T'eetilawuncha blog

Pechanga Custom and Oral tradition

2009-04-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

Most recently before his death, Antonio Ashman in a sworn affidavit said he knew Paulina as a member of the Band. He also swore that Paulina stayed at the home of Michelle and Salvador Quiliq and heard they were related. He also stated Paulina was called Aunt by Martin Berdugo, another recognized member of Pechanga. This is recorded oral recognition that the CPP faction says Paulina Hunter did not have.

The enrollment committee also finds that Paulina was given a land allotment on the Pechanga reservation as a Temecula Indian. This confirms Paulina’s status as a Temecula Indian.

The record of decision regarding the descendants of Paulina Hunter says that because John Miller under the Act of May 18, 1928 (45 Stat. L 602), a direct descendant of Paulina Hunter states that his Grandmother “was allotted as a Pechanga Mission Indian, but his Grandmother and Great Grandparents were of the San Luis Rey Mission Indians.”

This statement somehow outweighs hundreds of other documents the enrollment committee has possession of detailing the Hunters as recognized members of the Pechanga band by tribal elders who were alive at the time the reservation was established.

If this reasoning stands true, then the following people have the same problems as the Hunters and should be held to the same standards.

1928 Application Blood Pechanga Descendant

Salazar, Petronilla ---San Luiseno Frances Miranda

Leyva, Maximinio ----Mission- San Luis Rey
Ruth Masiel
Irene Scearce
Jennie Miranda
Raymond Basquez

Casas, Louisa Ayal----- Full blood San Luiseno

Bobbie LaMere

The Journey at Pechanga Continues

2009-02-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

Our critic has posted this AGAIN. I would like to address this issue AGAIN.

Anonymous said...

Tribes determine their own membership in their own forum. The false accusations by the non-members against tribes and their leaderhip along with the attacks on the disenrollment process mislead others. The disenrolles lost their membership simply because they did not have the facts on their side. The disenrollments resolved longstanding questions about the membershsip qualifications of the disenrollees. Please note, Dear Reader, that the disenrollees always talk about money and seldom the plain facts leading to their ouster. The disenrollees try to cloak their plight and the cause of it by bringing up violations of human rights and civil rights. No violations happened. Instead, a tedious, thoughtful, serious internal process took place, resulting in the removal of individuals subject to disenrollment. This outcome corrected errors in the membership roll. For their own peace of mind, the non-members must endeavor to put the past behind, and go on with their lives as Americans.

On my Cousins blog Original Pechanga we are called losers by another Anonymous poster.

In that thread exchange there are some very good questions we would liked answered if you can.

I don’t see anyone talking about money now. Just plain facts, as we posted on the side bar of this blog.

Curry: Human and civil rights abuses not acceptable

2009-02-25T10:50:00.000-08:00

Rebecca Curry of Lake County News has an excellent Op-Ed piece on Civil Rights and the many California Tribes abuses of the Indian Civil Rights Act.In the summer of 2007, The Lake County Democratic Club and the Lake County Democratic Central Committee voted unanimously to endorse the California Native American Justice and Equal Economic Opportunity Legislative Initiative.The resolution to support this Legislative Initiative was introduced to Lake County Democrats by Mr. Robert Edwards, a disenrolled member of the Enterprise Rancheria No. 1, of Maidu Indians. Mr. Edwards was Vice Chair of the Tribal Council. He and 70 other members of Enterprise Rancheria No. 1 were disenrolled in the winter of 2003.We had hoped that our support, that a public endorsement and by notifying our legislators of the importance of this issue, that we would signal our belief that this action should result in enforcement of the legislation that allows American Indians the same civil rights, as well as the right to due process enjoyed by all Americans.That legislation is the Native American Civil Rights Act that was enacted by Congress in 1968.We support reform of the Indian Civil Rights Act in such a way that this would be possible. Our hope was to provide some of the 3000+ Indians in California who are being victimized by corrupt tribal governments the right to due process at the state and federal level.The state of California must move to enact legislation that will insert the enforcement of the Indian Civil Rights Act into the gaming compacts.The situation has now come to crisis in Lake County.I am concerned about the possible violation of Indian civil rights happening at Robinson Rancheria.When citizens voted for Indian gaming in California, they voted with the understanding that gaming revenues would improve the conditions of tribal people in the areas of jobs, health, education and general welfare on the Rancherias.IN what appears to be a “form of genocide” that is being committed by the tribal government at Robinson Rancheria, tribal people have lost jobs and health benefits, loss of elders assistance including a senior meal program, loss of education benefits, and the loss of tribal cultural identity as a member of one’s tribe.I have asked our state and federal legislators open an investigation on the growth of human and civil rights violations in Indian country, so that these civil rights issues can be addressed.I am urging citizens in Lake County to contact our state and federal legislators to follow suit.Read the rest at the link above. Thank you Rebecca for speaking out.

Google Mark Macarro

2009-02-20T20:27:00.000-08:00

After you read this watch the video on the side bar without a tribe. Follow up by google search
Mark Macarro!

For the new readers and the news media who come to this site: Chairman Mark Macarro has crossed over from being a valued spokesman for Indian Gaming, the face of Prop. 5 and 1A, into the realm of corrupt politician. He once claimed to the press that he was there to do the will of the people. He has not followed the will of the people and, in fact has corrupted that will. Now, he has refused to carry out the will of the people and is actively acting against their will by continuing disenrollment of families. Corrupt Mark Macarro has shamed the position of Tribal Chairman and sullied the good name of Pechanga. Mark is definitely CORRUPT. He led the tribe to give $4 million to Cruz Bustamante, illegally it turned out, in CB's campaign for governor. He is more concerned about the bones of the dead, rather than the tribal members a splinter group has ousted from their rightful place in Pechanga society. Mark Macarro is CORRUPT because has led the Council to rule AGAINST the will of the Tribe. In July 2005, The Tribe voted in overwhelming numbers to stop ALL disenrollment. Mark Macarro corrupt leader has led the Tribal Council, which includes one WHITE MAN with no Indian blood (Russell "Butch" Murphy)to disenroll a family of true Pechanga blood. Murphy has acted against the band many times and has tried to cheat Pechanga members since the 70's. Murphy's cohorts in that theft included members of the Enrollment committee, who refuse to follow the guidelines for enrollment, mandated by the tribe. In closed session, without informing the Band, Mark Macarro CORRUPT spokesman has authorized the Enrollment Committee to continue proceedings against the Hunter family, descendents of Original Temecula Pechanga Person, Paulina Hunter. This happened almost 2 years TO THE DAY that they disenrolled the ancestors of the chief of Pechanga’s, Pablo Apis. Paulina Hunter is an allottee, whose lineage was proven by the Pechanga Band's own hired investigator, one of the most respected archaeologists in California. Hunter's lineage was ALSO proven in 1915 by Tribal members in sworn depositions before the United States Government by Pechanga Tribal members who needed translators. These depositions were taken before some members of the Masiel/Basquez family "appeared" on Pechanga census rolls in the 40's. Only Mark Macarro CORRUPT leader of the band would let this continue. For what reasons, you news media should look into. Is it personal? Does he want Hunter land? Does he think he has a chance to get it? Is it something he wants his Washington lobbyist wife to have? Mark Macarro, CORRUPT Tribal Spokesman, has chosen NOT to do the right thing and follow the will of the people. Mark Macarro, CORRUPT is the right word for you. STEP DOWN from your position, wipe the stain of corruption from the Tribe. Mark Macarro Corrupt.... can't say one without the other and that's a disgrace to his father's good name. Mark Macarro has also authorized the payment for legal defense for those "members who caused irreparable harm to the Manuela Miranda descendents. This is outside the scope of their authority. Those members acted outside of tribal business, for their own gain. Please, all who view this, click on this post often, so that the page views will bring up CORRUPT when Mark Macarro is searched for on Google. Also, when you do a GOOGLE SEARCH put in MARK MACARRO CORRUPT

Tribes or Clubs??

