Each grade level from 6-12 chose to design a float based on this year’s theme of “Holidays.” The Class of 2029 took spectators to Bikini Bottom for SpongeBob SquarePants Day, Class of 2028 had a lovely float full of hearts for Valentine’s Day and Christmas was celebrated by the Class of 2027. High school freshmen took on New Year’s Eve for their holiday while the sophomores chose Independence Day. The juniors cleverly honored Mad Hatter’s Day and even depicted his famous tea party while the Class of 2023 seniors combined Disney and Halloween to bring a season-appropriate holiday to the forefront.

Grand Marshal DeeDee Vallejo, who was chosen by ASB students, was in the lead as the class floats made their way to The Oaks football stadium, joined by Soboba Fire Department, Soboba Parks and Recreation and other entries. Principal Donovan Post said Vallejo was chosen for her dedicated work with CASA and on behalf of domestic violence issues as well as her many years of supporting her children when they attended Noli.

Students rode on their class’s float and tossed candy to families who lined Castile Canyon Road, cheering for each holiday as it passed by. The Noli School Board chose the float winners, which were announced at halftime. First place went to New Year’s (freshmen), second place was won by SpongeBob (sixth graders) and third place was awarded to Christmas (eighth graders). Winners got a class-wide pizza party.

Also announced and introduced at halftime was this year’s Homecoming Court. Freshman Class Sweetheart Shawna Rivera is the daughter of Tanya Briones-Rivera and Louie Rivera. She was escorted by Freshman Class Sweetheart Aaron Devore, son of Rene Rhodes. Sophomore Class Duchess Davina Magante is the daughter of Melissa Morales and Donald Magante and Sophomore Class Duke is Babe Briones. Luisa Rivera, daughter of Tanya Briones-Rivera, is Junior Class Princess and she was escorted onto the field by Junior Class Prince Raymond Russell, son of Elizabeth and Raymond Russell.

Senior Class Queen Ciara Ramos is the daughter of Woolo Mendoza and granddaughter of Connie Briones. She plans to go into the medical field after graduation, or possibly become an entrepreneur with her own business. Javier Martinez reigned as Senior Class King.

Football team members who put it all on the field during the game were Seniors Anthony Contreras, Addis Martin and Javier Martinez. Completing the Braves lineup was Daigan Cyhan, Aaron Devore, Tishmal Goff, Johnny Gutierrez, Ferdencio Morreo, Ronald Morillo, Andrew Salgado, Anthony Salgado, Matthew Torres and Robert Valencia.

Other students got involved by taking photos throughout the week for the school yearbook. Contributing student photographers are sixth-graders Ruben Estanislao and Nickolas Melchor, freshmen Serena Hawk and Alana Arrietta, sophomore Davina Magante and juniors Maryhelen Hurtado and Matthew Torres. Contributing staff photographers are Lend Slay Frison III, Kekai Bryant and Andrea Duran.

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The Soboba Tribal Environmental Department is committed to protecting, restoring, and enhancing natural resources on the Soboba Reservation for all tribal members past, present and future. The STED works to raise awareness of all aspects of the environment. This includes solid waste issues, pollution prevention, water and air quality, conservation measures, household hazardous waste disposal and many other areas.

The open house gave the department yet another community outreach opportunity to provide education and updates utilizing a slideshow to highlight some of its projects.

STED Environmental Director Christian Aceves, who recently celebrated his one-year anniversary with the department, said the event was designed as a way to connect to the community it serves. Because they are often seen out and about on the Reservation, describing some of the reasons they are doing what they do seemed appropriate.

“We want to let everyone know that we are here to help and we’re here to answer any questions,” he said. “Please feel free to stop by our office or call us at any time. We are here for you.”

Aceves explained a common misconception people have is that they are part of the national Environmental Protection Agency, which is an independent agency of the United States government that was proposed and implemented by President Richard Nixon in 1970 to ensure clean air and water. Since the EPA has no jurisdiction over Tribal affairs, STED is a liaison between the Tribe and the federal agency.

