Randy wrote on Sep 25, 2007 4:46 AM:$30,000 per month for doing nothing- yes, that might contribute to a perception!

Continue the rollbacks wrote on Sep 25, 2007 4:57 AM:of Government subsidies to Indians. Now that the casinos are "raking in the money" they need to "help their own". No more casinos should be approved until revenues from the casinos are shared with the other poor Indians in or out of California. There should be no more Government handouts.

Jocko wrote on Sep 25, 2007 5:54 AM:Every time I used to walk into Valley View Casino, there would inevitably be brand new Cadillac Escalades, Mercedes "S" Class cruisers, vintage restored Corvettes, etc., parked in the spaces reserved for "Tribal Officials". If the public has developed a particular "perception', the Tribes have only themselves to blame.

Sparkplug wrote on Sep 25, 2007 6:30 AM:Again, Edward uses the word "And" to start a sentance. Tisk, tisk. The correct use of language is part of our civilized culture. Especially if one is being paid to represent our language. What's really lacking in this feature is an alternative, or solution to benefit the situation. For instance, How can we help? What can be done? This flat-faced journalism doesn't offer any leadership or guidance to the "presented" (hic) scenario. Q: What is real?

Eddie wrote on Sep 25, 2007 7:03 AM:Let me clear up some of this perception. Do you know; Pechanga Casino has donated a new automobile to an organization which provides free transportation to people who choose not to drive after consuming alcohol. The generous donation has eliminated over "800" possible drunk drivers in our town. They are doing much more than you perceive...

allen wrote on Sep 25, 2007 7:48 AM:So where did that $7.7 billion generated in California go ? Is there any honest accounting of how the money is used?-

Go, Indians! wrote on Sep 25, 2007 8:41 AM:I love what they are doing for their community with the money?school buildings, scholarships, exercise and recreational facilities and more. It will take more than one generation of profits from casinos to put a dent in what was lost through involuntary relocation. Let's let the big boys in Las Vegas belly-ache all they want. The Indians more than deserve this break!-

ROBERT wrote on Sep 25, 2007 9:27 AM:They donated one whole new automobile WOW with the money there making hope it was something nice.

One wrote on Sep 25, 2007 9:50 AM:One automobile for the drunk drivers, make it a fleet and we'll be impressed.

Virgil wrote on Sep 25, 2007 10:08 AM:Not only are the LARGE casino rich tribes a special interest in Sacramento , but are using that power and influence(i.e. $$$$)to limit development by other Native Tiribes in California . Casino rich tribes have really learn well from mainstream society .

To Jacko an Randy wrote on Sep 25, 2007 10:19 AM:and all the rest,MY,MY Jealousy runs deep, Who cares if someone drives a nice new car, I drive a very fine car, in fact i own two and iam from a non gaming tribe.all of you can do the same!!! get to work !!!The Gaming Tribes have been doing alot more for our communities then you guys think. GO INDIANS !!!!!

Lisa wrote on Sep 25, 2007 10:26 AM:Once again these Indians are telling the truth. There are so many people from Pechanga who get nothing because they have a Moritorium on new memberships which they said will last all the way until the year 2015 not to mention the 10 years we have already been waiting out.The people who can prove they are from there are not wealthy we can not even get a crumb. Our kids get no help from their tribe . They just look the other way and donate lots of money to kids at the Boys and Girls Club.When are you going to realize you should help your OWN PEOPLE FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!All of your People. Not just a select few.

It's obvious wrote on Sep 25, 2007 10:26 AM:Owning gambling casinos in California is a benefit provided to one group of people based on genetic makeup. It is making this group wealthy. I would like to benefit but I'm not part of this group and have no way to become part of the group. The group uses its money and power to maintain its special benefits. This is clearly a case of discrimination.

EDDIE wrote on Sep 25, 2007 10:35 AM:OPEN YOUR MINDS!!!! WE ALREADY HAD TWO ON THE ROAD.. WE NOW HAVE THREE.... AND MUCH MORE COMING..... THEY ARE DOING MUCH MORE BEHIND THE SCENES THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE; JUST TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS SAFE. NOW, IF PEOPLE LIKE YOU WERE TO GET INVOLVED TO HELP SOLVE OUR CHALLENGES, WE WOULD HAVE A MUCH BETTER TEMECULA.

