Families identified by school site parent liaisons received a voucher that enabled them to drive through the distribution area after checking in. When the program first began several years ago, families were treated to a 20-plus pound turkey. As inflation increased in recent years, Soboba Foundation board members decided it was important for families to be given more, and all the fixings were added.

Along with the large frozen turkey, each family also received a large package of cornbread stuffing, a huge can of turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, corn, green beans, rolls and seasoned mashed potatoes and a pumpkin pie.

The San Jacinto High School stadium parking lot was transformed into a two-lane pick-up station for 700 families who have students attending San Jacinto Unified School District schools. Items were sorted by dry and frozen and bagged by a steady stream of helping hands. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers from the Soboba Foundation, Soboba Tribal Council, Soboba Casino Resort, Soboba Tribal Environmental Department, the school district and the community, as well as Tribal members Bianca Machado and Alex Vallejo, vehicles were safely and swiftly loaded with all the essentials needed for a delicious Thanksgiving feast in just a couple of hours.

The day before this event, 300 meal fixings were distributed to local organizations that reach families that do not have children attending schools in either district. One nonprofit that received 125 of the 300 turkey meals was Valley Community Pantry.

SJUSD registered nurse Kim DeWald was helping out for the first time. “I made it a point to be out here this year,” she said. SJUSD Superintendent Dave Pyle was on turkey duty, taking them out of big boxes to place one on each rolling cart where bags of other items were added. He said the event gives district employees an opportunity to step away from what they do on a daily basis and make an impact on the community in a different way.

“It is so fulfilling to be part of this program every year that helps so many families in our community who wouldn’t otherwise have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner,” Pyle said. “It’s great to be working with Soboba again. This is always one of my favorite days of the year.”

Upbeat music played on loudspeakers as cars were ushered into the parking lot and a long line of representatives from each school, including mascots, stood along the route cheering and wishing them a happy holiday.

Anthony Segura has been teaching for 10 years, spending the last three at the state preschool program near the Edward Hyatt World Language Academy campus.

“I love to give back; it’s awesome to be the change,” he said. “It’s exciting seeing all the employees working together. It brings us all together and I think that meets our concept of ‘The San Jacinto Difference.’”

The following day, many of the same volunteers were at the parking lot of Hemet Unified School District’s administration offices on Acacia Ave. to serve families of students who attend HUSD schools. Soboba Foundation President Dondi Silvas stayed busy both days directing traffic at San Jacinto and helping to load cars at Hemet.

“We are truly blessed that we are able to do so much for the families in the neighboring communities that surround the Soboba Indian reservation,” Silvas said. “Hearing the heartfelt thank yous from the families as we load their cars, especially from the tiniest voices, gives us all a warm and joyous feeling.”

Soboba Tribal Council members Mike Bentiste and Daniel Valdez also serve as board members for the Foundation and always volunteer to help out and Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado also volunteered at both locations.

“Soboba gives back in many different ways throughout the year but during the holidays we get to see firsthand who benefits the most,” Mojado said. “It is very humbling to know that we can provide something that seems so simple but means so much to each individual family that is served by this program.”

HUSD’s Nutrition Services department assembled 1,000 boxes and bags a few days prior to the event. The dry goods were placed into a box with a “Happy Thanksgiving” sticker while the bags contained the frozen items.

Claudia Aguilar, who works at the district’s warehouse, brought a festive twist to the event by wearing a turkey costume as she greeted participants driving by. “We’re delivering love right now,” she said.

Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce Chair Patricia Scott enlisted the help of many members to join her to pitch in. She herself has been a member since 2014 and volunteers every year. “The board has always been supportive of this event and our partners are very responsive to coming out to serve the community every year,” she said. “I will take any opportunity to serve; I love it.”

CR&R Sustainability Coordinator Derik Fields, who heard about the volunteer opportunity from Scott, said, “I used to work in a grocery store so I’m kind of used to the busy holiday season.”

To keep the area clear of clutter, several helpers stayed busy breaking down the boxes as they were emptied of their contents and loading the cardboard into large recycling bins.