2009-02-17T08:35:00.000-08:00

It seems to me that families or clans of tribes were defined by our ancestors. The make of the families or clans defines a tribe. When people disrespect our ancestors by trying to change the make up of our tribes, under the cloak of sovereignty or disenrolling entire clans under the chatter that they are defining their membership, it is no longer a tribe but a club. The real reason that disenrollment issues are on the rise is because of the political power struggles within tribal communities, and here in California you can add millions of dollars. The greed has overwhelmed tribal communities, and the struggles of some to stay in political power have blinded many to the true Indian way. Support all your brothers and sisters. Many clans were adopted in the Indian way, especially hundreds of years ago before any of us were here. Is it ironic that our ancestors faced a government that wanted to suppress them, keep them from speaking their language and practicing their spiritual traditions? Now over 100yrs later people are being suppressed by their native brothers and sisters. Tribal factions who would rather expel entire clans instead of building tribal communities, and the only way to do it is through misinformation and false propaganda. Our ancestors did not stick together to watch what is happening today, families to be torn apart from the inside.

Sophia Madariaga, Pechanga Resident Passes

2009-02-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

Sophia Madariaga passed away on February 8, 2009. She was the wife to Lawrence Madariaga, Pechanga tribal member, eldest of the Hunter family. Sophie was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She always had a smile and enjoyed having her children and grandchildren around. Living on the Pechanga reservation for over 60 yrs. she could tell you many stories of the families who came and went. She always had an open door to all those that came by. When our own children left Sophia’s house they were usually fed and could feel the love the family had for each other. Sophia will be greatly missed by all whose life she has touched. Rest in Peace Sophia.

Attention Pechanga CPP!

2009-02-04T19:15:00.000-08:00

Our Cousin 'Aamokat has some very valid points and would like an answer from the CPP.

Explain and defend specifically the list of violations below:

1. Our family member and members of the Manuela Miranda family who were also disenrolled found evidence of irregularities on the enrollment committee including not enrolling people who met the Band's membership requirements who were lineal descendants of enrolled tribal members in good standing.
2. Our family member and members of the Manuela Miranda family then informed the tribal council of the irregularities.
3. The tribal council and the enrollment committee were then asked to have those enrollment committee members in question to not be allowed to rule on the cases of my family and that of the M. Mirandas due to bias and conflict of interest.
4.Among the people who turned in challenges to my family's and the M. Miranda family's tribal membership were nieces, nephews, sons and daughters of two of the enrollment committee members in question. So those committee members should have stepped aside in ruling on the disenrollees cases also on the basis of conflict of interest.These are clear violations of Article V of the Band's constitution and bylaws which states below:
"IT SHALL BE THE DUTY OF ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS OF THE BAND TO UPHOLD AND ENFORCE THE CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS, AND ORDINANCES OF THE TEMECULA BAND OF LUISENO MISSION INDIANS; AND, ALSO TO UPHOLD THE INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS OF EACH MEMBER WITHOUT MALICE OR PREJUDICE."
So read your tribal constitution and then get back to us.Anyone else notice how our anonymous critic gets less and less specific in his posts after we shoot down his arguments time and time
again?

CONTINUED

Explain and defend specifically the following list below:
1. In our disenrollment cases our attornies were not allowed to be present at any of the disenrollment proceedings.
2. We actually got letters from the tribal council before our appeal hearings that "note taking implements of any kind will not be allowed in the hearing room."WE WERE NOT ALLOWED TO TAKE NOTES OR EVEN TO ASK QUESTIONS!
3. We were denied copies of any of the official transcripts of any of the disenrollment proceedings.
comment: that made it very hard to mount a defense and prove that key parts of the disenrollment procedures were not followed because without those transcripts it was our word verses the committee's word.
4. Articles were added on by the Enrollment Committee after the deadline had passed for us to turn in counter arguments against those items which we had never seen beforehand.
5. The tribal council issued a bogus ruling that our family, the Hunters, were not included in the petition to end all disenrollments that had been passed the previous year.
Note: This ruling was issued just two days before the Record of Decision informing my family we were disenrolled and seven months after the law ending disenrollment had been passed.Follow up note: The tribal council claimed that the Enrollment Committee could not be overruled by the General Membership despite the fact that a sitting councilman is in the tribe today because the General Membership had overturned the committee' decision not to enroll his family twenty years previous. By the way, that sitting councilman is none other than Russell "Butch" Murphy.

Are Bylaws and Constitutions important?

2009-01-19T16:00:00.000-08:00

In an article from the Fay Observer a tribal member questions the Tribal council regarding the Tribes constitution.

Tribal member Eric Locklear questioned the constitutionality of the Lumbee Supreme Court during a public comment period. He told the council that the court does not meet the requirements outlined in the tribe’s constitution and therefore is a defunct court.

Why it matters: The constitution requires that the court have five members including one with a law degree. Currently, the court has four members. None has a law degree.

This topic shows how a tribal government should work when it is corruption free.

One of the questions that the CPP (Corrupt Pechanga People) will not answer is, “why was the enrollment committee allowed to operate without a legal quorum during several important enrollment processes?” The only answer that comes to mind, is the Corrupt Pechanga People AKA CPP were going to run rough shot over anyone to get rid of two large voting blocks 25% of the tribe before two major elections.

The CPP then pressured people to ignore the constitution and bylaws to finish what they started thirty years ago.

If it is important enough for a tribal member to ask about the constitution in regards to their Supreme court, I find I fitting to ask the same question in regards to our enrollment committee and our constitution or bylaws in regards to our heritage as Indian people.

Dry Creek band follows neighbors at Robinson Rancheria

2009-01-18T07:11:00.000-08:00

Dry Creek tribes seeks to oust 73 members

More than 70 members of the Dry Creek Rancheria, which owns Sonoma County’s only Indian casino, were notified last week that they are being removed from the tribe.
In a controversy increasingly played out with tribes that operate casinos, the members are being pushed out because they were unable to document their lineage or were affiliated in the past with other tribes.
Critics contend the ousters are about power and greed — the fewer members in the tribe, the larger the share each receives in casino profits. The expulsions, including the ones at the Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians, often surface during a tribal election when the legitimacy of candidates is questioned.

Leaders of the 965 member tribe, however, say it is not just about money, but preserving identity.

T'eetilawuncha: These problems continue, long standing members being questioned only after Casino money is introduced to these reservations. Many tribes wanted as many members as possible to gain federal recognition and funding. Lineage was never questioned until casino money was at stake and who was going to control it. Greed and power struggles, but we all know the truth.

A similar battle over tribal membership has erupted in neighboring Lake County. Leaders of the Robinson Rancheria Pomos, who operate a casino on the north shore of Clear Lake, approved the “disenrollment” of 50 people last month. T'eetilawuncha: It's like wildfire, one fire starts and the winds blow.

Since 2000, when the passage of Proposition 1A legalized Las Vegas-style gambling at Indian casinos in California — which has grown into a $7.8 billion annual industry — more than 2,200 members have been purged from about 20 tribes, according to an activist who tracks the issue.

San Pasqual in the news

2009-01-13T06:52:00.000-08:00

What happened an San Pasqual

Will the government fulfill it's trust obligation to the Alto family?

What happens when one faction gains complete control over it's tribal government?

Was the Alto famlies civil rights violated?

San Manuel outshine Pechanga again

2009-01-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

Convicted tribal members fined, banned from reservation

Pechanga, has a large criminal element linked to several CPP members. Stop sheltering these criminal elements and do the right thing.

(San Bernardino County Sun (CA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Jan. 9--SAN MANUEL INDIAN RESERVATION -- In an unprecedented move, San Manuel Chairman James Ramos has announced his tribe's decision to fine two convicted tribal members linked to a murder conspiracy and ban them from the reservation.

Decisions made by the tribal council, composed of all tribal members over age 21, typically remain private matters within the tribe and are never made public.Ramos said the tribal council's Dec. 13 decision to ban Stacy Barajas-Nunez 26, and her brother, Erik Barajas, 36, from the reservation and fine them a "considerable" amount of money for disorderly conduct speaks volumes to the tribe's position of holding its members accountable for errant behavior.

