Happily Divorced And After

MORENO VALLEY, CA— Riverside County Board of Education Member and nonprofit leader is launching his campaign for the newly formed 60th Assembly district. The new 60th Assembly District includes the cities of Moreno Valley, Perris, Hemet, and San Jacinto and the unincorporated areas of Mead Valley, Good Hope, Nuevo, and East Hemet.

“I am running to make sure that we have a true fighter representing our district to ensure that we have the resources that we need and deserve. Our communities have been neglected for far too long,” said Corey Jackson.

Corey A. Jackson, MSW was elected to the Riverside County Board of Education in 2020 and represents portions of the cities of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Perris, and the unincorporated community of Mead Valley. Corey Jackson is a local nonprofit and civil rights leader who is one of the leading social justice advocates in the region. He currently serves as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of SBX Youth and Family Services whose mission is to break the cycle of poverty and violence through mentoring, education, and community organizing. Mr. Jackson continues to serve his community as the Political Action Chair of the Riverside NAACP and serves as Youth Minister at the Moreno Valley Church of Christ.

As a leader in the California Democratic Party, Corey serves as the Chair of the California Democratic Party Black Caucus which is the largest caucus in the party. He also serves as a state executive committee member and an elected member of the Riverside County Democratic Central Committee.

The Rev. Amos C. Brown is vice-chair and the senior member serving on the nine-member California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans.

Brown, 80, says he is “extremely pleased” with what the committee has accomplished after four meetings.

The task force held its fifth and final two-day meeting session of 2021 on Tuesday, Dec. 7 and Wednesday, Dec. 8. As written in Assembly Bill (AB) 3121, the group has until 2023 to present a set of recommendations to the state for consideration.

“The task force has been extremely focused and substantive. We have some of the best minds – people who know the history, psychology, and sociology of the pressure Black folks in this country have felt,” Brown told California Black Media.

The task force was created after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 3121 into law in September 2020. California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber authored the bill while she served in the State Assembly representing the 79th District in San Diego.

The law calls for the state to set up a task force to study slavery, Jim Crow segregation and other injustices African Americans have faced historically in California and across the United States.

The group will then recommend appropriate ways to educate the Californians about reparations and propose ways to compensate descendants of enslaved people based on the task force’s findings.

The members of the task force come from diverse professional backgrounds. So far, the panel has heard testimony from a range of experts and witnesses, including descendants and representatives of people or families the government denied justice in the past, as well as historians, economists and academics.

“We’re about balance, inclusion, and stating the case precisely so that it doesn’t face paralysis of analysis or become just another study,” Brown said. “We have had too many studies of Black folks in the past. Now is the time to show us that we are serious about being one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

According to Brown, African Americans in his hometown of San Francisco, need to overcome decades of psychological damage imposed by racism, discrimination and unfair government policies, including some urban renewal programs that hurt Black families more than they helped.

On Nov. 22, Brown joined, actor Danny Glover, other local Black leaders, and members of the San Francisco Reparations Committee, to ask the city to donate the historic Fillmore Heritage Center to the African American community.

Many have referred to the Fillmore neighborhood as the “Harlem of the West” in the 1940s, Brown said. By 1945, over 30,000 Black Americans lived in the historic area.

Today, around 6% of San Francisco’s population of nearly 875,000 people are Black or mixed-race African Americans.

“San Francisco City leaders have a moral obligation to right the racist wrongs that destroyed that culture and that community and allow the Fillmore Heritage Center to live up to the full meaning of its name,” Glover said in a statement.

In 2007, the center became a venue for Jazz and Blues, reminiscent of the culture and Fillmore night clubs that attracted musical greats Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday, and others.

Last May, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to appoint a 15-member African American Reparations Advisory Committee.

“That building, that land, represents the disenfranchisement, redlining of Black folks in this town, and the redevelopment agency not being fair,” Brown said. “The Fillmore, 12 blocks, itself was the hub of Black entertainment, Black culture, Black businesses and Black life. You just can’t wipe out our history or our heritage.”

Born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1941, Brown says he was delivering JET magazine when the popular weekly published graphic photos of 14-year-old Emmett Till murdered by a White racist mob in August1955 in Money, Mississippi, a rural area known for the cultivation of cotton. The lynching of Till ignited the civil rights movement.

