
Welcome to Morongo
Set at the foot of the beautiful San Gorgonio and San Jacinto Mountains, the Morongo Indian Reservation spans more than 35,000 acres and overlooks the vistas of the Banning Pass. Resilient and resourceful, the Morongo tribe has had to overcome many adversities.
Latest News
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Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin Retires After 30 Years of Storied Leadership
Robert Martin
MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – Tribal Chairman Robert Martin, a nationally recognized and respected leader in Indian Country who guided the Morongo Band of Mission Indians near Palm Springs, CA for three decades, will retire from tribal government, effective July 1.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey as I worked with our Tribal Council, our membership and leaders in all branches of governments to advance self-reliance and tribal sovereignty,” said Robert Martin, who decided not to seek reelection in June after six consecutive terms as chairman.
“I’m proud of the great progress our tribe and our Tribal Council have made together during my tenure as we created new economic and educational opportunities for our members, our region, and all of Indian Country,” Robert Martin said. “I am confident that the next generation of tribal leaders will continue the important work of advancing tribal sovereignty.”
Elected to his first term as chairman in 1983, Robert Martin served a total of 18 years as chairman and another 11 years on the Morongo Tribal Council spread across the next four decades.
Charles Martin
Charles Martin, no relation to Robert Martin, was elected as the new Morongo Tribal Chairman and will be seated July 1. He has served 12 years on the Morongo Tribal Council. Born and raised on the Morongo Reservation, Charles Martin is deeply committed to service and leadership within the tribe. His career in both tribal leadership and business development has been characterized by a strong work ethic leading to career experience in numerous fields including public safety, entertainment and organizational management.
“Hardworking, engaging, and entrepreneurial, Chairman Robert Martin’s leadership transcended generations and cultures,” said Charles Martin. “He is an inspiration and a role model for tribal leaders everywhere, and we look forward to benefiting from his continuing wisdom and counsel for many years to come.”
During his time in tribal leadership, Robert Martin helped lift Morongo from generations of crushing poverty and neglect into the economic and cultural powerhouse it is today. A consummate diplomat, Robert Martin’s warm nature, deep insights and calming demeanor in the face of challenges were the hallmarks of his steady leadership.
“Chairman Robert Martin has – and will continue to be a pillar in Indian Country,” said California State Assemblymember James Ramos. “Chairman Martin serves as a role model for so many of us and I thank him for his teachings.”
Robert Martin grew up on the Morongo Reservation, helping his family raise cattle. A lifelong resident of the San Gorgonio Pass, he graduated from Banning High School, studied business at Mt. San Jacinto Community College and worked as a contractor and homebuilder before entering tribal government.
A fierce champion of self-reliance, Robert Martin led Morongo when the tribe joined with the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians to block state and county officials from shutting down the desert tribes’ high-stakes bingo and card parlors in 1986.
That struggle led the Morongo and Cabazon tribes to secure the landmark 1987 U.S. Supreme Court decision that confirmed the sovereignty of Indian tribes across the nation, and their right to establish gaming operations. That watershed decision fueled an economic and social renaissance that brought roads, clean water, housing, health care, jobs and education to reservations across the U.S.
“There were some in Indian Country who told us to quit because they thought we were risking too much,” Robert Martin recalled years later. “Some thought we should be content with modest bingo halls and small card rooms. But I felt the issue was too important to give up.”
Robert Martin oversaw construction of the original Casino Morongo in 1994 and, 10 years later, the development of the $250 million Morongo Casino Resort & Spa. The towering 27-story resort remains the tallest building between Los Angeles and the Arizona border, and was expanded in 2020.
Under Robert Martin’s leadership, Morongo also diversified its business portfolio with new ventures in finance, health care, manufacturing and retail. Today, Morongo’s business enterprises generate nearly $3 billion annually in regional economic activity and provide over 2,500 jobs, making the tribe one of Riverside County’s largest employers.
The tribe’s successful businesses fund Morongo’s vital tribal government services for its members, including healthcare, public safety, fire protection, education, and social services.
“Without a doubt, Chairman Robert Martin was instrumental in setting Morongo on a path of financial stability and economic success that will benefit generations of tribal members for years to come,” said Riverside County 5th District Supervisor Jeff Hewitt.
From meetings at the White House to offering testimony before the U.S. Congress, the California State Legislature and the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, Robert Martin worked closely with city, county, state and federal lawmakers on a multitude of issues including economic development, land use, water, energy, education, the environment, transportation and tribal gaming.
Robert Martin’s devotion to protecting tribal sovereignty and Indian culture led him to fight for the rights of Native children, driving Morongo to join other tribes, state attorneys general and child welfare organizations in defending the Indian Child Welfare Act against a 2018 court challenge.
