Food & Lifestyle
Local Business Owner Wins $2.4m Jackpot at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa

Coachella Landscaping Business owner wins $2,457,231.86 at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage after only three spins on machine!
Rancho Mirage, Calif. (August 22, 2019) – “All the struggling I have had to do…I will never have to struggle again,” said Manuel F. as he stood in shock after winning the progressive jackpot on the Wheel of Fortune, an IGT $5.00 slot machine.
On just a normal Wednesday afternoon for Manuel, AKA, “Manny,” he realized he had forgotten something up in his hotel room and wanted to retrieve it before checking out of the hotel after a night’s stay with his daughters. However, he had a $40 slot ticket that he wanted to use before leaving the casino when the Wheel of Fortune progressive slot machine called his name. Manny walked into the High Limit Slots area and headed straight for the Wheel of Fortune slot machine on the back wall, inserted his ACE Rewards Players’ Card and inserted his ticket. Manny made three (3) $10.00 spins without much excitement to speak of. And then, on the last $10.00 bet left on his ticket, he spun the reels and watched as three Wheel of Fortune logos popped up on the center line one after another.
“I thought at first that maybe I had won a couple of hundred dollars or something,” said the landscaper business owner and car aficionado. “And then, I just kept looking at the symbols and seeing the amount, and it still didn’t really sink in,” Manny said calmly as he just stared at his winning slot machine still not sure what to think of his enormous win.
Agua Caliente Casinos have celebrated a string of spectacular jackpots this year. Vice President of Marketing Michael Facenda said, “Seeing this extraordinary win, and knowing that we just watched someone’s life change forever in such a positive way is so fulfilling. Having the opportunity to stand next to Manny, and present him with a check for nearly two and a half million dollars, makes us all feel like winners.”
When asked what Manny would do with his newfound millions, he answered after a pause and said, “I think I will buy a house and maybe just save the rest. I don’t know. My heart is still jumping everywhere. This is certainly something I was not expecting.”
ABOUT AGUA CALIENTE CASINOS
The Agua Caliente Casinos, located in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, are the Coachella Valley’s foremost resort gaming destinations. Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage is a AAA Four-Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Recommended property, ranked top 10 for “Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas” in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice 2018 travel awards, and is also home to the Forbes Four-Star Sunstone Spa, ranked in the top spas in the U.S. and no. 1 in California by Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas 2018. Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage is also home to Southern California’s premier entertainment venue, The Show, which features a legendary lineup of performers. Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs offers the newest games, a variety of table action, and high-limit gaming, plus fine dining and shopping, all in a fabulous resort setting in historic downtown Palm Springs at the site of the area’s natural hot water springs. The Agua Caliente Casinos are owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, which also owns the world-renowned Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon hiking trails, and the Indian Canyons Golf Resort.
Business
Sunset Soirée 2023: A Night of Collaboration and Celebration in the Inland Empire

Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, in Partnership with Riverside Convention Center and NFL Alumni Association, Hosts a Memorable Evening of Networking, Music, and Community Engagement.
On September 7th, the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Riverside Convention Center and the NFL Alumni Association of Southern California, successfully hosted their much-anticipated annual event, the “Sunset Soirée.” The event was proudly presented by isolved, a leading company dedicated to transforming the future of work through a unique blend of software and services tailored for payroll, benefits, and HR professionals.
Over 200 esteemed guests graced the occasion, immersing themselves in an evening filled with business networking, summer festivities, and the promise of forging meaningful connections. The Sunset Soirée has always been a beacon for professionals to exchange visionary ideas, collaborate, and expand their networks.
The evening began with a warm welcome, as each guest was greeted with a complimentary drink, setting a tone of camaraderie and relaxed interaction. An array of delectable complimentary hors d’oeuvres was served, each expertly crafted to tantalize the taste buds and fuel engaging conversations.
The event was graced by notable speakers, including Edward Ornelas, Jr., President & CEO of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce; James Washington, President of the NFL Alumni Association of Southern California and 2x Superbowl Champion with the Dallas Cowboys; and Barbra Rogers, Director of Operations at Riverside Convention Center.
Mr. Edward Ornelas, Jr. remarked, “The Sunset Soirée is more than just an event; it’s a testament to the spirit of collaboration and community in the Inland Empire. We’re honored to bring together such a diverse and dynamic group of professionals, and I’m personally thrilled to see the connections and partnerships that will undoubtedly emerge from tonight.”
The atmosphere was further elevated by the presence of a talented musician who serenaded the attendees with live music, adding a harmonious touch to the evening. The highlight of the night was a special performance by the acclaimed Country Music Artist, Presley Tennant. Known for her powerful vocals and unique blend of California-Country music, Tennant has shared the stage with music legends like Tim McGraw, Kelly Clarkson, Carly Pearce, and Blake Shelton. Her commitment to animal welfare through her Riffs & Rescues virtual charity tour showcases not just her immense talent but also her golden heart.
The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce extends its heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, partners, and sponsors for making the Sunset Soirée a resounding success. The chamber remains committed to fostering business growth, collaboration, and community engagement in the Inland Empire region.
Entertainment
Inland Empire Collaborative Launches with Grand Celebration