Refrigerated trucks were constantly being unloaded by forklifts with the pallets delivered to the nearby canopied distribution area for easy access. The process went smoothly, with everyone working together like a well-oiled machine to keep the rows of vehicles flowing.

Miriam Ortiz, Coordinator for School, Family and Community Partnerships at HUSD, said, “We are super grateful for the opportunity to be included in this program and to be able to share this with our families. We have such a great team of parent liaisons and a lot of cross collaboration to ensure that each individual family gets what they need.”

Marisol Inda is a parent liaison at West Valley and took on traffic duty to guide cars into the parking lot from the public streets. She has worked for Hemet Unified for 12 years, the last eight as a parent liaison. For the past 10 years she has also assisted as an interpreter throughout the district as she is fluent in English, Spanish and ASL. Inda said vouchers are given out based on referrals from staff, other students or the families themselves. The school was given 110 this year.

She has been helping with the Soboba Gives Back turkey distribution since it began. “I love helping others and being part of the community,” Inda said.

Ortiz said families were asked to complete an online survey following the event about what went well, and the overwhelming response was that it was “excellent.” Comments included, “Very quick and efficient. Everyone was very kind,” while another wrote, “It was so well organized. All the smiling faces were so wonderful to see. We are beyond blessed to be part of something so amazing.”

One family commented, “Thank you so much, my children are so excited. We had experienced multiple passings in the last few months.” Another one wrote, “They were very well-organized regarding traffic, and everything went very fast. And I am now going to be able to have a Thanksgiving dinner for my family. Thank you.”

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The benevolent fund had reached out to the Soboba Fire Department and asked if they could help as the Rodríguezes were coming from out of state and the local family had no availability to lodge them. Tribal Council authorized the Soboba Casino Resort to provide lodging to Tim Rodriguez’s parents and other family members after the tragic accident and through the funeral service.

Rodriguez, 44, was born at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital in Banning. He was raised in Hemet where he graduated from West Valley High School in 1997. He attended Mt. San Jacinto College where he pursued an education in Fire Technology. Rodriguez worked at several fire stations before returning to his passion at Hemet Ryan Air Attack Base in 2022 as a Helitack Fire Captain.

Founded in 2006, the Riverside County Professional Firefighters Benevolent Fund proudly supports firefighters and cooperators in Riverside County. The firefighters of Riverside County provide fire and EMS services to one of the largest counties in California. It is the goal of the Riverside County Professional Firefighters Benevolent Fund to be able to support those men and women in their time of need. The organization also supports other nonprofit organizations that are affiliated with the fire service, such as cancer research and the burn institutes.

According to Director of Finance Matt Brandt, prior to the formation of the RCPFBF there was no support organization for the families of injured or fallen firefighters in Riverside County. “Years later the Cal Fire Benevolent Foundation would be formed by Cal Fire Local 2881, to serve their members throughout the state,” he explained. “While labor laws have change to provide more support for firefighters, there is still a tremendous burden placed on families when a firefighter suffers injury or death; this is where the RCPFBF steps in and can provide assistance that the departments cannot.”

The nonprofit was organized for the purpose of providing physical, financial and emotional support to members and their families during times of need, Brandt said, adding “Our support is provided by an all-volunteer Board of Directors in a non-political and non-denominational manner.”

Brandt was on the Cal Fire Local 2881, Riverside District Board as a Rank & File Representative in 2006. “In 2008, I became the Director of Finance for both Cal Fire Local 2881, Riverside District and the RCPFBF.  Since then, the two boards have separated into two different entities, and I have remained,” he said.

“The RCPFBF Board of Directors all agreed on providing the key supporters with recognition for their support of the families of Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez and Assistant Chief Josh Bischof,” Brandt said. “The indirect support that was provided to both families was greatly appreciated. Cal Fire and the State of California can provide staffing and indirect support to the families of fallen firefighters but cannot provide any direct financial support. The financial burden is placed on the families and is offset by support of Cal Fire Local 2881, the Cal Fire Benevolent Foundation, the Riverside County Professional Firefighters Benevolent Fund and key supporters like Soboba. If it was not for this support, the families would have to bear the burden of costs.”

