In the 100th year of the Ramona Pageant, the reason we even have it finally gets an award that every superstar gets. The Palm Springs Walk of Fame has found a place for Helen Hunt Jackson, a lady who did more than anyone to point out the horrible way the go-westers treated the natives by so-called settlers. Her book “Ramona” is still in print and is up there with the best sellers of all time. It is undoubtedly time she was given this honor. No movie star ever did so much for the original occupants of the West.

Helen Hunt Jackson dedicated her life to the rights of Native Americans. She used her pen in “Ramona” and “A Century of Dishonor” to shine a spotlight to shame whites and the Priests who treated them like slaves. She begged the President to read her words to no avail. She died trying.

The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce green-lighted the staff and even made an exception, and let the nomination pass after the cut-off date because of the historical importance of Helen Hunt Jackson and the Ramona Pageant. She already has the distinction of being the first woman writer in California to be honored with a Literary Landmark housed in the Hemet Public Library. A second literary landmark for her will be unveiled at the Ramona Bowl in April to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Ramona Pageant.

The following notations about the life of Helen Hunt Jackson are for the public’s info and education:

1. Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885) died decades before Palm Springs was incorporated. She met with Chief Standing Bear of the Ponca Indian Tribe when he asked her and her peers of well-known authors to help the Poncas because they were being thrown off their land. She was infuriated when she discovered it was not an isolated case. Native Americans were being kicked off their homelands across the country by greedy White Europeans as they devoured every bit of land in their paths. Her pleas to the Government to do something fell on deaf ears. Throughout California, especially in Hemet and San Jacinto, these names (Soboba and Pachanga) inspired by her book are found.

2. In 1921, the Hemet Chamber of Commerce decided to create a play based on the book “Ramona.” Mr. Holme and some Chamber members selected a location with amazing acoustic properties in the hills south of Hemet. Hundreds of local citizens became the cast for the first performance of Ramona in April of 1923. Today it has grown into a 5,500-seat amphitheater.

3. Ramona Is California’s official Outdoor Play and the nation’s longest outdoor play. Helen Hunt Jackson is currently honored in the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame and has been nominated (in honor of the Ramona Sentinel) to be considered for the National Women’s Hall of Fame. At a time when women could not own property or even vote, Helen Hunt Jackson was an inspirational voice for human dignity and equal rights. She is certainly deserving of a literary star in The Palm Springs Walk of Stars.

4. Wouldn’t it be additional if the local tribes contributed $10,000 to cover the cost of the star and the party/reception to follow? The tribal nations’ names can then be carved into the Star panel at the base of the star and serve as a part of California history and recognition of all she did to help them. Just sayin’

rustystrait@gmail.com

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“In a meeting with our Native American Parent Advisory Council, parents stayed to talk and voiced they would like to do an event for the students during the month of November which is Native American Heritage Month,” Vazquez said. “The parent council said that the Four Directions club could invite other cultural clubs to be included in the event. One of our parents, Tara Placencia, said, ‘That is how we are as Native People, we are welcoming people.’  It was beautiful that the welcoming and multicultural aspect came from our parents.”

Four Directions Native American Club President Su’la Arviso of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians said club members wholeheartedly agreed to invite other campus clubs to join them on Nov. 5 from noon to 8 p.m. to share their cultures and club goals. The free event was held at the school’s courtyard where there was plenty of room for guests to sit and view the many cultural exhibitions and to make their way around the perimeter to visit with various club and vendor booths.

“We always had the idea in the back of our minds that we wanted to host a day where everybody’s culture could be celebrated,” Su’la, 17, said.

Four Directions club members and their Tribal affiliations are President Su’la Arviso, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians; Vice-President Rhianna Salgado, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians/Cahuilla Band of Indians; Secretary Reese Elliott, Woodsinatee Tlingit; Treasurer Andrew Valazquez, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians; Member-at-Large So’a Nelson, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians; and Members Roslyn Valenzeulla and Jocie Yepa, both from the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians.

Su’la said planning began the first week of school with the main challenge being with scheduling all the singers and dancers to be there on the same day since they were coming from many different areas outside of the San Jacinto Valley. Four Directions club members collaborated with adults to assist with organizing the different groups that presented cultural exhibitions.

The main planning committee included SJUSD staff Vince Record, Richard Burton (Four Directions club advisor), Delia Vazquez and Native American Parent Advisory Council members Geneva Mojado (who is also the Soboba Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman), Alishia Falcon, Melissa Vera Arviso, Tara Placencia and Rhonda Valenzuella. Additionally, there was assistance from SJUSD staff Autumn Clark and Dawn Lawrence to bring the event to fruition.

