◈ Homepage — https://www.pechanga-nsn.gov/HOME HISTORY CULTURE THE PEOPLE TRIBAL GOVERNMENT TRIBAL ECONOMY NEWS & PRESS CONTACT                     PECHANGA TRIBAL MEMBERS LOGIN PECHANGA CASINO PECHANGA AIR STATION PEOPLE OF THE WEST - NATIVE CALIFORNIA HISTORY SERIES PECHANGA DOCUMENTARY VIDEO PU’ÉSKA DOCUMENTARY VIDEO QUICK LINKS Community Impact Report Pechanga RainGarden Pechanga Air Network Plan 2025 Raingarden Phase II: Protecting Water & Plant Relatives Community Events Tribal Members SERVICES Fire Department Ranger Department Clinics Child and Family Services Pechanga Tribal TANF JOB OPPORTUNITIES Pechanga Tribal Government At Pechanga Resort & Casino CONTACT Pechanga Tribal Government Contact Emergency Contact You are here: Home P.O. Box 1477, Temecula, CA 92593 Copyright © 2026 Pechanga Band of Indians. Terms of Use ◈ Interior Pages — 10 pages crawledPechanga Band of Indians - Spanish Missions and Political Intent Pechanga Band Welcome to our place in the sun. HOME HISTORY The Great Oak The Canyon Temecula Eviction Mission Indian Federation Pu’éska Mountain Timeline Facts or Myths Pechanga History: Fact or Myth? California Treaties California History: State & Federal Indian Policy Educational Processes Native American Adversity in California Spanish Missionaries Found California Missions Spanish Missions and Political Intent Our People: Fact or Myth? Pechanga Tribal Culture: Fact or Myth? Tribal Government: Fact or Myth? Tribal Economy: Fact or Myth? CULTURE Customs and Traditions Basketry Animals Plants Minerals Rattlemaking Traditional Foods Traditional Homes Traditional Sites Language Revitalization Chámmakilawish Pechanga School Cultural Center Monitor Program The Nursery Traditional Summer Youth Program Curation Exhibits Community Events THE PEOPLE Silver Feathers Member Achievements TRIBAL GOVERNMENT Pechanga Tribal Council Elected Officials CATALINA R. CHACON: Councilwoman RAYMOND BASQUEZ Jr: Councilman MICHAEL VASQUEZ: Councilman LOUISE BURKE: Councilwoman JOSEPH "JOE" MURPHY - Councilman MARC LUKER: Councilman AMY MINNIEAR - Tribal Treasurer Tribal Council Committees Pechanga Development Corporation PDC Elected Officials SEAN VASQUEZ: PDC President JOHN PALINKAS: PDC 1st Vice President MICHAEL MURPHY : PDC 2nd Vice President ANDREW MASIEL, Sr. : PDC Secretary KEN PEREZ: PDC Treasurer Pechanga Gaming Commission Gaming Regulatory Framework PGC Elected Officials Services Education and Training Facilities & Public Works Pechanga Fire Department Health & Family Child & Family Services Tribal Rangers Tribal TANF Pechanga Western Electric TRIBAL ECONOMY Pechanga Resort & Casino About Gaming RV Resort Pechanga Gas Station Plaza Charitable Contributions NEWS & PRESS News Press Room Pechanga Press Release Pechanga Air Network Plan 2025 Media Clips The Great Oak Our Tribe CONTACT Emergency Contact Employment Related Links Spanish Missions and Political Intent A 2003 report by the state of California indicates that the primary intent of Spanish Missions and forts was to expand European "ownership" of lands in North America and to protect the presumed "ownership" from encroachment by other Europeans. Spanish Period (1769-1822) "Exploration of California first occurred in 1540 when a land expedition under the command of Hernando de Alarcon traversed inland along the Colorado River. Two years later, Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo was commissioned by the Spanish government to investigate the western shores of the newly acquired territory. In the following two centuries, little interest was given to California. By the late 18th Century, European political powers created renewed interest in California. Military "explorers" from Great Britain, France and Russia began investigating the resources along the western shores of the entire North American continent. The Spanish government, realizing that settlement by any of these foreign parties north of Mexico could become a threat, decided it was time to establish their own settlements in California. In 1769, plans were put in place to found a series of forts (presidios) and Catholic missions along the Alta California coast extending as far north as Monterey Bay... Over the course of the next half-century, four presidios, twenty missions and three towns were established. The forts were located at San Diego, Santa Barbara, Monterey and San Francisco. The towns were founded at Los Angeles (1781), San Jose (1777) and Branciforte (1797), near Santa Cruz." — SCAG — Southern California Association of Governments, Cultural Resources DRAFT 2004 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Progam Environmental Impact Report (PEIR), December 2003 You are here: Home HISTORY Facts or Myths Pechanga History: Fact or Myth? Spanish Missions and Political Intent P.O. Box 1477, Temecula, CA 92593 Copyright © 2026 Pechanga Band of Indians. Terms of Use Pechanga Band of Indians - Education and Training Pechanga Band Welcome to our place in the sun. HOME HISTORY The Great Oak The Canyon Temecula Eviction Mission Indian Federation Pu’éska Mountain Timeline Facts or Myths Pechanga History: Fact or Myth? California Treaties California History: State & Federal Indian Policy Educational Processes Native American Adversity in California Spanish Missionaries Found California Missions Spanish Missions and Political Intent