It takes a great deal of commitment and focus to transform a vision into a reality,” Flores said. “It has been a very exciting time (for me) as a Tribal Member to see all the development and progress that has taken place for our Tribe since that time when our land was placed into Trust. Finally, in 2015, Soboba received approval and the land was placed into Trust.” In 2007, the Tribal Council submitted an application to the United States Department of the Interior to place this land into Trust.

“Thanks goes to the vision and determination of our past Tribal Council, back in 2001 they had a vision for future development so we could sustain economic enterprises for our tribal people. “This is a long-awaited day, literally 20 years in the making,” Flores said. Castello then announced Becky Flores as “the main catalyst for this project.”įlores said she was thankful for those in attendance and she thanked God for “allowing all of our paths to cross and join our strengths, talents, skills, knowledge and experience to create a beautiful master plan development: Sovovatum Village.” Serving on its board of directors at the time of the groundbreaking were Chairwoman Becky Flores, Vice Chairman Lakshman Koka, Secretary/Treasurer Lori Van Arsdale and Directors Michael Castello and Sasha Pachito.Ĭastello served as emcee for the 30-minute ceremony, welcoming everyone who was there to witness “this historical moment.” He introduced Soboba’s Monica Herrera who gave a traditional blessing, which was followed by two songs from Wayne Nelson and the Intertribal Bird Singers.

Since its establishment in 2016, the SEDC has worked tirelessly to realize the economic vision of past and present Soboba Tribal Council members. More than 150 Soboba Tribal Members, shareholders, partners and members of the Soboba Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) gathered to witness this momentous occasion that has been years in the making. A groundbreaking ceremony for phase one – a gas station and convenience store – was held on August 13. Located at the southeast corner of Lake Park Drive and Soboba Road, the 19+ acre center will feature 60,000 square feet of retail space. The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, by way of its Soboba Economic Development Corporation, has begun construction for the Sovovatum Village, a retail center that will serve as a gateway to greet all visitors to the Soboba Casino Resort and the reservation.

Soboba casino beekeepers