Barona

CROSS COUNTRY TRIBAL RUNNERS REACH PACIFIC OCEAN, HOLD BLESSING FOR ALL WATER

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Francie Alexander

 

June 21, 2023  (San Diego) –Native American tribal members completed a cross-country  Run with the Sun, culminating in a Prayer for All Water on June 14, 2023.

The Water Prayer Blessing included the arrival of runners and walkers at the Pacific Beach Pier, the laying down of the staffs used on the run/walk, and waters carried from across the U.S. to be blessed.

After the blessing, everyone was given the opportunity to pour some of the water into the ocean off of the pier.

The run began in Maine in July 12 last year, with runners collecting water vials from tribal members nationwide. The effort was led and inspired by Robert “Bobby” Wallace of Lakeside and supported by the Barona, Viejas and Sycuan tribes to draw attention to the need to protect our water resources.


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WILDCAT FIRE BURNS A DOZEN ACRES IN RAMONA AT SITE OF RECENT TRAINING EXERCISE

Story and photos by Josh Stotler

Photo, left:SDG&E Helitanker 729 makes a water drop on the Wildcat fire as crews cut brush below.

Photo, right:Flames overtake vegetation and paintball barricades on the Barona reservation.

June 20, 2023 (Ramona) -- On a day that saw four vegetation fires in San Diego County, residents can rest assured that firefighters are ready and able to aggressively attack wildfires. 

At 4:06 p.m., calls came in to 911 dispatch reporting smoke in the area off Wildcat Canyon Road on the Barona reservation. Crews, most of which were coming off other fires, were sent to the area and confirmed a fire was making its way through the brush of a paintball park.

Crews set up quickly and were familiar with this exact area. Only two short months ago, this place was filled with firetrucks, hand crews and firefighting aircraft, not for a fire, but for the 2023 Multi-Agency Wildland  Preparedness Exercise—a three day real world simulation that played out nearly exact to the scenario fire crews faced today.


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TRIBAL MEMBERS TO COMPLETE CROSS-COUNTRY RUN WITH THE SUN, PRAYER FOR ALL WATER: CONCERT AND CELEBRATION JUNE 16-17 AT SYCUAN

Update: Due to construction on the "barrier- the WALL"  organizers had to make adjustments and have the water merge at Imperial Beach by the pier on June 14. The driving access to the park will be gated. The water that was collected will still be taken/ran to the corner of Mexico and California. This was changed because this event is for everyone and easier for brothers and sisters with disabilities, according to a post on Bobby Wallace's Facebook page. 

By Miriam  Raftery

Photo, left:  Barona tribal members with Passamaquoddy tribal members in Maine

Photo,right: via "Run with the Sun" page of indigenousnetwork.org; Bobby Wallace (right) with run participants

June 1, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) --  Local Native Americans are about to complete the longest  indigenous prayer run in U.S. history. “Run with the Sun” is the brainchild of Lakeside resident Bobby Wallace, a member of the Barona Band of Mission Indians,  in hopes of protecting waters across America.

“It’s been awesome making changes in people’s minds about water everywhere,” Wallace told ECM in an interview today.  “We started running, traveling with the water over every footstep of this continent, over every major waterway, with a prayer for all water.”

The effort is supported by the Barona, Sycuan and Viejas tribes in San Diego’s East County, as well as participants from other tribes across the U.S.


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PASSAGES: FORMER BARONA TRIBAL CHAIR JOSEPHINE BEATRICE ROMERO

By Miriam Raftery

April 2, 2023 (Lakeside) – Born in an era when Native American children were sent off to Indian schools and career opportunities were limited due to prejudice, Josephine "Sister" Beatrice Romero overcame those obstacles to become a Tribal Chair and leader who helped usher in Indian gaming in California and establish a museum to teach tribal history and cultural heritage to future generations.

 On March 26, 2023, she passed away at age 94, but her enduring legacy lives on.


