Paulina Hunter's MYSPACE blog asked that question in February and I'm re-introducing the question here. The link has the original story, but more interesting is the comments from her friends. Please, feel free to answer the question: WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Pechanga (meaning the tribal council and disenrollment committee) has CHEATED its members, by disenrolling them from the tribe. They have wronged over 500 people, when you include spouses and children who cannot claim membership.
Since 1995, almost 12 years, they have been paying per capita to each member of Pechanga. Here is the breakdown as they give for loan authorizations for the first years:
1995: $1,075 1996: $3,360 1997: $20,204 1998: $39,853
Now, bear in mind that by 1998, this is MORE money than many of the tribe has made in a year, EVER. You'd think that people would be HAPPY to be making an extra $3,000 a month.
1999: $44,071 2000: $47,744 2001: 63,800 2002: $91,000
Well now, in 8 short years, tribal members are making $7,500 per month, got health care approved and guess what? CPP started getting JEALOUS of what San Manuel was making (significantly more, due to smaller membership) so they started looking at how they could get more money.
Was setting a positive example of tribal unity and good public relations to build business and relationships the way?
or
Was getting rid of some members so you could control power and get their per capita the way?
Which would you choose? WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Saturday, December 8, 2007
No on Pechanga Corruption: No on Prop. 94
This weekend we are expecting some new Pechanga videos to become available that will be drawing attention to why you should vote NO on Prop. 94. Please check back with us this weekend to get the links.
Please keep familiarizing yourselves as to WHY Pechanga should not get expanded gaming. Californians should not reward Pechanga's corruption.
Please keep familiarizing yourselves as to WHY Pechanga should not get expanded gaming. Californians should not reward Pechanga's corruption.
Friday, December 7, 2007
New Link the Open Letter To Pechanga Chairman
Free Peltier Now has linked to our post of an Open Letter to Pechanga Chairman Macarro.
Thanks for the link and post.
Thanks for the link and post.
Pechanga: Tribes must Halt All Efforts to Add Illegal Slots
Tribes Must Halt All Efforts to Add Illegal Slots in California
By Cheryl A. Schmit
Founder and Director of Stand Up for California ARTICLE HERE
You may have read one of the numerous news reports that somehow the unfair gambling deals the Big 4 tribes cut for themselves in Sacramento – and that await voters as Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97 on the February 5 ballot – have been approved by the federal government. That’s not quite true for a number of reasons.
The compact must first be validly entered into under state constitutional law. Since nearly 3 million signatures were gathered to put the deals on the ballot, the deals await the decision of California voters under the referendum process authorized in the State Constitution. If voters reject the deals, California can’t be a party to them and there would be nothing for the federal government to review or approve.
Nevertheless, even if the federal government were to publish the authorization of the tribal state compacts in the Federal Register the Secretary’s approval cannot give life to a compact which is considered void on Feb. 5th by California voters, or determined by the courts to be void from the beginning (ab initio). To date, the federal government has indicated it will postpone publishing anything in the Federal Register. We applaud this decision. Unfortunately, the federal government’s respect for California’s referendum process is not shared by the Pechanga tribe in Temecula. The chairman of the tribe has told numerous reporters that they have plans to move forward with adding what would be illegal slot machines to their casino.
Read the rest at the link above. Chairman Macarro's cousin Victor calls Cheryl a shill. As one whose site gets ad monies and links to the Casino, he may be an expert. Takes one to know one, such as when Macarro called the unions Corrupt.
By Cheryl A. Schmit
Founder and Director of Stand Up for California ARTICLE HERE
You may have read one of the numerous news reports that somehow the unfair gambling deals the Big 4 tribes cut for themselves in Sacramento – and that await voters as Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97 on the February 5 ballot – have been approved by the federal government. That’s not quite true for a number of reasons.
The compact must first be validly entered into under state constitutional law. Since nearly 3 million signatures were gathered to put the deals on the ballot, the deals await the decision of California voters under the referendum process authorized in the State Constitution. If voters reject the deals, California can’t be a party to them and there would be nothing for the federal government to review or approve.
