I am delighted to share the Summer 2025 issue of Hamiinat, the official magazine of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation that showcases our culture, heritage, and enterprises. The title is an expression for greeting others in the Maara’yam (Serrano) language and extends friendship, goodwill and hospitality, for which our Tribe is renowned.
Serrano people are indigenous to the San Bernardino Mountains and valleys as well as the High Desert regions of Southern California. The people of San Manuel are the Yuhaaviatam Clan of Serrano Indians, whose rich culture and history are reflected throughout these pages. We are thrilled to offer you a glimpse into our Tribe.
Every issue of Hamiinat shares captivating stories, but this one will be of particular interest, in large part because our cover story offers a chronology of the Tribe’s recent name reclamation from San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. This shift reflects our ongoing efforts toward greater sovereignty and self-determination, as well as a return to our Yuhaaviatam ways. The magnitude of this historic moment simply cannot be overstated.
There’s no shortage of compelling content in this issue, including an in-depth look at the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and how the Tribe endeavors to bring home our ancestors and artifacts. We also delve into the exciting new documentary that highlights our people’s complex history and heritage. This four-part series by Academy Award–nominated MacGillivray Freeman Films beautifully encapsulates the Tribe’s triumphs, trials and tribulations throughout our storied history. We also look at some of San Manuel’s long-standing partnerships with celebrated California sports teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Inland Empire 66ers. Longtime Dodgers photographer Jon SooHoo takes us behind the scenes of his job of 40 years capturing memorable sports moments. We also feature an exclusive interview with famed Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett, who to this day remains the only Indigenous quarterback to win an NFL Super Bowl.
Of course, our elders and our youth are so significant in so many ways, which is why we carve out special space for them in every issue of Hamiinat. Here, we tell the impressive story of Maara’yam elder Ernest Siva, whose life work has been to revitalize the Serrano language through classes and similar offerings. We also present an interview with tribal citizen Brendon Kang, who recently interned with Tribal Brand Marketing, as well as a conversation with the Youth Committee about the importance of preserving the cultural practice of basket weaving. Taken altogether, this issue beautifully weaves together San Manuel’s past, present and future.
We thank you for being our guest and can’t wait to share our many new and exciting offerings — as well as our unique Yuhaaviatam culture — with you.
Chairwoman Lynn “Nay” Valbuena Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
PÜMIA’ CAKIMIV
8 / COVE R
In a historic move, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation reclaims its name to honor its heritage.
14 / CULT UR E
Ernest Siva is safeguarding the Serrano language for future generations to come.
16 / HISTORY
Millennia-old arrowheads find their way back home to San Manuel.
20 / HE RITAGE
Behind the scenes of the new documentary Maara’yam: The Yuhaaviatam Story
25 / R ECOGNIT ION
California Assemblyman James Ramos earns two Legislator of the Year awards.
26 / TEACHI NGS
Tribal citizen intern, Brendon Kang expands his skill set from tools to tactics.
28 / NE XT GE NERAT ION
The San Manuel Youth Committee is carrying on the cultural practice of basket weaving.
PUYU’HOUPKCAV
34 / IS SUE
A look at the complex Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
38 / GAMI NG
San Manuel is a national leader in responsible gaming.
41 / TEAM ME MBER H IG HLIGHT
How bartender Eddie Chavez found his home at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
42 / I NTERVI EW
History-making former NFL quarterback Jim Plunkett exemplifies the power of perseverance.
46 / E VENT
During WrestleMania 41, wrestling icons teamed up on festive and philanthropic endeavors.
48 / HAPPENI NGS
Gratitude abounds at the first allemployee Hakup A’Ai celebration held at Palms.
M Ü CI S CK
52 / FASH ION
Stylish looks designed by Indigenous talents from across Turtle Island.
60 / TRE ND S
Dive straight into summer with these vacation must-haves.
64 / SAVOR
Serving up global flavors at Palms Casino Resort and Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.
72 / ICON
For 40 years, Jon SooHoo has photographed the Los Angeles Dodgers’ biggest moments.
78 / HOS P ITAL ITY
Yaamava’ debuts elevated drinking and dining experiences.
82 / PA RTNE RS HI P
Together, San Manuel and the Inland Empire 66ers are building community.
PÜ MIA ’ C ˇ AKIMIV
(puh-mee-ah chah-kee-meev)
Our Heritage
Pümia' C�akimiv: What we came with. The phrase describes our heritage, traditions, culture and all the songs and dances our people have passed down over many generations.
In this section, we explore the significance of the Tribe’s recent name reclamation to Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. We showcase the new four-part documentary series highlighting the Tribe’s rich history and heritage. We delve into the backstory behind the recent return of centuries-old arrowheads to San Manuel. We present perspectives from elder and language warrior Ernest Siva, as well as tribal citizen intern, Brendon Kang and the Youth Committee. We celebrate former San Manuel Chairman and current California Assemblyman James Ramos’ recent Legislator of the Year awards.
Photography by Cara Romero
RECLAIMING OUR NAME
In a historic move, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation reclaims its name to honor its heritage.
BY KATE NELSON CAMPAIGN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARA ROMERO
THE HAKUP A’AI celebration at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is always a festive fete offering gratitude to all the team members who contribute to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s success, but this spring’s affair was especially meaningful.
The Yaamava’ Theater was abuzz with excitement as Chairwoman Lynn “Nay” Valbuena took to the stage to make a historic announcement: that the Tribe was changing its name to honor its origins and heritage.
“Today, as we enter Yaamava’ — the spring season — we focus this Hakup A’ai on reclaiming our Maara’yam name as the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation,” she said, garnering a rousing round of applause. “There is a deep meaning in historic events like this, when tribal governments strengthen connections with their heritage. By reclaiming our ancestral name, we are strengthening our culture, our soul and our spirit as Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation through the exercise of our inherent sovereignty.”
Depending on how you look at it, this momentous occasion has been both several years and several centuries in the making. It’s part of a larger tribal decision to develop a Constitution to replace the previous Articles of Association, originally adopted in 1966 and becoming effective when signed into law by six female Yuhaaviatam leaders. No small undertaking, the initiative to draft the Constitution
was kicked off nearly a decade ago and involved countless hours of collaborative discussions and deliberations between tribal council and tribal citizens — specifically elders and youth, in order to incorporate viewpoints from the past, present and future leaders into the Tribe’s fundamental governing document.
“We have been the Yuhaaviatam clan of the Maara’yam since our creation, going back to when our great great grandfather Santos Manuel was our kiika’, or leader,” said Valbuena. “Countless generations of our ancestors were known as Yuhaaviatam, which means ‘People of the Pines.’ This name ties us directly
to the origins of our clan in the Big Bear Valley region and the San Bernardino Mountains. Throughout our existence, we have cared for the land, conserved the natural resources, and harvested and gathered food, medicines and materials for shelter and toolmaking that contributed to our survival. This is greatly and deeply ingrained in all of us.”
Indeed, this shift is about so much more than just a moniker. It represents a move away from the colonial name given to the Tribe and a move toward greater sovereignty and self-determination. Considered amid a Native American renaissance with unprecedented Indigenous representation across realms from politics to pop culture, this also helps set a precedent on a national level, as San Manuel joins a host of tribes reclaiming their ancestral names in their own Native languages.
“Today, we continue the Yuhaaviatam ways by embracing the priority of our ancestors to secure the social, cultural and economic future of our people, our government and our nation,” Valbuena explained.
“As we embrace this goal, we are also committed to undoing the plague of assimilation that the mission system and the federal Indian policies so brutally carried out. The name that the mission system labeled us with is now gone forever, along with the trauma that our ancestors endured and survived.”
Before European arrival, hundreds of tribal communities thrived across what’s now California. Although some Spanish explorers ventured into the territory — then known as Alta California — as early as the 1500s, it wasn’t until the 1700s that Spain attempted to assert its authority over the area and its Native peoples through the establishment of mission churches and military forts known as presidios. Before long, 21 missions dotted the coastline from San Diego all the way north to Sonoma, and life was forever changed for this place’s original inhabitants. Along with the mission system came the slaughter of thousands of Indigenous people, as well as indentured servitude and oppressive policies that aimed to eradicate tribal cultures and traditions in favor of Western lifestyles.
In 1891, the U.S. government gave the Tribe its former name — the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians — which reflects that painful period marked by the Spanish mission system and American colonialism. Along with that shared history comes a legacy of trauma, including dispossession, displacement and disconnection from the Tribe’s 7.4 million acres of ancestral territory and the subsequent confinement to a then 640-acre reservation. Across California, many tribal communities have similarly been referred to by the names imposed upon them, many of which include the term “mission.” Now, 134 years later, San Manuel is returning to its origins with the shedding of that title. This symbolic change brings up a lot of emotions and memories for tribal members, including San Manuel Tribal Council Secretary Audrey Martinez. “My mom and grandmother knew tribes by their
names — not ‘Morongo’ or ‘Agua,’ but by their original names,” she said during the Hakup A’Ai celebration. “They never forgot who they were, even when the mission system came through and took our name away — probably because they couldn’t pronounce it and didn’t know what it meant. The name given to us wasn’t our true name, and now we’re taking that back. This might be the beginning of a change, where we see other [California] tribes follow in our footsteps.”
Indeed, San Manuel is among the first tribes in the state to remove the word “mission” — which carries with it deep meaning — from its title. The updated name embodies both the Tribe’s more traditional and more modern existences and represents the community’s ongoing ability to adapt in an ever-changing world.
The return to this ancestral name also underscores the Tribe’s ongoing commitment to the important
values that have long guided it, notes San Manuel Culture Seat Member Joseph Maarango. “At the time of our creation, one of the covenants we entered into with the Creator was to have a culture and a language that was uniquely ours,” he said. “The tenets of that covenant required our ancestors to live according to the values, the principles and the traditional practices that remain a significant part of our lives today. I believe Santos Manuel would be proud of [our ancestors’] survival; they in turn have given us the courage to take these bold and decisive steps to reclaim our heritage.”
For those who might be unfamiliar with the reclaimed name, the Hakup A’Ai event also included a fun, informative video featuring the San Manuel Youth Committee explaining how to say Yuhaaviatam (pronounced “yu-HAH-vee-ah-tahm”) and outlining
what this reclamation means to the next generation. For those who weren’t able to attend the celebration and those outside the community, a compelling education and awareness campaign has begun to spread out across social media and beyond, centered around the notion of the “Power of a Name.”
