The story of how many tribes have sent tribal members back into poverty and on the state rolls for health care by terminating them from tribes. Tribes promised that tribal gaming would help ALL Indians in California. That is certainly not true. Many tribes now have LESS members than they did before tribal gaming
Please share this video on your Facebook and MySpace pages so that more can learn what is happening in Indian Country. President Obama can meet with leaders of tribes, but the United States' Trust responsibility doesn't stop at the CHIEF LEVEL.
Please visit these sites to learn more:
http://www.tribalcorruption.com
www.airro.org
http://www.pechanga.info
http://www.freedmen5tribes.com/
Showing posts with label Corruption; Pechanga Casino; Per Capita. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Corruption; Pechanga Casino; Per Capita. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Darrell Issa (R) SCREWS Temecula Indians Rewards Pechanga for ICRA Violations
U.S. Congressman Darrell Issa (R) has rewarded the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians for their violations of the ICRA in penning legislation to give 1,000 additional acres of Federal Lands AND the Indian Cemetary to Pechanga.
The Pechanga Tribe ran $50 million worth of commercials during February for their Prop. 94. One of those commercials said that they were ONE TRIBE and in the area for 10,000 years.
Yet, during Pechanga's recent decimation of members of their tribe, when they send 300 of their family packing, they claimed wrongly in the disenrollment decisions that Paulina Hunter was from a different Temecula area tribe. What? Then, when ancestors of these "different" tribesman are buried in the Indian Cemetary, what RIGHT does Pechanga have to claim it?
After hearing of the word of Temecula Indians:
Some of a group of former Pechanga members who have been disenrolled in recent years opposed the bill because they said, once in the tribe's hands, they could be barred from visiting a place that has spiritual and historical value to them.
Here's Issa's weak statement: Issa has said that such access has never been a problem in previous land transfers, (UH ISSA did you miss THIS?) and Hill, his spokesman, said the issue was never part of legislative debate over the bill.
Issa studiously forgets that in KNBC's report, WITHOUT A TRIBE, children were FORCIBLY REMOVED by Pechanga Tribal Rangers. He disregards that Joe Liska has been BANNED from visiting his father's grave. We discussed this when Gloria Romero had a trespassing bill up in Pechanga's Tribal Purge
Issa must have missed this letter:
Dear Senate Committee and Senior Counsel Rollie Wilson,
Please do not consider transferring land to the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians at your meeting on Thursday.The land should be transferred to all Indians with ties to the cultural and sacred sites. If a transfer occurs that fails to include ownership and use rights for all affected Indians, the Pechanga Band will do what it has done before and deny access to individuals who have undisputed cultural and lineal ties to the sacred sites but who are not considered Pechanga members.I also oppose H.R. 2963 based on the Pechanga Band’s actions to deprive and deny individuals of their human and civil rights.
No entity that participates in, supports, or otherwise partakes in human and/or civil rights violations should benefit from the public trust. The actions taken by the Pechanga Band -denial of due process, failure to provide equal protection of the laws, establishment of ex post facto laws, etc.- mirror those which led to the introduction and passage of the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 ("ICRA"). The ICRA was intended to “… protect individual Indians from arbitrary and unjust actions of tribal governments” and to secure for the individual American Indian the broad constitutional rights afforded all other American citizens.However, Pechanga Tribal officials have hid behind the Tribe’s sovereignty to escape prosecution and to prevent the victims of their actions from seeking recourse for the injury and harm resulting from the human and civil rights violations. Although the tribal officials may be immune from suit, this does not equate to innocence of action.
Additionally, I would ask Congress to take a hard look at lands previously transferred to trust for the Pechanga Band. Specifically, the Great Oak Ranch was transferred with the intent of protecting it and its invaluable resources from a proposed transmission line project that threatened to negatively impact the Great Oak and other resources.Over the course of several years, the Pechanga Band spent a great amount of time and money lobbying Congress to protect the Great Oak Ranch. Many meetings were held between Pechanga officials, government agencies, and Congressional members regarding the issue. During those meetings, it was stressed that the Great Oak and the Great Oak Ranch needed to be protected from construction impacts and the Pechanga Band had no intent to change the use of the ranch. In fact, Congressman Issa introduced at least one bill to protect the Great Oak and the Great Oak Ranch from the transmission project.