Our People: Fact or Myth? Pechanga Tribal Culture: Fact or Myth? Tribal Government: Fact or Myth? Tribal Economy: Fact or Myth? CULTURE Customs and Traditions Basketry Animals Plants Minerals Rattlemaking Traditional Foods Traditional Homes Traditional Sites Language Revitalization Chámmakilawish Pechanga School Cultural Center Monitor Program The Nursery Traditional Summer Youth Program Curation Exhibits Community Events THE PEOPLE Silver Feathers Member Achievements TRIBAL GOVERNMENT Pechanga Tribal Council Elected Officials CATALINA R. CHACON: Councilwoman RAYMOND BASQUEZ Jr: Councilman MICHAEL VASQUEZ: Councilman LOUISE BURKE: Councilwoman JOSEPH "JOE" MURPHY - Councilman MARC LUKER: Councilman AMY MINNIEAR - Tribal Treasurer Tribal Council Committees Pechanga Development Corporation PDC Elected Officials SEAN VASQUEZ: PDC President JOHN PALINKAS: PDC 1st Vice President MICHAEL MURPHY : PDC 2nd Vice President ANDREW MASIEL, Sr. : PDC Secretary KEN PEREZ: PDC Treasurer Pechanga Gaming Commission Gaming Regulatory Framework PGC Elected Officials Services Education and Training Facilities & Public Works Pechanga Fire Department Health & Family Child & Family Services Tribal Rangers Tribal TANF Pechanga Western Electric TRIBAL ECONOMY Pechanga Resort & Casino About Gaming RV Resort Pechanga Gas Station Plaza Charitable Contributions NEWS & PRESS News Press Room Pechanga Press Release Pechanga Air Network Plan 2025 Media Clips The Great Oak Our Tribe CONTACT Emergency Contact Employment Related Links Education and Training College Scholarships, Vocational Training, Tuition Assistance (Preschool-12th grade) The Pechanga Education Program started in the summer of 1998, providing scholarships for tribal members attending college. That program has now expanded to include educational opportunities for tribal members of all ages. The higher education program offers college and vocational scholarships for students attending accredited institutions. Last year, the tribe has invested $900,000 for tribal members pursuing higher education. Students participating in this program have made a serious commitment to the tribe in order to make the most of the tribe's investment.  This program has truly helped members earn college degrees and even pursue graduate work.   In addition to the higher education program, the Pechanga makes a substantial yearly contribution to the education of its tribal members.  Last year the band invested 2.3 millions dollars for tuition assistance in preschools, private schools, tutoring, test preparation courses, and many other learning opportunities.  The Pechanga band’s commitment to education is evident in their unwavering support of the students in their community. You are here: Home TRIBAL GOVERNMENT Services Education and Training P.O. Box 1477, Temecula, CA 92593 Copyright © 2026 Pechanga Band of Indians. Terms of Use Pechanga Band of Indians - Tribal Rangers Pechanga Band Welcome to our place in the sun. HOME HISTORY The Great Oak The Canyon Temecula Eviction Mission Indian Federation Pu’éska Mountain Timeline Facts or Myths Pechanga History: Fact or Myth? California Treaties California History: State & Federal Indian Policy Educational Processes Native American Adversity in California Spanish Missionaries Found California Missions Spanish Missions and Political Intent Our People: Fact or Myth? Pechanga Tribal Culture: Fact or Myth? Tribal Government: Fact or Myth? Tribal Economy: Fact or Myth? CULTURE Customs and Traditions Basketry Animals Plants Minerals Rattlemaking Traditional Foods Traditional Homes Traditional Sites Language Revitalization Chámmakilawish Pechanga School Cultural Center Monitor Program The Nursery Traditional Summer Youth Program Curation Exhibits Community Events THE PEOPLE Silver Feathers Member Achievements TRIBAL GOVERNMENT Pechanga Tribal Council Elected Officials CATALINA R. CHACON: Councilwoman RAYMOND BASQUEZ Jr: Councilman MICHAEL VASQUEZ: Councilman LOUISE BURKE: Councilwoman JOSEPH "JOE" MURPHY - Councilman MARC LUKER: Councilman AMY MINNIEAR - Tribal Treasurer Tribal Council Committees Pechanga Development Corporation PDC Elected Officials SEAN VASQUEZ: PDC President JOHN PALINKAS: PDC 1st Vice President MICHAEL MURPHY : PDC 2nd Vice President ANDREW MASIEL, Sr. : PDC Secretary KEN PEREZ: PDC Treasurer Pechanga Gaming Commission Gaming Regulatory Framework PGC Elected Officials Services Education and Training Facilities & Public Works Pechanga Fire Department Health & Family Child & Family Services Tribal Rangers Tribal TANF Pechanga Western Electric TRIBAL ECONOMY Pechanga Resort & Casino About Gaming RV Resort Pechanga Gas Station Plaza Charitable Contributions NEWS & PRESS News Press Room Pechanga Press Release Pechanga Air Network Plan 2025 Media Clips The Great Oak Our Tribe CONTACT Emergency Contact Employment Related Links TRIBAL RANGERS About Us Established in 1996, the Pechanga Tribal Ranger Department has assisted the Pechanga Band in exercising its Tribal sovereignty by providing public safety services, enforcing tribal ordinances, protecting Reservation residents, and maintaining a positive relationship with outside Law Enforcement. The Mission of the Pechanga Tribal Rangers is to protect, preserve, respect, and serve the Pechanga Band 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The values of