A Indian wrote on Sep 25, 2007 10:42 AM:Do we questions other sucessfull career people how they make their money and how they spent it... Our image is becoming tainted but only by the people who already successfully have all the luxeries from living and working. We have suffered and worked very hard all our lives to just provide the basic necessities needed to sustain living and provide for our families. Nothing has been easy for us, and on top of it we have always been branded as a lower part of society. Now, just when we seem to get a little self relient and enjoy a few pleasures in life we being given a image. Just like everyone else who has achived self reliance and financial stability we stil put our mocassins on one foot at a time......

Kristine wrote on Sep 25, 2007 11:02 AM:Bars and servers of alcohol all over the country are being and have been sued for contributing to the cause of a drunk driving accident. Providing a van for drunk patrons to get home (while needed) sounds less like a public service, and more like self preservation.

no more wrote on Sep 25, 2007 11:51 AM:of Government subsidies to Indians. Now that the casinos are "raking in the money" they need to "help their own". No more casinos should be approved until revenues from the casinos are shared with the other poor Indians in or out of California. There should be no more Government handouts. "

American Indian wrote on Sep 25, 2007 12:04 PM:If the public has developed a particular "perception', the Tribes have only themselves to blame. "

JR wrote on Sep 25, 2007 12:08 PM:Since the government is handing out economic monopolies based on ethnicity, what industry do the blacks get? How about the Mexicans? What industry to white people get? Hindus? Chinese? It's ethnic-based economic monopolization. Stop whining about things that happened before your grandparents were born.

KayJay wrote on Sep 25, 2007 12:12 PM:I voted no on Prop 5 in 1998, and I'd vote no again today. Most people I talk to who voted yes before would vote no today. To give someone a monopoly on a type of business because of ethnicity is wrong, no matter what happened in the past. Irish immigrants were treated pretty bad at one time.

A Suggestion wrote on Sep 25, 2007 12:19 PM:I suppose tribal leaders could help improve public opinion by explaining how some tribal members receive a lavish income multiple times the average of households in the surrounding areas, while others live in poverty and squalor. When all tribal members (included those disenrolled for questionable reasons) receive at least basic financial support from the tribal fund, I'll have no reason to believe that tribal leaders are not just another band of money grubbers.

THEM wrote on Sep 25, 2007 12:36 PM:ITS ALL ABOUT THE $$$$$$.

TIM wrote on Sep 25, 2007 12:43 PM:OPEN YOUR MINDS!!!! DONT BELIEVE PECHANGA'S PROPAGANDA,ITS ALL ABOUT THE $$$$$$$$$. THEY DONT CARE ABOUT TEMECULA OR CALIFORNIA OR EACH OTHER.

TheIssue wrote on Sep 25, 2007 1:06 PM:Casinos were built to improve the lives of tribal members only if the members belong to the tribe that constructed the casino. The wealth should be distributed to tribal members in other states that do not have the populations to support casinos. Tribes should also be required to give money to the communities where their patrons drive, commit crimes, and drink.

MC wrote on Sep 25, 2007 1:58 PM:Yeah, I voted for the propositions to allow the casinos on reservations. I thought it would be a great way for the Native American people to improve their lives. What I didn't know was that every tribe around would be building one. I have 5 casinos within 30 miles of my home. Three of them within 10 and people have to drive right through my town to get to them. When the proposition was on the ballot last year to allow slot machines at the Race Tracks and Card places, the tribes ran ads saying "You wouldn't want a casino next to your child's school would you?" Well guess where Valley View is...right next to my kids Middle School. It is sad when I read about the councils excluding people from the benefits that are tribe members and it is sad to read about tribes in other states that are on reservations with no running water. Yes, the tribes that are making lots of money should help those that don't have casinos. AND...they should have counseling on how to invest and use their new found wealth. I know people on the res and drugs and alcohol are still rampant. And I have a problem with this whole victim issue. Yes, Native Americans were treated badly and their land taken away. But, I'm Irish and you want to see 700 years of persecution and having your land taken away and being starved and punished and discriminated against even up to the current time...read that history. But did we get any reparations..hah. We did get our revenge,in that now the Irish economy is better than the British.