Nevertheless, even if the federal government were to publish the authorization of the tribal state compacts in the Federal Register the Secretary’s approval cannot give life to a compact which is considered void on Feb. 5th by California voters, or determined by the courts to be void from the beginning (ab initio). To date, the federal government has indicated it will postpone publishing anything in the Federal Register. We applaud this decision. Unfortunately, the federal government’s respect for California’s referendum process is not shared by the Pechanga tribe in Temecula. The chairman of the tribe has told numerous reporters that they have plans to move forward with adding what would be illegal slot machines to their casino.
Read the rest at the link above. Chairman Macarro's cousin Victor calls Cheryl a shill. As one whose site gets ad monies and links to the Casino, he may be an expert. Takes one to know one, such as when Macarro called the unions Corrupt.
Original Pechanga: Mixed Blood Uinta's View
We've added a new friend to our blogroll: A Mixed Blood Uinta's View he's a friend from Pechanga.info, the site that is not Victor Rocha's.
Some good writing from a man who is fighting a disenrollment battle with the Feds. Check it out.
Some good writing from a man who is fighting a disenrollment battle with the Feds. Check it out.
Interesting Use of Google for Pechanga
Please Google: Mark Macarro Corrupt
He's at the top of Google. It's not an honor, it's because he did not follow Pechanga Law.
UPDATE: Teetilawuncha's Blog has more. Also from www.pechanga.info
He's at the top of Google. It's not an honor, it's because he did not follow Pechanga Law.
UPDATE: Teetilawuncha's Blog has more. Also from www.pechanga.info
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Pechanga Told to Stop Plans for Illegal Slot Machines
Pechanga Told To Stop All Plans for Illegal Slot Machines
Contact: Scott Macdonald(310) 996-2671
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 5, 2007
LOS ANGELES – “Cease and desist” was the demand leveled today at the rich and powerful Pechanga tribe (violators of civil, human, voting rights: OP)which has made it clear to reporters that they are moving forward with plans to install illegal slot machines in their Temecula-area casino.
The demand came from the campaign against the Unfair Big 4 Gambling Deals, No on Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97, which opposes the deals because they represent one of the largest expansions of gambling in U.S. history and are unfair to California taxpayers, workers and other tribes.
Standing in the shadow of the Westwood Federal Building, campaign representatives praised the federal government for acknowledging its mistake in prematurely reviewing the deals before California voters get their say on February 5th.
“Unfortunately, the federal government’s respect for California’s referendum process is not shared by the Pechanga tribe in Temecula,” said Cheryl Schmit, executive director of Stand Up for California!, a gambling watchdog organization. “The chairman of the tribe has told numerous reporters that they have plans to move forward with adding what would be illegal slot machines to their casino.”
“The California Constitution gives us the referendum process as a check on legislative decisions that favor the rich and powerful like the Big 4 tribes,” continued Schmit. “Until we vote Feb. 5, there are no deals and any attempt by Pechanga or the others to add slot machines would be a gross violation of law, not to mention the democratic process.”
Schmit said the deals lack strict environmental protections and have a revenue formula that would let the Big 4 tribes manipulate funds to underpay the state.
John Gomez, Sr. vice-president of American Indian Rights and Resources Organization, said it concerned him deeply that the Pechanga tribe would trample on the rights of voters.
“It would be a monumental display of disrespect for Pechanga to expand their casinos before Californians have a chance to have their say as is guaranteed under the referendum process in the state Constitution,” said Gomez.
The leader of the Native American civil rights organization said one of the major problems with the Big 4 deals is that “just four of the state’s 108 tribes would control one-third of the state’s Indian gaming pie. On top of that, the Big 4’s dominant casinos could economically devastate other smaller tribes.”
More information on Props. 94-97 is available at http://www.nounfairdeals.com/
California Professional Firefighters, California Federation of Teachers and the American Indian Rights and Resources Organization are among those opposed to the Big 4 Gambling Deals.
OP: Also those disenrolled tribal members across the state.
Contact: Scott Macdonald(310) 996-2671
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 5, 2007
LOS ANGELES – “Cease and desist” was the demand leveled today at the rich and powerful Pechanga tribe (violators of civil, human, voting rights: OP)which has made it clear to reporters that they are moving forward with plans to install illegal slot machines in their Temecula-area casino.
The demand came from the campaign against the Unfair Big 4 Gambling Deals, No on Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97, which opposes the deals because they represent one of the largest expansions of gambling in U.S. history and are unfair to California taxpayers, workers and other tribes.
