Viejas

PADRE DAM HALTS CONSTRUCTION; AGREES TO POSTPONE COURT HEARING ON WATER PROJECT

 

 

Viejas calls on District to negotiate in good faith to protect newly discovered Native American burial ground
 

By Miriam Raftery
 

June 24, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – A preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for Friday in San Diego Superior Court has been postponed to July 23, under an agreement reached between Padre Dam Municipal Water District and the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians.


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CA ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE THREATENS LAWSUIT AGAINST PADRE DAM AFTER WATER DISTRICT DEFIES NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION, CONTINUES CONSTRUCTION AT SITE DEEMED SACRED

 

 

Community leaders testify on Viejas’ behalf, ask Padre’s water board to find alternative solution;
Viejas to ask judge on Friday to extend injunction

By Miriam Raftery

June 24, 2010 (Santee) – Improper. Disrespectful. Inappropriate. Embarassing. Those were some of the terms community leaders used at yesterday’s Padre Dam Municipal Water Board hearing to describe the Board’s refusal to halt construction at a planned reservoir and pipeline site near Lake Jennings.

 

“I’ve just come from the site,” Leon Thompson testified, drawing an audible gasp from the crow when he added that he shot video showing “desecration continuing” of areas near a circle of rocks marking grave sites.  View video here.


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NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION RULES IN FAVOR OF VIEJAS

 

Declares proposed reservoir site a sanctified Native American cemetery

 

By Miriam Raftery

ECM photo by Leon Thompson: Padre Dam contractor defies Native Amerian Heritage Commission order and desecrates sacred site.



June 17, 2010 (San Diego) – At a hearing in San Diego yesterday, the state's Native American Heritage Commission declare the site of a proposed reservoir and pumping station to be a sanctified Native American cemetery. The Commission called for the site to be protective and ordered a halt all construction.

 

If construction is not stopped, the Commission  urged the California Attorney General to file suit against Padre Dam Municipal Water District.


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DRIVER ARRESTED IN ACCIDENT INVOLVING FIRETRUCK

June 14, 2010 (Alpine) – Yesenia Mitre, 25,  has been arrested and will be charged with driving under the influence, according to the CHP.  Mitre was the driver of a car that pulled out in front of a Viejas Fire truck, causing a collision on Willows Road/Old Highway 80 in Alpine at 5:42 yesterday morning. Several firefighters and the Mitre were transported to a hospital with minor injuries.


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DISTRICT DISBANDS NAMING COMMITTEE FOR NEW ALPINE HIGH SCHOOL

 

Committee's objectivity called into question amid Reagan name proposal

 

June 13, 2010 (Alpine) – A naming committee for the Grossmont Union High School District’s 12th high school in Alpine has been disbanded by the GUHSD governing board.  

 

“Among other items, our Board clearly heard the request for a community survey, and was reminded that the Bond language included the new high school in Alpine serving both the Alpine and Blossom Valley areas,” Gary Schwartzwald, director of adult education and special projects, wrote in an e-mail to parents in Alpine.


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LINEUP ANNOUNCED FOR FREE “MOVIES IN THE PARK” AT VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER

 

Season kicks off June 16 with Monsters vs. Aliens, wraps up with Avatar

 

June 10, 2010 (Alpine) — The Viejas Outlet Center officially kicks off its free “Movies in the Park” series on June 16 with a showing of the hit movie Monsters vs. Aliens. The season concludes this year with Avatar, the blockbuster that set new worldwide sales records.


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POLICE PURSUE ARMED SUSPECT IN ALPINE CHASE

 

June 8, 2010 (Alpine) - A high-speed police pursuit that began in Santee has now reached Viejas Grade Road in Alpine. The suspect is known to be armed and dangerous.   We will post details as they become available.