respect, teamwork, forward-thinking, strong work-ethic, and trustworthiness are held at the forefront of all department employees and their work. The Ranger Department is divided into two divisions   Administrative Division The Administrative Division consists of multiple bureaus, including Dispatch, Background Investigations, Animal Control, Fleet, Tribal Emergency Response (TERC), and Evidence/Property. The Tribal Ranger Department also facilitates an Intern program for aspiring Tribal Rangers and Dispatchers. The Pechanga Tribal Ranger Department is led by the Chief Ranger Bill Denke and a leadership team consisting of Command level staff, Sergeants, Corporals, and Lead Dispatchers. Training Bureau Established in 2009, the Ranger Department Training Bureau provides a comprehensive training program designed to coordinate Ranger staff training at credentialed facilities, ensuring Rangers are up to par with current law enforcement and public safety standards.  Dispatch Our Dispatch Center is a fully functional modern facility, equipped with the latest in communications and surveillance technology. The Dispatch Center supports Patrol Rangers and the Pechanga Fire Department, and is also the designated “Communications Network Center” in the event of a natural disaster or major event on the Reservation. Operation Division Tribal Rangers Rangers are armed emergency responders with the responsibility of preventing, detecting, and initially investigating violations to Tribal ordinances, as well as violations to state and federal laws on the Reservation and its surrounding properties. Rangers work in conjunction with local law enforcement consistent with California Public Law 280. Traffic Enforcement Rangers conduct traffic and speed enforcement in observance of Tribal laws and ordinances, and respond to vehicle collisions on the Reservation for documentation purposes. School Resource Officer The Ranger Department has assigned a School Resource Officer (SRO) to the Pechanga School. The SRO is responsible for designing and implementing programs for students and staff on topics ranging from personal safety to school operations during emergency situations. The SRO also participates in numerous Pechanga School youth activities and events.   Community Engagement Tribal Ranger staff participate in a variety of Pechanga community activities such as: Trunk or Treat, the Rez Classic Car Show, Tribal Cove Days, Pow Wow, Red Ribbon Week, and many more. Leadership Leadership, mentoring, and professional development is a priority for the Ranger Department. Besides various special assignments available to staff, employees are given guidance and training for future promotions to Corporal, Sergeant, Captain, and Chief.   Mailing Address: 48245 Pechanga Road, Temecula CA, 92592 Contact Us: Phone: (951) 770-6196 Fax: (951) 770-6250 Join the team! Employment Ranger Application     You are here: Home TRIBAL GOVERNMENT Services Tribal Rangers P.O. Box 1477, Temecula, CA 92593 Copyright © 2026 Pechanga Band of Indians. Terms of Use Pechanga Band of Indians - Monitor Program Pechanga Band Welcome to our place in the sun. HOME HISTORY The Great Oak The Canyon Temecula Eviction Mission Indian Federation Pu’éska Mountain Timeline Facts or Myths Pechanga History: Fact or Myth? California Treaties California History: State & Federal Indian Policy Educational Processes Native American Adversity in California Spanish Missionaries Found California Missions Spanish Missions and Political Intent Our People: Fact or Myth? Pechanga Tribal Culture: Fact or Myth? Tribal Government: Fact or Myth? Tribal Economy: Fact or Myth? CULTURE Customs and Traditions Basketry Animals Plants Minerals Rattlemaking Traditional Foods Traditional Homes Traditional Sites Language Revitalization Chámmakilawish Pechanga School Cultural Center Monitor Program The Nursery Traditional Summer Youth Program Curation Exhibits Community Events THE PEOPLE Silver Feathers Member Achievements TRIBAL GOVERNMENT Pechanga Tribal Council Elected Officials CATALINA R. CHACON: Councilwoman RAYMOND BASQUEZ Jr: Councilman MICHAEL VASQUEZ: Councilman LOUISE BURKE: Councilwoman JOSEPH "JOE" MURPHY - Councilman MARC LUKER: Councilman AMY MINNIEAR - Tribal Treasurer Tribal Council Committees Pechanga Development Corporation PDC Elected Officials SEAN VASQUEZ: PDC President JOHN PALINKAS: PDC 1st Vice President MICHAEL MURPHY : PDC 2nd Vice President ANDREW MASIEL, Sr. : PDC Secretary KEN PEREZ: PDC Treasurer Pechanga Gaming Commission Gaming Regulatory Framework PGC Elected Officials Services Education and Training Facilities & Public Works Pechanga Fire Department Health & Family Child & Family Services Tribal Rangers Tribal TANF Pechanga Western Electric TRIBAL ECONOMY Pechanga Resort & Casino About Gaming RV Resort Pechanga Gas Station Plaza Charitable Contributions NEWS & PRESS News Press Room Pechanga Press Release Pechanga Air Network Plan 2025 Media Clips The Great Oak Our Tribe CONTACT Emergency Contact Employment Related Links Monitor Program Pechanga's Monitor Program helps us preserve and protect our cultural resources throughout our aboriginal territory. Pechanga Cultural Resources has supported this strong initiative for several years in order to fulfill this responsibility — to our land and to our children. Our site-monitors supervise the land guided