DeAnn wrote on Sep 25, 2007 2:33 PM:Unfortunetly, tribes will have to self-promote themselves as a group. Too many residents of the U.S. do not know their American history well enough to understand the concept of sovereignty. Indians will have the burden of educating the majority of citizens on Indian poverty, along with state and federal law regarding Indian people.

Radu/Ventura wrote on Sep 25, 2007 6:00 PM:You all non-indians, get a life! (I'm not indian). Bad enough "we" took the land, decimated the tribes, pushed them off any land of any value (and now the desert reservations are a target as well), reneged on treaties, *stole* the money they had coming from leases and such. Leave them alone. If you don't want to gamble, DON'T! If you don't want to buy gasoline from reservation-owned gas stations, DON'T! Let them manage their own affairs. Share the wealth with the state of California? Why? Anyone seen a penny off the lottery? I'll stop here, I can go on forever. Think about this, will you?

Samuel wrote on Sep 25, 2007 6:15 PM:I do agree with many of these statements that people have posted. But, if you really want to do something to make you feel better, stop going to the casinos and spending your hard earned money. Your HARD earned money equals their FREE money. If you know people who gamble, talk with them and convince them to stop going. Hit them in their pocket books.

Wilika wrote on Sep 25, 2007 6:40 PM:No one was complaining when the Indians were having a very hard time and suffered so many losses so You, could benefit from their demise. This is history. No one complains when other people do well in making fortunes but with Indians its different and probably because you can't keep them down any longer. Where were your ancestors concerns about environmental damage or otherwise when you built huge cities etc and now you complain about casino traffic. A lot of this sounds like jealously. What goes around comes around. Study your own history.

wilika wrote on Sep 25, 2007 6:44 PM:What free money...there is no free money. Study the treaties first and state compacts....that were made and are the supremem law of the land. Why???because America is a free country. Is it acceptable to go into someone's elses territory and just take what resources they have and leave them destitute? No. And though the treaties have not been honored...some have. You are misinformed about free money and before you make comments educate yourself.

thomas jefferson would be sick wrote on Sep 25, 2007 6:49 PM:to think that skin color determines what types of enterprises you can own in the united states.

Joe wrote on Sep 25, 2007 7:13 PM: OPEN YOUR MINDS!!!! DONT BELIEVE PECHANGA'S PROPAGANDA,ITS ALL ABOUT THE $$$$$$$$$. THEY DONT CARE ABOUT TEMECULA OR CALIFORNIA OR EACH OTHER. "

Gary wrote on Sep 25, 2007 7:22 PM:There are some people who do not know what "treaties" and "State Compacts" you are referring to. What are these you are referring to and where could they be read. There are many people who do need to read these.

If the shoe fits! wrote on Sep 25, 2007 7:25 PM:I'd love to do nothing and get paid for it, say, just because I'm Irish, Italian or an Indian. At the very least, the tribes should employ these individuals in the casinos and give them benefits. Wilika, I know several tribal members who get that monthly check and they spend it on booze, nice TV's and cars. I understand the history, but that doesn't make it right that they get a free ride without giving something in return!

Jason wrote on Sep 25, 2007 7:36 PM:I have read everything stated here so far, I came up with a grand total of four comments, that actually sounded like they knew what they were talking about. Now, repeat after me, "thou shall not write about things, which I do not understand". people are funny, they get a little bit of information and run with it! anyway, lesson over. I am on the indian side, after all I have actually read on the subject (not just was taught in history class) I hope all these casinos make enough money to buy back all their stolen land. I mispoke there, "appropriated land". If you happen to want to know all the story, you can begin with "Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee" by Dee Brown. It's just my opinion but I feel one should have both sides of the story before forming an opinion, I could be wrong.

Rick H. wrote on Sep 25, 2007 8:38 PM:You would'nt have a clue how much Pechanga gives and gives and gives. If you dont know learn then talk about issues you have no knowledge of. Pechanga used to donate way before there was really money to donate, and still keep giving and giving. When was the last Time you guys talked about any other large company and asked what they do for Temecula. Those of you like myself that have lived since the 70' know that traffic has sucked since 1989, but since most of you think Pechanga has caused all the traffic you have know clue,

thomas jefferson would be sick wrote wrote on Sep 25, 2007 8:56 PM:"to see the way Pechanga treats it's own people"

Gary in Murrieta wrote on Sep 25, 2007 9:02 PM:I have a friend who recently sold her 1.6 million dollar house located on the top of the hill area, of Temecula. A 24 year old single female from the local Indian tribe bought it. I know of at least 5 other home sales in this same area by young single tribe members. Yes I have the impression that they are rolling in dough.