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ALL EAST COUNTY CASINOS TO CLOSE MARCH 21-31 DUE TO COVID-19

Barona, Campo, Jamul, Sycuan, and Viejas Jointly Announce Casino Closures in Response to Coronavirus crisis

Source: Kumeyaay Nation

March 18, 2020 (San Diego's East County)  — Tribal government leaders of the Barona Band of Mission Indians, Campo Kumeyaay Nation, Jamul Indian Village, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians today jointly announced that they are temporarily closing their casinos amid concerns over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) beginning on Friday, March 20 at noon through the end of the month.

The Tribes are united in this decision to close for the health and well-being of the community, their guests and approximately 9,000 employees. Despite this closure, it is their hope that they can continue to provide emergency services for their respective communities.

 

In Campo, the gas station and convenience store will remain open for the convenience of residents.


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TRIBES HOST NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTIES AT LOCAL CASINOS

East County News Service

December 20, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- East County's Native American-owned casinos will be ringing in the New Year with a variety of celebrations on December 31st  including parties, a gala with dinner and dancing, and an outdoor bash complete with fireworks and a ball dropping at midnight similar to the famed New York Times Square festivities.


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BARONA RESORT: VACATION IN THE HEART OF LAKESIDE

 

 

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique lodging adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Miriam Raftery

May 27, 2018 (Lakeside) – The Barona Resort & Casino offers luxury and comfort, with plenty of amenities onsite at the Barona Native American reservation, as well as a wealth of activities nearby including spectacular county parks, lakes and reservoirs all in Lakeside, the Lakeside rodeo in season, and nearby attractions including wine tasting in the Ramona wine region.


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LOCAL TRIBES SEND CARAVANS TO AID STANDING ROCK SIOUX OPPOSED TO DAKOTA PIPELINE

Videos on social media show heavily armed police  arresting “water protectors” today; San Diego rally planned Oct. 30

Update Oct. 7, 2016: Hear our interview on KNSJ Radio with Bobby Wallace by clicking the audio link

By Miriam Raftery

September 28,2016 (San Diego)—“We must, we will, bring more supplies. Our number one goal is to help the people,”  Barona tribal member Bobby Wallace told East County Magazine.

Winter will soon bring bitter cold to the Standing Rock Sioux encampment in Cannnonball,North Dakota, where “hundreds of tribes” have sent thousands of people camp out and take a stand against the Dakota access oil pipeline.  Wallace has been organizing relief supplies gathered by local tribes to support  the effort.

Speaking last week at an Activist San Diego meeting in San Diego,  Wallace told of the reactions when he arrived with the first caravan of supplies for the three camps.”Men, people, had tears in their eyes.  People hugged us…just knowing people far away cared.”

Audio: 

Interview with Bobby Wallace of Barona on Standing Rock caravan

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BARONA POW-WOW SEPT. 2-4 HONORS TRADITIONS

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Kristin Kjaero and Miriam Rraftery

September 4,2016 The 46th annual Barona Powwow continues today at the Barona sports park, located on the Barona reservation in Lakeside.

View our video (top left) of Saturday night’s grand entry procession featuring NativeAmerican dancers in full regalia from tribes across the nation, and a second video (below) of a victory song honoring all warriors including our military and veterans.


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BARONA POW-WOW SEPT. 2-4 CELEBRATES NATIVE AMERICAN TRADITIONS

The 46th annual Barona Powwow will take place September 2nd -4th at the Barona sports park, located on the Barona reservation in Lakeside just north of the Barona Casino and Resort. Powwows aim to preserve Native American cultural traditions for future generations. 

Barona’s powwow attracts tribal dancers and drummers from across the nation, as they compete for prizes. (Admission for spectators is free). You can also shop for Native American arts and craft items at vendor booths, and purchase food such as Indian fry bread.


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MOWING AT MIDDAY CAUSED FEATHER FIRE

 

East County News Service

Photo: Cal Fire

July 24, 2016 (Barona) — A rotary motor, or brush hog, struck a rock and sparked a brush fire that charred 133 acres last Monday, Cal Fire reports.


