This week marked a momentous occasion for the Santa Ysabel Band of Diegueno Mission Indians, and, in my opinion, the communities of North County, when the Santa Ysabel Resort and Casino opened its doors on Wednesday evening. I know that new businesses open every day, but what makes this enterprise unique is that it ushers in a new era of economic development for my people and for our broader community beyond the reservation, especially in Julian and Ramona. As many of you know, our area suffered a significant economic setback a few years ago when the Pines fire decimated the travel, tourism and resort economies of North County. The once beautiful landscape was suddenly scarred, leaving visitors few reasons to frequent our towns, our bed and breakfast properties, or patronize our restaurants and businesses. It is my sincere hope that the Santa Ysabel Resort and Casino will bring new life to the local economy, will give visitors new reasons to come back to Julian and Ramona and will have a positive impact on services within the county. Let me first outline the county services we as a tribe are obligated, and gladly so, to provide. A community is like a body of water and any time a new business is placed in the water, its ripples are felt throughout. While I believe these impacts to be overwhelmingly positive, I also know that we must account for, and work to offset, any impacts that may not be positive. For example, the Tribe has joined the Coalition for Problem Gambling so that we are the first to recognize when Santa Ysabel Resort and Casino guests need our assistance with gambling issues. Casino employees have been trained, and will continue to receive training on an ongoing basis, so that we identify problem gambling and work to get these individuals the help they need. Secondly, the Tribe is responsible for supporting an additional Sheriff for the county, including salary, equipment, health care, and any other employment needs this individual may have. This individual is not solely for the policing of the casino area, rather will serve the entire county as added manpower to ensure the safety and wellbeing of North County citizens and those who visit the area. These are just two examples of the county services the Santa Ysabel Resort and Casino will directly support with its resources. But perhaps the most significant impact will be felt by business owners in the area. The casino will support the local business community in one very significant manner – as vendors for our services. The tribe’s highest priority is to use local businesses whenever possible. In fact, I am proud to say that Manzanita Press is responsible for all printing for the casino. This ensures that every dollar spent at Santa Ysabel Resort and Casino has an opportunity to make its way back to the community – at dry cleaners, restaurants, grocery stores and the like. Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, both the tribe and the casino will be active participants in our community as the investment of time is the most precious resource we can give. You will see representatives at events such as chamber of commerce meetings, school board meetings, town hall meetings, and rest assured, we will offer our perspective and our support. The casino also has implemented a wonderful volunteer program that allows our employees, on the tribe’s dime, to dedicate significant time to local charities and charitable events. Any non-profit organization can contact the casino and request volunteers be provided. I fully anticipate many charities taking advantage of this amazing opportunity. As you can see, the Santa Ysabel Resort and Casino holds the promise of building up our community and making it a place to visit and a place to do business. The casino also holds the promise of becoming an economic engine capable of lifting my people out of abject poverty. So, where others simply see another tribally-owned gaming enterprise in Southern California, I see the resources to help my people fight diabetes and heart disease. I see the resources to bring new roads, government services and employment opportunities long overdue to this reservation. And I see a strong, stable and sustainable future for my people and my community. Johnny M. Hernandez |
| Letter from Chairman Johnny M. Hernandez |
| TRIBAL COUNCIL |
| IIPAY NATION OF SANTA YSABEL TRIBAL COUNCIL |
| Chairman Johnny Hernandez |
| Councilwoman Bonnie Salgado |
| Councilman Rodney Kephart |
| Secretary Anthony Balcone |
| Treasurer Marion Linton |
| Councilwoman Bonnie Salgado |
| Vice-Chairwoman Brandie Taylor |