Wow from Cheryl wrote on Sep 26, 2007 7:49 AM:It does look like many people are uneducated here and just making jealous remarks. If you had the money to buy a bigger house, nice car, a big tv, wouldn't you? I would! If it was presented to you, you would take it..but it's not so oh well! Don't like it, don't gamble then. I don't hear anyone complaining about the tobacco companies or beer conglomerants and the billions they bring in and don't share...not to mention the illness and government costs associated with curing these illnesses!! And yeah, some indians are alcholics, but so are millions and millions of non-indians! Get a job!

Enterprise1 wrote on Sep 26, 2007 9:07 AM:Only 10% of the Indians in California receive any benefit from gaming. The wealth from Indian Gaming is spread among very, very few Indians. Many others remain in poverty. This was not the intent of the voters in California when tribal gaming was put in place. Then of course, tribes like Pechanga disenroll over 300+ of their tribal members in order to cut those numbers down further. The greed of Tribes like the Pechanga will ultimately be responsible for the loss of sovereignty for many Tribes as a result of conducting their tribal government in Renegade fashion.

Legal Citizen wrote on Sep 26, 2007 9:15 AM:Not only am I related to some of these "Casino Indians", I also live on one of the "Casino Reservations". To clarify some of the inuendos said here...I know of many Tribal Members that have worked in their casinos since day one...and yes they do hold high positions..not because they are Tribal members, but because they earned it through work ethics. I know many who have taught their children the value of a dollar earned, they all work, some even as a trash detail...now how many other races do you know who earn at least $ 5,000/mo. but are still working? Like other posters above said...don't gamble if you are against the casinos...I for one enjoy it.

JMB wrote on Sep 26, 2007 10:14 AM:Gary, on the internet you can find the treaties that were signed and not signed To the Irish, etc, you took the land away and left us with nothing but starvation and death

KnowTheFacts wrote on Sep 26, 2007 10:26 AM:Lisa, you talk about Pechanga's moratorium. Pechanga had it's doors open for many, many years for enrollment before the casino. Why didn't people enroll then? It was only after Pechanga had a casino that they were inundated with applications for enrollment. Why didn't people want to be Pechanga BEFORE the casino? Go Indians, Good for you. Well said. Indians do much behind the scene. They just don't self promote. TheIssue, you said, Tribes should also be required to give money to the communities where their patrons drive, commit crimes, and drink." What makes you think they don't?

JMB wrote on Sep 26, 2007 10:38 AM:Moratorium? What about people who applied way before the moratorium was set, like from 15 to 20 years before and still haven't been enrolled but parents and siblings have

Rick H. wrote on Sep 26, 2007 11:00 AM:Look in paper Pechanga donates more money. 50,000 to TVHS.But all you who talk smack about Pechanga will forget about those donations also, Pechanga pays way more then its fair share, We have fixed problems for Temecula year after year that had know impacts from the casinos, but you blame and blame so your city taxes dont go up and up. You big companies in Temecula need to do your part, not the casinos.You haters should move back to orange county or where ever you came from. Then traffic and all those problems you brought would go away.

Jim ... wrote on Sep 26, 2007 11:36 AM:Large payouts to tribal members is wrong. The money earned by tribal casinos should be used to develop each nation (tribes). Surplus money should be used in tribal areas that do not have casinos to develop them. Each tribal member should get no more than they earn by the sweat of their labor. We are creating unearned wealth that will kill us in the end. We have been entrusted with a privilege to own and operate casinos, lets honor and respect that privilege.

Jim H. wrote on Sep 26, 2007 11:47 AM:Large payouts to individual tribal members is wrong. All casino money should be used to develop the tribal nation. If a tribe has excess money they should share it with those non casino tribes. We should earn our money by the seat of our labor not the dole of the casino. This unearned wealth will kill us. Respect and honor the privilege and trust given us to operate casinos. Our neighbors expect us to be good stewards of that trust.