Standing in the shadow of the Westwood Federal Building, campaign representatives praised the federal government for acknowledging its mistake in prematurely reviewing the deals before California voters get their say on February 5th.
“Unfortunately, the federal government’s respect for California’s referendum process is not shared by the Pechanga tribe in Temecula,” said Cheryl Schmit, executive director of Stand Up for California!, a gambling watchdog organization. “The chairman of the tribe has told numerous reporters that they have plans to move forward with adding what would be illegal slot machines to their casino.”
“The California Constitution gives us the referendum process as a check on legislative decisions that favor the rich and powerful like the Big 4 tribes,” continued Schmit. “Until we vote Feb. 5, there are no deals and any attempt by Pechanga or the others to add slot machines would be a gross violation of law, not to mention the democratic process.”
Schmit said the deals lack strict environmental protections and have a revenue formula that would let the Big 4 tribes manipulate funds to underpay the state.
John Gomez, Sr. vice-president of American Indian Rights and Resources Organization, said it concerned him deeply that the Pechanga tribe would trample on the rights of voters.
“It would be a monumental display of disrespect for Pechanga to expand their casinos before Californians have a chance to have their say as is guaranteed under the referendum process in the state Constitution,” said Gomez.
The leader of the Native American civil rights organization said one of the major problems with the Big 4 deals is that “just four of the state’s 108 tribes would control one-third of the state’s Indian gaming pie. On top of that, the Big 4’s dominant casinos could economically devastate other smaller tribes.”
More information on Props. 94-97 is available at http://www.nounfairdeals.com/
California Professional Firefighters, California Federation of Teachers and the American Indian Rights and Resources Organization are among those opposed to the Big 4 Gambling Deals.
OP: Also those disenrolled tribal members across the state.
Pechanga Man Describes Banishment by Pechanga Faction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Udu5Yg40TdU
This is MUST SEE video. Now BANISHED by Pechanga, Joe Liska, son of Pechanga members describes how he was treated by the Pechanga tribe. He's a coming home person, caught in an unconstitutional (Pechanga's Constitutiona and Bylaws) moratorium.
Please watch.
Paulina Hunters Blog links here to this story, thank you.
This is MUST SEE video. Now BANISHED by Pechanga, Joe Liska, son of Pechanga members describes how he was treated by the Pechanga tribe. He's a coming home person, caught in an unconstitutional (Pechanga's Constitutiona and Bylaws) moratorium.
Please watch.
Paulina Hunters Blog links here to this story, thank you.
Letter Against Pechanga's Civil Rights Violations and other things
One of our young people drafted a letter to those on the Indian Affairs Committee. Feel free to adapt it for your use. It would be a good idea to send it to your representatives.
Dear Senator,
I am writing because you are on the Indian Affairs Committee. I am one of thousands of Indians have been kicked out of our tribes since the advent of Indian Gaming. The majority of eliminated people come from tribes that have Casino's. The issues tend to simply mathmatecal, less members equates to a bigger per capita check. 250 of us, or 25% of our tribe, have been removed from the tribal. rolls with no due process, resulting in the loss of civil right, voting rights, health care and our rightful per capita. Additionally, we have lost education assistance for our children, especially for those who went to school on the reservation. When the tribe removed our families and the children who went to school, they sent members of the tribe to escort the children out of the school, saying that they werent to come back to school tomorrow because they are not Pechanga. CHILDREN! Who have only known their whole life that they are Pechanga. To put it mildly, many tears have been shed over the loss of the our tribe, our identity, and more importantly for the children their friends and their school.
My ancestor is Paulina Hunter and I am from the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of Temecula, California. In my family's case, 90 members, who can prove our lineage, in fact, Pechanga proved it with their own expert, were disenrolled. We have hundreds of certified documents saying that we are Pechanga. Certifed documents that have come from both State and Federal Government that proves our case.
Being kicked out was simply about money, our tribe payed out money to its members, called per capita. Since our family and another has been removed the money to members has increased from $250,000, to upwards of $350,000. We have dead buried in the Tribal cemetery who DIED knowing that they were Pechanga. My Aunt died knowing she was Pechanga. When she was buried, in the cemetary the Tribal Chairman helped bury her, saying that SHE was Pechanga and set a great example for all Pechanga's Members. Make no mistake, we can and have proved our lineage. The tribe hired the foremost expert, John Johnson, in California who stated in a 12 page letter to the tribe, "based on the preponderance of evidence that my ancestor, Paulina Hunter, was in fact Pechanga"! They refused to consider the evidence that they had payed for. We had members of our Tribal Council fall asleep during our meeting with them. Members of the committee also had a bias over land that we were given by the government over 100 years ago, including the Tribal Chairman, Mark Macarro.