Today, with the Great Oak and the Great Oak Ranch spared from the transmission line project and the property transferred into trust, a portion of the Ranch has been turned into a staging area for on-going construction projects both on the Ranch and on adjacent properties. The character of the Ranch has been drastically changed and in no way reflects the “no change in use” mantra used by Pechanga officials in lobbying Congress and federal agencies for its protection and transfer to trust.
Please do not consider a yes on H.R. 2963
Shame on Darrell Issa
The Pechanga Tribe ran $50 million worth of commercials during February for their Prop. 94. One of those commercials said that they were ONE TRIBE and in the area for 10,000 years.
Yet, during Pechanga's recent decimation of members of their tribe, when they send 300 of their family packing, they claimed wrongly in the disenrollment decisions that Paulina Hunter was from a different Temecula area tribe. What? Then, when ancestors of these "different" tribesman are buried in the Indian Cemetary, what RIGHT does Pechanga have to claim it?
After hearing of the word of Temecula Indians:
Some of a group of former Pechanga members who have been disenrolled in recent years opposed the bill because they said, once in the tribe's hands, they could be barred from visiting a place that has spiritual and historical value to them.
Here's Issa's weak statement: Issa has said that such access has never been a problem in previous land transfers, (UH ISSA did you miss THIS?) and Hill, his spokesman, said the issue was never part of legislative debate over the bill.
Issa studiously forgets that in KNBC's report, WITHOUT A TRIBE, children were FORCIBLY REMOVED by Pechanga Tribal Rangers. He disregards that Joe Liska has been BANNED from visiting his father's grave. We discussed this when Gloria Romero had a trespassing bill up in Pechanga's Tribal Purge
Issa must have missed this letter:
Dear Senate Committee and Senior Counsel Rollie Wilson,
Please do not consider transferring land to the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians at your meeting on Thursday.The land should be transferred to all Indians with ties to the cultural and sacred sites. If a transfer occurs that fails to include ownership and use rights for all affected Indians, the Pechanga Band will do what it has done before and deny access to individuals who have undisputed cultural and lineal ties to the sacred sites but who are not considered Pechanga members.I also oppose H.R. 2963 based on the Pechanga Band’s actions to deprive and deny individuals of their human and civil rights.
No entity that participates in, supports, or otherwise partakes in human and/or civil rights violations should benefit from the public trust. The actions taken by the Pechanga Band -denial of due process, failure to provide equal protection of the laws, establishment of ex post facto laws, etc.- mirror those which led to the introduction and passage of the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 ("ICRA"). The ICRA was intended to “… protect individual Indians from arbitrary and unjust actions of tribal governments” and to secure for the individual American Indian the broad constitutional rights afforded all other American citizens.However, Pechanga Tribal officials have hid behind the Tribe’s sovereignty to escape prosecution and to prevent the victims of their actions from seeking recourse for the injury and harm resulting from the human and civil rights violations. Although the tribal officials may be immune from suit, this does not equate to innocence of action.
Additionally, I would ask Congress to take a hard look at lands previously transferred to trust for the Pechanga Band. Specifically, the Great Oak Ranch was transferred with the intent of protecting it and its invaluable resources from a proposed transmission line project that threatened to negatively impact the Great Oak and other resources.Over the course of several years, the Pechanga Band spent a great amount of time and money lobbying Congress to protect the Great Oak Ranch. Many meetings were held between Pechanga officials, government agencies, and Congressional members regarding the issue. During those meetings, it was stressed that the Great Oak and the Great Oak Ranch needed to be protected from construction impacts and the Pechanga Band had no intent to change the use of the ranch. In fact, Congressman Issa introduced at least one bill to protect the Great Oak and the Great Oak Ranch from the transmission project.
Today, with the Great Oak and the Great Oak Ranch spared from the transmission line project and the property transferred into trust, a portion of the Ranch has been turned into a staging area for on-going construction projects both on the Ranch and on adjacent properties. The character of the Ranch has been drastically changed and in no way reflects the “no change in use” mantra used by Pechanga officials in lobbying Congress and federal agencies for its protection and transfer to trust.
Please do not consider a yes on H.R. 2963
Shame on Darrell Issa
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Pechanga Sinking in the Quagmire of Bad Business Moves?
Over at Teetilawuncha Blog, they report that the word is that Pechanga will be decreasing their per capita payments.
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.
While it's hard not to take some satisfaction in the loss of Pechanga's business, it's also a bit of karma for the damage that the Pechanga Tribal Council has wreaked on 25% of it's tribe and hundreds caught in its illegal moratorium. Are their MORE layoffs on the way?