“We had to plan for everything from logistics to safety, to inclusion with it being a first-time event,” Vazquez said. “It was all very important, and we wanted to make sure we got it right.”

Alyssa Angarita is president of San Jacinto High’s MEChA club, which promotes higher education, culture and history among Latino students. Her group offered crafts, face painting and Dia de los Muertos activities.

SJUSD African-American Advisory Council member Sheila Blythe is the School, Family & Community Liaison at the district’s Family Engagement Center and also serves as the advisor for the African-American Advisory Council. She was at the event to support members of the Black Student Union who were sharing details about their club. She works alongside the club so they know there is an adult supporting them beyond the high school.

“This is a great event for connecting our students and bringing unity to our community,” Blythe said. “I’m excited to be out here.”

BSU President Brooklyn McGruder and member Journee Jones said the club has grown over the years and currently has at least 30 members. Journee said the group comes together to share ideas and discuss issues. Brooklyn said the club’s mission is to give students a safe place to go on campus so they don’t feel alone and know they have a voice. “It helps for them to know that you’re in their corner,” Brooklyn said.

Throughout the event, music and cultural exhibitions took center stage. Visitors got to enjoy the Red Tail Spirit Singers and Dancers, Wayne Nelson with Intertribal Bird Singers, Morongo Bird Singers, Black Student Union, SJHS Ballet Folklorico Club, Cahuilla Bird Singers, Vanessa Brown (Pauma Drum Group), Agua Bird Singers, Hula Halua o’Kealonilani Dance and Torres Martinez Bird Singers.

When the Intertribal Bird Singers, led by Wayne Nelson, shared some social songs, they were joined by dancers from the Four Directions Club as well as Tribal members who were attending the event. Assembly Member James C. Ramos, who also chairs the Ca. Legislative Native American Caucus, joined them before presenting Four Directions club members with a California Legislature Assembly certificate of recognition for “furthering the education of the Native American people, through history and traditional songs, that still carries forward today and is celebrated at the first Gathering of the People.”

Ramos, a lifelong resident of the San Manuel Indian Reservation in San Bernardino County, is a member of the Serrano/Cahuilla tribe and became the first California Native American to serve in the California State Assembly, when he was elected in 2018.

Providing a strong voice for all Native Americans, since he took office Ramos has introduced 20 Assembly Bills related to Native American issues that have been signed into law by the governor, six of which were passed in 2022. Recently, he oversaw passage of AB 1314, or the Feather Alert, which adds a missing Indigenous person to the existing emergency notification system that informs law enforcement and media about missing children (Amber Alert) and senior citizens (Silver Alert).

Most notably, AB 1703, known as the California Indian Education Act, will encourage school districts, county offices of education and charter schools to form California Indian education task forces with California Tribes local to their regions to discuss issues of mutual concern and submit materials to be considered for inclusion in the model curriculum by their school districts.

“Some members of this (Four Directions) club traveled to Sacramento and testified in support of AB 1703 and helped me lobby it through the Assembly and Senate. So, at a young age they are already engaged in the political system,” Ramos said. “We need to stand side-by-side to address the issues that are still plaguing our people. It’s by working together that we are moving our voices forward in the state of California.”

Vazquez said it was a highlight and honor to have Assembly Member Ramos as a guest to the event. “It was so nice to see him share the stage with our students and hear the encouraging words he had for them,” she said. “He joined in with the Bird Singers and I know he made an impact in their lives.”

Local food vendors were happy to share their fare with guests at the event. Isai Coronado owns Coronado BBQ and Catering and was smoking his own meat on site, saying it takes 16 hours for brisket and 8-9 hours for pulled pork to be just right. He has attended many events at the Soboba Indian Reservation since he opened about a year ago.

Verdie Dennis was sharing delicacies from her Queens of Cobbler shop on Main St. in San Jacinto. She brought samples of her everyday favorites that customers enjoy such as peach and apple caramel cobblers but also had banana pudding for sale. She teased that she has holiday specials coming up soon at the almost one-year-old store but she also caters events.

Frybread Kitchen, owned and operated by Soboba Tribal members, was serving up Indian tacos and frybread favorites throughout the day and Peralta’s Kettle Korn was also getting a steady stream of hungry visitors. Tacos la Patrona parked its taco truck in the courtyard, Panda Produce offered cut fruit and more and the Eagle Brew Coffee Crew served up seasonal blends.

“We set up our coffee station at all the San Jacinto and Hemet football games, as well as private events,” Eagle Brew owner Kyle Martin said. He grew up in San Jacinto and enjoys attending local farmer’s markets and events such as this one to connect with past and present friends and acquaintances. He said the “crew” in his company’s name refers to his customers that he likes to post about on his Instagram page @eaglebrewcoffeecrew.

