Mazzetti, Max C.

Max C. Mazzetti, 88, beloved husband, father, grandfather, 
uncle and friend, passed away March 25, 2010. Max C. was the 
son of Georgia Calac and Frank Mazzetti. Max C. graduated 
from Sherman Indian Institute in Riverside, CA, where he was 
quarterback for the varsity football team. He later served as 
President of the alumni association for many years. After 
graduating, Max C. joined the U.S. Navy and served in World 
War II. He met his wife of 64 years, Clarinne, who was a 
member of the U.S. Marine Corps, at a dance. She preceded 
Max C. in death, passing away August 14, 2009. After the war, 
he returned to the Rincon Reservation where he served as 
tribal chairman and council member during the tumultuous 
"termination years." Max C. started working on the Indian 
Lands and Indian Water Rights Claims Act in 1947. He worked 
hard as a carpenter at Camp Pendleton and farming on the 
reservation, as well as working nights on Indian rights issues. 
But he knew how to have a good time. In the 1940's, his 
band would play at the Rincon Springs General Store and 
CafA# and surrounding reservations. Max C. had many titles, 
secretary/ treasurer and director and chairman of the Tribal 
Councils of California, formed to challenge termination; Mr. 
PL 280, because of his knowledge and experience of the 
years when criminal law enforcement of California Indians 
was given to the state; Indian Correspondent, because he 
kept local newspapers informed of tribal affairs; and as "The 
Senator" for years of meetings and letter writing to state and 
local officials on behalf of Indian people. Max C. was one of 
the founders of the National Congress of American Indians, 
Inter-Tribal Council of California and many other Indian rights 
organizations But, he is best remembered for his leadership 
and commitment to stopping the takeover of Indian lands by 
the State of California, dissolution of tribal governments, and 
removal of 117 California tribes from federal trust, ending all 
federal funding and tribal support programs. Known as 
Termination, the federal Legislation -- HR 7473 and P.L. 83-
280 called for the termination of Indian governments and 
trust lands in 10 states. In 1950, Max C. and other tribal 
leaders discovered that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) 
appropriations for tribes had been cut off, leaving no funds 
for education, water, health care and other services that the 
tribes needed. Max C. and friends organized the Tribal 
Councils of California, which, enlisted a number of Congress 
members and state representatives to help get the funds 
temporarily restored and a resolution (Resolution No. 4) 
passed by the state, opposing termination. This act saved the 
majority of California tribes from termination. It also gave 
them back their sovereign right to govern their lands, as well 
as ensuring that the federal government would continue to 
meet its "Trust Responsibility" to tribes. Max C. served as the 
first secretary/treasurer of the organization and a variety of 
other prominent posts as chairman and director. Termination 
and Public Law 280 created confusion over jurisdictions 
between the state and tribes. An example was stopping of 
tribal fiestas because they didn't meet county health codes, 
and Indian arrests for fishing and hunting on their 
reservations, Max C. worked to reinstate these rights too. 
Another issue that Max C. took to heart was the refusal to 
grant GI Loans to Indians, and, as Chairman of the Tribal 
Councils, Max C. turned to officials in Washington D.C, when 
five Indian patients were prematurely released from the San 
Diego County Hospital in one week and died. Max C. also 
fought against the county placing liens on Indian land in 
violation of federal law, he won. After securing World War ll 
temporary housing units that were offered as salvage for 
three counties in California, Max C. led a lawsuit against 
Riverside County, which would not allow the homes to be 
rebuilt on reservations because they were "red tagged" and 
substandard by county ordinances. The suit was decided in 
favor of the Indians, reconfirming that counties, like states, 
have no authority to enforce their ordinances on tribal land. 
Max C. was the longest serving Spokesman and Chairman of 
the Rincon Tribe. Also serving on a tribal organization to 
restore water to four North County reservations, Max C. was 
able to see legislation signed by then President Regan, 
which began the process of returning water that was illegally 
routed to cities back to the reservations. Max C. leaves a 
legacy as a leader, mentor and friend. He will be dearly 
missed, not just for the passion he showed, or the time and 
resources he gave to defending Indian people, but for the 
many kindnesses and generosity of heart he shared with all 
who knew him. Max is survived by his two sons Ed (Suzanna) 
and Bo (Mary), sister Alberta McNeal, brother George (Jody) 
Mazzetti, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, 
nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, 
Clarinne, and brother, Frank Mazzetti, Jr. Viewing services will 
be on Friday, April 2nd, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., at Alhiser-Comer 
Mortuary, 225 S. Broadway, Escondido, CA. 92025, with 
Memorial Services on Saturday, April 3rd, 10 a.m., at the First 
Methodist Church, 341 S. Kalmia Street, Escondido, CA. Burial 
will be at the Rincon Cemetery followed by a luncheon at 
the Rincon Tribal Hall.

Published in San Diego Union-Tribune on April 1, 2010