Daughters Earn 2 of 10 Scholarship Awards Created for Team Member Families
The daughters of two Team Members are the first to win $1,000 towards their college tuition. PRC now offers 10 such scholarships each year to dependents of Full Time Team Members. Human Resources accepts application all throughout the year.
Cherifer, the daughter of Maribeth Acedo, Housekeeping Supervisor, will attend University of California, Los Angeles. Diana Siordia, daughter of Tony Siordia, Slot Shift Manager, will attend California Baptist University. Both students will be freshmen at their universities this fall, and both are planning to enter the medical field upon completion of their studies.
In order to be eligible to receive a scholarship, applicants must be a dependent of a regular, full time member of PRC, and plan to pursue a degree at an accredited college or vocational school. Scholarship checks will be made payable to the college or university upon providing evidence of successful admission. To apply, students must submit the following to Human Resources:
In order to be eligible to receive a scholarship, applicants must be a dependent of a regular, full time member of PRC, and plan to pursue a degree at an accredited college or vocational school. Scholarship checks will be made payable to the college or university upon providing evidence of successful admission. To apply, students must submit the following to Human Resources:
1. An essay on how this advanced learning will enhance their personal growth and development, including what they plan to do with their education when they graduate.
2. A letter of referral and/or recommendation from a non-relative describing academic or citizenship achievements.
Thank You for Continuing Award-Winning Tradition
At last month’s Quarterly Team Update, The Pechanga Development Corporation (PDC) congratulated Team Members for continuing our award-winning tradition, “Thanks to your hard work, we not only met Triple A’s requirements, but we earned twice the score needed to maintain our Four Diamond status. Now at seven consecutive years, Pechanga is the longest running recipient of the AAA 4-Diamond award among Native-American owned resort properties in California.” The awards did not stop there.
PDC applauded Team Members for recent honors mentioned in Casino Player Magazine, the most popular gaming magazine in America, “Casino Player Magazine readers gave Pechanga seven wins, including four first place wins - Best Hometown Casino, Best Poker Room, Best Seafood — Seafood Grotto, and Best Italian — Paisano’s. Pechanga also won three third place honors for Best Suites, Best Spa and Best Chinese – Blazing Noodles.”
Casino Player Magazine is the #1 gaming publication, with a nationwide readership of more than 600,000 monthly. This magazine’s readers are people who really know and appreciate what we have to offer: a combination of entertainment, gaming excitement, fine dining and luxurious relaxation. You can only find this combination of services at resort casinos like ours. The nation has voted - Pechanga Resort and Casino is the best in the West. The four first-place wins and three third-place wins all come under the category of Native-West, or Native-American owned resort casinos in the Western United States which include, but are not limited to, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada and California.
The Pechanga Development Corporation and Leadership Team thank all Team Members for making Pechanga, “Simply the Best.”
Pechanga Sponsors 25 Children at Salvation Army Childspree
Pechanga recently sponsored 25 children at this year’s Salvation Army Childspree event held at JC Penney in Temecula. Pechanga team members were honored to volunteer at this event to benefit some very deserving children. It was very rewarding to give back to our community in such a tangible way!
DPS Hits the Pavement to Support Special Olympics and Represent Pechanga
On Saturday, May 16th, local law enforcement, in conjunction with Pechanga Resort & Casino and Wilson Creek Winery, hosted the ninth annual Temecula Valley Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting the Special Olympics.
The event began in front of Pechanga with a formal opening ceremony and a parade of Special Olympics athletes. The "run" travels through streets of Temecula for 14 miles, with the Special Olympics Torch carried by local law enforcement officers, until reaching Wilson Creek Winery, where there was a celebration barbecue held in honor of the athletes.
The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run generates tremendous community goodwill and public awareness for the Special Olympics. Pechanga has been a proud contributor for 9 years, with Captain Richard Carmichael participating in the run for the last 7 years. The event raises funds for the Special Olympics and is the only Law Enforcement Torch Run activity in the Temecula Valley where law enforcement officers can join together with the general public to show their support of Special Olympics athletes.