Of course, this name reclamation is just one very public component of the development of a new Constitution — an important accomplishment to be celebrated in its own right. “Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is a tribal government exercising our sovereignty, just like we’ve been doing since the beginning of time,” said Vice Chairman Johnny Hernandez, Jr. “Over the past decade, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation has acted on its power of self-government with the drafting of our first Constitution, adopted in December 2021 with
“YUHAAVIATAM OF
SAN
MANUEL
NATION
IS A TRIBAL GOVERNMENT EXERCISING OUR SOVEREIGNTY, JUST LIKE WE’VE BEEN DOING SINCE THE BEGINNING OF TIME.”
a seven-year implementation process. It is a living document that will continue to evolve, just as any nation’s governing laws do, to reflect changing times.”
But, as Hernandez points out, tribal governments bear unique responsibilities, all of which were taken into account during the years-long development of the Constitution. “As inherent sovereigns, tribal nations have a twofold obligation,” he explained. “First, we have a duty to ensure that our government institutions serve and respond effectively to challenges, issues and opportunities for our citizens. Second, as Indigenous people, our language, traditions, customs, ceremonies, spiritual beliefs and family relationships are the foundation of our existence. Our culture involves these deeply rooted values and principles.”
In closing out her Hakup A’Ai speech, Chairwoman Valbuena eloquently encapsulated how this historic
name reclamation both honors the past and influences the future. “This is a proud moment for us as we recognize our humility, our humanity and our stewardship of the land as the Creator has blessed us with this opportunity to reclaim our name and identity,” she said. “We are the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, whose path to the future will continue to present opportunities to be seized and challenges to be overcome. But we have also laid the groundwork for an even more stable government for our descendants. Our future generations are set for even more progress and even greater accomplishments in every facet of Yuhaaviatam life.”
To learn more, visit ANameHasPower.com.
ON A WINDY summer evening, the Morongo Community Center is filled with attentive eyes and bright smiles as Maara’yam elder Ernest Siva takes the stage to close out the annual Dorothy Ramon Learning Center (DRLC) Dragonfly Gala with a song. Dressed in a bright yellow ribbon shirt and carrying his rattle, he closes his eyes and begins singing a lullaby about the dragonfly in the Serrano language. “Uuškana’, uuškana’...” he sings. This memorable moment offers a perfect snapshot of Siva’s spirit.
For more than 20 years, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation linguists and tribal members have traveled weekly to the DRLC, which Siva cofounded, to learn from him about the Serrano language and culture, including his own life stories. He was born in 1937 at Soboba and grew up on the Morongo Indian Reservation, where the Serrano language filled his home and mind every day.
“We would always have family — be it my grandpa, aunts or whoever — speak to us in our language, Maarüŋa’cu’,” he said. His aunt, Dorothy Ramon, was a native speaker and spent much of her life speaking the language, only learning some basic English while at boarding school. She worked diligently in her elder years with a linguist to record and document nearly 800 stories in the Serrano language, encompassing cultural knowledge, oral histories and more. Her dedication in turn inspired her nephew’s life work.
The importance of that work simply cannot be overstated. So much important generational knowledge was lost during the United States’ boarding school era, which intended to eradicate Native American culture, religion, language and ways of life. The San Manuel community and the Serrano language was no exception. With a yearning to learn more about the language, several tribal members in
LANGUAGE WARRIOR
Carrying on a family tradition, Ernest Siva is safeguarding the Serrano language for future generations.
By Carolann Jane Duro / Photography by Tiffany Melendez
the 1990s decided to develop engagement activities to provide the community with opportunities to learn about Yuhaaviatam culture and the Serrano language. That’s when they first met Siva.
At the time, he was teaching Serrano language classes, keen on raising awareness about the importance of revitalizing the culture. He felt compelled to share his knowledge because “folks really wanted to know and started asking. There was an awakening about the need for that.”
Those early visits with Siva took place in the San Manuel Bingo Hall with a group of tribal members who were enthusiastic to begin their language
journeys. That marked the humble beginnings of the relationship between Siva and the Tribe, which would flourish into a remarkable revitalization of the Serrano language in everyday life at San Manuel. “The hopes I had were to do as much as I could, and more as time went on,” Siva recalled.
Those impressive efforts include opening the DRLC in 2007 in a small building in downtown Banning. “We wanted to keep things alive — enjoying our language and continuing to spread our customs,” he said.
Reflecting that mission, the DRLC regularly hosts programming about bird songs, basketweaving, jewelry beading and other forms of artistic expression.
CULTURE
Over the years, the organization has expanded its footprint and created a large gathering hall thanks to a generous donation from San Manuel. In another hugely meaningful gesture, the Tribe also gifted Dorothy Ramon’s Serrano language recordings, which had recently been repatriated, back to Siva.
Today, Siva relishes witnessing the fruition of his family’s longtime efforts to revitalize the Serrano language. “I see the Serrano language in a state of growth, in terms of the number of people learning and using it,” he said. This comes to life during the holidays, when San Manuel youth sing Christmas carols, such as “Rudolph Sürii’nka’ Mukpika’” (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer), in the Serrano language under Siva’s guidance. It’s just one example of how this language warrior’s lifelong efforts and this ongoing partnership with San Manuel give tribal members the ability to speak, dream and create in the Serrano language.
UNEARTHED HISTO RY
Millennia-old arrowheads find their way back home.
BY RICHARD ARLIN WALKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT JOHN KLEY
The discovery of millennia-old arrowheads, which now have rightfully been returned to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, happened by chance.
Back in the 1940s, Hollywood film technician Dudley Slauson often took his family on outings to land he owned in the Mojave Desert town of Phelan, California, where they lounged on picnic blankets and noshed on sandwiches. The grandchildren would wander off and explore among the buckwheat, sagebrush, sumac and yucca.
“It was this [seemingly] barren land, and the kids would be running around,” said Nancy Slauson, who married a grandson, Edward. “They started finding these objects and asking, ‘Grandpa, what are these?’”
They were arrowheads, ranging in estimated age from 200 to 6,000 years old and in size from a halfinch to two-and-a-half inches long. Over time, the Slauson family would uncover about 24 arrowheads made from both locally sourced rocks, as well as obsidian, which is not found nearby. These artifacts
speak to a system of seasonal resource harvest and trade that was intact from about 4000 B.C. until the arrival of European settlers and miners.
“Sustainability might be a relatively new buzzword in modern culture, but it has been a way of life for Indigenous peoples since time immemorial,” said the San Manuel Culture Pillar. “Serrano people have lived within the delicate ecosystems of their ancestral lands for thousands of years by having a keen appreciation for their role in tending to the land, to the gifts it provides and to the cultivation of mutually beneficial relationships with visitors and neighboring peoples.”
Phelan, where the arrowheads were found, was part of a major trade and travel thoroughfare connecting tribal communities along the Mojave River to those dotting the northern foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. It’s unknown whether Dudley, who passed away in the 1970s, knew the history of the Maara’yam people and their connection to that land — a territory that historically spanned more than seven million acres (about 11,500 square miles).
As Nancy explains, he revered the arrowheads and carefully stored them in a glass case. “I definitely
think he understood the importance of them,” she said. “But I don’t know that the sensitivity was there to think, ‘I should return these to the people who actually made them.’”
Nancy’s late husband inherited the glass case, which he stored away in a box. Last year, while unpacking boxes 25 years after her husband’s passing, she held that glass case in her hands for the first time.
“I was in awe of the arrowheads’ perfection — you could just see the craftsmanship that went into them,” she recalled. “They were made so beautifully, of different materials and of different sizes. You could tell each one had a purpose. And as I was looking at them, I thought, ‘These don’t belong to us.’”
Upon doing some online research, she learned that Phelan sits upon San Manuel ancestral homelands, so she called the Tribe’s Cultural Resources Management Department. “They were really surprised to hear I had these,” Nancy said. “They offered to send somebody out to pick them up, but I really wanted to hand them off in person. Now they’re back where they belong.”
San Manuel Repatriation and Curation Program Manager Jeannine Pedersen-Guzmán — who works through the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) process to bring home ancestral remains and cultural objects kept in federally funded institutions and universities — says private donations like this are rare. In fact, they typically happen only once a year.
“It’s refreshing when we get a private donation like this, because normally we’re going through a very long process to try to get objects back,” said Pedersen-Guzmán. “So it’s nice when someone comes knocking on our door wanting to do the right thing.”
“It’s a special kind of experience to encounter cultural resources on the landscape, AND THE BEST THING TO DO IS APPRECIATE THEM WHERE THEY ARE.”
Had Nancy been a member of the Slauson family back in the 1940s and come across an arrowhead during an outing in Phelan, she likely would have left it alone. “I wouldn’t want to disturb it,” she said. “I just feel that it’s something sacred.”
That’s the right approach, according to Cultural Resources Management Director Alexandra McCleary. Arrowheads and other ancestral objects found on the landscape “speak to the enduring presence of ancestors over time,” said McCleary.
“That becomes even more significant when you’ve been dispossessed from your land and your histories aren’t really taught in schools.”
She advises people who come across a cultural resource to leave it where it lay. If there’s a concern
about an artifact being in danger of theft or destruction, she and the Culture Pillar suggest taking a photo of it (without moving it) and alerting the authorities responsible for the protection of that place, such as a park ranger if on public land.
“It’s a special kind of experience to encounter cultural resources on the landscape, and the best thing to do is appreciate them where they are,” explained the Culture Pillar. “It’s a unique opportunity to reflect on thousands of years of human experience, the beauty of the earth that sustains us and the small but important part we all play as stewards of the land. It’s also important to respect local Indigenous values — to leave them on the landscape and allow the next visitor to have that same respectful interaction.”
Behind the scenes of the powerful new documentary series Maara’yam: The Yuhaaviatam Story.
SURVIVAL A Story of
By Richard Arlin Walker
The new documentary Maara’yam: The Yuhaaviatam Story tells a powerful tale of a resilient people who survived enslavement, displacement and genocide to become one of the most culturally and governmentally vibrant tribal nations in North America.
Cultural values dating back to the dawn of time are the bedrock upon which the Yuhaaviatam survived — and continue to thrive today. “The culture is literally what makes us who we are as Serrano people,” said culture, history and language teacher Sierra Duro Baguyo. “Hearing our story makes me so proud of where we are now.”
Fittingly, the documentary’s debut coincides with the Tribe’s transition from the name San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. That reclamation reflects a return to the tribal nation’s origins, before the community’s identity was muddied during the colonial and settlement eras.
The Spanish called the Yuhaaviatam and other Maara’yam clans “Serranos,” meaning mountain dwellers. The U.S. government then called them
Mission Indians, reflecting the Spanish mission system that in the 1700s and 1800s deprived Indigenous peoples of their culture, land, spirituality and religion across what’s now California. When a small portion of their ancestral land was returned to the Yuhaaviatam for a reservation in 1891, the United States abbreviated the first name of their leader, Santos Manuel, as “San.”
