The Kumeyaay Way - Winter 2008 - (Page 12)

Commitment to Community SAFETY & SECURITY Tribal Security— Safety First Building Relationships with Local Law Enforcement he diverse properties owned by the Viejas attract over 10,000 visitors per day. They come to shop at the outlet center, dine and play at the casino, camp at the Ma-Tar-Awa Recreational Vehicle Park, or attend community sporting events at the Viejas Recreation Center and gymnasium on the reservation’s Ipai-Tipai Park. The busy roads, recreation areas and reservation—which is home to approximately 300 tribal members—are a far cry T between the road and tribal member homes. Another source of protection comes from the 24-hour tribal security team that watches over the entire reservation. Together with the sheriff’s department in nearby Alpine, California, this crew has kept crime and disturbances to a minimum on Viejas lands. While other reservations and casinos have suffered from increased crime, theft, and violence, Viejas has the reputation of being safe, clean, and virtually crime free. With casino properties in operation 24 hours a day, this is a reputation that requires hard work. It takes a staff of 120 to keep residents and businesses safe. “We’re here to protect tribal members and the tribe’s assets,” said William McClurg, the director of security for Viejas. “We have to cover a lot of ground—the casino, the outlet, and of course, the reservation. We also have the country roads, public roads that run through the reservation, and the United States Park Land on three sides. We are close to the Mexican Tribal Security at Viejas Tribal Hall from the once isolated land that existed before the creation of Interstate 8, before the booming economic success of the Viejas. In order to provide a safe community for locals and visitors alike, tribal government has worked in tandem with local authorities and the tribal security team. The Alpine Sheriff Station Providing Protection 12 There is a white picket fence surrounding the reservation. It serves as a proud reminder of tribal identity for the community within, a protective barrier border as well, so there are many situations where we might be needed because of the location alone.” While the tribe’s security staff manages protection and surveillance on Viejas and surrounding areas, the local sheriff’s department shares responsibility

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Kumeyaay Way - Winter 2008

The Kumeyaay Way - Winter 2008 Contents Kumeyaay History Looking Back at the River of Tears Keeping the Borders Open for All Kumeyaay Tribal Security—Safety First Cultural Embrace Viejas Tribal Member Rescues Eagle Education for All Future in Their Hands Viejas Pow Wow Honors Native American Veterans Growing Traditions—Viejas Community Garden Remember When

The Kumeyaay Way - Winter 2008

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