Escape Fall/Winter 2017

ESCAPE FALL/WINTER 2017

AT

H A R R A H ’ S

R E S O R T

S O U T H E R N

C A L I F O R N I A

Culinary Creativity

Taste Mouth-Watering Surprises!

DRINK: Robeks Fun Starter Menu • PLAY: Blackjack 101• TASTE: Funner Food • STAY: The Spa at Harrah's

LOOK

BLUE SKY AT NIGHT, LAZY RIVER DELIGHT. Photo by Brian Luna

ESCAPE

LOOK

DAMIAN ‘JR. GONG’ MARLEY LIVE AT THE EVENTS CENTER Photo by Troy Doney

#HARRAHSSOCAL

CONTENTS

8

ESCAPE AT HARRAH’S RESORT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Fall/Winter 2017

36

LIVING THE FUNNER LIFE

10 INTRO With Radley Medina, Vice President and Assistant General Manager

42

DRINK

13 TOTAL REWARDS® Explore, book and save with play by TR

48

AROUND TOWN

14 THE RINCON BAND OF

50

SHOP

52

GIVE BACK

54

RESORT MAP

4

LOOK

Featuring the finest images taken at Harrah’s Resort SoCal

LUISEÑO INDIANS

California honors Rincon Band’s commitment to protecting tribal sovereignty 16 TASTE Funner food 22

The hidden ways you can enjoy, explore and win in Funner, CA

SR76 winter offerings Robeks Fun Starter Menu

La Jolla Zip Zoom

Harrah’s Resort SoCal’s six collectible chips

All-in 4 Change’s biggest year yet

Navigate your fun

PLAY

Blackjack 101

28 THE SPA AT HARRAH’S Perfect pampering for couples

COVER PHOTO BY PRISCILLA LEZZI ESCAPE AT HARRAH'S RESORT SOCAL MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY TRANSITION VISUAL AGENCY, INC. TRANSITIONVISUALAGENCY.COM ©HARRAH’S RESORT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2017 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ESCAPE

PRISCILLA LEZZI

Sushi for breakfast? No problem with the Sausage and Egg Roll covered in Bacon Bits.

To see more Funner Food, go to page 16.

9

INTRO

10

WINNING YOUR TRUST ONE EXPERIENCE AT A TIME Words by Radley Medina, Vice President and Assistant General Manager Photo by Troy Doney

IN MAY OF 1999, after a few years holding down

started talking to Darrell Pilant, senior vice

on all cylinders. We’re trying to become more

“college jobs” like retail sales associate and bank

president and general manager, about this

transparent. We’re doing everything we can at

teller, I accepted my first real gig in the gaming

opportunity, I knew what kind of culture he was

every touchpoint to understand what you’re

and hospitality business. More specifically, I

trying to build, and I wanted to be a part of it.

looking to do and to deliver.

became a front desk agent at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.

I’m of the mindset that in most things we

The easy thing for any resort to do is to

ought to start by defining the experience first

settle into the things that work—become robotic.

Over the nearly two decades that have

and then backing into everything that leads to

Doing so allows for meeting expectations but

followed, I held numerous leadership positions

the experience that we want to deliver later.

not exceeding them. A mentality of continuous

at different companies. Prior to coming here, I

Whether it’s for the guest or for teammates,

improvement is important. We need to evolve.

felt like The Cosmopolitan would be the jewel

before we do anything we need to define what

We need to find ways to get better.

of my career. From the outset that resort looked

is the optimal experience.

With the introduction of Funner, California was

we’ve created positive disruption by offering

matters,” and to change the way people do

honored with the TripAdvisor Certificate of

you something completely new. We’re doing

Vegas. The positive disruption we were able

Excellence for 2017. An award like that is nice,

something different and unexpected.

to deliver at that location was driven by many

but we’re not doing this for the awards. At the

I’m all about meaningful work, and I think

unique elements, but chief among them were

end of the day, the only way we can provide

what we’re going to do over the next few years

the cultural framework we built for teammates

experiences that are compelling enough to talk

will be absolutely “game-changing.” It could

and the holistic approach we leveraged to ensure

about is to create experiences that matter to

potentially be “company-changing,” and even

that every touchpoint in the customer journey

you—to understand what you are trying to get

more broadly it could be “industry-changing.”

was as good as it could be.

out of each trip. It’s really about tapping into

I’m thrilled to be a part of this award-winning

what you are here to do.

culture, and I look forward to seeing how

to disrupt the industry, to offer “different that

Again, I believed my experience at The

Recently

Harrah’s

Resort

SoCal

Cosmopolitan would be the jewel of my career.

We understand that today guests want

each iteration of Funner will broaden your

That was until I came here to Harrah’s Resort

more control and value transparency. You

experiences and exceed your expectations

Southern California. Last summer, when I first

want things tailored to you. Here, we’re firing

every time you stay and play with us.

ESCAPE

David Hasselhoff @DavidHasselhoff Come get lazy with me on the Lazy River!! We all need a break @HarrahsSoCal #Funner #HARRAHSSOCAL

Bruce Buffer @brucebuffer IT’S TIME! to KO me for your shot at the title! Come play poker against me TODAY at @HarrahsSoCal @UltimatePoker @ufc

Tribal Seeds @TribalSeeds SoCal! We’ll be @HarrahsSoCal on 8/31 for the first Hop Heads & Dreads Craft beer festival!

Rick Springfield @rickspringfield We’re rocking @HarrahsSoCal on July 17 & bringing Loverboy & The Romantics with us!

Ron White @Ron_White The weekend is here, kids! Let’s party tonight @HarrahsSoCal

Price Is Right Live @TPIRLIVE Great to be back at @HarrahsSoCal. One of our favorite casinos.

Your guest host this weekend is #JerrySpringer

The Romantics @romanticsrock Check, one two! @HarrahsSoCal

King Mo @KingMoFH @HarrahsSoCal is my new spot! #HarrahsSoCal

SEE WHAT THE HYPE IS ALL ABOUT. @HarrahsSoCal

Nick Hardwick @hardwina @HarrahsSoCal has got it going on! This place will be packed. Line up is huge!

Patti Stanger @pattistanger Thx @HarrahsSoCal for an amazing time! #Peprally for your staff was so much fun. Love you!

George Lopez @georgelopez #SoCal #Chingons, catch me at the @HarrahsSoCal this Friday!

Nick Swardson @NickSwardson Tonight me and the boys @AdamSandler @DavidSpade @RobSchneider are at @HarrahsSoCal JOIN US!

Matt Iseman @mattiseman Riding around the city with @Uber_LA giving free UberPool rides from @HarrahsSoCal #SantaInANissan

Kenny Loggins @kennyloggins Kick off the long weekend with me at @HarrahsSoCal Friday night 9/2

Heart @officialheart @HarrahsSoCal we had a blast!!! #HarrahsSoCal #MusicEqualsLoveTour

Jimi Hendrix @JimiHendrix Don’t miss tonight’s all-star @JimiHendrix #concert at @HarrahsSoCal.

Dennis Rodman @dennisrodman Goin back to Cali. June 14th at @HarrahsSoCal it’s on!

