernandez Gauge Hernandez Johnny Hernandez, Jr. Alexis Manzano Deron Marquez, Ph.D Audrey Martinez Alaina Mathews Dodie Morongo George “Boy” Murillo Jordan Murillo Ken Ramirez Hawk Ramos James Ramos Tom Ramos Lynn Valbuena Cultural Advisor Working Group

Loma Linda University Health Las Vegas Raiders San Manuel Gaming Commission EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Audrey Martinez

MANAGING EDITOR

Alyssa Guerrero

VP TRIBAL BRAND MARKETING

Jessica Stops

TRIBAL BRAND MARKETING

Darcy Gray

TRIBAL BRAND MARKETING

Julie Lopez

PUBLISHER

Peter Gotfredson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Lauren Clulow Jessica Villano

Thank you to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the entire tribal community for sharing their stories: past, present and future. We extend a special thank you to those who contributed to the development of the first issue.

6 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

eritage

HISTORY p8 PROGRESS p14 ARTISTRY p16 AWARENESS p18 PERSPECTIVE TRADITION p25 SUCCESS p28 ON THE HORIZON p32 FASHION p34

p24

In this section we celebrate the Yuhaaviatam people. Meet the man whose decisive action saved the Tribe after the turmoil of colonization; get a glimpse of how events have unfolded over the centuries; and step into the modern era to explore current issues as well as the craftmanship and artistry honoring the Yuhaaviatam ancestry today.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 7

History

SANTOS MANUEL Jesusa Manuel (making basket), Santos Manuel, Dolores Crispin and two unknown males

8 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

K I I K A’ OF T H E Y U H A AV I ATA M C L A N OF SER R A NO I N DI A NS

The leader, healer and friend who saved the people and safeguarded their culture for generations to come.

By Clifford E. Trafzer

t the beginning of time, the Creator gave the land, water, plants and animals to the Yuhaaviatam, or Pine Tree people of Southern California. The domain was vast and included the San Bernardino Mountains, lands north and east of the mountains in the Mojave Desert, much of the San Bernardino Valley and the northeastern portion of the San Gabriel Mountains. This place on earth was more than property: It was the only place that the Creator had designated for the Yuhaaviatam; and the people had obligations of stewardship and reciprocity to all things in their homelands. The Creator taught the first people how to live with each other and with the plants and animals. ——— s a young boy, Santos Manuel was taught by his elders how to live in harmony with the environment and follow the Creator’s laws. He learned the sacred songs and stories of his people, and where those stories are embodied across Serrano territory. He was born in 1814 into the village of his father in the San Bernardino Mountains and named Paakuma’ by his parents. Since the Spanish had given his father the surname Santos, some people called Paakuma’ by the name Manuel Santos or more commonly, Santos Manuel. The Spanish also named the people Serrano, indicating they were from the mountains or highlands.

A.K. Smiley Public Library, Gerald Smith Collection

Santos Manuel distinguished himself as caring, thoughtful and intelligent when he was still a child. Elders saw him as a future leader, so they expected much of him. His parents and other elders among Yuhaaviatam people treated him with respect but demanded more from him as a way of preparing him for leadership. About the age of 12, Santos Manuel and other boys experienced their puberty rites ceremony. Elder men met with initiates to prepare them for a future life of service. At that moment, they had no idea about the enormous challenges Santos would have to navigate for the survival of his people. ——— ven as a young man, it was clear Santos Manuel would lead his people: he was the recipient of a song that described the huge landscape the Creator had given his people, the Maara’yam – of which his clan, the Yuhaaviatam, are a part. This song served as an oral deed to the land and resources, which Santos Manuel held for his people and passed on to his son, Tom Manuel. During the middle of the 19th century, Santos Manuel became the Kiika’ of Yuhaaviatam people, and one of the great Native leaders of Southern California. In addition to his natural talents as a leader and healer, the Creator gave Santos Manuel a strong body and keen mind, all of which he used generously to help others. He was an exceptional deer hunter and, following the traditions of his people, Santos Manuel made his

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 9

logging, mined for precious stones, polluted water and first deer kill at a young age and gave away the allowed livestock to decimate the natural world. All of venison. As the leader of the Yuhaaviatam, he had these incursions destroyed the Serrano way of life the responsibility of caring for and sharing with all and their subsistence- and trade-based economy. his people. By the 1860s, California settlers had enslaved George Murillo, the husband of Santos Manuel’s American Indian men, women and children and, in great-granddaughter, Pauline Murillo, explained, “He 1866, the pivotal moment in Serrano history occurred: always made sure his people had food.” the murder of two Native boys by a group of settlers, Native Americans far and wide understood that Santos Manuel controlled all the leading to an unprovoked war against not only resources within the Yuhaaviatam the Yuhaaviatam, but all Native people from landscape. If others wished to the San Bernardino Mountains to the hunt or gather on this Colorado River. Santos provided landscape, they had to ask The 32-day massacre, conducted the will of survival permission. by a settler militia supported by the in the face of But he always shared the California governor, resulted in an great danger…he natural bounty, including untold number of deaths. It was a taught the people many acres of black oak, live gruesome and inhumane act. By one oak and piñon trees, which account, a volunteer soldier bragged resilience. provided acorns and pine nuts. As about killing two Indians with one bullet. long as his people had food, Santos He shot a young woman in the back as she ran Manuel graciously gifted the Gabrieleno away, the bullet passing through her body, killing her (Tongva), Kitanemuk, Kawaiisu, Chemehuevi, and her baby. Cahuilla, Luiseño, Mojave and others with foods from The Serrano knew how to fight enemies, but Santos Serrano lands. Manuel counseled his people not to fight the settlers. ——— Instead, in order to save the remnant of his people, he Yuhaaviatam lands and resources were a which numbered less than 30 at this time - Santos perpetual gift from their Creator, but in the Manuel gathered his people and moved them out of 18th century, the Spanish claimed to have discovered their mountain home to the San Bernardino Valley. these lands and later, in the 19th century, Mexican and “Santos Manuel took action,” said tribal Chairman American governments claimed them as their own. Ken Ramirez, a great-great grandson of Santos For over 100 years, settlers moved onto Manuel. “He acted quickly and saved many lives.” Yuhaaviatam lands, built homes, removed trees for His descendants often remark about how Santos

‘‘

A.K. Smiley Public Library, Gerald Smith Collection

‘‘

10 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

TOP: The Big House BOTTOM: Jesusa Manuel with Richard Manuel in a basket

A.K. Smiley Public Library, Gerald Smith Collection

Ignacio and Roy Manuel

People of the Pines

High in the San Bernardino Mountains at Yuhaac, in an area of pine trees near present day Baldwin Lake, Küktac the Yuhaaviatam Creator lay dying. When Küktac died, the people began to mourn and their grief turned them into pine trees, enriching the land with vegetation and allowing future generations to thrive. Every winter the people gathered to tell this story and learn the songs of their people. A.K. Smiley Public Library, Gerald Smith Collection

Today, the Yuhaaviatam still learn these stories and share them with the younger generations.

Santos Manuel

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 11

Jesusa Manuel at Oak Glen

12 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

A.K. Smiley Public Library, Gerald Smith Collection

Manuel knew intuitively when settlers planned to harm his people. At those times, tribal elder Pauline Murillo said the leader would advise tribal citizens to stay out of town. Santos Manuel would also take villagers into the mountains to hunt and gather natural items for tools, baskets, houses and weapons, thereby avoiding settler violence. Chairman Ramirez said, “Santos Manuel saw things before they happened and acted to protect his people, his tribal family.” ——— fter being chased out of the mountains by a murderous militia, Santos Manuel and his remaining band lived a refugee existence for three decades along the banks of Warm Creek. The leader then established a permanent village in the foothills above present-day Highland, where the Tribe has lived since the late 19th century. California Assembly Member and tribal citizen James Ramos remarked, because we are loyal and dedicated stewards of this “Santos Manuel provided the will of survival in land – our home. Like Santos Manuel, we bridge our the face of great danger…he taught the people Native American world with other residents of our resilience.” homelands.” The San Manuel Reservation, established by a ——— Presidential proclamation in 1891, had a commanding antos Manuel died in October 1919. He lived view of the San Bernardino Valley where residents through Spanish missionization, the Mexicancould watch for approaching visitors. Tribal elder American War, the California Gold Rush and the Civil Dolores Crispin told her family, “Look now you see War, as well as the American settlement of Southern that I am telling you this, so you can pass it on to your California, the coming of the citrus industry, urban children. Hear me well, see that faint little speck of development and World War I. light way down there from the homes of whites. In spite of all this upheaval, change, uncertainty Someday, there will be more and more.” and pain, he maintained his culture and ——— responsibilities, passing on his leadership Santos taught n addition to his skill as a leader, traits to his people. Today, tribal leaders his people the Santos Manuel had a powerful honor him and follow in his footsteps. connection with the spiritual world, Assembly Member James Ramos, traditional values which informed his relationship who is also the great-great grandson that live within with his homelands, his people and of Santos Manuel, said, “People in every tribal his neighbors. He was a holy man, California, and around the country, member today. and a remarkable healer who called on should know what happened to Serrano the spiritual world to heal the sick. Even people and other California Indians. They after he passed, he appeared in spirit to heal should know the truth about the fighting, killing his granddaughter, Martha Manuel. and genocide. The Yuhaaviatam population was down Santos Manuel oversaw ceremonies in the Big to thirty people at one time. Our people were nearly House or Kiič Atiü’ac on the reservation. He was exterminated…without Santos Manuel we might be strong as a bear and when he blessed and cleansed extinct today.” the Big House, he crouched like the fierce animal as Chairman Ramirez shared that Santos Manuel and he prayed and sang. Some say it made the earth other tribal elders urged the people to always shake. remember who they were and where they came from. But even with this strength, Santos Manuel The elders wanted them to remember their ancestral expressed peace and friendship to settlers as well as land had been gifted from the Creator and to hold onto his loyalty to the United States. In fact, every Fourth their traditions, their way of life. of July, he dressed in clothing made from an “Our elders saved our culture and language, American flag and traveled by train, shaking hands bridging the old ways with new ways. Santos Manuel with passengers. refused to carry the bitterness of the past but created “In my home, we have the picture of Santos a new path for the sake of seven generations to come,” Manuel dressed in the American flag with his top Chairman Ramirez explained. “He taught his people hat. He showed kindness and reached out to others, the traditional values that live within every tribal as we still do today,” Chairman Ramirez explained. member today. This is the spirit of Santos Manuel and “The San Manuel Tribe is very much part of our we want our children to know this spirit. That is why Inland area. We are deeply and proudly patriotic we pay homage to Santos Manuel.”

‘‘

Holding on to Heritage

Rich in culture and tradition, the Tribe shares its heritage in order to preserve it. Once reduced to a handful of Serrano speakers, today the language has been safeguarded through the Serrano Language Revitalization Program. The Tribe also partners with government agencies and conservation groups to protect important places in the ancestral territory and share the story of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians with the public. The cultural traditions can be experienced at the annual San Manuel Pow Wow, a three-day celebration of music and dance, which highlights an enduring Serrano culture such as bird singing and dancing.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 13

Progress

A look at the resilience and determination of the Yuhaaviatam to remain self-sufficient and sovereign

Photo Courtesy of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library

From Then to Now Early to Mid-1900s Tribe adapts and adjusts to reservation life. U.S. government continues to dictate what the Tribe can and cannot do.

1975 1966

1880s 1700s-1820s Spanish missionaries and military encounter the Yuhaaviatam (one clan of the Maara’yam), which they call “Serrano” or “highlander.” Many Maara’yam are forced into the mission system as slave labor for Spain.

CREATION

Maara’yam people inhabit the mountains, valleys and deserts of Southern California.

TREATY MAKING

THE NEW DEAL

ASSIMILATION

1934 1850s-1860s American settlers invade Serrano territory. CA governor instructs militias to exterminate Native people. Yuhaaviatam are killed and chased out of their territory.

1891

1866 Raids and bloodshed decimate the Tribe. Kiika’ Santos Manuel makes decision to courageously bring the remnant of his people from the mountains to safety on the valley floor.

14 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Articles of Association are adopted by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Native American boarding schools are established in the U. S. with the primary objective of “civilizing” or assimilating Native American children and youth into Euro-American culture, while destroying and vilifying Native American culture.

U.S. government passes the Act for Relief of Mission Indians, which recognizes the Tribe as a sovereign nation and establishes the Reservation. The Tribe chooses the name San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Indian Reorganization Act is enacted by U.S. Congress, aimed at decreasing federal control of American Indian affairs and increasing Indian self-government and responsibility.

A.K. Smiley Public Library, Gerald Smith Collection

Since Time Immemorial

President Ford signs the Indian SelfDetermination and Education Assistance Act, a federal policy of Indian selfdetermination, first declared by President Nixon.

1970 In address to Congress regarding the federal policy of terminating relationships with tribes, President Nixon states, “This policy of forced termination is wrong.” He then outlines a policy of self-determination rather than termination.

2017 Tribe transforms bingo hall into Rockin’ Casino area.

1986 San Manuel Indian Bingo opens.

1987 1978 Indian gaming movement begins with Seminole Tribe of Florida.

California v. Cabazon: U.S. Supreme Court landmark decision affirms right of tribal governments to conduct gaming on their lands.

1990s-2000s Tribe takes an active role in passing Proposition 5 and Proposition 1A.

1998 Proposition 5 is supported by 63 percent of voters in favor of gaming by Indian tribes in California. A lawsuit by a labor union causes the measure to be struck down by California Supreme Court.

2021

2005 New San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino opens.

2019 San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority forms to explore economic growth opportunities.

Residence Inn by Marriott opens in Washington, DC. The project is from the Four Fires intertribal economic partnership, which includes San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

SELF-DETERMINATION

STRENGTHENING OUR FUTURE

1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act passes, creating statutory framework for Indian gaming.

First phase of San Manuel Casino Resort expansion finishes.

2006 San Manuel Band of Mission Indians breaks ground on San Manuel Village in Highland, CA, a mixed-use, off-reservation, commercial development.

1994 San Manuel Indian Bingo adds gaming operations and advances goal of economic selfsufficiency.

2018 Opening of the Autograph Collection, The Draftsman Hotel, in Charlottesville, VA, a joint venture that includes the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

2007 Residence Inn by Marriott opens in Sacramento, CA. The project is from the Three Fires intertribal economic partnership, which includes San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

1980s

2021 San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority announces agreement to purchase the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

2008

SMBMI seeks new business opportunities to strengthen sovereignty and journey towards self-sufficiency.

Hampton Inn and Suites Hotel opened in Highland, CA, at San Manuel Village, a development of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

2000 Proposition 1A, supported by 65 percent of California voters, changes the state constitution and provides exclusive right to Indian tribes to operate a limited scope of casino-style gaming on Indian lands, in accordance with federal law.

2016 SMBMI acquires sacred lands in San Bernardino Mountains with purchase of Arrowhead Springs Hotel.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 15

Artistry

Woven History WHERE INGENUITY, NATURE AND CULTURE INTERSECT, WE FIND THE BASKETS OF THE MAARA’YAM (SERRANO) PEOPLE.

ade of plants native to their ancestral territory – such as deergrass, sumac, willow, yucca and juncus fibers – Maara’yam baskets were used to collect materials such as acorns and healing herbs, as well as to cook and carry water.

Some baskets were woven so tightly that when soaked, the fibers would expand, making them watertight. Others were lined with a malleable material – such as asphaltum – to make them impermeable. Oftentimes people would put fire-heated rocks in the baskets to heat water for cooking. The baskets have great meaning to the Maara’yam people, and many are considered sacred. Tribal Vice Chairman Johnny Hernandez, Jr. explained, “Their blood, sweat and tears went into them. We see them as ancestors. Their spirits are in them.” Basket weavers were, and still are, respected within their communities for their skills portraying the plants, animals and landmarks of their ancestral home within their intricate weaves. These patterns and techniques, passed down through generations, keep tribal citizens connected with the culture of the Maara’yam people.