“Emmett and I were the same age,” Brown said. “When I picked up a copy (of Jet magazine), I saw that mutilated head. It horrified me. I remember it vividly.”

Brown first arrived in the city of San Francisco in 1956 with Medgar Evers, who was a state official of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter in Mississippi.

Evers brought the 15-year-old Brown to the Bay Area to attend the NAACP’s national convention where he first met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A year before, Brown had started the NAACP’s first youth council.

Brown later studied under King at Morehouse College in Atlanta.

In 1961, he was arrested with King at a lunch counter sit-in and joined the Freedom Riders, a group of activists who protested segregation in the South.

“In 1960, before I joined the Freedom Riders, the NAACP Youth Council actually organized the first ‘sit-down protest’ in Oklahoma City in August 1958,” Brown said “The first sit-down movement did not start in Greensboro, North Carolina. It began in Oklahoma City, Wichita (Kansas), and Louisville (Kentucky) under the auspices of the Youth Council of the NAACP.”

Brown earned a Doctor of Theology from United Theological Seminary in Ohio and a Master of Theology from Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania.

Brown has been the Pastor of Third Baptist Church of San Francisco since 1976. From 1996 to 2001, he served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. He is president of the San Francisco Branch of the NAACP and a member of the organization’s national board of directors.

Brown said he is monitoring reparation legislation and conversations across the country to see if proposals being put forward are in sync with California’s efforts.

“What I want to accomplish is: Black people being and knowing that something was done about their pain — that can be done in the state of California,” Brown said. “Things can never be perfect, but at least collectively people of conscious and good will can stand up and say, ‘this is what we must do to right this wrong.’”

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

Lillian Lewis earned multiple degrees from California State University Sacramento (also known as Sac State University).

Lewis said, before the pandemic began, paying down the high student loan debt she accrued to cover her tuition and living expenses while in school put a strain on her monthly budget. Those arrears (“in the thousands”) with growing interest made it difficult for her to make ends meet.

But last month, Lewis and about 30,000 other American student loan borrowers across the United States received some unanticipated good news. The Biden administration announced a $2 billion relief program that expanded the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

 “It took a huge load off my finances and will improve my credit, which was not bad anyway,” said Lewis, who works in social work and now lives in Las Vegas. “It was taking forever to pay off. Now, I don’t have to worry anymore.”

The PSLF wipes out student loan debt for borrowers who commit to public service careers or work full-time for public or nonprofit organizations.

The relief program launched about three months before the federal government lifts a freeze on student loan payments on Jan. 31, 2022. In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the country, the feds paused monthly payments for Americans who owe student loans, stopped all collection activity, and applied a temporary zero-interest rate to all debt.

In California, there are thousands of African Americans like Lewis: saddled with huge balances stemming from loans they took to pay for tuition not covered by scholarships, living arrangements, textbooks, and other expenses.

In November, highlighting one borrower’s story, United States Education Secretary Miguel Cardona tweeted, “we are just getting started” to provide student debt relief for millions of Americans.

According to a report by California Student Loan and Debt Service Review Workgroup (CSLDSRW) — established under the state’s Budget Act of 2020 — and the National Center for Education Statistic (NCES), 84.9% of Blacks who earned bachelor’s degrees from 2015 to 2016 owed an average of $34,000 upon graduation.

CSLDSRW’s study also found that Californians of color default more on their student loans. Neighborhoods in the San Francisco Bay Area with the largest percentages of Black and Latino residents had 19.9% of borrowers in delinquency and 15 % in default.

In Los Angeles, borrowers living in ZIP codes with high minority populations had double the amount of default rates than borrowers in ZIP codes that are predominantly White.

U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts) told the media at an event hosted by the American Federations of Teachers earlier this year that she, too, had defaulted on her student loans.

Black women carry 20% more in student debt than White women, according to the American Association of University Women, an advocacy faction that fights for fair pay and economic opportunities for women.

“Like 85% of Black students, I had to borrow; and like so many of those students, I had also defaulted on those loans. We know that Black and Brown students are five times more likely to default for those loans than our White counterparts,” said Pressley.

CSLDSRW’s reported that among all borrowers, Black women accrued more student debt, an average of $37,558, from their undergraduate studies than any other group.

