San Manuel Custom Book

EMERGENCE OF A COMMUNITY Citizens of San Manuel today live in quality homes built on smooth streets in clean, safe neighborhoods protected by tribal public safety officers, off-reservation law enforcement agencies and a state-of-the art fire station. Families have access to health care and young people are encouraged to pursue their educational goals. A tribal education department provides children with tutoring and Serrano language revitalization programs. Along with its public safety and fire departments, San Manuel’s government – which two decades ago survived on an annual budget of $300 – now has agencies to manage public works and the environment; legal affairs and risk management; planning and economic development; education and health; and public and governmental affairs. “The tribe has had to grow as a government,” said Jerry Paresa, San Manuel’s executive direc- tor of intergovernmental affairs.“Thankfully they’ve had the resources through gaming to achieve in 20 years what it has taken cities and counties hundreds of years to do. They’ve built their government at a very accelerated pace.” PARTNERS IN PLANNING San Manuel also has created strong and effective, government-to-government relations with Congress, federal and state departments and surrounding county and municipal agencies. The tribe has taken a seat at the table in regional planning and other matters, an equal partner with San Bernardino County and the cities of San Bernardino and Highland. The tribal fire department is a crucial link in regional fire prevention and disaster planning. “They have definitely emerged as a governmental body and we deal with them as a govern- ■ San Manuel, Viejas, Oneida Three Fires make history with Sacramento Marriott SACRAMENTO, Calif. – San Manuel and two other Indian tribes made history in 2007 when they became the first consortium of Native American tribes to develop an off-reservation hotel in California. Three Fires, LLC, an economic development partnership comprised of San Manuel, the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians of Alpine, Calif., and the Oneida Nation of Green Bay, Wis., celebrated the grand opening of the Residence Inn by Marriott Sacramento at Capitol Park. The three tribes and the Forest County Potawatomi Community of Wisconsin had previously formed Four Fires LLC in development of a $43 million,13-story, 233-suite Residence Inn by Marriott-Capitol, located in the heart of Washington D.C. Four Fires is one of the first joint business ventures in the nation between tribal governments formed as an investment coalition. The 15-story, 235-suite California hotel, located across from the State Capitol gounds, is the first hotel in the state located off tribal lands and owned by multiple tribes. The three tribes are principal owners of the hotel, along with 15th & L Investors, LLC. “This tribal partnership demonstrates how Native American tribes can leverage the success of their tribal government gaming operations to expand economic development beyond gaming, enhance self-sufficiency and, ultimately, further secure tribal sovereignty,”Viejas Chairman Bobby L. Barrett told attendees at the grand opening ceremonies. Tribal leaders believe Four Fires and Three Fires, LLC will serve as an economic models, benefiting other tribes interested in working together as one to strengthen efforts, reduce risk and diversify their collective and individual economic futures. “The hospitality industry has been successful for our tribe,” said Gerald Danforth, chairman of the Oneida Nation.“We must continue to move forward into economic partnerships such as Three Fires, to maximize our economic resources. Smart business practices result in success and I believe this project will be a tribute to smart business, hardworking employees and strong leadership.” Each tribe in the partnership has shown leadership and innovation in pioneering Indian-owned and -developed businesses, from hotels, a retail shopping center and bank, to a bottled water company. “Together we are building upon a tradition of trade and commerce that has been the basis for connecting native nations since time immemorial,” former San Manuel Chairman Henry Duro said. 7

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of San Manuel Custom Book

San Manuel Custom Book Contents Editorial Chapter One: A Tribe with a World View Three Fires Make History with Sacramento Marriott San Manuel Village Nears Completion Giving is the Serrano Way Chapter Two: San Manuel Firefighters Prove Their Mettle A Day at the Office Chapter Three: San Manuel Outreach Cal State University at San Bernardino Operation Phoenix Loma Linda University Medical Center Chapter Four: Building a Tribal Government on San Manuel Behind the Scenes Frances 'Tu Tu' Morongo

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