September 11, 2001, was a day that forever changed our nation and the lives of everyone who answered the call to serve.
Twenty-five years later, the Rincon Fire Department continues our tradition of remembrance through an annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb—bringing together first responders, Tribal members and community supporters to honor the victims, heroes and first responders of September 11.
Each step of the climb is an opportunity to remember their courage, sacrifice and service—and to ensure their legacy is carried forward for generations to come.
The Rincon Education Department is gearing up for the 3rd Annual College and Career Fair!
If you’re a student looking for a path toward higher education or a community member looking for a career opportunity, please join us October 14th from 3:00–5:00 PM at the Rincon Tribal Hall to hear from outreach coordinators and recruiters from a variety of fields and areas of study.
Check the flyer for more details and to see an updated list of colleges and organizations expected to be in attendance.
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
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 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Last Published: August 20, 2026 by Hamed Fazli · Leave a Comment
COMMEMORATING 25 YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE
We climb so we never forget.
Join the Rincon Fire Department as we climb in remembrance to honor the victims, heroes and first responders of September 11, 2001.
Saturday, September 12
9:00–11:00 AM
Harrah’s Resort Southern California
777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Funner, CA 92082
Free to the public
Post-climb food & beverages at Rincon Reservation Road Brewery
____________________________________________________________________________________
Why We Climb
September 11, 2001, was a day that forever changed our nation and the lives of everyone who answered the call to serve.
Twenty-five years later, the Rincon Fire Department continues our tradition of remembrance through an annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb—bringing together first responders, Tribal members and community supporters to honor the victims, heroes and first responders of September 11.
Each step of the climb is an opportunity to remember their courage, sacrifice and service—and to ensure their legacy is carried forward for generations to come.
3rd Annual College and Career Fair
Last Published: August 19, 2026 by Hamed Fazli · Leave a Comment
The Rincon Education Department is gearing up for the 3rd Annual College and Career Fair!
If you’re a student looking for a path toward higher education or a community member looking for a career opportunity, please join us October 14th from 3:00–5:00 PM at the Rincon Tribal Hall to hear from outreach coordinators and recruiters from a variety of fields and areas of study.
Check the flyer for more details and to see an updated list of colleges and organizations expected to be in attendance.
Ready to attend?
Interested in tabling with us?
Event Flyer
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 Tribal Council
Steve Stallings
Joseph Linton
Laurie Gonzalez
John Constantino
Alfonso Kolb Sr.
News and Events
Rincon 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
3rd Annual College and Career Fair
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
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
3rd Annual College and Career Fair
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
Most Recent Job Openings
VIEW ALL OPENINGSTutor
Crew Worker II
Environmental Manager
Environmental Specialist I
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.