Urijah Faber @UrijahFaber San Diego Scrappers! Excited 2 c what the future of #MMA has to offer at @HarrahsSoCal tonight! #FSLeague

Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Owned by the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians. Managed by HCAL, LLC. ©2017, Caesars License Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

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SautÉed Mushrooms • $8 Nachos with Chicken • $8 New York Steak Sandwich • $14 Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp • $14 Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken • $12 Luis’ Especial • $18 House Taco: Choose Fish, Shrimp or Calamari • $3 Oyster Shooter • $3 Oyster Shooter With Rice Vodka • $4

760.433.1900 | www.lighthouseoceanside.com 262 Harbor Drive South, Suite 201 | Oceanside, CA 92054

TOTAL REWARDS

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13

THE RINCON BAND OF LUISEÑO INDIANS

CALIFORNIA TRIBES CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF NATIVE AMERICAN DAY STATE HONORS RINCON BAND’S COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY Words by Tanya Duggan Photos by Rob Shaffer

(L to R): Senator Mike McGuire, Northern CA Tribal Chairmen’s Association Chair Garth Sundberg, Southern CA Tribal Chairmen’s Association Vice Chair Bo Mazzetti, Senator Ben Hueso, Central CA Tribal Chairmen’s Association Vice Chair Glenda Nelson and Senator Tom Berryhill.

ESCAPE

“Sovereign is not a word, it is a way of life for all Indian people”

—Bo Mazzetti, Chairman of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians

CALIFORNIA NATIVE AMERICAN DAY is celebrated every year on the fourth Friday of September. This year marked the 50th Anniversary, since former Governor Ronald Reagan signed a resolution calling for a holiday dubbed “American Indian Day.” The establishment of this important state holiday was the beginning of a successful cultural effort in the spirit of Tribal sovereignty, and building stronger government-to-government relationships.

This year, for first time in the California State Legislature’s history, the Senate opened with a prayer in the language of one of California’s Native that was, is and will continue to be passed on from

American tribes.

State Senator Ben Hueso, representing the

generation to generation.”

40th district, which encompasses the southern

The office of Governor Jerry Brown, on behalf

portion of San Diego County and Imperial County,

of the State Senate, honored and presented the

introduced Leland Kinter, Chairman of Yocha Dehe

Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians a Resolution

Wintun Nation, to offer the opening prayer in the

commending the tribe for its leadership to

tribe’s native language.

protecting the sovereignty of the state’s 109 tribes.

“California leads the nation in having the

The Resolution was historic as it marked the

most amount of Native American tribes of any

first time a California tribe was commended for

state,” said Senator Hueso. “These nations also

its outstanding contributions and its unwavering

serve as one of the earliest examples of how

commitment to promoting and protecting tribal

diverse peoples with many languages, cultures and

sovereignty.

traditions can be unified into a large community

Mazzetti continued, “From the very beginning of the European and Spanish presence, tribes

and contribute to its diversity and richness.”

Bo Mazzetti, chairman of the Rincon Band

have been defending their rights to a respected

of Luiseño Indians, represented the Southern

sovereign existence. It is our continued goal to

California

as

create strong leaders that will continue the fight

the 50th Anniversary Host Nation sponsor and

to protect our sovereignty, our name, our cultural

welcomed the thousands in attendance to the

tradition and our pride.”

Tribal

Chairman’s

Association

special event recognizing all of the contributions

The annual public event took place on the South Steps of the State Capitol. Each year, this

the tribes have made in California.

“Sovereign is not a word, it is a way of life for

celebration continues to be a true representation

all Indian people,” expressed Mazzetti. “Our Indian

of the diversity and the strengths California’s

people must understand and embrace that you

Tribal Governments and people have within our

are only as sovereign as you act. This is a tradition

communities across the state.

#HARRAHSSOCAL

TASTE

16

WHERE FOOD BECOMES FUNNER Words by Elizabeth Schwartze Photos by Priscilla Lezzi

THE FOOD AT HARRAH’S RESORT SOCAL has always

ingredients:

delight includes strawberries, cream cheese and

options

Sriracha sauce, jalapeño, spicy tuna, avocado

avocado inside, with Nerds and Pop Rocks on top

for every palate. Located within the newly

and cucumber, then rolled the sushi in crushed-

and a drizzle of strawberry syrup. For the rise-

established city of Funner, the food (like the rest

up Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Needless to say, it was

and-shine guests there’s even breakfast sushi on

of the resort) has taken on an inventive twist.

a hot hit. “The experiment with the Flamin’ Hot

the weekends! Sushi rolls that include potatoes

Thanks to the hard work and creativity of the

Cheetos Roll was the start, and it was popular, so

rolled in bacon bits (instead of rice). A whole new

culinary staff, fun food abounds at The Buffet.

now the fun food experiments have spun out of

twist on the breakfast burrito.

And guests are sure to be dazzled!

control,” Chef Nielsen said. “We keep dreaming

been

delicious,

offering

authentic

CULINARY CREATIVITY

The

chefs

gathered

the

up fun foods. The sky’s the limit.”

MAKE ROOM ON YOUR PLATE But the sushi station isn’t the only place to

Executive Chef Israel Ortiz wanted to get on

SWIMMING IN SURPRISING SUSHI

board with the fresh culture and environment

Since the first sushi roll experiment, the team

asada fries pizza to the bacon cheeseburger

that Funner, California brought to Harrah’s Resort

has not stopped. Friday night is The Buffet’s night

pizza. Need more mac ’n’ cheese? There’s a

SoCal. The two culinary experts brainstormed

to boast its expanded fun sushi options. Hot on

rotating menu at this dedicated creamy pasta

different foods they could offer that were unique

the heels of the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Roll, the

station including delightfully different f lavors

and unexpected. The transformation of the

chefs created the Cool Ranch Doritos Roll and the

like buffalo chicken and crab mac ’n’ cheese.

menu all began at the sushi station with the

Funyuns Roll. They then took sushi on a different

During weekend breakfast hours, The Buffet

Flamin' Hot Cheetos Roll.

path with the Dessert Roll. This mouth-watering

offers a mouth-watering menu. Sous Chef Erica

In spring of 2017, Specialty Chef Tye Nielsen and

ESCAPE

find fun food. Pizza lovers will have a field day—from the mac ’n’ cheese pizza, carne

17

Cool Ranch Doritos Roll

Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Roll

Funyuns Roll

Eggs Benedict Cups, six different ways

Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza

“SINCE THE FIRST SUSHI ROLL EXPERIMENT, THE TEAM HAS NOT STOPPED—THEY KEEP CREATING FUN, DELICIOUS DISHES THEY’RE EXCITED TO SHOWCASE AT THE BUFFET”

Homemade Unicorn Pop-Tarts

Katsu Spam Musubi

Morales dazzles guests with her donut designs.

breakfast classic. Instead of using a muffin, the

of cotton candy. Dipped cones pair nicely with

The donut bar’s stocked with cookie monster

Funner chefs decided to use potato skins as the

the ice cream selection including Harrah’s Resort

donuts, s’more donuts, green tea donuts, bubble

bottom of the benedict. The potato holds a range

SoCal’s Royal Ube flavor. The ube is a purple yam

gum donuts, Almond Joy donuts and of course,

of offerings including fried chicken with gravy

that makes a creamy and sweet flavor.

patriotic red-white-and-blue donuts.

and carne asada.