PLEASE continue to show your outrage at Pechanga's bad acts by not patronizing their casino, nor the new golf course that is on land that Mark Macarro PROMISED would not be developed. And, take a look at Teetilawuncha Blog....and talk about it.
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.
While it's hard not to take some satisfaction in the loss of Pechanga's business, it's also a bit of karma for the damage that the Pechanga Tribal Council has wreaked on 25% of it's tribe and hundreds caught in its illegal moratorium. Are their MORE layoffs on the way?
PLEASE continue to show your outrage at Pechanga's bad acts by not patronizing their casino, nor the new golf course that is on land that Mark Macarro PROMISED would not be developed. And, take a look at Teetilawuncha Blog....and talk about it.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
High Noon at Pechanga 3: All's Quiet After Layoffs
Stopped by the parking area of Pechanga today at High Noon. The number of available spaces were 2021! Could the Layoffs be the reason why?
In a previous post, I noted that there were 577 empty spaces, that turns out to only be on ONE level. That level had 657 empty spaces today, an increase of 14% over the end of June. Now, with 700 employees less than just a few years ago, less people can afford to go to Pechanga.
Would reconciliation of exterminated tribal members and a restoral of business ethics help Pechanga be all that it can be?
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Pechanga's Layoffs aren't the WHOLE Story
Pechanga has announced layoffs of 400 team members from a total of 4700. What they didn't announce was that they have been letting people go for some time.
A Press Enterprise article from 11/24 has a quote from Mark Macarro that says that Pechanga "employs 5100 people." That means that with all the prosperity, employee ranks had already shed 400 spots before this announced layoffs.
No wonder the profits were big enough to give a per capita of $30,000 per month. Eliminate EMPLOYEES AND Tribal Members. It's not just an "internal matter" anymore is it? 800 employees GONE from Pechanga.
A Press Enterprise article from 11/24 has a quote from Mark Macarro that says that Pechanga "employs 5100 people." That means that with all the prosperity, employee ranks had already shed 400 spots before this announced layoffs.
No wonder the profits were big enough to give a per capita of $30,000 per month. Eliminate EMPLOYEES AND Tribal Members. It's not just an "internal matter" anymore is it? 800 employees GONE from Pechanga.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Pechanga Per Capita REDUCED? Did this lead to Pechanga Layoffs?
Teetilawuncha has a blog post up asking that question. Tribal members seem to be below the $30,000 mark. This is AFTER they have added new machines. Seems like the 400 weren't the only ones let go? How many more have to go before they are no longer the #2 employer in Riverside County? Time to go to PALA or another casino.
Maybe it WOULD BE better if the tribe loses the casino. It's has produced money, but not happiness.
Maybe it WOULD BE better if the tribe loses the casino. It's has produced money, but not happiness.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Casino Work Forces Shrinking
Whether 400 layoffs at the Pechanga Resort & Casino are an indicator of things to come at the region’s American Indian casinos is an intriguing question.
Management at casinos contacted by the Business Journal last week said they did not anticipate layoffs; some said they were reducing staff through attrition.
The Pechanga Development Corp. , which operates a casino just over the San Diego-Riverside county line, said July 22 that it planned to lay off as many as 400 of its 4,700 employees. High gas prices, a housing downturn that has hit Riverside County hard and other factors have hurt business, tribal leaders said.
A softening economy has affected people’s discretionary spending, said Robert Livingston, an executive with Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort near Valley Center.
“The market’s down in the casino business. It’s down in every sector you can think of, retail-wide,” Livingston said.
But he said his venue, which had 1,785 employees at the end of 2007, is not anticipating layoffs. “We run a tight ship,” Livingston said, saying he hopes for an economic turnaround by 2009.
He said Harrah’s has cut employment through attrition
Story Here
Management at casinos contacted by the Business Journal last week said they did not anticipate layoffs; some said they were reducing staff through attrition.
The Pechanga Development Corp. , which operates a casino just over the San Diego-Riverside county line, said July 22 that it planned to lay off as many as 400 of its 4,700 employees. High gas prices, a housing downturn that has hit Riverside County hard and other factors have hurt business, tribal leaders said.
A softening economy has affected people’s discretionary spending, said Robert Livingston, an executive with Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort near Valley Center.
“The market’s down in the casino business. It’s down in every sector you can think of, retail-wide,” Livingston said.
