Juaneno Tribe

David Belardes, Discovered to be a Non-Indian, Misrepresents Juaneño Tribe in Initial Agreement with TCA to Support Proposed Toll Road
TCA, the Transportation Corridor Agency, is currently in discussions with David Belardes, as a “representative” of the Juaneño Tribe, to drop opposition to the agency’s proposed toll road in exchange for a reported $350,000. But, it turns out that David Belardes is not a Native Juaneño or even Indian and is not an enrolled member of the Juaneño Tribe. Belardes’ Non-Indian ancestry was reported by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Federal Acknowledgement during the Tribe’s ongoing petition for federal recognition. Domingo Yorba, Belardes’ paternal great grandfather whom he based his ancestral claims on, was classified as a Non-Indian in the Department’s report, which is part of the public record (JBMI 84A Proposed Findings, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2007, pp. 247-252.). The genealogical and historical evidence demonstrates that both paternal great grandparents of David Belardes were in fact of Mexican and Spanish descent—not Juaneño or California Indian.
As many Southern California residents know, in February 2008, the California Coastal Commission denied a proposal by the Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA) to extend the Foothill-South Toll Road through southern Orange County. Members of the Juaneño Tribe and other residents expressed concern that the proposed toll road could disturb sacred Juaneño ancestral sites. The TCA has since discussed a potential agreement for support of the proposed toll road with David Belardes, a San Juan Capistrano resident who falsely claims to represent the Juaneño Tribe.

Knowing this about David should make the TCA rethink there agreement that they were discussing with Belardes and the tribes people that are following him should jump out and join the real Indians.

I don't see what the big deal is with David Balardes, for years he has swindled this tribe out of monies and a legitimate claim to their ansestral lands and artifacts. history repeats itself, just as in the old days when the U.S. govt. wanted land, it would just make deals with with any tribe or tribal member so that they could JUSTIFY the taking of lands. this is a sick dieseas that effects weak persons like belardes,he and others (such as sonia johnston) have destoyed any real chances of any claims that the Jauneo have. and for what ? a little bit of money . well I guess that is the american dream in action!

Ok I have to agree with that finding,,I am Juaneno from both sides of my famile.I go all the way back to villages that date back before the 1840ss,,wow I didnt even know that was for sure,but all my grandmothers were with the Mission,,and the recrds or writings are on the wall..I hope we get recognized,,,that would be awsome...for all our people,,yes yes yes..

ummmm report im doin.......... do ya

Why are some Juaneno members receiving checks and alot of us aren't. I understand that representatives from Penchanga went to our tribe and offered their help in getting us started in a casino. Our tribe declined. I've yet to investigate this farther, along with other matters. Any comments on this and others matters?that seem to

nobody wrote:

I don't see what the big deal is with David Balardes, for years he has swindled this tribe out of monies and a legitimate claim to their ansestral lands and artifacts. history repeats itself, just as in the old days when the U.S. govt. wanted land, it would just make deals with with any tribe or tribal member so that they could JUSTIFY the taking of lands. this is a sick dieseas that effects weak persons like belardes,he and others (such as sonia johnston) have destoyed any real chances of any claims that the Jauneo have. and for what ? a little bit of money . well I guess that is the american dream in action!

I understand Sonia Johnston has received 2 million dolars and she isn't even charted in as a Juaneno decendent in regards to blood.