Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians to Launch California's First Multi-Tribal Emergency Tribal Access Pass Program
VALLEY CENTER, Calif. — The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians will host the inaugural Emergency Tribal Access Pass (ETAP) Training on Tuesday, June 30 at the Rincon Government Center. The event marks the official launch of the first Emergency Tribal Access Pass program in San Diego County and the first multi-Tribal implementation of its kind in California.
Developed in partnership with the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services, and the Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association, the ETAP program establishes standardized emergency access credentials and joint training to help credentialed Tribal personnel safely access Tribal lands during wildfires and other emergencies while coordinating with first responders.
Historically, emergency road closures have prevented Tribal governments from accessing their own reservations during disasters, creating challenges in protecting communities, maintaining essential government operations, and coordinating emergency response efforts. ETAP addresses this long-standing gap by establishing a standardized system for verifying authorized Tribal personnel at emergency checkpoints.
More than 200 representatives from Tribal governments throughout San Diego County are expected to attend the inaugural training, where participants will receive instruction on emergency access procedures, incident command, wildfire safety, and interagency coordination. Credentialed participants will also receive their Emergency Tribal Access Passes.
The ETAP pilot represents an important step toward strengthening collaboration between Tribal governments and public safety agencies and establishing a proven model that could support broader implementation and future statewide policy.
WHO
WHAT
Opening ceremony for the inaugural Emergency Tribal Access Pass (ETAP) Training and official launch of the ETAP pilot program.
WHEN
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Media Arrival: 12:45 p.m.
Opening Remarks: 1:00 p.m.
WHERE
Rincon Government Center
One Government Center Lane
Valley Center, CA 92082
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Please Note:
Due to the operational nature of the training, media access will be limited to the opening remarks and designated interview opportunities.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Emergency Tribal Access Pass (ETAP) program is designed to ensure Tribal governments can continue serving and protecting their communities during emergencies. By providing standardized credentials and joint training with regional public safety agencies, ETAP improves coordination at emergency checkpoints while supporting safe access for authorized Tribal personnel. The initiative represents a significant advancement in emergency preparedness, interagency collaboration and Tribal sovereignty, with the long-term vision of establishing a model that can be expanded throughout California.
Thank you,
Zehra Momini Brandon
Communications Manager
Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians
One Government Center Lane | Valley Center, CA 92082
Office Phone: (760) 297-2027 ext: 374 | Cell: (442) 217-5643
Email:
zbrandon@rincon-nsn.gov
MEDIA ADVISORY
Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians to Launch California's First Multi-Tribal Emergency Tribal Access Pass Program
VALLEY CENTER, Calif. — The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians will host the inaugural Emergency Tribal Access Pass (ETAP) Training on Tuesday, June 30 at the Rincon Government Center. The event marks the official launch of the first Emergency Tribal Access Pass program in San Diego County and the first multi-Tribal implementation of its kind in California.
Developed in partnership with the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services, and the Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association, the ETAP program establishes standardized emergency access credentials and joint training to help credentialed Tribal personnel safely access Tribal lands during wildfires and other emergencies while coordinating with first responders.
Historically, emergency road closures have prevented Tribal governments from accessing their own reservations during disasters, creating challenges in protecting communities, maintaining essential government operations, and coordinating emergency response efforts. ETAP addresses this long-standing gap by establishing a standardized system for verifying authorized Tribal personnel at emergency checkpoints.
More than 200 representatives from Tribal governments throughout San Diego County are expected to attend the inaugural training, where participants will receive instruction on emergency access procedures, incident command, wildfire safety, and interagency coordination. Credentialed participants will also receive their Emergency Tribal Access Passes.
The ETAP pilot represents an important step toward strengthening collaboration between Tribal governments and public safety agencies and establishing a proven model that could support broader implementation and future statewide policy.
WHO
WHAT
Opening ceremony for the inaugural Emergency Tribal Access Pass (ETAP) Training and official launch of the ETAP pilot program.
WHEN
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Media Arrival: 12:45 p.m.
Opening Remarks: 1:00 p.m.
WHERE
Rincon Government Center
One Government Center Lane
Valley Center, CA 92082
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Please Note:
Due to the operational nature of the training, media access will be limited to the opening remarks and designated interview opportunities.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Emergency Tribal Access Pass (ETAP) program is designed to ensure Tribal governments can continue serving and protecting their communities during emergencies. By providing standardized credentials and joint training with regional public safety agencies, ETAP improves coordination at emergency checkpoints while supporting safe access for authorized Tribal personnel. The initiative represents a significant advancement in emergency preparedness, interagency collaboration and Tribal sovereignty, with the long-term vision of establishing a model that can be expanded throughout California.
Thank you,
Zehra Momini Brandon
Communications Manager
Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians
One Government Center Lane | Valley Center, CA 92082
Office Phone: (760) 297-2027 ext: 374 | Cell: (442) 217-5643
Email:
zbrandon@rincon-nsn.gov