Other runners from DPS proudly representing Pechanga at the event include: Sgt. Cleave Hearn, Officer Chris Ackerman, Officer Ko Duangchan, Cpl. Noland Morin, and Officer Tony Sanchez.
Team Members Play World-Class Resort
On June 10th, Pechanga Team Members take part in the 4th Annual Team Member Golf Tournament, marking the first year it will be held at our very own course, Journey at Pechanga. Playing a course ranked in the top five by Golf Magazine is a privilege that doesn’t come along often. At only $45 per person, the field was full with 144 competitors in just a few days and the waiting list grew quickly as well. The tournament features awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, longest drive, closest-to-the-pin, and raffle prizes. Team Members will also enjoy food and beverages at the awards ceremony following the tournament.
When asked about the tournament, Scott Mallory, Head Golf Pro at the Journey, replied, "We’re excited to host our Team Members and give them a chance to play the course." Scott reports that Journey continues to experience growing success, "In April and May, we had our busiest months ever. The word is out about how great our course is." He continues, "It’s not a simple thing to do, but closing shop for our employees in June is something we want to do. Fortunately, we can make it happen." Scott knows that many Team Members haven’t even had a chance to see Journey, and he looks forward to watching them enjoy themselves on the course.
Team Members who don’t play golf might have other opportunities to appreciate the beauty of the Journey, and the culture preserved throughout the course. The Hotel is working out details for possible tours in the future just for Team Members. Stay tuned!
Meet Michael May, Vice President of Table Games
After 29 years at Bally’s in Atlantic City, Michael May has decided to test the waters (and waves) here on the West Coast. Leaving Bally’s and his 1,400 Table Games employees was difficult, but “Mike” is excited about the opportunity Pechanga provides. An avid surfer, he’s also thrilled about Southern California’s shoreline.
Here’s a quick glance at our Vice President of Table Games.
Q: What word best describes you?
A: Light-hearted.
Q: What excites you about Pechanga?
A: The diversity.
Q: What sparked your interest in Table Games?
A: After I got my Communications Degree in college, the economy was tough and jobs were hard to come by. Some friends were learning to deal cards for a local gaming spot, and I saw a chance
to keep close to the ocean.
Q: What was your first job?
A: Dishwasher.
Q: How did you wind up here?
A: I was drawn by the opportunity to apply my experience and expertise, having managed a much larger and equally diverse group of dealers. The chance to do this at a property like
Pechanga made it easy. Having family here also helps, and I enjoy California.
Q: What has been the most significant moment in your career?
A: When I began to look at Gaming as a business, just like any other business out there.
Q: If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you do?
A: Run some business related to surfing…probably in Mexico, doing as little as possible.
Q: Best Childhood memory:
A: Hanging out with my two older brothers.
Q: Favorite quotes:
A: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” by President John F. Kennedy. I think it applies to life in general. I’m a big proponent for volunteering in the community.
Q: Favorite books:
A: “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values,” by Robert Pirsig.
Q: How do you manage stress?
A: I mountain bike and surf, along with my wife, Mary Kate.
Q: Who has been your inspiration/mentor?
A: Jim Carr, the 1st Casino Manager in Atlantic City, also considered one of the fathers of Atlantic City gaming. As a mentor, he provided great insight into the business of gaming.
Q: What makes you happiest?
A: When I have my family around. I have three sons, Steve, 26, Matt, 25, and Christian, 21.
Q: Best advice you ever received?
A: Listen.
Q: What difference would you like to make?
A: I want people to get a sense of trust with what we’re trying to do.
Never just a foodcourt cashier @ Pechanga
When asked why she seems to enjoy her job so much, Lennie Palleja could have been a child describing her first time at Disneyland. Here is what she managed to say in between laughter, with a smile as wide as the brim of her cap.
“I’ve been here almost four years. I started out part-time in swing as a cashier. I’ve had lot of jobs: teacher, tutor, day care. What surprised me was how busy Pechanga was. It takes a lot of people to offer what we have and deal with guests and the stress, but I take it. I saw the teamwork between everybody, the managers the supervisors, I know how they talk with us, and support us.
What really helps a lot are the classes on customer service, and information shared at the pre-shifts. The best thing I like about working here is the atmosphere with the people - Team Members and management. The benefits, of course, are great for everybody, but I get to learn a lot of things from classes and people who want to help me.