For more information and to make donations, please visit www.rcpfbf.com.

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Being a member of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians helped him reach his current position as he took advantage of the opportunities available through the Tribe’s internship and mentorship program. The program encourages tribal members to get involved and gain working knowledge of the many aspects in different departments at Soboba Casino Resort. Tribal members can learn more about the paid internship programs at an information event on Nov. 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“I cannot thank my Tribal Council enough for creating such an amazing program that allowed me to learn hands-on in various positions in the gaming industry,” Abbas, 32, said. “Never has it been easier for tribal members to apply for the internship and mentorship program and become a part of our tribe’s future.”

SCR Assistant General Manager Jason Cozart said the program offers extremely valuable experience to anyone who participates.

“The skills you learn here, you can use anywhere; you learn soft skills that statistics say are being depleted,” he said. “We want to see more tribal members here to keep our tribe moving in the right direction and building a legacy. Having our own members in leadership roles makes us stronger.”

Abbas, who lives in Temecula, said being an active tribal member has always been important to him. “My great-grandfather Raymond Salazar belonged to the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians and when he met my great grandmother, Sophie Silvas from Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, they made their permanent home and residence for all my family on Castile Canyon Road on the Soboba Reservation. Although most of my family have all lived on the Soboba Reservation at some point for periods of time in their lives, I spent little time myself being raised on the reservation.”

He said when he was very young, his family decided to rent the house to the sisters who did their mission work at the reservation’s St. Joseph Mission, providing them a nearby home for $1 a month in rent. His family was extremely religious in the Catholic faith.

“Between that and the fact that I spent half of my time with my father who was in the military and based in Tucson, I was not given the full experience of exploring our wonderful country on the reservation the way most kids my age would have been granted who lived there their whole lives. Always frequenting the reservation for family visits to my great grandmother who lived a block away from the reservation and tagging along to attend meetings when I could as a teen, I knew the goal was always to come back in some capacity to give back to my band in any way I could. Watching dedicated individuals like Geneva Mojado and families like the Salgados and Cozarts, who pushed for economic advancements for a better life and more opportunities for us all as a nation, was very impactful even at that time in my teenage years and still gives me much of the inspiration I carry with me today.”

Before he began working at SCR, Abbas worked with other companies and advertising agencies and felt it was a great way to get his feet wet and start his journey.

“But I always felt working for my tribe was the most important. Not just important for myself but for my kids and the many others that will come after me,” he said. “In the advertising and marketing field I’ve earned a few accolades including a few gold American Advertising Awards, both regional and state gold medals but the work I create now is far more rewarding than any of those material things.”

November marks his one-year anniversary with SCR’s marketing team and he says the one thing he most enjoys about his job is working under the leadership of fellow tribal member and Assistant General Manager Jason Cozart and Director of Marketing Catie Stanley.

“They both continually offer support for my growth in the gaming industry and have always made me feel like SCR is the place I belong,” Abbas said. “Today I can give back and do so regularly by helping to maintain our key business’ image through the work of advertising.”

His day-to-day duties include creating the casino’s graphics for advertising, construction, and illustration of monthly promotions, as well as assisting occasionally with social media graphical campaigns. He said he loves working with the marketing team because the benefits of having a clear goal of success with like-minded individuals is priceless when it comes to executing a charge in the gaming industry.

“In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family as much as possible,” Abbas said. “I feel that the family foundation is extremely important no matter how busy you get.”

Information, www.soboba.com.

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“I have always loved florals for as long as I could remember, but it started as a hobby. I played with them and would make arrangements for my home and started getting people wanting memorial florals and more,” Salgado said. “My family and friends were my first customers.”

When she saw a class being offered at Mt. San Jacinto College in 2005 through a local florist, The Arrangement Gallery in Hemet, she took the course. It consisted of about six classes and lasted about four months. She said it wasn’t what she would call “formal training” but rather a follow-along type of structure, but it was enough to get her even more excited about flowers.