Larry wrote on Sep 26, 2007 12:05 PM:This pompous attitude by the casino supporters is exactly why the public has had it with the Casino Members. If you don't agree with them you are either uneducated or jealous,WRONG! Check the facts Members the actions of this greedy tribe(Pechanga) is not going unnoticed all over this land. It isn't hard to read between the lines. These Members are fighting for $$$$$$ bottom line.

Legal Citizen wrote on Sep 26, 2007 12:33 PM:What universe are you from Jim H.? Every Reservation can apply themselves exactly the way the casino Tribes did to get the casinos in the first place. It isn't up to them to support the "poor" Tribes. They have had the same opportunities that the casino Tribes had, so really they have no excuse for not bettering their community. Whether or not or how much they share with the non-gaming Tribes, community, etc. is their option (most contribute alot more than anyone knows). If I were in their shoes I would question why my Tribe is continuously supporting non-gaming Tribes who can't or won't get off their duffs and get their own enterprises going. It doesn't necessarily mean it has to be a casino.

Redhawk Resident wrote on Sep 26, 2007 12:48 PM:This is typical of the Pechanga Tribal members attitude. If anyone says this is not about greed they are sorely mistaken. I can remember when the casino was two trailers. No one seemed to be arguing then. But as more money becomes involved... well you obviously see the results. Pechanga's stop trying to Bully the public please.

LeeAnna wrote on Sep 26, 2007 12:58 PM:What about culture & tradition Native Americans? Is far as my memory serves me there is no HISTORY or TRADITION of Indian gaming before the People of California voted to allow gaming here.

Indian lover wrote on Sep 26, 2007 2:12 PM:The Indians should have every right to build casinos. But they should not have a gambling MONOPOLY enforced by the police. Think it's not? Try opening a casino off tribal lands. We should legalize gambling, and all this nonsense goes away.

Indian Lover wrote on Sep 26, 2007 2:20 PM:Legal Citizen claims that non-casino Indians need to get off their duffs and get their own casinos. But the fabulously successful California "Casino Indians" were fortunate enough to find themselves on reservations close to population centers. Others ar not so lucky. For instance, South Dakota Indians have casinos, but NOTHING like you'll find in Southern California -- glorified card rooms with a few slots, essentially.

ya right! wrote on Sep 26, 2007 2:20 PM:It really makes one wonder if people live just to find something to [complain] about. Love it or leave it, I always say.

Indian Lover wrote on Sep 26, 2007 2:27 PM:Casino Indians' contributions to local organizations are miniscule, compared to their unearned monopoly profits. A TINY fraction of their take, believe me. Far less than you or I give to charity, I'm sure. What they DO give is carefully calculated to earn them the maximum good publicity. Al Capone did the same thing as a crime boss in Chicago.

JMB wrote on Sep 26, 2007 3:32 PM:Le Anna, the Indians have always had gaming, it was the whites that found the slots then the Indians. They all learned from the whites.

Jones wrote on Sep 26, 2007 3:35 PM:It's not just about money. It's about power too. Why else would a couple of families conspire and then illegally kick out legitimate and proven Pechanga tribal members because they 'were out voting them? It's all about greed & power.

JMB wrote on Sep 26, 2007 3:37 PM:Gary, I wouldn't say the Indians are rolling in dough but if you lived in a carboard shack and hauled water from the creek, providing there was water, wouldn't you want bette?????

Gary wrote on Sep 26, 2007 8:48 PM:JMB, hmm.... a few Indians are rolling in dough. To buy a 1.6 million dollar house at age 24, seems pretty well off to me.

JMB wrote on Sep 26, 2007 9:58 PM:They are allowed to get credit now Gary, believe me it wasn't cash. At 24 there is no way they would have that much cash, they have to be 18ys old to receive anything. They now can make payments like everyone else because they have an income. Why do you resent them living like everyone else?-

Legal Citizen wrote on Sep 27, 2007 8:45 AM:In response to "Indian Lover"....My last sentence of my post specifically says IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE A CASINO. There are many ways of building a business, people just have to research it and apply for the right grants...