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133 ACRE BRUSH FIRE EAST OF BARONA

UPDATE AS OF JULY 20, 1:08 PM:  FEATHER FIRE 100% CONTAINED AT 100 ACRES/

UPDATE AS OF 2:24 PM:  Fire 90% contained, lawn mower believed to be cause of blaze.

UPDATE AS OF 9:47 AM July 19:  Fire 65% contained, still at 133 acres.

UPDATE AS OF 8:48 P.M.:  Fire 50% contained, still at 133 acres.

East County Alerts

Photo courtesy Geof Applegate

July 18, 2016 (Barona) - A fast moving brush fire east of the Barona Reservation started at around 14:00 hours, and has a rapid rate of spread. Residents on or around Feather Canyon Road are under evacuation orders, with Sheriff's officers carrying out those contacts.

As of 17:00 hours, the evacuation order has been lifted and the acreage has been updated to 133 after more thorough mapping.  The fire is still holding.  Crews are on scene.

Large animals can be taken to Equestrian Center at 16911 Gunn Stage Road in Ramona.

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A NIGHT TO SHINE: EAST COUNTY CHAMBER AWARDS GALA FEB. 11

 

East County News Service

January 7, 2016 (Lakeside) – The San Diego East County Chamber will host its East County Honors  Annual Awards Gala on Thursday, February 11th at the Barona Resort and Casino in Lakeside.

The event starts at 6 p.m. and includes cocktails, dinner reception, silent and live auction, opportunity drawing. Balloon pop, and live entertainment by Guy Gonzalez and the Gypsy Swng Cats.


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BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS PRESENTS LINDO PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WITH $5,000 EDUCATION GRANT

November 9, 2015 (Lakeside)-- Lindo Park Elementary School, a K-5 school that has served the Lakeside community for over 60 years, received a $5,000 education grant earlier today from the Barona Band of Mission Indians. The Lakeside school teaches students to excel in a global society by integrating a research-based curriculum in a 21st century environment.

The grant, which was sponsored by Assemblyman Brian Jones, will be used to purchase Life, Earth and Physical Science materials for the school’s fourth and fifth grade science laboratories.


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FUNDRAISER PLANNED OCT. 23 FOR SEARCH FOR MISSING EL CAJON MAN WITH DIABETES

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 10, 2015 (El Cajon ) – The family of Elijah “Bear” Diaz, 20,  who vanished on August 29th, will hold a spaghetti dinner fundraiser and raffle at Barona Clubhouse on October 23, 2015 at 6 p.m. 

“Since we believe Bear is not missing on his own terms, the family has hired a private investigator which these funds will go toward,” Katey Hoffman told East County Magazine. She is working with Lelanie Thompson,  Bear’s mother.

The cost is $10 and includes spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, drinks and desert.  Raffle tickets are $5 and prizes include jewelry, art, cooking wares, and gift cards.  Donations of additional raffle prizes are welcome.


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NATIVE AMERICAN SCIENCE: MAKE YOUR OWN PASTELS AT BARONA MUSEUM OCT. 10 & 17

 

East County News Service

September 23, 2015 (Lakeside)—For thousands of years, the Kumeyaay/Digueño people have lived in harmony with nature and utilized natural resources to create homes, tools, and more.  Their knowledge of earth pigments allowed them to create natural paints for rock art, body painting and decoration.


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BARONA COUNCILMEMBER BETH GLASCO SHARES POWWOW PREVIEW AND HISTORY

 

Here our interview:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

September 2, 2015 (Lakeside) – In an interview with the East County Magazine on KNSJ, Barona tribal council member Beth Glasco shared insights into the 45th annual Barona Powwow set for this weekend.  A powwow dancer herself, she discusses the history and origin of the Barona Powwow , as well as its cultural significance for her own family and for Native American tribal members who convene from across the nation to celebrate their heritage.