“On top of generous Tribal support, we qualify for many EPA grants to help us achieve our goals,” he said.

Current grants being utilized include one for Hazardous Household Waste so residents can safely dispose of items that can be dangerous to keep around their homes, such as old paint and solvents. The department hosts a quarterly event to try and make it as easy as possible to keep homes safe from hazardous materials building up. The next event is being planned for November.

STED Environmental Specialist Micah Knox focuses on the water and air quality on the Reservation and said through the Clean Water Act Section 106 and 319 grant programs, the department monitors water quality, creates educational materials to prevent pollution of water and assesses/addresses any nonpoint source pollution issues. Knox said water quality is tested for a multitude of parameters including temperature, pH level and other crucial elements. It has begun to be monitored for flow.

The newest grant is from the California Air Resource Board, which will allow the installation of air quality monitors to measure such things as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure. The monitors will be directly connected to their own dedicated website where anyone can access the information in real time.

“What you drink is the same as what you breathe and we want it to be safe,” Knox said. “Graphs are available on our website and this newest grant will give us air quality details, minute by minute.”

Additionally, an annual community cleanup is held that enlists youth volunteers from the Soboba Tribal TANF program.

“Soboba Tribal TANF youth volunteers are always willing to assist STED in many events from Earth Day to the Household Hazardous Waste events and community clean-ups. Their ongoing support is appreciated and valued by this department,” Aceves said. “We admire Mr. (Harold) Arres’ continued devotion to teaching Soboba youth and his commitment to creating young leaders within the community.”

Administrative Assistant Angelica Rangel said this past summer’s event was very successful with more than 30 truck/trailer bins filled with about 15 tons of solid waste, household waste, e-waste and tires. The collected items were sorted and distributed to the proper authorities that oversee each area.

“Assisting the Soboba Elders is such an honor. STED hosts a multitude of special events for environmental health and sustainability that help both children and elders alike. All events, most notably cleanup events, offer special services for elders in need of extra assistance,” Aceves said. “STED also relies on Public Works and Canyon Crew and of course the support of the Soboba Tribal Council and Tribal Administration offices to ensure the success of each event.”

Rangel said April’s Tribal Earth Day was the biggest STED-hosted event of the year.

“Over 500 people attended and nearly 40 environmentally conscious vendors participated,” she said, adding there were free giveaways for all attendees, recycling boxes available throughout the event and educational material and activities provided by the participating vendors.

The STED regularly collaborates with other Tribal departments to ensure all is being done to provide a clean and safe environment. Parks and Recreation aids by placing and picking up recycling bins. Although STED operates within its own department to distribute recycling bins, permanent bins are located throughout various administration departments and areas. Temporary bins, such as cardboard boxes, are used for special events at the event coordinator’s request. STED works with CR&R to obtain these temporary bins at no cost.

Rangel said the recycling boxes placed at key locations throughout the community resulted in about 31 pounds of aluminum cans and plastic bottles being recycled last month, with all earnings going back into the program. These are disposable boxes that are provided for specific events and by year’s end about 50 of them are expected to be utilized.

Michelle Kaliher, who recently returned to the department as an administrative assistant, said Noli Indian school has been pivotal in many different aspects of the department. “Noli science classes participated in the second annual recycled art project contest at Tribal Earth Day and have now graciously volunteered space on school property to host a permanent air quality monitor for our California Air Resource Board Community Air Grant monitoring project.”

Knox talked about the tree monitoring that he works on with GIS Technician Justin Subith. He said about 150 oak trees have been tagged to date but there are more than 2,000 oak trees on the reservation so it’s an ongoing process. Trees are examined for overall health, damage, crown health, insect emergence and tree circumference.

“We have an annual tree planting event coming up to revitalize some areas on the reservation with trees that are indigenous to this area and the Canyon Crew is a crucial part of this project; they help plant and pick up the plants,” Knox said. “Public Works also aids by providing additional personnel and equipment.”

The team also used the open house event to bring awareness to challenges facing the reservation with the main concerns being erosion control and illegal dumping.