Basket weavers harvest and preserve plants native to their ancestral homelands for their craft and pass this knowledge down for future generations.

16 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Coiled baskets can take several months to complete, depending on the size and complexity of its pattern.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 17

Awareness

Silent

No More Speaking for Those Who Can’t Speak for Themselves

18 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

w FOUR YOUNG

WOMEN

SPEARHEAD THE EFFORT FROM THE SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS TO BRING AWARENESS TO THE CRISIS OF MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS PEOPLE.

On a warm August day nearly two years ago, three young Native women courageously prepared for

a monumental day. They dressed in red ribbon skirts and wore black shirts boldly printed with red

handprints as they appeared before the California state legislature. The issue they were testifying about: the disproportionate rates of violence that Native women and girls face. By Aliyah Chavez

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 19

The MMIWP crisis in California Even though the advocates – Destiny Duro, Raven Casas and Annabella Hernandez – were just in middle and high school, they traveled to Sacramento to speak before the state’s select committee on Native American affairs – a feat that ultimately spurred momentum to pass AB 3099, a key piece of legislation from Assembly Member, and San Manuel tribal citizen, James Ramos. Together, the trio’s testimony outlined data showing that Native women and girls were going missing or being murdered at a higher rate than any other ethnic group. In fact, statistic after statistic showed Native women and girls are 10 times more likely to be victims of crimes, including assaults and human trafficking. “These statistics are unacceptable,” Annabella Hernandez said.

Not Just Women and Girls, but Men Too Lisa Craig is a relative of Nick Patterson, a 26-yearold male who went missing from his home on the Pit River Reservation. It’s now been more than a year since Nick was last seen. In the early days of Nick’s disappearance, Craig and family went to law enforcement with concern and urgency, only to be met by several roadblocks, one of which was working with non-Native law enforcement agencies. Her family was pushed off after being told Nick was among a crowd who did drugs, so “he basically didn’t matter,” Craig said. She then added, “this issue affects not just women and girls, but men too.” While people may be familiar with the name MMIWG (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls), the issue is now more commonly referred to as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) or Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) to be inclusive of gay, non-binary and transgendered people as well as Indigenous males. The young advocates agreed that it’s important to understand the breadth of the issue that has been plaguing Indian country for years. “We want to bring awareness to what’s happening to Native

20 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

people – male and female,” Calderon said after hearing Nick’s story. The group’s advocacy now includes another voice, Presley Calderon, a cousin of the girls whom they encouraged to get involved in their work. In October, the four young girls gained recognition for their advocacy work with the “30 under 30” award from Assembly Member Eloise Gómez Reyes. When asked why this work was so important to them, Hernandez said, “You can feel empathy at any age.” The issue first came to their awareness in 2019, when Casas, Hernandez and Duro attended a workshop on the crisis at a national conference for tribal youth. Shocked, upset, sad, tragic were some of the words they used to describe how they felt when they learned the statistics. This was quickly followed by glaring concern. “This issue is not being talked about enough,” said Hernandez. Since that experience, the teenagers donate time at least twice a month to discuss upcoming plans. And much of their advocacy is represented by wearing red, a color that has come to be emblematic of the MMIWP crisis, along with the red handprint.

California is home to more Native American and Alaska Native people than any other state across the country, with more than 109 federally recognized tribes and over 70 non-federally recognized tribes in the state. Experts say there are many issues plaguing the state in addressing the MMIWP crisis, mostly stemming from a lack of quality data; it’s estimated the crisis is actually much larger than is being reported. Other issues include problems with law enforcement jurisdictions, cases that go unreported for fear of retaliation and victims who are racially misclassified.

All of these subjects were front and center during an awareness event for the MMIWP crisis hosted by Assembly Member James Ramos and livestreamed on his Facebook page in March. In the Tule River Tribe of California, a tribal nation located some 51 miles north of Bakersfield, Chief of Police Joseph Campos shared that he regularly sees violence play out and shared the story of a young female Tule River tribal citizen, who was placed in an off-reservation foster home. She ran away from the home in February 2020, but it wasn’t until 10 months later that Tule River tribal law enforcement was notified their citizen was missing. Instead, a local agency had conducted

‘‘

an investigation to find her whereabouts but came up empty handed. When the tribal law enforcement agency inquired why they weren’t contacted about the case, they learned the agency in charge didn’t think tribal police were a certified law enforcement agency, despite the fact that tribal nations govern themselves and protect their citizens. Finally, the Tule River tribal law enforcement was brought in to find the missing girl. The same day they were notified, they issued a missing juvenile poster and posted it to their social media pages. The young female was located

At the end of the day, we would like to see that the moment a Native American woman goes missing, the resources afforded to investigate and to find them are instantaneous. It’s no longer waiting three months to see if they come back to the reservation or not.

Did You

Know? More than 90 percent of sexual assaults against Indigenous women are committed by nonNative men. While that often means efforts to bring such non-Natives to justice by tribal law enforcement fall short, a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court could strengthen tribes’ ability to deliver offenders to outside jurisdictions for prosecution. In May 2021, the court delivered a unaminous ruling confirming tribal police officers have the authority to stop, detain and search non-Natives before transferring them to outside law enforcement agencies, even on non-tribal land running through a reservation, if the non-Natives are suspected of breaking state or federal law. The ruling will almost certainly assist tribal police officers in seizing evidence and detaining and handing over non-Indian suspects for prosecution. Still, unless a tribe is authorized by Congress to exercise criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian offenders (as, for example, by certain provisions in the 2013 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act), these offenders must still be turned over to state or federal authorities for prosecution, who may or may not prosecute the offenders.

Deb Haaland is the first Native American to serve in a cabinet position. As Secretary of the Interior, she created the Missing & Murdered Unit (MMU) within the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (BIA-OJS) to increase cross-departmental and interagency communication.

In 2019, six bills addressing the tribes crisis were introduced but none were passed by Congress. Finally in 2020, Savanna’s Act and Not Invisible Act were signed into law. Both bills aim to fix the jurisdictional problems in getting justice for Indigenous people.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 21

‘‘

within hours. Unfortunately, Campos said, “the girl reported being abused while on the street before gaining help and shelter with a family member.” In other instances, Campos said domestic violence is a “significant component” of cases when women and girls go missing and are murdered. In the last year and a half, he says there have been 35 issues of domestic violence on his reservation. “You can bet, though, fifty percent of those issues have gone unreported,” he said. Campos added that in most cases citizens don’t report abuse or violence out of fear of retaliation.

Legislation from motivation by young advocates Stories from victims are what spurred California state Assembly Member James Ramos, the first California Native person to serve in the state’s legislature, to take action. Last year he introduced AB 3099, a bill mandating the state determine the scope of the MMIWP issue by submitting a report to the legislature with data collected for case numbers and barriers preventing aid. It was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020. “This is just a start,” Ramos said. While introducing the bill in his first year in office, Ramos said he faced hurdles in getting the legislation passed, particularly with educating nonNative legislators about California tribes and their issues. To bring colleagues up to speed, he handed them news articles and held hearings with the young female advocates and law enforcement agencies. He invited families to bring photos of their loved ones and to share stories of what happened to them. “Part of it is a task to educate legislators that have no understanding of what truly is happening in Indian Country,” Ramos said. A key ask from legislators was: show us the data. The problem, however, is that it’s difficult to understand the scope of the issue because good data does not exist. Annita Lucchesi is Executive Director of the Sovereign Bodies Institute, a nonprofit research center that is home to one of the largest databases of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples in the Americas. The research center recently released a report in California, identifying 165 cases of missing women, girls and LGBTQ+ individuals. Of those cases, 105 cases came from the northern half of the state. The institute used interviews with victims’ families as well as public records requests to gather its data, saying many of their requests are denied or sometimes they never hear back.

22 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

They found, however, that over a quarter of victims are not from California tribes, further complicating the process because some law enforcement officials are not trained or don’t ask for a victim’s tribal affiliation. These errors result in racial misclassifications. Each family in the study shared experiences of difficulty in reporting their loved one’s case to law enforcement. Many cited being told their loved one was “out partying” or that they had to wait at least 48 hours to file missing persons documentation. “All of these barriers tell us one thing: the state has fundamentally failed Native communities and is continuing to do so,” Lucchesi said. Lucchesi herself is a survivor of domestic and sexual assault – and hopes AB 3099 will help families and survivors. Assembly Member James Ramos said, “At the end of the day, we would like to see that the moment a Native American woman goes missing, the resources afforded to investigate and to find them are instantaneous. It’s no longer waiting three months to see if they come back to the reservation or not.” Ramos continued, “If they’re missing, we need to make sure we’re going out there tracking

their steps to make sure they’re safe. We do that for others in the state of California. Why is there so much lag time when dealing with California’s first people?” The young advocates agree, saying that moving forward, their work will focus on educating the general public about the issue because that’s when real change will happen.

Looking forward: a future at the Capitol? When asked how Assembly Member Ramos felt about the young women from San Manuel testifying at the California State Capitol, he responded, “It was so heartwarming to see the young ladies giving up their time and testimony because, as they continue to grow, they’re going to see this issue expand.” In fact, it was beyond heartwarming. When Destiny Duro, Raven Casas and Annabella Hernandez sat before the lawmakers, several of those lawmakers described the event as powerful. So powerful in fact that Ramos hopes their passion for advocacy continues to grow and, one day, results in a run for office where they can create change on an even larger scale.

Honoring our traditions

Guiding future generations

For generations, our Tribe has called the Inland Empire region our home, and we take pride in supporting our neighbors and the world around us. Throughout today’s challenges and tomorrow’s possibilities, our Tribe will always be here for this community. Honoring our history. Celebrating our culture. Building a brighter future for us all.

www.sanmanuel-nsn.gov

@sanmanuelband

Perspective

REFLECTION

One of San Manuel’s most respected tribal elders shares about her childhood growing up on the reservation and in her hometown. Dodie (Geraldine) Morongo was born March 2, 1939 on the San Manuel Indian Reservation. Her father was an enrolled member of the Tribe; her mother from the Cahuilla Reservation. Dodie, the eldest of three children – Bopey (Gail) and Max (Duane) – grew up on the Reservation and attended school in Highland, CA. Dodie married Domingo Campos, an enrolled member of the Fort Mojave Tribe, and had four children – Laurie, Becky, Frank and Shelby. When asked about her mother, daughter Becky shared that while Dodie is a woman of few words, she expresses her great love for her family through her dedication and selfless actions. An avid reader, Dodie loves everything from romance to sci-fi. And, in her younger years, she loved to go out dancing. Dodie worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant as well as at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino when it opened in 1986. Today, she lives in Highland – not far from the San Manuel Reservation – and enjoys spending time with her family.

What is one great lesson you’ve learned from your ancestors?

spring when we ran out of

I learned to be proud of my

water. Once I realized we were

heritage and who I am.

very poor, it never entered my

mind that we’d one day have a

What are your favorite memories growing up on the reservation?

flourishing casino with income from it.

go in now. We ran around the

What does perseverance mean to you? What does it mean to your Tribe and its story through time?

mountains. We learned how to

To do the best with what we

live simply with what we had

had, no matter what. Opposition

because we didn’t have much.

always comes in life, but you

How free we were as kids, running around the whole rez. Nobody saying, you have to

pick yourself up and keep going.

What was it like growing up in San Bernardino as a teenager?

and people would come up for

As you think of how much you’ve seen change in your lifetime, what are you most proud of?

dances.

How the younger people are

We wanted to meet boys and dance! I had a record player

Can you talk about changes to the reservation that you’ve heard about over time, as well as those you’ve personally experienced?

bringing our traditions to life. I’m incredibly proud of Assembly Member James Ramos, how far he’s come, and how he’s helping our people in the career that he’s chosen.

up, we didn’t have lights. There were just a couple places to get water.

Grandma’s house on the corner had a little faucet. She would go to the

I would tell them to follow and respect the rules of the Tribe.

The most significant change was having electricity and gas. Growing

24 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

What is one piece of advice you’d like to pass on to the younger generations?

Tradition

The Ties that Bind Traditional ribbon regalia connects tribal citizens with their heritage

Native Americans have always donned clothing that represented their lands, their creation stories and their ancestors: each pattern told a story, each color carried meaning. On the Plains, the people wore buckskin decorated with paint, fringe and beadwork; in Southern California, the moderate climate meant people could use plant-based fabric such as yucca to weave their clothing. For the tribes on the West Coast, their traditional dress changed with the arrival of the Spanish, when the missionaries brought with them linen, cotton and calico fabrics. Showing adaptability and ingenuity, they took the scraps of fabric and added brightly colored ribbon, transforming it into beautiful pieces full of cultural significance. Today, ribbon shirts, dresses and skirts are still worn during tribal gatherings to celebrate tradition and maintain a connection to their heritage.

HAMIINAT | 25

26 | HAMIINAT

Master of Her Craft Working in her artist studio, Navajo artist Bridgid Pulskamp quietly works on custom pieces for Southern California Native American tribes, including ribbon shirts and skirts for tribal citizens of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. “This is a way to connect with our ancestors through art, wearable art.” Pulskamp takes pride in her work and sees value in carrying on the tradition of regalia making. She wants to help erase the myth that Native Americans are stuck in the past. “A lot of people think our culture is stagnant. It’s important to remember: our culture is living and breathing, just as we are,” Pulskamp said.

HAMIINAT | 27

Success

e

ROD to

POSPERITY How tribal gaming brought the San Manuel people out of poverty and helped them enrich their community and beyond

By Theodor P. Gordon, Ph.D

efore the humble bingo hall and the bustling casino, the people of the San Manuel Reservation relied on low-paying day labor and charity to make ends meet. “Financial resources were limited, but there was never a shortage of food, shelter or the love and caring that bonded our families,” Chairman Ken Ramirez explained. “We learned as children

about our history, our relationships with other tribes, our culture and values, including Yawa’, which is the foundation for our philanthropy today.” Yawa’ means to act on one’s beliefs and a core belief of the Tribe is to support and care for its community in any way they can. But by the mid-19th century through the late 20 th, caring for themselves

and those around them was difficult. Former Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena explained that while the reservation was her childhood playground, rich with areas to explore freely, they were constrained by poverty. “We would wait for welfare trucks to drop off canned food and powdered milk,” she recalled. In fact, the only way the San Manuel people could raise funds was through bake sales, which never came close to providing the resources they needed. Overcoming the limitations of poverty to be able to help themselves and their community would take decades of hard work and ingenuity.

28 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

he people of San Manuel are Yuhaaviatam,

Reservation, named after Santos Manuel. With

the People of the Pines. Their clan home

only a few hundred acres of dry foothills, it pales

was in the Big Bear area. Serrano people

in comparison to their vast and varied ancestral

are the original stewards of the San Bernardino Mountains and valleys as well as a large portion of the Mojave Desert. When California became part of the United

homelands. When the United States took their land, it took their lifeblood. Most governments tax income and property to pay for services. But the tribal

States, it declared war against Indigenous people. In

government faced a catch-22: without much land or

1866, a militia raided the San Bernardino Mountains

personal wealth, there was no tax base and without

with the goal of exterminating every Native

tax revenue, they couldn’t provide services needed

inhabitant.

to help their community succeed.

Santos Manuel, leader of the Yuhaaviatam, led his

The Tribe patched together its budget through a

“We learned as children about our history, our relationships with other tribes, our culture and values, including Yawa’, which is the

people out of harm’s way, settling in the southern

combination of small donations from tribal citizens,

foothills. They established a village just outside the

grants and bake sales. But they still didn’t have the

foundation for our

city of San Bernardino. In 1891, the United States

resources to be self-reliant, let alone to help others –

formally recognized their village as the San Manuel

as was (and is) integral to their culture.

philanthropy today.”