by traditional environmental knowledge, spiritual beliefs, and the ethical principles and practices of our People, in addition to using the best practices of non-native site monitors to full benefit. The goal is to sustain our environment, our traditional knowledge and to protect against developmental destruction. Working Together as a Community Our monitors participate in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for site assessment — this environmental review process includes all of the lead agencies from the county. Monitors work with more than five cities in one county advising new developments: the City of Temecula, Lake Elsinore, the City of Riverside, Hemet, and Escondido. They work with developers to protect and provide insight to various sites: pictographs, mortars, sacred/ religious, villages, pre-historic, and 200-10,000 years old. Their in-depth historical and traditional knowledge of our original aboriginal lands brings valuable practice to these efforts that would otherwise be unavailable. Understanding the Land as It was Many decisions in renewable resource management and environmental impact assessment depend on understanding the land as it was. The Pechanga ancestral lands, the territory of concern, is immense: several hundred square miles that run north to Riverside and Corona, east to Hemet, south to Escondido, and west to the coast from Agua Hedionda lagoon in the south to San Mateo Creek in the north. Monitoring this land for impact and change is a significant, almost daunting feat. Our monitors are currently overseeing more than 400 sites in only half of the land. When we can't stop all inappropriate development, we monitor — and when we are unable to preserve an entire area we monitor grading/ ground disturbing activities — we go out and watch the cutting of the ground on all native soil. Our specific knowledge allows us to appropriately identify and preserve important artifacts while we work side-by-side and increase the knowledge of nonnative archeological monitors too. A Program of Highest Standard Pechanga's monitoring efforts include collaboration with academia, professionals and within our tribal nation. The result of our collaborations is a Monitoring Program that is a model nationwide. Pechanga has one of the largest tribal preservation effort in the nation. Our monitors have fused their goals with local environmental and development programs and scientific expertise of professional anthropologists and archaeologists, within a student-centered educational program. The outcome is a truly tribally focused, academically validated site monitor certification program that not only meets high professional standards, but serves as the platinum standard for the region, state, and nation. You are here: Home CULTURE Cultural Center Monitor Program P.O. Box 1477, Temecula, CA 92593 Copyright © 2026 Pechanga Band of Indians. Terms of Use Pechanga Band of Indians - NEWS & PRESS Pechanga Band Welcome to our place in the sun. HOME HISTORY The Great Oak The Canyon Temecula Eviction Mission Indian Federation Pu’éska Mountain Timeline Facts or Myths Pechanga History: Fact or Myth? California Treaties California History: State & Federal Indian Policy Educational Processes Native American Adversity in California Spanish Missionaries Found California Missions Spanish Missions and Political Intent Our People: Fact or Myth? Pechanga Tribal Culture: Fact or Myth? Tribal Government: Fact or Myth? Tribal Economy: Fact or Myth? CULTURE Customs and Traditions Basketry Animals Plants Minerals Rattlemaking Traditional Foods Traditional Homes Traditional Sites Language Revitalization Chámmakilawish Pechanga School Cultural Center Monitor Program The Nursery Traditional Summer Youth Program Curation Exhibits Community Events THE PEOPLE Silver Feathers Member Achievements TRIBAL GOVERNMENT Pechanga Tribal Council Elected Officials CATALINA R. CHACON: Councilwoman RAYMOND BASQUEZ Jr: Councilman MICHAEL VASQUEZ: Councilman LOUISE BURKE: Councilwoman JOSEPH "JOE" MURPHY - Councilman MARC LUKER: Councilman AMY MINNIEAR - Tribal Treasurer Tribal Council Committees Pechanga Development Corporation PDC Elected Officials SEAN VASQUEZ: PDC President JOHN PALINKAS: PDC 1st Vice President MICHAEL MURPHY : PDC 2nd Vice President ANDREW MASIEL, Sr. : PDC Secretary KEN PEREZ: PDC Treasurer Pechanga Gaming Commission Gaming Regulatory Framework PGC Elected Officials Services Education and Training Facilities & Public Works Pechanga Fire Department Health & Family Child & Family Services Tribal Rangers Tribal TANF Pechanga Western Electric TRIBAL ECONOMY Pechanga Resort & Casino About Gaming RV Resort Pechanga Gas Station Plaza Charitable Contributions NEWS & PRESS News Press Room Pechanga Press Release Pechanga Air Network Plan 2025 Media Clips The Great Oak Our Tribe CONTACT Emergency Contact Employment Related Links NEWS & PRESS July 22, 2014 Pechanga Announces Tribal Council Election Results: Chairman Mark Macarro and five council members re-elected Pechanga Indian Reservation, CA, Jul. 22, 2014 – The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians today announced the results of elections for the seven-member Tribal Council held this past Saturday. Chairman Mark Macarro , 50, was re-elected to his tenth consecutive two-year term as Chairman.  