These gifts were presented to the men upon arrival at the luncheon that featured nachos and soft tacos made to order with choices of meat, cheese, olives and sliced jalapeño peppers. There was fresh fruit and churros for dessert. Horchata and watermelon water were also available. The meal was prepared by the kitchen team of Jacob Rivera, Arturo Horta and Perry DeRonde.

A heartfelt blessing was given by John Osuna from the Pauma Band of Mission Indians who was there with son Pomoyki Osuna Sr. and grandson Pomoyki Jr., which means “his moon” in the Luiseño language. “As an elder, I was blessed to be asked to name him,” said Osuna, who has a special connection to the Soboba reservation as all his children graduated from Noli Indian School there.

Prior to the meal, John had prayed for the little ones on their process and production on life’s trail. “I was honored to be asked to give the blessing and grateful to be Pomoyki’s dad and my little paws’ grandfather,” he said. He also asked for blessing for all that were there and for all who are sick to have a healthful recovery and to bless the hands that prepared the food.

Julian Briones has two children currently attending the school. Ava’vash is in kindergarten, set to graduate on June 6, and Chaish is in pre-k. “All my kids came here,” said Briones, who is the father of four boys and one girl with Chaish being his youngest child.

One of the gift items from his daughter was a laminated sheet she filled out that was “All About My Dad!” and Briones said her answers were pretty spot on. She knew his job was with Public Works and that his favorite color is red and said his favorite food is “anything.” She completed the sentence, I love my dad because…“he loves me.”

Briones’ plans for Father’s Day on June 16 include spending time with his own dad and brothers. “We usually get together as a family and get a water slide for the kids to play on,” he said.

Ricardo Macias enjoyed the portrait his son Legend, 6, had drawn of him. He said plans are to keep Father’s Day weekend “pretty low key” as he will be hosting a basketball tournament at San Jacinto High School on Saturday, June 15, which is open to players from all over.

Glenn Lindsey shared the preschool event with his daughter Avareign, 6, and her grandfather Ray Peterson. “I’ve got one more grandchild starting preschool next year,” said the grandfather of three.

Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco shared the day with his son, two sons-in-law and five of his nine grandchildren who attend the preschool. He said he and other family members will be attending the annual San Pasqual Reservation Gathering in Valley Center on June 15 and playing peon games well into the night so no big plans are being made for the following day. He just plans to spend more time with family.

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