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.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The CPP part 1
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/
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
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/
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/
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Mark Macarro Corrupt
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
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
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Dedicated to O. Pechanga
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.
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.
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