Also re-elected to the Tribal Council were Andrew Masiel, Sr.; Robert “RJ” Munoa; Russell “Butch” Murphy; Catalina R. Chacon; and Corrina Garbani-Sanchez.  Former Councilman Marc Luker was also elected to the Tribal Council.  The new Tribal Council term will begin August 17, 2014. The seven-member Tribal Council sets policies, administers government programs and executes the will of the Pechanga General Membership.  The tribal chairperson and members of the council are charged with upholding and enforcing the Constitution and Bylaws of the Pechanga Band. “It is a privilege and honor to have the faith of the Pechanga people in being elected to serve another term.  The protection of and advocacy for Pechanga's sovereignty and homeland is a responsibility entrusted to every tribal council member by the Pechanga people," Chairman Macarro stated. About the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians is a federally recognized Indian tribe that has called the Temecula Valley home since time immemorial.  After years of hardship and mistreatment by settlers, the Pechanga Indian Reservation was established by presidential executive order in 1882, affirming the Tribe’s sovereign rights and land-base.  The Pechanga Band directly employs over 5,000 people and owns and operates the award-winning Pechanga Resort & Casino, the largest gaming facility in the western United States.    Read Press Release CONTACT: Jacob Mejia, (951) 675-0586 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. You are here: Home NEWS & PRESS P.O. Box 1477, Temecula, CA 92593 Copyright © 2026 Pechanga Band of Indians. Terms of Use Pechanga Band of Indians - About Gaming Pechanga Band Welcome to our place in the sun. HOME HISTORY The Great Oak The Canyon Temecula Eviction Mission Indian Federation Pu’éska Mountain Timeline Facts or Myths Pechanga History: Fact or Myth? California Treaties California History: State & Federal Indian Policy Educational Processes Native American Adversity in California Spanish Missionaries Found California Missions Spanish Missions and Political Intent Our People: Fact or Myth? Pechanga Tribal Culture: Fact or Myth? Tribal Government: Fact or Myth? Tribal Economy: Fact or Myth? CULTURE Customs and Traditions Basketry Animals Plants Minerals Rattlemaking Traditional Foods Traditional Homes Traditional Sites Language Revitalization Chámmakilawish Pechanga School Cultural Center Monitor Program The Nursery Traditional Summer Youth Program Curation Exhibits Community Events THE PEOPLE Silver Feathers Member Achievements TRIBAL GOVERNMENT Pechanga Tribal Council Elected Officials CATALINA R. CHACON: Councilwoman RAYMOND BASQUEZ Jr: Councilman MICHAEL VASQUEZ: Councilman LOUISE BURKE: Councilwoman JOSEPH "JOE" MURPHY - Councilman MARC LUKER: Councilman AMY MINNIEAR - Tribal Treasurer Tribal Council Committees Pechanga Development Corporation PDC Elected Officials SEAN VASQUEZ: PDC President JOHN PALINKAS: PDC 1st Vice President MICHAEL MURPHY : PDC 2nd Vice President ANDREW MASIEL, Sr. : PDC Secretary KEN PEREZ: PDC Treasurer Pechanga Gaming Commission Gaming Regulatory Framework PGC Elected Officials Services Education and Training Facilities & Public Works Pechanga Fire Department Health & Family Child & Family Services Tribal Rangers Tribal TANF Pechanga Western Electric TRIBAL ECONOMY Pechanga Resort & Casino About Gaming RV Resort Pechanga Gas Station Plaza Charitable Contributions NEWS & PRESS News Press Room Pechanga Press Release Pechanga Air Network Plan 2025 Media Clips The Great Oak Our Tribe CONTACT Emergency Contact Employment Related Links About Gaming Indian tribes are sovereign governments recognized by the U.S. Constitution, laws and treaties. Tribal governments, like state governments, are not subject to taxation by the federal government, because governments do not tax other governments. (Please see Tribal Governments for more information.) Taxation of Tribal Government Gaming Just like local, state and federal governments, tribal governments are not taxed on the revenue they generate. Rather, their duty is to provide healthcare, education and social programs on the reservation, the same basic services that other governments are charged with providing. Revenues earned on the reservation help to support and build infrastructure such as housing, electricity, water and other basic services. The federal government is responsible, along with tribal governments, for the health, education and welfare of Indian people, just as it shares responsibility with state governments, for the health, education and welfare of the citizens of each state. If the IRS taxed tribal gaming income, it would only mean that the burden for providing tribal government programs that the gaming revenues provide would be shifted to the federal government and all U.S. taxpayers. If tribal members live on the Pechanga reservation, they pay no state income tax. Individual Pechanga tribal members pay federal income tax. Pechanga tribal members living off the reservation also pay all of the same taxes as other California residents. Just as the federal government does not tax state government lottery income, it does not tax tribal government gaming income. Gaming Revenues for Governmental Purposes and Benefits to Nonnative Neighbors via Taxation The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 (IGRA) requires