Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
Special to Valley News
Each year, the Soboba Casino Resort and the Soboba Foundation present a Holiday Mixer at the SCR Event Center for members of the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce. This year was different in that members of the Greater San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce were also invited to the Dec. 18 event. This symbol of unity was not lost on the attendees who were not charged to attend and completely filled the center. Chamber members strive to bring the community together throughout the year so to have that message celebrated at this year’s mixer was especially meaningful.
Rafael Arce is a mortgage broker with California Home Path and has been a member of the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce for about a year and a half and currently serves on its Board of Directors. Established in 2020, California Home Path is a community-focused mortgage brokerage dedicated to helping people move forward with confidence through clear guidance and trusted local relationships.
“My focus is on education, clarity, and helping clients make confident, informed decisions throughout the home-buying process,” Arce said. “We help individuals and families navigate home financing through purchase loans, refinances, and FHA programs.”
Attending his first Holiday Mixer presented by Soboba, Arce was impressed by the turnout and positive energy.
“It felt well organized and genuinely focused on bringing the local business community together in a meaningful way,” he said. “A highlight for me was seeing so many local business owners come together in one space to connect, support one another, and celebrate the season. The setting at Soboba Casino Resort’s Event Center made it a welcoming and memorable event.”
Arce said being part of the Chamber helps build trust, visibility, and strong local relationships.
“It creates opportunities to collaborate with other business owners and stay connected to what’s happening in our community,” he said. “Being a Chamber member allows us to build strong local relationships, stay connected to the business community, support local initiatives, and contribute to the overall growth of the Hemet–San Jacinto area.”
Although Toyota of Hemet has been a valley icon for decades, new ownership was assumed in May 2024. Manager Huy Nguyen said Its membership in the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce is new, and they look forward to becoming an active and engaged member of the local business community.
“We are excited to begin building relationships and contributing to the local business network,” Chamber Board member Nguyen said. “This was our first Chamber event, and our impression was very positive. The welcoming atmosphere and genuine connections made it a great introduction to the Chamber community. I enjoyed meeting local business owners and community leaders and getting a firsthand feel for the collaboration and positive energy within the Chamber.”
Toyota of Hemet is a community-focused dealership committed to service, integrity, and building long term relationships.
“Being a Chamber member allows us to build strong local relationships, stay connected to the business community, support local initiatives, and contribute to the overall growth of the Hemet–San Jacinto area,” Nguyen said.
Carlos Michel is a CEO, entrepreneur and proud Veteran. A four-year member of the Hemet/San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce, he serves on its Board of Directors.
“As a multi-business owner and entrepreneur, my active involvement allows me to contribute directly to the Chamber’s mission and to the continued growth and strengthening of our local business community,” he said. “Drawing on my background as a former elementary school teacher in the valley, I am committed to educating Chamber members on the benefits available to them, helping them navigate resources, and serving as a knowledgeable, approachable advocate for their long-term success.”
Michel owns and operates several veteran-owned, locally owned businesses. Carlitos Frozen Yogurt is a family-friendly frozen yogurt shop proudly serving East Hemet and providing a welcoming space for local families. Shooters Sports Bar & Grill is a community-centered venue offering food, entertainment, and a gathering place that supports local pool and dart leagues and events. Essential Blasting Inc. is a Valley-based industrial services company specializing in sandblasting, pressure washing, and surface restoration while creating skilled local jobs. Finally, Colt Boots Western & Work Wear is a locally rooted retailer supplying quality western and work apparel, shoe repair services and custom hat shaping and cleaning services in support of the Valley’s workforce.
“My businesses are built on serving the community, creating local jobs, and strengthening the valley by keeping commerce, connection, and growth rooted right here at home. Together, these businesses serve diverse needs across the community while sharing a unified commitment to veteran leadership, local ownership, job creation, and sustainable growth throughout the Valley,” Michel said. “Colt Boots, established in 2022, was the first of my businesses and laid the foundation for expanding into other industries. Each company was started with the intention of meeting a local need, creating jobs, and giving back to the Valley.”
After attending multiple Chamber events over the years, Michel said this year’s Holiday Mixer stood out because of the strong turnout and sense of collaboration.
“Events like this reinforce how connected and supportive our business community is,” he said. “The event itself was exceptionally well executed. Andrew Vallejos was an outstanding host—
professional, welcoming, and generous throughout the evening. His attention to detail, the thoughtful gifts provided, and the overall level of hospitality set a high standard. The entertainment exceeded expectations and was nothing short of spectacular, reflecting Soboba’s commitment to hosting events that are both memorable and meaningful.”
He added that one of the highlights of the event was the opportunity to connect with fellow business owners, community leaders, and members of the Soboba Tribal Council.
“The positive energy and genuine support among those in attendance were truly evident,” he said. “As always, the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians continues to demonstrate its commitment and dedication to what they have described as their inherent duty—to support local small businesses throughout the valley and to create meaningful connections between small businesses and larger enterprises.”
Michel said being a Chamber member provides valuable networking opportunities, increased visibility, and access to relationships that help local businesses grow together rather than in isolation. It fosters collaboration, trust, and long-term partnerships within the community. Serving on the Board has also given him a deeper appreciation for the work being done behind the scenes to support local businesses.
“I take pride in being involved in the Chamber and supporting events that bring the community together,” Michel said. “Building relationships and working alongside other local business owners is something I value greatly.”
Several games were held throughout the three-hour event that brought laughter and frivolity to the crowd. A few rounds of musical chairs were followed by a dance contest where judges selected first, second and third place winners based on crowd reaction, creativity, confidence, personality, and staying on beat through many song/genre changes produced by DJ Mike Nevarez.
Contest winners were not the only ones who received prizes as there was a “raffle hour” that gave all guests an excellent opportunity of going home with an early Christmas gift.