But he said his venue, which had 1,785 employees at the end of 2007, is not anticipating layoffs. “We run a tight ship,” Livingston said, saying he hopes for an economic turnaround by 2009.
He said Harrah’s has cut employment through attrition
Story Here
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Pechanga Meets Its Payment Deadline
The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians on Wednesday made its first payment to the state under terms of its amended gaming compact.
There was concern about Pechanga meeting its payment obligations since news of the HUGE number of people being laid off. Pechanga has lost business due to the economy and the thug behavior of it's youth had cause SILK nightclub to close down.
Additionally, news of a commercial bribery scheme broke recently where a Pechanga employee was charging $3,000 to falsify applications for job applicants to get consideration.
Pechanga had paid multiple millions more than 3 other gaming tribes in order for their Prop 94 to pass.
There was concern about Pechanga meeting its payment obligations since news of the HUGE number of people being laid off. Pechanga has lost business due to the economy and the thug behavior of it's youth had cause SILK nightclub to close down.
Additionally, news of a commercial bribery scheme broke recently where a Pechanga employee was charging $3,000 to falsify applications for job applicants to get consideration.
Pechanga had paid multiple millions more than 3 other gaming tribes in order for their Prop 94 to pass.
Friday, July 25, 2008
For The Pechanga Reseort & Casino Employees Facing Layoffs
You are facing a difficult time, believe me, WE KNOW. Luckily for you all, Pechanga is preparing a severance package. Those of us who were terminated from the tribe in the two Pechanga Massacres did not have the same courtesy. We had our heritage ripped from us with no ceremony. At least, you have the management of Pechanga portraying their sadness for you.
Here are some tips culled from various websites, we hope they are helpful:
The very first thing you should do is file for un-employment. Do not let your pride get in the way of doing this. You have paid your taxes and deserve a little help from the government when you need it most.
Look for alternative ways to make money until you find a job and cut back on luxury expenses if needed. It may take you many months to find another job and nobody can tell you how quickly you will find another one. EBAY, YARD SALES, Handyman Work.....
ALL employees over 40 who are being forced out of the company to file an age discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Prepare for Layoff by Having Your Resume Ready: Add new skills as you master them; include career related milestones and completed projects as they occur; you can always remove irrelevant information from your final version.
If your health benefits are paid by your employer, find out how to maintain those benefits. Most likely, you will be able to purchase benefits through COBRA
Request a reference letter for your files. Don't be proud - you're entitled to the benefits you'll receive
Lastly, if you witnessed illegal activity by your management, or tribal member customers, make sure that you report it before you leave, or you may be minimized as a disgruntled employee.
We, the terminated Pechanga People, DO feel the pain of what you are going through.
Here are some tips culled from various websites, we hope they are helpful:
The very first thing you should do is file for un-employment. Do not let your pride get in the way of doing this. You have paid your taxes and deserve a little help from the government when you need it most.
Look for alternative ways to make money until you find a job and cut back on luxury expenses if needed. It may take you many months to find another job and nobody can tell you how quickly you will find another one. EBAY, YARD SALES, Handyman Work.....
ALL employees over 40 who are being forced out of the company to file an age discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Prepare for Layoff by Having Your Resume Ready: Add new skills as you master them; include career related milestones and completed projects as they occur; you can always remove irrelevant information from your final version.
If your health benefits are paid by your employer, find out how to maintain those benefits. Most likely, you will be able to purchase benefits through COBRA
Request a reference letter for your files. Don't be proud - you're entitled to the benefits you'll receive
Lastly, if you witnessed illegal activity by your management, or tribal member customers, make sure that you report it before you leave, or you may be minimized as a disgruntled employee.
We, the terminated Pechanga People, DO feel the pain of what you are going through.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
PECHANGA Casino Announces LAYOFFS 400 employees kicked to the curb UPDATED
UPDATE: The comment section is filling up at this news site it's a good opportunity to be heard.
UPDATE: KCAL 9 has the story on it's website: LINK Amy Linnear speaks for PDC & Pechanga. KNBC has the story and a comment section at this LINK
This time, it's not tribal members that are being unconstitutionally ousted. Pechanga has announced that they will lay off 400 employees. Thanks to John Cornsilk for linking us.
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. Amy, not just the economy, the word of what the TRIBE has done to its people is spreading. Temecula is just not into the casino because of it.