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 29

glimmer of hope appeared in the early 1980s: then-tribal Chairman Henry Duro learned that the Seminole

Tribe of Florida found success in hosting bingo to raise revenue. As a tribal government, the Seminoles had the legal authority to establish their own bingo enterprise. Duro collected newspaper articles on the Seminoles and shared them with his community. “It really had to be everyone’s decision; it couldn’t be just mine to pursue bingo,” recalled Duro. With his people’s support, Duro and San Manuel’s Business Committee traveled to Florida to observe Seminole bingo in action. He was awestruck. The immense bingo hall was filled with busy tables; the walls were lined by guests eagerly waiting for a seat to open. They flew home knowing that bingo could secure prosperity, but that it would be a long road. They first needed to understand the bingo industry. Then they needed the money to build and run the bingo hall. And they needed to vet partners. When San Manuel Indian Bingo opened in 1986 they were overwhelmed with the community’s support as guests streamed in. Tribal citizens put in long hours ensuring it ran smoothly. “I would come home each day

1994 without a state compact. Wilson insisted that one compact serve as a

from my job as a police assistant for the San

model for all tribal governments in California,

Bernardino Police Department, change uniforms

ignoring the diverse needs and goals. He

and start my shift supervising the counting

threatened to send law enforcement to shut

room for the bingo hall,” Valbuena said.

down tribal casinos, but San Manuel knew it

was worth the fight. he 1980s were a time for growth and

Facing a governor unwilling to negotiate, San

risks for San Manuel – and other

Manuel joined a coalition of tribal governments

tribal governments venturing into

to take the issue of tribal gaming directly to

gaming. To the east, the Cabazon Band of

the people of California. They gathered the

Mission Indians was fighting an attempt by

signatures needed for tribal gaming compacts

Riverside County to shutter their card club.

to become a ballot measure, giving California

In 1987, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Cabazon, recognizing that tribal governments

voters the final say. The ballot referendum became known as Proposition 5.

can legalize and regulate gambling on their

Ramirez, Valbuena, Duro and other tribal

reservation lands. The next year, Congress

leaders traveled across California to educate

passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act

the public. In 1998, Proposition 5 passed by a

(IGRA), but it had limitations and constraints.

63%-37% vote. A few months later the Supreme

threats remained. The Metropolitan Water

IGRA only allowed tribal governments to

Court of California ruled Proposition 5 violated

District of Southern California drilled a

offer certain types of gaming, including slot

the state constitution. Tribes would need to

pipeline underneath San Manuel. Not only

machines and house-banked games such

petition for another ballot measure, Proposition

did the Tribe challenge the legality of the

as blackjack, if tribes entered into a binding

1A, which would amend the constitution to

pipeline, it drained a core component of San

agreement, known as a compact, with the state.

permit tribal gaming compacting.

Manuel’s self-reliance: access to their own

support us.” Even with the compact secured, other

For San Manuel and others, the 1990s would

In 2000, voters passed Proposition 1A by an

be a decade-long struggle to secure compacts.

even wider margin, 65%-35%. Reflecting on the

The fight was a stark reminder that many

Then-Governor Pete Wilson refused to

victory, Duro said, “Never in my lifetime would I

government officials still lacked respect for

negotiate, so San Manuel launched its casino in

imagine so many people would come together to

tribal governments.

30 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

water. San Manuel sued the district and won.

for policies, but on educating others about the

has created, San Manuel was able to build a

their own decisions.

world-class fire department that responds

This drive to serve and educate the public

“Never in my lifetime would I imagine so many people would come together to support us.”

Because of gaming, and the prosperity it

benefits of letting tribal governments make

to emergencies across the region; provide

created an unforeseen benefit: the Tribe

supplies to local schools; help other tribes

established a wide range of partnerships with

across the nation through their charitable

educational institutions. For more than 20

giving; and create food security for families in

years, San Manuel has hosted the California

need through the tribal citizens’ donations.

Indian Cultural Awareness Conference at

The prosperity also has allowed the Tribe

CSU San Bernardino, bringing thousands of

to help itself out of the poverty that plagued

teachers and students across the region for a

them since the mid-1800s.

celebration of California’s Indigenous heritage.

And while they have come

“Caring for one

The Tribe has also partnered with San

a long way, Lynn Valbuena

Bernardino Community College District to

says words of wisdom from

another is one of the basic values

launch First Nations Experience (FNX), the

their elders are always in the

eron Marquez, Ph.D – who became

nation’s first television station dedicated

forefront of tribal citizens’

tribal Chairman in 1999 – said, “I

to Native American and World Indigenous

minds: “Never forget who you

that enabled our

took over at a moment when gaming

content. For Ramirez, FNX fills an important

are or where you came from.”

community to

was synonymous with tribe.” The successes of

need. “Conventional media have not been

gaming meant that the public saw San Manuel

inclusive of Indian Country and FNX is

Manuel are looking to the

not as a tribal government but as a casino-driven

beginning to serve a key role by improving

future as well.

enterprise.

communication among Indigenous

“Universal among tribal nations is the

communities and increasing Native

concept of seven generations. It means we

representation,” he said.

plan our growth today to positively impact

There was concern that the misrepresentation could lead to ill-informed policymakers intervening in the Tribe’s sovereignty. Under

San Manuel continues to expand its

But the people of San

survive and grow.”

generations yet to come. It also guides

Marquez’s leadership, San Manuel began a public

partnerships with institutions, including

the expansion of San Manuel’s economic

education campaign showing that they were

the Autry Museum of the American West,

development well beyond the casino,” said

first and foremost a tribal government, engaged

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV),

Ramirez.

in securing water rights, developing a fire

CSU San Bernardino, University of Redlands,

department and building their nation. Gaming

Claremont Graduate University, Arizona State

on several lucrative business ventures:

was just one of many tribal government activities.

University and Northern Arizona University.

In 2002, the San Manuel Bottled Water

According to Valbuena, the Tribe built relation-

With this in mind, the Tribe has embarked

Ramirez explained, “Education is a key

Group began production of Big Bear

ships with the local community and surrounding

building block to the future of our citizens.

Mountain Premium Spring Water. And in

cities through outreach and town hall meetings.

Every nation needs an educated citizenry to

2008, San Manuel Village opened, a mixed-

They kept communication open with neighbors so

progress in a world that is increasingly more

use commercial site two miles from the

there were no surprises. And they helped a strug-

competitive than ever before.”

reservation that is home to one of four hotels

gling city to flourish, creating economic opportuni-

owned wholly or in part by the Tribe.

residents to define us; we engaged and negated

for one another is one of the basic values that

a resort, complete with luxury pool, spa and

their claims, stood in the fire and never blinked.”

enabled our community to survive and grow,”

concert venue, ensuring prosperity for future

Much of his outreach focused not on advocating

Ramirez said.

generations.

ty for all who live and work there. Describing San Manuel’s efforts, Marquez said, “We simply refused to allow local politicians and

ltimately, tribal gaming allowed San

Today, San Manuel Casino is in the midst of

Manuel to be self-reliant again and,

its biggest venture yet: the expansion of their

in turn, to practice Yawa’. “Caring

operation to include more gaming as well as

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 31

On the Horizon

Building a Future San Manuel’s Youth Committee carries on the mission and values of the Serrano People BY TERRIA SMITH

ith an eye toward the years to

OUR MISSION To promote our culture, protect our land, and sustain our tribal government through education for the advancement of our tribe and community.

come, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians actively instills into the younger generation the Tribe’s

most important values: generosity, culture and

OUR VISION To honor our ancestors, culture and sovereignty for all generations.

leadership. And nowhere is this clearer than in the San

OUR VALUES Culture, Sovereignty, Unity, Education, and Spirituality

Manuel Youth Committee, where each meeting begins with the recitation of the mission, values and vision of the Tribe. “Serving on the Youth Committee, and all that it entails, is a way to give back to the Tribe, to repay it for the opportunities it has given me,” Youth Committee representative Nicole Fields said.

“Since there wasn’t a pow wow and the Youth

the country.

The seven members of the committee – all of

Committee couldn’t raise money like we usually do,

whom are under the age of 20 – are tasked with

we did a Halloween movie night,” Youth Committee

a winter clothing drive at the suggestion – and with

continuing and advancing San Manuel’s legacy.

representative Presley Calderon explained. “All

the help – of Destiny Manzano, another young tribal

proceeds from that event went to the Pink Ribbon

citizen.

An important part of that legacy is charitable giving. Most years, the Youth Committee raises money

Place.” The Pink Ribbon Place – a nonprofit organization

This past fall, the Youth Committee coordinated

The drive was for 1,500 fellow Native American youths living halfway across the country on the

by making crafts and selling them at their booth

in Riverside – offers support to women battling

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Reservation in South

during the annual San Manuel Pow Wow. Those

cancer and their families by providing counseling

Dakota. There the winters drop below freezing and

earnings are then donated to the charity of their

and health and wellness workshops as well as

the region receives nearly 40 inches of snowfall.

choice.

facilitating support groups.

However, pow wow was canceled in 2020 due to safety concerns surrounding COVID-19.

32 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

In addition to helping the local community, the committee helps other tribes throughout

Upon learning that the young people walk to and from school, often without adequate cold-weather gear, the Youth Committee requested donations of

Serrano language. “I think it’s really cool that we’re all learning the language,” said Nicole. “It will carry on for future generations.” At one time, there were only two people who spoke the Serrano language. Today, there are more than 70 tribal citizens who participate in the language-learning program. “I love learning about our history and our culture,” said Annabella. “When we grow older, we’ll be able to teach the language to our own grandchildren. Even now it’s becoming more common.” Along with language, leadership is passed down from generation to generation. In fact, for some of the Youth Committee, it is a part of their lineage. Some have parents who have served or currently serve on the Business Committee – the leaders elected to govern the Tribe – and others have parents who serve in other leadership capacities. And collectively, the Tribe has been a leader in Indian Country for decades. In the most fundamental sense, members of the Youth Committee are being prepared for the roles they may one day choose to take in tribal government. Here they experience how to define a common goal and work together toward the good for all. “The committee is a way for the young people to get involved,” Presley said. “It’s a way to do what’s FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Gauge Hernandez, Hawk Ramos, Annabella Hernandez, Presley Calderon, Nicole Fields NOT PICTURED: Jordan Murillo and Jayden Casas

best and what’s right.” When asked what leadership meant to him, Vice

hats, gloves, boots, winter jackets and scarves. They

work is a priority. “Continuing to stand with others

Chairperson Gauge Hernandez said, “It means to

also asked for unwrapped toys for kids of all ages to

and raise our voices together to address needs is

take action, to inspire people to change for the

bring a little joy for the holidays.

important,” she said.

better, to encourage them and the community.”

“Getting things together was very rewarding,”

Charitable giving is just one of the values the

As long as there are young people dedicated

Nicole said. “Destiny and I were able to work

Youth Committee champions. They also learn tenets

to seeing the Tribe move forward in its success,

together and get closer while we reached our

fundamental to the Serrano. One of these is cultural

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians’ future will

common goal: to help other people.”

preservation.

continue to be bright.

Through the generosity of the tribal citizens, the

“My culture and heritage are my identity, who

In the short term, Hawk said he would like to

donations filled 65 boxes, which were collected at

I am, what I stand for and my pride,” said Youth

see kids younger than him take on leadership roles

the Tribe’s Community Center and then shipped to

Committee Chairperson Hawk Ramos.

as well.

the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Reservation. Youth Committee Secretary Annabella Hernandez explained that carrying on this type of

Members of the Youth Committee take part

“I hope the next generation of our Tribe can see

in a number of activities surrounding cultural

what we’ve done and continue where we left off,”

engagement – most notably, learning their

he said.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 33

e l y t+

Fashion

N THE I

TIO C E S R TE

N OF

e c n a c i f i

n g i S

hares – and s y r o t s e h are t tells t ers who ern tha n t t ig a s p e l d a Native ancestr nds. of three n it’s an k e r h o w W estral la e c ? h n if t t a r o ir e e v m o than a ies of th es, disc the stor tif more ing pag o g w o in m ll ll a o e f t he KLEY d re When is ple. In t erns an T JOHN o t t e R a p E p B a ir f O R ing the ory – o H Y BY the hist reimagin OGRAP , T s O if t H o P m ing their reclaim

STYLED BY CHRISTIE MOELLER • HAIR & MAKEUP BY KRYSTLE RANDALL • MODEL PROVIDED BY TNG Shopping on page 94. 2 | HAMIINAT

HAMIINAT | 3

4 | HAMIINAT

6 | HAMIINAT

HAMIINAT | 7

8 | HAMIINAT

HAMIINAT | 9

All Thrill . All The Time. ®

THE APP OF ACCESS The new San Manuel Casino® App provides you with the access you need, the ease you want. VIEW YOUR LATEST ACCOUNT INFORMATION, OFFERS, AND MORE!

Access redeemable offers directly from your phone

Access current, future, and expired offers

Access Club Serrano tier points, slot points, and earned rewards

Access casino news and offers via alerts

Access to more

800-359-2464 | SANMANUEL.COM PLEASE GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY. 1-800-GAMBLER.

Together

CELEBRATE p44 PHILANTHROPY p50 PROTECT PARTNERSHIPS p60 FAMILY p66 HELLO p68

p56

Our people make us great. In this section, we tell the story of the those who helped the Yuhaaviatam over the decades – and how the Tribe repays this kindness. We also meet the first responders who safeguard our communities, the tribal citizens who celebrate our culture and the team members who help us thrive.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 43

Celebrate

HEARTBEAT People of our

ENTER INTO A THRIVING CULTURE THROUGH THE SAN MANUEL POW WOW

Rain began to fall over the San Manuel Pow Wow grounds, threatening to muddy moccasins and dampen regalia. Thunder boomed like a big drum. Dancers and bird singers left the floor to seek shelter from the downpour. > BY RICHARD ARLIN WALKER

44 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

he Serrano people had been through storms far more menacing: an unratified treaty, loss of land, displacement, the Termination Era. And yet the culture survived.

“Our land got smaller and we got pushed off,” said

Tom Ramos, who with his late cousin Cruz Chacon founded the San Manuel Pow Wow 25 years ago. “Our bears became extinct. We’ve had other things that have disappeared, other animals that are no longer here. But slowly enough – as we hear up north, the wolves are starting to make their way back – the world has a way of healing itself. It lets us know that we’re not in charge. So always keep that in mind and move forward. We’ll weather the storm.” On this day, as rain fell on San Manuel Stadium, Ramos saw something that symbolized the strength that had carried the people through those tumultuous times: an elder from Cahuilla put on her shawl and walked out into the arena. She didn’t flinch as lightning tore across the sky. She stood there as if to say, We’ve faced all the storms that have come our way and we’ve always come through. About 100 people joined her in the arena: dancers and bird singers from Cahuilla, Mohave and Kumeyaay, from Torres Martinez and the Colorado River Tribes. “We sang for almost three hours,” Ramos said. “There was a lot of power in that moment and that time. It’s something we’ll talk about for years to come.” The San Manuel Pow Wow, which takes place in October, has proved powerful in so many ways – as a showcase of Indigenous cultures, as a symbol of Indigenous resilience, as a builder of bridges between Native and non-Native communities and as a reflection of the generosity of the San Manuel people. The pow wow is free and open to the public. San Manuel feeds all dancers and singers over the course of the three-day gathering. Dancers and drum groups pay no entry fees and prize money is generous. Vendors pay no booth fees. “Some of the elders that have passed on now, one of the things they pressed upon us is to always treat other people with respect and they’ll give you respect,” Ramos said. “They told us, ‘You’re not someone looking in from the outside; you’re on the inside with everyone else. You have first-hand knowledge of what our struggles are.’ We could charge someone a fee to have a booth, but we know what they have to go through to make a dollar, so we’ve kept to the elders’ teachings.” In other words, a rising tide lifts all boats. To understand why that teaching is so important to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, one must understand just how far they’ve come.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 45

The Yuhaaviatam people lived and thrived since time immemorial throughout the highlands, passes and valleys of the San Bernardino Mountains. In the 1850s, they and other Indians in California signed a total of 18 treaties with the U.S. government, making millions of acres of land available for non-Native settlers. But the U.S. Senate failed to ratify those treaties, rendering the First Peoples – including the Yuhaaviatam – landless. In 1891, U.S. President Benjamin Harrison ordered 657 acres north of San Bernardino returned to the Yuhaaviatam people for their sole use. The reservation was named San Manuel in honor of Santos Manuel, the prominent Yuhaaviatam leader. But the U.S. government’s assault on Indigenous identity and sovereignty would continue in the century to come. Children were sent to boarding schools. Native languages and religions were banned. The U.S. government began to end its relationship with the Indigenous nations with whom it had signed treaties. A federal relocation program lured Native people away from their homelands with the promise of jobs in urban areas. The U.S. government gave the State of California the power to assume criminal and civil jurisdiction over reservations, including San Manuel.