"This isn't just lip service. This is action in force," Ramos said. "We're actually taking action, and showing through action, with overwhelming support, to impose fines and bans on our own tribal members."Ramos wouldn't disclose how much the Barajases were fined or how long they will be banned from the reservation. He did say the tribe is enforcing its decision, and working with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the District Attorney's Office to ensure that the Barajases remain in compliance.Erik Barajas' San Bernardino attorney, Chuck Nascin, declined to comment Friday.Barajas-Nunez's attorney, Albert Perez Jr., didn't return phone calls seeking comment.San Bernardino police and agents from the federal Drug EnforcementAdministration arrested the siblings in December 2006 during a joint investigation into the Mexican Mafia's methamphetamine rackets in the San Bernardino area. Authorities learned during that investigation of a conspiracy hatched by the Barajases and several others, including two high ranking members of the Mexican Mafia, to kill Leonard Epps.The murder conspiracy stemmed from an altercation Erik Barajas had with Epps at the now closed Brass Key bar in Highland. Epps, who remains in hiding, was the former manager of the bar.On Nov. 6, the Barajases were sentenced to five years probation for their roles in the murder conspiracy. Judge Michael Dest told the pair their sentences were not light ones, and they could face "double digit" prison time if they violated the terms of their probation.Two weeks after her sentencing, sheriff's deputies arrested Barajas-Nunez for trespassing at San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino. The tribe had previously ordered her to stay away from the casino.Deputy District Attorney Douglas Poston says that's a violation of probation. One of the conditions of Barajas-Nunez's probation was to not break any laws.Barajas-Nunez remains in custody, without bail, at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. A probation revocation hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23.In his petition for probation revocation, filed Nov. 24 in San Bernardino Superior Court, Poston argues that Barajas-Nunez broke the law and violated the terms of her probation by trespassing and not having in her possession a copy of her terms of probation.Barajas-Nunez is facing up to 20 years in prison, Poston said.joe.nelson@inlandnewspapers.com, (909) 386-3874To see more of the San Bernardino County Sun, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.sbsun.com/.

"CPP" AKA "Splinter Group"

2009-01-09T16:11:00.000-08:00

The Splinter Group

This group is an offshoot of the 1980’s Splinter Group, led by Russell Murphy and assisted by Frances Miranda and Ihrene Scearse (later on the enrollment committee and committed to removing tribal members). Non-enrolled members of Pechanga, they started attending meetings and disrupted the regular goings on of the business. They announced that they were separating from the band and forming their own Tribe. They petitioned the BIA to recognize them, but the BIA refused.With few exceptions, no member of the splinter group applied for membership because they knew they could not meet the constitutional requirements established by the Pechanga Band.The actions of the splinter group raise legitimate questions: Are they really Pechanga? Are they able to document their lineal descent from an Original Pechanga Temecula Person as the Pechanga Bands Constitution and Bylaws require? Did they figure that disruption of tribal matters was the way to go?

At Pechanga, those involved in the disenrollment of tribal members include:Ihrene Scearce, Frances Miranda, Ruth Masiel, Bobbi LeMere, Jennie Miranda, Andy Masiel, Russell "Butch" Murphy, Raymond Basquez, Vincent Ibanez, Gary DuBois, Yolie McCarter and Mark Macarro. They are responsible for the dead of those who have been disenrolled from Pechanga.

Chronology of Events

1. In December 2001, Yolanda McCarter (niece of Irene Scearce and Ruth Masiel)
OP: and she is the one on the Pechanga infomercial saying she could die happy if she didn't have the casino money.) submitted a letter to Enrollment Committee demanding the Committee research several families including ours. The request stated that "this (be) straightened up before the next election in July." (So that there would be less votes, a clear sign that they wanted to disenfranchise "several families")

2. In June 2002, Enrollment Committee Chairperson Mary Magee is removed from the Committee for divulging confidential information. (She was caught talking about other families. Her sister is Gloria Wright, who is CPP) A petition is justified to amend the Disenrollment Procedures. A vote to approve or deny the petition is set for July 2002. (Petition is not brought forth until February 2003.) The newly built Pechanga Resort and Casino is opened. This is a permanent structure which replaced the original Casino structures which were in modular and sprung structure. In October 2002, 2 new members are elected to Enrollment Committee to bring membership up to required 10 members. (A member retired from Committee in September 2002). Olivia Walls is elected Committee Chair, and we request an audit of Enrollment Committee activities for the previous years and advice from our legal counsel at California Indian Legal Services on how to address wrong-doings by Committee and Committee members. Our legal counsel is told by John Macarro not to take any action to assist the Committee or answer our questions regarding the wrong-doings. (Wrong doings include enrollment of adult family members of 'certain' enrollment committee members.)

3. November 12, 2002, members of the Enrollment Committee, acting without a quorum and outside the Committee's procedures, serve several other Committee members with disenrollment summonses. The Committee members who took the action were- Irene Scearce, Ruth Masiel, Frances Miranda, Margaret Duncan, and Bobbi Lamere. Those served include John Gomez, Theresa Spears, Olivia Walls, and Sandra Garbani. (Lamere later gets her family members enrolled in the tribe, during the "moratorium"

4. On December 10, 2002, Concerned Pechanga People (These were part of the splinter group, many who were not on the original 1979 membership roll, as the Hunters were) submit documents to the Enrollment Committee questioning the lineal descent of several families including the Manuela Miranda descendents, Paulina Hunter descendents, and Garbani descendents. This action was taken a month after the above action. The Concerned Pechanga people are immediate family and friends of Committee members who initiated the November 12, 2002 action. (See list of Pechanga Enrollment Committee members, Splinter Group and Concerned Pechanga people).

Amend or repeal public law 280?

2009-01-03T04:37:00.000-08:00

While some tribes are calling for an amendment or repeal of P.L. 280, what are the protections for members who have had their rights violated by corrupt factions of a tribal government? What are the protections for Indians who have allotted land on Reserves from retaliation from corrupt tribal governments?

P.L. 280 is a maze of complexity that pits state jurisdiction against tribal sovereignty, criminal laws against regulatory issues, and has caused discontent, confusion, and, in some cases, tragedy in Indian country and among some state and local law enforcement and criminal justice officials. When P.L. 280 was passed in 1953, it was an expression of the federal government’s intention to terminate its relationship with Indian tribes and force their members into mainstream society by subjecting them to state law. The law gave criminal justice jurisdiction to six states – without tribal consent. The empowered states got to enforce their statewide criminal laws against Indians and non-Indians who committed offences in Indian country on reservations. Between 1953 and 1968 when the Indian Civil Rights Act passed, states could opt in to P.L. 280 without tribes’ consent. After 1968, states needed a positive vote from tribes in order to adopt P.L. 280. But to this day, states can opt out – or retrocede – from P.L. 280, handing criminal jurisdiction on tribal lands back to the federal government, while tribes have no such option.Over the years, P.L. 280 has generated huge conflicts on borderline issues between criminal laws and regulatory laws conflicts, Goldberg said. For example, are speeding laws driving regulations or criminal prohibitions against driving too fast? The answer would determine whether a tribe or state has jurisdiction over such a traffic violation.

Carol what happens to corrupt tribal governments when they trample on their members Civil Rights, who is leaning on tribes to follow their constitutions and bylaws?

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T06:47:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all our family and relations.

Paper Genocide (Lament of the Disenrolled Indian)
I'd like to present a song, written by my cousin, that expresses the sad situation of paper genocide practiced by Pechanga and other tribes in California.

A PAPER GENOCIDE (LAMENT OF THE DISENROLLED INDIAN) WORDS BY 'AMMOKAT: To the tune of Indian Reservation, originally by Paul Revere and the Raiders

WE WERE ONE INDIAN NATION
WHEN THEY PUT US ON OUR RESERVATION
WE WERE AT ONE WITH THE LAND
MADE OUR HOMES WHEN THERE WAS ONLY SAND

WE WERE ONE LAND WE WERE ONE TRIBE
NO CASINO JUST NATIVE PRIDE
BUT SOME OF OUR FRIENDS WE HAD FOR YEARS
CAUSED A PAPER TRAIL OF TEARS

CASINO PEOPLE
SHAMEFUL TRIBE
BETRAYED YOUR OWN
A PAPER GENOCIDE

JUST A FEW YEARS AGO
WE WERE ALL UNITED IN A COMMON GOAL
TO PAVE A WAY TO A BETTER LIFE
BUT OUR SUCCESS IT BROUGHT STRIFE

CASINO PEOPLE
SHAMEFUL TRIBE
DESTROYED YOUR OWN
A PAPER GENOCIDE

MAYBE SOMEDAY WHEN THEY'VE LEARNED
THEN THEIR PEOPLE WILL RETURN
WILL RETURN
WILL RETURN
WILL RETURN
WILL RETURN

Original Pechanga

2008-12-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

Our family has a great thread on OP BLOG!