According to EducationData.org, a website that addresses the rising cost of higher education, Black college graduates owe an average of $52,000 in student-loan debt – nearly $25,000 more than their White counterparts.

In October, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 424, the Private Student Loan Collection Reform Act, which places new documentation requirements on private student loan lenders before activating any collection activity. AB 424 becomes law on July 1, 2022.

“We’re turning commitments into reality by ensuring that our students have more access to high-quality educational opportunities, creating a change of course for generations to come and bolstering California’s innovation economy,” said Gov. Newsom said when he signed the legislation.

“Californians have thrived at our world class universities for decades, but not everyone has had similar access – today that’s changing,” he continued. Everyone deserves a shot at the ‘California Dream”

The U.S. Department of Education expects thousands more to benefit in the coming months from more federally funded debt relief programs.

Over 45 million Americans have a total of $1.7 trillion worth of student loan debt. Progressive lawmakers have pushed Biden to wipe out all federally held debts up to $50,000 and they are making efforts to stop repayments of loans.

“89% of student borrowers say they aren’t financially ready to resume student loan payments & 27% will be spending at least a third of their income on payments when they resume,” tweeted Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). “Student debt is dragging down our communities and economy@POTUS should #CancelStudentDebt.”

By Lou Yeboah

Oh, I can’t help but respond with an offering of praise. You see, the Father gave His son. The Son gave His life as a ransom for me and you. [Galatians 1:4]. “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” [John 3:17]. God sent His Son to be born of a virgin and to be born into human flesh, to live a perfect life and to have Him give His own life so that we might be saved and not fall under condemnation but rather, be saved by the free gift of grace [Ephesians 2:8-9].

Thank You, Lord for Your Indescribable Gift of Jesus. The invaluable, unspeakable gift You have given us! No thoughts, words, or songs can begin to convey the greatness of Who Jesus is, nor of the love You lavish on us by sacrificing Your beloved Son! I thoroughly delight in the incomparable benefits [current and eternal] that I have received through life in Him [His glorious strength, peace, hope, mercy, pardon, righteousness, love, wisdom, joy, deliverance, light and infinitely more]. Thank You that I have everything in Your Indescribable Gift! I repent for how I have often not treated Him as Your Indescribable Gift, and I pray that I, my family members, and all other believers will, from now on, Exult in Him. Experience Him as Your Pleasure. Know Him as Your Treasure. Love Him, Honor Him, Cherish Him, Worship Him, Abandon ourselves to Him, Abide in Him and speak continually about Him as Your blessed Indescribable Gift.

What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.” [Psalm 116: 12-14]. Yes, I will proclaim Your greatness…I will thank You forever. Because my Hallelujah belongs to You. All of the glory belongs to You. I will praise you Oh Lord, because You deserve it. You deserve my love, my adoration, my devotion, my praise, my worship, my obedience, my everything… for you have clothed me with the garments of salvation. You have covered me with the robe of righteousness [Isaiah 61:10]. Oh, When I think upon Christmas! Thank You Lord!

If God has been good to you, you ought to say so. [Psalm 107:2]. If God has delivered you, you ought to say so. If God has saved your soul, you ought to say so. If God has blessed you, you ought to say so. If God woke you up this morning, you ought to say so. If God has brought you from a might long way, you ought to say so. The King of Kings is still alive. Therefore, celebrate Him! Because He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He is your doctor in the sick room. He is your lawyer in the court room. He is your bread when you are hungry. He is your water when you are thirsty. He is a wonderful counselor when you are confused. He is your peace in the midst of the storm. He is your joy when you are sad. Our Great Redeemer, Great Jehovah, the Open Door, the Great Shepard, the Resurrection and the Life, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The Giver of the Holy Spirit. The True Vine, Jesus I can’t forget what you have done for me. I can’t forget how you set me free. I can’t forget, No Never. For Grace and Mercy, so freely given, I cannot forget. For Faith that says, my sins are forgiven, I cannot forget. For your sons precious blood, which covers my faults, I cannot forget. Thanks be to You Oh Lord, for your inexpressible gift!” [2 Corinthians 9:15].

Singing ? “Because of Who you are, I give you glory. Because of Who you are, I give you praise. Because of Who you are, I will lift my voice and say: Lord, I worship you because of Who you are. Jehovah Jireh [My provider] Jehovah Nissi [You reign in victory]. Jehovah Shaloh [My prince of peace] I worship you because of Who you are.” [Vicky Yohe – Because I Sing].