46 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

President Richard M. Nixon ended the disastrous Termination Era policies in 1970, ushering in a new era of self-determination and self-governance. The American Indian Religious Freedom Act followed in 1978, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988. Gaming operations regulated through the 1988 Act – first bingo, then casino gaming – provided the revenue that spawned more than 30 years of economic development and investment and made the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians one of the largest employers in the Inland Empire. All told, the band employs nearly 5,000 people. Its charitable giving includes $25 million to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital; $9 million to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and $600,000 – with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians – to a relief fund established after a domestic terrorist shooting in San Bernardino that claimed 14 lives. But the annual San Manuel Pow Wow, which first took place in 1996 as the Tribe’s economic stature was growing, has had a large role in changing the

lived near but did not know. “At one point, it seemed San Bernardino was

along the way they have been diligent about teaching the culture as well.”

local narrative about who the San Manuel people are,

ashamed of who we are, ashamed that there is a

Ramos said. For thousands of people, the pow wow

reservation here. We went through many struggles

AN EM POWERING EXPERIENCE

has been a doorway into a culture that they may have

just to have bingo,” Ramos said.

Cousins Shila Chacon and Alyssa Guerrero are two

“Our pow wow has been an outreach to a lot of

beneficiaries of the elders’ teachings. They were born

people in San Bernardino and the Los Angeles region

one year before the first pow wow. They are now part of

– to let them know that San Manuel is here, that there

the team that plans, coordinates and promotes the event.

is a reservation here, that we were very poor at one

“My grandpa’s generation did a great job of

time but we found our way through that. We found

teaching all of us, because any time we had questions,

success, but we keep one foot on the ground at all

they would share their knowledge, they would teach

times. We all stick together to make our community a

us the old ways and tell us stories that they were told,”

better place.”

said Shila, daughter of the late Cruz Chacon. “I think

Highland Mayor Penny Lilburn said the pow wow has dispelled stereotypes and given the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians a platform through which

that’s kind of the only way we can do it, by doing the same thing.” Cruz Chacon and Tom Ramos were traditional

It educates people of all ages on so many levels. To see people at the pow wow want to engage with the culture is really nice to see.

they can tell their own story. “It educates people of all ages on so many levels,”

dancers in their 20s, traveling to different pow wows. San Manuel had hosted local fiestas, but not a regional

Lilburn said. “To see people at the pow wow want to

pow wow. “They felt they needed to bring that to our

engage with the culture is really nice to see.”

tribe. It was something they became very passionate

Lilburn said the pow wow is an example of the generous and welcoming spirit of the San Manuel

about,” Shila said. Shila danced jingle dress at the pow wow beginning

people. “They’re very generous and they are very

when she was three and traveled the pow wow circuit

good at giving,” she said. “They have been displaced

with her family, helping to spread the word about

and they have worked hard to get where they are, yet

San Manuel’s event. “I have memories of going to pow

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 47

wows in Santa Barbara, in Arizona and New Mexico

use our voice?’,” Shila said. “They brought it up to the

of Native military veterans carries the colors, followed

and passing out flyers,” she said.

pow wow committee. And we said, ‘You know what?

by a procession of pow wow participants in beautiful,

You’re right, let’s do it.’ That’s what it takes – being full

elaborate regalia: bird singers and fancy dancers,

largest in Southern California, with 475 dancers, 80

of your culture, being proud of your culture, always

gourd dancers and grass dancers, jingle dress

vendors and more than 20,000 visitors over three days.

willing to learn but always being willing to share.”

dancers and other northern and southern styles.

The San Manuel Pow Wow grew to be one of the

It last took place at San Manuel Stadium, home of the Inland Empire 66ers, the minor league baseball team. “I remember being eight or nine years old and being so inspired by the pow wow,” Shila said. “The fact that I’m working on it now, as I’m older, I think my

The pow wow takes place over three days: noon

place on the pow wow floor until midnight. San

Sunday.

Manuel Casino’s food and beverage service feeds

Shila and Alyssa’s ancestor, Santos Manuel, looks

younger self would be pretty happy with that. I only see it inspiring more younger people.” And so it is. In 2019, eight Serrano teens organized the Red Jingle Dress Special Dance to call attention to Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and People. Each jingle cone on each dress represented a prayer. The teens had attended a youth conference where they learned about the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and People. “They said, ‘Why don’t we do something about this issue? Why don’t we

48 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

dancers, drummers and singers at no cost all three

over the pow wow grounds from a large banner

days, although other foods can be purchased at

bearing his image. The arena is sacred ground; an

vendor booths.

elder offers a prayer and sage in a closed ceremony on

I remember being eight or nine years old and being so inspired by the pow wow. The fact that I’m working on it now, as I’m older, I think my younger self would be pretty happy with that. I only see it inspiring more younger people.

Contest, exhibition and intertribal dancing takes

to midnight Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m.

Friday. Then, at noon, the grand entry: an honor guard

Saturday draws approximately 13,000 visitors, the

Guerrero said. “It lets us get down to the core of who

most of the three days, Shila said. The day features exhibitions of gourd dancing, bird dancing and bird singing; contest, exhibition and intertribal dancing; and an audience participation dance, in which all members of the audience – Native and non-Native – are invited to go out onto the floor. Sunday, the final day of the pow wow, features exhibitions of gourd dancing, bird dancing and

we are, that we respect our culture. It’s a platform to

After attending the pow wow, people always want to come back. They tell me they felt a connection – When I hear that drum, I feel something.

bird singing; followed by contest, exhibition and

concludes with a formal spiritual closing ceremony.

about staying humble and sharing our beliefs. I feel like when you’re there, you feel the love. When you’re there, you see everyone just connecting.” Visitors have told Guerrero that they were touched by their pow wow experience and want to return. want to come back,” she said. “They tell me they felt a

the competitors to impress the judges; after the final announced and prizes awarded. The pow wow

casino and the developments we have done. It’s more

“After attending the pow wow, people always

intertribal dancing. This is the last opportunity for round, the judges’ votes are tabulated, the winners

show people who San Manuel really is, besides the

connection – When I hear that drum, I feel something. The most difficult challenge of pow wow planning: the weather. “The weather is always something that is just

And I say, you know, that drum is the heartbeat of our people. That is a feeling that you have to be there to experience.”

Guerrero said planning for next year’s pow wow

crazy,” Guerrero said. “We’ve had rain, we’ve had

begins as soon as the current pow wow is wrapped

fire, we’ve had floods and storms and winds. Two

Native people are still out there singing, are still

up. The planning committee meets throughout the

years ago, we had to postpone because the winds

living their culture. A lot of people think there are no

year: vendors are confirmed, food and beverage

were so bad. The weather is so unpredictable. The

Natives out here. So when a non-Native person attends

services are reserved and volunteers are scheduled.

day before it will be so beautiful and nice, then

the pow wow, they get a whole new perspective of

Most volunteers are students from California State

– whoa – something happened. That’s always a

Native people and respect for our culture.”

University, San Bernardino.

challenge.”

Much of the pow wow set-up is seamless. “We’ve

“And the singing – a lot of people don’t realize

Shila Chacon added, “Native history and culture are not taught in schools. Going to pow wows definitely

used the same vendor, a party rental place, for years,

H EARTBEAT OF OUR PEOPLE

opens up visitors’ eyes and normalizes a culture that

so they already know what to do – where to place the

Many people in Highland and San Bernardino have

isn’t normal to them.

tents, where to place the booths,” Guerrero said. “We

visited or worked in a San Manuel business, or have

use the same crew and everyone knows what to do.

a relative or friend who has. But it’s the pow wow,

keeping the culture alive. By hosting pow wows, we’re

You don’t have to go over it again. They’re like, ‘I got

Guerrero said, that represents who the people are.

bringing people in. In a sense, it’s like reclaiming our

you,’ and everything’s there.”

The pow wow “is more than just an event,”

It definitely shows that we’re still here, we’re

land and reclaiming our culture.”

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 49

Philanthropy

LIFTING ONE ANOTHER UP HOW THE SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS AND LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY HEALTH HELP EACH OTHER AND THEIR COMMUNITY THRIVE – FROM THE 1900S INTO THE MODERN ERA BY MATT JACOB

ere’s the thing about long-lasting relationships – particularly those that span more than a century; with milestone events dotting a neverending linear continuum, it becomes increasingly difficult to pinpoint just one and say with absolute certainty, that’s the most significant. Such is the case with the unique partnership between the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and Loma Linda University Health, two

historic institutions separated by roughly 10 miles in Southern California’s Inland Empire. Sure, you could go back to the very beginning, when an obstetrician whose unyielding compassion and determination to care for those who couldn’t care for themselves first linked the two entities in the early 1900s. Or you could land on the complete opposite end of the spectrum and focus on recent philanthropic gifts that have resulted in the San Manuel name being attached to multiple Loma Linda University Health buildings and initiatives. Without question, this relationship wouldn’t be what it is today if not for those bookend milestones. And yet, when you widen the lens and take a broader view, you begin to realize the reason this particular partnership has endured has nothing to do with a single moment or achievement. Rather, it’s likeminded philosophies that have shaped the core values of both the San Manuel Tribe and the Loma Linda University Health community, guiding them along separate but parallel paths for multiple generations.

50 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

YAWA’ LIGHTS THE WAY

the medical school’s faculty. Initially, George’s wife and fellow physician,

lacked electricity. Besides her medical bag, George

Long before a spectacular, Las Vegas-

Lyra George, remained in Tennessee

brought along students from both the

style casino became the focal point

with the couple’s three children. But as

nursing and medical schools. Those

of the San Manuel Reservation (and a

the hospital’s need for an obstetrician

students assisted with patient care,

symbol of economic independence),

grew, Dr. Lyra George soon joined her

and in the process received important

the Tribe and its people experienced

husband in Loma Linda.

hands-on experience. These visits

She had two primary duties:

hardships so significant that surviving

continued for nearly two decades,

from one day to the next was a primary

administer anesthesia for her husband

during which time George’s mode

goal. Despite this ongoing adversity,

(who was a surgeon) and care for

of transportation eventually shifted

the Tribe held firm to the concept of

expectant mothers. But when she

from literal horsepower to figurative

Yawa’, which comes from Serrano

learned of a nearby Tribe of Serrano

horsepower. After gaining access to a

Indian language and means “to act on

Indians, one that lacked access to

car, she would drive to the reservation

one’s beliefs.”

substantial medical care, Lyra George

and deliver babies under much better lighting conditions, thanks to a mechanism rigged to the car’s battery. “When I was a kid, my grandmother

“There are many traditional values that I learned growing up on the reservation, and one that has been a thread through multiple generations is Yawa’”

Dr. Lyra George and her husband Dr. William “Wil” later in life.

and my Aunt Pauline always talked about Dr. Lyra and how she would

founded as a faith-based institution,

come out to the reservation and deliver

which was to make man whole.

babies,” said San Manuel tribal citizen

“When we see patients, it’s not just

Alaina Mathews, Ramirez’s sister. “This

about caring for them physically,”

leapt into action – or, more accurately

wasn’t anything the Tribe solicited. It

said Randy Possinger, Executive

that I learned growing up on the

galloped. Traversing more than 10

was simply a genuine desire to care for

Director for Philanthropy at Loma

reservation, and one that has been a

miles by horseback across the valley,

our people, and it’s something the Tribe

Linda University Health. “It’s also

thread through multiple generations

she regularly visited the San Manuel

and its leaders never forgot.”

about helping them from a holistic

is Yawa’,” said Ken Ramirez, Chairman

Indian Reservation to tend to pregnant

of the San Manuel Band of Mission

women and provide additional medical

“There are many traditional values

care, often delivering babies by

Indians. “This concept is the

candlelight or lantern

clearest statement that

because the reservation

the Yuhaaviatam

Unwittingly, George and her nursing

perspective – mentally, spiritually,

and medical students were following

physically – so they can have the best

the tenets of Yawa’. They also were

possible quality of life.”

following a core mission that has defined Loma Linda University Health,

In other words, “to make man whole” is to Loma Linda University Health

were people of action. That is, it’s not enough to just hold beliefs; you must act on those beliefs.” Today, Yawa’ informs all of San Manuel’s philanthropic efforts. But around the turn of the 20th century, with the Tribe struggling, it had to rely on others “to act on one’s beliefs” for basic survival.

the site of a failed resort hotel in what was then desolate San Bernardino, Loma Linda University Health opened its doors to care for patients and train healthcare professionals. Nursing was the first professional school, with the medical school following shortly after in 1909. Two years later, Dr. William George moved West from Nashville to join

A.K. Smiley Public Library, Gerald Smith Collection

Enter what was then known as Loma Linda Sanitarium. Founded in 1905 on

Above left: Dr. Lyra George would ride by horseback to care for tribal citizens. Below right: Santos Manuel, Jesusa Manuel, Lela Crispeen, mother of Jususa.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 51

what Yawa’ is to the San Manuel Tribe. “It’s basically the same thing, just in different languages,” said Dr. Richard Hart, President of Loma Linda University Health since 2008. “It’s that steadfast commitment to service that bonds the San Manuel Tribe and Loma Linda University Health. “Through most of our shared history, the Tribe was the recipient of our services, with Dr. Lyra George being the most telling example. But in the last twenty years or so, as San Manuel has moved into the donor world, the relationship has become very reciprocal, and the obvious parallelism of our journeys has become so clear.”

‘THIS IS OUR HOME’ Looking back at the empathy Dr. Lyra George had for the San Manuel Tribe – and the overall good work Loma Linda University Health did in pursuit of its goal “to make man whole” – it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that the institution had its fair share of growing pains. “We actually came from very humble beginnings, encountering a lot of challenges early on,” Possinger said. “It was the strong leadership of a few people who got us to where we are today. Same thing is true about San Manuel: humble beginnings, strong leadership and a commitment to

Above left: Artwork presented to Tribe, signifying a hopeful future created by a San Manuel Gateway College education. Above right: Tribal Bird Singers perform at San Manuel Gateway College groundbreaking ceremony.

community.” For Loma Linda University Health,

three decades until 1995, when Loma

care, medical education, community involvement and economic diversification.

that commitment reached new

Linda University Health gained access

Just as importantly, Loma Linda University Health’s growth has coincided with

heights in the late 1960s with the

to a 43,000-square-foot facility on

that of the area it serves, as the Inland Empire’s population now exceeds 4 million.

launch of Social Action Corps (SAC).

6.5 acres at Norton Air Force Base,

The brainchild of concerned medical

which had closed the previous year.

students, SAC provided quality

Upon moving into the new location,

healthcare to local underserved

Social Action Corps was rebranded as

citizens, including migrant workers

the Social Action Community Health

and Native Americans. Students

System (SACHS), which today sees as

volunteered in the evenings at

many as 200,000 patient visits annually.

makeshift clinics (including one in the

Of course, SACHS is hardly the only

Among the eye-popping statistics: • More than 100 education programs offered in a university setting that features eight healthcare schools, a combined 4,500 students and nearly 800 physician residents/fellows from around the globe • Nearly 1,000 physicians in virtually every specialty and spread across six hospitals, including a comprehensive Cancer Center and the only Children’s

basement of a Salvation Army church),

chapter in a success story that – given

Hospital and Level 1 adult and children’s Trauma Center between Los Angeles

offering free health services to those

those humble beginnings – almost

and Phoenix

who couldn’t afford care through

reads like fiction. In fact, over the past

traditional means.

half century Loma Linda University

This outreach continued for nearly

52 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Health has set the standard for medical

• More than 1,000 hospital beds, which regularly serve patients from as far west as L.A., as far east as Arizona and as far north as Southern Nevada

PossAbilities, an outreach program

space at the former Norton Air Force

Loma Linda University Health

Base, the decision was made to build a

launched in 2000 to provide support

new facility in San Bernardino. As the

and resources to those with permanent

discussion advanced to consider how a

physical or intellectual disabilities.

new building could benefit the region

To date, nearly 7,000 individuals

beyond just medical care for the less

(including almost 1,000 veterans) have

fortunate, the outside-the-box thinking

benefitted from the program.

began.