The 45th Annual Barona Powwow begins on Friday, September 4 and ends Sunday, September 6. The three-day celebration held at the Barona Sports Park starts on Friday, September 4 with Gourd Dancing at 6 p.m. and the spectacular Grand Entry at 7 p.m. and continues throughout the weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is free.

Audio: 


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FIRE CREWS BATTLE FIRE IN LAKESIDE'S WILDCAT CANYON

 

Update June 19, 2015 5 p.m. -- The fire is 170 acres and is now 68% contained, Cal Fire advises.

Update June 18, 2015 12 p.m. -- A firefighter has been injured, NBC news reports, as firefighters continue holding the blaze in rugged terrain. 

Update June 18, 2015  8 a.m. -- Cal-Fire now estimates the fire is at 178 acres and 38% contained.  Firefighters worked through the night with headlamps in steep terrain.  Wildcat Canyon Road is open in both directions and homes are no longer threatened at this time.

Update 9 p.m. -- The fire has burned 150 acres and is 10% contained.  Temperature is 75 degrees and humidity is 54%; the rate of spread is now slow.  Hundreds of firefighters are battling the blaze including Cal-Fire, the U.S. Forest Service, Heartland and Barona. Wildcat Canyon Rd. remains closed from Founder's Way to San Vicente Road, Cal-Fire advises.  The County Office of Emergency Services and the American Red Cross are also now involved.

Update 6:45 p.m. - Cal Fire spokesman Kendal Bortisser has advised  that the fire has potential for 500 acres, though Cal Fire hopes to contain it at 50 acres.  Fire is 10% contained, incident commander estimates. Residents report heavy smoke and poor air quality. The Sheriff has evacuated 7 homes but no others are currently threatened. Those evacuated are sheltering at the Barona Casino. View live-streaming video on Fox 5 at http://fox5sandiego.com/on-air/live-streaming/.

Update 6:02 p.m. The road closure has been moved to south of the Barona Casino to give people access to the casino, CHP reports.  U.S. Forest Service Crews, Cal Fire and Barona firefighters are battling the blaze

Photo  by Shannon Cervantes: fire with Barona Casino in foreground

June 17, 2015 (Lakeside) - A brush fire is burning in Lakeside early this evening on the Barona reservation near Wildcat Canyon Road. The fire, reported about 4:50 p.m. near Acuunya Way., is northeast of the casino and moving northeast toward a glider port. Cal Fire estimateed the blaze at 20 acres but a retired fire official in the area has estimated that the fire has swelled to 40 or 50 acres.

Structures are immediately threatened and the blaze is spreading rapidly, according to Cal-Fire. Wildcat Canyon Road is closed due to the fire from San Vicente Road to just south of the casino. Fixed wing aircraft and helicopters are battling the fire, ECM news partner 10 News reports.

Multiple news outlets report the Sheriff has evacuated several residences in the Acuuunya Way area.


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WOMAN RELEASED IN BARONA DOUBLE HOMICIDE CASE

 

By Hayden Parsley

January 23, 2015 (Lakeside) – Elaina Rose Welch, who was arrested following the deaths of her child and boyfriend on the Barona reservation last week, was released from jail Thursday.

Tribal police responded to a call about an attempted suicide and the Sheriff’s department responded to a call reporting her baby was dead. The police spoke to a man, now known to be her boyfriend, Julio Ricardo Monggiotti; who then entered the home and a shot was heard. Welch exited the home and dropped a shotgun on the road.

When the police entered the home they found the corpse of her baby hidden in a freezer and Monggiotti dead with gunshot wounds to his chest and wrist. This incident had prompted much of the area to be shut down and even SWAT intervention. (See our prior story here.)


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MAN SHOT IN BARONA DOUBLE HOMICIDE IDENTIFIED

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: shooting victim Julio Ricardo Monggiotti, from his Facebook page

Photo, right: Elaina Welch, from her Facebook page

January 17, 2015 (Lakeside) – The man fatally shot yesterday in a double homicide on the Barona reservation in Lakeside Friday has been identified as Julio Ricardo Monggiotti, 32.  The identity of a child also found dead will not be released until after an autopsy scheduled later in the week, according to the Sheriff’s office.