It’s not just about my work as a cashier, it’s everything - we even explain rewards to customers. They expect a lot so we give our best to help and answer them. And they say, ‘Wow!’
It’s because they tell us at the pre-shift what’s opening, what’s new, and they tell us how to help customers, even the stressed-out ones.
It’s more than being a cashier here. We do everything in this department - customer service, rewards questions, EVS, it’s a challenge, but it’s good. I tell my friends they should work here for the good benefits and the people who support you.
People ask me, ‘Why do you stay here?’ I can go to other departments, but I like the atmosphere and the people here. I can tell Larry, my boss, anything - straight. It’s good knowing your manager, supervisors and fellow Team Members.
What’s really good is when customers know you, and they come back knowing you because of the service we bring to them. If they tell me something is too salty, I tell the cooks and we work as a team to change it. I’m proud be here in the food court.
Some say, ‘You should move on, become a supervisor. You’re just a cashier here.’ I tell them, ‘Yeah sure, maybe later...’ But I’m happy here!
Customers ask, ‘Why are you always so happy? What’s your secret?’ I tell them, ‘Because I love to serve you!’ And you know what? They appreciate it, and come back again.”
What Do They Do? Club Ambassadors @ Pechanga
We know that when guests come to Pechanga, they're looking to “Break Away” and have a great time.
At Pechanga, we anticipate needs to provide yet another level of guest service. Our Club Ambassadors can be found throughout the casino floor to assist guests with a variety of Club member needs, from enrolling new Pechanga Club Members to replacing cards for our valued patrons.
Would you like to change your PIN number? Do you know how you can be our next millionaire? These are typical discussions the Club Ambassadors routinely have with guests. Pechanga offers on-the-spot services tailored to provide convenience to our Members.
Whether at a slot machine or next to a table, an Ambassador can assist with a multitude of services. Be on the lookout of our informed, friendly and outgoing Club Ambassadors – just another way we make each customer’s visit... Simply the Best!
-Erica Alonzo, Club Ambassador
Celebrating team members with a game show
The Showroom played host to more than 800 Team Members and guests for the first-ever, Team Member Game Show. The show was a great opportunity to educate Team Members about the Power Millions Game Show for Club members, and honor specific groups of Team Members:
January Caught You Caring recipients, 5-Year Anniversary celebrants, and Perfect Attendance Award recipients from the previous year.
Before the game show started, Team Members (especially those 35 and over) were treated to music from a live band, followed by a crowd-pleasing performance by R&B singer/songwriter, Jeffrey Osborne, whose popularity peaked in the early ‘80s with hits like “On the Wings of love” and “You Should Be Mine (The Woo Woo Song)”.
Team Members randomly selected from the audience had a chance to win up to $25,000. Over 100 Team Members walked away with gifts and prizes, but the grand prize winner was David Fernando, Facilities, who won a total of $2,550.
Similar to the Team Member Pick The Pros game, the Marketing Department negotiated with the game show producer to include the cost of a Team Member version of the Power Millions Game Show, including the cash prizes. The Marketing Department will continue to look for opportunities like these to keep Team Members informed about promotions for our guests, and provide ways for Team Members to win prizes and have fun at work.
Team Member Recipe - Thai Style Steak Salad
Serves 4
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime/lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Splenda
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb. flank/skirt steak
- Coarse salt and ground pepper
- 1/2 pound carrots (3 to 4 medium)
- 1 medium head romaine lettuce, cut crosswise into 1-inch ribbons
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup fresh bean sprouts (optional)
in a baking dish. Pour 1/4 of marinade over steak (reserve remaining marinade); turn steak to coat. Let steak marinate up to 30 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, cook steak on medium-high heat, turning once, 1 1/2 - 2 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a cutting board; tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest 5
to 10 minutes. Slice steak across the grain into 1/4-inch-thick slices; halve slices crosswise. Transfer to a large bowl, and toss with reserved marinade.
With a vegetable peeler, cut carrots into long ribbons. Add to steak in bowl, along with lettuce and mint; toss to combine.
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