Original Pechanga's Blog: Can Tribes Absolve The Federal Govt. of its Legal Agreements with Tribal Members by Disenrolling Them?

Munoa clan steps in on enrollment committee!!

2008-12-18T13:29:00.000-08:00

December 13th. Temecula Band of Mission Indians holds General Meeting. Munoa clan adds family member to enrollment committee "by two votes?"

Be careful Becky, do not ask to many questions, your family has been targeted by the CPP for disenrollment. The evil CPP has masterminded the coup of Pechanga government, and will not be content until their plan is completed.

We wish you luck, and hope your heart leads you in the right direction.

Journey at Pechanga

2008-11-28T07:38:00.000-08:00

Journey at Pechanga the new flag ship for a destination resort? The eighteen hole golf course sits atop historically cultural sensitive land of the Temecula Indians. Each hole attempts to tell the story of the Temecula Luiseno people and their journey in the Temecula valley. One point they fail to touch upon is their most recent story. The elimination of 25% of the tribe. Not at the hands of outsiders, but a corrupt faction of the tribe, "the concerned Pechanga people." This faction has many ties to a group who attempted to gain control of the tribe in the late 70's and early 80's.

The Temecula reservation was set aside in the late 1882 and was desolate, no running water, and very little wood. Families were strapped and had to move to other reserves or urban areas just to survive. One thing is for sure, tribal identity was never misplaced. Through the probate process on allotted land, tribal elders would be interviewed to maintain correct records of tribal lands. This recorded oral tradition was adopted by the Temecula band for recognition of lineal descendants of original Temecula Pechanga People. However some people could not prove lineal descent through probate records or recorded depositions of elders so they decided to pick and choose what criteria would allow a person enrollment status. This criteria would change from person to person and has never been consistent as some people would leave you to believe.

Journey to Pechanga is awaiting it's review in hopes it will receive its spot in the top 100.
I say until the course reflects the true acts of a corrupt group, it should not be reviewed by anyone.

Sycuan received San Diego's number one golf course for 2008.

Journey at Pechanga deserves no rating at all.

San Pasqual Valley Kumeyaay

2008-11-24T07:35:00.000-08:00

Congratulations BIA, looks like an outside, unbiased decision was made on the San Pasquel Split. I wonder how things would turn out at Pechanga if the disenrolled and moratorium victims had similar chance as the San Pasquel. You know Paulina Hunter was 100% Luiseno, Pechanga, Temecula Indian. All your records prove it.

The BIA has been looking into this because the San Pasquel Band has a constitution that allows a third party to investigate tribal qualms. This feature will hopefully keep one faction from gaining control of the tribe , as the CPP has taken over Pechanga.

Whats happening at San Pasquel

We have rights

2008-11-17T09:31:00.000-08:00

Since a small faction has corrupted key positions in our governing body, I find it fitting to discuss the endorsement of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

"The UN Declaration lays out the minimum human rights necessary for the “survival, dignity and well-being of the Indigenous peoples of the world.” These include the right of self-determination, protections from discrimination and genocide, and recognition of rights to lands, territories and resources that are essential to the identity, health and livelihood of indigenous peoples. The declaration also explicitly requires that these rights and protections are balanced with other rights and interpreted in accordance with the principles of democracy, justice, non-discrimination, good governance and respect for the human rights of everyone. " HERE

What about it Mr. Chairman Macarro, will you support our rights as indigenous people? The Pechanga enrollment committee under your direction, violated my families rights.

NAHACHISH

2008-11-03T12:12:00.000-08:00

One of the Temecula people was called Nahachish. He was a chief. He used to have in his house the limb of a tree cut into a hook and fastened up to hang food on. Some people broke the hook down. He became so poor that he had nothing to eat, and did not know what to do. He sang a song. 261 He sang that he was going to leave that part of the country, but he did not know where to go.
He went to Picha Awanga, Pichanga, 262 between Temecula and Warner's Ranch, and named that place. There were a lot of people there having a fiesta, and there was plenty of food. They passed everything to him, and there was a sort of mush of a light gray color. So he said, "My stomach is picha." So they called the place by that name.

Luiseno Religion

What make's you a Pechanga????

2008-11-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

Luiseño. The southernmost Shoshonean division in California, which received its name from San Luis Rey, the most important Spanish mission in the territory of these people. They form one linguistic group with the Aguas Calientes, Juaneños, and Kawia. They extended along the coast from between San Onofre and Las Animas creeks, far enough south to include Aguas Hedionda, San Marcos, Escondido, and Valley Center. Inland they extended north beyond San Jacinto river, and into Temescal creek; but they were cut off from the San Jacinto divide by the Diegueños, Aguas Calientes, Kawia, and Serranos. The former inhabitants of San Clemente island also are said to have been Luiseños, and the same was possibly the case with those of San Nicolas island. Their population was given in 1856 (Ind. Aff. Rep., 243) as between 2,500 and 2,800; in 1870, as 1,299; in 1885, as 1,142. Most of them were subsequently placed on small reservations included under the Mission Tule River agency, and no separate tribal count has been made. Their villages, past and present, are Ahuanga, Apeche, Bruno's Village, La Joya, Las Flores, Pala, Pauma, Pedro's Village, (?) Potrero, Rincon, Saboba, San Luis Rey (mission), Santa Margarita (?), Temecula, and Wahoma. Taylor (Cal. Farmer, May 11, 1860) gives the following list of villages in the neighborhood of San Luis Rey mission, some of which may be identical with t:hose here recorded: Cenyowpreskel, Ehutewa, Enekelkawa, Hamechuwa, Hatawa, Hepowwoo, Itaywiy, Itukemuk, Milkwanen, Mokaskel, and Mootaevuhew. Complete Story

Decrease in Per-Cap???

2008-10-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

There is strong rumor that tribal Per-cap payments are decreasing over the next few months.
$5,000 is the number I've heard. Up to $10,000 by the New Year.

Karma has a way of taking care of things. The CPP has so devastated the tribe. It is a sad day for the rest of our people. Greed has sent bad blood through peoples hearts.

More to come.

I would like to know if anyone has heard about the IRS and Per-Cap Checks?

In all respect, I commend the Pechanga bands acceptence of a decrease in Tribal per-cap distribution. Allowing 25% of your per-cap to be deducted has allowed several hundred employees of Pechanga Resort and casino to keep their jobs, and is very good PR. The majority of Pechanga has good hearts. It is the few, that has lead Pechanga to where it is now. Do not let this few shame Pechanga anymore. Down with the CPP.

The Moratorium

2008-09-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

I would like to know which family or clan has the largest number of applications stuck in the Moritorium on enrollments at the Temecula Band of Mission Indians Reservation.

The moratorium is illegal as it violates the bands constitution, which calls for open enrollment every January.

What Family or Clan are you from and how long have you been in the moratorium?

What are your feelings, and why do you think the illegal moratorium is in place?

Masiel Carjacks on the Casino Property

2008-09-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

On September 3, 2008, at about 1930 hours, deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department responded to the 45000 block of Pechanga Parkway in reference to a reported carjacking. This is the Casino area.The victim reported that 26 year old Benjamin Masiel , a violent offender of the Temecula area carjacked the victim’s vehicle at gunpoint following a domestic dispute. The suspect fled the area in an unknown direction. Riverside County court records show Masiel has multiple felony convictions, including assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats and domestic violence. HOW many strikes does this guy get.A search for the suspect was unsuccessful. That means he's OUT THERE, with a gun!On September 4, 2008, at about 1200 hours, Pechanga Tribal Rangers located the victim’s abandoned vehicle on a dirt road on the Pechanga Indian Reservation and notified the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies responded to the area and recovered vehicle.
The suspect is considered armed and dangerous and is still outstanding. The Pechanga Casino area could be a dangerous proposition for customers.

Gabriel Pico Pechanga Councilman

2008-09-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

We send our sincere condolances for your sad loss Pico Family. May Gabriel rest in peace.

What is the Enrollment committee doing?

2008-08-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Allotments at the Temecula Reservation from 1897; PECHANGA denies historical FACTS
Paulina Hunter's grandparents, as proved by the Temecula Band of Luiseno Indians from the Pechanga Reservation are the ONLY ones that mention Pechanga on their birth records. Notice how the name for the place is the TEMECULA RESERVATION? Pechanga is a PLACE.

Entire blog at:
www.originalpechanga.blogspot.com

End of Tribal Sovereignty?

