Vincent Arres, Vice President and co-founder of the Soboba Bike Crew also served as Event Coordinator alongside Sonia Ramos of Boxing for Christ. He said both groups share a mission to uplift youth and promote healthy lifestyles. The collaboration came from shared values and a commitment to community outreach.

“The ride is about unity, health, and visibility — celebrating Native pride while promoting fitness and youth empowerment,” Arres said. “It also builds bridges with the broader community. This is not a fundraiser, but an awareness and connection ride.”

Ramos said the annual event began last year when a parent from Boxing for Christ, her coach and the Soboba Bike Crew put it together and had a great turnout. “I got together with Vincent to start planning this year’s bike ride and make it bigger,” she said “We started getting sponsors because we feed everyone breakfast burritos, hamburgers, hotdogs, cookies, and snow cones. We raffle off bikes and other great gifts. We would like to continue this event every year and make it bigger every year.”

Everything was free for the community and the City of San Jacinto supported it wholeheartedly. They worked to make sure the streets were clearly marked so everyone could ride safely.

Ramos said San Jacinto Mayor Valerie Vandever did the bike run and Councilmember Crystal Ruiz and her children helped serve food at the event. “They showed the community that they were for the community,” she said.

Arres said this year was definitely bigger and better than last year and he hopes to keep the momentum going for the next one. “We had more riders, more sponsors, and more energy,” he said. “We had greater community involvement, upgraded prizes, food, and even support from the San Jacinto City Council and mayor.”

It was definitely a family affair as his mother, Arlene Arres, also helped out, supporting her son’s endeavors. “This year I sponsored and cooked lunch for 100 riders/community,” she said. “My favorite part of the event was seeing the smiles of joy on the riders’ faces after a filling lunch and raffles and seeing the community coming together and having a good time.”

Vincent Arres’ aunt Bianca Machado also lent a hand with cooking for everyone. “I was happy to see the diversity with the bikers and how this little event has grown within the two years. Something positive that involves different types of people is much needed in this climate that we have nowadays,” she said.

Despite the heat, Machado enjoyed preparing the food for the riders who seemed very appreciative, and hungry. “It was really nice to see the mayor and some of the City Council come out to the event and hang out. Even the mayor rode with the bikers, which I thought was really cool. You really don’t see that a lot from politicians. And the City Council members that did attend stayed to the very end which was really great to see,” Machado said. “I like how this event pulled different people from different areas together to share one fun activity. It was great to see people talking to one another, sharing information about their bikes and making new friends. Like I said, it was really nice to see the mayor and the other members of City Council to really be involved and talk to everyone that was there and even help serve the food when the bikers returned. Things like that bring a sense of community among all of us.”

Soboba Parks and Recreation Director Andy Silvas was one of the riders on Saturday, attending for the first time. “My favorite part was seeing everyone come together, enjoying themselves, and just having a great time as a community,” he said. “What I enjoy most about these rides is seeing the kids involved—it’s a fun and healthy way to get everyone out of the house, exercising, and spending quality time together.”

Soboba Tribal member Damon Miranda was also attending the event for the first time. “The best part was being with my son, riding with the entire community and seeing the youth, adults, and elders out there riding and supporting each other,” he said. “Riding is Important, it can release stress; no worries about anything, just getting out and enjoying life.”

All the children received participation medals for completing the ride. Vincent Arres shared, “The kids were proud — some had never received a medal before. That moment of recognition lit them up and meant a lot.”

The ride began at Sallee Park, heading out along Idyllwild Drive to North San Jacinto Avenue. Riders continued south to the first stop at the corner of East Oakland Avenue and North San Jacinto Avenue, where a water station was available. The group then continued along East Latham Avenue and turned onto North Inez Street, which marked the halfway point of the ride.

On the return leg, participants took a straight shot back—stopping only at traffic lights and signs as needed—following Inez to Latham, then turning onto North Buena Vista Street, East Fruitvale Avenue, South Santa Fe Avenue, and North Ramona Boulevard. The final stretch led down Tahquitz Street and ended back at Sallee Park, where Boxing for Christ has its gym.

Reserve Deputy Leonard Purvis, former Riverside County Sheriff’s Captain, was present throughout the route, ensuring the riders’ safety and helping manage traffic so that drivers respected and shared the road with cyclists.

Arres gave a shout-out to all the raffle prize donors, food sponsors and vendors who made the event shine. “A huge thanks goes to Soboba Casino, Soboba Motorcycle Club, San Jacinto City Council’s Mayor Valerie Vandever and Councilmembers Crystal Ruiz and Clarisa Sanchez, Soroptimist of San Jacinto and Hemet, Roadrunner Express, Sonia Lamas with Lamas Housing Project, Tina from Menifee Bike Shop Est. 1982, Cynthia’s Treats, Discount Battery Center, Prime Battery Solutions, Gabriel Herrera II, Linda Resvaloso, Domingo Resvaloso, Little Pantry Kitchen, Bianca Machado, Romell Mojado, Arlene Arres, Vanessa Rangel, Rudy Arrietta, Dreena Arrietta, Mia Basquez, the Razon family, Kenny Gonzalez with the Los Frijoles Bike Crew, Sonia Ramos and family, and Leonard Purvis,” he said.

