Press

June 29, 2006
BARONA COUNCILWOMAN BONNIE LACHAPPA APPOINTED TO LAKESIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(SAN DIEGO, CA) June 29, 2006 – Barona Tribal Councilwoman Bonnie LaChappa has been appointed to the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.  Councilwoman LaChappa will serve a two year term on the board of the organization, which serves as a voice for the business leaders of Lakeside and neighboring communities.
 
Bonnie LaChappa has served as a councilmember for the Barona Band of Mission Indians since 2003.  She is actively involved in the Tribe’s community relations program and has facilitated major charitable contributions of financial support to dozens of local causes.  She has also worked to continue Barona’s involvement in the greater San Diego Community and to further the area’s economic development.  Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino, owned and operated by the Barona Band of Mission Indians has created thousands of jobs, generated millions in tax revenue and increased tourism to the area since its opening in 2003.

LaChappa has always maintained an active presence in the Tribal and San Diego communities.  She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the California Council on Gaming and is a member of the Board of Directors of the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, which protects and educates consumers who seek barbering, cosmetology and electrology services and regulates service providers and salons.  Also a longtime advocate for education, LaChappa served on the PTA for six years and currently sits on the school site committee.  She was also instrumental in coordinating a $200,000 donation that the Barona Band of Mission Indians recently awarded to El Capitan High School to modernize the school’s track field.
 
The Barona Band of Mission Indians has lived in Southern California for over 5,000 years and the Barona Indian Reservation since 1932.  The Tribe was once a semi-nomadic band that traveled across Southern California in tune with the seasons and what nature provided.  It is now a sovereign government operating Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino, San Diego’s premier luxury resort and casino.  For information, visit www.baronatribe.org.