Sycuan's Award Winning Community Awareness Program
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SYCUAN HELPS LOW INCOME CHILDREN GET FREE DENTAL EXAMS
Hundreds of South Bay Pre-school Students Benefit
EL CAJON, CA (Wednesday, October 28, 2009) – Sycuan and the San Ysidro Health Center provided critically needed dental examinations to almost 600 children free of charge. The event took place at the V.I.P. Village in Imperial Beach.
“The on-going economic woes are forcing many parents to ignore their children’s dental care and that’s not what we want to see, every child deserves this type of attention,” said Daniel J. Tucker, Chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.
Sycuan and SYHC, which provided the dentists and other personnel, sponsored the three-day dental clinic. Children received free exams, and those who required it, obtained free follow up care as well.
Another goal of the event was to raise awareness and to make sure parents understand the importance of providing young children with dental care and routine examinations.
SYCUAN CELEBRATES ITS 20TH ANNUAL POW-WOW
Magnificent Displays Of Native American Culture Enjoyed by Thousands
EL CAJON, CA (Friday, September 12 – 13, 2009) – Sycuan’s Pow-Wow took place this weekend. The event truly was a feast for the senses. Its splendor, color and tradition made for an unforgettable experience.
“This really was a fun and exciting time for me and all of us here at Sycuan. I would like to thank everyone who visited Sycuan and experienced our Pow-Wow,” said Daniel J. Tucker, Chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.
Hundreds of Native Americans from across the country visited and participated in Sycuan’s 20th annual Pow-Wow. They were joined by thousands of visitors who turned out to see the unbelievable displays and exhibits.
As always, the three-day event featured unforgettable, dramatic and memorable moments. The Grand Entrances, where participants enter the arena dressed in full regalia, were beyond description.
During the dancing, singing and music competitions, contestants competed for more than $260,000 in prize money. The three-day Pow-Wow was free and open to visitors of all ages.
LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD CHAMPIONS SAY THANK YOU
Park View Little League Presents Sycuan With Special Gift
EL CAJON, CA (Saturday, September 12, 2009) – Sycuan was the biggest and first donor to step forward and help Park View Little League parents. They needed financial support to travel to Williamsport, PA so they could see their sons play in Little League World Series.
As we all know by now, the team did win the series and made history. Throughout the Little League World Series, Sycuan also offered support and resources to the parents, team supporters and the players.
A few days after their victorious return to San Diego, team administrators, parents and the players wanted to recognize Sycuan’s generosity. Sycuan Chairman Daniel J. Tucker was invited to PETCO Park to receive a special gift.
The team presented Chairman Tucker with an autographed Park View Little League jersey and thanked Sycuan for its help and kindness.
“On behalf of everyone at Sycuan, I gladly accepted the jersey; it was a very nice gesture on their part. We’re happy we were able to help parents and family members get to Pennsylvania where they saw the team make its magical run at the Little League World Series crown. They made us all proud,” said Chairman Tucker.
Sycuan’s Elite Fire Suppression Unit On Fire Lines In L.A.
Sycuan’s Golden Eagles Hot Shots Fire Crew Helping Out
EL CAJON, CA (Wednesday, September 9, 2009) – Sycuan’s Golden Eagles Hot Shots crew has been called to the Station Fire north of Los Angeles. The fire has scorched more than 150,000 acres while destroying 89 homes and damaging many more.
The Sycuan firefighters have been doing 12-hour shifts on a nightly basis; they’re expected to remain on the fire lines for another week.
Coincidentally, they were at another incident when they were asked to move to the Station Fire.
The Golden Eagles Hot Shots are based at Sycuan but respond to almost every major fire incident in the Southwestern United States.
When they’re not putting out fires, they are clearing brush and dead vegetation from canyons and hillsides throughout San Diego County, eliminating fuel that could turn a small fire into a raging inferno.
Sycuan Goes TO BAT FOR PARK VIEW LITTLE LEAGUE
Sycuan Donates $15,000 To Get Parents To Little League World Series
EL CAJON, CA (Monday, August 17, 2009) - The team from Chula Vista’s Park View Little League is on its way to the Little League World Series. Sycuan is making it possible for the players’ parents to join their sons in Williamsport, Pennsylvania for the tournament.
"We’re very happy to be able to do this and help the parents be part of something so amazing. We hope they have a great time while watching their kids make a run at a Little League World Series title,” said Daniel J. Tucker, Chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.