Go Indians! wrote on Sep 27, 2007 9:08 AM:Indians weren't given gambling permits because of their ETHNICITY. They have them because they are sovereign nations who can choose to do what they want with their soil. This is the soil they were relegated to by whites who wanted and TOOK their more desirable land. If the Indians can turn that "useless soil" into profits, more power to them! The state benefits too. The fact that everybody and his brother wants to be Indian now that's there money in it is a secondary issue.

Jerry wrote on Sep 27, 2007 10:25 AM:Only 10% of the Indians in California receive any benefit from gaming. The wealth from Indian Gaming is spread among very, very few Indians. Many others remain in poverty. This was not the intent of the voters in California when tribal gaming was put in place. Then of course, tribes like Pechanga disenroll over 300+ of their tribal members in order to cut those numbers down further. The greed of Tribes like the Pechanga will ultimately be responsible for the loss of sovereignty for many Tribes as a result of conducting their tribal government in Renegade fashion. "

john r wrote on Sep 27, 2007 10:54 AM:Re Jockos comment-The cars you see parked in front of Valley View Casino belong to guests, NOT tribal officials. There are not any spaces reserved for tribal officials and they all drive pick up trucks, mostly older used at that. The spaces in front are reserved for valet and customers who request special treatment for their cars. Please get your facts straight before you make inflammatory statements.

MC wrote on Sep 27, 2007 11:18 AM:JMB.." Gary, on the internet you can find the treaties that were signed and not signed To the Irish, etc, you took the land away and left us with nothing but starvation and death " What??? My ancestors had their lands taken away and were not given any reservation lands or free health care etc etc...they were starved to death when there was bumper crops of food. One-Third of our people...1 million perished in the potato crop failure because one crop failed 3 years in a row. One third of our people were driven out of the country. In the North of Ireland, the native Irish are still discriminated against. They were beaten and murdered and burned out of their homes even up to recent years. You know back then...every nation seemed to have some other country take over. That's the way life was back then. It wasn't right but it was reality. So don't throw that back at me or my people! Sure, the Native people here were treated badly and I feel for them. And I don't resent the tribes getting ahead but you need to Take Care of Your People! Why exclude legitimate members due to technicalities...why not give more to the tribes that are in poverty still.

JMB wrote on Sep 27, 2007 4:17 PM:I think your getting off track, Ireland or any other country is not envolved in the Native American Indians disputes. It seems everyone is disturbed that the Native Americans have finally found something to do with the forsaken land they were herded onto as literally prisoners in their own country. They never complained or had marches or riots, they just lived like they were told to. They were sent to the misions, they couldn't practice their culturs or speak the language, they did what they were told to do 24/7, They were not allowed in towns, or stores, they were not allowd to go to public schools. They were outcasts. The land they live on at the reservation is not owned by each indivitual, They can put a house on it and live on it but they don't own it. It is Federally owned land. Through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, they can get a twenty five year residinual lease to live there and have it renewed. With all the comments from all these people, they should read a little more history.

Temecula Man wrote on Sep 27, 2007 7:49 PM:Tribe's like Pechanga have no one to blame but themselves for their poor public image. Kicking out 25 percent of their tribe in the last three years and keeping hundreds more out in an endless moratorium has a lot to do with their poor image. Sad, as it didn't have to be that way as there was a time when all of their people worked together such as when the propositions to leglize gaming were passed. There was no division among them back then.

Luiseno wrote on Sep 27, 2007 8:05 PM:I was a member of the Pechanga tribe BEFORE there was a casino and was still dissenrolled. I own land on the reservation, land that has been in my fmaily for as long as the reservation has been established, but was still dissenrolled. The tribe's own hired athority also proved my linage as a member of the tribe but was still dissenrolled. Origional members of the tribe at its beginning also gave signed witnessed depositions stating they knew my ancestor as a member of the tribe (but I have been told they must have been mistaken, because I was still dissenrolled). The Tribe also voted as a whole to STOP my dissenrollment, but the council meeting in secret behind armed guarded doors decided to overthrow the vote of the people and STILL dissenroll me. I was told "no matter what evidence I provided, I was still going to be dissenrolled". Also just before all the mass dissenrollments, I was told by a person Mr B (some will know of who I speak) "I want MORE money, and I don't care what I have to do to get it"... So YES it IS about the money. I am still recognised as a member of the tribe by the BIA, but my own tribe (or I should say those in power) no longer recognise me as a member.