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VIEJAS GRANTED RESTRAINING ORDER TO PROTECT SACRED BURIAL GROUND

 

Recent discovery at proposed reservoir site “unparalleled” in San Diego County

 

“This site is sacred to our people, and it is culturally and historically significant for all residents of San Diego County and southern California.” – Viejas tribal chairman Bobby Barrett

“Every resident in Blossom Valley, Crest, Harbison Valley and Alpine is a stakeholder for fire safety and economic growth in their communities.” = Mike Uhrhammer, communications, director, Padre Dam

By Miriam Raftery
 

June 8, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians has been granted a restraining order in the Superior Court of California-San Diego County to halt the Padre Dam Municipal Water District from "further desecrating a recently-unearthed Kumeyaay burial and ceremonial ground," a statement issued by Viejas announced. Padre Dam Municipal Water District is constructing a new reservoir and pumping station at the site, which is on approximately two acres south of I-8 near Lake Jennings Park Road and Old Highway 80.


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MEETING ON ALPINE HIGH SCHOOL SET FOR JUNE 8

May 29, 2010 (Alpine) – Grossmont Union High School District will host a forum on Alpine’s planned new high school on Tuesday, June 8 at 6 p.m. in the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Boulevard in Alpine. Residents from throughout the Grossmont Union High School are welcome to attend. While boundaries for the new school’s attendance are still being finalized, parents from Alpine and Blossom Valley are particularly encouraged to participate in the forum.

 

Speakers will include GUHSD superintendent Bob Collins, assistant superintendent mike Lewis, facility planner and project lead Dena Johnson, director of instruction Cindy Douglas, as well as the architectural team from IBI Group/Sprotte-Watson and the GUHSD design team.


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WHEEL OF WINNERS ROLLS OUT AT VIEJAS

 

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (May 29, 2010) – Visitors to Viejas Casino in June will have a chance to spin a giant “Wheel of Winners” and take home a share of up to $640,000 in cash. Drawings will be held at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Winners from each drawing will have a chance to spin the giant “Wheel of Winners” and win cash prizes ranging from $250 to $10,000.


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TRIBAL LEADER TO ALPINE SCHOOL NAMING COMMITTEE: REAGAN SHOWED “OUTRIGHT CONTEMPT FOR NATIVE AMERICANS”



By Miriam Raftery

May 19, 2010 (Alpine) – Short of smoke signals, Viejas Vice Chairman Robert “Cita” Welch couldn’t have delivered a stronger message to members of a committee appointed by the Grossmont Union High School Board to recommend names for a planned new high school in Alpine. Despite a “long and proud tradition” of working with the District, Viejas has "increasing concerns" over a proposal to name the school after Ronald Reagan, Welch said.

"Your actions WILL have an impact on our future relationship with the district," he told committee members, then added that former President Reagan “is NOT well-regarded in Indian Country.  At best he didn’t really care too much about Native Americans. At worst—and in some well-documented cases—he showed outright contempt for Native Americans. This should matter to each of you."


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TOP DOGS WANTED: NOVELTY DOG SHOW JUNE 6 IN ALPINE

May 16, 2010 (Alpine) - Attention all dog lovers! The Alpine Stagecoach Lions Club presents the 6th Annual Novelty Dog Show at10:00am, Saturday, June 6th, 2010 at the Viejas Outlet Center , 5005 Willows Road in Alpine.
 


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PRO FOOTBALL STARS TO PARTICIPATE IN "BOWLING FOR HELMETS" JUNE 5 AT VIEJAS BOWL: PROCEEDS TO HELP PROTECT ALPINE POP WARNER PLAYERS

 

 

May 16, 2010 (Alpine) – Football helmet construction hasn’t changed for decades.  But now, new helmets contain air bag-type cushions, providing better protection from head injuries.