“One of the special moments of the day for me was when we took a group picture and Geneva Mojado called for all the clubs to join in,” Vazquez said. “It was in the afternoon and the sun was shining and you could feel the warmth and elation from all those students rushing to get in the picture. It felt like we accomplished something special at that moment.”

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The Ramona Pageant is preparing for its 100th-year anniversary in the spring and the place is buzzing with preparations. Helen Hunt Jackson’s novel, “Ramona,’ is one of the most celebrated times in American history. It delineates how the local tribes were mistreated by the priests and carpetbaggers from the East. The play explicitly depicts Ramona and Alessandro’s forbidden love affair.

Thousands of guests from all over the world have made their way from around the world to witness this classic play year after year after year. This year may or may not find a filled arena, not because of visitors, but the community has taken a somewhat lackadaisical attitude this year.

Example: Dattilo Ristorante is hosting a fundraiser to assist in funding this year’s production on Saturday, November 12th. Dinner and an original murder mystery play will be featured. The play, “Murder, Menu!” is an original creation by Hailey Jones, starring Hailey Jones and Friends. I cannot give away the plot because I’m limited to what I’ve been made aware of. I can tell you that the audience will decide who did what and why and how the verdict should be. If that doesn’t whet your appetite, the cuisine will. It is one for the palate and one for the senses.

From the announcement date until now, something has happened that isn’t good. It was initially announced that there would be two shows, one at 3 PM for those who prefer afternoons or simply don’t like to drive after dark and another for folks who like nightlife at 6 PM. I was just advised that the afternoon show has been canceled for lack of interest. Hemet – how could you be so cruel to your primary reason for Hemet to be recognized anywhere much less around the country and the world. Shame on you San Jacinto Valley.

Even Hollywood is coming out to this dinner and show. The ever-popular actress Gail O’ Grady (she prefers “actor,”) is taking time away from her starring role in television’s “Criminal Minds” to come and support our beautiful outdoor play. If Hemet is failing, Hollywood isn’t.

All too often, as I’ve said many times in my columns, we don’t appreciate what we have until we no longer have it. Without the Ramona Play, Hemet won’t be known for much.

For those attending the fundraiser, see below:

Where: Dattilo Ristorante

2288 East Florida Avenue, HEMET CA 92544

FOR INFO AND TICKETS VISIT:

www.ramonabowl.com OR CALL (951) 658-3111

Just sayin’.

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• DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various author’s articles on this Opinion piece or elsewhere online or in the newspaper where we have articles with the header “COLUMN/EDITORIAL & OPINION” do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints or official policies of the Publisher, Editor, Reporters or anybody else in the Staff of the Hemet and San Jacinto Chronicle Newspaper.

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Ramona Hillside Players present, “The Miss Firecracker Contest” on November 15

One of the most offbeat, funny, poignant plays to come to Ramona in some years, “The Miss Firecracker Contest” opens at The Ramona Hillside Players (RHP) on November 15.

“Firecracker” is generally considered a comedy but there are moments of great pathos as well. “The cast plays each part perfectly with just the right amount of humor and sadness, with hilarious insanity mixed-in for good measure,” said director Kami Martin, Hemet native. 

Martin has worked throughout the Inland Empire as an actor and director. She is one of the founding members of Inland Regional Youth Theatre in Riverside, and Artistic Director of Harvard Street Theatre Company which operates out of the Diamond Valley Arts Center, also here in Hemet. The playhouse has welcomed her with open arms and she couldn’t be happier with her truly brilliant cast.  “At its core, “Firecracker” is a tale of dreams versus reality and it tells us that no matter how much we as humans try to plan our lives, it’s how we choose to handle what life throws at us that is the most telling. Beth Henley has written a wonderful Southern Gothic dark comedy that explores different themes related to family, community, beauty, and the need to be loved. This cast has to be seen to be believed,” said Martin. 

The play is set in the small Mississippi town of Brookhaven, the time a few days before the Fourth of July. Carnelle Scott (known locally as “Miss Hot Tamale”) is rehearsing furiously for the Miss Firecracker Contest—hoping that a victory will salvage her tarnished reputation and allow her to leave town “in a blaze of glory.” The unexpected arrival of her cousin Elain, a former Miss Firecracker winner, (who has walked out on her rich but boring husband and her two small children) complicates matters a bit, as does the repeated threat of Elain’s eccentric brother, Delmount, (recently released from a mental institution) to sell the family homestead and decamp for New Orleans. But, aided by a touchingly awkward seamstress named Popeye (who is hopelessly smitten by Delmount) and several other cheerfully nutty characters, Carnelle perseveres—leading to a denouement of unparalleled hilarity, compassion and moving lyricism as all concerned finally escape their unhappy pasts and turn hopefully toward what must surely be a better future.                       