The Tribe also was an early and

Chairman Ken Ramirez shares about the partnership with Loma Linda University Health at the San Manuel Gateway College groundbreaking ceremony.

“We had decided to commit to San

consistent philanthropic supporter

Bernardino, which at the time was a

of Loma Linda’s Children’s Hospital,

bankrupt city, and the question came

as well as its Cancer Center. In fact,

up, ‘What does San Bernardino really

in 2010, the Tribe raised the bar

need?’” Hart recalled. “Health care

with a $3 million gift earmarked

was absolutely essential, but by itself, it doesn’t break a city out of poverty. What was needed were meaningful

“This is our home; it’s where we started,” Possinger said. “So we’re deeply invested in the growth and success of those who share that home with us. It’s our mission to help our

jobs. At that point we thought, ‘Why

“We actually came from very humble beginnings, encountering a lot of challenges early on. It was the strong leadership of a few people who got us to where we are today.”

citizens have the best possible quality of life.”

don’t we add a third floor to this building for a Gateway College that would provide actual job-entry skills to high school graduates in and around San Bernardino?’”

to make meaningful charitable gifts is

for the San Manuel Band of Mission

After crunching the numbers, Hart

recent,” Ramirez said. “Following the

Indians Medical Oncology Center and

knew he’d need significant financial

Manuel Band of Mission Indians can

establishment of the bingo hall, one of

Biospecimen Laboratory. The facility

support to take the Gateway College

certainly identify.

our earliest gifts was a major donation

within the Cancer Center supports

from concept to reality, so he reached

to the Ronald McDonald House, which

patient oncology services and research

out to his friends at San Manuel. After

serves Loma Linda’s patients. From

while ensuring that comprehensive

an initial presentation and a brief

there, our approach to developing a

treatments are available for all types

follow-up, the Tribe committed $10

If there truly is one specific milestone

commitment to Loma Linda University

of cancer.

million to the project, and the San

for the San Manuel Tribe that

Health was incremental; as our

surpasses all others in terms of

businesses grew, so did our ability to

century dawned, the Tribe’s revenue

significance, it would have to be a date

make substantial gifts.”

streams continued to expand, as did its

“They recognized the value of our

It’s a mission with which the San

OFFERING A HELPING HAND

As the second decade of the 21st

Manuel Gateway College was born. “It was not a tough sell,” Hart said.

on the calendar: July 21, 1986. That’s the

Substantial is putting it mildly.

commitment to its longtime partner.

long-time partnership. Plus, they

day San Manuel – following a seven-

In addition to the contribution

Case in point: When Hart and his team

realized that young tribal citizens, as

year legal battle – opened its bingo

to the Ronald McDonald House, San

determined about 10 years ago that

well as other kids in the surrounding

hall, thus beginning the Tribe’s march

Manuel was a founding sponsor of

the SACHS clinic had outgrown its

community, stood to benefit greatly.

toward economic prosperity. The bingo parlor was the precursor to a card room, which opened in 1994 and was followed in 2005 by the casino. As their financial standing improved, tribal leaders remained committed to the principles of Yawa’. And when it came time to put together a list of community partners with whom to spread some of their newfound wealth, those leaders couldn’t help but conjure the image of Dr. Lyra George trekking to the reservation on horseback to bring new tribal citizens into the world. Naturally, Loma Linda University Health shot to the top of that list. “While the Tribe’s relationship with Loma Linda University Health dates back well over a century, our capacity

Presentation of $25 million gift for the new Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital San Manuel Maternity Pavilion.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 53

Their donation was a prime example of Yawa’ in action.” Since the San Manuel Gateway College opened in 2014, nearly 320 students have earned certificates in seven programs, including medical assistant, pharmaceutical technology, certified nursing assistant, surgical technologist and community health worker. Some 90 percent of those students are currently working in the healthcare industry or have gone on to pursue a higher-education degree in healthcare. “Almost every student who comes out of one of these programs and doesn’t go on to college walks right into a well-paying job in the health field,” Hart said. “That’s significant, because the sociological data suggests that if you can employ one person from an impoverished family, it leverages the whole family out of poverty. That was one of our goals, and that’s exactly what appears to be happening.”

COMING FULL CIRCLE The concepts of Yawa’ and “make man whole” converged once more, with

The Maternity Pavilion, which

So not only is the $25 million gift the

Mathews said. “It’s why we’re so proud

a bit of a historical twist. At the 2019

encompasses the entire fifth floor

largest San Manuel has ever bestowed,

and fortunate to support Loma Linda

Children’s Hospital Foundation Gala,

of the hospital, features the latest

but as Possinger noted, it’s “literally a

University Health. Together, we’re

the San Manuel Tribe announced a

and greatest technology, which is

lifesaver.”

lifting up not just our people but this

$25 million donation to establish the

key because it’s anticipated that 50

San Manuel Maternity Pavilion at

percent of the pavilion’s patients will

Loma Linda University Health’s newest

be expectant mothers dealing with

hospital facility, which is slated to open

at-risk pregnancies and/or newborns

began with Dr. Lyra George delivering

and a shared history that dates back

this summer.

who need immediate neonatal care.

babies for the Tribe,” Hart said. “And

more than a century, San Manuel and

it has come completely full circle to

Loma Linda University Health are

having a maternity pavilion funded by

determined to spend the next several

San Manuel in our new hospital.”

decades strengthening their bond –

And that’s where the historical twist comes in. “Our relationship with San Manuel

Of course, the connection between Loma Linda University Health and the San Manuel Tribe goes far beyond

54 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

The best part? This is just the beginning. Guided by mutual principles

and adding more milestones to that linear continuum. “San Manuel, by far, is the most

philanthropy. For instance, Ramirez

generous Tribe in North America,” Hart

sits on both the SACHS and President’s

said. “And it goes without saying that

Advisory boards. Also, the Loma

we’ve directly benefitted from their

Linda University Children’s Hospital

generosity. But we’ve also benefitted

Foundation Board of Directors is

from our parallel missions to serve the

comprised of multiple tribal citizens,

community. This is much more than

including Ramirez’s sister, Alaina

a donor-recipient relationship; it’s a

Mathews.

true partnership. Which is why we’re

“As a Tribe, it’s so important that we Above right: New Loma Linda University Health hospital towers that will house the San Manuel Maternity Pavilion. Below Left: Ribbon cutting ceremony for the San Manuel Gateway College.

entire community.”

committed to working together for

not only look out for the well-being of

years to come to ensure the health and

our citizens, but also our neighbors,”

welfare of our citizens.”

Relax in a boutique hotel nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains.

www.bearspringshotel.com • 27959 Highland Ave., Highland, CA 92346 • 833-258-4745

P L E H Protect

e r e H s

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians had trouble getting emergency services to show up on time, so they built their own. Meet the people who did it. By Geoff Carter

efore the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians established its own emergency services in 2003 – an ambitious effort that included not only the creation of firefighting and emergency medical services, but law enforcement as well – its citizens had to meet help halfway. “Emergency vehicles would not come onto the reservation,” said Tom Ramos, Senior Vice President of Tribal Community Services. He got firsthand experience of that failing one night, when his mother took ill: “Even though our house was right there, the first house on the reservation, we had to carry her to the ambulance. And other tribal citizens had to get rides, as sick as they were, before the ambulance would take them.”

56 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Ramos began working on the Smoking Eagles BIA Wildland Firefighting Hand Crew. His hard work eventually contributed, along with Cruz Chacon, to the founding of the San Manuel Fire Department – an effort spearheaded by Chris Duro – and the recruiting of City of Highland firefighter Michael Smith, who serves as the Tribe’s Fire Chief to this day. Ramos, Chacon and Duro are all San Manuel tribal citizens. The timing couldn’t be better. When the San Manuel Fire Department was still in its infancy, it literally had a trial by fire with the 91,000-acre Old Fire of 2003. The members of the department jumped into action immediately, protecting

to provide help wherever they’re needed.

“There’s a lot of growth and expansion here. This Tribe is very visionary; they’re thinking years down the road, generations down the road. My goal is to constantly keep up.”

the Tribe and the surrounding areas.

Left: Anthony Baguyo

to it. In addition to his firefighting experience, Ramos worked as a reserve police officer at San Bernardino City Unified School District Police Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in the city of Highland as well as in the Specialized Enforcement Division. Chief Smith is a seasoned firefighter and volunteer air paramedic who aided in September 11 recovery efforts, and whose work was recognized by President Obama in 2012. And Chief Physical Security Officer Steven Gomez is a consummate law enforcement officer

The Old Fire ultimately destroyed nearly a thousand homes elsewhere, but thanks to the

Part of the reason for the department’s success is the wealth of experience its overseers bring

who’s worked with the IRS, LAPD, FBI and Joint Gradually the department expanded its range

Terrorism Task Forces, has assisted ABC News

department’s efforts, each of the reservation’s

of services and today, it’s not at all uncommon for

with law enforcement stories and even operated

homes was spared even though the fire burned

this Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 1-rated

his own security consulting firm. These three

through the entire reservation. At an absolutely

department – a rating that places it among the

professionals spoke to us about the challenge

critical moment, when the prevailing wind aimed

top 1 percent of fire departments in the nation, in

of protecting San Manuel’s citizens, homes and

disaster directly at the Tribe, San Manuel finally

terms of training, fire prevention and emergency

casino, and how they created a top-rated fire and

had the steadfast protection it had long needed.

response – to venture far beyond the reservation

public safety department from the ground up.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 57

Chief Smith, you responded to calls on the San Manuel Reservation before taking this job. What were those calls like? SMITH: We had great people coming up here,

and very highly skilled professionals; they were just coming from far away. The gold standard for emergency response is to be on scene within five minutes. Fires double in size and cardiac arrest survival rates drop by ten percent every sixty seconds. A fire engine coming from five minutes away is dealing with a far different scenario than somebody coming from twelve, fourteen minutes away, which was the case before.

How difficult was it to start a department from scratch? SMITH: I’ve been in emergency services since 1988

and I don’t know a single person who’s started a fire department. I mean, buildings and fleet and people and policies and procedures and training... You know the analogy of rebuilding the airplane while you’re flying it? We had to build the airplane from scratch while we were in the air.

What kind of emergencies constitute the bulk of calls the department receives? RAMOS: On the reservation, the majority of our

calls tend to be about our animals and wildlife, some speeding calls, medical aid from time to time. Because we’re a small community we’re able to concentrate on our elders; the fire department knows where our elders are, public safety knows where our elders are. If a call for medical aid comes from one of those areas, response is immediate. SMITH: About eighty percent of our calls for the

casino are medical in nature, stemming from the thousands of annual visitors. And all our units are paramedic-level staff. The other twenty percent run the gamut, from trash campfires to house fires to traffic collisions to rescues… In terms of jurisdiction, about sixty-six percent of our calls are on the reservation, and the other third are off the reservation, assisting our neighbors. GOMEZ: We’re always concerned about unautho-

rized individuals trying to get onto the reservation. Sometimes, though, we’ll get somebody who was paragliding and they just missed their landing spot! My approach here at San Manuel has been for us to be proactive and prevention oriented. We want to prevent an incident from happening to begin with. We want to make sure the public sees a uniformed presence guarding, protecting and prepared to deal with any kind of incident.

58 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

From left to right: Steve Gomez, Tom Ramos, Mike Smith

Chief Officer Gomez, you come here from a

GOMEZ: Those mutual-aid agreements are very

deep law enforcement background. Has this job

important, because it’s a two-way street. If we had

taught you anything you didn’t know before?

a situation here on the reservation or at one of our

GOMEZ: Before COVID-19 we were thinking about

properties, those mutual-aid agreements help bring

developing a department of public health, but once the pandemic hit, it was clearly something we needed to build right away. Infectious diseases was

resources to help us, and vice versa. We always want

“We’re going to continue to be ready for those low-frequency, high-impact events.”

to be a good partner.

This department has served San Manuel for Do tribal citizens often come to the San Manuel

nearly twenty years. Where do you hope to

the FBI’s WMD program: biological attacks. But now

Fire Department, asking if they can be involved?

see it twenty years from now?

I’ve been able to dive into public health.

RAMOS: When I first came on board with public

GOMEZ: There’s a lot of growth and expansion

something I was familiar with from the standpoint of

safety, there were no tribal citizens anywhere.

here. This Tribe is very visionary; they’re thinking

Southern California has seen a lot of

We started immediately working on getting some

years down the road, generations down the road.

destructive fires in recent years. How often are

internships available for them.

My goal is to constantly keep up.

SMITH: The Explorer Program – it’s not unique

SMITH: I always say we have three seasons: fire,

to San Manuel, actually; a lot of departments have

earthquake and flood! We’re going to continue to

them – is a youth program, age fourteen through

be ready for those low-frequency, high-impact

twenty-one, that allows young people to get involved.

events. We’re going to grow our team to be able

Lots of our Explorers go on to become professional

to maintain that high level of expectation. And

firefighters, but from my perspective, the larger

twenty years from now, we’ll still be responding

objective is teaching life skills: learning to be

off the reservation every day with our brothers

accountable to a team, to show up on time, learning to

and sisters there, because that’s instrumental to

interview, finding mentors. These are skills that are

the relationships we need to be able to meet any

translatable to any career field.

hazard.

you called to provide help in other jurisdictions, and what do you send? SMITH: California has a best-in-the-world model

mutual-aid system. They’re really good about asking you for the right resource. So, it really depends on what resource they need. If it’s a wildland fire, they get a brush engine, but if it’s a wildland fire threatening structures, they may get a structure engine. Essentially, they’re going to get the best resources we have.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 59

“

Your dream is something you should treasure – don’t ever give it up.