2008-08-12T22:20:00.000-07:00

Pechanga leading the beginning of the END of Sovereignty?

Are California’s Tribal Disenrollments the Beginning of the End of Tribal Sovereignty?
By
Original Pechanga

In the 21st Century, who would have thought that the Indian Wars would begin anew? This is not the war of racist whites who wanted to move west no matter who was hurt. This time, it’s greedy Indians who want more money, no matter which tribal members they hurt. The 21st century Indian War is now Indian vs. Indian. Tribes such as Pechanga of Temecula, Redding Rancheria, Jamul of San Diego, Enterprise Rancheria are violating their members civil rights, eliminating them from tribal rolls and denying them their part of the tribe. And because of California Tribe’s use of sovereignty, it can be “we just don’t like you” or “we don’t believe the evidence” (are you going to believe me or your lying eyes?),

In California’s Indian Country, wealthy casino tribes are gorging themselves with cash, the fruits of their casino, thanks to laws passed by the citizens of California. Prop 1A and Prop. 5 were passed overwhelmingly, thanks to ads that promised not to expand gaming and to help tribes with self reliance. To the California populace, this meant that tribes would be able to take care of their own membership. Those living in poverty would be brought forth; non gaming tribes would benefit from a fund that gaming tribes would contribute to. A ‘lifting of all boats’ if you will.

What has happened in that time has in fact helped some tribes. San Manuel of San Bernardino has developed their reservation from dirt poor to one of the wealthiest in the state and tribal members are definitely in the top 1/10th of income earners in California. And they are taking care of their people. Their population is limited, with fewer than 200 members. Morongo of Cabazon is another example of good governing.

Sadly, some tribes could not stand to share their good fortune. Visions of more money, or living at San Manuel standards blinded some with greed and envy.

The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians is one such tribe. Blessed with an excellent location near a freeway and with easy access and a growing population, the Pechanga Resort and Casino was successful and thriving.

With just over 1,000 adult members, the tribe was, by 2004 able to provide their members with a monthly per capita check of $15,000 and quarterly bonuses. Additionally, the tribe provided health care via Blue Shield, Dental, Eye and extra benefits for elders. Also included was educational assistance including college scholarships for which all was needed was a C average. Even John Kerry and G. W. Bush could have kept a scholarship.

But that wasn’t enough for a splinter group of band members, the Concerned Pechanga People. This group of extremists made threatening advances on tribal enrollment committee members, storming offices demanding that people be disenrolled. The disenrollment process was initiated in a Salem-witch-trial like atmosphere. Letters saying, “I think that family should be investigated” and “there is a person from OHIO that had the same name, we think it was their ancestor. Never mind that one of the ancestors under investigation had land on the reservation for well over 100 years, given to them from President McKinley. The process has been recounted in the article from Harpers “A Paper Trail of Tears” detailing the ouster of the family of the original headman of the Pechangas, Pablo Apis.

The evidence for Paulina Hunter’s family is detailed in “Without a Tribe” an investigative report from KNBC-TV in Los Angeles. The investigation went on for months and as recounted in the piece, Pechanga refused to speak to KNBC until the day before the airing. Comically, Pechanga had to buy a 30 second spot during February sweeps (a bit more costly) to tell their story. In watching the report, it was clear that Pechanga Chairman Mark Macarro was caught in a lie, and he was called on it by anchor Colleen Williams.

The report featured noted anthropologist, Dr. John Johnson, curator of the Natural History Museum in Santa Barbara, and an expert in his field, possibly without equal. What is the significance of Dr. Johnson? Well, the Pechanga tribe hired him to research Paulina Hunter’s ancestry. They went for the best and he found the truth about Paulina; she was indeed Pechanga, “100%” he said. Now keep in mind that this gentlemen has worked with California Mission Indians for decades, heavily researching Las Padrones, the historical record of the priests of Mission San Luis Rey (from which Luiseno comes)

Some authors, who are concerned that sovereignty issues outweigh any damage to families of disenrolled, ask the question: Are they violating tribal law or US law, because US law wouldn’t apply to a sovereign nation. Well the answer is: They are violating tribal law. Pechanga’s constitution requires open enrollment every January with specific requirements for enrollment. There is no blood quantum required; the requirement is lineal descent from an original Pechanga person.

Pechanga has a moratorium in place which has kept new members from joining the tribe. The moratorium is not authorized in the constitution. There was a petition brought forth to the tribe, it was ruled valid and voted upon. The moratorium, unconstitutionally, was passed. The Tribal Council explained that “the people have spoken” and it’s now law until repealed. Later, when a petition was brought forth to end all disenrollment, it was ruled valid and voted upon, after the question of the Hunter family’s disenrollment process was brought up, Chairman Macarro said, “all means all”. The people voted to end all disenrollments. The will of the people was spoken. Months later, the tribe was sent a letter saying that the Hunter family disenrollment couldn’t be stopped by a vote of the people; they had to right to vote on enrollment matters. Okay so the people had a right to STOP new members coming in, but not to stop lifelong members from going out? I think this answers the question of violations of law.

This is sovereignty that is wielded like a club, not for the good of the members, but to their detriment.

These websites and blogs can help answer questions, and there will be more articles like this one.

Without a Tribe
http://www.pechanga.info/
http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga
http://www.tribalcorruption.com/
http://originalpechanga.blogspot.com/

Original Pechanga is a disenrolled member of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians.

Another Word on CPP GREED!

2008-08-02T11:58:00.001-07:00

Let’s discusses the eminent Layoffs at the Pechanga Resort & Casino and how it will affect the community and the many aspects of running a business.

What is “good business”?

Some aspects of a “good business” are creating a profit that supports… Shareholders, Community, and maintains a labor pool that grows to meet demands.

I would like to argue that the 400 announced for layoff is a significant number. What about the other 200+ that have been terminated “at will” for the slightest mistakes that would have been overlooked just a couple of months ago? I would say that the core reason for this sudden reduction in labor is…

Fact: In July of this year enrolled tribal members had a reduction in monthly percapita. This is the first time since the inception of the casino percapita has dropped. This reduction in percapita has affected the tribe. The loss of $1,000.00/member/month over the age of 18 who receives percapita is reason for alarm. Now instead of clearing $30,000.00+/month/member over 18--July’s percapita reduced to $29,000.00/member.

In turn… This fact outraged the CPP’s who will never get enough. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall in the tribal hall at the June/July members meeting to hear the raised voices of CPP’s dismayed at this outrageous turn of events… down economy… loss of percapita…. building… building… less money… What do you mean less money? “WE HAVE TO MAKE CUTS” they cry…. Hoots and howlers rise out of the prison ward in the back of the room where the criminals sit for purpose to intimidate and over talking anyone who opposes their greed. Can you hear the “SIT DOWN”… “BOO”… “GET A LIFE”…

I would even say, given past experience, a few threats were made and Mark Maccaro asked the unruly to “take it outside”…

Answer this Original Pechanga People (OPP)…..

Tell a few more mistruths or outright lies Corrupt Pechanga People (CPP)…

Good Business Decision? Or Greed?

Concerned Pechanga People

2008-08-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

To the CPP ( Concerned Pechanga People),

The recent steps you have used to attack the Original Pechanga People is about to be exposed for all to see. I'm sure you thought you could use the sovereign shield of our village to escape prosecution. Unfortunately you and the small group you represent will be the bitter end to our freedom as native people. The use of elected positions, to commit a crime is not going to keep you immune from the law. Since there is no government body willing to stop the abuse of power within our community we have no where to turn, and we will use any means possible to bring you to justice. You made a mockery out of our constitution and bylaws. You used key government positions to spread lies and misinformation. You used the same positions to illegally terminate extended Original Pechanga families and keep them from voting in two tribal elections.

Who runs the tribe?

2008-07-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

The fact that the Pechanga enrollment committee needed guidance understanding the will and voice of the people with regards to the removal of the disenrollment procedure as specified in the petition of July 18, 2005 shows major confusion and inability to make critical judgments and decisions on documented evidence. This blog is about the Pechanga enrollment committee’s inability to determine facts.

According to the letter signed by the Tribal council interpreting the will and voice of the people and its directive to the enrollment committee to continue with the disenrollment process, clearly shows violations of the Bands bylaws and Constitution. Only the people can determine membership rights. As they have decided on enrollment issues in the past including adoption into the tribe. The General membership also enacted the current moratorium on membership, illegal as it violated tribal law and custom. Only the General Membership can make decisions, the councils job is to follow them not interpret them.