This hasn't happened to just our family. To others on other reservations, such as the Cherokee Nation. Assemblymember Diane Watson has gotten involved since that tribe has kicked out 2,800 members who were black, and forcing an investigation into their lineage. She has spoken out for the Cherokee Freedman's and has recently come under scrutiny for doing so. The United Native America has filed a congressional ethics complaint against her. This level of scrutiny shows one thing, that right thing has yet to be done in this matter.
Now California is voting on compacts that would expand gaming in California, rewarding Illegal actions taken by the band. The ones that were just held up by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Governor likes the Compact because it will bring money to the state. But, the compacts reward the tribes for civil rights violations. Is that what we want our government to support in our own country?
Our Family has set up a blog for ours and many others around the country, Please take the time to look at what has come out over the last few months. The address is: http://originalpechanga.blogspot.com
It's past time for the government to get involved here. I'm asking for your help in looking into this matter and in coming to a decision that supports all the citizens civil rights in this matter
Dear Senator,
I am writing because you are on the Indian Affairs Committee. I am one of thousands of Indians have been kicked out of our tribes since the advent of Indian Gaming. The majority of eliminated people come from tribes that have Casino's. The issues tend to simply mathmatecal, less members equates to a bigger per capita check. 250 of us, or 25% of our tribe, have been removed from the tribal. rolls with no due process, resulting in the loss of civil right, voting rights, health care and our rightful per capita. Additionally, we have lost education assistance for our children, especially for those who went to school on the reservation. When the tribe removed our families and the children who went to school, they sent members of the tribe to escort the children out of the school, saying that they werent to come back to school tomorrow because they are not Pechanga. CHILDREN! Who have only known their whole life that they are Pechanga. To put it mildly, many tears have been shed over the loss of the our tribe, our identity, and more importantly for the children their friends and their school.
My ancestor is Paulina Hunter and I am from the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians of Temecula, California. In my family's case, 90 members, who can prove our lineage, in fact, Pechanga proved it with their own expert, were disenrolled. We have hundreds of certified documents saying that we are Pechanga. Certifed documents that have come from both State and Federal Government that proves our case.
Being kicked out was simply about money, our tribe payed out money to its members, called per capita. Since our family and another has been removed the money to members has increased from $250,000, to upwards of $350,000. We have dead buried in the Tribal cemetery who DIED knowing that they were Pechanga. My Aunt died knowing she was Pechanga. When she was buried, in the cemetary the Tribal Chairman helped bury her, saying that SHE was Pechanga and set a great example for all Pechanga's Members. Make no mistake, we can and have proved our lineage. The tribe hired the foremost expert, John Johnson, in California who stated in a 12 page letter to the tribe, "based on the preponderance of evidence that my ancestor, Paulina Hunter, was in fact Pechanga"! They refused to consider the evidence that they had payed for. We had members of our Tribal Council fall asleep during our meeting with them. Members of the committee also had a bias over land that we were given by the government over 100 years ago, including the Tribal Chairman, Mark Macarro.
This hasn't happened to just our family. To others on other reservations, such as the Cherokee Nation. Assemblymember Diane Watson has gotten involved since that tribe has kicked out 2,800 members who were black, and forcing an investigation into their lineage. She has spoken out for the Cherokee Freedman's and has recently come under scrutiny for doing so. The United Native America has filed a congressional ethics complaint against her. This level of scrutiny shows one thing, that right thing has yet to be done in this matter.
Now California is voting on compacts that would expand gaming in California, rewarding Illegal actions taken by the band. The ones that were just held up by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Governor likes the Compact because it will bring money to the state. But, the compacts reward the tribes for civil rights violations. Is that what we want our government to support in our own country?