60 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Partnerships

From farm work to the highest recognition in professional football, a look at how Tom Flores – who served as Raiders head coach, assistant coach and quarterback – pushed through obstacles, and made history. By Matt Jacob

om Flores waited for that knock, the thunderous knock that lands on the hotel-room doors of a select few legends of professional football the day before the Super Bowl. As an owner of four Super Bowl rings – one as a player, one as an assistant coach and two as a head coach – Tom Flores had long been hoping to hear that knock. And in February 2019, when the Raiders legend traveled to Atlanta as a first-time Hall of Fame finalist, he hoped the moment had finally come. But as he and his wife, Barbara, waited in their hotel room, Flores heard his familiar cellphone ringtone. Cautious optimism gave way to crushing disappointment: The call was from David Baker, that 6-foot-9, nearly 400-pound mountain of a man and president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame who is responsible for knocking on the doors of newly elected Hall of Famers…and making solemn phone calls to finalists who come up short. Twelve months later, Flores again made the short list of potential inductees. And again, he got a call from Baker. Fast-forward to 2021. Flores is a finalist for a third consecutive year, but because of restrictions related to COVID-19, there would be no gathering at the Super Bowl site in Tampa. Instead, Baker would call every finalist. As decision day neared in late January, Tom and Barbara were relaxing at their home in Indian Wells, California, when they heard a heavy knock at the door. Tom was working at his desk, so Barbara went to the door and was stunned to see Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis and David Baker standing on her porch. Not wanting to spoil the surprise, she played it coy. “Tom? It’s for you,” she called. “I thought that was odd,” Flores said. “I got up, walked around the corner, looked at the front door and saw David Baker, who is pretty hard to miss. That’s when I knew I made it. I really made it.” Obviously, getting elected to the Hall of Fame – any Hall of Fame – is monumental and a thrill of a lifetime. But this particular induction? It’s more than that. It’s unprecedented. It’s culturally historic. It’s a case study in perseverance and one’s ability to overcome tremendous odds. To understand why this is true requires an understanding of who Tom Flores is. And how he got here.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 61

ong before learning he’d finally achieved football immortality, and long before he made history as the first Latino to start at

quarterback for a professional football team (the Oakland Raiders), the first minority to win a Super Bowl and the first Latino to be named general manager of an NFL team (the Seattle Seahawks), Tómas Flores, Jr. grew up in a modest dwelling in central California farm country. Actually, modest is an understatement: his home lacked indoor plumbing, so the bathroom was an outhouse. Desperate to secure a piece of the American dream, Flores’ parents – Tómas, Sr., a Mexican immigrant, and Nellie, a U.S. citizen – worked tirelessly in the 1930s tending fields in the small farming town of Del Rey in California’s San Joaquin Valley. As day laborers, they picked whatever grew out of the ground (cotton), on a tree (peaches, apricots) or on a vine (all varieties of grapes), getting paid for every box they filled. Over time, Tómas, Sr. and Nellie were joined in the fields by two young assistants: their sons Tómas, Jr. and Bob. Although, as he glances back eight decades, playing than assisting. “We’d take all day to pick one box of fruit. Really, we were just trying to behave while Mom and Dad did all the work.” It’s understandable that Flores wasn’t the most dedicated worker; he was, after all, just five years old. That changed, however, as Flores matured and

Tom Flores admits he and his brother did more

absorbed an invaluable life lesson. “One thing we The two started playing catch, and Flores – blessed

learned at a young age was that it was OK to work –

After the war ended, the family left Del Rey

roll up your sleeves, go to work and get the job done.

and moved about five miles north to the town of

with large hands – discovered he could throw the

It was that way for a lot of our peers. It was our way

Sanger. It was here where Flores spent his formative

pigskin with ease. And throw it deep. And on target.

of life.”

years – and where one day, on the playground of

Soon, he learned the basic rules, and upon reaching

One thing we learned at a young age was that it was OK to work – roll up your sleeves, go to work and get the job done.

middle school, he played organized flag football. Still, as he neared high school, Flores was certain his athletic path would lead him to the basketball court or baseball field. The sporting gods had other ideas. “Turns out I was better at football than the other

his elementary school, he would pick up a semi-flat

two sports,” he said. “I always had a strong arm; I

strong work ethic, it wasn’t as difficult as it could’ve

oblong rubber ball. He didn’t know it at the time,

could throw the ball accurately and with anticipation.

been. “We never were homeless, we never went

couldn’t have known, but that weird-looking ball

At each level, as the game got more sophisticated, it

hungry and we always had clothes on our backs,”

would change the course of his adult life.

became more fun.”

That life wasn’t easy. But thanks to his parents’

Flores said. In the early 1940s, the family’s living situation finally improved, and the Flores family moved into a home on the ranch where they worked. Soon after came a financial hand up when the ranch’s owner let Flores’ father and grandfather sharecrop on his

During his first two years at Sanger High School, t’s not that Flores was unfamiliar with sports – in

Flores played quarterback on the junior varsity

fact, he grew up loving baseball, which at the time

team before being promoted to varsity as a junior.

was America’s pastime. He played softball as a

However, most of his playing time that year came on

youth and later developed an affinity for basketball. Football, though? It was as foreign to him as a $100

defense. That changed during his senior season, when

land. “They were able to make good money,” Flores

bill. So when his eyes spotted that deflated ball in the

Flores earned the starting quarterback job. From

recalled. “Mr. Gio Vaccino, he owned the ranch.

schoolyard, he picked it up and curiosity ensued.

there it was off to nearby Fresno City College, where

He was a man of few words, but we knew he was important to us.”

62 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

“I asked my friend, ‘What is this?’ And he said, ‘It’s a football.’ I said, ‘What do you do with it?’”

he played so well in 1955 and 1956 that he earned a scholarship to what is now known as the University of

In need of players, one of the fledgling league’s charter members, the Oakland Raiders, offered Flores a tryout. Before accepting, Flores tested out his shoulder, then sought his doctor’s opinion. The verdict: The shoulder was getting stronger. Flores accepted the Raiders’ invitation – over the objection of his mother, who wanted him to move on with his life. “My mom cried because I turned down a job teaching and coaching in Fresno close to home,”

Woodson as members of the Pro Football

Flores recalled. “I said, ‘Mom, I’ve got the rest of my

Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021. The Raiders

life to work. I don’t owe anybody any money, I don’t

now have 28 former players, coaches, and

own a car. Let me try this and see what happens.’”

executives enshrined in the Hall of Fame:

When he arrived in Oakland, Flores laced up his cleats and trotted onto the field – along with 10 other

Ron Mix, tackle (1979)

quarterbacks who were summoned for the tryout.

Jim Otto, center (1980)

“At first, my heart sank. I thought, ‘Look at all these guys!’” Flores said. “Then I saw them throw, and I was

Willie Brown, cornerback (1984)

couldn’t hit the ground.”

Gene Upshaw, guard (1987)

field for their very first regular-season AFL game. Their opponent: the Houston Oilers. Their starting quarterback: 23-year-old Tom Flores.

Mike Haynes, cornerback (1997)

“Never dawned on me,” he said. “I was just happy to have a job doing what I loved.” He would continue doing what he loved for each of the AFL’s 10 seasons, passing for nearly 12,000 yards and 93 touchdowns while appearing in 106 games

Eric Dickerson, running back (1999) Howie Long, defensive end (2000) Ronnie Lott, cornerback/safety (2000) Dave Casper, tight end (2002) Marcus Allen, running back (2003)

with the Raiders (1960-66), Buffalo Bills (1967-69) and

James Lofton, wide receiver (2003)

Kansas City Chiefs (1969).

Bob Brown, tackle (2004)

As Kansas City’s third-string quarterback, Flores

career. It was a rocky start, to say the least: After a

appeared in just two games and threw only five

failed tryout with the Canadian Football League’s

passes. Nonetheless, it was a magical season that

Calgary Stampeders, Flores returned home to have

ended with a victory over the Minnesota Vikings in

surgery on his ailing throwing shoulder. Another

Super Bowl IV.

tryout in 1959, this one with the NFL’s franchise in

Ted Hendricks, linebacker (1990)

Latino had ever played quarterback in a professional on everyone – including Flores.

– and then set his sights on a professional football

Art Shell, tackle (1989)

Al Davis, owner/head coach/assistant coach/ league commissioner (1992)

football game. At the time, though, that fact was lost

the first member of his family to earn a college degree

Fred Biletnikoff, wide receiver (1988)

in part because of Flores’ heritage: Previously, no

A half-century later, that game is noteworthy

Flores graduated from Pacific in 1958 – becoming

George Blanda, quarterback/kicker (1981)

like, ‘Oh man, this is going to be easy!’ Most of them On September 11, 1960, the Raiders took the

the Pacific in Stockton, California.

Tom Flores joins Raiders great Charles

After that game, the upstart AFL merged with the

John Madden, assistant coach/ head coach (2006) Rod Woodson, cornerback/safety/ kick returner (2009) Jerry Rice, wide receiver (2010)

Washington, D.C., was also unsuccessful (in part

NFL, and Flores spent the rest of 1970 trying to latch

Warren Sapp, defensive tackle (2013)

because his shoulder hadn’t fully healed).

on with another team. When that never happened, he

Ray Guy, punter (2014)

“Well,” Flores thought, “that’s it. I’m done.”

was forced to confront reality: at age 33, his playing

Following each tryout, Flores was summoned by

days were over. And with a wife and three kids to

Tim Brown, wide receiver/ kick returner (2015)

his former college coach to assist with the school’s freshman team, which he did in 1958 and 1959. He also started studying for his Master’s degree and figured he was headed for a career as a teacher, while also keeping one foot in the locker room, playing for the

support, it was time to figure out a second act.

Ron Wolf, executive (2015)

s the 1950s drew to a close, Tom Flores had

Ken Stabler, quarterback (2016)

flopped in two tryouts with two different

Randy Moss, wide receiver (2018)

pro leagues, his shoulder appeared to be

Tom Flores, quarterback/assistant coach/ head coach (2021)

semi-pro Bakersfield Spoilers, which supplemented

shot and he was on the verge of leaving the field for

his income to the tune of $100 per game. Then came

good. Yet, a decade later, he had a sparkling Super

news that a bunch of wealthy businessmen, in hopes

Bowl ring and the historic distinction of being one of

of competing with the NFL, were launching the

only 20 men who played in the AFL for the league’s

American Football League in 1960.

entire existence.

Charles Woodson, cornerback/safety (2021)

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 63

So when he found himself at yet another career crossroads, there wasn’t much doubt that whatever path he chose, Flores would find a way to be successful. Just one problem: He had no clue what he wanted to do. The only thing he knew was that, somehow, some way, football would be involved. “I had to find a way to stay in the game,” he said, “even if it was selling programs.” One of his former teams, the Bills, provided Flores that opportunity when they hired him as quarterbacks coach in 1971. After an abysmal 1-13 season in Buffalo, Flores packed up his family and returned to where it all began: Oakland. The first quarterback in Raiders history now was the club’s wide receivers coach. Flores held that position for seven seasons, during which time the Raiders won at least nine games each year. That includes a 13-1 record in 1976, when Oakland blew out the Vikings in Super Bowl XI to capture the organization’s first title (and give Flores his second Super Bowl ring). Following the 1978 campaign, Flores’ boss (and future Pro Football Hall of Famer) John Madden resigned as head coach. Given his longtime ties to the organization, his familiarity with Madden’s system and his close relationship with Al Davis, Flores seemed like the logical replacement. First, though, he underwent a thorough interview process. “I had three interviews, and I felt confident after the first one,” Flores said. “But Al brought me back again and again. At one point, I said to my son, ‘Why is he treating me this way?’ He wanted to see what I was like under pressure, so he made me jump through all the hoops.” When Davis made the hire official, Flores once again made history, becoming one of the first Latinos to land an NFL head coaching job. Two seasons later, more history: Flores guided the 1980 Raiders to four consecutive playoff victories, culminating with a rout of the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XV. With that win, Flores became the first to win a Super Bowl as a player, assistant coach and head coach – and the first minority head coach to capture an NFL title. Three seasons later, with the Raiders now playing in Los Angeles, Flores did it one more time, leading his troops to a blowout victory over Washington in Super Bowl XVIII. That farm workers’ son, whose early years were spent living in a home without indoor plumbing, who had no clue what a football was the first time he picked one up, who thought his professional football career was over before it started and who came this close to becoming a teacher? He now had four Super Bowl rings.

64 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

who picked fruit to help his family make ends meet,

“I remember being on the sideline in New Orleans in Super Bowl XV against the Eagles,” Flores said. “And as the game was winding down, Sam Boghosian, my offensive line coach who grew up in the Fresno area and shared a similar background, came up to me and said, ‘Not bad for a couple of grape pickers, huh?’ And I said, ‘Yep, yep – not bad at all.’”

lores served as head coach of the Raiders for nine seasons, compiling an 83-50 record (those 83 victories still rank

first seven seasons at the helm, the Raiders went 70-35, made five playoff appearances and won those two Super Bowls by the combined score of 65-19. As field general of the Silver and Black, his .727 winning percentage in 11 postseason contests (8-3) ranks second only to Vince

second to Madden in franchise history). In Flores’

Lombardi (9-1, .900). Following the 1987 season, Flores left the

who have been along for the entire ride; about all the

sidelines and moved upstairs to the Raiders’ front

former teammates he played with and former players

office. A year later, the Seahawks named Flores

he coached; about his numerous friends, fans and the

their president and general manager, making

numerous communities that he has impacted through

him the first Latino to start a pro football game at

his charitable and philanthropic work.

quarterback and be an NFL general manager. Add the four Super Bowl rings to those historic

You can be sure all of them will be on his mind and in his heart when Flores travels to Canton, Ohio, on August

achievements, and it appeared to many that

8 and receives his gold jacket and bronze bust and is

Flores – who also spent 21 seasons as an analyst

officially enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

on Raiders radio and preseason broadcasts – had compiled a Hall of Fame-worthy résumé. Yet as the decades passed, his name rarely came

“There are a lot of people who have enjoyed this moment,” Flores said. “The congratulations have come from all over the country, and it’s heartfelt. It’s really

It’s really gratifying when you have so many people who are truly happy for you. It’s an overwhelming sense of pride. up for consideration. Then when it finally did and

gratifying when you have so many people who are truly

he reached the precipice of induction, he was twice

happy for you. It’s an overwhelming sense of pride.”

told, “Sorry, Tom. You didn’t make it.” As painful as those words were to Flores,

Yes, that knock was long overdue, but as Flores said, “It didn’t matter when it happened; it just matters

they were equally devastating to his legion of

that it happened.” Because the knock didn’t just mean

supporters, Raiders and football fans, proud

that Flores, now 84, had finally achieved immortality

Latinos and many more who saw Flores for what

and that his football legacy will live forever. It meant

he was: a role model, a trailblazer, and a living,

his life story – all of that history he made and all of

breathing example that anything is possible,

the odds he overcame – will live forever, too.

regardless of your background. “When all these people are supporting you,” Flores said, “you feel sad that they aren’t rewarded

It’s a story Flores hopes will inspire those who fear the obstacles are impossible to conquer. “Your dream is something you should treasure –

with what they would like to see, which was me

don’t ever give it up. And be prepared to fail, because

getting into the Hall of Fame.”

you will fail before you succeed. Just don’t let failure

Which is why, when he first got a glimpse of David Baker standing on his porch, Flores choked up. He thought not just about himself but about his mother and father and brother, all of whom are deceased; about his wife, twin sons, and daughter

be your dictator. And never forget that anything is possible.” San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is a proud sponsor of the Las Vegas Raiders and is a Founding Partner and the official Southern California casino of Allegiant Stadium, home of the Raiders.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 65

Family

Greater Together San Manuel Casino’s wealth isn’t found in the high limit rooms, but rather in each team member working toward making the company the best it can be – and securing their own future in the process BY LISSA TOWNSEND RODGERS

ince its opening in 1986, San Manuel Casino

ranging from entry-level to executive suite. Jasmine

has grown from a casual, locals’ bingo hall

Takeshita, Director of Talent Acquisition, said, “Each

to an upscale, Vegas-style casino. And this

job has its own set of unique skills and qualities. But

year sees them investing over $500 million

overall, we’re looking for those who really enjoy

to develop a hotel, spa and events center, taking the

interacting with people and enjoy helping other

property to a luxurious new level.

people – no job is too small or too large to have a

But one of the most crucial aspects of this massive building process isn’t concrete and drywall – it’s

customer-focused mentality.” That helping hand isn’t just from employee

the team members, both the ones who’ve been with

to customer, but employee to employee. General

San Manuel from day one and those they’ll be hiring

Manager Peter Arceo said, “We are a close, tight-

tomorrow.

knit, familial group of team members that watch

“Our clientele has grown and has become so much

each other’s backs. Everyone is willing to do

Saria explained, “There are people who come

more sophisticated – it’s a testament to Human

whatever it takes to ensure the success of the

just for the paycheck and that's okay. Then there

Resources for bringing in the type of people we’ve

entire team. We help each other out and we

are people who come here and say ‘I want to build a

brought in,” said Casino Manager on Duty Stephanie

challenge each other.”

career. I may be in an hourly, non-exempt role, but

Short-Smith. “We’re all in unison on what the message is, what the expectation is, what the goals are.” Currently, the Tribe has 5,000 team members, but

“Working for a tribal nation is unique in many ways,” explained Michelle Olden, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Tribal Secretary. “On one hand, I

I see that my director was in my role several years back. Can I do that too?’ And we say: ‘Yes, you can.’” Melissa Duro Hernandez, who recently began

they’re seeking to add over 2,500 more members

am working in a sophisticated tribal government, and

her first full-time job with San Manuel after an

to their team by the end of 2021, in positions

on the other hand, I’m working for a large family.”

internship, agrees that the Tribe offers many

Brigitte Saria, Chief People and Infrastructure

decide human resources isn't for me right now,

carries over to its business practices. “The Tribe is

maybe there’s something in marketing. I feel like I

one that culturally and philosophically wants to lift

have a lot of options.”

itself and the community up and that translates into how people treat each other in the office.” One of the things that has fueled the growth of

Takeshita recalled, “A team member told me that San Manuel allowed him to buy his first house, to get his degree, to put his children through school.

