Pechanga Casino Christmas tree towers in the photo above. It is but one of several holiday trees decorated for the season on the Temecula casino resort hotel property.

Pechanga Casino and Resort in Temecula, California sits in the semi-arid desert surrounded by houses, golf courses and many wineries. Having driven by the resort several times, from the street the complex looks massive. When a local chamber of commerce offered free bus rides to a joint chamber mixer with free dinner, tours of the hotel and $5 free casino money at this cultural business gathering, I contacted a woman I previously worked with at PacBell (AT&T). Viola Myre now represents the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She made a call and told me I'd have a spot on the bus leaving Little Saigon, a short drive from my Orange County beach home.

The ride on the bus filled with upscale Vietnamese business owners was interesting. Many spoke in their native tongue, so I enjoyed my solace, watching the traffic hum by on the 90 minute ride.

It was just before Christmas and the grounds of Pechanga were decorated with holiday touches. Huge trees in lobbies, and a large tree near the waterfall in front of the building are brilliant red, in stark contrast to the pink hills and mountains that fade with sunset.

For those seeking a holiday or getaway, you can do enjoy overnighters with affordable rooms, dining options, a trendy nightclub and entertainment regularly such as comedian Jerry Seinfield.

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