San Manuel former Vice Chairman Vincent Duro said an accurate telling of his people’s story was vitally needed. “There’s a lot of hurt and pain that has gone with our experience as tribal people,” he said in the documentary. “And it’s been whitewashed.”
The San Manuel Culture Pillar echoes that sentiment. “The documentary provided us with an opportunity to dive deeper into who we are as Maara’yam,” they said. “It gave our Yuhaaviatam people a chance to participate in chronicling our history and culture, our cultural lands and resources and our inherent sovereign status as the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation.”
THE FOUR-PART documentary series was guided by ancestral values in its creation. Episode 1, entitled “Creation–1891,” takes viewers to the place overlooking Big Bear Valley where the creator — made sick by the people’s greed — died and was cremated. The cremation site became a white quartz mound known as God’s Eye and the mourners were transformed into pine trees, giving the Yuhaaviatam their name: People of the Pines.
“The God’s Eye shines through — you can see it around the Baldwin Lake area as the sun hits it — to serve as a reminder not to repeat things we’ve done in the past but to move forward,” said current state Assemblyman and former San Manuel Chairman James Ramos. Thus, a new relationship between the people and the environment began.
“The people lived in balance and harmony with the environment and with each other,” the Culture Pillar explained. “They worked to protect and preserve resources through conservation — never harvesting or hunting more than they needed, leaving some so other living things could survive and so that the resources could replenish themselves.” The Yuhaaviatam and dozens of other Maara’yam clans lived this way for centuries, stewarding nearly 12,000 square miles of their ancestral territory.
But all that changed with the arrival of Spanish missionaries in the 1700s, followed by the arrival of American gold miners in the 1840s and then the state-sanctioned killings of Indigenous peoples.
In Episode 2, entitled “1891–1934,” viewers are introduced to Yuhaaviatam leader Santos Manuel and learn how he used his spirit power and leadership skills to keep his people safe throughout that tumultuous time and beyond.
Santos Manuel regularly communicated with animals, telling them in advance of his people’s movements to ensure safe passage. After he led his people from the San Bernardino Mountains to the valley floor to escape a murderous militia, Santos Manuel used his skills as a communicator to keep peace with settlers in the emerging city of San Bernardino.
“To save his people from extermination, Santos Manuel had to adjust his leadership skills for the moment — to be a warrior when he needed to be, a statesman when the moment required it, a provider for our people and a spiritual leader who helped assure his people,” the Culture Pillar said. “His influence and examples of strength, humility and wisdom are standards we aspire to as leaders of our Tribe today.”
In Episode 3, entitled “1934–1975,” San Manuel begins to emerge as a political and economic powerhouse. The Tribe endured nearly impossible conditions on the land returned to them by the United States for a reservation, but that changed with the passage of federal laws affirming the sovereignty of tribal nations and their authority to engage in economic development.
Specifically, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 recognized the autonomy of tribal nations to administer services — including education, health and housing — previously managed by federal agencies. Then, a 1988 federal law affirmed the authority of tribal nations to regulate businesses, including gaming, on their lands. Soon after, former San Manuel Chairman Henry
Duro led a delegation on a visit to a bingo hall owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. He was amazed by its success — and the economic opportunity such a venture could bring to San Manuel.
It was a smart and timely move. “It was clear this was something that could be a major revenue generator,” explained renowned gaming lawyer Jerry Levine, who was closely involved in bringing gaming to San Manuel, in the documentary. “The other factor that made San Manuel so appealing was it was the closest reservation to Los Angeles and the whole Southern California population area.”
Unsure how such a large development might affect their neighborhoods, nearby community members protested, but the Tribe worked to assuage those concerns and explain the benefit to the entire area. And what a widespread benefit it had. The San Manuel bingo hall immediately created jobs for
tribal citizens and neighbors, generating revenue that fueled continued economic growth.
Episode 4, entitled “1975–present,” shows how San Manuel has used its new-economy affluence to lift up its own community and those of its neighbors — employing nearly 8,000 team members today, and since 2003, returning more than $400 million to communities for education, healthcare, public safety and nonprofit initiatives.
TRIBAL LEADERS explain that this documentary is an important resource for future generations so they will know their history and have a true sense of not only who they are, but what their role in the community and the world must be.
“Maara’yam people have always been a grateful and giving people,” the Culture Pillar said. “Since our creation, all who visit or dwell within our ancestral lands have been greeted with hospitality, goodwill and friendship. We remain the same people today, demonstrating our character through our Yawa’, which means ‘to act on one’s beliefs.’ Our beliefs include kindness and generosity — sharing what we have with those who share our ancestral territory.”
Native youth are adhering to Yawa’ and are on the front lines of cultural preservation, Indigenous rights advocacy and community relationship building. That includes important initiatives, such as meeting with state leaders about legislation, teaching the language and organizing the massive San Manuel Pow Wow.
Fittingly, some of the young ones are the seventh generation since Santos Manuel’s generation. He made decisions based on how they might affect the seventh generation from his time, just as the seventh generation before him did. Seven-generation thinking drives the Tribe’s decision-making today, former San Manuel Chairman Ken Ramirez explains in the documentary.
“We built out for seven generations,” he said. “If our kids [continue to] build it out that way, we never cease. We’ll continue on. We’ll never die.”
That lasting legacy also lives on in this powerful documentary. Indeed, viewers will revisit some painful truths about the past but will also come away inspired by the power of kindness and good to overcome — and committed to help us as a society avoid repeating history and instead build a better future for the next seven generations to come.
WORTHY HONOR
California Assemblyman James Ramos earns two Legislator of the Year awards recognizing his work.
By Kate Nelson
FORMER YUHAAVIATAM of San Manuel Nation Chairman James Ramos became California’s first Native American state lawmaker when he was elected to the State Assembly back in 2018. Now, he’s the first recipient of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) Legislator of the Year award. He also received the same accolade from the California Alliance of Child and Family Services (CACFS) earlier this year.
“I am surprised and humbled by both recognitions,” said Ramos, who represents the 45th District. “This is the first year CNIGA has presented this award, so it has special meaning for me, and working with CACFS to support families and children has been a privileged honor since my election to the legislature.”
The CNIGA honor recognizes “courage in defending
Indian people and their interests, dedication to tribal sovereignty, protecting tribal economic interests and excellence in educating the public and fellow legislators on tribal issues.” James Siva, who chairs the organization, pointed to shining examples of Ramos’ work doing just that, including founding and chairing the California Legislative Native American Caucus and authoring legislation that requires California schools to incorporate teaching about Native tribes into history and culture curricula.
The CACFS award, meanwhile, is given in recognition of “outstanding advocacy for children, youth and families.” Vice President for Public Policy & Strategy Adrienne Shilton highlighted Ramos’ dedication to serving vulnerable youth, including authoring CACFS-sponsored legislation that
“This is the first year CNIGA has presented this award, SO IT HAS SPECIAL MEANING.”
establishes a public-health framework for identifying and referring youth with substance use needs to community-based services rather than suspending or expelling them from school.
Both accolades reflect Ramos’ tireless work as a civil leader focused on serving the needs of California’s Indigenous peoples and other marginalized communities, including a long-standing commitment to San Manuel, his lifelong home.
FORGING THE FUTURE
With his recent internship, Tribal Citizen Brendon Kang has expanded his skill set from tools to tactics.
By Angelica Loera / Photography by Robert John Kley
BRENDON KANG BELIEVES that hands-on work and high-level strategy make the perfect power couple. While interning in the Tribal Brand Marketing department within the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s tribal government operations, he was eager to apply his welding and automotive background to the business side of things. This opportunity allowed the 20-year-old to grow both professionally and personally, as he gained new insights into how the Tribe operates and how he can contribute to its growth. Whether it’s marketing the Tribe’s programs, navigating business development or understanding the nuances of office dynamics, Kang is committed to putting his newfound skills to use to serve his community — and eventually pave the way for his own entrepreneurial ambitions.
How did you get involved in welding?
I was definitely influenced by my parents. Ever since I was little, I’ve always been working on some sort of hands-on project, like working on cars and eventually my own truck. I also have some experience in construction. I’ve always been pretty good at working with my hands, and I went from school to school learning different skills, like how to put things together and take them apart. I have an automotive and diesel engineering background from Universal Technical Institute, as well as training in welding and fabrication.
Are there projects that have been especially meaningful for you?
Last fall, I took a thin piece of metal, molded it into the shape of the tribal seal and put it behind a steel frame. I gifted it to my grandmother for Christmas, and it made her so happy. It felt like a way to show that the past still lives on. But every single project I’ve done has its own significance. There’s an experience behind each one and a lesson learned throughout the process, such as with this chair that I made. Everything has its own way of being built, so I’ve grown from each project.
Three of Brendon Kang’s recent projects, including (clockwise from top) a steel A arm, a bowl made of steel and aluminum and a mechanical chair made from steel with a hand-laid carbon fiber seat.
Why were you interested in the Tribal Brand Marketing Internship Program?
I wasn’t really familiar with the business aspect of things, so I was interested in learning how to manage, not only in a shop environment but in an office environment as well. Learning more about numbers, negotiations, partnerships and operations is what I needed, and this Tribal Brand Marketing internship definitely provided that.
What are some of your goals for the future?
My long-term goal is to one day bring every aspect of my education and the experiences I’ve gone through and create my own business. Instead of staying local, I would like to expand my horizons and create some sort of chain business with a farther reach.
What have you learned as an intern that will support those goals?
I’ve learned how intricate things truly are and how much thought goes into even the smallest things. These details are so important, down to the smallest design or the shortest email — most people don’t think that much about these things. It’s all very intricate.
What advice would you give to other tribal interns starting their careers?
I know a lot of people who are very interested in doing hands-on work or working with cars. I would like to tell them to not give up on their dreams. I think college is great, but you shouldn’t feel obligated to pursue a degree — there are other options out there to create your own unique path, too.
DREAM WEAVING
For the San Manuel Youth Committee, carrying on the important cultural practice of basket weaving is a point of pride.
By Kate Nelson / Photography by Tiffany Melendez
THE NEXT GENERATION is taking great care to preserve the vital practice of basket weaving — just as the baskets themselves once took care of their ancestors, they explain. For the San Manuel Youth Committee members, this tradition embodies resilience, resourcefulness, creativity and connection to the land and to the Tribe’s history.
“Basket weaving is an important part of our culture that has been passed down from generation to generation, and I don’t want the Tribe to forget how to basket weave because it’s vital for us,” said Sophia Hernandez, who is a Youth Committee representative and has woven three baskets herself. “It’s nourishing for us as well, because baskets carry food like acorns, as well as water and other supplies.”
