Everything changed for the San Manuel Band. Supreme Court effectively legalized tribal casinos in the landmark California v. Many tribal members had moved away from the poverty of the reservation, but Ramos’ family and others stayed, trying to make money any way they could: selling cigarettes, renting stables for horse owners and operating food stands to sell frybread and soda to riders. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)He graduated high school in 1985. James Ramos sings a Cahuilla bird song at dusk Thursday, Nov. “I lived in a mobile home during that time,” Ramos said.
The San Manuel Reservation that Assemblymember James Ramos, D-Highland, grew up on is a far cry from the one that overlooks Highland and San Bernardino today.