On Saturday and Sunday mornings, make

If you’re still unclear where Harrah’s Resort

sure to check out the Cheeseburger Donut—

UNBUCKLE YOUR BELT

it’s the best of both meals. Morales is also

Dessert! Oh, yes you can’t miss the dessert

responsible for the homemade unicorn Pop-

station—a grand ending to a delicious food feast.

Tarts—her take on the beloved breakfast pastry.

Pastry Chef Matt Lawa has made this a festival of

The eggs benedict cups are a fresh take on the

food. Bring back childhood memories with a cone ESCAPE

SoCal ends and Funner, CA begins, make your way over to The Buffet—where every visit is an adventure for your palate!

Must be 21 or older to register as a Hotel guest, attend event and to gamble with valid photo ID. This offer is not valid for persons who have been excluded from Harrah’s affiliated casinos. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling problem?

Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Owned by the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians. Trademarks used herein are owned by Caesars License Company, LLC and its affiliated companies. Managed by HCAL, LLC. ©2017, Caesars License Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

BEHIND THE SCENES

20

WITH FIORÉ CHEF AMANDA COLELLO Words and photos by Brian Luna

Chef Amanda serving up a perfect Bone-in Ribeye.

FUNNER ISN’T JUST A PLACE, it’s a way of life.

Italian family where I began cooking at age three.

“A good kind of crazy” by Chef Amanda, Andrés’

Harrah’s Resort SoCal eats, sleeps and breathes

Standing on a chair helping stir the ‘Sunday

kitchen culture is by far the most influential in

it. But incorporating Funner into a dish can be

Gravy’ or helping roll out meatballs,” said Colello.

her career, but he wasn’t the only high-profile

tougher than you think. It takes a combination

“I always wanted to be an artist growing up. I like

chef to mentor her.

of impeccable skill and whimsical imagination

art and I’ve been cooking since I was two feet

to create something elegant, delectable and

tall, so it made sense to put the two together.”

A TV show application submitted to FOX Broadcasting by her mother and sister landed

After a move to California to attend

Colello a contestant spot on Season Four of

Luckily for you and your tastebuds, Harrah’s

Pasadena’s Le Cordon Bleu culinary school,

Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. Mourning the

Resort SoCal has the perfect chef for the job. She

Colello’s career has taken her to Thomas Keller’s

loss of her fiancé to a motorcycle accident, Colello

has tack-sharp technique learned from James

highly acclaimed New York restaurant Per Se,

took a hiatus from cooking and admits it was

Beard

Keller,

the Ritz Carlton and, her favorite—Jose Andrés’

Gordon Ramsay and Hell’s Kitchen that reignited

artistic imagination taught by the molecular

Bazaar in Beverly Hills. World renowned for his

the fire to get back in the kitchen. “I never

gastronomy madman José Andrés and the tricks

unorthodox approach to cooking, Jose Andrés

observed him take the time with other people

of the trade given by Chef Megastar Gordon

exposed Chef Amanda to molecular gastronomy,

like he did with me,” Chef Amanda recalled. “He

Ramsay. Get ready for a symphony of flavors—

tapas and the correct way to talk to the food she

knew I wasn’t there to get famous so he really

Fioré Specialty Chef Amanda Colello is leading

was preparing. “I’d be blanching shrimp and he’d

took to educating me. Gordon was never mean

the way to a Funner food experience.

come by and pick one up and say, ‘How would

to me, I don’t know if I didn’t mess up enough,

Born and raised in New York, Colello is no

you like me to prepare you? What can I transform

but I didn’t give the producers enough negative

stranger to the kitchen. “I was raised in a tight

you into?’ to the shrimp,” Colello said. Labeled as

footage so I was eliminated fourth.”

downright mind-blowing.

Award-winning

chef

Thomas

ESCAPE

Quail Tortellini

beautiful works of art, but invite you to dig in and share a bite or two.

Not a culinary daredevil? That’s okay.

Steakhouse purists will still find cuts of Filet Mignon, New York Strip and the beautifully marbled Bone-in Ribeye, as well as Halibut, Scallops and Lobster for the seafood lovers.

When asked about emotions or inspiration behind the new menu, Colello had one word: Celebration. It’s no secret that dining at Fioré is Bone Marrow

a fantastic way to celebrate a special occasion. A splurge-worthy birthday or anniversary dinner

Cooking

show

winner

or

not,

the

knowledge shared by two James Beard Award

Crawfish

“Chef Amanda’s vision isn’t just to cook the food for your special night, her team aims to elevate your culinary experience and steal the show”

is practically chiseled into the stone list of celebratory etiquette.

winners and a celebrity chef megastar are clear

But Chef Amanda’s vision isn’t just to cook

as Consommé in Colello’s cooking. Challenging

the food for your special night, her team aims to

herself and her team to push gastronomical

elevate your culinary experience and steal the

boundaries is the clear motivator behind her

show. “They’re [Fioré cooks] so talented and are

culinary vision, as well as the beautifully

owning the new menu like champs. They’re rising

composed new menu at Fioré.

to a new level,” she stated proudly. Personally

Delicate Hamachi with Hearts of Palm

fostering her team’s growth and education is a

and Soy Air, blissfully rich Bone Marrow with

task Colello keeps close to her heart. She works

a smoke-billowing tableside presentation and

the sauté station with her team every night,

Quail Tortellini with goat cheese, blueberries

shows them new techniques to experiment with

and a palate-crackling secret ingredient are

and constantly reminds them that they aren’t just

just a few new dishes that you can expect on

preparing a guest’s order, they’re plating a piece

the new menu at Fioré. An homage to Chef Jose

of their artistic vision.

Andrés, Colello’s menu is the perfect balance of

Even after years of industry experience,

flavor, polished culinary technique and Funner,

Chef Amanda constantly searches for new

California culture.

inspiration, techniques and food trends. What

“You can have that Funner atmosphere

was once a passion for her, she now shares her

and the food can still be beautiful,” said Colello.

love of cooking with her son, husband (who’s a

“I wanted to honor the tradition of what Fioré

pit master at Harrah's Resort SoCal by the way.)

is about, but somehow inject the Funner

and everyone dining at Fioré.

[component] and incorporate the two together.”

Do you have a culinary question? Don’t

The menu is a perfect marriage of delicious form

hesitate to ask Chef Amanda when you see

and function. The flavor combinations intrigue

her—she loves mingling and talking food with

the most curious of palates yet still appeal

the guests in the restaurant. She may even

to finicky taste buds. Dish presentations are

share a Gordon Ramsay story or two!

#HARRAHSSOCAL

PLAY

22

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO PLAYING BLACKJACK IT’S NOT JUST FOR PIRATES ANYMORE Words by Chris Coté Photos by Zach Cordner

Can you count to 21? Can you add six plus 10? Well, even if you can’t do either of these things, you can still play and win on the Blackjack table. Blackjack (otherwise known as Twenty-one) is one of the only casino table games that literally anyone (of legal gambling age, of course) can play. And it’s also one of the only games that’s as fun for beginners as it is for top-level experts.