Powering the Future of Sports & Entertainment through Collaboration
The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce (IERCC) is pleased to announce the successful launch of the Inland Empire Sports & Entertainment Collaborative (IESEC). The vibrant launch party took place yesterday at the popular Topgolf in Ontario, attracting an enthusiastic crowd of approximately 200 attendees.
The event was graced by a lineup of notable speakers, including Dave Allen, West Region President for NASCAR, James Washington, President of the NFL Alumni Southern California Chapter, Michael K. Krouse, President & CEO of the Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau, Nikki Gatch, CEO of the Southern California PGA, Mike Burrows, CEO of the San Bernardino International Airport, and Edward Ornelas, Jr., President of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce.
These distinguished figures shared their insights on the potential of the IESEC to stimulate growth, foster community engagement, and enhance the local economy through sports and entertainment.
IESEC is proud to acknowledge its sponsors, Bank of America and the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency, for their invaluable support. The Collaborative is a testament to the power of synergy, with agencies such as the Southern California PGA, NFL Alumni SoCal, NASCAR, GOCAL, San Bernardino Int’l Airport, Ontario Reign, Empire Strykers, Inland Empire 66ers, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, Ontario Clippers, and Southern California’s Greater Ontario Sports & Entertainment Authority actively participating.
In true festive spirit, guests were treated to an evening of sumptuous food, refreshing drinks, and engaging golf play. The energy and enthusiasm echoed the IESEC’s vision of fostering a sense of community through sports and entertainment.
IESEC, spearheaded by the IERCC, is committed to promoting, supporting, and facilitating partnerships between local businesses and regional sports teams, and entertainment venues throughout the Inland Empire. The initiative aims to create memorable experiences while generating revenue, stimulating economic growth, and positively impacting the community.
“Our goal with IESEC is to build a stronger, more connected community united in its love of sports and entertainment,” said Edward Ornelas, Jr., President of the IERCC. “By bringing people together to celebrate the best that the Inland Empire offers, we are creating a platform for exciting new opportunities and experiences.”
IESEC, initiated by the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, is a consortium of experienced professionals dedicated to supporting sports and entertainment events in the Inland Empire region. Through partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and government entities, IESEC serves as a central hub for promoting a wide variety of cultural and entertainment experiences. By encouraging community participation and economic growth, IESEC aims to build a stronger, more vibrant Inland Empire.
For more information about the IESEC and its ongoing projects, please visit our website at www.iechamber.org
By Press Release
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa Newly Appoints Albert Park as Executive Chef

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa has named seasoned culinary professional Albert Park as its new executive chef at this multi-award-winning winery and luxurious wine country resort.
#peopleonthemove
Prior to this appointment, Park served as executive sous chef at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, Calif., overseeing Talbot Grill. In his new position, Park’s responsibilities include overseeing culinary operations of the resort’s signature all-day The Vineyard Rose Restaurant, where he is supervising the kitchen team as they launch newly created menus featuring innovative California cuisine sourced seasonally, responsibly and locally.
Examples from the chef’s new spring dinner menu feature entrees such as “Birria” Short Rib accompanied by Manchego grits, thumbelina carrots, curtido and queso fresca and a delightful Fisherman’s Stew composed of clams, mussels, fish, crab claws, fennel and tomato-fennel broth.
In addition, Park is in charge of the poolside Vineyard Grill at South Coast’s sister property Carter Estate and Resort. He oversees in-room dining at both winery resorts and onsite menus for meetings, weddings and special occasions.
“Chef Albert brings a wealth of culinary expertise, impressive managerial and organizational skills, valuable mentoring and leadership acumen to our Temecula winery resorts,” said Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality, owner and operator of South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort. “With South Coast being a top 20-year-old winery in beautiful Temecula, we are certain his contributions will lead to further success and acclaim for our culinary program.”
Park’s past kitchen experience includes his position at Newport Beach’s prestigious The Pacific Club for the last six years. Previous to that, he was chef de cuisine at Bosscat Kitchen and Libations also in Newport Beach and held the same position at now-closed Six Park Grill at the former Hyatt Regency Irvine.
Park graduated magna cum laude from the International Culinary School at the Art Institutes of California-Orange County with a Bachelor of Science degree in culinary management. Leisure time includes traveling with his wife and their three children and assisting his sons’ baseball teams.
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