When she first started basket weaving, she found it challenging, but once she got the hang of it, it became a fun, relaxing activity. She particularly likes being able to create her own designs, picking out colors and
creating unique patterns. Serrano classes offer an opportunity to partake in this time-honored tradition, employing the same natural materials that were historically used, including native California plants, such as deergrass and yucca.
In fact, some of the basket weaving designs that San Manuel youth come up with during Serrano classes have made it far past the classroom and ended up in high-profile places, such as adorning the inside brim of hats donned by professional sports teams and fans, including the L.A. Dodgers. The youth think it’s “pretty cool” that those patterns are displayed in such a prominent public way.
Equally as cool is the clear connection to the past, explains Youth Committee Secretary Audrey Hernandez. “I think basket weaving is important because our ancestors used baskets for everything.”
“It’s good to remember what helped us in the past.”
In addition to serving a multitude of all-important
“BASKET WEAVING IS AN important part of our culture that has been passed down from generation to generation.”
functions for the San Manuel community for centuries, baskets also carry with them crucial ancestral wisdom.
“The images and designs on the baskets tell certain stories, and we can learn from those stories,” said Youth Committee Representative Roman Hernandez.
“It’s our ancestors passing on stories about what they have learned to our youth.”
That vibrant cultural history is on full display in the San Manuel Archive, which the Youth Committee members visit to observe the incredible basket weaving creations of their forebearers and to learn about other aspects of the Tribe. But they also have an eye on the future while honoring the past.
Although Youth Committee Member Uriah Hernandez hasn’t had a chance to basket weave himself yet, he hopes the tradition lives on. “The future generation learning how to weave would be really cool,” he said. “I think that’s really important in addition to displaying baskets made in the past.”
For today’s youth who will become tomorrow’s leaders, being a part of a centuries-old tradition is a powerful notion. As Youth Committee Representative Apathy Hernandez explained, “It’s amazing to think that this has been going on for many, many generations — and it still continues on with us.”
FROM THEN TO NOW
A look at the resilience and determination of the Yuhaaviatam to remain self-sufficient and sovereign.
1953
Since Time Immemorial
Maara’yam people inhabit the mountains, valleys and deserts of Southern California.
1700s-1820s
Spanish missionaries and military encounter the Yuhaaviatam (one clan of the Maara’yam), which they call “Serrano” or “highlander.” Many Maara’yam are forced into the mission system as slave labor for Spain.
1880s
Native American boarding schools are established in the U.S. with the primary objective of “civilizing” or assimilating Native American children and youth into EuroAmerican culture, while destroying and vilifying Native American culture.
Early to Mid-1900s Tribe adapts and adjusts to reservation life. U.S. government continues to dictate what the Tribe can and cannot do.
Congress passes PL-83-280, which transferred criminal and some civil jurisdiction over Indian Country from the federal governments to certain states including California. Today, 376 of 574 federally recognized tribes are located in PL 83-280 states.
1966
Articles of Association are adopted by
1850s-1860s
American settlers invade Serrano territory. CA governor instructs militias to exterminate Native people. Yuhaaviatam are killed and chased out of their territory.
1866
Raids and bloodshed decimate the Tribe. Kiika’ Santos Manuel makes a decision to courageously bring the remnant of his people from the mountains to safety on the valley floor.
1879
Carlisle Indian Industrial School opens in Carlisle, PA. Thousands of Indian children are shipped from their homes and families to the school to “Kill the Indian, save the man,” to assimilate them into mainstream society.
December 29, 1891
U.S. President Benjamin Harrison signs Executive Order establishing the San Manuel Indian Reservation with 640 acres. Serrano ancestral territory encompassed 7.4 million acres in California.
1934
Indian Reorganization Act is enacted by U.S. Congress, aimed at decreasing federal control of American Indian affairs and increasing Indian self-government and responsibility.
1970
In address to Congress regarding the federal policy of terminating relationships with tribes, President Nixon states, “This policy of forced termination is wrong.” He then outlines a policy of selfdetermination rather than termination.
1975
President Ford signs the Indian SelfDetermination and Education Assistance Act, a federal policy of Indian selfdetermination, first declared by President Nixon.
A.K. Smiley Public Library, Gerald Smith Collection
Photo courtesy of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
1980s
SMBMI seeks new business opportunities to strengthen sovereignty and journey towards self-sufficiency.
1978
Indian gaming movement begins with Seminole Tribe of Florida.
SELF-DETERMINATION
1986
San Manuel Indian Bingo opens.
1987
California v. Cabazon: U.S. Supreme Court landmark decision affirms right of tribal governments to conduct gaming on their lands.
1988
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act passes, creating statutory framework for Indian gaming.
1990s-2000s
Tribe takes an active role in passing Proposition 5 and Proposition 1A.
1994
San Manuel Indian Bingo adds gaming operations and advances goal of economic selfsufficiency.
1998
Proposition 5 is supported by 63 percent of voters in favor of gaming by Indian tribes in California. A lawsuit by a labor union causes the measure to be struck down by California Supreme Court.
2000
Proposition 1A, supported by 65 percent of California voters, changes the state constitution and provides exclusive right to Indian tribes to operate a limited scope of casino-style gaming on Indian lands, in accordance with federal law.
2006
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians breaks ground on San Manuel Village in Highland, CA, a mixed-use, offreservation, commercial development.
2007
Residence Inn by Marriott opens in Sacramento, CA. The project is from the Three Fires intertribal economic partnership, which includes San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
2008
Hampton Inn and Suites Hotel opens in Highland, CA, at San Manuel Village, a development of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
2019
San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority forms to explore economic growth opportunities.
2021
San Manuel Casino becomes Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.
Yaamava’ expansion project opens, including gaming spaces, restaurants, lounges and hotel tower, as well as retail, spa and pool amenities.
After five years of tribal citizen collaborations over a charter of government, the San Manuel General Council ratifies the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Constitution on December 12.
Hamiinat magazine launches.
2022
San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority opens the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
2005
New San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino opens.
Residence Inn by Marriott opens in Washington, D.C. The project is from the Four Fires intertribal economic partnership, which includes San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
2016
SMBMI acquires sacred lands in San Bernardino Mountains with purchase of Arrowhead Springs Hotel.
2018
Opening of the Autograph Collection, The Draftsman Hotel, in Charlottesville, VA, a joint venture that includes the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA); opening door to stateauthorized sports gambling.
San Manuel leads defeat of sports gambling ballot initiative in California; 83 percent of voters reject Prop 27.
2023
San Manuel Landing opens.
Tribe invests in Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort.
2025
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians reclaims ancestral name, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation.
Relax and rejuvenate in a boutique hotel environment nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains.
We have accommodations for the entire family. * Rollaway bed & cribs available * Enjoy an exquisite selection of American-style bistro specialties, 24/7 in-room dining & complimentary 24/7 shuttle service to Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.
PUYU’HOUPKC ˇ AV
(poo-yoo-hope-k-chahv)
Together
Puyu’houpkcav: together. When all are together as one, we accomplish more. We strive each day towards unity of purpose and spirit.
In this section, we feature an exclusive interview with celebrated former Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett. We highlight Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, day one bartender Eddie Chavez. We showcase important happenings, from Palms SlamFest wrestling extravaganza to Palms’ first-ever employee Hakup A’Ai celebration. We delve into important topics, such as responsible gaming and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, explaining how the Tribe is making major strides and acting as a national leader on both fronts.
Photography by Denise Truscello
BY RICHARD
ROADLONGHOME THE
Inside the complex Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, which empowers tribes to bring their ancestors back to their rightful resting places.
ARLIN WALKER ILLUSTRATION BY ALY MCKNIGHT
JACOB COIN REMEMBERS BEING APPALLED BY WHAT HE SAW
in the 1990s in the underbelly of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.: crates stacked from floor to ceiling, all containing human remains and ancestral objects taken from Native American burial sites across what’s now the United States.
“I’m talking thousands of crates, not just hundreds,” recalled Coin (Hopi), who serves as the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Vice President, Speech Writer and Executive Advisor. “And the way they stored textiles and other sacred objects from my tribe — they just kind of threw them in a drawer and closed it. For textiles, you obviously have to properly preserve them; I didn’t see any of that taking place when I toured.”
Indeed, countless ancestors and artifacts are being held at cultural institutions and universities all across the country, a testament to the Euro-American view from the colonial era until very recently that Indigenous remains were fair game for collection and study. For far too long, tribes like San Manuel were powerless to do anything about it — until 1990.
That’s when Congress passed the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), which requires all agencies, institutions and universities that receive federal funding to identify Indigenous ancestral remains and sacred objects in their possession and work with tribal nations and lineal descendants to return them. Although NAGPRA has been empowering, many challenges remain.
can’t repatriate them.’ They make all kinds of excuses to try not to comply with NAGPRA. Meanwhile, they’re getting millions of dollars from federal sources to advance their educational goals.”
Builders have also been known to balk, particularly those working on large-scale public projects, such as road construction. “We find some agencies and developers that, upon uncovering remains, want to work with us to do proper reburial,” said Assemblyman James Ramos, D-San Bernardino, the only Indigenous member of the California Legislature and a former chairman of San Manuel. “Then there are others that see it as something that’s slowing down their project, something that’s hindering them. They see it as another barrier to getting their work done.”
Even so, NAGPRA has empowered tribal nations across the United States to receive the remains of about 32,000 ancestors, 670,000 funerary objects, 120,000 unassociated funerary objects and 3,500 sacred objects, according to the National Park Service, which administers NAGPRA on behalf of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
First, NAGPRA doesn’t apply to the Smithsonian or private property. Secondly, the law has created a lot of work for which museums, universities and tribal archives were woefully underprepared — work that will continue into the unforeseeable future.
Yuhaaviatam ancestral remains and sacred objects, for instance, are stored at nearly 130 sites nationwide, according to the NAGPRA database. And not all institutions have readily complied. Three state audits found that the University of California and California State University had failed to repatriate 700,000 cultural objects and remains decades after NAGPRA became law. Sadly, this is not unusual.
“Some universities will take a position that’s simply beyond the pale,” Coin said. “They will say, ‘These are significant to our educational endeavors, which is why we
“FOR THE LONGEST TIME, NATIVE AMERICANS DIDN’T HAVE ANY VEHICLE TO SAY, ‘STOP — THESE BELONG TO US.’ NAGPRA GAVE TRIBES THE VEHICLE TO ASK FOR THINGS BACK.”
“We have 200 years of history of grave robbing and pot hunting,” said Alexandra McCleary, Director of San Manuel’s Cultural Resources Management Department. “For the longest time, Native Americans didn’t have any vehicle to say, ‘Stop — these belong to us.’ NAGPRA gave tribes the vehicle to ask for things back.”
But even 35 years after NAGPRA was signed into law, hundreds of thousands of ancestral remains and sacred objects still linger in museum and university collections, waiting to go home.