The crux of the game is this: Beat the dealer! Or be closest to 21, without going over, to win. The ideal hand is an Ace card (which can equal one or 11) and a face card, or a 10 card—that’s when you get to yell “Blackjack!”

Sounds easy right? It can be, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before we get into the details of this game, let’s talk about its origin.

IN THE BEGINNING The history of Blackjack is actually much more complicated than the game itself. Some say it was invented by pirates to pass the time while sailing the high seas between pillages—which makes total sense, right? Blackjack— or Twenty-one as it was known in the 1600s—was first referenced in a short story called Rinconete y Cortadillo that was written by Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes. If his name sounds familiar, it should. He’s the master author of Don Quixote—only one of the greatest stories ever written. Anyway, what we can all agree on is that Blackjack is a very old game that has been a casino mainstay since … well, since there was such a thing as a “casino.”

ESCAPE

24

TOTAL TABLE HARMONY

PLACE YOUR BETS

These days, Blackjack is considered the most

At Harrah's Resort SoCal there are three types

popular and most played table game in nearly

of Blackjack games available. Blackjack shoe

every casino in America. “Blackjack is a great

is a multi-deck version, which features a card

entry point into gaming,” said Harrah’s Resort

holder that distributes cards from the layout (i.e.

SoCal’s Table Games Training Manager, Jacob

not pitched from a dealer's hand). Single deck

Emerson. “Here at Harrah’s Resort SoCal, and

Blackjack is a dealer hand-held game where the

pretty much any casino you’ll visit, there are

cards are pitched to the players. And double deck

Blackjack tables with low limits, meaning you

is when a dealer is holding two decks (104 cards)

can start playing the game with as little as $10.

in their hand and pitching them to the players.

you have, you’re going to either stand or hit.

Standing on a hand is staying with the cards you have, and hitting is asking the dealer for another card to help you get what you need to beat the dealer’s cards.

Hitting is signified by swiping the table with your finger. You can do this silently (which is pretty cool-looking, by the way), or can do it while saying, “Hit me.” Saying it out loud is fun, too. And you can say it low and casually, or loud and proud—think James Brown’s “Hit Me!”

That allows people to learn the game without the

When you sit down at a Blackjack table

risk of losing a lot of money. Blackjack is also a

and place a bet in the circle in front of you, this

game that the dealer and the people playing at

means you're officially in the game. No matter

MASTERING THE GAME

the table are really all on the same team. Dealers

which type of Blackjack you're playing, you'll be

Look, here’s the scoop: The best way to learn

help with decisions, they help do the math for

dealt two cards—hopefully adding up to 21 or

how to play Blackjack is to saddle up and play.

you and they keep the game moving along.

close to it.

Again, there are low-limit tables all over the

That’s why expert players can play alongside

There’s a basic strategy to playing entry

place. Harrah’s Resort SoCal has a whopping

absolute beginners with neither player being

level Blackjack. One great tip: “Always assume

29-plus tables with limits ranging from $5 up

disadvantaged.”

the dealer has a 10 underneath,” said Emerson.

to high-level big-baller tables that people can

Blackjack tables are fun because you’re not

“It makes it easier to see what you’re going up

bet up to $5,000 a hand!

playing “against” other players. Everyone on the

against. For example, if the dealer is showing

“The vibe on the f loor is very diverse with

table is on your team, and that allows beginning

a six, assume there’s a 10 underneath. That

players of all ages, skill levels and betting

players to feel comfortable asking questions—not

would mean the dealer potentially has 16—

styles. We are, after all, located in Funner,

only to the dealer, but also to the other players at

that’d be the number you have to beat without

California!” smiled Emerson. “The staff is very

the table. “Ask away,” said Emerson. “Everybody

going over 21.”

friendly here and we’re always willing to help

is relying on each other to play the game properly,

But wait, you don’t have to get to 21 to

and, of course, everybody wants to win. So, how

win. You’re playing against the dealer’s hand,

you play affects the other players. That’s the main

and you’re hoping that the dealer is going to

reason the dealer and the other players at the

Bust—which means going over 21. Depending

table are willing to help you—if need be.”

on the number the dealer has and the number ESCAPE

guide beginners. So come on in and let’s play some Blackjack!”

25

“BLACKJACK IS CONSIDERED THE MOST POPULAR AND MOST PLAYED TABLE GAME IN NEARLY EVERY CASINO IN AMERICA”

Robeks.com ©2017 Robeks Corporation

DELICIOUSNESS BLENDED DAILY Take a break from your busy day of fun and sip on something special. Robeks hand-crafted “cocktails” are perfectly prepared with fresh, natural fruits and veggies to rev you up or get refreshed before your next adventure.

BUY ONE, GET ONE 1/2 OFF Bring your Total Rewards® card to the Total Rewards Center and mention this ad to enjoy this drink special.

Valid October 15, 2017 – May 1, 2018 Limited one offer per person for the duration of the promotion. Offer good on drink of equal or lesser value. Must be 21 or older to register as a Hotel guest, attend events and to gamble with valid photo ID. This offer is not valid for persons who have been excluded from Harrah’s affiliated casinos. Know When to Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Owned by the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians. Trademarks used herein are owned by Caesars License, LLC and its affiliated companies. Managed

by HCAL, LLC. ©2017, Caesars License Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

AWW-MAZING THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT THE SPA AT HARRAH’S SO MUCH MORE THAN MERE MASSAGES Words by Elizabeth Schwartze Photos by Zach Cordner

Fun, exciting, romantic…words commonly associated with a couple’s getaway at Harrah’s Resort SoCal. Now, relaxing and luxurious can be added to that list with the recent grand re-opening of The Spa at Harrah’s. From head-to-toe, the fullservice spa offers everything needed for guests to feel primped and pampered. Couples seeking to connect and unwind now have a quintessential location to take necessary time together to the next level.

Softer skin? Salt baths are a simple solution.

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Cheers to a pair of pedicures!

“YOU CAN UNWIND TO THE SOUNDS OF BUBBLING WATERFALLS, MELLOW LIGHTING AND RELAXING TEMPERATURES OF 103°F WATER. IT’S AN AQUEOUS UTOPIA ENVELOPED IN THE HEART OF THE SPA”

ESCAPE

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PRESENTATION IS EVERYTHING

created The Spa with clean lines, bright white

to enjoy a few seasonal snacks, drinks and a

Crafted from floor to ceiling to offer a tranquil

paired with blues and natural browns.

quiet connection. The Great Room offers Tazo

and transformative environment, The Spa at

Teas or VitaJuwel gemwater that’s infused with

Harrah's instantly feels like a vacation from your

EMBRACE ESCAPISM

vacation. The newly remodeled space opened

Every reservation comes complete with a smile

libation of choice in preparation for the spa

June 2017 and offers 11,000 square feet complete

as a friendly spa attendant will check you in

experience of a lifetime.

with 15 treatment rooms, including a private

and escort you to a changing room. Each men's

If couples don’t mind splitting up to do

couple’s massage room. A relaxation destination

and women's locker offers a cozy robe, simple

some exploring, The Spa at Harrah’s offers men’s

located right off the Resort Lobby.

energizing gems (such as amethyst) and is a

slippers and a plush towel. The his and hers

and women’s cedar saunas or relaxing steam

Resort Operations Manager Benjamin Petell

spaces are complete with showers and chic

rooms. No matter how you like your heat, both

saw the remodel from inception to completion.

toiletries—everything you’ll need for pre- or

will open pores and revitalize skin.