“Grateful, Grateful, Grateful, Grateful – Grateful, Grateful, Grateful, Grateful – Grateful, Grateful, Grateful, Gratefulness – is flowing from my heart. Are you grateful for what the Lord has done, why want you give Him glory?” [Hezekiah Walker-Grateful].

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” [Luke 2:8-14].

Celebrate Jesus!

Last week, the California Board of Equalization (BOE) elected Malia M. Cohen its chair. She is the first African American woman to serve on the Board.

It is the second time in four years, Cohen — a San Francisco native — has been elected chair of the five-member body responsible for representing taxpayer interests and “equalizing” county-by-county tax assessments across the state.

BOE is comprised of four members that are elected to represent a region of the state, and California’s Controller Betty Yee.

“It is a privilege and honor to serve again as Chair of the California State Board of Equalization,” she said. “In these unprecedented times, with the daily challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we must remember that our first duty is to the People of California who deserve our continuing dedication, resolve, and service.”

Besides, providing “direct representation” to Californians on their property assessments and other tax-related issues, the BOE directs an estimated $75 billion in annual revenue to the state’s schools and local governments in all 58 counties.

Before her election to the BOE in 2018, Cohen served as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. From 2011 to 2019, she was a member of the board, representing the city’s second district, which includes neighborhoods along the southeastern shore of the Bay like Hunters Point-Bayview, the Central Waterfront and Sunnydale.

On the BOE, Cohen represents the Second District. It spans 23 coastal counties from Santa Barbara County (about 95 miles north of Los Angeles) to Del Norte County on the Oregon border.

As chair of the BOE, Cohen says remaining accessible is her priority.

“For Californians who have struggled during these most difficult times, please know that my door is always open to you,” she says.

Cohen has announced she is a candidate for State Controller in the 2022 election.

RIALTO, CA— On Saturday, December 18, was the Smile America, Abdi Foundation annual toy drive at the Werner Elementary School in Rialto.

This event marks the 10-year anniversary of the foundation holding a toy drive to donate toys to children in the Rialto community. In these dire moments due to COVID, they had to double their request for toy donations from their sponsors.

They were able to donate more than 1000 toys and over 1000 meal bags to more than 300 families to help them celebrate Christmas as holy as possible. The foundation’s proud satisfaction is seeing the children smile with great excitement after getting their toy bags.

The Abdi Foundation would like to thank their sponsors Mayor Deborah Robertson, Rialto Fire Department, Children’s’ Fun, IEHPA, Fury Ontario Soccer, Emmanuel Praise Fellowship, Pal Charter Academy, Tires Less Schwab, Werner Elementary School, Operation New Hope, Rialto Democratic Club and a big thanks to their volunteers for their dedication and continuous support.

In loving memory of Abdi Mohamed, they are continuing his work and his dream for the community.

SACRAMENTO CA— California’s Save Our Water program is excited to announce the WaterWise Squad, a new TikTok effort featuring a group of young Californians who encourages water conservation through trendy videos, songs, and dance moves.  On the five member WaterWise Squad are two sisters from California’s Central Valley, Nirina and Lalaina Rabetsimba, ages 15 and 16.

The Squad is engaging in a fresh, fun way to raise awareness and get kids to practice and share tips that urges everyone to continue exercising water saving habits.  The Rabetsimba sisters began creating content on TikTok as way to display their extensive backgrounds in musical theater, choir, gymnastics, and dance.

“We hope that by participating in the WaterWise campaign, we encourage other kids, friends, family and people in our community to conserve water,” said Nirina Rabetsimba. “We have always tried to save water, but now we are even more conscious about taking shorter showers because every drop counts.”

The two teens practice saving water by recycling indoor water for outdoor use to water their plants, and by turning the faucet off when brushing their teeth or in-between washing their hands and dishes.

Lalaina and Nirina helped create four TikTok videos that share the following water saving tips:

1. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean outdoor areas.
2. Turn off the faucet in between rinsing produce. Doing so can save over four gallons of water!
3. Three rotations of the coffee grinder dance are all the time it takes to water plants.
4. Don’t let the faucet run while brushing teeth and washing hands.
5. Run the dishwasher or washing machine for full loads only.