What say you?

What happens here stays here!

2008-07-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

If you are entering Indian country do you leave your rights behind?

The answer is YES!

You May or may not be aware that each time you cross from Pechanga Parkway onto the Casino you are essentially leaving US governed territories. Oh you didn't know! Well you should, and moreover you should be able to read what rights you are losing before you make that decision.

When you cross the border anywhere from the US there is a large sign telling you clearly that you are now crossing into another country and you are essentially governed by a different set of laws. When you step onto Casino property you are also leaving the US and you should read the following stories which may make you think twice before you do it again.

OP Blog

"Anonymous said...
Isn't it funny how they use the laws to suit them?...my Aunt was gambling at the Casino and 2 tribal girls got in a fight and threw their beer mugs at each other..one of the beer mugs crashed into my Aunts head...the Casino wouldn't even let the police come into the building...we all had to go outside in the street..the Casino wouldn't even offer to pay for any medical..and as we were waiting outside for the police...they snuck the 2 tribal girls out and said that they were banned from the Casino...and by the way...we were 7 Star players at the time and they totally blew us off..people should know that they have no rights inside these Indian Casino's...and now it sounds like even the cops have no rights...they didn't shoot them because they were Indians minding their own business...they were causing trouble and shooting guns..quit using the race card..."

Extracts taken from an article, "Some learn Indian justice the hard way".California tribes enjoy the same immunity from civil suits as that granted to foreign countries.By Stephen Magagnini -- Bee Staff Writer

"If you get into a car accident with a tribal employee on tribal business, are injured at an Indian resort or casino, or are fired without just cause, you can't sue the tribe in California court. If you're owed money in a business dispute or are sexually harassed, you can't sue, either.The tribes alone determine civil justice in Indian territory because, as sovereign nations, they enjoy immunity from civil suits -- the same immunity granted to states and foreign countries."

These are just a couple of instances. Feel free to post your thoughts.

One suggestion is:

"When you cross the border anywhere from the US there is a large sign telling you clearly that you are now crossing into another country and you are essentially governed by a different set of laws."

Do you think you should know what your rights are when you visit Pechanga or any indian Casino?

Posted Timeline

2008-07-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

Pechanga Timeline (add your facts)

There are no tall tales the CPP can put out there to refute this line of events.

The Incredible Shrinking Tribe

2008-07-21T21:41:00.000-07:00

You may have friends or family who will not have a job at the Pechanga Resort and Casino!

Pechanga has eliminated 25% of its enrolled membership and is still looking at ways to cut costs.
The next round of cost saving efforts will be the elemination of Full time employees. 1/3 of the Pechanga Resort and Casino employees are being targeted for expulsion, cutting the salaries and benifits to over 200 full time employees.

Well the actual Numbers just reported are up to 400 full time employees.
The economy was blamed for the near 9 percent trim on its workforce.“This has been the most difficult decision we have had to make since beginning operations,’’ Amy Minniear, president of the Pechanga Development Corp., said in a statement.“For months we have resisted the pressure to lay team members off,’’ Minniear said. “But because of the prolonged economic downturn, we must downsize in order to adjust to the current market conditions and position ourselves for success once the economy recovers.”The definite number of job cuts has not yet been determined, nor has the job type. Minniear noted that a comprehensive severance package, including outplacement services, would be developed.

Per capita payments are at stake, and struggling to stay the same. They are currently paying tribal members $30,000 a month. Instead of decreasing percapita payments because it's a "business" they will allow the terminations of Hundreds of full time employees.

Enrollment issues

2008-07-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

anotherview[-] wrote on Jul 19, 2008 8:40 PM:Unfortunately, in writing about tribal membership disputes, journalists join money with the controversy. Of course, this technique naturally gains more audience. Yet, the facts of tribal membership or lack thereof have nothing at all to with money. Moreover, the implication that tribal greed motivates tribal disenrollment has no foundation. After all, before the advent of tribal casinos, some tribes engaged in disenrolling individuals with inadequate membership credentials, to correct errors in the tribal roll. Facts and hard information supported by research and investigation typify the tribal government process of determining tribal membership. Afterward, a careful judgment then takes place, sometimes resulting in a disenrollment. Yes, the advent of tribal casinos does generally coincide with a rise in tribal disenrollments. Part of the impetus for disenrolling individuals now, lies in their simply not deserving tribal rights, benefits, and privileges. For a long time, the tribes have tolerated these undeserving individuals. The jig is up. The moment has come to address and resolve the longstanding questions associated with these undeserving individuals and their false claims. Their disenrollment, where appropriate and justified, accomplishes this desirable end.

To another view,
Yes corrections in memberships have been performed in Pechanga history. The corrections only involved individuals not entire extended families. Extended families that meet the Bands requirements as discovered by the Bands own hired expert Dr. John Johnson.Not only greed but a play for political power is the driving force behind tribal Factions such as the CPP (Concerned Pechanga People). This faction is full of criminals, and the FBI and BIA are fully aware of what is going on. The CPP by action will be the downfall of Pechanga.

San Pasqual tribe could expel about 80 members

Tribal Elections 2009

2008-07-19T22:37:00.000-07:00

Following the tribal elections for 2009:

Mark Macarro 285-Elected
Andy Masiel 129
Gloria Wright 23
Dianne Aryanno 89-Elected

Donna Barron 197-Elected
Raymond Basquez Jr. 111

Marc Galac 234-Elected

Mark Luker 234-Elected
Linda Markstrom 109
Anthony Miranda 116
Brabdy Miranda 58

Russell "Butch" Murphy 236-Elected

Ken Perez 245- Elected

Gabriel Pico153-Elected

Mediation OK'd in split by tribe on membership

2008-07-17T06:34:00.000-07:00

Mr. Fletcher,
Why could you not do the same thing for your tribe?

"The disagreement has split the tribe into two camps, which the Bureau of Indian Affairs is working to reconcile. "

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080717/news_1m17pasqual.html

Thank You!

2008-07-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

I appreciate all of you!

Thank you for stopping in. It is important that we post our feelings. You may not agree with what I post, but your feedback is important.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MywHE6Nt4Fg

2008-07-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

Who is this person? A paid lobbyist for the tribes who are terminating life long members and extended families?

Elders being denied health care, children being taken out of schools on the reservations, peoples houses being bulldozed over to make room for casino's. People, if this was happening anywhere beside Indian country you would stand up. We send troops overseas to put down dictatorships, why would we stand by and let this happen here?
Indians are having their Civil rights violated by corrupt governments. They try to spread this false information and hope these people die off and no one notices.

http://nativetimes.bizweb5.tulsaconnect.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=65&Itemid=55

WE HAVE THE TRUTH!

2008-07-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

This Blog is a direct post to all the people who believe nothing is happening for our continued efforts to expose the CPP (Concerned Pechanga People) AKA Corrupt Pechanga People for who they are.

''The future preservation and prosperity of American Indians will not be decided in the halls of Congress or state legislatures, nor will it be adjudicated within the solemn chambers of the U.S. Supreme Court,'' said Anthony Pico, former chairman of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians. ''It will be decided in the court of public opinion. ''How we are viewed in the eyes of the nation - and our ability to deliver our message to the public, the press, elected officials and federal and state policy makers - is of crucial importance to our grandchildren, their grandchildren and future generations of Native Americans. ''Perception is reality,'' Pico continued. ''Truth is our ally. If we don't take steps necessary to promote and accurate image of contemporary Native America, if we do not tell our story completely and accurately to all who will listen, the pillars of economic, social and governmental progress tribes have begun building over the last 30 years will come crashing down around us. Sadly, I fear cracks are already growing in the foundation.''
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096417707

What the CPP fails to have is TRUTH! They will be the downfall of Pechanga. For our Children, Grandchildren and all Future generations of Pechanga! We must expose the CPP, we have Truth on our side.