“Our goal for the new spa was to create a fully

post-pampering presentation.

Separate for a short while to soak in the

immersive spa experience while meshing local

Once decked out in The Spa’s finest, guests

men’s or women’s sumptuous salt baths. Choose

flavor from the land on which the resort sits

can pre-order some champagne from a spa

between bathing with or without jets. Unwind

in Southern California,” Petell explained. “We

attendant and meet back in the Great Room

to the sounds of bubbling waterfalls, mellow

#HARRAHSSOCAL

32

“FROM THE CEILING TO THE FLOOR, NO DETAIL WAS OVERLOOKED TO EVOKE A SENSE OF PEACE AND FOCUS ON YOU”

Great connections start in the Great Room.

lighting and relaxing temperatures of 103°F

For 50 or 80 minutes, let the music,

water. It’s an aqueous utopia enveloped in the

lights and infused aroma set the tone for a

heart of The Spa.

remarkable time together with massage tables

ENJOY THE BEST MASSAGE EVER

primping treatment in the full-service salon or barbershop.

an added boost with upgrades like hot stones,

FROM MANICURES TO MANE TAMING

positioned head-to-head. Give your treatment

well-deserved

foot massage, warm oil scalp massage and

In the beauty salon women can revel in a

time together, couples can escape into the

skin-deep facial with body scrub options

manicure or pedicure featuring vegan Zoya nail

private treatment room where troubles will

utilizing only the best brands, such as Knesko

products, then move on to a hairstylist for a

melt away thanks to the The Spa at Harrah’s

and Eminence.

Smooth Operator wash, blow out and up-do. The

After

setting

the

tone

for

signature offering—The Best Massage Ever. As

Couples

can

retire

to

their

separate

Spa at Harrah’s offers UNITE hair care products

Spa Manager Gina Layland put it: “You can try

relaxation lounges to decompress. These serene

other massages, but you’ve never experienced

spaces are the perfect place to rehydrate and

Pampering for men hasn’t been overlooked with

anything as good as The Best Massage Ever

relax. For couples preparing for a night out

MAN-icures, Feet Retreat pedicures, gentleman’s

offered here at Harrah’s Resort SoCal.”

together, this could be a quick stop before a

facials, hot towel treatments with a straight razor

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for soft and sleek tresses.

33

The Best Massage Ever? Try it for yourself.

34

Ladies, treat yourselves to a Smooth Operator wash, blow out and up-do at the Blow Bar.

35

Fellas, treat yourselves to a free taste of Old Forester Bourbon while getting cleaned up.

shave and haircuts by a professional barber. The full-service Barbershop features Hanz de Fuko products and services are complemented by a taste of Old Forester Bourbon.

RELAXATION RESERVATIONS If it’s an extraordinary experience you’re looking for, The Spa at Harrah’s is the place. In addition to the treatments, it’s worth stopping by to check out the array of pampering products— along with much more. If it’s been a while since you’ve treated yourself to some well-deserved relaxation or a couple’s escape, The Spa at Harrah’s is open 365 days a year. The full-service menu is perfect for men and women, single treatments or day-use passes.

The Spa at Harrah’s is also an idea locale for bringing your friends together for a special occasion including bachelor or bachelorette parties, weddings or birthdays.

TO GUARANTEE YOU GET ALL THE TIME YOU NEED TO RELAX, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING (760) 751-7709 MODELS: NATHALIE GIRONAS & COLIN WHITBREAD PHOTO PRODUCER: ALONDRA FIGUEROA

LIVING THE FUNNER LIFE

36

THE HIDDEN WAYS YOU CAN ENJOY, EXPLORE AND WIN IN FUNNER, CA Words by Robyn Lass Photos by Christopher Donez

The famous Cheddar Bust-O-Hoff.

What’s all this “Funner” business you’ve been hearing about?

For those who are new to town, making a repeat visit to Harrah’s Resort SoCal for the first time in a long time or just have no idea that Funner is an actual place—welcome to the newest city to hit the map in the Golden State!

Whether you’re a newbie tourist or you’ve been visiting the number-one resort in Funner, CA long before the mayor was inaugurated, you may still be surprised by all the attractions you can find here.

To help you enjoy your journey and discover all that Funner has to offer, here’s a hit list of the many ways you can enjoy the Funner Life during your stay at Harrah's Resort SoCal.

ESCAPE

37

A FUNNER HISTORY LESSON To get your bearings, and begin your journey, we recommend stopping by the Funner Museum.

Located in the Hotel Lobby, you’ll find two cases filled with memorabilia, mementoes and more that’ll tell you the backstory of how Funner, California came to be.

“Transitioning to Funner, California was a monumental occasion for us,” said Harrah’s Resort SoCal Brand Manager Amber Lussier. “Each of the items in those display cases marks a significant moment in the history of Funner, and we’re thrilled to share this story with all of our guests.”

Read

the

proclamation

that

officially

declares Funner, CA as a location on the map, or the “Oath of Funner” that Mayor David Hasselhoff read on his inauguration day. Or imagine taking a bite of cheddar Bust-O-Hoff.

TOUR LIKE A REAL TOURIST When you travel abroad, the one thing you’ll always need—aside from a toothbrush and a clean pair of underwear—is your passport. You leave that little item at home and you’ll be left to stalk your friends and family on Instagram— kicking yourself for missing out on all the fun.

Funner, California is no different.

Pick up a Funner Passport at the Hotel Front Desk, Total Rewards® Center or the Promotions Center and start documenting every step of your stay. This free little booklet can be used whether you’re a one-time visitor to Harrah’s Resort SoCal, or you’re on the Funner, California frequent traveler list. But the best part about this pocketsized booklet is the more stops you make during your stay, the closer you’ll get to winning prizes.

Collect stickers when you make purchases or participate in certain activities around the resort and you can win four tiers of prizes—with a grand prize of an exclusive dinner for two at Fioré. “We designed this program to give guests an opportunity to experience Funner, California in a fun and memorable way,” said Luis Briseno, director of brand and service operations for Harrah’s Resort SoCal. Be sure to take your passport with you every stop of the way. A quick “pick-me-up” HARRAHSSOCAL.COM

Golden Tickets can be found in all sit-down dining options within Harrah’s Resort SoCal.

at Starbucks, a relaxing treatment at The Spa

be sure to wave it above your head and shout: “I

at Harrah’s and your favorite craft cocktail

found a Golden Ticket!” to make everyone in the

at Spiked are just a few ways you can collect

restaurant jealous.

stickers during your stay. And the more you visit the more chances you have to win!

GO FOR THE GOLD

FUNNER LAWS AND SURPRISING CITATIONS When you’re traveling in a new city, it’s always

Here’s the scenario: You sit down, order

important to remember some laws might be

some delicious chicken wings at the Café or a

different than back home. Laughing out loud

martini straight up in Fioré. You then unroll

might be frowned upon in a place like Boring,

your napkin to reveal your utensils…and…a…

Oregon. But in Funner, California the fun police

Golden Ticket! To your surprise, you’ve just hit

aren’t meant ironically—guests can actually

a secret jackpot. Who knew sitting down for a

earn a citation for having a good time.

snack could be so rewarding?