Each ancestor returned is a reminder of the atrocities committed against this continent’s first peoples. When gold was discovered in California in the 1840s, it drew a flood of wealth-seeking newcomers who saw Indigenous peoples as an impediment to their potential profit. In the decades-long genocide that followed, 80 percent of the state’s Native population died due to disease and attacks by state-sponsored militias. Many bands were nearly or entirely wiped out. The San Manuel population, for instance, dropped from 1,500 people to just 30 at one point.
“There were dozens of Serrano, or Maara’yam, clans in the past, but because of the colonial experience, there are only two clans of Serrano people left today that are federally recognized tribes: the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians,” McCleary said. As such, those two tribal nations carry the responsibility of returning relatives from dozens of clans back to their rightful resting places.
California’s own NAGPRA law, established in 2001, helps fill a gap by giving non-federally recognized tribes legal rights to repatriation, which they don’t have under federal NAGPRA. This is of particular importance, as California is home to more non-federally recognized tribes than any other U.S. state. Ramos has worked to strengthen the state law and establish financial penalties for museums and universities that don’t comply. He also firmly believes that the state bears a responsibility to set aside land for reburial of remains and funerary objects belonging to tribes that don’t have a land base or that are of unknown cultural affiliation.
“The state allowed these atrocities to happen through militias and by putting out bounties on Native Americans,” he explained. “There’s still much atoning that
needs to be done. It’s up to all of us to ensure that these ancestral remains get back to a resting place, never to be disturbed again.”
Ramos has been escorting ancestral remains and funerary objects home and reinterring them in their native ground since 1996. When an original burial location is not known, the remains and objects are reinterred in a repatriation cemetery established by San Manuel.
Returning an ancestor’s remains to the earth is heavy work. Each was a human being who lived, died and was mourned by loved ones, only to be removed from that resting place to be studied and stored or treated as a possession or object of curiosity. That’s incredibly painful — as is the attitude of a society that allowed it to happen, Ramos said.
“There still is a moral attitude in society that doesn’t see the remains of Native Americans as the same as those in a cemetery that we might walk or drive by today,” he said. “Unfortunately, so many people have a totally different attitude about the possession of Indigenous remains and funerary objects being treated in a way that they certainly wouldn’t want their own ancestors’ remains and possessions to be treated.”
SAFER BETTING
When it comes to responsible gaming, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is a national leader.
By Richard Arlin Walker and Christine Miskonoodinkwe Smith
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES have always enjoyed games for personal enjoyment, social interaction and friendly competition. When the game is over — whether the mental challenge of stick games or the physical demand of stickball — participants walk away enriched by the experiences, no matter who won.
Casino gaming is different. It’s the individual against the table or the slots. It’s ultimately up to the individual to decide when it’s time to walk away — and for some people, that can be hard to do. That’s when well-trained team members at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel step up and step in.
“We are very mindful of problematic gambling, and we have gone above and beyond the call of duty to tackle the issue,” said San Manuel Vice President, Speech Writer and Executive Advisor Jacob Coin (Hopi), who previously served as Executive Director of the National Indian Gaming Association. “We have had a responsible gaming program for more than 15 years now, and we have been named a responsible gaming establishment by the California Council on Problem Gambling. That tells you that, as an operator of tribal government gaming, San Manuel is committed to providing the necessary training and resources to our frontline employees so they can best detect and approach people who are demonstrating behaviors of problematic gambling.”
The Responsible Gaming Program at Yaamava’ trains team members to recognize when someone might have a gambling problem, explains Program Director and Head of Guest Services Cathy Shink. Red flags could include frequency of visits, time spent gambling or other concerning behaviors.
“We want Yaamava’ to be a place where people have fun, and if it’s not feeling fun anymore, our ambassadors can step in and let guests know that help is available,” Shink said. “Sometimes a guest will share some of the not-so-good things that are happening in their lives because of gambling, and you can’t help but feel compassion for them.”
All Yaamava’ team members who interact with guests receive Responsible Gaming Program training on an annual basis, beginning with when they’re first hired. There are more than 40 Responsible Gaming Ambassadors on staff, and they’re available to guests 24/7.
When it comes to responsible gaming, Shink offers this sage advice: Spend within your means, and set time and money limits. “The California Council on Problem Gambling gives this example: You go to the movies, you know how much it costs and you budget for it,” she noted. “It’s the same concept: Gaming is entertainment — budget for it.”
Although the economic impact of gaming within tribal communities simply can’t be overstated, there’s also an understanding of the inherent risk that comes along with it. “Gaming has allowed tribal nations to generate meaningful revenue, create jobs and provide services,” Coin explained. “But it’s also widely acknowledged that no one in this country suffers from addictions more than American Indians and Alaska Natives. We’re taking measures to prevent our people from developing another form of addiction.”
Keith Whyte, the former Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, underscores the role that both individuals and casino operators play in recognizing and reducing problematic gambling. He also emphasizes that San Manuel has emerged as a national leader when it comes to responsible gaming training and support.
“Everyone has a role in responsible gaming — not just the individual, not just the casino operator, but everyone,” said Whyte. “On an individual level, that involves knowing the health risks and setting limits when you gamble. On the casino operator level, it means ensuring employees are properly trained and that resources are readily available.” Simply put, when everybody understands what responsible gaming looks like and how to achieve it, positive change is possible.
“Yaamava’ strives to provide memorable experiences with its vast offerings in dining, gaming, entertainment and more and to do so in a positive environment that puts its valued guests first,” said Yaamava’ General Manager Kenji Hall. “We were honored with the distinguished Responsible Business of the Year Award for the fourth consecutive year at the 2024 Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas. This award is the gold standard of recognition in the industry and acknowledges excellence in gaming worldwide. These types of achievements demonstrate that success in gaming can go hand-in-hand with a commitment to community and responsible business practices.”
OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY
APERITIVO HOUR | 5 PM – 6:30 PM
MAN OF THE PEOPLE
How day one bartender Eddie Chavez found his home at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
By Ryan Slattery / Photography by Hannah Rushton
RAISED IN LAS VEGAS, Eddie Chavez has seen plenty of change. Not only has the city itself transformed from a small, dusty gambling town into a sparkling tourist destination known the world over, but as a day one employee at Palms Casino
Resort, he has witnessed it all firsthand from one of the most iconic properties in town.
Over his 23 years pouring pints, slinging whisky and muddling mint for mojitos (which he admits is the nemesis of many a bartender), Chavez has
befriended regulars and traveled the world, both figuratively via guests’ stories and literally, as those tales have led the 52-year-old on journeys of his own to the far-flung places visitors gush about, such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Amsterdam and Italy.
“I’ve learned so much from guests who come here from all over the world,” he said while sitting in Scotch 80 Prime, the Palms steakhouse where he has bartended for much of the past decade. “It’s fun hearing everyone’s story. That’s what I love about it; I’ve always looked at this not as bartending, but as interacting with people.”
When Palms debuted in November 2001, it was a splashy affair. Celebrities in attendance at the grand opening included Pamela Anderson, Samuel L. Jackson, Joe Pesci, Dennis Rodman, Martin Sheen and Charlize Theron. Then in 2002, MTV filmed The
“That’s what I love about it; I’ve always looked at this not as bartending, but as interacting with people.” from Noun Project
Real World: Las Vegas at the resort, which quickly became known as the city’s hottest party spot.
Chavez jokes that “there’s nothing exciting about what I’ve done,” but those early years were indeed eventful. Like the time he was working at the nowshuttered restaurant Garduño’s when the MTV Video Music Awards were in town back in 2007. That night, among the customers lining his bar were four stars from the hit TV show Entourage; Guns N’ Roses singer Axl Rose and his mom; and A-list actress Sandra Bullock and then-husband Jesse James.
“It used to happen all the time,” he said of celebrities randomly popping in for a drink. These days, it’s more locals and tourists looking to have a good time.
Chavez has found his spot at Scotch 80, an upscale steakhouse with a strong whisky menu and an impressive seasonally changing cocktail list. Asked how bartending has changed over the years, he noted it really hasn’t — that it’s still all about being a good listener and recipe follower.
But in the end, the hockey dad to a 10-year-old son said what has kept him at Palms so long is the standout culture. “This was the place to be,” Chavez explained of his original move from a larger Las Vegas Strip resort. “When I came over here, I got a totally different feeling; I got to know everybody in every department. It’s just always felt like home.”
CHANGER GAME
Reflecting on his history-making NFL career, Jim Plunkett
remains a shining example of the power of perseverance.
BY MATT JACOB PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
WWhen a pro athlete reaches the highest of heights, it can be easy to forget that the path to the top isn’t always smooth. Take, for example, the journey of Jim Plunkett.
Many know him as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in football history. In fact, he’s the only player — regardless of position — to earn a Heisman Trophy, be the first player selected in the NFL Draft and win multiple Super Bowls. He accomplished the last achievement with the Raiders, leading the storied franchise to victories in both 1981 (when he was named MVP) and 1984.
There were plenty of other impressive gridiron achievements, of course. Most notably: 1970-71 Rose Bowl MVP (after leading Stanford to an upset victory over Ohio State); 1970 consensus All-American; and 1971 AFC Rookie of the Year (months after being drafted first overall by the New England Patriots).
Hidden among those highlights, however, are the many potholes that Plunkett — who is of both Native American and Hispanic descent — had to navigate on his particular path to the athletic mountaintop. Potholes that, at times, more closely resembled craters.
“My parents were blind — my mother completely and my father legally — so it was tough growing up,” the 77-year-old said while reflecting on his life and career from a home office that’s adorned with memorabilia from his years with the Raiders. “It often seemed like I had to work harder than everyone else.”
Indeed he did. And not just because of a challenging upbringing, one that forced him and his two older sisters to work at a young age to help their family make ends meet. See, even as he embraced his strong worth ethic and his unique athletic gift — the ability to throw both a football and a baseball with both accuracy and velocity — adversity popped up seemingly at every turn.
What makes Plunkett particularly standout, though, is that he never flinched in the face of hardship. He never ran. And, most importantly, he never stopped picking himself up and dusting himself off.
He did it at Stanford, when a benign tumor in his neck nearly derailed his college career before it even got started. (The tumor was discovered and surgically removed during his freshman year.)
In fact, before breaking multiple Pac-8 Conference passing records and winning the Heisman Trophy
as a three-year starting quarterback at Stanford, Plunkett was nearly ordered by head coach John Ralston to move to defensive line after struggling to regain his passing form post-surgery.
“I said, ‘No way — I’m a quarterback. That’s what I came here to do, and that’s what I’m going to be,’” Plunkett recalled. “So I told Coach Ralston, ‘Give me the opportunity, and I’ll prove to you that I can do it.’”