tribes to use gaming revenues for governmental purposes. All tribal gaming revenues must be used as required by IGRA for: tribal government programs, the general welfare of the tribe and its members, economic development, charitable purposes and assisting in funding programs of local agencies. Tribal decisions to use part of such revenues for individual payments to members must first be approved by the Secretary of the Interior. Since individuals pay federal taxes, the federal government taxes any gaming funds not being used directly for tribal government programs. Revenue for Governmental Services to Tribal Members Revenue from tribal economic development enterprises, including tribal gaming, is used to provide needed governmental services to tribal members. Just as state governments use income from lotteries and other economic development enterprises for the public good, tribal governments use gaming dollars for a variety of governmental purposes, including health, housing, education, welfare, community services, judicial and law enforcement services, day care and elderly services, job training and governmental infrastructure, as well as construction of facilities, such as clinics, schools, office buildings and roads. Tribal governments also give a substantial portion of gaming revenues each year to charitable contributions that benefit neighboring communities and nonprofit organizations. Paying Federal Taxes— and State Taxes, too. Like every other United States citizen, individual Indian people are subject to federal income tax on all income, no matter how it is earned. If Indian people receive income from gaming because of tribal membership, that income is fully taxable. Indian people are very often subject to state income tax too, depending on whether they live on or off a reservation, and whether the source of the income is tribal or not. Tribal employers pay all required Federal and State Employer taxes. Reservations: Federal Lands Held in Trust State and local governments have no taxing authority over federal land, whether military bases, national parks, forests or other lands, such as Indian reservations. Indian reservations are federal lands held in trust for Indian Nations governed by tribal governments, in accordance with applicable federal law. Gaming Players Paying Taxes The Internal Revenue Service requires that all patron's with winnings at or above $1,200 on a slot machine file a W2-g on their tax return. Tribal gaming operations are subject to Title 31 of the Federal Bank Secrecy Act, which was made applicable to all tribal gaming facilities in 1994. You are here: Home TRIBAL ECONOMY Pechanga Resort & Casino About Gaming P.O. Box 1477, Temecula, CA 92593 Copyright © 2026 Pechanga Band of Indians. Terms of Use Pechanga Band of Indians - KEN PEREZ: PDC Treasurer Pechanga Band Welcome to our place in the sun. HOME HISTORY The Great Oak The Canyon Temecula Eviction Mission Indian Federation Pu’éska Mountain Timeline Facts or Myths Pechanga History: Fact or Myth? California Treaties California History: State & Federal Indian Policy Educational Processes Native American Adversity in California Spanish Missionaries Found California Missions Spanish Missions and Political Intent Our People: Fact or Myth? Pechanga Tribal Culture: Fact or Myth? Tribal Government: Fact or Myth? Tribal Economy: Fact or Myth? CULTURE Customs and Traditions Basketry Animals Plants Minerals Rattlemaking Traditional Foods Traditional Homes Traditional Sites Language Revitalization Chámmakilawish Pechanga School Cultural Center Monitor Program The Nursery Traditional Summer Youth Program Curation Exhibits Community Events THE PEOPLE Silver Feathers Member Achievements TRIBAL GOVERNMENT Pechanga Tribal Council Elected Officials CATALINA R. CHACON: Councilwoman RAYMOND BASQUEZ Jr: Councilman MICHAEL VASQUEZ: Councilman LOUISE BURKE: Councilwoman JOSEPH "JOE" MURPHY - Councilman MARC LUKER: Councilman AMY MINNIEAR - Tribal Treasurer Tribal Council Committees Pechanga Development Corporation PDC Elected Officials SEAN VASQUEZ: PDC President JOHN PALINKAS: PDC 1st Vice President MICHAEL MURPHY : PDC 2nd Vice President ANDREW MASIEL, Sr. : PDC Secretary KEN PEREZ: PDC Treasurer Pechanga Gaming Commission Gaming Regulatory Framework PGC Elected Officials Services Education and Training Facilities & Public Works Pechanga Fire Department Health & Family Child & Family Services Tribal Rangers Tribal TANF Pechanga Western Electric TRIBAL ECONOMY Pechanga Resort & Casino About Gaming RV Resort Pechanga Gas Station Plaza Charitable Contributions NEWS & PRESS News Press Room Pechanga Press Release Pechanga Air Network Plan 2025 Media Clips The Great Oak Our Tribe CONTACT Emergency Contact Employment Related Links KEN PEREZ: PDC Treasurer You are here: Home TRIBAL GOVERNMENT Pechanga Development Corporation KEN PEREZ: PDC Treasurer P.O. Box 1477, Temecula, CA 92593 Copyright © 2026 Pechanga Band of Indians. Terms of Use Pechanga Band of Indians - Our People: Fact or Myth? Pechanga Band Welcome to our place in the sun. HOME HISTORY The Great Oak The Canyon Temecula Eviction Mission Indian Federation Pu’éska Mountain Timeline Facts or Myths Pechanga History: Fact or Myth? California Treaties California History: State & Federal Indian Policy Educational Processes Native American Adversity in California