“A lot of times in the hospitality business

Across the resort, hidden in napkin rolls

security has a negative association for guests,”

and waiting to bring smiles to unsuspecting

Briseno said. “We wanted to turn the tables on that

guests are these shiny little surprises. “Guests

idea and delight our guests in an unexpected

are genuinely surprised and delighted when

way.” To do that, security teammates at Harrah’s

they unroll their napkin and find the Golden

Resort SoCal are armed with Fun Citations, and

Ticket,” said Café Supervisor Julian Martinez. “In

they have the means to enforce them. Guests

addition to being excited about the prize itself,

can spontaneously win free play, Reward

guests say the ticket is so beautiful they actually

Credits ® and more all by giving off good vibes.

want to keep it! It’s like two prizes in one!”

At the end of the day, living the Funner life

Golden Tickets can be found in all sit-

is easy. Just smile. Relax. The team at Harrah’s

down dining options within Harrah’s Resort

Resort SoCal is constantly dreaming up new ways

SoCal. Each ticket is designed to make your

to put a fun twist around every corner. If you just

meal a little Funner by offering a discount or a

expect the unexpected, the next thing you know

dessert. But there’s a catch. When you find one,

you’ll be living like a local in Funner, CA. ESCAPE

“In Funner, California the fun police aren’t meant ironically—guests can actually earn a citation for having a good time” #HARRAHSSOCAL

40

41

DRINK

42

DELICIOUS BLENDED DRINKS WITH A GROWN UP TWIST SAMPLE ROBEKS FUN STARTER MENU Words by Aaron Schmidt  Photo by Zach Cordner

1. PINA KOOLADA KOOLER NEW AMSTERDAM PINEAPPLE VODKA, PAPAYA JUICE, PINEAPPLES, BANANAS, COCONUT, PINEAPPLE SHERBET & NON-FAT YOGURT

2. SPIKED STRAWNANA BERRY TORADA SILVER TEQUILA, APPLE JUICE, STRAWBERRIES, BANANAS & NON-FAT YOGURT

ESCAPE

3. MALIBU PEACH PASSION MALIBU COCONUT RUM, PAPAYA JUICE, PEACHES & NON-FAT YOGURT

IS YOUR IDEA OF A GOOD TIME KICKING BACK

SoCal is the only place that serves these kind

and relaxing by the pool while enjoying a

of blended drinks,” said Benjamin Petell, resort

“Everything Robeks puts in the drinks is

nice, refreshing drink? Well, Dive and Robeks

operations manager. “They’re basically Robeks

geared towards health and wellness, and then, of

have blended up the perfect solution, the Fun

mixes and then we just spike them with alcohol to

course, we mess that up a little bit with alcohol to

Starter Menu!

make them more fun for our pool guests.”

make it more fun,” said Petell.

yogurts to craft all natural and healthy smoothies.

Give your healthy sipping a grown-up

The two most popular drinks include the

Do yourself a favor—find a comfortable

boost. Six varieties of some of Harrah’s Resort

Hummingbird Buzz and the Mahalo Mango

spot to relax poolside at Dive, then order up a

SoCal’s most popular Robeks blended drinks

Tango—both are refreshing, light and fruity. The

refreshing ice-cold Robeks blended drink from

now come spiked with flavored vodkas, coconut

natural ingredients Robeks uses are what make

the Fun Starter Menu. Your vacation at the

rum and tequila. “We launched our Robeks Fun

the drinks taste so darn good. They use fresh fruits

number one resort in Funner, California will

Starter Menu last August and Harrah’s Resort

and the mixes of different sherbets and non-fat

never be the same.

4. MAHALO MANGO TANGO ADMIRAL NELSON CARIBBEAN WHITE RUM, PAPAYA JUICE, MANGOS, PINEAPPLE SHERBET & NON-FAT YOGURT

5. HUMMINGBIRD BUZZ NEW AMSTERDAM ORANGE VODKA, PASSION FRUIT JUICE, MANGOS, STRAWBERRIES, BANANAS & ORANGE SHERBET

6. POLAR PINEAPPLE PUNCH NEW AMSTERDAM PINEAPPLE VODKA, PAPAYA JUICE, STRAWBERRIES, PINEAPPLES & PINEAPPLE SHERBET

43

DRINK

44

SR76 BEERWORKS Words by Aaron Schmidt Photos by Zach Cordner

Brewmaster Brian Scott

room created by the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, Harrah’s Resort SoCal and Brewmaster Brian Scott. “Before it was a highway, it was a footpath that all the Tribes used as a trading path. It’s really cool to be able to use where we WHEN YOU NEED A QUIET REPRIEVE from the gaming

hotel Valet area), SR76 Beerworks offers a cheerful

are located as inspiration for what beers we

floor, or you're just looking for a refreshing way

atmosphere, paired with freshly brewed, Funner,

make,” smiled Scott.

to sample the local flavor, pull up a bar stool (or a

California beer.

When it comes to brewing beer, Scott is a

Opened last November, SR76 Beerworks

bona fide expert in the field—he’s been brewing

Located just a short walk across the

(named after local highway State Route 76)

for 14 years in San Diego and was president of

parking lot (literally 100 steps to the right of the

is the first tribal owned brewery and tasting

the San Diego Brewer’s Guild from 2011 to 2014.

comfy couch spot) at SR76 Beerworks.

ESCAPE

a beer to their liking by trying out a pint ($6.50)

Among all the beer drinking goodness,

or by going with a flight (4 for $7, or 8 for $14)

you’ll also find a generous selection of SR76

of different styles of beers to try out. Some of

merchandise like T-shirts, snazzy Nike/SR76

SR76’s staple beers include Hellhole, American

button ups, plush zip up hoodies, baseball

style Pale Ale, Temet Ale—in the Luiseño language; the word “temet” means “sun,” and Supel— meaning “number one” in Luiseño.

Supel was actually the first beer brewed

in

their

brewhouse.

“Before it was a highway, it was a footpath that all the Tribes used as a trading path”

hats, beach towels and more to commemorate your visit.

SR76’s

beers

are

both

available in their tasting room and

distributed

throughout

Harrah’s Resort SoCal restaurants

“This is the first brewery that’s ever been done

“Right now, SR76’s best seller is

like this. Our space is unique—it’s a functioning

the Blueberry Saison, and there’s

brewery and tasting room on the same property

a new West Coast style IPA in the works for a fall

pool next year, so get ready to sip some of San

as the resort,” said Scott. “It’s really rare to be

release,” explained Scott. “In the next few coming

Diego’s finest brews poolside!

able to bring craft beer here as an amenity for

months, SR76 will be distributed off property and

Harrah’s Resort SoCal, and as an industry for

into a few key retail establishments around North

the Tribe.”