He got that opportunity and obviously made the most of it. Then the NFL came calling, and Plunkett immediately showed he was worthy of being the top pick of the 1971 draft, earning himself an AFC Rookie of the Year accolade.
Alas, it would end up being the peak moment of the first half of Plunkett’s 17-year NFL career. Coaching changes, inconsistent play and a rash of injuries all factored into his fall from Rookie of the Year at age 24 to broken down and unemployed by age 30. Following the 1977 season — just two years after he was traded from New England to San Francisco — he was released.
At that point, every NFL team had an opportunity to scoop up a former No. 1 pick and not have to give up anything. They all passed, and Plunkett sat out the 1978 campaign. As he stared at yet another crater-sized pothole, few would have faulted him for hanging up his cleats and moving on with life. Except that football was in his DNA. And more importantly, quitting was not in his DNA.
“I’ve always been a stubborn guy,” he said of his never-give-up mindset. “I have always worked hard — on the field, in the classroom, in everything — and was driven to succeed. I loved playing football and playing quarterback, and I was determined to do well at it.”
The rest, as the saying goes, is history: Plunkett got a call from Raiders owner Al Davis ahead of the 1979 season, accepted an offer to be the team’s backup quarterback and waited patiently for his chance.
That chance came early on in the 1980 season, and a little more than three months later, the Oakland Raiders were Super Bowl champions, thanks in large
“I HAVE ALWAYS WORKED HARD — ON THE FIELD, IN THE CLASSROOM, IN EVERYTHING — AND WAS DRIVEN TO SUCCEED.”
part to Plunkett. The quarterback nobody wanted just a year earlier turned in a flawless passing performance in a 27-10 rout of the Philadelphia Eagles and was named the game’s MVP (and the NFL’s 1980 Comeback Player of the Year).
Three years — and several more injuries — later, he helped guide the Los Angeles Raiders to another blowout Super Bowl triumph, this one a 38-9 dismantling of Washington.
In the span of five years, Plunkett went from down and out to on top of the world, as one of just five quarterbacks at the time to win multiple Super Bowls.
Said Al Davis after the quarterback he rescued won the franchise’s third Super Bowl: “He has to be one of the greatest comeback stories of our time.”
After capping the 1983 season with that victory, Plunkett would start just 17 more games, all with the Raiders. The countless injuries he sustained throughout a roller-coaster career had taken their toll, and he pulled the plug after the 1986 campaign.
“I loved the game. I loved my teammates. And I loved throwing the winning touchdown pass with two minutes to go in the game,” he said. “I had a wonderful time, but it was time to move on.”
That he did. A year before retiring, Plunkett purchased a Northern California beer distributorship and operated it for more than a quarter century. His other post-career obligation (and passion)?
The Raiders. Plunkett has remained part of the organization’s family since throwing his final pass — doing TV and radio spots, hobnobbing with sponsors and appearing at community and fan events.
Plunkett and his wife, Gerry, still attend every Raiders home game in Las Vegas, making the trek from their Bay Area home. Someday, they hope to make an even longer trek — to Canton, Ohio, the site of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Despite being eligible for enshrinement for more than 35 years, despite his two Super Bowl victories and despite being the first minority — and to this day, only Indigenous — quarterback to win an NFL title, he has yet to receive the call to immortality.
“I think everybody who plays football at the highest level aspires to be in the Hall of Fame, and I’m certainly one of those people,” Plunkett said. “But if I don’t make it, I still feel like I had a wonderful career. I know I worked hard to become what I became, and I never let things deter me in any way.”
Indeed, through relentless resilience and a burning desire to make the most of his God-given abilities, the Native American and Latino son of two visually impaired parents conquered every personal, professional and cultural challenge that came his way. In that way, Jim Plunkett isn’t just the author of his own life’s script — he’s the sole editor, too. Not to mention a shining example of the power of perseverance.
GOOD SPORTS
During WrestleMania 41, wrestling icons partnered with Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas on festive and philanthropic endeavors.
THE ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL of the World was even more entertaining than usual back in April, when WrestleMania hit Las Vegas. Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas was right in the center of the proverbial ring.
The stars of the show at Palms SlamFest were wrestlers and other Paragon Talent Group celebrities. That included Pro Wrestling Hall of Famer Ric Flair, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) veteran Dean “Mojo” Muhtadi, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) icon Penelope Ford and former WWE superstar Mandy Sacs, among others.
Ahead of the happenings, Mojo was beyond pumped for the celebration, putting it into perspective with his inimitable revved-up delivery. “It’s the biggest spectacle in all of wrestling,” he exclaimed. “The fact that it took place in Las Vegas made it the perfect storm.” The Palms team was equally as excited about
By Matt Villano / Photography by Denise Truscello
the opportunity to work with these big names on festive and philanthropic endeavors. Vice President of Marketing Laura De La Cruz explains that what made SlamFest so special was the impact the athletes had both inside and outside the ring.
“From thrilling fan engagements poolside to giving back through charity events — like an eating contest with first responders and a visit to a children’s hospital — they used their platform to make a real difference,” she said. “We were so honored to host them and so proud to support efforts that bring entertainment, community and compassion together in one incredible weekend.”
The SlamFest festivities officially kicked off on Thursday, April 17, when entertainers from Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) took over the Pearl Theater to showcase some intense and innovative independent wrestling action. In total, 11 exhilarating GCW events
spanned the three-day period, April 17-19.
Another highlight of the long weekend was Effy’s Big Gay Brunch on Saturday, April 19. Known for its inclusive and celebratory atmosphere and hosted by the wrestler of the same name, this spectacle featured matches with wrestlers representing the LGBTQ+ community. (Don’t let the event title fool you; it was advertised as a brunch but it was all about wrestling.)
During the weekend of April 19-20, Palms hosted free WrestleMania parties by Palms Pool, with a DJ daily from noon until the matches concluded around 9 p.m. While WrestleMania unfolded on the big screens — Palms has some of the biggest in town — the Paragon crew mixed and mingled with the crowd.
On Saturday, April 19, Mojo and Flair made public appearances at the pool. Flair also judged a funfilled contest where wrestling fans impersonated his famous “Woo” chant, which has become a mainstay
EVENT
in sports locker rooms all over the world. That same day, there was also a first responders eating contest, during which firefighters competed against police officers — with help from some wrestlers, of course.
Then on Sunday, April 20, fans were treated to guest appearances by Ford and Sacs, who holds the distinction of being the longest-reigning WWE NXT women’s champion. The two led a series of games, posed for photos and signed autographs.
There were plenty of late-night parties throughout the weekend, including special VIP happenings at
Ghostbar, the open-air lounge on the 55th floor of the Ivory Tower. Musician Ryan Cabrera played DJ, and several wrestlers danced the night away.
Of course, no San Manuel Gaming Hospitality Authority (SMGHA) event would be complete without a philanthropic element, as this is a major focus for the Tribe. Since Palms reopened in 2022, SMGHA has given back $7 million to the greater Las Vegas community through various charitable initiatives. As part of the SlamFest festivities, the Paragon entertainers partnered with Critical Care Comics
to facilitate a once-in-a-lifetime memory for patients at Sunrise Children’s Hospital. On the morning of Friday, April 18, more than 10 wrestlers visited the children’s pediatric ward to spend a few hours with the young clients there.
According to Mojo, that visit was life-changing for both the kids and the wrestlers alike. “You have a responsibility to give back if you’re going to have a platform like this and work in an industry where you’re built up by the fans,” he said. “Little kids who have had a rough start to life are the ones who need it the most.”
Palms SlamFest included a visit to the Sunrise Children’s Hospital, an eating contest with first responders, plenty of onsite festivities and more.
GIVING THANKS
Gratitude
abounds at the first all-employee Hakup A’Ai celebration held at Palms Casino Resort.
LONG BEFORE Palms Casino Resort opened under the San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority (SMGHA) in 2022, the Tribe had already distinguished itself as an employer of choice. While many organizations tout their mission, vision and values, few can match San Manuel’s commitment to bringing these principles to life.
Hakup A’Ai — meaning “thank you” or “very good” in Serrano — is a special event for tribal leadership and team members alike. It blends a business meeting, a cultural celebration and a heartfelt expression of gratitude for team members’ dedication and performance, with an emphasis on unity.
Last December, Palms hosted its first Hakup A’Ai with a holiday-themed fete in the legendary
By Kelley Tucky / Photography by Denise Truscello
Pearl Theater, creating a dynamic fusion of tribal tradition and vibrant sophistication. To kick things off, energetic Palms Manager of Guest Experience Karrie Kirik got the crowd excited for the festivities.
Hosted by SMGHA Chairperson Latisha Prieto and Secretary Carla Rodriguez, the event opened with the esteemed San Manuel Bird Singers. Tribal citizen Tommy Ramos, who led the performance, described the significance of each song and invited the audience to join in the singing and dancing, encouraging team members to experience this sacred tradition and connect with the Tribe’s cultural heritage.
Chairperson Prieto emphasized the Tribe’s unique relationship with the prominent property. “For us, Palms isn’t just a business operation; it’s a group of
smart, dedicated individuals and a unique place with a rich history and an even brighter future that we hope to be a part of the Tribe for generations to come,” she said. “Today, I’m proud to recognize every one of you — our valued team members here at Palms!”
Later in the program, Palms General Manager Stephen Thayer recognized winners of the new Super Stars of the Month program, followed by Vice President of Sales and Catering Raul Daniels announcing a long list of recent accolades that the resort has earned, including the coveted USA Today Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Las Vegas Casino.” Hakup A’Ai was a fitting celebration of Palms’ spirit, with every corner of the Pearl Theater echoing with excitement about this iconic resort being part of the San Manuel family.
HAKUP A’AI BLENDS A BUSINESS MEETING, A CULTURAL CELEBRATION AND A HEARTFELT EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE.
M ÜC ˇ I SCK
(muh-chish-chk)
Favorites
Müčisck: your favorite things. A word to acknowledge all those things in life you find yourself drawn toward.
IIn this section, we feature the latest fashion crafted by top Indigenous designers. We talk with longtime Los Angeles Dodgers photographer Jon SooHoo and celebrate San Manuel’s long-standing partnership with the Inland Empire 66ers. We round up vacation must-haves available at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. On the food front, we look back at celebrity chef Jet Tila’s recent visit to Yaamava’ and showcase some of the most delectable dishes and elevated dining experiences available at both Yaamava’ Resort & Casino and Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas.