CAST: Carnelle Scott-Tiffany Christine Smith, Elain Rutledge-Laura Cherland, Delmount Williams-Shenn Sellers, “Popeye” Jackson-Debradawn Shockey, Mac Sam-Mark Alentine, Tessy Mahoney-Jeri Greene

Crew: Director: Kami R. Martin, Stage Manager: Billy Stinnett

To purchase Online Tickets: https://ramonahillsideplayers.org/shows/the-miss-fire-cracker-contest/#ticketsMake Phone Reservations: (951) 658-5300. Or you can show up in person at the Box Office every Monday (Starting November 4th) from 2pm-4pm to buy tickets with cash or check.There is only 95 seats available per show so purchase or reserve yours today!

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The Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre is accepting photos and resumes for the major character roles of Ramona, Alessandro, Senora, Juan Canito, Don Felipe, Father Salvedierra, Father Gaspara, Margarita, Luigo Dolores, Marda, Ysidro, Jefferson Hyer, Aunt Ri, and Joe. 

Ramona and Alessandro are the young star crossed lovers. Ramona is a young lady who has been raised in the convent and on the Rancho Moreno, but she is still a free spirit, yearning to find out why she doesn’t seem to fit in the genteel Spanish society. Alessandro is the son of the chief of the Temecula tribe. He leads the Sheep Shearers. He is dependable, honorable but also a young man with passion.

The Senora runs the Moreno Rancho. She is a widow, and her iron will have kept the rancho going since her husband’s death. Her son, Felipe, has been ill for some time, so the daily decisions have fallen on her shoulders. She could not do it without Juan Canito the foreman of the ranch. He is much of the comic relief in the first act, as he verbally battles with Marda, the cook for the entire family. Marda has a large family that includes the flirtatious Margarita and the mischievous Dolores. Luigo is a young man on the rancho who works Juan and flirts with Margarita.

Father Salvedierra is the spiritual leader of the rancho who cares deeply for Ramona and respects Alessandro. He is also a mentor to Felipe. As Felipe recovers from his illness, it is evident that he has also fallen in love with Ramona.  Ysidro is Alessandro’s cousin who works with Felipe and comes with Father Gaspara when they go to search for Ramona and Alessandro in the wilderness.

While in the wilderness Ramona meets the Hyer family, Jefferson Hyer, a strong, honorable man, Aunt Ri, a kind an loving soul, and their young son, Joe who provides some needed comic relief.

We are looking for experienced stage actors who can perform outdoors in various types of weather and also have the stamina to walk/run down trails and climb stairs. The strong vocal delivery is a must with the ability to take command of a large outdoor performance space.

Auditions for children’s roles will be held in January. We have openings for Children of the Rancho, Village Children and the ever-popular Rock Indians.

Auditions for cowboy roles are TBA. (Contact Dennis Anderson, Artistic Director at 951-232-5267 for details).

Actors interested in auditioning must submit their photo and resume by November 15 to ramonaauditions@gmail.com  or mail to Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre, 27400 Ramona Bowl Rd., Hemet, Ca. 92544 Att: Auditions.

 The Artistic Director and staff will screen resumes. If selected, you will be asked to come to the Ramona Bowl for an interview. After the interview, you may be asked to audition. 

Rehearsals are held on weekends from January 25 -April 4 with performances at 3:30 pm on April 18-19, 25-26 and May 2-3.

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Playing the role of Mulan is Star Loza and Adan Nunez is Captain Shang. Dara Bailey is playing the mischievous dragon, Mushu. Mulan’s Ancestors, who narrate the play and keep a watchful eye on Mulan are Olivia Pena, Nadaici Davis, Mya Votaw, Ivanna Manzyuk, Cosette Cardenas. The Emperor of China is Andy Ballard and his advisor, Chi Fu is
Drake Rogers. Mulan’s Soldier comic buddies are Ellie Ballard, Nick Jones, Joshua McLeod.

The evil leader of the Huns, is Devon Young. The Fa family are James Serna as Father Fa, Chamisa Inoway-Mann as Fa Li her mother, and Deja Carrillo as the humorous Grandma Fa. The Matchmaker is played by Kaitlyn Armas and Clarissa Vasquez.
The children rehearse for three weeks before they present the show in the Ramona Bowl. They learn singing techniques, choreography, and acting.

For more information about this program or ticket sales call 951 658 3111, visit the Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre Facebook or website, ramonabowl.com.

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