Spanish Missionaries Found California Missions Spanish Missions and Political Intent Our People: Fact or Myth? Pechanga Tribal Culture: Fact or Myth? Tribal Government: Fact or Myth? Tribal Economy: Fact or Myth? CULTURE Customs and Traditions Basketry Animals Plants Minerals Rattlemaking Traditional Foods Traditional Homes Traditional Sites Language Revitalization Chámmakilawish Pechanga School Cultural Center Monitor Program The Nursery Traditional Summer Youth Program Curation Exhibits Community Events THE PEOPLE Silver Feathers Member Achievements TRIBAL GOVERNMENT Pechanga Tribal Council Elected Officials CATALINA R. CHACON: Councilwoman RAYMOND BASQUEZ Jr: Councilman MICHAEL VASQUEZ: Councilman LOUISE BURKE: Councilwoman JOSEPH "JOE" MURPHY - Councilman MARC LUKER: Councilman AMY MINNIEAR - Tribal Treasurer Tribal Council Committees Pechanga Development Corporation PDC Elected Officials SEAN VASQUEZ: PDC President JOHN PALINKAS: PDC 1st Vice President MICHAEL MURPHY : PDC 2nd Vice President ANDREW MASIEL, Sr. : PDC Secretary KEN PEREZ: PDC Treasurer Pechanga Gaming Commission Gaming Regulatory Framework PGC Elected Officials Services Education and Training Facilities & Public Works Pechanga Fire Department Health & Family Child & Family Services Tribal Rangers Tribal TANF Pechanga Western Electric TRIBAL ECONOMY Pechanga Resort & Casino About Gaming RV Resort Pechanga Gas Station Plaza Charitable Contributions NEWS & PRESS News Press Room Pechanga Press Release Pechanga Air Network Plan 2025 Media Clips The Great Oak Our Tribe CONTACT Emergency Contact Employment Related Links Our People: Fact or Myth? From where we live to how we dress, many people have preconceived notions about Native Americans that are often incorrect. Read below to learn more about our people. Myth "Real" Native Americans live by the land, hunting and gathering all day to earn their living. FACT Subsistence skills and traditional knowledge are very important to our cultural heritage today and in our past. However, in addition to knowing our traditional ways, Pechanga Band tribal members hold a variety of professional positions within and outside of our tribal government and reservation area. Some professions we serve include: Tribal Government Education Law Enforcement Military (Officers and Enlisted) Medical Resource Management Museum Management Resort & Facilities Management Human Resources Management Public Relations Economic Development Legal Environmental Management Casino Myth All Native Americans live on reservations — if you meet a person living in a city or suburb it follows that they couldn't really be Native American. FACT Pechanga Tribal members may live on or near our Band's reservation, or may just as easily and appropriately live in surrounding urban communities, across the United States or abroad. Nationally approximately half of tribally enrolled people live on or near reservations and approximately half live off-reservation. In the case of Pechanga approximately 50% of our tribe live on or near the reservation. Myth Native American people don't achieve high academic accomplishment. FACT Today, Pechanga tribal members excel in many academic areas and our members include doctoral candidates, graduate students, those studying at the bachelor's level, along with those attending technical or other studies. We are proud to be able to provide increased educational opportunities and support to our members. We realize only 40 years ago US Census figures showed that less than 4% of all Native American people graduated from high school. Through the self-reliance and determination of many Indian people — times have changed. And so it is with us at Pechanga. Myth Native American people are not very active in community building efforts and are rather passive. FACT Pechanga Tribal members, whether our youth, our adults or our elders (Silver Feathers) contribute volunteer hours to a variety of organizations and causes both within our tribal community and to neighboring efforts, locally, regionally and nationally. Myth Tribes do not contribute anything to the benefit of their neighboring communities. FACT Tribes with significant gaming revenues often immediately share charitable contributions with nonnative neighboring communities, and others regionally and nationally. Corporate interests in the United States had almost 150 years of development before formalized philanthropy became a part of their civic responsibilities with the advent of the nonprofit sector in the early 1900's. Conversely, Native American business enterprise success had translated into nearly immediate philanthropic support to a variety of community efforts. The most recent data shows that Tribal Nations across the country give over $80 Million in charitable contributions alone. Read more about Pechanga Tribal Impact. You are here: Home HISTORY Facts or Myths Our People: Fact or Myth? P.O. Box 1477, Temecula, CA 92593 Copyright © 2026 Pechanga Band of Indians. Terms of Use Pechanga Band of Indians - Services Pechanga Band Welcome to our place in the sun. HOME HISTORY The Great Oak The Canyon Temecula Eviction Mission Indian Federation Pu’éska Mountain Timeline Facts or Myths Pechanga History: Fact or Myth? California Treaties California History: State & Federal Indian Policy Educational Processes Native American Adversity in