Photography by Robert John Kley
FASHION FASHION FORWARD FORWARD
This summer’s most stylish looks designed by Indigenous talents from across Turtle Island.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT JOHN KLEY
Styled by Christie Moeller / Style Assistance by Tiffany Weekes
Hair and Makeup by Etienne Lovelle / Modeled by Rose Tecumseh
Ginew Agnes Dress, Ginew Ozelda Jeans, Ginew Strawberry Bandana, ginewusa.com | Jennifer Younger Copper Cuff, Jennifer Younger Wild Rose Green Patina 3-Inch Disc Earrings, jenniferyoungerdesigns.com
Ayimach Horizons by Jason Baerg Silk Cascade Dress, ayimach-horizons.myshopify.com | Jennifer Younger Vintage Green Glass Bead Shoulder Duster Earrings, jenniferyoungerdesigns.com
Ayimach Horizons by Jason Baerg
Silk and Distressed Denim West
Flat Bomber Jacket, Ayimach Horizons by Jason Baerg ThreeTone Silk and Distressed Denim Reversible Shirt/Dress, Ayimach Horizons by Jason Baerg Green Beaded Horsehair Earrings,
4Kinship Vintage 1960s Tweed Jacket, 4Kinship Vintage 1970s Bohemian Maxi Dress, 4kinship.com | Brocade Swift Hawk Beaded Buckskin Leather Bag, brocadesdesigns.com | Jennifer Younger x Shell B Beads Copper Butterfly Earrings with Tiger Eye, Turquoise, Copper and Jade Beads, jenniferyoungerdesigns.com
Jennifer Younger Wild Rose Green Patina 5-Inch Disc Earrings, jenniferyoungerdesigns.com
OPPOSITE: 4Kinship Upcycled Vintage Military Coat with Neon Fringe, 4Kinship Upcycled Vintage Shirt, 4Kinship Upcycled Vintage Skirt, 4kinship.com | Brocade Swift Hawk Beaded Leather Belt, Brocade Swift Hawk 2.5-Inch Bead and Buckskin Earrings, brocadesdesigns.com
pool party
Dive into summer at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel with these vacation must-haves.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT JOHN KLEY
STYLED BY JUDEAN SAKIMOTO
Opposite: Travis Mathew Cloudless Sky Tee available at HIS. JBL Clip 5 Speaker available at Cache & Carry. Pia Rossini Caprini Hat available at 1891 Boutique. Compañía Fantástica Women’s Bathing Suit available at 1891 Boutique. Hampton Sun Silk Body Oil available at Puuhia’t Roadrunner Gift Shop. Ellie Rose Waterproof Phone Bag available at Helix Pool Concierge. Ellie Rose Crystal Wireless Charger available at Cache & Carry. PacSafe CX Anti-Theft 8L Petite Backpack available at Cache & Carry. This page: Hedgren Eye RFID Crossbody available at Cache & Carry. Travis Mathew Get Outside Swim Trunks available at HIS. FarmHouse Fresh Cool Revival Body Balm available at Serrano Spa. FarmHouse Fresh Elevated Shade Mineral Sunscreen available at Serrano Spa. JBL Flip 6 Speaker available at Cache & Carry. Rockin Footwear High Tide Flip Flops available at HIS.
Scout Jewelry Dish & Stud Earring
Set available at 1891 Boutique.
Musee Bath Dancing Queen Bath
Balm available at 1891 Boutique.
Scout Chromacolor Miyuki Bracelet
Trio available at 1891 Boutique. Scout
Good Karma Miyuki Crescent Hoop
Earrings available at 1891 Boutique.
MadaLuxe Versace Watch with Case available at HERS. Tai Jewelry 24Karat Vermeil Gold Chain with Gold CZ
Small Round Navy Evil Eye Necklace available at 1891 Boutique. Tai Jewelry
Ear Tai Fruit Drop Peach Earrings available at 1891 Boutique. FarmHouse
Fresh Sunshine Silk Shimmer Air Oil available at Serrano Spa.
Travis Mathew Sea Explorer Hat available at HIS. Travis Mathew Preferred Status Tee available at HIS. Travis Mathew Beach Cities Tee available at HIS. Pia Rossini Mirabel Bag available at 1891 Boutique. Pia Rossini Apollo Shoe available at 1891 Boutique. Hampton Sun Mineral Body Cream available at Puuhia’t Roadrunner Gift Shop.
Whole Fried Striped Bass served with sweet and sour sauce. Available at Hong Bao at Yaamava’
FLA VORS GLOBAL
At Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel and Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas, international cuisines shine.
BY
BY
PHOTOGRAPHY
HANNAH RUSHTON STYLED
JUDEAN SAKIMOTO
Oxtail Soup. Available Saturdays and Sundays at Send Noodles at Palms
Thai Shrimp & Lobster Stir Fry with sweet peppers, basil, sugar snap peas and served alongside steamed jasmine rice. Available as part of a limited summer menu at Thai Chi 2 at The 909 food hall at Yaamava’
Hong Kong Lobster served in ginger, scallion and oyster sauce. Available at Hong Bao at Yaamava’
Dim Sum Delights including BBQ Pork Buns, Steamed Truffle Scallop
Siu Mai, Steamed Dumplings with Shrimp & Chives and Steamed Shrimp Dumplings. Available at Tim Ho Wan at Palms | Honey Char
Sui Pork. Available at Send Noodles at Palms
STAR POWE R
Celebrity chef Jet Tila cooks up a special Lunar New Year menu.
BY KATE NELSON
Earlier this year, renowned Thai-Chinese chef and Food Network star Jet Tila visited Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel to create an exclusive Lunar New Year menu in collaboration with Chef Peter Au, head of Asian cuisine. Together, they developed a delicious array of dishes to commemorate this important occasion and cherished tradition centered around longevity and prosperity.
For one month kicking off on the Lunar New Year (January 29), guests savored dishes including Crispy Beef Potstickers, Wonton Soup with shrimp and sesame, Long Life Noodles with beef, chicken and shrimp in a savory oyster sauce, Whole Fried Striped Bass with sweet and sour sauce, as well as Tangerine Beef, featuring crispy sliced beef infused with ginger,
garlic and chili pepper. Each dish reflected a family recipe that Tila grew up eating and was imbued with deep symbolism. For example, dumplings denote fortune and wealth, noodles symbolize long life, whole fish indicates prosperity and family togetherness and beef represents good luck.
Tila, who has become known the world over for his innovative pan-Asian cuisine, thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to collaboratively craft this menu in order to give diners a taste of his blended heritage.
“What really drives me every day is teaching people culture through food,” said the culinary storyteller.
“Being able to bring some of my traditions to guests at Yaamava’ was an honor that I hope everyone who experienced it enjoyed.”
Field of
For 40 years, team photographer Jon SooHoo has documented the Los Angeles Dodgers through incredible imagery.
BY
Dreams
MATT JACOB / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JON SOOHOO
Longtime
Los Angeles Dodgers fans might not know Jon SooHoo by name, but there’s no doubt they’re familiar with his work.
As the team’s official photographer, he has used his camera to chronicle events big and small for the past four decades. From ceremonial first pitches and walk-off home runs to White House visits and World Series championship parades, SooHoo has seen — and captured — it all.
“Honestly, I have the best job on the planet,” said the 61-year-old, who was born and raised in Southern California. “People would kill to have my job.”
It’s a job that SooHoo more or less stumbled upon, and one he certainly never believed would end up spanning the breadth of his professional career.
It all started back in 1985, when he was hired by friend and mentor Andrew Bernstein to assist with shooting Dodgers games. The veteran sports photographer had recently secured the contract with the Major League Baseball (MLB) team, but commitments with Los Angeles’ two National Basketball Association teams — the Lakers and Clippers — often required him to hand off the Dodgers’ work to a young SooHoo.
It was quite the plum assignment, particularly considering SooHoo has no formal photography training. In fact, he’d only begun learning the art form a few years prior as a student at the University of Southern California. And no, not as a photography major, as one might think.
“The only photography-related major USC had was in fine arts,” he said. “And I wanted nothing to do with fine arts.”
Although he studied and went on to earn his degree in gerontology (the study of the aging process), SooHoo was eager to explore his creative side, so he applied for a photography gig with The Daily Trojan, USC’s student newspaper. It was through his work with the paper — specifically, shooting a USC basketball game at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena — that SooHoo first connected with Bernstein.
The two hit it off, and by the start of the 1985 MLB season, SooHoo’s photography skills had progressed to the point that Bernstein entrusted his protégé with Dodgers duties. Then and now, those responsibilities are about so much more than simply snapping the on-field action (and reactions).
Yes, that’s certainly a big part of the job. And without question, the iconic in-game images that
“IT’S DEFINITELY A GIFT TO BE IN THIS SITUATION, AND I NEVER TAKE IT FOR GRANTED.”
SooHoo has shot over the years are the ones baseball fans are most familiar with — be it Kirk Gibson’s famous home run swing that ended Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series or Clayton Kershaw’s arms-raised celebration after throwing his first no-hitter in 2014.
But beyond that, SooHoo is also tasked with capturing candid behind-the-scenes moments (including on road trips), taking portraits of players and personnel (and their families, upon request) and shooting team events and functions (such as a dinner hosted at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
in February that commemorated the team’s 2024 World Series win). Essentially, wherever the Dodgers are, so too is SooHoo, with his camera at the ready.
“Being the team photographer is a totally different — and amazing — setup,” he said. “Because unlike other photojournalists who are confined to the field and shoot only what goes on between the lines, the team photographer is also responsible for shooting stuff outside the lines — the clubhouse, airports, planes, bus rides and more.”
Recording those off-field moments, SooHoo says, is often the most rewarding part of his work. “If a player’s family is around and they want me to take
A Winning Relationship
The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is proud to partner with numerous community organizations, including multiple professional sports teams. One of the Tribe’s longest running partnerships has been with the L.A. Dodgers.
For nearly two decades, Yaamava’ and the Dodgers have collaborated in several mutually beneficial ways. For example, Yaamava’ served as the title sponsor for two recent memorable events: the team’s 2024 World Series championship parade and the 2023 jersey retirement ceremony honoring the late, great Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela.
Additionally, the Dodgers are regularly featured during the Yaamava’ Legends Dinner Series, with Club Serrano members getting the opportunity to meet and greet Dodgers stars of the past and present, including snagging autographs and hearing untold stories.
Earlier this year, the Dodgers Champions Dinner was hosted by Yaamava’. Among those attending the February event were current Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and veteran infielder/outfielder Chris Taylor, with the duo bringing along another special guest: the team’s 2024 World Series trophy.
pictures, I’m always there for that — even if it’s not at an actual game but rather in the backfields during spring training,” he explained. “Because getting the picture of a player with his wife and son is far more important than getting a great shot of the crucial play at home plate.”
No doubt, SooHoo’s longevity with the Dodgers speaks to his photography talents — after all, he has survived multiple ownership changes, outlasted numerous managers and seen hundreds of players come and go in the past 40 years.