Elaine Welch, 32, has been arrested for the killings.

According to his Facebook page, Monggiotti  worked at Mr. Paintball USA , formerly served in the U.S. Army and was a student at San Diego State University.  A graduate of Eastlake High School, he was originally from Chula Vista and later lived in San Diego.

He posted that he was “In search for Enlightenment. Big Soul. Big Dreams. Loving life.”


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SWAT STANDOFF AT BARONA RESERVATION: SHOTS FIRED

 

January 16, 2015 (Lakeside) 2 p.m. – A SWAT team stand-off at Barona following a reported shooting has shut down a section of San Vicente Road.  There is a heavy law enforcement presence; avoid the area until further notice, the Sheriff advises.

A woman is in custody but the situation is ongoing, reports 10 News, which has a news crew en route to the scene.  Tribal police and the Sheriff’s Department are responding.


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RAMONA WOMAN DIES AFTER HEAD-ON CRASH ON BARONA RESERVATION

 

 

March 16, 2014 (Barona) – Graciela Bustos, 53, of Ramona died at a local hospital of injuries sustained earlier in the evening on March 15 in a head-on collision.  The crash occurred at 6:37 p.m. on Wildcat Canyon Road on the Barona reservation.

The vehicle that swerved over the center line and caused the deadly crash was reportedly driven by a Barona tribal enforcement officer who was on duty at the time, a Cal Fire official told the Ramona Sentinel.  Bustos was a passenger and was wearing a seatbelt, the Medical Examiner reports. The driver of the vehicle carrying Bustos was seriously injured, sustaining injuries to his face, arm, leg and hip, according to the Ramona Sentinel.


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WEEKEND GETAWAYS: BARONA RESORT, LAKESIDE

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 15, 2014 (Lakeside) – If you’re looking for a place to getaway from the hustle and bustle of city living without traveling far away, consider a stay at one of San Diego County’s local Native American resorts.  Recently, I won a vacation to Barona Resort & Casino in a prize drawing at the La Mesa Centennial party –so in early January, my husband and I savored a relaxing weekend at Barona.

Unlike Las Vegas casinos, Barona resort is not glitzy or gaudy.  The casino and hotel complex are designed to fit in with the rural ambience, complete with a casino designed to resemble a barn and a waterwheel.  The property includes several lakes, providing idyllic places for walking or relaxing in an Adirondack chair to watch the sunset over the nearby mountains.  The site is also designated as a migratory bird sanctuary by the Audobon Society.


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SANTEE SCHOOL IS THE LATEST TO RECEIVE A $5,000 BARONA EDUCATION GRANT

 

Senator Joel Anderson Nominated Hill Creek Elementary School for Updated Technology

December 20, 2013 (Santee) – The Barona Band of Mission Indians is ending 2013 on a high note by awarding an education grant to a deserving local school. The program’s most recent $5,000 grant was presented by Councilwomen Beth Glasco and Bonnie LaChappa to Hill Creek Elementary in Santee, fulfilling important educational resources on both students’ and faculty’s holiday wish lists. Senator Joel Anderson nominated Hill Creek Elementary for the grant.


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BARONA RESORT & CASINO SHARES HOLIDAY MAGIC WITH GINGERBREAD VILLAGE

 

December 11, 2013 (Lakeside) -- Barona Resort & Casino has unveiled a charming gingerbread village called “Barona’s North Pole” which was cooked up by members of Barona’s award-winning culinary team.  The village was the creation of Chef de Cuisine Erin DePompeo and Chef de Partie Ashley Rodney with help from Chef Jose Barajas.

Measuring 50 feet long, the gingerbread village welcomes guests to Barona’s bustling food court and entrance to the Season’s Fresh Buffet.  The team spent more than 900 hours creating the winter wonderland on weekends and before and after their shifts.  


