Soboba tribe elects new chairman

The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians has elected a new tribal chairman, ending more than 30 years of leadership from former Chairman Robert Salgado.

The tribe elected Scott Cozart as its new chairman Friday. Salgado stepped down last year following a federal indictment on bribery charges. His trial is now scheduled to begin Oct. 15.

Cozart last served as vice-chairman until he was voted out of office in 2006. He previously served as tribal chairman from 1986 to 1988.

Also elected to serve on the tribal council were former council members Geneva Mojado and Edward Soza, defeating former Vice-Chairwoman Rosemary Morillo and councilmember Gordon Placencia.

Council members Rose Salgado and Steve Lopez have one more year remaining on their two-year terms.

Tribal council members declined to comment this week until they convene for their first tribal council meeting since the election scheduled for Tuesday.

"We've always had our goals set and we keep moving forward," Rose Salgado said.

Cozart's election ends Salgado's tenure on the council since he was first elected chairman in 1976. Salgado served on the council and was re-elected off and on as chairman for more than three decades, at times resigning unexpectedly before returning to office.

Salgado led the tribe to landmark legislation with the U.S. government to secure the tribe's water rights. He also was visible in media accounts in 2008 after a monthslong standoff with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department over law enforcement access to the reservation.

In October, the U.S. Attorney's office charged Salgado with 36 counts of accepting bribes and forging tax forms. The charges are related to allegations that he took money in exchange for awarding capital improvement contracts to vendors on the reservation and at the Soboba Casino.

If convicted, he faces 10 years in prison for each bribery charge, five years for the conspiracy charge and three years for each income tax charge. Authorities said the charges did not apply to the Soboba tribe or the casino as a whole.

The tribe placed Salgado on leave in November pending the outcome of the charges before he stepped down. He was hospitalized in intensive care earlier this year with an undisclosed medical condition.
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"Ramona" Begins Saturday

Performance Information
Click here to purchase tickets to the 87th Season of Ramona! Click here for group order form (For groups of 20 or more)
2010 Ramona dates: April 17&18, 24& 25 & May 1

April 17 & 18 2:00 – 4:30p.m. Gates open at 11:00 a.m.
April 24 & 25 4:00 – 6:30p.m. Gates open at 1:00 p.m.
May 1 4:00 – 6:60p.m. Gates open at 1:00 p.m.



With an artists vision and a writers passion for justice, a rocky hillside tucked away in a remote valley gave birth to RAMONA in 1923. A classic love story of life in early California during the 1850's, RAMONA authentically depicts the cultural diversity of emerging settlers and native peoples.

Each year, the communities of Hemet/San Jacinto join together to share their love of theatre arts and bring RAMONA back to life. Showcasing art & theatre performance treasures, San Jacinto Valley history, photography and native archaeology!

The Ramona Bowl Museum has been operated since 1953 by the Ramona Pageant Association, which has produced the annual Ramona Pageant since 1923. The Museum gives the history of the local Tribes, the Pageant and the story of Ramona.

Back by Popular Demand
A special tour of the museum and behind the scenes for only $10.00 per person. This walking tour will cover the property grounds, backstage visits with the performers and special views and historical points. Book your tour early as space is limited.

Exciting entertainment beginning two hours before show time:



Arias Troubadours

The Arias Troubadours have a long history of association with the Ramona Pageant which is California's official Outdoor play.

In 1924 Jose Arias and his Troubadours were invited to perform for the Ramona Pageant. That relationship continues to this day as during April, 2010 his sons, nephews, grandchildren and now even great-grandchildren will again be the Ramona Pageant Orchestra and Dancers!


For more information on the Arias Troubadours please visit their website.

The Arias Troubadours perform during "Ramona" in 2009

Folkloric Dancers Gunslingers






Lion's Club Deep Pit BBQ Lunch
BBQ beef, seasoned beans, coleslaw, hot tortillas, chips, salsa, dessert & beverage $13.50 per person. A long standing tradition prepared by the Lion’s Breakfast Club of Hemet served in our Cottonwood Corral with the best view of the valley. Don’t miss out!

Purchase your lunch tickets early.


plus assorted Vendors, Food & Concessions, Sage's Gift Shop and More ~ Something for everyone!


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San Jacinto will switch to Ramona Humane Society as its animal services provider

San Jacinto will switch from Riverside County to the Ramona Humane Society for animal services in May, following City Council approval last week.

"They're excited to get into this new adventure," Humane Society Executive Director Jeff Sheppard said Monday of his board of directors.

The city's attorney has sent a letter giving notice to the county. The nonprofit Humane Society will take over service May 18, Interim City Manager Tim Hults wrote in an e-mail.

The Humane Society, based in San Jacinto, also has submitted a bid to the city of Hemet, which currently has a contract with Riverside County.

Ramona has sheltered animals from San Jacinto and Hemet and the unincorporated area for years, but this will be its first venture into providing an animal control officer and vehicle for field services

The council members cited lower costs and an expectation of better service because Ramona is headquartered in the city.

The Humane Society proposed providing field and shelter services for about $194,838 for fiscal 2010-11. The county proposed a $515,264 contract but if the city agreed to a three-year deal, the initial rate would be $313,819, increasing in subsequent years.

The county, which has used the Humane Society for shelter services for years, is opening a new shelter around the corner from the Humane Society shelter in San Jacinto in July. If the city stayed with a county contract, it would have to use the county shelter.

Riverside County Animal Services officials attributed part of the higher cost to operating the new building.

Hults told the council his recommendation to contract with the Humane Society was made to keep costs down. He said he had no complaints about the county service.

The city paid for the services of a full-time county animal services officer. But two council members at the meeting said they didn't see the officer in town that often. "Every once in a while you see them, and then you don't," said Councilman John Mansperger. Of Sheppard, he said, "We know how to contact him" if there are service issues.

"No one has sent us e-mail or correspondence," about any service complaints, said John Welsh, county Animal Services Department spokesman, by phone. If there were specific complaints, the county could follow up, he said. He noted that some county animal services officers live in the city.

A number of Humane Society supporters addressed the council. "We're local people. You know us. If there is a problem, we'll fix it," said Connie Hall, a member of the group's board.

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Do not reproduce without permission.