California Spanish Missionaries Found California Missions Spanish Missions and Political Intent Our People: Fact or Myth? Pechanga Tribal Culture: Fact or Myth? Tribal Government: Fact or Myth? Tribal Economy: Fact or Myth? CULTURE Customs and Traditions Basketry Animals Plants Minerals Rattlemaking Traditional Foods Traditional Homes Traditional Sites Language Revitalization Chámmakilawish Pechanga School Cultural Center Monitor Program The Nursery Traditional Summer Youth Program Curation Exhibits Community Events THE PEOPLE Silver Feathers Member Achievements TRIBAL GOVERNMENT Pechanga Tribal Council Elected Officials CATALINA R. CHACON: Councilwoman RAYMOND BASQUEZ Jr: Councilman MICHAEL VASQUEZ: Councilman LOUISE BURKE: Councilwoman JOSEPH "JOE" MURPHY - Councilman MARC LUKER: Councilman AMY MINNIEAR - Tribal Treasurer Tribal Council Committees Pechanga Development Corporation PDC Elected Officials SEAN VASQUEZ: PDC President JOHN PALINKAS: PDC 1st Vice President MICHAEL MURPHY : PDC 2nd Vice President ANDREW MASIEL, Sr. : PDC Secretary KEN PEREZ: PDC Treasurer Pechanga Gaming Commission Gaming Regulatory Framework PGC Elected Officials Services Education and Training Facilities & Public Works Pechanga Fire Department Health & Family Child & Family Services Tribal Rangers Tribal TANF Pechanga Western Electric TRIBAL ECONOMY Pechanga Resort & Casino About Gaming RV Resort Pechanga Gas Station Plaza Charitable Contributions NEWS & PRESS News Press Room Pechanga Press Release Pechanga Air Network Plan 2025 Media Clips The Great Oak Our Tribe CONTACT Emergency Contact Employment Related Links Services The mission of Tribal Government Services is to provide the Pechanga people with the tools and technical assistance to strengthen their self-determination, protect their assets and build the local capacity to guide and manage their own destiny. We take care of our place in the sun with the efforts of our highly skilled personnel in Tribal Facilities, Fire Department and Tribal Rangers. Our growing economy has enabled us to provide a wide range of services to our members, ranging from individual insurance benefits to education and recreational benefits. You are here: Home TRIBAL GOVERNMENT Services P.O. Box 1477, Temecula, CA 92593 Copyright © 2026 Pechanga Band of Indians. Terms of Use Pechanga Band of Indians - Traditional Summer Youth Program Pechanga Band Welcome to our place in the sun. HOME HISTORY The Great Oak The Canyon Temecula Eviction Mission Indian Federation Pu’éska Mountain Timeline Facts or Myths Pechanga History: Fact or Myth? California Treaties California History: State & Federal Indian Policy Educational Processes Native American Adversity in California Spanish Missionaries Found California Missions Spanish Missions and Political Intent Our People: Fact or Myth? Pechanga Tribal Culture: Fact or Myth? Tribal Government: Fact or Myth? Tribal Economy: Fact or Myth? CULTURE Customs and Traditions Basketry Animals Plants Minerals Rattlemaking Traditional Foods Traditional Homes Traditional Sites Language Revitalization Chámmakilawish Pechanga School Cultural Center Monitor Program The Nursery Traditional Summer Youth Program Curation Exhibits Community Events THE PEOPLE Silver Feathers Member Achievements TRIBAL GOVERNMENT Pechanga Tribal Council Elected Officials CATALINA R. CHACON: Councilwoman RAYMOND BASQUEZ Jr: Councilman MICHAEL VASQUEZ: Councilman LOUISE BURKE: Councilwoman JOSEPH "JOE" MURPHY - Councilman MARC LUKER: Councilman AMY MINNIEAR - Tribal Treasurer Tribal Council Committees Pechanga Development Corporation PDC Elected Officials SEAN VASQUEZ: PDC President JOHN PALINKAS: PDC 1st Vice President MICHAEL MURPHY : PDC 2nd Vice President ANDREW MASIEL, Sr. : PDC Secretary KEN PEREZ: PDC Treasurer Pechanga Gaming Commission Gaming Regulatory Framework PGC Elected Officials Services Education and Training Facilities & Public Works Pechanga Fire Department Health & Family Child & Family Services Tribal Rangers Tribal TANF Pechanga Western Electric TRIBAL ECONOMY Pechanga Resort & Casino About Gaming RV Resort Pechanga Gas Station Plaza Charitable Contributions NEWS & PRESS News Press Room Pechanga Press Release Pechanga Air Network Plan 2025 Media Clips The Great Oak Our Tribe CONTACT Emergency Contact Employment Related Links Traditional Summer Youth Program The Pechanga youth, ages 12 through 17, has developed a Traditional Knowledge Summer Youth Program. The program aims to establish an infrastructure where knowledge and skills are passed on as it was done long ago. The program is currently in their tenth year. The major objective of the program is to introduce students to the traditional life ways and skills of the Luiseño People. Some of these include: making arrowheads and arrows basket weaving pottery cordage tule canoes willow tule houses traditional games Familiarity with traditional foods , such as acorn mush, cherry pit mush, pine nut soup, yucca and Indian potato, is also a major component of the program. One of the program's objectives is to arm those youth who complete the program with the skills and knowledge they need to become teachers and administrators of the program.   You are here: Home CULTURE Cultural Center Traditional Summer Youth Program P.O. Box 1477, Temecula, CA 92593 Copyright © 2026 Pechanga Band of Indians. Terms of Use