San Manuel is the growth of the people who work

He wouldn’t be where he is today if not for the Tribe

there. Many team members have been with the

giving him the opportunity and continuing to help

Tribe for decades, building career paths that can

him develop and grow.”

take them from part-timer to senior management or

66 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

opportunities. “The possibilities feel endless. If I

Officer, agrees that the Tribe’s unique ideology

An Tran, Director of Human Resources

from food service to entertainment, as they explore

Information System (HRIS) and HR Operations, has

the possibilities within San Manuel – and within

been with San Manuel for 25 years, going from Food

themselves.

and Beverage to the Cage to Human Resources. “I’ve

A MOMENT WITH

Afsi Bird Afsi Bird is an old hand at grand openings. The Vice President of Hotel Operations has overseen numerous property openings and major renovations during her three decades in hospitality. But even with years of experience – at such illustrious properties as Montage Deer Valley and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Newport Beach, Santa Barbara and Aviara – she’s excited about her new position at San Manuel and creating a “best-in-class property, a best-inclass casino.” What brought you to San Manuel? I’ve never worked for a casino before, so this was an amazing opportunity to learn from the best. And I love openings. You’re creating something unique and special from the ground up. What is it like working for the Tribe? The culture here is definitely family oriented. People truly care for you. Everybody wants to see you succeed. LEFT TO RIGHT: Roy Kay, Kevin Shaw, Amy Feliz, Fabian Alfaro, Dianna Scina, Janet Keobunta, Abahikesh Kumar, Alberto Jasso

been through market crashes with them, pandemics

the nineties,” Public Information Officer Ken Shoji

– not just COVID-19, but Swine Flu way back when,”

recalled. “The Tribe really uplifted the community at a

she recalled. “During the 2008 market crash, when

critical time by creating new jobs and drawing people

everyone was laying off employees, the Tribe didn’t lay

and investment to the county.”

anyone off during that time.” It’s not only the stability, but the personal touch

In fact, when COVID-19 hit local businesses hard, San Manuel gave funds to help keep their doors open

that has kept her at San Manuel – like getting

and their employees paid. Takeshita notes that the

congratulatory letters from leadership as her

Tribe supports the community in three ways, “by the

career progressed, something you don’t see from

gifts of the Tribe to the community, by employing local

stakeholders at other companies.

community members and by supporting businesses

Olden also said the Tribe offers something more than other employers. “The Tribe treats me, and all

around the casino.” Arceo sees the community involvement and

of the employees, like family,” she said, “I appreciate

team member support as not just the byproduct of a

how committed the Tribe is to its vision, mission and

successful operation, but essential to San Manuel’s

values and the fact that I get to help with executing

mission. “You’re not talking about profits, stock prices

them each day.”

and shareholder value over the next month, quarter

That caring extends beyond the casino and

or year. Instead, you’re having conversations around

the Tribe into the entire community. The Tribe’s

the generational impact,” he explained. “We’re not

philanthropy has included everything from providing

building to sell, not building a business for pure

backpacks full of school supplies to funding the Loma

profit. We are building a business that will help in

Linda University Health Maternity Pavilion.

sustaining people forever.”

“I grew up in the region and witnessed the airbase and a number of large businesses closing in

The hires you’ve made so far – what kind of experience do they have? Elham Iskandar, our Director of Housekeeping, has decades of experience in luxury hospitality. Most recently she’s worked at The Plaza Hotel in New York. Linchul Shin, our Director of Food and Beverage, joined us from the Michael Mina Group. That level of experience is what’s going to set us apart. We have the product – we need to make sure we have the service to back it up. What are you most looking forward to about the opening? I’m looking forward to being the best. Everything we’re doing here is really high end, the top of the product, the top of the service. Some high-end luxury can be very stuffy, but we want to be a welcoming, fun place to be. We want to make sure our opening puts us on the map, and we’re recognized for what we can build here in the community.

If you’re interested in a career with San Manuel, please visit www.sanmanuelcareers.com.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 67

Hello

Here from the

START From Bingo Floor Clerk, overseeing three rows of tables, to Director of Experiential Marketing for San Manuel, Dianna Scina has come a long way from cards and daubers. But her job is still about making sure every guest’s visit is memorable. By Lissa Townsend Rodgers

“ I was in the bingo hall on the first day the doors opened… that would have been July of 1986,” Dianna Scina said and smiled, reflecting on the past three and a half decades. Today, she’s working on proposals for ticketing companies and talent buyers, having conversations about construction on the events center, negotiating with sponsorship partners, interviewing people for new positions and planning upcoming events.

Speaking of growth, will the new events center have an impact on what you do?

We’re really excited because it’s a dedicated space and we’ll be able to provide an elevated experience for our VIP players, for the Tribe, for the

How do you think working for San Manuel is different than working for other casino properties?

The Tribe has done so much throughout the years – both for the community and for the team members. Many are so grateful, and they really want to

She took a break from her busy schedule to share

community… It’s so exciting – it’s something we’ve

some thoughts on her journey.

always hoped for and now it’s actually happening.

give back. They show their gratitude through partnership.

My job has evolved since the very beginning. I was a

There are a lot of longtime employees at San Manuel, but now a lot of new ones are coming on board. How does everyone work together?

Floor Clerk and then a Bingo Supervisor and then the

At every level, the leadership is very welcoming and

What would you say to someone considering coming to work at San Manuel?

customer service department started, so I was given

has really taken advantage of what the new people

With the current growth, there’s just so much

an opportunity to work there. Then we started doing

on the team offer. It has allowed us to continue

opportunity – especially for young people. There

promotions, and entertainment was under the same

to grow. There are times we each have our own

are opportunities to work in different departments,

umbrella. When we moved to this building, I had an

responsibilities and times when it’s all hands on deck.

there are opportunities to learn so many different

opportunity to work as a Guest Services Director for

That just means everyone is going to pull together

elements of gaming – but also opportunities on

several years. There were always new opportunities

and we’re going to get it done, whatever it takes. And

the tribal side as well. I’m really excited for people

and, as the business was evolving, I was also evolving.

that is the general mentality across the property, and

joining this company now…. I just feel like there

There was always room for growth.

across the enterprise.

aren’t any limits to what we can do in the future.

Thirty-five years is a long time. What’s kept you here?

68 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

loyalty and doing a great job for the Tribe. It’s a

Indulge

ON TREND p70 SAVOR p74 DISCOVER p80 PROFILE p81 SPIRITS p82 EXPERIENCE p86 ACTION p88 STAY p90 LAST BITE p93 DRINK p95 WHAT’S NEXT

p96

Taking a look at what makes San Manuel guests want to come back again and again, we get to know the chefs and mixologists behind our food and drink programs – and learn where they plan on taking the restaurants and bars in the future. We also look at the things you won’t want to miss – like exclusive high limit rooms and new places to stay and play.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 69

On Trend

CO OL +

collected Always on the hunt for items that set themselves apart from the rest, we’ve put together a collection with one common denominator: they all protect the things you care about most. Read on to find a few things for you and your tech. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAIME BIONDO

70 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

The bright Side When form and function matter, choose sunglasses that pull double duty. Classic tortoiseshell, geo-wire and mixed material frames shield sensitive eyes from harsh UV rays and put finishing touches on your look.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 71

Guard Your Gear Whether you’re scrolling through Instagram, listening to your latest playlist or finally reading that novel, give your electronics a fighting chance during the inevitable drop while keeping the optics fresh with cotton-candy colors and whimsical patterns.

72 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

ideal skincare Look to Redland, CA’s own Principle Body Care to defend and repair skin. The plant-based serums, soaps, scrubs and creams use steam and cold-press extraction methods of natural ingredients such as Elderberry, Aspen Bark Root and Hibiscus for targeted formulas to hydrate, soften and brighten your face and body.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 73

Savor

o t m o o R

GROW San Manuel Casino serves up the region’s top fine dining as well as favorite casual fare spots. And now, with the expansion into the resort, it’s poised to become a dining destination in its own right. Meet one of the people making it happen.

BY MELINDA SHECKELLS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAIME BIONDO

t’s one thing to cook for celebrities or compete

cuisine and, of course, in-room dining.” The hotel will

in culinary competitions, but how many chefs

also feature a 24-hour restaurant and high-end dining.

can handle 24-hour dining service, a portfolio

As of now, two venues are on the top of the list

of seven restaurants and still make sure each

for not only casino guests but also locals seeking

dish is executed to perfection?

an exceptional evening out. The Pines Modern

Only the best. Chef Oliver Wolf, Vice

Steakhouse is known as the premier steakhouse in the

President of Culinary Operations for San Manuel

Inland Empire. The contemporary atmosphere is the

Casino, happily takes on these tasks. And can’t wait to

backdrop for classic fare such as Maryland-style crab

take on more.

cakes, oysters on the half shell, cold-water lobster tail

“What really enticed me to move to casino culinary

and premium, hand-cut, wet- and dry-aged steaks.

operations was the volume. There's so much more

(When the hotel opens, The Pines will move to its new

room to play since there are a multitude of cuisines

location, which will include a wood-burning grill.)

and outlets that cater to guests,” Wolf said. Wolf got his start in his native Germany at his

Hong Bao Kitchen is the other standout. Bold red hues and opulent gold accents set the scene for the

parents’ hotel and restaurant in the countryside.

region’s best Asian cuisine. The menu is balanced

From there he completed a classical apprenticeship at

between classics like Whole Peking Duck – the

culinary school before he set off to travel the world.

restaurant even has its own duck drying cabinet –

His first position took him to Bermuda and then back

and wok specialties such has Shanghai Braised Pork

to Europe to work in the Bavarian Alps. Since then,

and Orange Chicken. “I could eat the whole menu left,

he has helmed some of the world’s highest volume

right and center,” Wolf said.

kitchens for major international resort brands

When asked about his food philosophy, the chef

spanning the globe from Dubai to Philadelphia.

explained that San Manuel Casino’s slogan is “Best

In 2019, with 30 years of experience under his belt,

in Class” and that goes for the culinary program as

he joined the team at San Manuel Casino. Today he’s

well. “If someone orders a Club Sandwich, I believe

looking forward to the opening of the hotel, and the

it should be the best sandwich out there. The bread

realm of entirely new possibilities it will bring. “The

should be properly toasted, the bacon should be fresh,

hotel will give us an opportunity to take what we’re

the tomatoes should be perfect. The lettuce should be

doing in the casino and expand it at the resort level,”

crisp. Sometimes people say, ‘Oh, that's the easy stuff.’

Chef Wolf said. “We’ll have a spa and a beautiful pool,

It might seem like a simple thing but it's hard to get it

so now we can have those spaces for al fresco lunches

right all the time. And that’s what we’re doing here.

and special events; we’ll offer light and healthy spa

Even the simple things exceed expectation.”

74 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Easy Eats When you’ve worked up an appetite and are ready for a little sustenance, pop into one of these spots for a quick and casual meal.

ROCK & BREWS Classic rock, crowd favorites and craft beer. What more could you ask for? This high-energy, all-day dining spot starts with breakfast burritos, sandwiches and omelets before powering up for lunch and dinner. Rock out while diving into a hand-crafted burger, Southern dishes like Memphis-Style BBQ Baby Back Ribs, New Orleans Jambalaya and Cajun Ribeye or mealsized salads.

FÉ BIG MO’ C A and enjoy t si to e tim No eakfast? a leisurely br stry and your Pick up a pa ee rbucks) coff favorite (Sta ck ba t t righ drink and ge n. into the ac tio

GEORGE LOPEZ’S CHINGON KITCHEN Looking for authentic Mexican cuisine? You found it. The very first outpost of George Lopez’s wildly popular restaurant is right here at San Manuel Casino. Start the day with the Torta Aporreada or Chilaquiles for breakfast (with Café de Olla, of course); for lunch and dinner, there’s Carne Asada or Al Pastor tacos, tamales, elote and, of course, homemade tortillas. TUTU’S FOOD COURT If you’re short on time but long on appetite, find breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, salads, 24-hour grab-and-go options and desserts. But Chef Wolf’s favorite is the pizza. “I can never pass it up, they make the dough for the Sicilian-style thin crust fresh in house.”

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 75

THE PINES STEAKHOUSE

Must try: Surf & Turf

HONG BAO

Must try: Peking Duck

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 77

CHINGON

Must try: Chilaquiles

78 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

ROCK & BREWS

Must try: Jambalaya

Discover - LOCAL KNOWLEDGE -

Bear Springs Bistro Something magical is happening at Bear Springs Bistro: with an enchanting patio, curated wine dinners and live entertainment, the all-day dining spot tucked into the boutique hotel just three miles from the casino has become a destination in its own right. By Jessica Villano

FA N FAV O R I T E S There’s a lot to be tempted by, so we’ve narrowed it down to three of the most-ordered (and most-loved) dishes.

Bistro Burger Freshly ground burger served on a brioche bun, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cheddar cheese, house-made pickles and 1000 Island dressing

tarring locally sourced and seasonal dishes, Bear Spring Bistro’s Chef de Cuisine Kyle Corcoran takes the farm-to-table concept to heart, walking

Bear Springs General Manager Gerri Manzo encourages the bar team to let their imaginations run wild. The result is a cocktail program that embraces whimsy while staying true

the fields and talking to local growers in order to build menus from the ground up. “The fun part is going to these farms to see what they have,” Chef Kyle said. “You really never know what you’re going to find.” So far, his culinary quests have uncovered such gems as a

to the mission: complementing the dishes that come out of the kitchen. “I’m really big on exploration and allowing the team to find new ways to express themselves,” Gerri explained. “It’s all part of the atmosphere we’re creating here.” There are three distinct environments – indoor, the lounge

local, family-owned vineyard, which provided varietals for a wine dinner, and honey made by the family of one of the servers, which played a supporting role on a themed menu. While Chef Kyle has even designed menus around regions – recently exploring Redlands, CA and collecting local products for a wine dinner – the core menu also stays true to the scratchmade kitchen ideal. “We roll our pasta out by hand; the steaks we bring in are all prime and hand cut. We use the scraps to grind into our burgers, so they’re prime as well,” Chef Kyle explained. The American bistro has a California-cuisine feel with Italian roots, thanks to the influence of Chef Kyle’s Sicilian-born great-grandmother. But Chef says they’re always looking for inspiration. “We dive into culinary traditions we’re not familiar with because it’s important to learn and grow.” As any guest seeking an unforgettable dining experience

and the outdoor dining space – but currently the latter is the star. Enhanced with louvers, lighting, ceiling fans and heaters, the al fresco space is where you can catch live entertainment or a game. It’s also where wine dinners are held, which have become a favorite among the regulars, not only for the special menus with expertly paired wines, but for the ambiance too. “We’ve built a team that cares about the food and the experience. We want our guests to feel like family, we know their palates, we know what new dish or drink they’ll love,” Gerri explained. It’s this dedication to service paired with the always-something-new nature of the menus that makes this bistro a standout option. When asked what he wants guests to walk away with, Chef Kyle answered, “Memories of the best food, the best

knows, the food is just one element. The service, atmosphere, and bar program have to be on point too.

drinks, the best service. We want them looking forward to what they’ll try when they come back.”

80 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

Pan Roasted Salmon Fresh salmon served with Himalayan rice, grilled broccolini, balsamic glazed baby carrots and a garlic cream sauce

Loaded Yucca Chips Fried yucca chips topped with house-made blue cheese, pickled shallots, crispy bacon, fresh cracked pepper and micro basil

Bear Springs Bistro is located inside Bear Springs Hotel at 27959 Highland Avenue, Highland, CA 92346

Profile

hef Anthony Olivas’ love of pastries began at 14. That was when he took a job washing mixing bowls, pots and pans at the neighborhood bakery. It wasn’t long before he was promoted to baker’s apprentice, filling, baking and decorating cakes. Today he’s the Executive Pastry Chef at San Manuel Casino, a position that has

afforded him the opportunity to travel the world, exchanging ideas and recipes with chefs in France, Belgium and Spain. These days, when he’s not in the kitchen, he’s touring local bakeries and pastry shops to feed his imagination – and bring even more whimsical treats to the table. When asked about his favorite dessert, he said a rich chocolate brownie. Now you can make it at home.

