iePolitics is starting a series examining the influence of Indian gaming on politics and crime in San Bernardino County. We will detail its involvement with organized crime and the Mexican Mafia, the preferential treatment by San Bernardino County officials, and their political activities through political action committees, as well as report on some of the “incidents” involving the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians that go unreported by mainstream media.
Among the topics will be the relationship between Tribal Chief James Ramos and District Attorney Mike Ramos, the chaos with the tribal police whose captain happens to be the wife of Safety Employee Benefit Association President William Abernathie, and incidents with the Gaming Commission, most recently involving a physical assault by Tom Ramos, James’ brother.
In the past three decades the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has gone from operating a quiet bingo parlor to a raucous casino and powerful force in San Bernardino County Government. Few county politicos have been left untainted by the money and power the tribe represents and utilizes to further its influence in shaping the outcome of criminal investigations as well as many other aspects of life in the San Bernardino Valley.
Colonies Partners and Lewis Homes may very well rule the west end of San Bernardino County for now but in the ways of coverup and illegal activity is dwarfted by the influence of San Manuel in the east end which continues to expand westward. Some have said “San Bernardino” should be renamed “San Manuel.” Once the series is concluded, you decide if that is a fair assessment.
I have said for a long time that the decline of San Bernardino was caused by 2 things. The closure of Norton which as we all know created jobs and brought many professionals to the area and the addition of Indian gaming. Beginning with it’s initial bingo parlor San Manuel has done nothing but suck money right out of the community. They pay low wages to most and treat their employees like crap. The jobs they have created are nothing compared to the ills they have brough upon this city. Forget about the fact that they SUCK money from all who attend … as they should that is what a casino does but it hasn’t helped the city.
They buy local politicians and associate themselves with the Mexican Mafia. The casino itself has attracted tweekers, prositutes and dope dealers from all around Southern California for years 24 hours a day! Just look at the area surrounding the casino? Look at Highland ave….. no one can afford to go to KMART when they just came from the casino! Let’s not forget if you are a tribe member you can hire a hit man to kill someone you don’t like and expect no more than 18 months on house arrest! Thanks Mike Ramos!!! Glad to know Barrajas and is almost done serving time in his mansion while your serving search warrants looking for Rolex’s. Safe community. Of course Ramos doesn’t give a shit what goes on in San Bernardino, he lives in Redlands! What a great addition to the community! Sorry for the rant but seriously can we find someone in County Government that isn’t a political whore? It’s becoming quite disgusting.