“Fast forward to 2009. My family and I moved to Orange County to attend school. I was attending FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) at the time, and my husband was attending OCC (Orange Coast College). While there, I came across Phil Rulloda, a floral designer that had his own floral school. I applied, and the tribe funded my education there,” Salgado recalled.

This is where she received more formal training on how to care for, process, and design florals. She said it was a great experience and she met other people that had the same interests as her; some that she still has contact with today.

“After becoming a certified floral designer at Phil Rulloda School of Floral Design, I took several courses and workshops from many very cool floral designers,” Salgado said. “I just finished up a Zoom Course with Cara (Fitch) from Trille Floral in Australia. She is one of my favorite designers and taught me a lot about foam-free design and color palettes. The floral industry is constantly changing, just like fashion, so it’s important to keep up with what’s trending so that my business stays flourishing.”

Salgado currently works solo so she can bring her personal touch to each arrangement. In time she is hoping to build a small team of freelance designers she can count on to help her continue to create and deliver outstanding florals.

“I enjoy the peace and joy floral designing brings me and the happiness it brings my clients,” she said. “My mom is super creative; it’s probably where I get it from.”

Salgado uses several vendors to purchase wholesale, sometimes driving to The Los Angeles Flower Market to pick up specialty items she cannot get through her wholesaler. Her home-based business, at the Soboba Reservation, includes a shop she has set up inside her garage. Her husband, Adrian Salgado, is a general contractor and is working on plans to build her a small shop on their property. Together they have created a garden to grow some of the florals she uses.

The couple, who just celebrated their 21stwedding anniversary in August, designed and built their Soboba home in 2018. Between work and life, they started to landscape and design the yard the way they wanted, whenever they had free time.

“This has been a dream of ours for many years but since we’ve moved into our new home we’ve been busy with work and life, then COVID slowed the whole world down and that provided an opportunity for us to make plans and make something happen and we are sure glad we did,” Adona said. “My husband and I planted our own organic vegetable and cut flower garden this past year. We are on a micro scale now but intend to grow our own cut flowers on a larger scale as well as market vegetables. This year we started 95% of our garden from seed and had a high success.”

The couple posts their garden grows on Instagram @modernfarmhouse_decor. They have grown dahlias, roses, cosmos, ranunculus, zinnias, delphinium, stock and more for the florals, along with tons of veggies.

“I have used my florals in arrangements and plan to grow so much more,” Adona said. “Maintaining a garden is almost a full-time job but it brings us much peace; my husband has the green thumb here though!

We plan and plant together, but I would attribute the garden success to his hard work and drive to see things thrive.” Adona is the office manager for the general contracting business that she and her husband operate, and that background has helped her maintain the financial side of her floral business.

“My favorite part of designing is the freedom and trust my clients give me to design something beautiful. I think my best work is created this way. No artist likes to be placed into a box, am I right? Just being given a color palette and a good budget is every floral designer’s dream,” she said.

However, each client and job are unique, so Salgado takes her time to understand what will work best. So many details go into planning for wedding and other events, but she typically asks a few general questions such as what their inspiration is, color palette and budget. She said some clients want specific flowers and designs so she will incorporate those factors into her products as well.

Salgado gets orders from local communities as well as throughout Riverside, Orange, and San Diego counties. One of her more significant events was the planning and designing for an entire wedding from start to finish. Although it was a lot of work, Salgado said she learned so much during the process it was invaluable.

Salgado also credits the Cahuilla Tribe for contracting her for their tribal events over the past several years because it has given her a lot of experience in the coordination and execution of sizeable full production events. Soboba most recently contracted with Salgado to provide floral arrangements for the tribe’s Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony and custom florals for the Tribal Administration building earlier this summer.

“I feel very blessed that our tribal communities believe in me and want to support my business. It means a lot,” Salgado said, adding that she and her sisters have volunteered their time with decor and floral design for some of Soboba’s events to give back to the community. “I love my tribe and am thankful for all they do for our community, so I give back by volunteering my time when I can.”

She credits her ongoing success to the support of her husband, children and family and the tribe for paying for her education.