 


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EDITOR'S BLOG: GUHSD COMMITTEE SHOULD CHECK REAGAN RECORD ON NATIVE AMERICAN ISSUES BEFORE NAMING ALPINE HIGH SCHOOL FOR FORMER PRESIDENT



By Miriam Raftery

 

"Your comments about American Indians indicate that your knowledge about us, and about the historical relationship between Indian governments and the United States, is lacking to the point of being shameful." -- American Indian Movement of Colorado, in an open letter to President Ronald Reagan, 1988

 

May 13, 2010 (Alpine) – Alpine's Native American tribal members were not invited to serve on a committee to recommend a name for Alpine’s planned new high school. A Union-Tribune editorial published during  debate over whether to build a 12th high school observed, “The Viejas and Sycuan Indian tribes consider Alpine to be their community. The tribes fully understand how important education is…They are important allies to have when taking on a forgetful district bureaucracy.”


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CONCERT SERIES UNVEILED FOR DREAMCATCHER AT VIEJAS

 

May 12, 2010 (Alpine)  – The DreamCatcher at Viejas Casino in Alpine announces a concert lineup featuring musical styles ranging from country to jazz, as well as rock, rhythm and blues. 

 

The series includes country legend Merle Haggard and other musical stars such as the Temptations, as well as a two-woman show, Vicki Lawrence and Mama, inspired by characters from the Carol Burnett TV comedy show.


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EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD-WINNERS NAMED

 

 

VIP party honored achievements by local citizens and community leaders

 

By Miriam Raftery; photos by Julie Edwards

 

May 3, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – During a “Celebrate our Citizens” VIP party at Cuyamaca College on April 28, East County Magazine presented awards to honor local citizens’ achievements in five categories: Humanitarian, Community Organizing, Education, Business Leadership, Environmental Protection, and Community Heroes. In addition, a special award recognized Viejas Fire Chief Don Butz and the Viejas Fire Department for their efforts to keep our communities safe from wildfires.


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“THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH BUTTERFLIES” AT VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER: 13TH ANNUAL SAGE & SONGBIRDS FESTIVAL & GARDEN TOUR


Alpine’s Biggest Annual Festival to be held May 1 & 2, 2010

 

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – April 29, 2010 – Viejas Outlet Center will host Alpine’s biggest festival, the 13th annual Sage & Songbirds Festival & Garden Tour on Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2. The theme for this year’s event is “The Hills Are Alive with Butterflies.”

 


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ALPINE VETERANS WALL OF HONOR FUNDRAISER: APRIL 21


Viejas pledges challenge grant to match community donations


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VIEJAS CASINO HOSTS 4TH ANNUAL ULTIMATE MUSIC CHALLENGE

 

39 cover bands compete for $40,000 in cash prizes April 11 through June 20

April 9, 2010 (Alpine) – It’s southern California’s biggest cover band smack-down, as Viejas Casino hosts the 4th annual Ultimate Music Challenge.

 

Thirty-nine of the area’s best cover bands will compete at Viejas Casino’s DreamCatcher Lounge every Sunday night from April 11th through June 20th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.Up to five bands will perform each Sunday, with the winning bands advancing to the semifinals, then to the Championship on June 20th.


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RUNNING WILD IN EAST COUNTY: FERAL PIGS A GROWING PROBLEM

 

March 31, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – It's hog heaven in East County. Wild boars and sows have startled horses, hikers and residents in Alpine, Ramona, Poway and other backcountry areas in recent months. A Fish and Game expert estimates there may be as many as 200 to 300 feral hogs rooting their way across East County, the Union-Tribune reported yesterday.

 

But while bacon-on-the-hoof may provide tempting targets for hunters, the non-native species poses threats to agriculture, livestock and the environment, also raising potential human health and safety issues.


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ALPINE WOMAN WINS SMART CAR AT VIEJAS

March 29, 2010 (Alpine) – An Alpine woman drove away a winner at Viejas Casino over the weekend, taking home a new Smart Car.

Barbara L. (last name withheld on request) won the Smart Car when her name was drawn Sunday evening from a drum full of entries of players at Viejas Casino during the month of March.