Despite recent rain and winter storms across California, water conservation efforts are still very necessary for all Californians during the drought.  For more water conservation resources and tips, visit saveourwater.com.

About Save Our Water

Save Our Water is a statewide, water conservation program created in 2009 by the Department of Water Resources.  The program aims to make water conservation a daily habit among all Californians.

Check out The Rabetsimba sisters on the Save Our Water’s TikTok @SaveOurWaterCA Instagram @saveourwater.

The love that was outpoured on social media this week for Dr. Margaret Hill was PRICELESS! She was a major influence and inspiration to many of all ages within the Inland Empire. Below are a few quotes and comments that were left across Facebook in remembrance of Dr. Hill.

Lea Michelle Cash: I am reading all the beautiful and loving tributes to our community Queen. I just can’t find words right now, it hurts too, too bad so thank God for photos. Like with many of you in our community, Dr. Hill and I took so many, many photos. As I go through my collection I stumbled on a few when she was sooooooo happy. We all were. Remember this day…..Just priceless.

Darrell Frye: I love you Dr. Hill — your legacy will forever live in my heart . I will honor you with my words and actions #wakandaforever

Eugene Weems: Dr. Margaret Hill I love you Beautiful. You always will be remembered, loved and honored. I will miss your Encouraging words and your Random calls to check up on me. Love You Kiss-Kiss.

Gwen Rodgers: I don’t know how to say goodbye right now because there are no words today or ever that can express the love and respect I have for my mentor, friend and community mother. So, I will simply say so long Queen Margaret Hill until we meet again. You were faithful to the end.

Troy McSwain: The McSwains and everyone at Beola’s are saddened at the passing of a lady that meant so so much to us. If you had the pleasure of meeting her then you know she was a very special lady loved by many. Lord you truly have an Angel… we will always love you Ms. Hill.

Bronique Martindale: Margaret Hill My Moma Hill. I’ve known this woman all my life . She was my mother’s Vice Principal in High School, but it goes so much farther than that. This woman supported everything I’d do. She encouraged my soul . Not many people can encourage the soul. I can’t believe she is no longer here with us physically. This was a woman that truly embodied the phrase an object in motion stays in motion . My heart is truly hurting. I do know that she instilled greatness in myself. I know that she instilled greatness in so many others. In speaking for my self I will continue to carry the mantle . I know there will be others that will do the same. I will continue to make you proud Mama Hill . I’m still in shock and disbelief. I just want to thank you for the matches time to turn them into flames. In casting away my flesh I can say I’m relieved to know that the sickness you fought can’t follow you into the gates of Heaven . Hallelujah !

Carolyn Tillman: …and now on to reward. We were so blessed and there is so much to be thankful for. She poured out her all for us. If you knew her, you know what I’m talking about. It’ll take centuries to figure out her magic. It will linger into eternity. What happy times we have to treasure. So many stories to share with each other after we cry our buckets of tears! For now, our sweet Ms. Margaret Hill is finally able to rest, shedding her earthly tent for an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. I’ll see my friend again, until then may she Rest In Peace.

Kim S. Scott: The village that molded me into the woman I am today stood on your shoulders. I was introduced to you through them at the tender age of 18 when I needed voices like yours and theirs the most and I am forever grateful! There are truly not enough words to describe just how powerful you are but even more importantly, how loving you were to each and every one of us. You made us all feel important and seen! Margaret Hill to say you will be missed is a complete understatement. I pray that we all pick up where you left and continue to run this race and fight the good fight, just like you taught us. Rest in Heaven!

Sending all my love and prayers to The Village and the City of San Bernardino!

Terrance Stone: This Angel has earned her wings Dr. Margaret you believed in me when nobody did… you are my hero and I love you.. you fought the good fight and one of the strongest people I know … a walking talking example of love and appreciation… If I had one wish it would be one more moment with you, one more conversation, one more hug from you … please watch over me from the heavens you will be missed you will be loved and you will never be forgotten. #EverybodyLoveMargaret

Gone from earth, but forever in our hearts!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Dr. Margaret Hill, current member and past president of the Board of Education of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, passed away Sunday, December 19. She was 81 years old.

Dr. Hill was a passionate advocate for children and a dedicated educational leader, having served on the Board of Education faithfully since she was elected in 2011. She led the District as Board President in 2015-2017.