A passionate defender of Morongo’s rich culture and tribal traditions, Robert Martin remains deeply committed to developing future tribal leaders. He helped establish a tuition-free college preparatory academy at the Morongo Reservation – the first of its kind in the nation – and ardently supports college scholarship programs to help tribal youth secure a higher education.
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Tribal Administration Reopening Full-Time June 1st
Please be advised that effective June 1st, 2021 Tribal Administration will be reopening full-time for services.
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Morongo’s Fire Chief Retires After Long, Distinguished Career
Kevin Gaines spent 40 years in fire service, including the last six leading the Morongo Fire Department. Morongo Fire Engineer Jason Carrizosa has been promoted as his replacement. MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION, Calif. – After serving six years with the Morongo Fire Department, Fire Chief Kevin Gaines has hung up his helmet, marking the end of a distinguished career that began 40 years ago in CAL FIRE, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians announced this week.
Morongo Fire Department Engineer / ALS Coordinator Jason Carrizosa has been named the new chief. Carrizosa, an 11-year veteran of the department, is a Morongo Tribal Member and grew up on the Morongo Reservation.
“Working for Morongo has been extremely fulfilling and I’m very proud of the strides that the Morongo Fire Department has made over the past six years with the support of a Tribal Council who is very committed to advancing public safety,” Gaines said. “I will miss the members of my department and the many tribal members I have come to know over the years. I know Jason will do an amazing job as the department continues to move forward.”
“Working for Morongo has been extremely fulfilling and I’m very proud of the strides that the Morongo Fire Department has made over the past six years with the support of a Tribal Council who is very committed to advancing public safety,” Gaines said. “I will miss the members of my department and the many tribal members I have come to know over the years. I know Jason will do an amazing job as the department continues to move forward.”
Gaines spent 34 years with CAL FIRE before joining Morongo Fire in 2015. At Morongo, Gaines helped strengthen the Advanced Life Support (ALS) and paramedic programs, brought on new state-of-the-art firefighting equipment and oversaw the department’s response to major incidents all across the San Gorgonio Pass, including the 33,000-acre Apple Fire in 2020. Under Gaines’ leadership, Morongo firefighters helped battle destructive wildland fires across California, such as the Woolsey Fire, Carr Fire and Camp Fire.
Gaines was integral in cultivating the tribe’s strong mutual aid relationships with surrounding emergency service agencies in addition to directing efforts to protect Morongo residents and the tribe’s environmental, cultural and economic resources during emergency incidents.
“We are truly grateful to Chief Gaines who served Morongo with the highest levels of professionalism and demonstrated extraordinary leadership, expertise and compassion during critical incidents,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “As we wish Chief Gaines the best in his well-earned retirement, we are excited to welcome our new fire chief, Jason Carrizosa, who will continue to grow the department’s legacy for protecting life and property across the region.”
A Banning High School graduate, Carrizosa holds an undergraduate degree in business and marketing from Culver-Stockton College in Missouri, where he played collegiate baseball. He played rookie ball for the Kansas City Royals before returning home and graduating from Moreno Valley College’s fire academy.
“Having grown up on the Morongo reservation, it means the world to me to accept this position, which will allow me to protect the safety of my fellow tribal members and our neighbors in surrounding communities,” Carrizosa said. “I have some big shoes to fill, and I have immense respect for everything Chief Gaines accomplished to strengthen our department. I intend to continue along that path.”
The Morongo Fire Department, which was formed in the 1950s as a team of volunteer firefighters, is now made up of 24 full-time staff. From its inception, the department has responded to emergencies on the reservation, as well as in neighboring cities and across California.
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Morongo Presents Over $128,000 to Support Local Youth
Photographer Casino’s partnership with its patrons transforms a nationwide shortage of coins into an opportunity to help the Boys and Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass.
MORONGO CASINO RESORT & SPA – Thanks to the generosity of its guests, the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa presented a $128,643 check to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass to support the organization’s vital community youth programs.
Due to the nationwide coin shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses across the country – including casinos like Morongo – have had limited access to quarters, nickels, dimes, and even pennies. To help alleviate the national strain, Morongo launched a program in July offering its guests a chance to donate the spare change from their winnings to charity, and thousands did.
“We are simply overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our guests during these challenging times to help local youth through Morongo’s community coin donation program,” said Morongo’s Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “We want to thank all of our guests who participated in this effort to support local families and children who receive services from the Boys and Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass.”
Amy Herr, the executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass, said the funds will be used to help operate education support and other programs offered by the organization.
“We are beyond grateful for the generosity of Morongo’s guests, and for the casino’s innovation in turning a nationwide coin shortage into a positive that is benefiting local children during these critical times,” Herr said. “Once again, Morongo has stepped up for local youth, and we are very thankful.”
In October, Morongo raised $60,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs at the 24th Annual Morongo Charity Golf Tournament, held at the Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon.
Photo Caption: Boys and Girls Clubs Board Chair Phillip Hutchins (left to right), Morongo Tribal Vice Chair James Siva, Boys and Girls Clubs Executive Director Amy Herr and Richard St. Jean, Chief Operating Officer of the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa.
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COVID-19 Notifications Now Available
California has rolled out COVID-19 Exposure Notifications to Android and iOS devices. These notifications are anonymous, and do not track or store your name, contact information, whereabouts, or movements.
When a person tests positive for COVID-19, CA Notify will trigger an alert to the phones of people who may have been in close proximity — within 6 feet of that individual for 15 minutes or more — in the past 14 days.
For the safety of yourself and others, please opt in to the notifications by following the steps below:
iPhone
iPhone users can enable CA Notify in their device’s settings1. Update your iOS to version 13.7 or later
2. Go into Settings
3. Scroll down to Exposure Notifications
4. Turn on Exposure Notifications
5. Select United States> CaliforniaAndroid
CA Notify is available on the Google Play Store:
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New Mega Gas Station Coming to Morongo Indian Reservation
Like the tribe’s existing travel center, the new state-of-the-art location will feature discount fuel and popular amenities.
CABAZON, CA – The ultimate Interstate 10 pit stop is about to get better. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians broke ground last week on a second Morongo Travel Center, complete with a 32-pump discount gas station, dog park, car wash, slot machines, convenience store and other amenities.
Located behind Morongo’s existing travel center off Morongo Trail and Seminole Drive, the 6.7-acre project will also offer multiple electric vehicle charging stations (including eight Tesla superchargers), RV dumping, propane fills, six high-speed diesel truck pumps and diesel exhaust fluid.
“This state-of-the-art center will have everything a weary traveler could ask for – and then some,” said Tribal Chairman Robert Martin of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. “It will complement and ease wait times at our current Morongo Travel Center, which is immensely popular and will remain open.”
Known for low-cost gasoline, sparkling amenities, and nearby restaurants, the 24-hour Morongo Travel Center has been a beacon for freeway motorists and local residents for years. The new center is expected to open next May and is being built Moorefield Construction, Inc.
The project marks the latest addition to Morongo’s master-planned development of retail, hospitality, and service offerings along Interstate 10 in Cabazon. In recent years, Morongo has also welcomed such favorites as In-N-Out Burger, Starbucks, Taco Bell, Cold Stone Creamery, Panda Express and a new flagship store for Hadley Fruit Orchards.
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Apple Fire Update for Morongo Reservation Areas
UPDATE 8/7/2020 12:00 PM:
USFS is performing a controlled burns around the area causing more smoke, there is no need for concern. No evacuation orders are planned at this time.
UPDATE 8/4/2020 4:00 PM:
The Apple Fire evacuation orders have been lifted for both the Morongo Reservation, which includes areas west of Potrero Road and north of Morongo Road, and the City of Banning, which includes the areas north of Wilson between Sunset and Hathaway.
All areas north of Morongo Road east of Potrero Road and west of Whitewater Canyon on the Morongo Reservation remain under an evacuation warning.
The Apple Fire continues to be very active in Millard Canyon and Wood Canyon.
Please be aware that the canyons remain closed to members and residents as heavy equipment is operating in these areas as part of the firefighting effort. You may also notice many fire trucks and other heavy equipment on Morongo, Millard, Potrero and Verdugo as well as firefighters on foot in many of these areas. Please use extreme caution while driving and walking on the Reservation to keep everyone as safe as possible.
The Tribal Administration Building will reopen beginning tomorrow, August 5th at 8:00 am.
Morongo Reservation Updates Provided On:
Morongo Tribal Member One-Call
Morongo Emergency Service Radio Station 89.1 FM
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Coronavirus (COVID‐19) Update
In response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians has taken a number of proactive steps to best protect the health, safety and well‐being of our Tribal Members, employees, guests, and our neighbors in surrounding communities.
We had to temporarily close several Tribal business enterprises, including the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Casino Morongo, Canyon Lanes Bowling Alley and Hadley Fruit Orchards, but have slowly been able to get them back open with all the necessary precautions.
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Casino Morongo, Canyon Lanes Bowling Alley, Tukwet Canyon Golf and Hadley Fruit Orchards are now all back in business as of May 22, 2020.
The Morongo Tribal Council remains fully focused on this issue and is working with federal, state, local and tribal organizations in a unified response to this national public health emergency. We are doing everything we can to address the needs of our tribal community and our region, and we remain in close contact with health and public safety officials.
Below please find links to useful information:
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) tips on how to stay healthy, how to the prevent the spread of the Coronavirus and what to what to do if you think you are sick: Click here
- Recommendations for coping with the stress brought on by the outbreak: Click here
- The latest updates from the County of Riverside: Click here
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Morongo Unveils New State-of-the-Art Fire Engine to Protect Public
Members of the Morongo Tribal Council and Morongo Fire Department recently welcomed a new state-of-the-art fire engine to the reservation. The new Morongo Fire Engine, believed to be the first in Riverside County designed to carry two types of firefighting foam, will help firefighters respond to incidents on the reservation and across the region.
MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – TheMorongo Band of Mission Indians recently welcomed a new, custom-built KME fire engine packed with the latest computer and firefighting technology to further the Morongo Fire Department’s ability to protect life and property during emergencies on the reservation, across Riverside County and beyond.
The new Morongo fire engine is believed to be the first in Riverside County with a dual pre-plumbed foam system able to carry 20 gallons of standard Class A foam for fighting ordinary fires as well as another 20 gallons of Class B foam for dousing fires involving gasoline or diesel fuel.
“Protecting public safety is very important to Morongo, both on our reservation and in communities all across Riverside County,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “With its innovative technology and heightened capabilities, our new Morongo fire engine will help ensure our firefighters are best equipped to protect the lives and property of our tribal members, employees, guests and neighbors.”
Morongo Fire Department Chief Kevin Gaines and the new Morongo Fire Engine. The new fire engine is equipped with a 500-gallon water tank, a 1,000-gallons-per minute (GPM) master stream, and a 1,500-GPM two-stage pump capable of propelling water at high pressure or in high volumes. Advanced technology will help protect firefighters and the public, such as automatically applying brakes to specific axles as needed to prevent skidding as the rig responds to emergencies.
The fire engine also features color-coded fire hoses and corresponding colored LED-equipped gauges and controls to help firefighters easily monitor water and foam tank levels from a far greater distance for maximum efficiency.
Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin and Morongo Fire Chief Kevin Gaines hold a plaque before the new Morongo Fire Engine. “Our department is extremely grateful to work with such a forward-thinking Tribal Council that continues to be deeply committed to public safety,” said Morongo Fire Chief Kevin Gaines. “Providing our firefighters with state-of-the-art equipment and training allows us to provide the best possible service to those in need during a crisis.” The Morongo Fire Department responds to emergencies on the Morongo Indian Reservation, in neighboring cities across the San Gorgonio Pass and all across the state. In recent years, Morongo firefighters helped battle dozens of devastating wildfires, from the 2018 Camp Fire in Northern California, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history, to the 96,000-acre Woolsey Fire in Los Angeles County and the 230,000-acre Carr Fire in Shasta and Trinity counties.
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Morongo Marks $1 Million Milestone with Annual Holiday Shopping Spree
More than 35,000 children have participated in the Christmas Cheer All Year Shopping Spree, sponsored by Morongo for the past 10 years
Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (Dec. 23, 2019) – Holiday joy and excitement ruled the day as more than 3,000 disadvantaged children from across Southern California took part on Monday in the annual Christmas Cheer All Year Shopping Spree, sponsored by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.
Over the past decade Morongo has given $1 million to the nonprofit, resulting in more than 35,000 children in need being treated to a free holiday shopping spree.
“Morongo is excited to be celebrating our 10th year of partnership with Christmas Cheer All Year as we have worked together to bring holiday joy to tens of thousands of children who otherwise might not have received any presents,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “Nothing compares to seeing the smile on a happy child’s face during the holidays.”
Throughout the morning, children from across Southern California emerged from the Target Store in Rancho Cucamonga, CA happily clutching superhero action figures, dolls, stuffed animals, Lego sets, soccer balls, books, board games and other toys that they selected during the three-hour shopping spree.
“This was a wish come true,” said 13-year-old Gabe Silva of Banning as he held a shoe-box sized container of Yu-Gi-Oh cards. “I could come in and shop for the stuff I really wanted.”
His mother, Lisa Silva, said the shopping spree was an amazing experience for all the children, adding “It’s really nice to see them just enjoy the moment.”
Rick Lozano, founder of Christmas Cheer All Year and a longtime Fox 11 News journalist, said Morongo’s ongoing support helps ensure children enjoy the holidays.
“Morongo has been a blessing to us as the title sponsor of Christmas Cheer All Year for the last 10 years, and we can’t thank the tribe enough for providing $1 million to support kids,” Lozano said. “The tribe’s generosity continues to make a huge difference in the lives of underprivileged children and their families.”
Children who took part in the shopping spree were selected by local nonprofit organizations, including 600 children from Banning, Beaumont and across the San Gorgonio Pass.
Over the past five years, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians has contributed more than $5 million to support communities and nonprofit organizations that strengthen lives across Southern California.
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