According to National Geographic, “erosion is described as the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces such as wind or water.” Aceves pointed out that other factors, such as off-roading vehicles in erosion vulnerable areas, also worsens the condition.

Yet another concern is the possibility of the Gold Spotted Oak Borer finding its way onto the Reservation. The GSOB is an invasive species contributing to the growing number of oak tree deaths occurring on federal, state, private and Native lands in Southern California. So far, it has not affected Soboba’s oaks. To prevent the GSOB from entering the Reservation, introducing outside wood sources such as firewood should be avoided. There were GSOB identification cards available at the event. Residents were asked to report any possible sightings.

Another concern STED is addressing is the fact that Soboba lands are having trouble sprouting new life due to high brush levels.

“Without human intervention, we could see a major loss of oak habitat in the next 50 years,” Knox said.

Aceves said the best way to be proactive is to keep the area clean by picking up any litter that is seen and disposing of it properly; never to burn or bury it. “Every bit of waste has its place,” he said. He also encouraged everyone to use greener and cleaner alternative cleaning products, plant more native species and try to reuse water whenever possible. Safer choice products can be found at www.epa.gov/saferchoice.

The STED takes a comprehensive approach to addressing environmental needs and concerns on and off the reservation. A large emphasis is placed on community outreach with a focus on youth. The development and presentation of workshops, meetings and classroom activities help produce awareness of the environment and reduce negative impacts. Team members also regularly participate in trainings, conferences and webinars related to grant topics and conditions. For more information, 951-654-5544 ext. 4129, caceves@soboba-nsn.gov, mknox@soboba-nsn.gov, epa.soboba-nsn.gov or on social media @sobobaenvironmental.

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AISES, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, is a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering and math studies and careers.

The vision of AISES is for the next seven generations of Native people to be successful, respected, influential and contributing members of our vast and ever-changing global community.

Entering its sixteenth year at the UCLA campus, AISES strives to encourage American Indians to pursue careers as scientists and engineers while preserving their cultural heritage. The goal of AISES is to promote unity and cooperation, provide a basis for the advancement of American Indians all while providing financial assistance and educational opportunities.

AISES devotes most of its energy to its outreach program where members conduct monthly science academies with elementary through pre-college students from Indian Reservations. Serving as mentors and role models for younger students enables AISES at UCLA students to further develop professionalism and responsibility while maintaining a high level of academic and increasing cultural awareness.

Noli’s middle school science teacher Sabrina Sobel said this is the beginning of her students working with UCLA mentors. This program, offered to all science students in grades 6-12, was separate from their regular curriculum but was incorporated into things that they are currently learning or have already learned about. The program was run school-wide with the students completing the STEM workshops with their teachers in other content areas. “Prior to the start of the school year, UCLA contacted us and wanted to partner with us in the STEM department. Because we had limited access to field trips and guest speakers, we had to shelve this idea,” Sobel said. However, having it implemented as virtual sessions turned out to be highly successful.

“The students were very excited about the program,” Sobel said. “Next time, they would like to have the UCLA team come to the school for in-person activities. We had all of the middle school students and a large portion of high school students participate.”

While learning how to assemble and work a robot improved engineering, math and technology skills, a session on native plants addressed the science component. High school science teacher Jay Dagostino has been working with his biology students on identifying invasive plants growing near the school campus. They are learning how to plant native varieties and eradicate non-native ones.

“The (AISES at UCLA) native plant lesson in the morning was good supplementary information about native plants that students worked with in science and culture classes,” Dagostino said. “The robot activity was a fun hands-on project for the students.”

Sobel said the students were able to play a Kahoot game with students from other schools to test their initial knowledge of native plants.

“The robots were a successful hands-on learning activity since several of the students had to troubleshoot and change the wiring of the system to get them working properly,” she said. “By incorporating this activity, our hope is that this is the start of a strong partnership. We hope to continue working with AISES at UCLA in the future.” For more information, www.steamconnection.org/ekgar and www.ceed.ucla.edu/aises-page.

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

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