Prior to her election, Dr. Hill served as an assistant superintendent with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. She started her local education career in 1971 as a teacher before serving as vice principal at San Bernardino High School. Dr. Hill retired from SBCUSD in 2003 after serving 16 years as the principal of San Andreas High School.

Dr. Hill returned to work at the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools office in 2006, where she was assistant superintendent of Administrative Services until her second retirement July 2, 2012.

“Dr. Hill was loved for her warm heart and frequently encouraged educators to motivate kids with ‘more hugs than tugs.'” said SBCUSD Board President Dr. Scott Wyatt. “We are better because she led with strength, love, and compassion for everyone.  We will miss her every day.”

The district honored Dr. Hill by naming its boardroom, the Dr. Margaret Hill Community Room in 2019. She also received accolades from a multitude of organizations, which recognized her strength as a leader and her character as an example to others.

“Dr. Hill’s tireless, kind, and cheerful presence made her arguably the most admired leader in San Bernardino and among the greats statewide throughout the education community,” said SBCUSD Superintendent Doc Ervin. “She inspired me, and I am thankful to have worked with her here.”

No details are known yet about memorial services, but these will be shared when information becomes available.

LAS VEGAS, NV— The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (“SMGHA”) an affiliate of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (“San Manuel” or the “Tribe”) today announced they received approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission as licensees for Palms Casino Resort (“Palms”) in Las Vegas.

With this approval, SMGHA Nevada, LLC, owned by SMGHA, is set to close the transaction and become owners of Palms Casino Resort with plans to reopen next year in the spring.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to share our long-standing tradition of hospitality with Las Vegas and execute our vision for this iconic resort, starting by welcoming back former and current Palms employees,” said SMGHA Chairwoman Latisha Casas. “Together, we will create history.”

“We would like to extend a sincere ‘thank you’ to Red Rock Resorts and their leadership team,” said SMGHA Management Committee Member Laurens Vosloo.  “We deeply appreciate the support and ongoing partnership they provided as we worked through transition of ownership.”

Recruitment for more than 1,000 positions ranging from casino, operations, hotel management, food and beverage along with supervisor positions is underway. Following the close of the transaction on Friday December 17, interested applicants can apply at www.palmscareers.com.

In addition to the casino, Palms includes more than 700 hotel rooms and suites, multiple casual and upscale dining options, meeting and convention space, a 2,500-seat theater, pool and spa, and Palms Place condominiums.

Within days of the close of the deal, guests can make reservations at Palms Place at www.palms.com. Room reservations for Palms Casino Resort will be available in early 2022.

“It’s such an honor to reach this milestone today. As we forge ahead, it’s important we bring forward the strong values and culture of the Tribe into everything we do at the property,” said Cynthia Kiser Murphey, General Manager of Palms. “From team member culture to exceptional guest service, it’s our intent to create a lively and fun environment not only for customers but our dedicated staff as well.”

Even prior to opening the property, the Tribe has supported Las Vegas based community groups and non-profits by contributing more than $10 million to organizations including UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality and William S. Boyd School of Law; the Public Education Foundation; Three Square Food Bank and Shade Tree Shelter to name a few. Additionally, the Tribe has partnered with local sports teams through sponsorships with the Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium, and the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Tribe owns and operates Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel (formerly San Manuel Casino), in Highland, CA. What started 35 years ago as a humble bingo hall became one of Southern California’s premier destinations for gaming, entertainment and culinary delights. Earlier this year, the Tribe unveiled the first of a three-part expansion project at the casino, adding more than 6,500 slot machines, a new high-limit gaming room, retail shops, bars and new restaurants. Just days ago, the Tribe celebrated the opening of the resort at Yaamava’, featuring 432 guest rooms with 127 spacious suites, a pool, private cabanas, a full-service spa and salon and new food and beverage options. In 2022, the expansion will be complete with the debut of a 2,800-seat entertainment venue.

San Manuel is a top-10 private employer in San Bernardino County with nearly 6,000 team members and the recipient of Great Place to Work® recognition by the Great Places to Work Institute.

About San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority 
The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority is a governmental instrumentality of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, a federally recognized Indian tribe, created for the purpose of independently carrying out the investment in, and ownership and management of, gaming and hospitality businesses outside of the San Manuel Reservation.