Page 8 - June 2002 • Southern California Gaming Guide

THE SAN DIEGO GAMING GUIDE
Native American Hosts: Pauma Band
Page 8
June 2002
The Pauma/Yuima Reservation is tucked in the foothills of Pauma Valley, surrounded by the sweet scent of orange groves. The Pauma/Yuima land consists of four parcels within the area of the Aqua Tibia Mountain Range. There are 135 members of the Pauma/Yuima tribe today with approximately
45 families living on the reservation.
Prior to World War II, the tribe grew apricots,
walnuts, alfalfa and potatoes for their own sustenance. After World War II, the Pauma/Yuima tribe entered an era of termination. Like many Native American tribes, Pauma/Yuima children were sent to boarding schools and tribal members were forced to acclimate them- selves to western traditions. Despite the government’s effort, Pauma people persisted in practicing and valuing their customs and traditions. In the mid-1980’s the tribe began to revitalize their agriculture endeavors and work towards self-suf ciency, beginning with a ve-acre
avocado grove, which by 1995 had grown to 60 acres of oranges, avocados and lemons, exported and sold locally through Mission Produce and the Sunkist brand.
All members of the tribe who are 21 years and older make up the General Council which governs all tribal decisions. The tribal board consists of a Chairman (Chris Devers), Vice Chairman (Patricia Dixon), Secretary/ Treasurer (Marilyn Majel) and Council Member (Ran- dall Majel). The General Council elects each board member for a two-year term.
Focusing on the well-being and growth of tribal members, the tribe has their own education center and library, and is in the process of installing a wire- less communication center with other tribes. The Pauma/Yuima tribe proudly celebrates over 25 years of offering college classes to both tribal and non- tribal residents as a satellite of Palomar College.
In the spring of 2000, the Pauma/Yuima tribe began working on their largest endeavor yet. With Paci c Coast Gaming as their nancial partner, the Pauma/ Yuima tribe opened Casino Pauma on May 15, 2001.
Casino Pauma offers 24-hour gaming with over 750 slot machines, 20 table games, live poker and craps and rou- lette. Visitors to Casino Pauma will nd 24-hour dining whether they enjoy the traditional café menu, buffet or a quick bite from the deli.
Casino Pauma employs approximately 400 people including many tribal members. They pride themselves on being the friendliest, local casino in North County, and support the surrounding community by purchasing locally as much as possible.
Casino Pauma celebrated its one-year anniversary on May 15th giving away a 2002 Mercury Cougar. In addi- tion a celebration party was held on the casino grounds on May 19th for all employees, tribal members and customers. The events included food, live entertainment, games,ponyridesandademonstrationofthetraditional Peon Indian Hand Game.
According to Tribal Chairman, Mr. Chris Devers, the casino continues to be a learning experience for the tribe. Starting their second year of operation, Casino Pauma is looking forward to continued success.
The Pauma Band of Luiseño Mission Indians Aof the Pauma/Yuima Indian Reservation
nthropologists can track the Luiseño Band of Indians back more than 2,000 years in North San Diego County. Today there are ve recognized and one unrecognized tribe, whose roots originated with the Luiseño. The Pauma Band of Luiseño Mission
Indians of the Pauma/Yuima Indian Reservation is one of the ve recognized tribes.