But it also speaks to his impressive ability to relate to people. Because for SooHoo to properly do his job, he needs the consistent cooperation of world-class professional ballplayers — all of whom come with their own personality quirks.
Not only does SooHoo receive that cooperation, but he has earned the respect of virtually everyone he
has encountered within the Dodgers’ organization during his tenure — be they in uniform or not. What’s more, he has developed lifelong friendships with numerous players, managers, coaches, front-office executives, owners and even a beloved broadcasting legend: the late, great Hall of Famer Vin Scully.
“He was such a wonderful man,” SooHoo said of Scully, with whom he maintained a tight bond until the sportscaster’s passing in 2022. “After he retired [in 2016], I would bring him lunch at his home about once a month just to check in on him and his wife. Once you leave the game, you no longer have those ties to what’s going on with the organization, so essentially I was his informant.”
Of course, SooHoo understands that there will come a day when he, too, will need to rely on an informant. That day, however, remains far down the road.
Sure, the aches and pains associated with a job that
THERE’S NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT I’VE BEEN BLESSED.”
requires one to lug photo equipment up, down and around a MLB stadium throughout long, hot summers come more frequent these days. They linger longer, too.
Still, SooHoo has no intention of relinquishing “the best job on the planet” anytime soon. “It’s definitely a gift to be in this situation, and I never take it for granted, because it could end tomorrow,” he said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ve been blessed.”
HOSPITALITY
IN GOOD SPIRITS
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel debuts elevated drinking and dining experiences.
By Ryan Slattery
Photography by Hannah Rushton
THERE ARE THE finer things in life, and then there are the finest — those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make the bucket list and make for a great story.
Collection 86 at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel offers just that: an exceptional curated list of cult and rare liquors, wines, beers and cigars that’s continually growing in an effort to give guests the ultimate taste of luxury.
This year has been a big one for beverage managers, who have secured one of the rarest bottles of Scotch whisky on the planet, launched a roaming oldfashioned experience at The Pines Modern Steakhouse and debuted a fun, festive Aces & Cakes trolley inside Aces Bar that serves up Champagne and sweets.
“Every activation is intended to differentiate ourselves, raise the level of service and elevate our guests’ experience,” explains Director of Food and Beverage Morgan Rhule. “It’s about continuing to build and get better.”
Old-Fashioned Experience
The popularity of tableside services is growing, as guests are always up for a show with dinner. Fittingly, The Pines Modern Steakhouse lets patrons act as their own mixologist.
“We’ve seen a real rise in the desire for customization,” Rhule says. “To accommodate that, we don’t just offer a menu but a drink experience where you choose your own adventure.”
The aptly named Lucky Sevens Old-Fashioned Experience is a collection of seven top-notch whiskies, bourbons and ryes — mostly limited-edition barrel selects from Blanton’s, Buffalo Trace and Heaven Hill — alongside seven bitters and seven sweeteners that rolls through the steakhouse so diners can craft a libation at their whim. Whether they prefer their drink neat or on ice, with coffee or chocolate bitters, smoked or not, the choices are entirely up to them.
“It’s all done right in front of you, and you’re able to make those micro decisions that enhance your drink,”
Rhule notes. The program’s success has the beverage team brainstorming about what the next cocktail cart will carry and where. He says the casino floor, other restaurants and even the pool are possibilities for expansion.
Aces & Cakes Trolley
It’s a party at Aces Bar. Guests celebrating a birthday, graduation or girls’ night out can do so in style with a signature Champagne and cake pairing. Launched on New Year’s Eve, the Aces & Cakes trolley lets guests order a beautiful, delectable cake (at least two hours in advance) and have it delivered right to the table.
The Classic Cakes serve four to eight guests and are available in a variety of flavors, including carrot cake, dark chocolate pudding cake with rich French chocolate buttercream and two versions of a white
“EVERY ACTIVATION IS INTENDED TO DIFFERENTIATE OURSELVES, RAISE THE LEVEL OF SERVICE AND ELEVATE OUR GUESTS’ EXPERIENCE.”
pudding cake — one with gooey strawberry preserves and sweet French vanilla buttercream and the other with tangy lemon curd and Italian meringue.
Larger groups or those looking for an Instagramworthy wow moment can opt for a Showstopper Cake. These giant confections serve 12 to 15 people and come in two mouthwatering flavors. Chocolate lovers will be in heaven digging into the Double Down Chocolate Souffle Cake, while those who prefer something fruit-forward will enjoy the white souffle Splitting Aces Strawberry Cake.
“The Showstoppers are these absolutely crazy, over-the-top cakes,” says Rhule. “They’re just gigantic spectacles. We want guests to feel like it’s a party.”
Collection 86: The Reach
Proving that no bottle is out of reach, the Collection 86 team has added one of the world’s oldest and rarest single-malt Scotch whiskies to its roster.
Distilled in 1940, The Reach was crafted from a single, sherry-seasoned oak cask and matured for 81 years. A smooth, deep auburn spirit with a rich, sweet smokiness, it’s the pinnacle spirit in the Macallan collection. And now, Yaamava’ has one of very few bottles in existence.
“We’re always looking for unusual, exciting bottles with a great story, and this is a very rare find,” says Rhule. “There are only 288 of these bottles on earth, and this is the only public bottle — meaning all others are in private collections and are held not for drinking but to grow value. Our thinking is that we want to share and celebrate this unique spirit.”
The recent acquisition of The Reach builds upon Collection 86’s award-winning assemblage, now with more than 900 opulent offerings. The Reach is available for tastings by the ounce and can be purchased anywhere on the property. But this ultra-rare find — a bottle sells for some $600,000 — comes with a hefty price tag: A one-ounce pour will set you back $24,000.
“This is such an extraordinary luxury item, and you can’t just buy it by the ounce anywhere,” says Rhule. “If you want to have a taste, this is the place.”
HOME RUN PARTNERSHIP
Together, the Inland Empire 66ers and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation are building community and honoring heritage.
By Russ Weakland
IN THE HEART of San Bernardino, the Inland Empire 66ers have long served as a cornerstone for local sports and entertainment, providing families with affordable access to both live baseball and a sense of belonging. For more than a decade, a special partnership has thrived between the Minor League team and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, intertwining the pillars of baseball and philanthropy. Founded on shared values of community engagement and cultural awareness, this important relationship continues to evolve with new leadership, new ownership and a deepened commitment to serving the Inland Empire. For San Manuel, this is so much more than just a sponsorship — it’s about community. It’s about family. And it’s about giving back.
Engaging with Community
One of the central aspects of the 66ers-San Manuel partnership is the Tribe’s ongoing dedication to providing access for the community. For many families in the Inland Empire, attending a live sports game can feel like a luxury. San Manuel’s involvement with the team helps bridge that gap, offering people a chance to participate in something special without the burden of high costs for game tickets, transportation to the stadium and the like. This ethos is reflected in several initiatives that cater to local families and youth. For example, youth baseball clinics are offered to children of San Manuel team members, giving kids the chance to learn baseball basics from the players themselves. These clinics are also extended to local nonprofits with summer camps, further fostering community relationships and offering invaluable experiences for kids who may not otherwise have such opportunities.
Expanding Horizons with New Ownership
The relationship between the 66ers and San Manuel is set to evolve with new ownership under Diamond
“Minor league baseball is all about being a community partner. IT’S ABOUT CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS TO BE INVOLVED IN SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES.”
Baseball Holdings. This transition, including the team’s affiliation shift from the Los Angeles Angels to the Seattle Mariners, brings a wave of new possibilities.
San Manuel leaders anticipate a renewed focus on community engagement and visibility. That includes increased attendance not only at games but at other events hosted at the stadium, which range from King of the Cage martial-arts matches to high-school graduations to cultural celebrations like pow wows. Updated facilities and streamlined technologies will also help draw a broader audience, making the stadium a hub for more than just sports.
For 66ers General Manager Joe Hudson, the San Manuel partnership has always been about people first. Having grown up in San Bernardino and worked with the team since high school, he says his philosophy aligns closely with that of the Tribe: focused on creating lasting, meaningful relationships that foster community involvement and growth. “Minor league baseball is all about being a community partner,” Hudson said. “It’s about creating opportunities for kids to be involved in sports and activities — even something as unique as a debate competition or a soccer game.”
Hudson noted that the Tribe is the largest community partner in the Inland Empire, and together, the two
organizations share a goal of making the cities of San Bernardino, Highland and Redlands a better place for all. This objective lays the foundation for expanding the collaboration, particularly as Diamond Baseball Holdings takes over ownership of the 66ers, as well as the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and the future Ontario team.
He thinks the key to the 66ers’ success is the focus on providing an affordable, family-friendly experience. “The first thing that surprises people is how approachable the players are,” Hudson explained. “From players running on the field with fans during the fun run to staying after the game to sign autographs, there’s a real sense of connection. It’s something you just don’t get in the big leagues.”
This accessibility sets the 66ers apart. Families can interact with the players in a way that feels personal, and children can partake in fun activities like chasing foul balls and running across the outfield. This welcoming atmosphere reinforces the team’s commitment to building relationships that extend far beyond the ballpark.
Celebrating Culture and Education
One of the partnership’s most impactful aspects is the opportunity to celebrate the Tribe’s deep, rich
COMMUNITY
history and culture with the larger community. In particular, San Manuel Heritage Nights offer the chance to educate the public about tribal traditions while also creating greater awareness about Native American cultures in general.
These high-energy events feature performances, exhibitions and multimedia all designed to promote a deeper understanding of the Tribe’s past and present. One of the most exciting changes coming this year is the incorporation of bird singers and other cultural presentations before games in an effort to enhance visibility and provide more educational opportunities that will resonate with fans both young and old.
Looking to the Future
As the partnership between San Manuel and the Inland Empire 66ers grows, both organizations are committed to deepening their community impact. Hudson’s vision, for instance, includes expanding outreach to youth sports beyond the stadium. “We want to engage kids even before they get to the ballpark,” he said. “We’re asking ourselves, ‘How do we reach more kids and provide opportunities for them to get involved?’”
With a shared commitment to philanthropy, culture and community building, both partners look toward the future with excitement. The next chapter promises to offer even more opportunities for area
“From players running on the field with fans during the fun run to staying after the game TO SIGN AUTOGRAPHS, THERE’S A REAL SENSE OF CONNECTION.”
families, youth and fans to connect with the game of baseball and the rich traditions of the Tribe.
This long-standing partnership stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, one that will no doubt continue to shape the Inland Empire for years to come. Whether it’s celebrating Native
American culture, providing children with lifechanging opportunities or simply creating a space where families can gather, the Inland Empire 66ers and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation are creating a lasting legacy of community, tradition and togetherness.
