Wilton Rancheria

Please note- the Wilton Rancheria Tribal Office will be closed for the Holidays until Monday, January 4th. Please understand that your calls and/or emails may not be responded to until then. Happy Holidays!

FREE Drive-Thru Flu Clinic! Masks are required. Open to Wilton Rancheria Tribal Members, family, and to the greater community. This is a drive-thru clinic. Please always stay in your vehicle. Vaccine is preservative-free. It is safe for pregnant women.... Please provide a total number of members per household that are interested. Please emphasize if any members are over 65 years of age. Must RSVP and complete form. (Form can be sent via email or completed day of) Please RSVP to Adiyama Lecanadau at [email protected] or Cristina Lopez at [email protected] See more

We have received wonderful feedback from the local community regarding the news of our adjacent property being purchased by our Gaming Partner, Boyd Gaming. Please see the comments for some of the highlights of local and national press coverage!

Elk Grove city leaders today announced that the former outlet mall site in Elk Grove has been purchased by Boyd Elk Grove, LLC, an entity of Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming Corporation. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The approximately 64-acre property located at Promenade Parkway and Grant Line Road was sold by Woodlands, Texas-based developer, the Howard Hughes Corporation (HHC). The sale formally ends plans by HHC to develop an outlet mall on the property which is... adjacent to the 36-acre property now owned in federal trust for the Wilton Rancheria Native American tribe’s gaming resort project. Boyd Gaming is partnering with the tribe to develop the gaming project on the adjacent land, but they have not indicated their plans for the property or a timeline for development. This investment demonstrates our continuing commitment to the Wilton Rancheria Tribe and the Elk Grove community, said Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming. By acquiring this parcel, the tribe and Boyd Gaming believe we will have the most dynamic casino and hospitality development site in all of Northern California. Wilton Rancheria appreciates and values our relationship with Boyd Gaming and the support of the City of Elk Grove, said Tribal Chairman Jesus Tarango. Boyd Gaming’s decision to buy this land continues to show the commitment they made when we became partners to develop the Wilton Rancheria resort and casino. Boyd Gaming has confirmed its desire to work closely with the City moving forward. While we are disappointed that HHC was unable to deliver on their mall project for our community, we are excited for the opportunity to work with Boyd Gaming to make the best use of this long-neglected property in our City, said Elk Grove’s City Manager Jason Behrmann. This sale offers a fresh start and a new opportunity to develop something with a group who shares the City’s vision for the site and its potential as a regional destination. http://www.elkgrovecity.org//former_mall_property_in_elk_g

Dear Wilton Rancheria Tribal Member, Happy Holidays! We hope this letter finds you and your family well at this time. We write to update you about the Tribe’s plans to celebrate the Holidays this year, albeit a bit differently than we are used to. In order to maintain compliance with Local, State, and Federal Guidelines, Wilton Rancheria will not be having an in-person Christmas Party this year. While we are disappointed, we also understand that the health of our community m...ust come first, and gathering at such a large scale would be irresponsible and likely to cause the spread of the COVID-19 virus. However, in order to maintain the tradition of celebrating, we will be hosting a virtual Christmas Party this year on Friday, December 18th from 6pm-8pm. We will be celebrating the year with a virtual raffle, much like we have in-person each year, as well as community updates from our Elected Leadership. You will be able to register for the party by visiting this link: https://bit.ly/WRxmas2020 While we have come to enjoy a tradition of passing out Christmas Stockings to our families that attend each year, we have decided we will be unable to do so this year, due to the risks posed by COVID-19. Instead, we will be offering a gift of $50 to every Tribally-Enrolled youth as a Holiday present from the Tribe. Checks must be requested by the Tribal Parent at this link: https://bit.ly/kidsxmas2020 This year has posed many challenges to us as a Tribal Nation, and we are proud of how we have adapted to make sure our community continues to receive tremendous services. I want to thank each and every one of our staff for their hard work in making this year happen so seamlessly, all while facing down one of the most significant challenges our country has seen. We look forward to celebrating the Holidays with our community and hope you can join us on the 18th! Should you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected] for more information. Blessings, Jesus Tarango Chairman