People of California, Pechanga told us that they would help balance the budget IF we gave them more machines. They TOLD us that the money would come rolling in. Yet, now, we have the first layoffs from Pechanga, in a "bad market"? Did we not tell you that Pechanga would have to have all machines available running 24/7 to generate the money they claimed?
Is it a bad economy, or the bad publicity over Pechanga's actions in violating the civil rights of 25% of their tribal membership? Is it the fact that Pechanga spent $50 MILLION more than the other big 3 tribes trying to overcome the stench of their tribal massacre? And, was it their closure of their popular nightclubs due to thuggish behavior?
Stay away from Pechanga! Make those who were greedy, suffer from their own evil doing.
Would I still want to be a member of Pechanga? YOU'RE DAMN right I would! I was a member when there was only SAND, so I'd take a restoration of my membership when there is only sand again.
Teetilawuncha had the story earlier today. Pechanga.net has it already buried behind some stories published earlier in the day. Paulina Hunters Blog has it
UPDATE: KCAL 9 has the story on it's website: LINK Amy Linnear speaks for PDC & Pechanga. KNBC has the story and a comment section at this LINK
This time, it's not tribal members that are being unconstitutionally ousted. Pechanga has announced that they will lay off 400 employees. Thanks to John Cornsilk for linking us.
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. Amy, not just the economy, the word of what the TRIBE has done to its people is spreading. Temecula is just not into the casino because of it.
People of California, Pechanga told us that they would help balance the budget IF we gave them more machines. They TOLD us that the money would come rolling in. Yet, now, we have the first layoffs from Pechanga, in a "bad market"? Did we not tell you that Pechanga would have to have all machines available running 24/7 to generate the money they claimed?
Is it a bad economy, or the bad publicity over Pechanga's actions in violating the civil rights of 25% of their tribal membership? Is it the fact that Pechanga spent $50 MILLION more than the other big 3 tribes trying to overcome the stench of their tribal massacre? And, was it their closure of their popular nightclubs due to thuggish behavior?
Stay away from Pechanga! Make those who were greedy, suffer from their own evil doing.
Would I still want to be a member of Pechanga? YOU'RE DAMN right I would! I was a member when there was only SAND, so I'd take a restoration of my membership when there is only sand again.
Teetilawuncha had the story earlier today. Pechanga.net has it already buried behind some stories published earlier in the day. Paulina Hunters Blog has it
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Mark "Little Evil" Macarro DEFEATS "Bigger Evil" Andy Masiel
Incumbent Chairman of the Incredibly Shrinking Pechanga Tribe, Mark Macarro, who has conveniently forgotten the will of the people and the Pechanga Constitution and bylaws was re-selected to his post.
Mark Macarro 285-Elected
Andy Masiel 129
Gloria Wright 23
Of the 725+ remaining members of Pechanga, just 438 saw fit to vote. Now, you know why the CPP wanted the Apis Family and Hunter families terminated from their membership. 230 more votes would take away any opportunity to control votes. Andy Masiel, who's nephew is a thief, and who's mother joined in kicking elders and children to the curb, with no income and health coverage could manage very few votes from anyone other than his family. As reported in a previous post, Gloria Wright, a cipher, could only manage her immediate family.
Here are the new tribal council and their votes votes:
donna barron 197
mark "cpp" calac 234
mark luker 263
Butch "Splinter Group" murphy 262
gabriel pico 153
ken perez 245
Cousin T'eetilawuncha has more at his BLOG
Mark Macarro 285-Elected
Andy Masiel 129
Gloria Wright 23
Of the 725+ remaining members of Pechanga, just 438 saw fit to vote. Now, you know why the CPP wanted the Apis Family and Hunter families terminated from their membership. 230 more votes would take away any opportunity to control votes. Andy Masiel, who's nephew is a thief, and who's mother joined in kicking elders and children to the curb, with no income and health coverage could manage very few votes from anyone other than his family. As reported in a previous post, Gloria Wright, a cipher, could only manage her immediate family.
Here are the new tribal council and their votes votes:
donna barron 197
mark "cpp" calac 234
mark luker 263
Butch "Splinter Group" murphy 262
gabriel pico 153
ken perez 245
Cousin T'eetilawuncha has more at his BLOG
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
If You Are Corrupt, Get Money From Pechanga: $25,000 To Don Perata
NOW we know another reason why Pechanga terminated a huge portion of their tribe.