Since Little League only pays the cost of travel for players and coaches, family members who want to attend the international baseball tournament in Pennsylvania, must raise their own money in a matter of days, a tall order, even in good economic times.
Chairman Tucker and the rest of the Sycuan Tribal Council heard about the need for funding and approached Park View Little League administrators about a donation, which is helping pay for the parents’ airfare and lodging expenses during the event.
Sycuan also created a special-edition designer baseball hat just for parents, players and coaches to wear during the Little League World Series.
Marina Gateway's Grand Introduction
Project In National City Will Create Powerful Boost To Area’s Economy
EL CAJON, CA (Thursday, July 16, 2009) – The Marina Gateway in National City took several years of planning and months of construction, but the end result is a fantastic facility. Today, we celebrated the completion of this unique project. The ribbon cutting took place today at 10 a.m. The actual site is located at 700 Bay Drive, just west of Interstate 5 in National City.
“We’re very pleased with the end result and we’re happy it will have a lasting impression in National City and the entire South Bay,” said Daniel J. Tucker, Chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.
The Marina Gateway will have a fiscal impact of $700,000 in property, hotel and sales taxes for the city of National City.
It created 1,000 jobs during the construction phase. And more than 200 permanent jobs have been generated since the completion of the project. It was developed by the Sycuan Tribal Development Corporation at a cost of $35 million. A state of the art hotel with 173 rooms will be operated by CHM as a Best Western hotel. Aloha Restaurants, which operates a number of fine dining establishments throughout California, has opened a Busters Beach House Restaurant on the site.
During the inaugural celebration, Sycuan presented the Boys and Girls Clubs of National City with a $15,000 donation. It’s another way to affirm Sycuan’s commitment to National City.
The Marina Gateway location holds particular significance for all Kumeyaay Tribes. For thousands of years, the Kumeyaay traveled between the mountains and the coast along the Sweetwater River to the site, where they thrived during the cold winter months.
Sycuan announces new resort general manager Jeffery Clough brings over 20 years in the hospitality sector
El Cajon, CA (July 3, 2009) – The Sycuan Tribal Council announced today that the Sycuan Tribal Development Corporation (STDC) has named Jeffery Clough General Manager of Sycuan Resort. Clough brings over twenty years of experience in the hospitality sector, from ground floor operations to overall management responsibility.
“On behalf of the entire Tribal Council and our Development Corporation, I would like to welcome Jeff as the newest member of the Sycuan family,” said Daniel Tucker, Tribal Chairman and Chairman of STDC. “Jeff brings extensive experience in the management of diversified resort properties. His perspective and dedication will prove valuable to the Tribe as we continue to provide excellent customer satisfaction and experiences at Sycuan Resort while at the same time navigating the current economic climate.”
Prior to his selection as Sycuan Resort General Manager, Clough served as Vice President and General Manager of the Saddlebrook Golf and Tennis Resort in Florida. He has worked for other industry leaders including Doral Resorts, Omni, and Hyatt Hotels.
“I am honored to be chosen General Manager of Sycuan Resort,” said Clough. “The success and integrity of the Sycuan Tribe are well known not just in San Diego, but throughout the nation. I look forward to being an integral part of their continued success and growth.”
Clough received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida, and completed the General Managers program through Cornell University.
Sycuan ups the ante on holiday giving
More Than 35 Charities And Non-Profits Receive A Total Of $ 175,000
El Cajon , CA ( Wednesday, December 10, 2008) – Every year just before the holidays, Sycuan rolls out the red carpet and some very large checks. This time, more than 35 charities and non-profits walked away with a total of $175,000 during a ceremony at the casino.
“Times are tough right now, but this is when our neighbors need us the most, we owe San Diego a lot, this is just another way to say thank you ,” said Daniel Tucker, Chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.
When compared to last year’s end of the year Holiday Gift Giving event, Sycuan is surpassing its level of contributions by $35,000.
Sycuan’s Tribal Council and the Casino’s management team selected the groups that received the money. Some of the organizations would be considered small, such as the Steele Canyon High School Music Department, and some are large such as Mama’s Kitchen and the Salvation Army. Others include the San Diego Food Bank, Mental Health America of San Diego and the Jackie Robinson YMCA. Each walked away with thousands of dollars or much needed contributions during a time when donations barely trickle in.
Throughout the year, Sycuan donates millions of dollars to San Diego’s charities and non-profits.