The Pechanga Indian Removal Acts

2008-07-02T05:48:00.000-07:00

The Pechanga Indian Removal Acts
Posted on January 16th, 2008 by Original Pechanga
The explosion of Indian Gaming in California has lead to some acts that tribes such as Pechanga Band of Temecula would like to keep as “family secrets.” Removing Indians from tribes, pronouncing them non-Indians, had the same effect as Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Acts had in 1830’s America. Get the Indians we don’t want or like out of the way.
In 2004 and 2005, as part of the Concerned Pechanga People’s Indian Removal Policy, members of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians were forced to give up their membership in the tribe whose reservation is in Temecula, CA. Life-long members, who have had land on the reservation for centuries were forcibly expelled from the tribe. This act of paper genocide has had devastating effects on 25% of the Pechanga people.
Elders no longer qualify for the health care that they lobbied the tribe to provide for all its members. The young are not allowed to attend the reservation’s school, being forcibly blocked and told to leave, much in the manner of the white racists who blocked black children from integrating schools in Little Rock in the 1950’s.
Those who were removed, face an unsecured financial future. Many worked for the tribe, were part of all events, meetings, have their dead buried in the Pechanga Cemetery. Now, that has ended. In order to increase the per capita ($15,000 per month at the time of the first removal) some of the descendents of Pablo Apis, the family of Manuela Miranda were terminated from the tribe. Per capita grew to $20,000 per month (plus bonuses) for those remaining, members of the Concerned Pechanga People initiated a misinformation campaign, one that has successfully terminated over 300 Native Americans of Pechanga descent at the time of the second removal (the descendents of Paulina Hunter.) The per capita is now reportedly $40,000 per month.
Blood relatives are banished from the reservations, families who are no longer in the tribe, but live on the reservation property that they’ve owned since the late 1800’s live in fear that the tribe will take away their water, which has been threatened by some of the remaining tribal members. Will Pechanga really turn off their lifeblood, as easily as they took away their civil rights? It’s not difficult to think so, after the atrocities that the CPP have already committed.
The Concerned Pechanga People
This is the group of people that let the blackness of greed take over their hearts and minds.
The Splinter Group
This group is an offshoot of the 1980’s Splinter Group, led by Russell Murphy and assisted by Frances Miranda and Ihrene Scearse (later on the enrollment committee and committed to removing tribal members). Non-enrolled members of Pechanga, they started attending meetings and disrupted the regular goings on of the business. They announced that they were separating from the band and forming their own Tribe. They petitioned the BIA to recognize them, but the BIA refused.
With few exceptions, no member of the splinter group applied for membership because they knew they could not meet the constitutional requirements established by the Pechanga Band.
The actions of the splinter group raise legitimate questions: Are they really Pechanga? Are they able to document their lineal descent from an Original Pechanga Temecula Person as the Pechanga Bands Constitution and Bylaws require? Did they figure that disruption of tribal matters was the way to go?
This is not the portrait of a tribe in need, asking the people of California to allow tribes to have Las Vegas type gaming such as portrayed in the Prop. 1A and Prop. 5 television commercials of the 1990’s. This is about power, greed and violations of civil rights, voting rights, and elder abuse. It’s about tribal governments wielding sovereignty like a club and it’s about individual Indians that have nowhere to turn for justice.
I’ll explore this more in future posts, with thoughts on expanded gaming in California and what it feels like to be told you aren’t who you know you are.
- Original Pechanga
Terminated Member of The Pechanga Band of Mission Indians

10 Things you can do

2008-07-01T22:57:00.000-07:00

10 Things You Can Do to Help STOP the Lawlessness in Indian Country

1. Call, Write, and Email your Congressional representatives and tell them that the violations of human rights and civil liberties must be stopped and the violators must be prosecuted.
2. Write letters to the editors of your local newspapers describing the violations of human rights and civil liberties occurring in Indian Country.
3. Boycott Indian Casinos owned by those tribes whose tribal officials have violated the human rights and civil liberties of its citizens and customers.
4. Get others to boycott with you.
5. Stand beside those who have been wronged - walk the protest lines.
6. Speak out about the injustices occurring in Indian Country. Don't hide behind the fear "that you might be next".
7. Stand up to your tribal leaders and show them that you won't tolerate being a part of creating another era of dishonor and genocide against Indian People. Do not hide behind the shame of what is being done to your family and friends
8. Join and support the American Indian Rights and Resources Organization or any other organizations that work to promote, protect and preserve human rights and civil liberties in Indian Country.
9. Persuade local business and community leaders not to accept Casino money from tribal officials that violate the human and civil rights of any individual.
10. Support and encourage those who have had their human rights and civil liberties violated by tribal officials.

Who is next?????

2008-06-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

Pechanga Corruption: Which Family Is Next for Termination?
Occasionally, the OP blog will have guest bloggers. Today my cousin Wiaasal has a contribution. Thank you cousin.

The CPP part 1

2008-06-11T18:12:00.000-07:00

Pechanga: CPP has Origins In a Splinter Group, who stole from the Band
The Splinter Group
What is the Splinter Group? Who are its members? What is its relationship to the so called Concerned Pechanga People? Why did they spearhead the Pechanga disenrollments?Here is some information about the Splinter Group and the Concerned Pechanga People and their role in the most recent disenrollments of legitimate Pechanga tribal members.
The information provided is available to the public and can be obtained from federal agencies through the Freedom of Information Act process. All quotes are taken directly from tribal and government documents obtained through the FOIA process.Origins of the Splinter Group
In 1978 the Pechanga Band of Mission Indians adopted a Constitution and By Laws and an Enrollment procedure, all of which were to become effective on January 1, 1979. During 1979, the Band began operating under its Constitution and By Laws and began its first full year of accepting enrollment applications.Everything went smoothly with these various processes until about mid-1980 when a small group of dissident individuals led by BM began attending meetings and opposing everything that the Band had been working for the past ten years. This group voiced its opposition in the name of “custom and tradition.”
They so disrupted the regular Band meetings that nominations for the tribal council elections could not be held and had to be postponed until March of 1981 with the election to follow in April.In the meantime, in October, 1980, BM and his followers announced that they were breaking away from the Band and forming their own tribe. So, in January, 1981, they held their own elections and elected a spokesman and four council members, none of whom were enrolled members of the Pechanga Band. This self appointed “tribe”, whom the Pechanga Band referred to as the “splinter group”, then went to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and requested formal recognition as the official Pechanga Band.
This recognition was granted the splinter group in spite of the fact that (1) the Council members were not enrolled tribal members; and (2) the BIA had been previously advised that this was just a splinter group; and (3) the real Band’s election was to be held in April, not in January.After the Pechanga Band’s April election, the real Pechanga Band was once again recognized by the BIA.However, BM, leader of the splinter group, appealed the decision of the BIA to recognize the Pechanga Band’s duly-elected council pursuant to the April 25, 1981 election.
The Pechanga Band expended significant effort in responding to BM’s Appeal. This was necessitated by the fact that BM’s Appeal “shows an alarming and blatant disregard for the true facts. That appeal document …is replete with half truths, lies, misstatements and misinformation, and as such is wholly irresponsible”.
Please stay tuned for MORE information.
http://www.pechanga.info/

Open Letter to NBA Commissioner David Stern and Los Angeles Lakers Owner Dr. Jerry Buss

2008-06-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

Our concern is your sponsorships from Indian Casinos. How can you decry gambling on one hand, yet on the other, take millions of dollars in advertising and sponsorships from gambling enterprises. Your flagship team, the Los Angeles Lakers has a partnership with the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians.

The Los Angeles Times, LA Weekly and KNBC News have done numerous stories detailing the activities of the tribe, including “Tribal Flush: Pechanga People Disenrolled En Masse.” and “Without a Tribe” reported by Colleen Williams of KNBC.