RICH CHOCOL ATE BROWNIE 4 ounce Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Baking Bar ½ cup Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Baking Chips ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 large eggs ¾ cup all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon baking powder 3∕8 teaspoon salt 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Butter and flour an 8-inch square baking pan. 2. Chop the semi-sweet chocolate baking bar into 1-inch pieces. 3. Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil; turn the flame down and place a bowl on top of pot, adding the chopped chocolate bar and butter, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove pan from heat and let cool to room temperature. 4. Stir brown sugar and vanilla into chocolate mixture; add eggs and mix well. 5. In a bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly fold flour mixture into chocolate mixture, mixing well until blended. Stir in chocolate chips and pour batter into prepared pan. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool at least 15 minutes before cutting. Enjoy!

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 81

Spirits

{

While Los Angeles, New York and Chicago are known for urbane bar experiences, the Inland Empire is proving it can hold its own. And San Manuel Casino is leading the charge.

{

oey Gottesman and Chris Rosano have a lofty goal for San Manuel’s bar program – and the Inland Empire itself: to create awareness that there are craft cocktails, and cocktail artisans, right here. The two men are the driving force behind the mixology offerings at San Manuel Casino and have their sights set on transforming the cocktail scene – as well as the guest’s relationship with it. “We’re not only

creating fantastic cocktails and inspiring bartenders, we’re also a learning bar where guests can experience complex cocktails without feeling intimidated by a long list of esoteric ingredients,” Joey said. Guests can also venture out of their comfort zones, while keeping one foot planted in familiar territory. “People say they don’t like gin because they’ve only had London dry gin,” Chris explained. “So, if they like Lemon Drops, we’ll make them a Gimlet because it’s so similar, and we’ll use a botanical gin that finishes with a beautiful bouquet of floral notes. Suddenly they realize they like gin.” With a background in chemistry and biology (Chris) and culinary arts (Joey), creating new drinks is part R & D and part gastronomy. And it all happens in the lab, the bar at the upscale steakhouse, The Pines. BY JESSICA VILLANO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAIME BIONDO

82 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

With seasonal ingredients mise en place, the team conceptualizes the guest experience – presentation, aromatics and taste – and then riffs off one of the five mother cocktails (like mother sauces in French cuisine) to create something new. House-made bitters, syrups and sours add a multidimensional feel, and touches like saline create an unexpected, savory finish. “I look at things in scientific terms, like how acid reacts with proteins. Joey's background as an executive chef means he knows how to get the brightest flavor out of the ingredients,” Chris said. Along with seasonal drinks, you’ll find a core list of classics, as well as the bar team’s interpretations of said classics. In fact, they’ve whipped up a side-by-side concept for the Overlook Bar. In the left column of the menu, you’ll find the original cocktail, and on the right, the modern version with a signature twist. (They’re calling it a two-drink-minimum bar because you should definitely try both versions.) When the two aren’t in the lab, they’re training bartenders on the physical mechanics of making drinks as well as the language, the etiquette and the why behind it all: aeration, maceration, dilution and temperature. “Our program uses techniques you’ll find in cosmopolitan areas,” Chris said, “and ones we're creating in house.” One such technique is a modern approach to the centuries-old practice of aging. Instead of barrels, they’re adding staves of seasoned, toasted and charred oak to decanters in order to mellow spirits and cocktails faster and more consistently. What does this mean for the guest? It

Is there a

scotch or cog nac

you’ve been d rea

Collection 86, na

ming of tr yin

med for the year

means a drink that once took 10 minutes to

create now takes two. By taking the shelfstable ingredients of a nine-component

San Manuel Ca

cocktail such as the Singapore Sling sino sive lists on the and decanter batching it, the team Coast. Curated West by Joey and Ch ris, it boasts fin can add fresh elements upon order e wines, rare Scotches an d cognacs, world -class bourbons and focus their attention solely on the vodkas, tequila , s and whiskeys from around th artistic touches that finish the drink. e wo “It’s a master lis rld. t of the who’s wh o in spirits, mad No long wait at the bar; no trading e as approachable as possible. Th at way people artistry for speed. “We’re creating an who want to try them, can – at an ergonomic craft bartending movement,” affordable price ,” said Chris. Joey said. “We want our guests to discover opened, is one

of the most exclu

the difference between drinking and enjoying cocktails. And we want them to walk away saying, that was fantastic, seamless, effortless.”

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 83

{

How does the craftmanship, creativity and technical skill play out in the glass? Here’s a peek at a few of the drinks the bar team has dreamed up.

UNCHARTED TERRITORY In the spirit of a margarita, the Latitude 34º North features Cazadores Reposado and simple syrup. But the Montenegro Amaro – with 40 botanicals ranging from herbaceous and citrusy to sweet – egg white and atomized chocolate bitters take margarita lovers where they’ve never been before. And the rosemary bubble cap? Well, you just have to try it to believe it.

LOUNGE LIFE If there’s one drink that defines Tiki culture, it’s the Mai Tai, a punch created by Trader Vic in the ‘40s; seven decades later, the mixology team at San Manuel Casino has perfected it. The Vaulted Mai Tai features barrel-aged Don Q Anejo, Orange Curaçao, Giffard Orgeat and fresh lime juice. But it’s the Kraken Dark Rum float that sets it apart. 84 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

THE MASHUP What happens when you take the elements of a Sazerac and a sour and put them together in one glass? The Shuffle. Botanist Gin, Antica Carpano Sweet Vermouth and atomized Peychaud’s Bitters are enhanced with Montenegro Amaro; then fresh lemon sour, an orange swath and mint garnish are added to keep you on your toes.

DRAMA QUEEN An iteration of the Old Fashioned, the Fire and Ice makes bourbon, simple syrup and bitters an Oscar-worthy experience, thanks to the dramatic tableside presentation. The drink is placed in a smoking box and then imbued with notes of char and wood. An expressed orange swath and Luxardo cherry top it off.

FOR YOUR OWN GOOD The recipe for the Whiskey Sour was first published in 1862. But its debut was decades earlier, on ships that sailed the open seas. That’s because scurvy was cured with citrus, and the Whiskey Sour has plenty of it. Nowadays you can just order The Gold Rush. Sazerac and Montenegro rye, fresh lemon juice and honey syrup will cure what ails you. And the egg white foam, dehydrated lemon wheel and Peychaud’s bitters (in the shape of a fleur de lis no less) give it an artistic touch.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 85

Experience

SKY’S THE LIMIT

San Manuel Casino elevates the gaming experience on the West Coast with five high limit lounges BY JENNY WERTH

tep foot into one of the five high limit gaming rooms – Lotus 8 Palace, The Vault Gaming and Provisions, High Limit Tables, High Limit Slots or the new Enclave – at San Manuel Casino and the energy is electric: chips are

stacked between games of Baccarat, the slots jingle and purr and hands tap the felt, calling for one more card. But perhaps the most electrifying part is that these rooms boast the highest limits on the West Coast. “There was a demand for higher denomination slot machines and higher limits on table games in California, but no place offered it,” explained General Manager of San Manuel Casino, Peter Arceo. “So, we decided to push the limit, so to speak. Now we’re competitive with Las Vegas and can serve guests looking for that type of action.” Not only does San Manuel Casino have the highest limits, it also provides choices for high-end players, all of whom have different tastes. With multiple gaming areas, all offering their own unique vibe, guests will find an environment that suits their style and desires with the same level of privacy and service across all offerings, no matter their taste or inclinations. On the first floor, as guests enter the Lotus 8 Palace, they’re greeted by the auspicious golden dragon and laughing Buddha against a backdrop of striking Asian-inspired design. Just across the gaming floor, located on either side of the Asian restaurant, Hong Bao, you will find the High Limit Slots and High Limit Table rooms. A custom marble walkway leads guests into the luxurious slots chamber, which offers more than 200 of the newest and hottest slots in the gaming industry. The High Limit Tables gaming space offers the highest table limits yet – $25,000.

86 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

The newest high limit gaming area opened in July, as part of the first phase of San Manuel Casino’s resort expansion. The Enclave is a smaller and more intimate gaming space that offers players

“Our goal is to create an unforgettable encounter for our guests.We want our guests to have the next-level gaming experience, an experience they can’t wait to come back to.”

their own bar, cashier and restrooms as well as two exclusive gaming areas. The position of the bar

needs are not only met, but anticipated. To this

and lounge gives players a view of the main casino

end, all of the high limit spaces offer concierge

floor, allowing them to connect and feed off of that

service to ensure each guest has everything they

energy.

could want. Reservations at the steakhouse? Done.

On the second floor, The Vault offers an upscale, intimate experience, complete with private lockers and restrooms. Both lounges offer a bar stocked

Have a certain dealer you love? No problem. Need a translator? Just one moment, please. “Our goal is to create a unique, elevated

with top-of-the-line spirits as well as high limit

experience for our guests and inspire an undeniable

slots and table games, including Blackjack and EZ

desire to return,” explained Director of High Limit

Baccarat, with limits up to $25,000.

Gaming David Bentley. And nothing makes an

While guests are focused on building the winning

experience unforgettable like luxury, incredible

hand, the team behind the gaming experience is

décor and impeccable service. In fact, the staff

focused solely on top-of-the line service – where

receives continuous and intense training to create

the best environment for guests. Kenji Hall, Chief Operating Officer of San Manuel Casino, doubled down on this philosophy, saying, “It takes a spectacular team with incredible teamwork to execute this kind of service – and I firmly believe we have the best team members in the country. By creating memorable moments, we show guests just how much we value them. We want them to look forward to their next adventure with us.”

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 87

Action

TABLE GAMES 101

Whether you’re pounding the felt in a Las Vegas mega-resort or hugging the rail at San Manuel Casino, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of a table game.

While playing a game of chance gets the blood pumping, the bonus of human interaction with a living and breathing dealer (not to mention other players) makes the entire experience more interactive, dynamic and exhilarating. That said, not every table-game experience is the same. And San Manuel Casino is a perfect example. State regulations and tribal gaming compacts mean there are a few differences between California and Nevada play. Here’s a rundown of how gaming at San Manuel Casino is unique.

By Matt Villano

Cards Only

Booze Control

Side Bets & Progressives

Better Comps

Friendly Dealers

Tribal gaming compacts in California prohibit the outcome of a game to be determined by a die or a ball. That means when you’re playing Craps, the final step in the game is determined by cards, not a throw of the dice.

Another variance of the rules governing tribal casinos: alcohol isn’t served 24/7. Guests must purchase their own alcohol due to California state law. But that just gives you a chance to chat with the mixologist about which cocktail you should try next.

Table games at San Manuel Casino usually offer two or three side bets and progressives. Earlier this year San Manuel paid out a jackpot worth more than $1 million on a game of Pai Gow. (Most Progressive jackpots payout between $5,000 and $500,000.) And while you’ll find side bets at Vegas casinos, you won’t find nearly the number of progressives.

Sign up for a players’ card in Las Vegas and you might be lucky enough to qualify for a free buffet after a 6-hour session. At San Manuel Casino, the comp structure is way more generous, with just a few hours of play usually qualifying you for free food.

In most Vegas casinos, dealers pool tips, which means they’re guaranteed consistent gratuities no matter how friendly they are. At San Manuel Casino, dealers “toke” for themselves. The result? You’re going to find friendly dealers.

The rules for the table games might be different, but gaming lingo is universal. Here’s a quick lesson on the language:

CASE BET

The last bet usually ma de with the last money a player has in front of them.

DID YOU KNOW? MINNESOTA TRIBES

were the first in the nation to

negotiate & sign gaming compacts with a state government.

BARBER POLE

nt value cheques stacked A player bet that has differe up in no particular sequence.

SLEEPERble that a player has forgotten ta A bet left on a a Craps table. on lly ua us t, abou

California in the Lead

California has 66 active tribal casinos belonging to 63 of the 109 federally recognized tribes in the state. – California Gambling Control Commission

JOIN

CLUB

SERRANO

RE HE

CAR D

HERE

Club

INSE RT

HERE

IN SE RT

CA RD

HE RE

Club

SER

Diam o

nd R A NO

Amber

Emeralld

SE R R A N O

Club ERR

RT SE

CARD

Club ic lass SERRANCO O

INSERT

ANOTHER LEVEL IN REWARDS

SANMANUEL.COM | 777 San Manuel Blvd, Highland, CA 92346 | 1-888-777-7404 Must be 21 to enter casino. Please gamble responsibly. 1-800-GAMBLER

Stay

DAWN – OF A – NEW ERA THE SAN MANUEL CASINO RESORT EXPANSION USHERS IN A NEW ERA OF APPROACHABLE LUXURY

his winter, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians will open its first-ever luxury resort as part of the San Manuel Casino expansion. The hotel will include a 17-floor tower with sweeping

views of the San Bernardino Valley, the Tribe’s ancestral lands. From the moment guests step foot inside, they’ll be greeted with the elements of the local mountains: stoneclad walls, wood accents and water features that fill the lobby with the serene sounds of a river. From there, guests can check in to one of the 432 rooms, 127 of which are spacious suites with thoughtfully curated amenities. For those looking to add more thrill, head over to the newly expanded gaming floor. San Manuel Casino is now home to the most slots on the West Coast and the most progressive table games in the U.S. Enthusiasts can take a seat at Blackjack, EZ Baccarat and Pai Gow tables before recharging at one of the new eateries, all offering top-notch cuisine. If you crave relaxation, the resort’s new pool deck will offer a peaceful hideaway tucked behind a line of native trees. Guests can unwind in nature while relaxing in poolside loungers or a private cabana. The newly appointed spa will also offer relaxation with treatments such as facials, massages and scrubs as well as a steam room, sauna and water sanctuary. The Spa has two lounges where guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the expansive vistas. Whether you’re looking for the thrilling gaming experience San Manuel Casino is known for, a long day of relaxation or a culinary delight from the resorts’ newest eateries, you’ll find it all here with best-in-class service.

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 91

Fun Facts

9,013,765

lbs

OF REINFORCING STEEL

EXPANDED

CASINO GAMING SPACE

432

Design utilizes special-order beams from Germany and some of the largest structural steel column members in the nation

GUEST ROOMS 127 of which are suites

Guest room

CARPETS made from

RECYCLED

plastic bottles

55,985

square feet of windows Reaching 15 stories tall and topping out at 205 feet

State of the art full-service

SPA

500 The speed the hotel elevators travel in feet per minute (FPM)

800,000 square feet of new

EAMES CHAIRS in guest rooms Created by renowned designers Charles and Ray Eames in 1965, this lounge and ottoman are featured in the Museum of Modern Art and are a staple of mid-century modern design

92 | HAMIINAT MAGAZINE

ENTERTAINMENT AND HOSPITALITY SPACE

(roughly the square footage of LA Coliseum)

Beautiful pool deck with bar and

PRIVATE CABANAS

How

SWEET

Last Bite

It Is

he dessert program at San Manuel Casino isn’t a one-man affair. While it’s true that Executive Pastry Chef Anthony Olivas charts the course, it’s his team of talented chefs that gets him from idea phase to execution. Seeking inspiration from fellow pastry chefs, magazines and cookbooks, Chef Anthony and team are currently

whipping up new desserts, specific to seasons and venues. Like this espresso-infused, dark chocolate mousse with white chocolate graham cracker crust, only available at The Pines Modern Steakhouse (when it opens in its new location). But if you’re willing to skip the dinner and get straight to dessert, head to Big Mo

Café where it’s all sweets, all the time. The 24-hour joint serves up carrot, coffee and pineapple upside-down cakes along with cinnamon rolls, eclairs and double-fudge brownies and more.

MUST TRY

Chocolate Bruno with a quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream

HAMIINAT MAGAZINE | 93

San Manuel Casino

Hamiinat Magazine - Fall 2021

Articles inside

Santos Manuel