County San Diego. If we push hard enough, we

With nine beers on tap, guests can choose

can produce around 3,500 kegs of beer a year.” #HARRAHSSOCAL

and bars. Funner Fact: The resort is putting in draft lines at the

STOP IN TO SR76 BEERWORKS ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, (1PM TO 9PM) FRIDAY AND SATURDAY (NOON TO 10PM) AND SUNDAY (NOON TO 7PM)

YEAR OF THE MILLIONAIRE

46

MAKING MAGIC ON NEW YEAR’S EVE Words by Robyn Lass

Year’s Eve event. Since its inception, the Year

you may find yourself swept up in some magic of

of the Millionaire promotion has been an on-

your own.

going evolution of excitement and prizes that

Looking to leap up a tax bracket? There’s still

Jurgensen and the promotions team work hard to

time to earn entries into the New Year’s Eve Year

put together. “Our guests have come to associate

of the Millionaire drawing. And to keep the fun

us with the Year of the Millionaire program,”

evolving, expect a new exciting promotion in 2018

Jurgensen said. “It’s something that no other

offering even more opportunities to beef up your

casino is doing and we love the enthusiasm it

bank account.

brings to our resort, especially on New Year’s Eve.” HARRAH’S RESORT SOCAL HAS MADE a habit of

This year on December 31 guests will be

making millionaires. In fact, there’s a special event

treated to a mystical night filled with awe and

dedicated to millionaire making. Since 2012, Year

wonder. Expect entertainment all night long

of the Millionaire has been sending millionaires

as illusionists and magicians show their stuff

home happy on the last day of the year. And 2017

throughout the casino floor. Players can get lucky

will be no exception.

by taking advantage of a Mystery Multiplier,

“Year of the Millionaire is definitely one

increasing their Reward Credits® just by playing

of our most popular promotions,” said Heather

on New Year’s Eve. To reveal their increase guests

Jurgensen, director of casino marketing for

just need to swipe their Total Rewards® card at the

Harrah’s Resort SoCal. This statement is easy

Promotional Kiosks from 6am to 8pm. There’ll be

to prove. Just show up on the last Saturday of

so much magic and mystery throughout the night

any month when Harrah’s Resort SoCal awards

even Harry Houdini would be blown away.

a share of over $100,000 in cash and prizes as

But the real show happens at 11pm. One

part of the Year of the Millionaire event. Guests

winner will be selected and announced to close out

can play all month long to earn entries into that

their year a million dollars richer. Be sure to keep

month’s promotion, but the big payouts happen

your eyes peeled and ears open if you’re playing,

twice a year.

because winners have a mere five minutes to

From January through June, guests can earn

claim before their cash payout vanishes!

entries into the mid-year cash giveaway when 10

By the time the year is out Harrah’s Resort

lucky winners are awarded $100,000. This year on

SoCal will have given away over $3 million in

June 24, the resort was packed with fun (literally,

prizes. That’s a lot of happy guests. The fun won’t

with Funner, California décor taking over the

stop there. Harrah’s Resort SoCal is known for

casino floor).

throwing a rocking New Year’s Eve event. So stick

Starting July 1 at 6am, the fun rolled on

around for the big ball drop (and balloon drop

as guests started earning entries into the New

across the resort) at midnight. You never know,

YOTM 2017 WINNERS JANUARY DANNY C. FEBRUARY ETHEL W. MARCH SUSAN W. APRIL KATHY H. MAY GREGORY D. JUNE LOUIS N., PHILIP M., RENE D., LOC T., HARVEY B., MARY C., ZAID S., CHRISTIAN G., NGUYEN N., BRIAN A. JULY VIJAY K. AUGUST ROSARIO B. SEPTEMBER DAVID C.

OFFICIAL 80’S DINER IN CALIFORNIA!

228 N. COAST HIGHWAY OCEANSIDE, CA 92054 (760) 722-3124 7AM-3PM DAILY

WWW.BCDC-OCEANSIDE.COM FACEBOOK.COM/BREAKFASTCLUBDINER

48

AROUND TOWN

LA JOLLA ZIP ZOOM SEE NORTH COUNTY FROM A HIGHER PERSPECTIVE Words by Aaron Schmidt Photos by Zach Cordner ZOOMING PAST THE SCENERY in North San Diego

about a minute or so, with the highest zipline

County has taken on a whole new meaning.

speed topping at nearly 55 miles per hour. And

Instead of watching the world fly by a car

for those who like to share their thrills, the side-

window, try feeling the wind whip past your face

by-side lines allow you to experience the ride

at 55 miles per hour while soaring 300 feet in the

next to a friend or family member.

“People tend to think that ziplining is like

air over the treetops.

Located off Highway 76—just a short

riding a rollercoaster,” said La Jolla Zip Zoom

15-minute drive from Harrah’s Resort SoCal—

Manager Chad Gutierrez. “It’s not like that at all.

La Jolla Zip Zoom is one of San Diego’s premier

Basically, it’s your own weight that takes you

ziplines conveniently situated on the La Jolla

down the line.

Indian Reservation in Pauma Valley. The original

“Here at La Jolla Zip Zoom, we have three

inhabitants of the land—the La Jolla Band of

extreme lines and one ‘trainer’ line, which is

Luiseño Indians—are one of five California

kind of like a bunny slope at a ski resort. It’s for

Luiseño tribes that have lived in North San

kids, and it’s also for people who are scared of

Diego County for thousands of years. Positioned

heights. You can try that line out before you try

at the foothills of the Palomar Mountain range,

the bigger lines.”

the reservation was established in 1875 and

La Jolla Zip Zoom’s guided tours are two-

has been a vacation hot spot since the 1930s

hours in length, and there’s a five-minute

when the tribe first opened the La Jolla Indian

orientation to get you up to speed on all the rules

Campground.

and regulations of ziplining. Every Adventure

With

1.8

total

miles

of

zipline,

the

breathtaking views of Palomar Mountain, the

Guide is there to provide you with a safe, comfortable and memorable experience.

San Luis Rey River and the rustic, steep slopes of

“Safety is our top priority. If there are

the La Jolla Indian Reservation are nothing short

winds over 20 miles per hour, or if there’s any

of spectacular. Courses range from 300 feet in

kind of lightning or thunder—we don’t ride the

height to over 2,700 feet in length. Each ride lasts

lines,” said Gutierrez. It should be noted that ESCAPE

“With 1.8 total miles of zipline, the breathtaking views of Palomar Mountain, the San Luis Rey River and the rustic, steep slopes of the La Jolla Indian Reservation are nothing short of spectacular”

49

Feel the speed of 55 miles per hour while soaring 300 feet in the air over the treetops.

wearing comfortable clothes and tennis shoes is mandatory, as everyone must be wearing shoes to participate. Zipline gear is provided and GoPro video cameras are available to rent, so you can capture your ride and share it with your friends.