“Things are going great,” she said. “I’ve grown so much in the past year. With COVID, being home has allowed me to really hone in on my skills and desire to grow my business. I am excited about what the future holds for Se’ish.”

Salgado can be reached by email at seishdesign@gmail.com or on Facebook @seishdesign and Instagram @__seish__ where she regularly posts photos of her work and has links for inquiries.

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The young men and women who participated in UNITY this year were Iyana Briones, Tatianna Briones, Edwin Muro, Aimee Organ, Emma Organ, Ciara Ramos, Jeremiah Ramos, Nashashuk Resvaloso and Jocie Yepa. Soboba Youth Council members spent the past few months fundraising for the event with car washes and bake sales. Silvas said Tribal Council matched the amount they raised.

After lighting of the UNITY fire on the first morning of the conference, Soboba youth were part of the Grand Entry celebration representing the Pacific Region. Later that night, everyone gathered around the fire for storytelling and cultural sharing.

Guest speakers, Wellness Warriors Fitness activities and workshops filled the five-day conference. The diverse workshops focused on environmental awareness, college and career development, cultural teachings, community engagement and health and wellness.

By far, the most popular workshop among the Soboba youths who attended was “Native Youth Olympics” presented by Kyle Wori (Tlingit, Yup’ik, Deg Hit’an) with the Douglas Indian Association organization. Native Youth Olympics is a sport from Alaska that tests skills of strength, agility, balance, endurance, and focus. Participants learned the games that are based on hunting and survival skills that allowed the Indigenous people of the Arctic to thrive in the harshest conditions for millennia.

“My favorite part was learning about the different games,” Tatiana Briones said. Like many others, she also enjoyed the cultural sharing nights where her group shared their bird singing and dancing. “It’s similar to the talent show where you give an explanation and demonstration and then invite others to participate.”

Jocie Yepa thought “culture night was cool” and felt “the experience of attending UNITY was very fun and I learned a lot.” Jeremiah Ramos also enjoyed the cultural sharing events. “I like to see everyone else’s traditional songs – some of them are super different than ours,” he said.

Silvas, who was attending his first conference, said he thought it was a great event. “It’s good for anyone that goes, making contacts with different people and learning new things,” he said.

Edwin Muro won a drawing for an all-expenses paid trip to the 2022 UNITY Conference in Minneapolis. UNITY’s mission is to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of American Indian and Alaska Native youth, and to help build a strong, unified, and self-reliant Native America through greater youth involvement.

For more information, www.unityinc.org.

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After sharing her idea with fellow Council members, she started a private Facebook group for the community and employees and announced her “Let’s Get Moving Mondays.”

“Right now, walking on Mondays is the only activity I have going on,” she said. “I’ve been in touch with Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health Inc. and they are starting some exercise programs for Soboba. I’m going to work around their schedule to do an evening walk so the community can have exercise options five days a week.”

Hurtado’s goal is to get people moving. She said, “so many of us don’t want to walk alone so we don’t know how to get started. I just want to encourage people to start walking and be outdoors, getting fresh air. Sometimes we underestimate the healing powers of Mother Earth/Mother Nature. I’ve been outdoors taking brisk walks, drinking plenty of water, cutting out sweets and I know it can totally change your mood or help with anxiety or depression.”

“It’s never too late to start getting healthy so let’s do it together,” Hurtado has told participants.

-She touts the benefits of walking just 30 minutes a day to encourage everyone to keep moving on other days of the week, too. She said it can lower blood pressure, lower the risk of diabetes and help manage existing diabetes, reduce stress levels, clear brain fog and more. Although she started walking on Monday mornings, with the hotter weather – and now that the Soboba Sports Complex pool has reopened – she is switching her “Let’s Get Moving Mondays” routine to evenings in the pool. She said everyone can still walk in the water at their own pace with water weights or even swim laps if they wish.

“I’ve tried just about everything; I’ve done CrossFit, boot camps, hiking, Herbalife, fasts, detoxes – you name it,” Hurtado said. “But the one thing that worked best for me best is walking. I don’t eat bread and I have not had soda in more than 5-1/2 years.”

