NewsPast Press Releases 2008
Pechanga, Rancho Water reach agreement on framework for water settlement Agreement could bring access to water for Tribe, dry year supply of water for Rancho, and millions for regional water supply and quality project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Las Vegas, NV, Dec. 17, 2008 — The Pechanga Band of Luiseņo Indians and the Rancho California Water District today announced an agreement on a framework, developed with the assistance of the Metropolitan Water District and a team appointed by the United States Department of Interior, that will resolve Pechanga's longstanding claims to water rights in the Santa Margarita River Basin.
The framework agreement will provide Pechanga with rights to water that are equal to those that were set forth in the original federal court Fallbrook Decree. Pechanga will receive water from the Wolf Valley Basin and other sources as outlined in a new supply agreement expected to be entered into among Pechanga, Metropolitan Water District and the United States on behalf of the Tribe. No other water user in the Santa Margarita Basin will be affected by this agreement.
Pechanga has also agreed to provide a portion of the settlement contribution that they expect to receive from the federal government to the Rancho California Integrated Resource Plan Project, an initiative that will enhance water supply and quality for Southwest Riverside County through 2050. This could result in anywhere from $10 to $20 million in federal funds for the project.
Statement of the Pechanga Tribal Council:
Pechanga Indian Reservation, CA (September 2, 2008) —
Gabriel Pico, a member of the Pechanga Tribal Council, passed Sep. 1, 2008 in Denver, CO. He was 41. Family and friends were by his side.
Councilman Pico suffered a heart attack early Saturday morning in Denver following the Democratic National Convention. Mr. Pico was elected to his first-term on the Pechanga Tribal Council this past July.
Mr. Pico leaves behind three daughters, two sons, one grandson, six siblings, his mother, Bernice Pico, and several nephews and nieces. His father, the late Gabriel "Gibby" Pico, served as Tribal Chairman from 1982-1987.
Services are pending.
"This is a big loss for our Tribe," said Chairman Mark Macarro. "Though Gabe had only been in office a few weeks, it was evident that he was a tremendous asset to the council and the tribe. He will be missed dearly."
California Gets Some Much-Needed Revenue Pechanga's First Compact Payment is $30 Million
Pechanga Indian Reservation, CA, July 30, 2008 — The Pechanga Band of Luiseņo Indians today made its first payment to the State of California under the terms of its amended Tribal-State Compact, which was overwhelmingly upheld by voters this past February. Pechanga's payment to the state's General Fund totals $30.8 million and covers one quarter of a year's payment, along with a partial quarter from when the amendment was first enacted. Pechanga has also made a quarterly payment of $500,000 into the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, which supports non-gaming tribes throughout the state.This first payment of $30.8 million is greater than the entire amount Pechanga paid to the state for all of 2007 under its original compact. Furthermore, the $500,000 paid for non-gaming tribes is nearly twice the annual amount that Pechanga previously paid.
"I am sure that the voters of California are happy to hear that they got exactly what they voted for: more state revenue without raising taxes," said Mark Macarro, Chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseņo Indians. "The state now has the flexibility to use this additional funding for education, public safety, healthcare, and other vital public services."
Statement from Amy Minniear, President of the Pechanga Development Corporation concerning layoffs at Pechanga Resort & Casino
Temecula, CA, July 22, 2008 — "For 13 years, the Pechanga Resort & Casino has grown annually to become the second largest employer in Riverside County. We are extremely proud of our talented workforce and we fully credit each and every Team Member with making Pechanga the premier gaming resort in California. Until recently, Southern California's economy also showed considerable growth, allowing Pechanga to greatly expand our personnel over a few short years."
"However, as a result of the current economy, Pechanga Resort & Casino will be downsizing our workforce of over 4,700 Team Members. This has been the most difficult decision we have had to make since beginning operations."
Pechanga Elections Held, Chairman Mark Macarro Re-Elected
Pechanga Indian Reservation, CA, July 21, 2008 — The Pechanga Band of Luiseņo Indians today announced the results of Tribal Council elections held Saturday, July 19, 2008.
Incumbent Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro, 44, was re-elected to another two-year term. Also re-elected to Tribal Council were Marc Luker, Ken Perez, Russell "Butch" Murphy, Mark Calac, and Donna Barron. Newly elected to the council was Gabriel Pico.
U.S. OPEN WINNER COREY PAVIN
TO REPRESENT JOURNEY AT PECHANGA
TEMECULA, Calif. (June 17, 2008) -- Corey Pavin, U.S. Open Champion, three-time Ryder Cup team member and UCLA Bruin, recently returned from Texas to his home state of California and announced he will represent Journey at Pechanga as the touring pro.
Pavin will act as a national spokesperson to create awareness for the course, and he will participate in numerous events scheduled at Journey at Pechanga throughout the year.
Pechanga & Local Law Enforcement Partner for Special Olympics
Pechanga Indian Reservation, CA, May 14, 2008 - The Pechanga Resort & Casino and local law enforcement officials are teaming up again to host the opening ceremonies of the Temecula Valley Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics 2008. The event will take place Sunday, May 18, 2008, at 2 p.m. and ceremonies will be held in the parking lot adjacent to the resort & casino.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest grassroots fundraising and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics in the world. Officers from the United States and 35 countries around the world carry the Torch, called the Flame of Hope, in honor of Special Olympics athletes. Since its inception in 1981, the Torch Run has raised more than $130 million for Special Olympics programming.