“I think our culture is what makes this zipline so special. You’ve got a 20 minute drive up to the top lines, and our tour guides do a great job of giving you a brief history of our people, our land and our native culture,” Gutierrez said with a smile.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR OWN LA JOLLA ZIP ZOOM ZIPLINE ADVENTURE, PLEASE GO TO LAJOLLAZIPZOOM.COM

LA JOLLA ZIP ZOOM 22000 HIGHWAY 76 PAUMA VALLEY, CA 92061 (760) 742-3776 LAJOLLAZIPZOOM.COM

SHOP

HARRAH’S RESORT SOCAL’S SIX COLLECTIBLE CHIPS NOT YOUR AVERAGE COLLECTOR’S ITEM Words by Elizabeth Schwartze Photos by Christopher Donez

IN TRADITIONAL CIRCLES THE 15th anniversary is

showcase the best of the best including—Resort,

marked by standard gifts like crystal do-dads, a

Dive, Corked, Gaming, Fiore and Spiked. Just like

hardly-worn watch or sweet but temporary roses…

any true coin collector knows, you can’t just have

But Harrah’s Resort SoCal isn’t traditional. Instead,

them floating around in your pocket, you need

guests can celebrate this monumental moment

someplace special to store them—aka a collectible

in time by taking home a special collectible that

chip booklet.

mirrors the fun a visit to the number one resort in Funner, California has to offer.

“We discovered our guests love to collect our chips and we wanted to offer them a unique

Since opening its doors as a bingo hall 15

way to take a piece of the Resort home,” said Colin

years ago, the resort has grown into a 59,000

Skidmore, director of table games for Harrah’s

square-foot vacation destination complete with

Resort SoCal. “These chips are so fun and different.

its own dedicated city of residence. The jewels

I’ve been collecting them myself and I can’t wait

in the Harrah’s Resort SoCal crown now include

for the next one to be released!”

1,700 slots, 60 gaming tables, seven bars, a

Each one-of-a-kind collectible chip can be

gorgeous full-service spa, a trifecta of crystal-

purchased for $5 and for $15 Harrah’s Resort SoCal

clear pools, award-wining dining and 1,086

official coin collectors can get the shiney book to

luxurious rooms and suites that make “Do Not

keep them all safe. All these official collectibles are

Disturb” a familiar phrase.

available at The Emporium, located off the Resort

might be thinking they can cash in on these chips,

To commemorate how far the property has

Lobby. To find out when the next chip is available,

think again. These beautiful works of art are purely

come, earlier this year Harrah’s Resort SoCal

be sure to follow Harrah’s Resort SoCal on

collectible and can’t be used for play. The last chip

launched an original program that gives fans

Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Each chip release

in the series will drop in December. And to add an

of this fun-tastic destination a chance to take

is announced through a one-of-a-kind video.

element of rarity, these chips are only available

home a little piece of history. Six collectible chips

For all those smart gamers out there who ESCAPE

while supplies last—so get them while they’re hot!

COMING SOON!

A NEW MEALTIME WINNER IS COMING TO HARRAH’S RESORT SOCAL.

Must be 21 or older to register as a Hotel guest, attend events and to gamble with valid photo ID. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Owned by the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians.

Trademarks used herein are owned by Caesars License Company, LLC and its affiliated companies. Managed by HCAL, LLC. ©2017, Caesars License Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

GIVE BACK

52

NON-PROFITS COMPETE FOR ALL-IN 4 CHANGE’S BIGGEST YEAR YET Words by Shannon Gavin

1st Place, Interfaith Shelter Network ($50,000) (L to R): Radley Medina, Trisha Brereton, Darrell Pilant and Matthew Stockton.

THREE AMAZING YEARS EQUALS many amazing

After kicking off in March, non-profits began

the most community votes went on to split

(and deserving) big winners. Earlier this year,

submitting applications for consideration—120

a whopping $85,000! The third place grant

Harrah’s Resort Southern California held its

nominations to be exact. Once the application

of $10,000 went to Urban Corps San Diego

Third Annual All-In 4 Change event where non-

period closed, the team at Harrah’s Resort SoCal

County, where low-income adults are given

profit organizations from San Diego, Orange and

narrowed the participant pool to the top 25 most

the opportunity to improve themselves while

Riverside Counties all competed for organization

deserving organizations that truly needed the

improving their own communities. The second

changing

in

support. There was a two-week period in April

place winner and recipient of $25,000 was

2015, and at the time was mostly a grassroots

where the community was able to vote on who

Reality Changers. This program transforms

campaign. With its third year of activation,

they think is most deserving of the grant money.

lives by providing youth from disadvantaged

Harrah’s Resort SoCal was able to scale All-In 4

A total of 30,694 votes were received and by May,

backgrounds

Change by nearly three times the initial giving

15 charities made the final cut.

financial assistance and leadership training to

grants.

amount to $125,000.

The

program

started

The top three organizations that received ESCAPE

with

the

academic

support,

become college graduates. And finally, Interfaith

53

THIS YEAR’S WINNERS 1ST PLACE GRANT: Interfaith Shelter Network ($50,000) 2ND PLACE GRANT: Reality Changers ($25,000) 3RD PLACE GRANT: Urban Corps San Diego County ($10,000) 4TH PLACE GRANT: San Diego Armed Services YMCA ($5,500) 5TH PLACE GRANT: Canine Companions ($4,500)

2nd Place, Reality Changers ($25,000).

HONORABLE MENTIONS: $3,000 EACH

Biocom Institute Father Joe’s Villages Foundation for Senior Care Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank K-9 Guardians, Inc. Meals on Wheels San Diego County San Diego Blood Bank San Diego Oasis Sustainable Surplus USO San Diego

3rd Place, Urban Corps San Diego County ($10,000).

citizenship

and

communications

manager—

Shelter San Diego earned the highest number

Since Harrah’s Resort Southern California

of votes from the community and the selection

opened its doors in 2002 it has donated 3.85

and brains behind this program. “I’m already

committee, receiving a total of $50,000. “This

million dollars to charitable organizations in the

compiling a list of new organizations who’ve

was a first for ISN [Interfaith Shelter Network],”

community (and that’s not including the 100,000-

heard about the program and want to apply next

said Executive Director Trisha Brereton. “We’ve

plus volunteer hours Harrah’s Resort SoCal

year. We’re planning an even bigger and better

never seen this kind of participation from our

employees have contributed). Most notably, All-In

All-in 4 Change for 2018.”

supporters before. Our whole staff and volunteer

4 Change has greatly broadened Harrah’s Resort

Tell your favorite nonprofit about All-In

corps were revitalized by this effort—and

SoCal’s reach for giving back and expanded the

4 Change and make sure they apply. As Sheryl

thoroughly overwhelmed and gratified by the

community support. “As the program has grown,

said, Harrah’s SoCal is getting ready for another

result! On behalf of everyone here at ISN, let me

we’re seeing increased interest from non-profits,

record-breaking event in 2018!

say ‘thank you’ to Harrah’s once again for doing

media and government officials” said Sheryl

so much to help our community.”

Sebastian, Harrah’s Resort SoCal’s corporate HARRAHSSOCAL.COM

GUIDE TO FUN

ATM Machine(s) Bars Cell Phone Charger Courtyard Diamond Lounge Elevator Lobby (EL) The Events Center Gaming Gaming (Non-Smoking) Hotel Hotel Services Phone (Hotel Operator) Restaurants Restrooms Retail Shops Nature Trail

COMING SOON

Fresh. Cold. Craft.

SR76 Beerworks Located outside across from Valet at Harrah’s Resort Southern California.

Must be 21 or older to register as a Hotel guest, attend events and to gamble with valid photo ID. Know When to Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Owned by the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians.

Trademarks used herein are owned by Caesars License, LLC and its affiliated companies. Managed by HCAL, LLC. ©2017, Caesars License Company, LLC. All rights reserved