Kamari wrote on Sep 28, 2007 8:52 AM:Of all the places to hold such a meeting - Pechanga. Pechanga is a big part of the bad perception for Native Americans - Disenrolling a quarter of their tribe for more money! This is laughable. - Why hold such a forum at Pechanga, isn't there a more credible tribe that would host such a forum. I am Native and I hate that people make comments as ....you rich Indians are greedy; what casino do you; own or how much per-cap do you get; Most Natives are not rich Casino Indians and yet we are still percieved as greedy, rich, and cutthroat (cutthroat is due to Pechanga, Cherokee, & Las Vegas disenrollments).-

Another Luiseno wrote on Sep 28, 2007 9:24 AM:You are correct, there are many out there who have been waiting for enrollment, 15yrs or more, but they are adults,even though the parents are enrolled. The moratorium is on adults, but the 18yr olds are being accepted and given per capita to run wild. Yes there are many things wrong but the hands are tied, no one wants to accept responsiblity for anything and no one seems to be in charge. Every committee does as they please, that includes the enrollment committee. People don't know who to go to for help when needed, again they don't want to get envolved. Yes Pechanga needs better management of their Tribe, of the reservation and the Council.

Stan wrote on Sep 28, 2007 2:25 PM:As a native, not Pechanga, I am sad to see how greed has corrupted tribal leaders to disenroll members. It is obvious that the fewer the tribal members, the more money there is to go around. Tribes who have undertaken these huge disenrollments, even of entire families, should be boycotted by entertainers and patrons. I note that the Pechangas have begun airing some heartwarming TV ads, which belie the greed of the tribe.=

Tanner wrote on Sep 28, 2007 7:35 PM:I am not indian. I looked carefully at all these posts. I am writing a essay on all California disenrollments. Thank you for all the posts. Any futher internet links for research would be much appreciated.

Temecula Man wrote on Sep 29, 2007 7:59 AM:The rules in this forum say we can't give contact information but if you did a search on Pechanga disenrollment, you would find information on not only this disenrollment situation but on other tribes who have also done the same thing to their people. As there are sites that focus on the situation at Pechanga but also have threads on other disenrollments as well.

AKA BELIEVER wrote on Sep 30, 2007 2:14 PM:THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION WILL DECIDE YOUR FATE , AS PER ANTHONY PICO'S STATEMENT TO OTHER TRIBAL LEADERS. YES IT WILL. WHEN A TRIBE LIKE PECHANGA DISENROLLS LEGITIMATE TRIBAL MEMBERS WHO LIVED ON THE RESERVATION LONG BEFORE THERE WAS A CASINO,THE SAME PUBLIC THAT VOTED FOR PROP 5 AND 1A TO ALLOW GAMING ON INDIAN LANDS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL, THEN YOU CAN EXPECT CRITICISM. IF I HAD TO VOTE AGAIN ON THIS MEASURE THERE WOULD BE A NO VOTE HERE. SO PECHANGA YOU GOT YOURSELF A BAD NAME OUT THERE IN THE PUBLIC EYE, I SUGGEST YOU ELECT NEW LEADERSHIP THAT WILL RESPECT PEOPLES CIVIL RIGHTS. AMERICAN INDIANS SHOULD HAVE THE SAME CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS AS ANY OTHER AMERICAN. YES, I RESPECT SOUVERGNTY BUT THAT DOES NOT GIVE YOU THE RIGHT TO DISRESPECT YOUR OWN PEOPLE.

Bad Karma wrote on Sep 30, 2007 5:21 PM:To all tribal members and ex-tribal members what goes around usually comes around. Never cast a evil stone unless you have not sinned yourself. We are all sinners. Eventually each and everyone of us will reap and sow our own bed for the sins that we have sinned against others. May God Bless You All!!!