- The Pechanga Band has eliminated 25% of its citizenship and denied them due process, equal protection under tribal and federal laws, in violation o
of the Indian Civil Rights Act.
- The tribe stripped elders of their health care benefits and access to the tribal clinic.
- Forcibly removed the children of some members from the tribal school.
- The most recent disenrollment of 100+ adults and children was especially egregious as the General Membership, the Tribe's governing body, had previously passed a law which (1) repealed the Tribe's disenrollment procedures and (2) made it illegal for the Enrollment Committee to disenroll members. In violation of its own Constitution and the ICRA, Pechanga tribal officials breeched their duty.

http://originalpechanga.blogspot.com/

Mark Macarro Corrupt

2007-12-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

http://www.pechanga.info/forum/

For the new readers and the news media who come to this site: Chairman Mark Macarro has crossed over from being a valued spokesman for Indian Gaming, the face of Prop. 5 and 1A, into the realm of corrupt politician. He once claimed to the press that he was there to do the will of the people. He has not followed the will of the people and, in fact has corrupted that will. Now, he has refused to carry out the will of the people and is actively acting against their will by continuing disenrollment of families. Corrupt Mark Macarro has shamed the position of Tribal Chairman and sullied the good name of Pechanga. Mark is definitely CORRUPT. He led the tribe to give $4 milliion to Cruz Bustamante, illegally it turned out, in CB's campaign for governor. He is more concerned about the bones of the dead, rather than the tribal members a splinter group has ousted from their rightful place in Pechanga society. Mark Macarro is CORRUPT because has led the Council to rule AGAINST the will of the Tribe. In July 2005, The Tribe voted in overwhelming numbers to stop ALL disenrollment. Mark Macarro corrupt leader has led the Tribal Council, which includes one WHITE MAN with no Indian blood (Russell "Butch" Murphy)to disenroll a family of true Pechanga blood. Murphy has acted against the band many times and has tried to cheat Pechanga members since the 70's. Murphy's cohorts in that theft included members of the Enrollment committee, who refuse to follow the guidelines for enrollment, mandated by the tribe. In closed session, without informing the Band, Mark Macarro CORRUPT spokesman has authorized the Enrollment Committee to continue proceedings against the Hunter family, descendents of Original Temecula Pechanga Person, Paulina Hunter. This happened almost 2 years TO THE DAY that they disenrolled the ancestors of the chief of Pechangas, Pablo Apis. Paulina Hunter is an allottee, whose lineage was proven by the Pechanga Band's own hired investigator, one of the most respected archaeologists in California. Hunter's lineage was ALSO proven in 1915 by Tribal members in sworn depositions before the United States Government by Pechanga Tribal members who needed translators. These depositions were taken before some members of the Masiel/Basquez family "appeared" on Pechanga census rolls in the 40's. Only Mark Macarro CORRUPT leader of the band would let this continue. For what reasons, you news media should look into. Is it personal? Does he want Hunter land? Does he think he has a chance to get it? Is it something he wants his Washington lobbyist wife to have? Mark Macarro, CORRUPT Tribal Spokesman, has chosen NOT to do the right thing and follow the will of the people. Mark Macarro, CORRUPT is the right word for you. STEP DOWN from your position, wipe the stain of corruption from the Tribe. Mark Macarro Corrupt.... can't say one without the other and that's a disgrace to his father's good name. Mark Macarro has also authorized the payment for legal defense for those "members who caused irreparable harm to the Manuela Miranda descendents. This is outside the scope of their authority. Those members acted outside of tribal business, for their own gain. Please, all who view this, click on this post often, so that the page views will bring up CORRUPT when Mark Macarro is searched for on Google. Also, when you do a GOOGLE SEARCH put in MARK MACARRO CORRUPT

Open Letter to Pechanga Tribal Chairman Macarro

2007-11-27T11:13:00.000-08:00

Please vist OP Blog for entire letter.

http://originalpechanga.blogspot.com/

Dedicated to O. Pechanga

2007-11-26T19:05:00.000-08:00

The First Article contributed to The Native Blog by O. Pechanga
Are California’s Tribal Disenrollments the Beginning of the End of Tribal Sovereignty?
By Original Pechanga
"In the 21st Century, who would have thought that the Indian Wars would begin anew? This is not the war of racist whites who wanted to move west no matter who was hurt. This time, it’s greedy Indians who want more money, no matter which tribal members they hurt. The 21st century Indian War is now Indian vs. Indian. Tribes such as Pechanga of Temecula, Redding Rancheria, Jamul of San Diego, Enterprise Rancheria are violating their members civil rights, eliminating them from tribal rolls and denying them their part of the tribe. And because of California Tribe’s use of sovereignty, it can be “we just don’t like you” or “we don’t believe the evidence” (are you going to believe me or your lying eyes?), In California’s Indian Country, wealthy casino tribes are gorging themselves with cash, the fruits of their casino, thanks to laws passed by the citizens of California. Prop 1A and Prop. 5 were passed overwhelmingly, thanks to ads that promised not to expand gaming and to help tribes with self reliance.
To the California populace, this meant that tribes would be able to take care of their own membership. Those living in poverty would be brought forth; non gaming tribes would benefit from a fund that gaming tribes would contribute to. A ‘lifting of all boats’ if you will. What has happened in that time has in fact helped some tribes. San Manuel of San Bernardino has developed their reservation from dirt poor to one of the wealthiest in the state and tribal members are definitely in the top 1/10th of income earners in California. And they are taking care of their people. Their population is limited, with fewer than 200 members. Morongo of Cabazon is another example of good governing. Sadly, some tribes could not stand to share their good fortune. Visions of more money, or living at San Manuel standards blinded some with greed and envy. The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians is one such tribe. Blessed with an excellent location near a freeway and with easy access and a growing population, the Pechanga Resort and Casino was successful and thriving. With just over 1,000 adult members, the tribe was, by 2004 able to provide their members with a monthly per capita check of $15,000 and quarterly bonuses. Additionally, the tribe provided health care via Blue Shield, Dental, Eye and extra benefits for elders. Also included was educational assistance including college scholarships for which all was needed was a C average. Even John Kerry and G. W. Bush could have kept a scholarship.
But that wasn’t enough for a splinter group of band members, the Concerned Pechanga People. This group of extremists made threatening advances on tribal enrollment committee members, storming offices demanding that people be disenrolled. The disenrollment process was initiated in a Salem-witch-trial like atmosphere. Letters saying, “I think that family should be investigated” and “there is a person from OHIO that had the same name, we think it was their ancestor. Never mind that one of the ancestors under investigation had land on the reservation for well over 100 years, given to them from President McKinley. The process has been recounted in the article from Harpers “A Paper Trail of Tears” detailing the ouster of the family of the original headman of the Pechangas, Pablo Apis. The evidence for Paulina Hunter’s family is detailed in “Without a Tribe” an investigative report from KNBC-TV in Los Angeles. The investigation went on for months and as recounted in the piece, Pechanga refused to speak to KNBC until the day before the airing. Comically, Pechanga had to buy a 30 second spot during February sweeps (a bit more costly) to tell their story. In watching the report, it was clear that Pechanga Chairman Mark Macarro was caught in a lie, and he was called on it by anchor Colleen Williams. The report featured noted anthropologist, Dr. John Johnson, curator of the Natural History Museum in Santa Barbara, and an expert in his field, possibly without equal. What is the significance of Dr. Johnson? Well, the Pechanga tribe hired him to research Paulina Hunter’s ancestry. They went for the best and he found the truth about Paulina; she was indeed Pechanga, “100%” he said. Now keep in mind that this gentlemen has worked with California Mission Indians for decades, heavily researching Las Padrones, the historical record of the priests of Mission San Luis Rey (from which Luiseno comes)
Some authors, who are concerned that sovereignty issues outweigh any damage to families of disenrolled, ask the question: Are they violating tribal law or US law, because US law wouldn’t apply to a sovereign nation. Well the answer is: They are violating tribal law. Pechanga’s constitution requires open enrollment every January with specific requirements for enrollment. There is no blood quantum required; the requirement is lineal descent from an original Pechanga person. Pechanga has a moratorium in place which has kept new members from joining the tribe. The moratorium is not authorized in the constitution. There was a petition brought forth to the tribe, it was ruled valid and voted upon. The moratorium, unconstitutionally, was passed. The Tribal Council explained that “the people have spoken” and it’s now law until repealed. Later, when a petition was brought forth to end all disenrollment, it was ruled valid and voted upon, after the question of the Hunter family’s disenrollment process was brought up, Chairman Macarro said, “all means all”. The people voted to end all disenrollments. The will of the people was spoken. Months later, the tribe was sent a letter saying that the Hunter family disenrollment couldn’t be stopped by a vote of the people; they had to right to vote on enrollment matters. Okay so the people had a right to STOP new members coming in, but not to stop lifelong members from going out? I think this answers the question of violations of law. This is sovereignty that is wielded like a club, not for the good of the members, but to their detriment. These websites and blogs can help answer questions, and there will be more articles like this one."Without a Tribe www.penchanga.info http://blog.myspace.com/paulinahunterofpechanga www.tribalcorruption.com http://originalpechanga.blogspot.com
Original Pechanga is a disenrolled member of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians.