The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians successfully launched the inaugural Emergency Tribal Access Pass (ETAP) program, welcoming more than 300 Tribal leaders, emergency management professionals, first responders and regional partners to the Rincon Government Center for the first training of its kind in San Diego County.
The event marked the official launch of the first Emergency Tribal Access Pass program in San Diego County and the first multi-Tribal implementation of its kind in California, bringing together Tribal governments and public safety agencies to strengthen emergency coordination and improve access to Tribal communities during wildfires and other emergencies.
Developed through a collaborative partnership between the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, the County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services, and the Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association, the ETAP program establishes standardized emergency access credentials and joint training for authorized Tribal personnel and public safety partners.
Historically, emergency road closures have presented challenges for Tribal governments attempting to access their own reservations during disasters. The ETAP program helps address this long-standing issue by creating a coordinated process that enables authorized Tribal personnel to safely access restricted areas when appropriate, while maintaining close coordination with law enforcement and incident commanders.
“This program represents an important step forward in strengthening emergency preparedness and collaboration between Tribal governments and our regional public safety partners,” said Rincon Tribal Chairman Steve Stallings. “By working together before emergencies occur, we can better protect our communities while ensuring Tribal governments are able to continue serving their people when they are needed most.”
Throughout the afternoon, attendees participated in comprehensive training covering the ETAP framework, incident command, communications, wildfire safety, evacuation procedures and checkpoint access protocols. Upon successful completion of the training, participants received their Emergency Tribal Access Passes.
The ETAP pilot serves as a model for improving coordination between Tribal governments and emergency response agencies and reflects a shared commitment to public safety, preparedness and government-to-government collaboration. Organizers hope the program will inform future policy discussions and broader implementation throughout California.
In 2024 alone, the Rincon Tribe generated nearly $739 million in total economic output, supporting nearly 3,000 jobs while contributing $217 million in labor income and providing an additional $52 million in tax revenue.
Continuing this impressive rate of growth, Californians could potentially benefit from an additional $1.65 billion in Rincon economic impact through 2026.
See Rincon’s Impact in Action
Rincon’s 2024 economic impact was 2.5 times greater than in 2010
The Tribe continues to invest heavily in support of community services, including fire and emergency services protection. Rincon also supports many organizations whose missions include comprehensive healthcare, food security, homeless programs, preserving precious resources and assisting veterans.
“The Rincon Tribe is enjoying unprecedented success. We deliver critical impact every day by generating good paying jobs, dynamic economic activity and important tax revenue. All of us at Rincon are proud to share our prosperity, creating more opportunities for everyone including those in need.” – Chairman Steve Stallings
Making a Difference
The Rincon Tribe proudly supports many organizations and communities across Southern California and throughout San Diego County. Check out some of these stories below.
The Rincon Tribe is proud to be the first Tribal sponsor of KPBS programming, elevating our longtime commitment to community service.
“Community education is vitally important. Having lived on this land since time immemorial, Rincon is deeply committed to our people, our neighbors and the universal ideals that bind us together as Americans.” – Chairman Steve Stallings
Rincon is underwriting Public Matters, an ambitious, multi-platform initiative of KPBS that increases public conversation and news coverage of major issues that matter to our region.
This year, Public Matters emphasizes “America 250” in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Rincon’s participation will help to explore our national and local history, reflect upon who we have become and relate our collective hopes for the future.
Public Matters also presents “One Small Step,” bringing strangers with different beliefs and backgrounds together for a conversation that demonstrates we have more in common than we think. The program features engagement without debate, but with curiosity and compassion.
In addition to KPBS, Public Matters features journalism from inewsource and Voice of San Diego. These three independent, nonprofit news organizations are partnering to share content, conversation and events that ensure all San Diegans understand their opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
“Giving voice to stories that might otherwise go untold, public media is America’s historian and we are San Diego’s storyteller. We are thrilled to have the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians join KPBS in this effort.” – Deanna Mackey, KPBS General Manager
Friday, October 12, 2018, marked a milestone in the
history of the Rincon Band – the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new
Tribal Government Center.
Joining Rincon Band members at the opening ceremony
were Assemblywoman Marie Waldron, State Senator Ben Hueso, Escondido City
Manager Jeff Epp, San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister, and
Assemblyman Brian Maienschein. Delegations from the California Highway Patrol
and San Diego County Sheriff’s Department also attended the grand opening
event.
In dedicating the new building, Chairman Bo Mazzetti
stated to the crowd, “The first job of tribal government is to create a
reliable funding stream to meet the needs of the Band members – such as health
care. That’s been done fairly well. Once that was done, we needed to get all of
our government employees together. For many years we’ve operated in trailers.
Now they will have a permanent home. It’s a great day for us.”
The new Tribal Government Center is located on an
11-acre site south of the Fire Station and General Services Building. The
43,000 square foot state-of-the art complex includes a lobby and reception
area, auditorium, employee offices, meeting rooms and conference areas, a large
kitchen, as well as a covered barbeque and patio area.
The Chairman acknowledged the many guests at the
event, including several representatives of other tribes. “Tribes have come a
long way from all over the state to be here,” adding, “We even have a Senator
cooking for us.” Mazzetti was referring to State Senator Ben Hueso, who cooked
a giant paella out on the patio, where refreshments were served.
Council member Alfonso Kolb, Sr., addressed the crowd:
“It’s a great day here today. Our achievements are great. We have needed a lot
of patience to achieve them. This is a building where we can come together and
work together to help build our future. I hope this government building stands
forever. It is our capital. Our people have been looking for something like
this to unify us. It’s a good day.” Kolb added that paving stones at the
entrance bear the names of every member of the tribe. “It gives us each a sense
of ownership,” he said.
Council member Steve Stallings, in his position as
Chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), spoke of
the new building as “our national headquarters, the nation’s soul. A place to
serve the membership more efficiently. To plan better; to communicate better.”
In referring to the “nation”, Stallings meant the tribal nation, since Indian
tribes are sovereign. The Tribal Government Center is “intended to meet the
needs of the tribe for the next one hundred years,” he said.
Vice Chairwoman Tishmall Turner read the names of the many guests, thanking them for joining with Rincon on this special and historic day. Council member Laurie Gonzalez explained to the guests that the Tribe has had self-governance since the time it was made up of clan leaders. She added that those touring the facility would see exhibits of the Tribe’s culture, art, baskets, medicine, and tools. “These displays will remind you that we have always been here and will always be here.”
Rincon broke ground for the new building in July 2017. The building replaced temporary trailers that had been used for the past nine years. Construction and road improvement along State Route 6 (Valley Center Road) will improve the ingress and egress of the new Center and is expected to be completed before the end of November.
In conclusion, Chairman Mazzetti thanked those responsible for the design and construction of the building. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who worked diligently on the construction of the building and contributed to making this a reality,” adding, “This project has been a significant undertaking. The design of the interior incorporates the Luiseño culture. We are going to use this opportunity to incorporate elements that reflect our culture. We have artistic statements throughout the building which have been adapted from tribal basket weaving art, historic oak wood, and stone elements used in building materials, all with indigenous landscaping.”
The Rincon Tribal Council consists of Steve Stallings, Vice Chair Joseph Linton, and council members Laurie E. Gonzalez, John Constantino, and Alfonso Kolb Sr.
Rincon Tribal Council Members are democratically elected by
a majority vote of Tribal members. Not only do they serve as the executive,
legislative, and judicial branches of the government, but they possess the
legal authority and responsibility to protect and promote the welfare of the
Tribal members and jurisdiction over the reservation. The Tribal Council also serves
as board of directors for Tribal enterprises, including Harrah’s Resort SoCal.
One Government Center Lane
Valley Center, CA 92082 Directions
Tel: (760) 749-1051
Fax: (760) 749-8901
CONTACT SECURITY 24 Hours a day: (760) 297-2611 Contact
The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians occupies a 5,000-acre reservation in Valley Center, CA. Established in 1875, the Rincon Band is a sovereign government recognized by the United States of America.
Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians Launches California’s First Multi-Tribal Emergency Tribal Access Pass Program
Last Published: July 1, 2026 by Zehra Brandon · Leave a Comment
The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians successfully launched the inaugural Emergency Tribal Access Pass (ETAP) program, welcoming more than 300 Tribal leaders, emergency management professionals, first responders and regional partners to the Rincon Government Center for the first training of its kind in San Diego County.
The event marked the official launch of the first Emergency Tribal Access Pass program in San Diego County and the first multi-Tribal implementation of its kind in California, bringing together Tribal governments and public safety agencies to strengthen emergency coordination and improve access to Tribal communities during wildfires and other emergencies.
Developed through a collaborative partnership between the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, the County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services, and the Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association, the ETAP program establishes standardized emergency access credentials and joint training for authorized Tribal personnel and public safety partners.
Historically, emergency road closures have presented challenges for Tribal governments attempting to access their own reservations during disasters. The ETAP program helps address this long-standing issue by creating a coordinated process that enables authorized Tribal personnel to safely access restricted areas when appropriate, while maintaining close coordination with law enforcement and incident commanders.
“This program represents an important step forward in strengthening emergency preparedness and collaboration between Tribal governments and our regional public safety partners,” said Rincon Tribal Chairman Steve Stallings. “By working together before emergencies occur, we can better protect our communities while ensuring Tribal governments are able to continue
serving their people when they are needed most.”
Throughout the afternoon, attendees participated in comprehensive training covering the ETAP framework, incident command, communications, wildfire safety, evacuation procedures and checkpoint access protocols. Upon successful completion of the training, participants received their Emergency Tribal Access Passes.
The ETAP pilot serves as a model for improving coordination between Tribal governments and emergency response agencies and reflects a shared commitment to public safety, preparedness and government-to-government collaboration. Organizers hope the program will inform future policy discussions and broader implementation throughout California.
Rincon Accelerates Economic Impact
Last Published: March 10, 2026 by Nick Higgins · Leave a Comment
In 2024 alone, the Rincon Tribe generated nearly $739 million in total economic output, supporting nearly 3,000 jobs while contributing $217 million in labor income and providing an additional $52 million in tax revenue.
Continuing this impressive rate of growth, Californians could potentially benefit from an
additional $1.65 billion in Rincon economic impact through 2026.
See Rincon’s Impact in Action
Rincon’s 2024 economic impact was 2.5 times greater than in 2010
The Tribe continues to invest heavily in support of community services, including fire and emergency services protection. Rincon also supports many organizations whose missions include comprehensive healthcare, food security, homeless programs, preserving precious resources and assisting veterans.
“The Rincon Tribe is enjoying unprecedented success. We deliver critical impact every day by generating good paying jobs, dynamic economic activity and important tax revenue. All of us at Rincon are proud to share our prosperity, creating more opportunities for everyone including those in need.”
– Chairman Steve Stallings
Making a Difference
The Rincon Tribe proudly supports many organizations and communities across Southern California and throughout San Diego County. Check out some of these stories below.
Proud Sponsor of KPBS Programming
Last Published: March 2, 2026 by Nick Higgins · Leave a Comment
Rincon Tribe Sponsors KPBS
The Rincon Tribe is proud to be the first Tribal sponsor of KPBS programming, elevating our longtime commitment to community service.
“Community education is vitally important. Having lived on this land since time immemorial, Rincon is deeply committed to our people, our neighbors and the universal ideals that bind us together as Americans.”
– Chairman Steve Stallings
Rincon is underwriting Public Matters, an ambitious, multi-platform initiative of KPBS that increases public conversation and news coverage of major issues that matter to our region.
This year, Public Matters emphasizes “America 250” in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Rincon’s participation will help to explore our national and local history, reflect upon who we have become and relate our collective hopes for the future.
Public Matters also presents “One Small Step,” bringing strangers with different beliefs and backgrounds together for a conversation that demonstrates we have more in common than we think. The program features engagement without debate, but with curiosity and compassion.
In addition to KPBS, Public Matters features journalism from inewsource and Voice of San Diego. These three independent, nonprofit news organizations are partnering to share content, conversation and events that ensure all San Diegans understand their opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
“Giving voice to stories that might otherwise go untold, public media is America’s historian and we are San Diego’s storyteller. We are thrilled to have the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians join KPBS in this effort.”
– Deanna Mackey, KPBS General Manager
Rincon Government Center
Last Published: October 25, 2020 by Zehra Brandon · Leave a Comment
Friday, October 12, 2018, marked a milestone in the history of the Rincon Band – the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new Tribal Government Center.
Joining Rincon Band members at the opening ceremony were Assemblywoman Marie Waldron, State Senator Ben Hueso, Escondido City Manager Jeff Epp, San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister, and Assemblyman Brian Maienschein. Delegations from the California Highway Patrol and San Diego County Sheriff’s Department also attended the grand opening event.
In dedicating the new building, Chairman Bo Mazzetti stated to the crowd, “The first job of tribal government is to create a reliable funding stream to meet the needs of the Band members – such as health care. That’s been done fairly well. Once that was done, we needed to get all of our government employees together. For many years we’ve operated in trailers. Now they will have a permanent home. It’s a great day for us.”
The new Tribal Government Center is located on an 11-acre site south of the Fire Station and General Services Building. The 43,000 square foot state-of-the art complex includes a lobby and reception area, auditorium, employee offices, meeting rooms and conference areas, a large kitchen, as well as a covered barbeque and patio area.
The Chairman acknowledged the many guests at the event, including several representatives of other tribes. “Tribes have come a long way from all over the state to be here,” adding, “We even have a Senator cooking for us.” Mazzetti was referring to State Senator Ben Hueso, who cooked a giant paella out on the patio, where refreshments were served.
Council member Alfonso Kolb, Sr., addressed the crowd: “It’s a great day here today. Our achievements are great. We have needed a lot of patience to achieve them. This is a building where we can come together and work together to help build our future. I hope this government building stands forever. It is our capital. Our people have been looking for something like this to unify us. It’s a good day.” Kolb added that paving stones at the entrance bear the names of every member of the tribe. “It gives us each a sense of ownership,” he said.
Council member Steve Stallings, in his position as Chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), spoke of the new building as “our national headquarters, the nation’s soul. A place to serve the membership more efficiently. To plan better; to communicate better.” In referring to the “nation”, Stallings meant the tribal nation, since Indian tribes are sovereign. The Tribal Government Center is “intended to meet the needs of the tribe for the next one hundred years,” he said.
Vice Chairwoman Tishmall Turner read the names of the many guests, thanking them for joining with Rincon on this special and historic day. Council member Laurie Gonzalez explained to the guests that the Tribe has had self-governance since the time it was made up of clan leaders. She added that those touring the facility would see exhibits of the Tribe’s culture, art, baskets, medicine, and tools. “These displays will remind you that we have always been here and will always be here.”
Rincon broke ground for the new building in July 2017. The building replaced temporary trailers that had been used for the past nine years. Construction and road improvement along State Route 6 (Valley Center Road) will improve the ingress and egress of the new Center and is expected to be completed before the end of November.
In conclusion, Chairman Mazzetti thanked those responsible for the design and construction of the building. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who worked diligently on the construction of the building and contributed to making this a reality,” adding, “This project has been a significant undertaking. The design of the interior incorporates the Luiseño culture. We are going to use this opportunity to incorporate elements that reflect our culture. We have artistic statements throughout the building which have been adapted from tribal basket weaving art, historic oak wood, and stone elements used in building materials, all with indigenous landscaping.”
Rincon Tribal Council
Last Published: October 24, 2020 by Hamed Fazli · Leave a Comment
The Rincon Tribal Council consists of Steve Stallings, Vice Chair Joseph Linton, and council members Laurie E. Gonzalez, John Constantino, and Alfonso Kolb Sr.
Rincon Tribal Council Members are democratically elected by a majority vote of Tribal members. Not only do they serve as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government, but they possess the legal authority and responsibility to protect and promote the welfare of the Tribal members and jurisdiction over the reservation. The Tribal Council also serves as board of directors for Tribal enterprises, including Harrah’s Resort SoCal.
Rincon Tribal Council
Steve Stallings
Joseph Linton
Laurie Gonzalez
John Constantino
Alfonso Kolb Sr.
News and Events
Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians Launches California’s First Multi-Tribal Emergency Tribal Access Pass Program
Rincon Tribal Council Celebrates Graduating Class of 2026 at SCTCA Ceremony
Intertribal Earth Day Save the Date 2026
Rincon Clean-Up Day
Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians
One Government Center Lane
Valley Center, CA 92082
Directions
Tel: (760) 749-1051
Fax: (760) 749-8901
CONTACT SECURITY 24 Hours a day: (760) 297-2611
Contact
News and Events
Rincon Tribal Council Celebrates Graduating Class of 2026 at SCTCA Ceremony
Intertribal Earth Day Save the Date 2026
Rincon Clean-Up Day
College & Career Fair
Most Recent Job Openings
VIEW ALL OPENINGSTribal Law Enforcement Officer I
Archaeologist
Food Service Worker & Tutor
Site Monitor
The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians occupies a 5,000-acre reservation in Valley Center, CA. Established in 1875, the Rincon Band is a sovereign government recognized by the United States of America.