In addition to fattening their own per capita checks, it's also so they could grease the palms of politicians.
The California Democratic Party has contributed another $250,000 to state Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata's legal fund, reinvigorating his defense against a years-long FBI corruption probe.
Until last week, the fund had collected only $60,000 in 2008 — $25,000 each from the Pechanga Band of Mission Indians and from San Diego Padres owner John J. Moores, and $10,000 from Manhattan Beach homemaker Jennifer Sizemore. But the Democratic State Central Committee of California followed up its December contribution of $200,000 with another $250,000 last week, records show.
Records show the businesses of Perata's son and daughter have been paid hundreds of thousands of dollars by political committees under his direct control, even as Nick Perata and his businesses were involved in real estate rentals and sales with his father.
Mark Macarro and Pechanga gave $25,000 to a termed out politician who is under and FBI probe? Hmm, Pechanga is under an DOJ probe too. Hush money? Or just thank you money for looking the other way while Pechanga massacred it's people?
That's good money that could have been used to pay for the health care of tribal elders that Pechanga kicked to the curb.
In addition to fattening their own per capita checks, it's also so they could grease the palms of politicians.
The California Democratic Party has contributed another $250,000 to state Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata's legal fund, reinvigorating his defense against a years-long FBI corruption probe.
Until last week, the fund had collected only $60,000 in 2008 — $25,000 each from the Pechanga Band of Mission Indians and from San Diego Padres owner John J. Moores, and $10,000 from Manhattan Beach homemaker Jennifer Sizemore. But the Democratic State Central Committee of California followed up its December contribution of $200,000 with another $250,000 last week, records show.
Records show the businesses of Perata's son and daughter have been paid hundreds of thousands of dollars by political committees under his direct control, even as Nick Perata and his businesses were involved in real estate rentals and sales with his father.
Mark Macarro and Pechanga gave $25,000 to a termed out politician who is under and FBI probe? Hmm, Pechanga is under an DOJ probe too. Hush money? Or just thank you money for looking the other way while Pechanga massacred it's people?
That's good money that could have been used to pay for the health care of tribal elders that Pechanga kicked to the curb.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
KNBC Without A Tribe Still the Most Shared Video: Shows Pechanga Corruption
You know, after 18 months, people are STILL interested in hearing about how terribly Pechanga has treated many of its tribal members.
Some would try to have you believe that it's a non-story, but with other tribes following suit, and criminal indictments of some members coming shortly, Pechanga is NEWS, unfortunately still bad news.
Please, for new visitors, take the time to watch the video: WITHOUT A TRIBE
Colleen Williams did a fine job fronting the piece.
You can email the video from the KNBC site. See Macarro's lies.
Some would try to have you believe that it's a non-story, but with other tribes following suit, and criminal indictments of some members coming shortly, Pechanga is NEWS, unfortunately still bad news.
Please, for new visitors, take the time to watch the video: WITHOUT A TRIBE
Colleen Williams did a fine job fronting the piece.
You can email the video from the KNBC site. See Macarro's lies.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
High Noon At Pechanga 2: Even Quieter than April
In April, we reported HERE that Pechanga's Casino seemed emptier than normal. There were some comments on another post that business was down because of the news getting out about Pechanga's dirty deeds with their people. Although that's difficult to prove, I made a trip to the casino to check on "parking status".
April: 386 EMPTY parking spaces in the new parking structure.
June 27: 577 EMPTY parking spaces in the new parking structure.
Maybe the gamblers are car-pooling? Or, most likely, there are LESS gamblers at Pechanga. Are they going to Pala?
Is there a chance that the per capita of over $30,000 per month to the RPP (Remaining Pechanga People) will have to be reduced? Will Pechanga be able to meet it's obligations to the people of California?
April: 386 EMPTY parking spaces in the new parking structure.
June 27: 577 EMPTY parking spaces in the new parking structure.
Maybe the gamblers are car-pooling? Or, most likely, there are LESS gamblers at Pechanga. Are they going to Pala?
Is there a chance that the per capita of over $30,000 per month to the RPP (Remaining Pechanga People) will have to be reduced? Will Pechanga be able to meet it's obligations to the people of California?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Schwarzenegger Withholding Indian Money SDF from Cities.