The mother of four has always instilled fitness and wellness in her children, keeping them active and involved with athletics. Her oldest daughters, Sasha and Natasha, played basketball from a really young age and now her youngest daughter, 13-year-old Maryhelen, plays. Her son, Victor, plays baseball, basketball and football. Her oldest of three granddaughters, Tónla, 5, has already participated in a cross-country sports program through Inter Tribal Sports and is looking forward to the current ITS basketball season.

“I love watching them play; I will drive anywhere to support them and to cheer them on,” Hurtado, 44, said. “It was always easy to motivate them because they love to play.”

Even before she was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2019, she was always looking for ways to get and stay healthy. She chose some alternative cancer treatments and eventually had a successful double mastectomy in August 2020. Now in remission, she is thankful to her Creator and every person that prayed for her and helped her and her children get through it all. Now her efforts to stay healthy are paramount.

Several walkers joined Hurtado on a recent Monday morning at the Soboba Sports Complex for a one-hour walk at their own pace. Starting off with some stretching exercises, the group then made several trips around the perimeter of the complex.

John Sanchez said he joins his wife’s group every chance he gets. Working in the construction industry, he is often on the road by 5 a.m., a few hours before the group’s start time of 8 a.m.

“But whenever I have the opportunity to get out and do this with her, I’ll do it,” he said. “I encouraged Kelli and gave her all the support she needed – I thought it was a great idea. I told her that just like in the ‘Field of Dreams’ movie – build it and they will come.”

Carlene Masiel said she and her sister, Millie Arres, usually take evening walks at The Oaks but she wanted to try a morning walk for a change of pace and scenery. She said they do it for their health and feel it is effective to just keep moving. Coincidentally, Monday morning walkers pass by Noli Indian School where Arres works. Sister Gen Sarigumba, from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at the Soboba Reservation, said she often walks the church compound’s grounds but wanted to try this when Hurtado told her about it.

Sasha Hurtado, wearing a weight vest during the walk, said she enjoys working out.

“I’ll go anywhere for a good workout,” she said.

Kelli Hurtado said that as the walking program grows, she hopes fellow Tribal Members and community members will volunteer to teach fitness and/or wellness classes. She admits it will take some time until the program has grown to where she’d like it to be but she’s okay with that because “I’m not going anywhere.”

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Rose credited her parents with instilling in her great work ethics, teaching her to always be fair in dealing with people. Those who knew her know that her life was shaped by that advice.

After retiring from a 27-year career with Southern California Edison, Rose devoted much of her time to volunteerism. She served on many boards of directors for nonprofits and educational agencies and was recognized for her community commitment with several awards.

Rose served on the Soboba Tribal Council for 28 years. Always working hard to make things better for her fellow Tribal Members, she dedicated her time to serving the Tribe and the community by being actively involved. “She inspired me and encouraged me to take on the role I have now and for that I am grateful,” Soboba Tribal Chairman Isaiah Vivanco said. “Her knowledge and love for her tribe is something I will never forget.”

Soboba Tribal Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado stated, “Her reasoning and decision making for the best interest of the tribe and the people carried her for nearly 30 years as a strong and passionate leader. She will be missed dearly, but not forgotten.”

“She was so smart and funny. I learned so much from her; mostly how to be brave,” Soboba Tribal Council Sergeant at Arms Kelli Hurtado said. “She will forever be in our hearts.”

Rose was preceded in death by her parents and brother Robert “Bobby” Salgado Sr.

She is survived by her only daughter, Desiree Salgado (Alfred Arviso III); grandchildren Avellaka Arviso, Ataax Arviso, Ayalkawut Arviso and Tuupash Arviso; goddaughter Mica Diaz; brothers Ernie Salgado Jr. and Richard Salgado Sr. and sisters Lorraine Maciel (Frank Maciel Sr.) and Frances Diaz.

Services are pending.

Rose Salgado Affiliations Rose Salgado Board Positions (among others).