Arres’ role with the club includes coordinating events, building community partnerships, and helping bring youth and families together through biking.

“The Soboba Bike Crew started in 2021 as a grassroots effort to bring together riders of all ages from our tribal communities,” he said. Currently, there are approximately 13 active members and it’s growing steadily.

Charles Resvaloso serves as president and his role includes networking with surrounding teams and serving as the glue that holds SBC together. “He sets the tone for the crew by keeping us consistent and also manages our marketing, social media, and design work,” Arres said. “That said, SBC runs as a true team — we all have an equal say and make sure everyone is on board, whether it’s a ride, T-shirt, or new design. Team first — always.”

Linda Resvaloso said, “My sons are members of the bike club, and it all started with my son Charles riding and then he brought his cousins into it and then all the children.” She said that when they were riding around town, they met someone from Boxing for Christ, which led to last year’s inaugural City Bike Ride.

She said her favorite part of the event was seeing the community getting involved, especially the mayor. “I am most impressed with the fact her heart is in the right place; she really cares about her city,” she said. “It was an awesome ride. I usually follow in my truck in case someone gets a flat tire or needs extra water.”

Resvaloso, who is with H.A.L.O., which stands for Helping and Loving Others, enjoys doing what she can to help others in need. She donated one of the bikes that was raffled off this year. One young rider had been using his sister’s bike to participate in the event. Another had recently had his own bike stolen. Thanks to the generosity of the community, both went home with brand-new bikes.

“It was powerful to see them win — these weren’t just prizes, they were reminders that people care,” Arres said. “One kid couldn’t take his eyes off the Naruto themed bike and manifested the win and got the bike he wanted.”

Arres said the love, support and presence of his Soboba family made all the difference and he could not have done this without them.

“To the SBC crew — my cousins and core team — thank you for your unwavering support, for pushing me, and for boosting my confidence to be able to put this together,” he said. “To the city council and mayor — your kindness, approachability, and genuine presence proved you’re not just holding seats, you’re holding up the community. Much love and respect. And to the entire valley, your helping hands, open hearts, and willingness to show up made this all possible. Like the saying goes, ‘it takes a village to raise these kids.’ Words can’t describe the gratitude I feel. Just know that I see you, I appreciate you, and this event was only possible because of you. We rode together. We rose together. I’m just honored to be part of something bigger than myself — this is about all of us riding together for a stronger, healthier future.”

The Soboba Bike Crew participates in monthly events in surrounding cities and weekly throughout San Jacinto and Hemet. Rides are scheduled based on the weather. All riders are welcome, regardless of experience or equipment; even e-bikes are allowed.

“We host community rides, youth bike days, and partner events with local groups throughout the year,” Arres said. “Special focus goes toward family-friendly rides and youth fitness as well as more intense rides for adults.”

For more information on the Soboba Bike Crew, please visit @res_lyfrz on Instagram. To learn more about Boxing for Christ, please visit them on Instagram and Facebook.

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SCR General Manager and Tournament Director Jason Cozart said this year was another great success. “It was made possible by all of our wonderful partners, sponsors, volunteers and coordinators,” he said. “I cannot overstate the amount of blood, sweat and tears that are put into this event each and every year by the members of the Soboba Foundation, Andrew Vallejos and his staff with the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, the staff here at Soboba Casino Resort, and the Placencia family who gives so generously with their time and effort.”

Each morning, players were greeted to the course by Soboba Foundation President Dondi Silvas and Foundation Secretary Andy Silvas. “Being able to check in the golfers gave me an opportunity to put a face to the name and personally thank them for their generosity,” Dondi said.

Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco welcomed and thanked all those who attended prior to the shotgun starts at 10 a.m. “A lot of what we do and what our Foundation does in supporting charities is because of you and your involvement and we appreciate that; it goes a long way. We appreciate the other Tribal leaders that are out here; we support one another when it comes to things like this, and I can’t say thank you enough.”

Nearly a dozen nonprofits benefited from the event, each taking home a $12,000 check for their part in volunteering to assist with various responsibilities throughout the event. From early morning registrations to raffle prize pickups after golfing was done, all were assigned specific duties. Joey and Tara Placencia directed them to their stations as they arrived at the course, eager to help.