Governor, the tribes have already paid this money into the funds and it should have been dispersed already. You are playing a shell game with our cities money and with our votes. You said gambling compacts would be good for California, and you allow Sycuan to get away with NOT paying $30 million that we need. You knew they hadn't passed the compact. GIVE OUR CITIES the money the Tribes have already paid for. YOU KNOW that money will go away soon anyway as you hide it in the general fund.
Valley leaders fear that loss of money could have big impactDebra GruszeckiThe Desert Sun
SACRAMENTO - The $30 million freeze on the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund has prompted a field trip to Sacramento by a contingent of Riverside County and Coachella Valley leaders.
The delegation - including leaders from Cathedral City, Coachella, Indio and Palm Springs - is expected to testify today that Assembly Bill 1389 offered by Majority Floor Leader Alberto Torrico offers positive reform.
But it falls short, they plan to say, because it lacks an amendment to reauthorize the inclusion of the $30 million in tribal Special Distribution Fund monies that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed from the 2007-08 budget bill.
That fund put more than $13 million in Riverside County in the fiscal year that ends next week.
The veto followed a California State Audit report that found some California counties outside of Riverside had spent casino mitigation funds on questionable items such as a $170,000 rescue ambulance boat for Lake Havasu with no Indian casinos near the lake.
Palm Springs City Manager David Ready said Riverside County and cities impacted by the casinos complied with all regulations involving these funds,
Rest of the story HERE
Valley leaders fear that loss of money could have big impactDebra GruszeckiThe Desert Sun
SACRAMENTO - The $30 million freeze on the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund has prompted a field trip to Sacramento by a contingent of Riverside County and Coachella Valley leaders.
The delegation - including leaders from Cathedral City, Coachella, Indio and Palm Springs - is expected to testify today that Assembly Bill 1389 offered by Majority Floor Leader Alberto Torrico offers positive reform.
But it falls short, they plan to say, because it lacks an amendment to reauthorize the inclusion of the $30 million in tribal Special Distribution Fund monies that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed from the 2007-08 budget bill.
That fund put more than $13 million in Riverside County in the fiscal year that ends next week.
The veto followed a California State Audit report that found some California counties outside of Riverside had spent casino mitigation funds on questionable items such as a $170,000 rescue ambulance boat for Lake Havasu with no Indian casinos near the lake.
Palm Springs City Manager David Ready said Riverside County and cities impacted by the casinos complied with all regulations involving these funds,
Rest of the story HERE
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Commercial Bribery Scheme at Pechanga Falsifying Job Applications.
Pechanga employee cheats employees of $3,000 each.
UPDATES: Choomchuen Zhou was arrested on May 1st. Now, we'll see who she sings on when trying to save herself from a long term in prison. Also, a note that this story was also linked to at Pechanga.net on Sat. 6/21, after I sent notice to our friend Rob Schmidt. Thanks Rob, for linking to this story and helping get the word out about the corruption at Pechanga. We assume there will be a Larry Miranda story soon.
Mean Streets Blog reports that while Special Agents from the Riverside Office of the Bureau of Gambling Control (BGC) were investigating several management employees of the Pechanga Resort and Casino, the Agents uncovered evidence that floor supervisor, Kathy Zhou, who was recently suspended from her job, was charging casino job applicants $3,000 each to falsify their job applications to secure employment.
Agents monitored a telephone conversation between Zhou and one of her "customers," during which she instructed the individual not to say anything to DOJ agents. Zhou admitted to the witness during this conversation that she lied to the agents when they questioned her, and was admonishing everyone involved to "keep their stories straight."
Zhou was arrested on charges of commercial bribery and obstructing a criminal investigation.
Employees embezzle, tribal members cheat employees, employees violate the law, young tribal thugs get nightclubs shut down.
Avoid Pechanga... Temecula... Avoid Pechanga
Pechanga Smackdown! Andy Masiel vs. Mark Macarro
The FIGHT TO THE FINISH.
The battle for Chairman of the Pechanga Tribe will be: Andrew Masiel, current council member and son of the mother who disenrolled a hundred other Pechanga Mothers and the uncle of a man recently FIRED for stealing from Pechanga employees and Mark Macarro, handpicked chairman of the CPP and Splinter Group, known for his incredible shrinking tribe and bad temper.
In this corner: Evil "Andy" Masiel His opponent: Little Evil "Mark" Macarro
Who will the the tribe choose, the shorter, er, lesser of two evils in Macarro, or the big evil, the man who was part of the splinter group who broke up the tribe, something the Spanish, the whites couldn't do?