Our Family has set up a blog for ours and many others around the country, Please take the time to look at what has come out over the last few months. The address is: http://originalpechanga.blogspot.com
It's past time for the government to get involved here. I'm asking for your help in looking into this matter and in coming to a decision that supports all the citizens civil rights in this matter
LA County Supervisors Not Responding to Ron Andrade issue.
http://originalpechanga.blogspot.com/2007/11/will-la-county-pay-for-votes-ii.html
Last month, I wrote about Los Angeles County Commissioner Ron Andrade, here and here Ron, used LA County email, to solicit votes at last month's Democratic Native American caucus, he said "we will pay for your meal and your registration". We are STILL waiting for the Board of Supervisors to respond to request for payment.
We will begin another campaign of writing shortly.
Last month, I wrote about Los Angeles County Commissioner Ron Andrade, here and here Ron, used LA County email, to solicit votes at last month's Democratic Native American caucus, he said "we will pay for your meal and your registration". We are STILL waiting for the Board of Supervisors to respond to request for payment.
We will begin another campaign of writing shortly.
AIRRO will Speak today on Pechanga going against the will of Californians
AIRRO VP John Gomez, SR will be speaking shortly at the Federal Building in Westwood. He will be discussing remarks made my Pechanga Chairman Mark Macarro to go ahead with expansion and not WAIT FOR the people of CA.
This is a perfect example of WHY Californians need to vote NO on Prop. 94.
Stay tuned!
I hope John Sr, will speak about Pechanga's unconstitutional moratorium he allows (against the Pechanga Constitution). NO on 94, No to Pechanga's denial of civil rights, No to Pechanga's elder abuse, No to CPP.
This is a perfect example of WHY Californians need to vote NO on Prop. 94.
Stay tuned!
I hope John Sr, will speak about Pechanga's unconstitutional moratorium he allows (against the Pechanga Constitution). NO on 94, No to Pechanga's denial of civil rights, No to Pechanga's elder abuse, No to CPP.
Gov. Schwarzenegger more like Benedict Arnold?
http://tribalwatch.blogspot.com/2007/12/arnold-schwarzenegger-more-like.html#links
Our friends at Tribal Watch are asking the question. Through some letters to the editor in Capitol Weekly. Arnold does not want the people to vote.
Also, some more comments, including from yours truly, to article by the President of the California Federation of Teachers. Why haven't YOU left a comment there? 12,000 people have seen it since it was written.
Our friends at Tribal Watch are asking the question. Through some letters to the editor in Capitol Weekly. Arnold does not want the people to vote.
Also, some more comments, including from yours truly, to article by the President of the California Federation of Teachers. Why haven't YOU left a comment there? 12,000 people have seen it since it was written.
NDN News has Open Letter to Pechanga Chair
Thank You Tamra: http://www.ndnnews.com/Tribal%20Dis-Enrollment%20Issues.htm
Haven't heard back from Mark yet.
UPDATE: Tamra's newsletter is out today, we get a front page mention. THANK YOU!
Haven't heard back from Mark yet.
UPDATE: Tamra's newsletter is out today, we get a front page mention. THANK YOU!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Senate Commitee on Indian Affairs.
Contact information for the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
However, if you wish to submit any documents in addition to your comments, please e-mail comments@indian.senate.gov with both your comments and attachments.
Similarly, you may fax the information to (202) 228-2589.
Committee Members.
Dems
Byron Dorgan, Chairman (ND)
Daniel Inouye (HI)
Kent Conrad (ND)
Daniel Akaka (HI)
Tim Johnson (SD)
Maria Cantwell (WA)
Claire McCaskill (MO)
Jon Tester (MT)
Pubs
Lisa Murkowski, Vice Chairman (AK)
John McCain (AZ)
Tom Coburn (OK)
John Barrasso (WY)
Pete Domenici (NM)
Gordon Smith (OR)
Richard Burr (NC)
However, if you wish to submit any documents in addition to your comments, please e-mail comments@indian.senate.gov with both your comments and attachments.
Similarly, you may fax the information to (202) 228-2589.
Committee Members.
Dems
Byron Dorgan, Chairman (ND)
Daniel Inouye (HI)
Kent Conrad (ND)
Daniel Akaka (HI)
Tim Johnson (SD)
Maria Cantwell (WA)
Claire McCaskill (MO)
Jon Tester (MT)
Pubs
Lisa Murkowski, Vice Chairman (AK)
John McCain (AZ)
Tom Coburn (OK)
John Barrasso (WY)
Pete Domenici (NM)
Gordon Smith (OR)
Richard Burr (NC)
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