The Soboba Tribal Environmental Department (STED) takes a comprehensive approach to addressing environmental needs and concerns on and off the reservation. We obtain funding through various grants with which we are able to conduct monitoring and educate the community. The department currently conducts water quality and air quality monitoring on the reservation. STED is also able to create educational materials, to inform the community on water pollution and how to prevent it, as well as addressing any nonpoint source pollution issues, native plants and animals, and sustainability. We are also currently working on a Hazardous Waste Site for the community to use for disposals. A large emphasis is placed on community outreach, with a focus on youth. The development and presentation of workshops, meetings, and classroom activities help produce awareness of the environment and reduce negative impacts. STED’s purpose here is to serve the community, the Soboba tribe, and preserve the natural beauty of the reservation.
We are stronger together.
Christian Aceves:
Hello Everyone, My name is Christian Aceves. I have had the pleasure of being Soboba’s Environmental Director since October 2021. I graduated with two Bachelor degrees in Geography and Environmental Science from California State University San Bernardino. I have a strong passion for the natural world and seek knowledge everyday to ensure its preservation. During my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring new campgrounds, traveling the world, and seeking new exciting experiences. It is an honor working as your Environmental Director.
Katelyn Thomas:
Hello! My name is Katelyn Thomas, your Environmental Specialist. I am honored and excited to work with the community and help preserve the environment here on the Soboba Reservation. Recently I graduated from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Earth and Soil Science. Previously I worked for Mission Resource Conservation District conducting water system assessments and helping farmers find ways to use less water. In my free time I still enjoy being in nature and doing various outdoor activities like hiking and hammocking.
Christine Rodriguez:
Hello, my name is Christine Rodriguez and I am the Environmental Administrative Assistant. I graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Biology, with a focus on conservation. I spent a little over 4 years working for Soboba Casino in the food and beverage department, as a server and later as a supervisor. Most recently, I worked for Stanislaus County as an Agricultural Inspector in the Pesticide Use Enforcement unit. My free time is spent with my family, traveling, listening to music and spoiling my two little girls. I am extremely happy to be back at Soboba and look forward to working with the community.
Loren Estrada:
Hi there! My name is Loren Estrada and I’m one of the Environmental Specialists here in STED. I graduated from UC Davis in 2020 with a degree in Environmental Science, focusing on Natural Resource Management. Previously, I worked for an air quality regulatory agency in Northern California and I am excited to bring my knowledge to Soboba to expand the air quality monitoring program. I am interested in reducing major smoke event impacts to the community through education, monitoring, and fuels management. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, doing yoga, and volunteering. It is truly an honor to be able to work towards protecting the natural resources and the people of Soboba.