Stay TUNED for more, but I'll bet Mark would LOVE to have 300 votes back.
Mark, overturn your decision not follow the will of the people NOW and rescind the disenrollments!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Pechanga Per Capita payments at $30,500 Mo. After Eliminating 25% of the Tribe
I find MANY people are google searching Original Pechanga's blog and looking for how much per capita Pechanga is making.
To clarify for those looking, the per capita for Pechanga, since they terminated two large families has jumped from $10,000 per month, to $30,500 per month. And, this does not include the quarterly bonuses. CPP members say it's about correcting the membership rolls, but, then, you do the math.
Now, expect to see in the comments that someone or two will say that we are whining because we lost our per capita. Loss of income has been difficult, especially for the elders, who are in the unhirable age, or disabled. However, there were 400 or so OTHER rightful Pechanga, the Moratorium people that are also deserving of their share of the sun.
This was NOT what we understood self-reliance was. Terminating Indians of their own tribe, is more disgusting, especially when it was done by those we adopted INTO the tribe.
UPDATED to ADD: Also, the Pechanga Tribal Council pays OVER $90,000 per year. Any wonder why they wanted to remove two large voting blocs? Of course, as a spokesman, Macarro is a "useful idiot" because his public persona belies the temper tantrums he throws on the rez.
To clarify for those looking, the per capita for Pechanga, since they terminated two large families has jumped from $10,000 per month, to $30,500 per month. And, this does not include the quarterly bonuses. CPP members say it's about correcting the membership rolls, but, then, you do the math.
Now, expect to see in the comments that someone or two will say that we are whining because we lost our per capita. Loss of income has been difficult, especially for the elders, who are in the unhirable age, or disabled. However, there were 400 or so OTHER rightful Pechanga, the Moratorium people that are also deserving of their share of the sun.
This was NOT what we understood self-reliance was. Terminating Indians of their own tribe, is more disgusting, especially when it was done by those we adopted INTO the tribe.
UPDATED to ADD: Also, the Pechanga Tribal Council pays OVER $90,000 per year. Any wonder why they wanted to remove two large voting blocs? Of course, as a spokesman, Macarro is a "useful idiot" because his public persona belies the temper tantrums he throws on the rez.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Pechanga's Splinter Group: Anti-Pechanga Constitution and Bylaws
The Splinter Group Part 2.
The Pechanga Band became concerned about the question of enrollment in the early 1970’s. Many years of debate and discussion led to the presentation of a proposed final enrollment application and proposed procedures.
Between 1979 and 1981, using the approved process, approximately 456 members were enrolled and given enrollment numbers. During the screening of applications, the Enrollment Committee returned approximately 45 that were incomplete and requested further information from the applicants. There were also about 20 enrollment applications that did not meet the standards set by the Band.
Those standards, found at Article II of the Band’s approved Constitution and Bylaws include the following:
Membership is an enrolled member documented in the Band's Official Enrollment Book of 1979.
Qualifications for membership of the Temecula Band of Luiseno Mission Indians are:
A. Applicant must show proof of Lineal Descent from original Pechanga Temecula people.
B. Adopted people, family or Band, and non-indians cannot be enrolled. Exception: People who were accepted in the Indian way prior to 1928 will be accepted.
C. If you have ever been enrolled or recognized in any other reservation you cannot enroll in Pechanga.
The 20 applications that did not meet the standards involved the descendants of adopted members. People who would not be eligible for membership based on the Constitutional requirement. They included members of the Splinter Group.
The applicants were sent letters stating that their application for enrollment “has not met with the standards approved by the Band” The same letter advised the applicants that there is a provision for appeals to the Band. None of the individuals so notified ever appealed the decision of the Enrollment Committee.
In fact, as far as could be determined at the time, only one member of the Splinter Group, its leader BM, applied for membership in the Band. BM was sent the form letter advising him that he would have to appear before the Band on the issue of enrollment inasmuch as he was the descendant of an adopted member. BM never requested a hearing before the Band.
None of the individuals that were on the Splinter Group’s “council” were enrolled members of the Band.
Instead, you have a small group of perhaps 20 who simply refused to comply with the will of the band as a whole and who refused to apply for membership. Could it be that they knew then, as many know now, that they would not and should not be granted membership?
Instead of appealing to the tribe, those who would not be considered members based on the Band’s membership standards found another way to gain membership. However, this way did not include complying with the Band’s membership requirements as listed in the Constitution.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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