Hello Tribal Members, I hope this finds you well. We look forward to hosting our first Grocery Gift Card giveaway this Saturday, 9/19/2020 from 10am-2pm. This email serves as a reminder of the program, and to help answer some questions that we have gotten. First and foremost, there is NO application to receive a gift card. All Tribal Members above the age of 18 are eligible to pick up a gift card!... Gift Cards must be picked up in-person either this Saturday (9/19) or next Saturday (9/26) from 10am-2pm. If you are unable to pick-up in person, we will be reaching out at the end of the month to coordinate delivery via USPS. Elders: The only exception to picking up gift cards is for our elders. Any Tribal Elder is eligible to designate a person to pick up on their behalf. We will have a booth set up just for Elders and their Designees. However, that designee MUST be identified before Saturday. Please email Chris Franklin, Director of Elder’s Assistance, at [email protected] or call the Tribal Office to designate your person to pick up on your behalf. FAQ’s: Can I pick up for someone else? NO! Tribal Members must pick up in-person. The ONLY exception is that Elder’s may designate, in advance, someone who may pick up on their behalf. That person must be communicated in advance to Director of Elder’s Assistance, Chris Franklin at [email protected] or by calling the Tribal Office. What if I don’t have these stores in my area? Please have the member email [email protected] to arrange delivery of a gift card that will work in your area. What if I can’t pick up in-person on the designated dates? If you are unable to pick up on either date, we will be reaching out at the end of the month/ beginning of October to coordinate delivery. We will be sending cards via USPS Certified Mail to those unable to attend. There are no exceptions to this. What can I purchase with the gift card? This gift card was provided via a grant from the Tribal Nations Grant Fund. It is eligible to be used for groceries and essential goods only. What if I lose my card? Once you have signed the confirmation of receipt at pick-up, you are solely responsible for the card. Any loss, destruction, or theft of the card is not the responsibility of the Tribe. Please take great care to protect the card. When you arrive for pick up, please note that MASKS ARE REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES! We will also be enforcing social distancing guidelines of 6’. In order to take precautions about possible virus transmission, we are asking that all Members please exit the Tribal Office area immediately after receiving their gift card. While we miss everyone and wish we could hang out, we must remain safe and make sure that we are being cautious. If there are any questions, please email [email protected]

Hello Tribal Members, We understand there has been a little confusion regarding the two programs currently being operated as part of the Tribe's efforts to provide economic relief to those affected by COVID-19. In regards to the $1,500 relief, you MUST apply at the link (bit.ly/WRassist2) in order to receive your funds. Checks will be sent via USPS on a rolling basis. Please give up to 2 weeks for your check to arrive. ... For the $500 grocery gift cards, there is NO application necessary. Gift Cards will be available to all adult Tribal Members over the age of 18, including Elders. Gift Cards must be picked up in-person on either Saturday, 9/19, or Saturday, 9/26. Pick up with being from 10am-2pm each day. Please bring a valid ID so that we can verify your identity. You CANNOT pick up a gift card for anyone but yourself. If you are unable to pick up a gift card in-person, we will reach out at the beginning of October to coordinate mailing the gift card to you. As always, we encourage Tribal Members to get signed up for our email updates by emailing [email protected] and requesting to be placed on the mailing list. You can also email [email protected] with any questions you have about the Tribe's efforts to provide relief during this COVID-19 crisis. Due to limited staffing capacity and staff working from home, we encourage Tribal Members to use email as a primary means of communication.

Chairman Jesus Tarango was published in the Sac Bee for his opinion on replacing recently-removed statues from the state Capitol. Thanks for your voice, Chairman! https://www.sacbee.com//california-f/article245662920.html

Wilton Rancheria Backpack Giveaway! Please reach out to Director of Education, Nia Gregory, for more information. This program is for Wilton Rancheria Tribal families only.

Announcement: Tribal Computer Distribution Program! The Tribal Computer Distribution Program is a one-time complimentary Chromebook device for members of Wilton Rancheria. This offer is directly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Computers are intended to support Tribal Members during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering opportunities to better engage in telework and engaging in digital programming created by Wilton Rancheria Departments. To be eligible, you must be an enro...lled member of Wilton Rancheria, over the age of 12 on March 1, 2020. The computers are YOURS to keep! For device pick-up Each person must be present with ID (children may bring school ID) If your last name starts with letters A-L Date: Thursday July 9, 2020 Time: 12-6pm. If your last name starts with letters M-Z Date: Friday July 10, 2020 Time: 12-6pm. If you live out of state, please contact: [email protected] Frequently Asked Questions are below in the comments

Following the Wilton Rancheria Tribal Election, the newly-elected Council gathered on Monday, June 15th, to officially swear in those elected to Tribal Council. As Chairman Tarango vacated his position as Vice-Chairman, he made an official appointment to complete his term as Vice-Chair. Please join us in welcoming the newly-elected Wilton Rancheria Tribal Council: Chairman Jesus Tarango Vice Chairwoman Tonya Caldwell Tribal Council Spokesperson Cammeron Hodson... Tribal Council Vice-Spokesperson Liz Singh Tribal Council Member Joey Rangel Tribal Council Member Mark Andrews Tribal Council Member Raquel Williams Tribal Council Member Antonio Ruiz Tribal Council Member Donald Brown We look forward to all that the future holds for our Tribe!

Congratulations to our newly elected Tribal Officials- Chairman Jesus Tarango Jr, and Tribal Council Members Raquel Williams, Antonio Junebug Ruiz, Mark Andrews, and Donald Brown Jr. A huge THANK YOU to our outgoing officials for their dedication to the Wilton Rancheria community- Chairman Chuckie Hitchcock, and Council Members Tonya Caldwell and Annette Williams. We would also be remiss to not remember and hold space for our passed-on Tribal Councilman Dennis Heffington for his years of service and sacrifice in supporting our Tribe. We look forward to what the next chapter of Wilton Rancheria holds!

