Republican Leaders Mourn the Loss of Agua Caliente Chairman Richard Milanovich

SACRAMENTO, CA – Longtime Chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Richard Milanovich passed away yesterday, after battling cancer for many years. Milanovich is revered in many communities as an influential leader and motivator, and will be remembered for his impact and tireless work on tribal affairs.

“Our deepest condolences and heartfelt thoughts go out to the family of Chairman Milanovich,” said CRP Chairman Tom Del Beccaro. “Richard was a very selfless and compassionate man, who worked non-stop to inspire a new generation of leaders; he will be deeply missed.”

State Senator Bill Emmerson, who represented Milanovich in California’s 37th Senate District added, “Richard was a true visionary who enabled the Aqua Caliente tribe to attain self-sufficiency through education, housing and healthcare programs while still retaining the tribe's rich cultural heritage. He was a true gentleman.”

Milanovich served in the Army during the Cold War, where he was stationed in Germany and assigned to long-range reconnaissance patrol. He became a member of the Agua Caliente Tribal Council in 1978 and was elected as chairman in 1984.

"The passing of Richard Milanovich is a great loss to Agua Caliente and to our community. Chairman Milanovich will be remembered as one of the most influential leaders in California history,” said Assemblyman Brian Nestande, who represented Milanovich in California’s 64th Assembly District.

Milanovich is survived by his wife, Melissa, and six children: Scott, Reid, Trista, Sean, Travis and Tammy.

Governor Brown Issues Proclamation Declaring Thanksgiving Day

PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

 

The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was a celebration of the harvest that brought together the Pilgrims of Plymouth Plantation and the Native Americans who helped them adapt to their new environment. Over the years Thanksgiving became an American tradition and one of the first holidays we celebrated as a free and independent nation. In 1789, George Washington proclaimed the first Thanksgiving observance in the newly formed United States of America, writing that “it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.”

 

Thanksgiving has continued to be one of our most cherished observances, a day to join with family and friends and feast on traditional delicacies from roasted turkey to pumpkin pie, foods that commemorate the joining of the Old World and the New that brought about that First Thanksgiving long ago.

 

It is most fitting that we set aside a special day for gratitude. As Americans, we have every reason to give thanks for the wonderful bounty of our land, the strength of our fellow citizens and our system of government that protects our basic freedoms.

 

NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim November 24, 2011, as Thanksgiving Day.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 18th day of November 2011.

Former General Manager Of Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino Sentenced for Defrauding Casino

FRESNO, CA—United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that today United States District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill sentenced Jeff Livingston, 51, of Las Vegas (formerly of Fresno), to 24 months in prison for his conviction in June 2011 by a jury on six counts of mail fraud and three counts of theft committed during his employment as the general manager of Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino.

The evidence at trial showed that from October 2006 through October 2007, Livingston, Chukchansi’s general manger, executed a scheme to defraud Chukchansi by making a series of personal purchases using his business credit card and other Chukchansi funds. By accounting for such purchases as business purchases, Livingston caused the casino to pay for the items and defrauded the casino of its money and property. The personal purchases included a golf package to Hawaii, down payments on personal vehicles, a diamond necklace, and autographed sports and music memorabilia, including an autographed Master’s jacket. Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino is owned and operated by the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, a federally recognized Indian tribe in Madera County.

According to U.S. Attorney Wagner, “The United States will vigorously prosecute those who seek to defraud legitimate gaming establishments operated by federally recognized Indian tribes in California.”

This case is the product of an extensive investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Gambling Control. Assistant United States Attorneys Ian Garriques and Kirk Sherriff prosecuted the case.

Governor Brown Establishes Tribal Advisor to Strengthen Communication, Collaboration with California’s Native American Tribes

SACRAMENTO – In order to strengthen communication and collaboration between California state government and Native American Tribes, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued an Executive Order establishing the position of Governor’s Tribal Advisor in the Office of the Governor. This position will serve as a direct link between the Governor’s Office and tribal governments on matters including legislation, policy and regulation. Governor Brown signed the Executive Order today while attending the TASIN All California Tribes Meeting at the Sheraton Hotel in Sacramento, CA.

The text of the Executive Order is below:

EXECUTIVE ORDER B-10-11

WHEREAS California is home to many Native American Tribes with whom the State of California has an important relationship, as set forth and affirmed in state and federal law; and

WHEREAS the State of California recognizes and reaffirms the inherent right of these Tribes to exercise sovereign authority over their members and territory; and

WHEREAS the State and the Tribes are better able to adopt and implement mutually-beneficial policies when they cooperate and engage in meaningful consultation; and

WHEREAS the State is committed to strengthening and sustaining effective government-to-government relationships between the State and the Tribes by identifying areas of mutual concern and working to develop partnerships and consensus; and

WHEREAS tribal people, as both citizens of California and their respective sovereign nations, have a shared interest in creating increased opportunities for all California citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the statutes of the State of California, do hereby issue the following orders to become effective immediately:

IT IS ORDERED that the position of Governor’s Tribal Advisor shall exist within the Office of the Governor;

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Governor’s Tribal Advisor shall oversee and implement effective government-to-government consultation between my Administration and Tribes on policies that affect California tribal communities, and shall:

• Serve as a direct link between the Tribes and the Governor of the State of California.

• Facilitate communication and consultations between the Tribes, the Office of the Governor, state agencies, and agency tribal liaisons.

• Review state legislation and regulations affecting Tribes and make recommendations on these proposals.

IT IS FUTHER ORDERED that the Office of the Governor shall meet regularly with the elected officials of California Indian Tribes to discuss state policies that may affect tribal communities.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that it is the policy of this Administration that every state agency and department subject to my executive control shall encourage communication and consultation with California Indian Tribes. Agencies and departments shall permit elected officials and other representatives of tribal governments to provide meaningful input into the development of legislation, regulations, rules, and policies on matters that may affect tribal communities.

For purposes of this Order, the terms “Tribe,” “California Indian Tribe”, and “tribal” include all Federally Recognized Tribes and other California Native Americans.

This Executive Order is not intended to create, and does not create, any rights or benefits, whether substantive or procedural, or enforceable at law or in equity, against the State of California or its agencies, departments, entities, officers, employees, or any other person.

I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this Order shall be filed with the Office of the Secretary of State and that it be given widespread publicity and notice.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my

hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 19th day of September 2011.

EDMUND G. BROWN JR.

Governor of California

ATTEST:

DEBRA BOWEN

Secretary of State