– Board of Directors for The Community Foundation Serving Riverside and San Bernardino Counties

– San Jacinto Unified School District Board of Trustees

– Foundation Member of The San Jacinto Education Foundation

– Board Member of the Western Science Center

– Valley-Wide Regional Park District Board Member

– President of The Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre Board of Directors

– Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

– Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce

– Soboba Foundation Board Member

– Soboba Tribal Council (28 years total- at one time was Vice Chairwoman)

-Riverside-San Bernardino Indian Health Board of Directors Awards (among others)

– Woman of the Year (twice) by the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce

– Distinguished Woman Award from “Inland Empire” magazine

– Distinguished Citizen Award by the Boy Scouts of America – 3 Peaks District

– Outstanding Community Member of the Year by Mt. San Jacinto Community College Foundation

– Woman of Distinction by State Senator Mike Morrell

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The young students that attend Soboba Tribal Preschool were excited to christen their new playground on Dec. 9. It had been about four weeks since the children had a playground due to the removal of the old one and installation of the new one. They had to spend their recesses indoors at the multipurpose room or stay inside the classrooms for longer periods of time. But it was worth the wait when all the kids got to overrun the new playground following its dedication and blessing.

The renovation was made possible through a grant approved by the Soboba Tribal Council. Tribal Administrator Michael Castello said the old playground was built in the early 2000s and when the new preschool facility was built about four years ago a new play area was discussed.

“As the preschool continues to grow and we add more students every year, it made sense to redo the playground that was showing signs of wear and tear,” he said. “We hope the children will enjoy this redesigned playground for many years to come.”

(Soboba preschoolers)

There are currently 82 students enrolled and preschool director Dianne King, Soboba Public Works and the Cultural Resource Department worked closely with Pacific Play Systems Inc. to make this dream a reality for them all.

“This has been a community project – from disassembling the old playground to getting us to this day,” King said. “I want to give thanks to everyone for always supporting us.”

Kenneth McLaughlin, director of Soboba’s Public Works, said with Castello’s leadership he was glad to be given the opportunity to upgrade the playground. After reviewing proposals from four different companies to see what they could offer and how easily they could stay within the budget, Pacific Play Systems Inc., based in Carlsbad, was awarded the contract.

“The teachers and Dianne King worked together to pick all the colors and type of equipment,” McLaughlin said. “They knew which amenities the kids wanted and made sure all the equipment was right for their ages and met California’s code compliances.”

He said weather conditions posed the biggest challenge, as they tried to time the work during Thanksgiving break. The school was closed for about nine days so the crew could install about 13,000 square feet of new vinyl flooring throughout the school while others worked outdoors on the playground.

(Soboba preschoolers)

Demolition of the old playground and disassembly of the old equipment took about five full workdays. As soon as that was completed, the crew started construction.

Pacific Play Systems’ project manager and designer Salina Tuladhar said her company has created playgrounds for schools, churches, parks, HOAs and other entities mostly throughout Southern California for the past 10 years.

The play area is approx. 3,000 sq.ft. and is surrounded by concrete that was to be kept as a bike path for the tricycles. She had to work around the existing shade structures because they were not being replaced.

“The only challenge we had was that the site was not a perfect square or rectangle and we had to make sure there was at least six feet of clearance around each apparatus,” Tuladhar said. “It was great to see my vision in reality and I got excited when the kids got excited.”

The lime green slide reflects one of her company’s newest colors, introduced this year and it was the first time she got to see it in use.

“I love the whole thing!” King said. “When I was choosing equipment, I tried to incorporate the children’s lifestyle on the reservation such as the Soboba Fire Truck, rock climbing, drums and the dune buggy. I also chose items to help the children meet physical goals. That’s why there are a lot of balancing pieces. My favorite is the dune buggy – it’s a great piece to start imaginary road trips with the kids.”

Tashina Miranda Ornelas, who teaches at nearby Noli Indian School, was there to see her youngest daughter, Tulóvat Téxmanxwanvish, enjoy the new playground for the first time. The kindergartner was excited to play on the fire truck that was added to the playground since her dad is a firefighter.

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