Job Posting: The Court Clerk/Court Administrator of the Tribal Court shall be responsible for the administration of the Tribal Court of Wilton Rancheria and for such other administrative and ministerial duties prescribed by the Code or assigned by the Chief Judge. Apply at: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob

ATTENTION WILTON RANCHERIA TRIBAL MEMBERS- REMINDER: 2020 General Election Information and Timeline... Deadline for Election Commission to receive mail-in ballots: Friday, June 12 at 6:00 pm All non-elder ballots that are mailed must be notarized. In-person curbside ballot drop-off at the tribal office: Saturday, June 13 from 7:30 10:00 am All voters dropping off a ballot must be present and must provide a valid government ID (state-issued ID or driver's license, Wilton ID, passport) All voters and passengers must remain in their vehicles Livestream of tally count: Saturday, June 13 starting at 10:30 am Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/WiltonElection2020 (password available upon request) Tally count: http://wiltonrancheria-nsn.gov//Ele/tabid/748/Default.aspx Only the Election Commission, current elected officials, security, admins, and candidates may be onsite at the tribal office for the vote tally.

We are proud to stand with our Black relatives at this time in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Please see the statement below, provided collaboratively by the Office of the Chair and Tribal Council.

5/29/2020 Dear Wilton Rancheria Tribal Member, On Monday, March 23rd, Wilton Rancheria circulated a notice that allowed for Adult Tribal Members to request a one-time emergency distribution of $500 from their allotted $1,000 General Welfare Distribution (GWD) that was scheduled for late-2020. For those who borrowed against themselves, this $500 was able to help offset the immediate costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. ... We are proud to announce that due to the diligence and hard work of the Office of the Chair and Department of Administration, Wilton Rancheria has secured funding that will expand financial relief due to the impacts of COVID-19 to all Adult Tribal Members! At this time, funding is available for Adult Members only. Elders will be receiving additional information regarding financial assistance being made available to them. Please read the following information closely, as it contains important information regarding the application requirements for financial relief from the Tribe. For those who borrowed $500 from their GWD: You are eligible for a distribution of $1,000 at this time. The $500 previously distributed will not be withheld from the scheduled distribution this Fall. You are entitled to the fully budgeted allotment unless charges have been levied against your GWD amount. For those who did not borrow the $500 from their GWD: You are eligible for a distribution of $1,500 at this time. Distribution of funds is not tied to the GWD scheduled for late 2020. To be eligible for this financial relief, you must: Be an enrolled Adult Member of Wilton Rancheria; and Apply for funds as required by program policy. All Adult Tribal Members are eligible for funding, but must submit an application for funds, which can be found online at https://bit.ly/WRCovidHelp All funds will be distributed by check to the mailing address submitted on the application. Wilton Rancheria is not responsible for any delays in delivery due to incorrect or incomplete addresses. Should you have any questions regarding this program, or have issues with submitting your application, please email Chris Franklin, COVID Grant Manager ([email protected]), or Dahlton Brown, Executive Director of Administration ([email protected]). Sincerely, Raymond Chuckie Hitchcock Raymond Chuckie Hitchcock Tribal Chairman

Dear Wilton Rancheria Tribal Member, During these times of uncertainty, we are excited to announce the receipt of funds through the Department of Treasury CARES Act. The Act provides funds that can be used to alleviate unexpected costs attributed to preparing for, preventing, and responding to the COVID-19 virus. Allowable expenditures may include assistance to cover emergency medical or public health needs, second-order effects of an emergency, disinfection of our public a...reas (office, warehouse), expenses for food deliveries to our Elders, costs associated with distance learning, telework and funds to assist our homeless population. The Act is clear on what is and is not permissible, including not allowing direct financial distribution to members in the form of per-capita payments. The Tribal Council and Office of the Chair are working diligently to create and implement programs to assist our general membership as allowed by the Act. We ask for your patience as we press forward. For questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to reach out to our Executive Director of Administration Dahlton Brown ([email protected]) or Elder’s Director and COVID Grant Manager Chris Franklin ([email protected]). Tangi Kamu Respectfully, Jesus Tarango Vice-Chairman

PUBLIC NOTICE: Wilton Rancheria is announcing its intention to apply to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Indian Community Development Block Grant funds authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (ICDBG-CARES). ICDBG-CARES funds are being offered non-competitively through the HUD Office of Native American Programs and must be used to prevent, prepare for, or respond to the current pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (...COVID-19). Wilton Rancheria is eligible to apply for up to $900,000.00 and plans to use these funds for emergency assistance in the form of rental, mortgage, food, and utility medical assistance to tribal members, creation of facilities for storage of PPE and medically necessary supplies, and long-term housing opportunities for Tribal Members suffering from consistent housing instability. Applications are being accepted by HUD starting on June 1, 2020. Community members are invited to comment on the Tribe’s proposed use of ICDBG-CARES funds and programs they wish to see created. Comments may be submitted to Dahlton Brown, Executive Director of Administrator by email at [email protected]