Brianna Miller is the Philanthropy Manager at Voices for Children, a private, nonprofit organization that recruits, trains, and supports Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers who speak up for the needs and well-being of children in foster care. As the only agency designated by the courts to provide CASA volunteers in San Diego and Riverside counties, Voices for Children’s CASAs play a crucial role in helping judges make the most informed decisions for children’s futures.

This was the group’s first year participating in the tournament and provided seven volunteers that were assigned to parking lot duties and overseeing one of the many hole activities/games that were offered throughout the course.

“We raise all of the funds necessary to sustain our program. We do not charge for any of our services,” Miller said. “Our revenue comes from competitive grants from public entities and from private sources, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, who, like Soboba, are committed to the lives of children in foster care.”

She said the tournament-generated funds will be used to recruit, train, and support additional CASA volunteers to serve more children in foster care in San Jacinto and neighboring communities. Miller said her favorite part of the event was the opportunity to show appreciation to the Tribe and share about what Voices for Children does within the local community. She added that the delicious food at the banquet was a nice bonus as well as enjoying the opportunity to personally thank members of the Tribe for their support and to learn about the other benefiting nonprofits.

“We’re grateful to have been selected as beneficiaries for the Soboba Charity Golf Tournament this year,” Jessica Muñoz, President and CEO, said. “The funds that have been invested in our program will make it possible for more vulnerable children in foster care to receive the dedicated advocacy of a CASA volunteer. We simply can’t say thank you enough.” For more information, www.speakupnow.org.

Miriam Crocker, Communications Coordinator for Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center, said it was also the first time their nonprofit was chosen to participate in the annual golf tournament. They provided six volunteers who assisted with parking and the creative, competitive hole activities on the course.

“We are expanding our Behavioral Health support services to include a variety of new support groups, child and family events, art therapy workshops for children affected by cancer and individual counseling to our clients,” Crocker said. “We are so grateful to receive these funds to grow such an important resource for our clients, as the demand for these vital services continues to grow.”

In 2023, Michelle’s Place launched its own Department of Behavioral Health and now offers free counseling appointments to clients and their family members. They have eliminated the need for a referral, there is no cost barrier for clients as the services are free, and they can immediately access mental health professionals both in person and via telehealth. The expansion will offer additional hours and serve more clients.

Crocker said that whenever the opportunity arose, volunteers at the tournament were happy to share about the nonprofit’s mission because “No One Should Face Cancer Alone,” and added, “We are beyond honored to have been selected as a beneficiary for this tournament.”

Attending the banquet with Michelle’s Place Fundraising and Development Officer Amber Berkey, Crocker said, “It was absolutely stunning. The charcuterie/seafood table was beautiful, the decorations were tasteful and impressive and overall the presentation was fun and to the point, which I am sure the golfers appreciated after a day of these festivities!” For more information, https://michellesplace.org.

Care-A-Van Transit Systems’ Program Coordinator Carolina Brooks said the nonprofit agency will use the funds to continue to provide transportation services for those who need to access critically needed services and resources through the free service they offer to elderly and disabled individuals and veterans. The five volunteers they provided helped out at the golf course and the Event Center. She said they were able to share the organization’s mission/goals with players and others at the tournament.

“Everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves,” Brooks said. For more information, www.careavantransit.com.

Native Youth Foundation empowers Indigenous youth by providing positive athletic and educational experiences.

“Native Youth Foundation would like to thank Soboba for including us in the tournament and picking our foundation as a recipient,” Sports Director Keith Vasquez said. For its first year participating, four volunteers were assigned to run two games at two different holes.

He said the $12,000 will be used to fund their girls’ flag football team tournament fees and travel costs as well as women’s self-defense classes and the boys’ 7 vs 7 flag football teams. Teams will be participating in local tournaments as well as traveling to Las Vegas, Arizona, Puerto Rico and Denver.

“The whole Soboba Charity Golf Tournament was amazing!” Vasquez said. “The amount of vendors was probably our favorite part as well as being able to network and share our mission with the players and vendors at the tournament. This is by far the best tournament that we’ve been to, and we look forward to participating in it in the future.” For more information, www.nativeyouthfoundation.org.

Other nonprofits who benefited from this year’s tournament are Boxing for Christ, California Tribal Families Coalition, EXCEED, Friends of Valley-Wide Foundation, Inter-Tribal Sports, San Jacinto Mountain Bike Team and Soroptimist International-San Jacinto/Hemet Club.

During the April 3 banquet, Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernest L. Stevens Jr. made a special presentation of a Pendleton blanket to Soboba Tribal Chairwoman Geneva Mojado saying that she has done so much for Tribal sports over the years.

Cozart said, “I am grateful to be part of this event, and the best part is having a front row seat to witness all of the teamwork and dedication that it takes to put this thing on every year.  We’re already looking forward to 2025 and finding ways to continue improving the event!”

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