Temecula Man wrote on Sep 30, 2007 8:07 PM:Yes of course all have sinned as no one is perfect but in the case of the disenrolled, in this instance the disenrolled are not the guilty parties as all they did was be born into certain families. And if people who may be stuck in the moratorium on membership at Pechanga think that the disenrolled are partly to blame for the moratorium, then consider that the same families who led the charge against the disenrolled are the same people who pushed for the moroatorium. The disenrolled, when they were tribal members also had many of their relatives stuck in the unfair moratorium. I know for a fact that most of those who have been disenrolled did not support the moratorium. What is pretty obvious is if tribes like Pechanga didn't think that a bad public perception might cause their profits to go down, then they might not care about what the public would think. Does anyone really think Pechanga would have tried to disenroll anyone during the campaigns to legilize gaming on Indian lands? There is no way they would have tried it then as they needed the disenrolled's help in getting the measures passed. Once gaming took a stronghold the disenrolled were no longer needed.

MC wrote on Oct 2, 2007 10:13 AM:JMB...yes, I am sorry to get off track but the point I wanted to make was that most nations had bad things happen to them at some point. I know Native Americans have gotten the bad end of it...and so have blacks. But get over it! I am happy that some tribes are able to be self sufficient and do good things for the res. I love driving through Pala and seeing the new centers there and some of the homes improved. But it just makes me really mad when I read things situations like Lisueno's ... All the tribe's people should be able to share in the profits and they should help the tribes that do not have the income. That is my point.-

Temecula Man wrote on Oct 3, 2007 6:20 AM:MC, a lot of the bad perception of some of the wealthy gaming tribes is because the propositions to legalize gaming on reservations were passed to help all California Indians, not just a few. The disenrolled people at Pechanga were never declared non Indians as even officials at Pechanga who voted to oust them recognize that the disenrolled are still California Indians. But in addition to a share of the profits, the disenrolled have had medical and other benefits cut. Also, not all tribes have had the chance to benefit from the fruits of the casinos. The share for non gaming tribes is small. I have seen estimates of perhaps 10 percent of California Indians are benefiting from gaming, not what the people of California voted for.-

escondido surfer wrote on Oct 7, 2007 2:52 PM:Indian gaming is a disaster. The sooner we can rid ourselves of this cancer the better. Let's start by spreading the profits around and away from the politically connected, privileged few. Indians help eachother. No more handouts.

CREEPER wrote on Oct 28, 2007 11:45 AM:WHEN YOU SEE THE LATEST INFOMERCIAL THAT THE PECHANGA TRIBE HAS ON VARIOUS T/V STATIONS YOU CAN SEE SOME OF THE PEOPLE WHO WHERE IN CHARGE OF DISENROLLMENTS. {...] NOW THAT PECHANGAS BAD NAME IS ALL OVER THE NEWS THEY ARE DESPERATE TO CREATE A NEW IMAGE. THEY ARE SPENDING MILLIONS OF $$$$$$$ THAT BELONG TO THE DISENROLLED AND TO THOSE IN THE ENDLESS MORATORIUM. THOSE WHO LOST THEIR INCOME AND INSURANCE, HEALTH BENEFIT AND VARIOUS GRANTS AND MOST IMPORTANT DENIAL OF THEIR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS GUARANTEED TO ALL AMERICANS, BUT NOT THE AMERICAN INDIAN WHO BELONGS TO A SOVEREIGN TRIBE. CONGRESS HAS THE POWER TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION. SOON WE HOPE.

t'eetilawuncha! wrote on Nov 1, 2007 2:35 PM:This is a very good article. It shows the big picture of what is occuring in indian country right now. I do believe tribes should have the right to determine their membership, but the criteria should be fair for all people. Congressional interventions scares everyone, but that is exactly what is going to happen. They are the ultimate governing body over this whole mess. Corrupt Leaders who know this have pushed this to the envelope. They know that Congress has Pleanary powers over all recognized tribes. Add billions of dollars generated by a few powerful tribes and their political donations, and it opens a flood of concern from the citizens that live around these tribes. The citizens read the papers, and interact with some tribal members and they get a glimpse of what is occuring internally at some of these reservations. It truly is a sad time for our people.

Rae wrote on Dec 16, 2007 4:55 PM:Pechanga Tribe gives MILLIONS to the city of Temecula, and to many, many, organizations! My husband IS Pechanga Indian so I know what I am talking about. Many people that complain about the money, only wish they had it! What would you do if you found out you were Indian and started receiving money? Yep, I bet you wouldn't complain! Stop being jealous!