 


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CAR FIRE DOUSED IN ALPINE

 

January 31, 2010 (Alpine) – Firefighters from Viejas and the U.S. Forest service responded to a vehicle fire on Interstate 8 in Alpine this afternoon. Alpine firefighter/paramedics Broc Thorn and Colby Ross formed an attack line and quickly knocked down the fire before it spread into the nearby vegetation.


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ALPINE SCHOOLS & VIEJAS TEAM UP TO BRING NEW MUSIC & MATH PROGRAMS TO ELEMENTARY CLASSROOMS

 

Creative Partnership Overcomes Economic Obstacles to launch innovative new program

December 14, 2009 (Alpine) – Despite deep education budget cuts statewide, kids at schools in Alpine are benefiting from an innovative, new program that improves math and music skills, thanks in part to proceeds from concerts and other events held at Viejas Casino and Outlet Center in Alpine.


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FIRETRUCK & TOY PARADE SATURDAY IN EL CAJON

 

 

December 11, 2009 (El  Cajon)--Join Stoney's Kids, the Salvation Army, Viejas & AM 600 KOGO in the Target Shopping Center Parking Lot on Broadway in El Cajon for the live radio broadcast of the East County Toy & Food Drive Fire Truck/Toy Parade. 


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CALIFORNIA WELCOME CENTER OPENS IN ALPINE

 

December 7, 2009 (Alpine) – San Diego East  Visitors Bureau celebrated the grand opening last week of its new office in the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine. The site is an official California Welcome Center, providing information for tourists on attractions in East County and the San Diego region.
 

“This is the first California Welcome Center ever opened on tribal lands,” said Charlie Brown, director of Viejas Community Relations.


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HOLIDAY MIXER & GRAND OPENING OF SD EAST VISITORS BUREAU: DEC. 3 AT VIEJAS


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PORKIN’ IN THE PARK

By Leon Thompson, the East County Eater

October 25th, 2009 (Alpine) -- “Smokin’ in the Park,” the state’s largest BBQ competition sponsored by Viejas, was held Oct. 17 at the Viejas Outlet Center. Last year’s event drew over 9,000 people and from the looks of the long lines of hungry barbecue aficionados waiting to sample the fare here, I’d say this year’s event was an equally savory success.


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VIEJAS TREE LIGHTING AT S. CA'S LARGEST OUTDOOR ICE RINK FRIDAY NOV. 13

Viejas Outlet Center transforms into a winter wonderland complete with ice skating, holiday tree lighting & shows

 

November 10, 2009 (Alpine)– Viejas Outlet Center officially kicks off the holiday season this Friday, November 13, with the opening of Southern California’s largest ice rink including skating show at 6 p.m., holiday tree lighting at 7:30. p.m., the return of the Legend of the Ice Princess performance, plus  holiday savings at all retail stores.


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FAR EAST WINDS: NEW RESTAURANT AT VIEJAS HONORS CHINESE ROLE IN SETTLING THE WEST

 

October 30, 2009 (Alpine) -- A traditional Kumeyaay blessing, birdsinging and smudging conducted by Viejas Tribal Councilmember Virginia Christman heralded the opening of a new Asian Cuisine restaurant, Far East Winds, at the Viejas Casino in Alpine last week.  

 


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VIEJAS HOSTS STATE’S LARGEST BBQ COOKING CHAMPIONSHIP OCT. 17

 
Teams from around the country cook up a good time at free “Smokin’ in the Park” Festival

 

October 14, 2009 (Alpine) – Looking to spice up your week?  Viejas Casino & Outlet Center will host California’s largest BBQ cooking championship again this year in one of East County's most popular free events of the season. The “Smokin’ in the Park” BBQ Championship & Festival (www.viejasbbq.com) is back for its fifth year…bigger and better than ever. This year, more than 60 teams will compete for $23,000 in cash and prizes, making it the largest competition of its kind in the state.


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