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BARONA RESORT AND CASINO STANDS BY FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN WAKE OF TYPHOON HAIYAN

 

Barona Pledges More Than $20,000 & Launches Fundraiser for Typhoon Relief Efforts

November 22, 2013 (Lakeside)– Barona Resort & Casino has joined in relief efforts to help those affected by the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan. Barona presented a $10,000 donation to the Philippine American Business Improvement and Development during the organization’s annual gala. Barona will also continue to support those affected by Typhoon Haiyan with another $10,000 cash donation and a three-week, casino-wide fundraiser that will benefit relief efforts through the American Red Cross.

The casino-wide fundraiser begins on Saturday, November 23 as Filipino politician and boxing legend Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao takes on Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios in a pay-per-view fight which will be shown at the casino. From November 23 through December 15, Barona will match, dollar-for-dollar, the price of each Filipino-inspired entrée purchased at Ho Wan Noodle Shop. Players and staff will also have an opportunity to make a donation in designated collection boxes throughout the casino and everyone who makes a donation will be given a special thank-you button for their support.


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BARONA MUSEUM LAUNCHES NEW EXHIBITION TO SHOWCASE “HISTORY OF SPORTS” ON THE BARONA INDIAN RESERVATION

Sports: The Competitive Spirit at Barona is Now Open to the Public

Photo: Vice Chairman Harold Hill, Curator Cheryl Hinton, and Brian VanWanseele, Barona Tribal member and President of the Board of Directors for Inter Tribal Sports

 October 8, 2013 (Lakeside) – To celebrate the history of sports on the Barona Indian Reservation, the Barona Cultural Center & Museum recently opened a new exhibition entitled Sports: The Competitive Spirit at Barona. The exhibit, on display this October through 2014, features Native American sports heroes from around the country as well as from the Barona Indian Reservation. Admission is free.


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DAUGHTER PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO MURDERING MOM FOUND DUMPED NEAR BARONA

By Miriam Raftery

October 7, 2013 (Ramona) – A woman accused of murdering her mother has entered a not guilty plea.  The body of Mehria Mansury, 79, an Afghan immigrant, was found  in a field near San Vicente and Wildcat Canyon Road east of Barona Casino last week. 

Mansury was a resident of Serra Mesa. She  was last seen September 23 and was reported missing on September 25. Relatives told authorities that they feared her daughter, who has a criminal record, could be involved, ECM news partner 10 News reported.


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NOTORIOUS GAMBLER CHARGED IN CARD MARKING SCHEME AT BARONA CASINO

 

September 30, 2013 (Lakeside) -- A world-famous gambler and poker player known for the largest and longest documented winning streak in gambling history has been charged in a card-marking scheme at Barona Casino, the District Attorney’s Office announced. He reportedly cheated the casino out of more than $8,000.

Anargyros Karabourniotis, 62, also known as ‘Archie Karas,’ was caught, by the Barona Gaming Commission, marking cards at the casino’s blackjack table in Lakeside back in July, the DA’s Office said. He was arrested at his Las Vegas home on Tuesday and will be extradited to San Diego to face charges of burglary, winning by fraudulent means and cheating.

“This defendant’s luck ran out thanks to extraordinary cooperation between several different law enforcement agencies who worked together to investigate and prosecute this case,” said District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis.


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COUNCILWOMAN BONNIE LACHAPPA NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR BY LAKESIDE CHAMBER

 

July 12, 2013 (Lakeside) -- The Lakeside Chamber of Commerce has named Bonnie LaChappa as the 2013 Lakeside Citizen of the Year with their Harry J. Spence Award. Bonnie, a lifelong Lakeside resident and an elected member of the Barona Band of Mission Indians Tribal Council, is well known for her tireless volunteerism in the East County community.

“Giving back and sharing have always been a big part of our Barona Tribal culture,” said Clifford LaChappa, Chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. “We are very proud of everything Councilwoman LaChappa has done in the community to earn this meaningful award.”


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

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