Compasionate Soul Receives $5,000
Chairman Daniel Tucker Drops In Unannounced With Surprise Donation
El Cajon, CA (Tuesday, December 9, 2008) – Much like Publishers Clearing House, Sycuan Chairman Daniel Tucker and Sycuan Vice Chairman Ricci LaBrake made an unexpected visit to Frank King on Wednesday, December 10th to spread a little holiday cheer.
“We had fun with this, Mr. King had no idea we were coming to give him thousands of dollars. He has done a lot for our community and has never gotten much in return, hopefully we’ll brighten up his holiday season,” said Daniel Tucker, Chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.
King had no inclination about the pending visit or the $5,000.
He has been giving away bicycles to children for more than 35 years on Christmas morning; this will be his 38 th year doing it. Sadly, he always runs out of bikes and has to turn kids away. Due to the recession and King’s health, he has seen his donations plummet, which means fewer bikes to go around and more sad faces on Christmas morning. Sycuan’s donation will help prevent that from happening.
King said the visit was “a total shock and one of the nicest things anyone had ever done for him.”
Sadly, Mr. King passed away on December 23 rd. His family has pledged to keep King’s memory alive by continuing to distribute bicycles and other gifts on Christmas morning for years to come.
Sycuan Sponsors 19th Annual Teddy Bear Drive
Sycuan Provides Breakfast and $30,000 To Support Year-Round Program
El Cajon, CA (Monday, December 8, 2008 ) – The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and its Police Department sponsored the breakfast for the 19 th Annual Regional Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive.
“It gives us great satisfaction to be able to support such a worthwhile effort for children. It’s also a joy to partner with the San Diego Harbor Police and many other police agencies participating in the event,” said Daniel J. Tucker, Chairman of the Kumeyaay Nation.
Sycuan provided breakfast for hundreds of volunteers and peace officers involved with the teddy bear drive. It was held at the San Diego Chargers Training Facility in Murphy Canyon at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, December 9 th.
After the breakfast, officers from the Sycuan Tribal Police Department and their counterparts from across the San Diego region delivered teddy bears to Children’s Hospital.
While at the hospital, Chairman Tucker presented a $30,000 donation to make sure the teddy bears don’t become scarce throughout the year. This will ensure that every child, who unfortunately requires treatment at Rady Children’s Hospital, gets a teddy bear upon arrival at the facility.
Fighting Fires Before They Start
Sycuan Crews Performing Back Breaking Work On Daily Basis To Protect San Diego
El Cajon , CA ( October 10, 2008) – For the last year, Sycuan fire crews have been putting in long hours every day to prevent another fire storm in San Diego.
“Just because you don’t see the planes flying, the smoke or flames, it doesn’t mean our guys aren’t working to protect San Diegans,” said Hank Murphy, Fire Chief of the Sycuan Fire Department.
Cutting down this “fire fuel” is strenuous, exhausting and tedious work; it must be done by hand to obtain the best results. It’s vital work when you consider the Santa Ana winds can arrive at any time.
With funding from the city of San Diego, Sycuan fire crews have been clearing dead vegetation from canyons, hillsides and ravines all over San Diego.
Communities such as Scripps Ranch, Tierrasanta, Poway and many others are now safer thanks to this on-going brush-clearing operation.
Sycuan Donates $50,000 To Help Keep Becky's House In Operation
As Others Reduce Charitable Contributions Due To Economy Woes, Sycuan Escalates Its Donations
El Cajon, CA (Monday, October 6, 2008) – Sycuan contributed $50,000 to Becky’s House so it could continue providing free food, clothing and counseling for victims of domestic violence.
“Sycuan is honored to partner with the YWCA and Becky’s House, so we may help innocent victims of domestic violence,” said Daniel Tucker, Sycuan Tribal Chairman.
Becky’s House was the beneficiary of Sycuan’s 18th Charity Golf Tournament, which was held Thursday, October 9th at Sycuan Resort. With donations like Sycuan’s, Becky’s House can continue granting the resources needed to help break the cycle of violence, even during a time when charitable contributions are declining.
“Financial giving is down but the needs of victims and their children are rising fast! This is a time when we must rally together,” said Casey Gwinn, Chief Executive Officer with the YWCA, which runs Becky’s House.
Becky’s House gives immediate protection to abused women and children. It also offers 18-month transitional shelter to these families while helping them find work and permanent housing. Children are afforded educational opportunities and safe neighborhoods where they can prosper.