Anna Prieto Sandoval facts for kids

Anna Prieto Sandoval (May 14, 1934 – October 28, 2010) was an important leader of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. This Native American tribe lives in southern California. Anna Sandoval was a pioneer in using gaming (like casinos) to help her community. She is known for helping the Sycuan Band reservation go from being very poor to becoming self-sufficient. She did this by starting casino gambling on their reservation.

Early Life and Education

Anna Prieto Sandoval was born on May 14, 1934. Her birthplace was the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation reservation. She grew up speaking the Kumeyaay language as her first language. Her mother, Ada Prieto, was also born on the Sycuan reservation.

Anna went to Dehesa Elementary and Grossmont High School in El Cajon, California. She later attended Grossmont College after raising her children. She also taught the Kumeyaay language at San Diego State University. Anna Sandoval was married twice and had five children.

Leading the Sycuan Nation

Anna Sandoval became the chairwoman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation in 1972. When she took office, the reservation faced many challenges. None of the eighty Sycuan members living there had full-time jobs. Homes lacked indoor plumbing, and many buildings were falling apart. There was only a small meeting hall and an old church.

Starting the Bingo Hall

The state of California later allowed Native American tribes to open gambling businesses. A company from Florida, Pan American International, approached Sandoval. They suggested opening a bingo hall on Sycuan land. Anna Sandoval then led the Sycuan Band's journey out of poverty.

Some members of the Sycuan tribal council were worried at first. They were concerned about pollution and too many people coming to their small reservation. But Anna Sandoval worked hard to convince them.

In 1983, after several years of planning, the Sycuan Bingo Palace opened. It quickly earned more money than anyone expected.

Building a Prosperous Future

In 1987, Sandoval and the Sycuan Band decided to run the Bingo Palace themselves. They no longer needed Pan American International. Under Anna Sandoval's leadership, the tribe built a new casino. This large casino, about 68,000-square-foot (6,300 m²), opened in 1990.

The money from the casino helped build many new things on the reservation. They built a new fire station, a church, and a health clinic. Before the casino, many people on the reservation were unemployed. After the casino, everyone had jobs. The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation became one of the richest tribes in the United States. They also became one of the biggest employers in San Diego County.

Death and Lasting Impact

Anna Prieto Sandoval passed away on October 28, 2010. She was 76 years old. She died at her home on the Sycuan reservation from complications of diabetes.

She was survived by her brother, George Prieto. She also left behind three sons, Joseph, Raymond, and Orlando. She had fifteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Sadly, two of her daughters, Marquette Riberas and Cheryl Haywood, had passed away before her.

Following Kumeyaay traditions, most of Sandoval's belongings and clothes were burned. Her leadership left a lasting mark on her community.

Honors and Recognition

In 2010, Anna Prieto Sandoval was honored for her achievements. She was nominated and inducted into the San Diego Women's Hall Of Fame. This honor was given by several organizations, including the Women's Museum of California.