Casino/Entertainment Reporter

Charlie Vargas

Charlie Vargas is a Casino and Entertainment reporter for the Southern California News Group. Charlie transferred from Chaffey College to San Diego State University where he graduated with a degree in journalism. He previously worked for the colleges' publications The Breeze Paper and The Daily Aztec where he covered a variety of topics from news to arts and entertainment.

Gladys Knight, seen here on Nov. 16 in Connecticut, will perform Saturday at Harrah’s Resort Southern California in Valley Center. (Mark Maglio)

8 concerts and comedy acts coming to Southern California casinos this month

January 12, 2025 at 6:01 a.m.

Catch performances by Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Three Dog Night and more

Stuntman and comedian Steve-O will hit the road for The Super Dummy! Tour with stops at the City National Grove of Anaheim on Saturday, Oct. 5, the Balboa Theatre in San Diego on Oct. 6 and the Fred Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks on Oct. 8.(Courtesy of Gav Thane)

Steve-O talks new face tattoo, the state of comedy and more before California shows

September 29, 2024 at 2:06 p.m.

The stuntman and comedian's new tour will showcase video footage, stand-up and stunts with stop at San Jose Center for the Performing Arts Friday Oct. 11.

Carribean Fragoza, Romeo Guzmán and Samine Joudat are the editors of “Writing the Golden State: The New Literary Terrain of California,” a collection of essays that explores the state through diverse perspectives. (Artwork by Fernando Mendez Corona)

In new essay collection, California writers examine their state through a personal lens

September 16, 2024 at 10:08 a.m.

One of the book's 24 stories by Wendy Cheng recalls her complicated childhood as an 'Oriental' outsider in Rancho Santa Fe

Add these American anthems to your 4th of July playlists, and learn the backstories to the soundtrack of patriotic parties across the U.S. (Getty)

Why these 10 American anthems deserve a spot on your Fourth of July playlist

July 1, 2024 at 4:10 p.m.

Most of these songs are ubiquitous at patriotic parties, but do you know their backstories?

Gavin Rossdale poses for a portrait on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, in New York. (Photo by Matt Licari/Invision/AP)

Gavin Rossdale talks about Bush’s breakthrough in 1994, his affinity for radio music festivals and new music on the horizon

January 12, 2024 at 12:35 a.m.

In the early ’90s, Gavin Rossdale and his newly-formed English rock band Bush had signed to Disney’s Hollywood Records with hopes of distributing their debut album “Sixteen Stone.”But following a change...

The newly opened lounge bar at Great Oak Steakhouse at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula.

Great Oak Steakhouse emerges from 7-month renovation with new features, staff

January 5, 2024 at 5:01 p.m.

Part of the embrace of resort-style casinos in Southern California is its incorporation of fine dining, where guests can splurge their spoils after a lucky play. For the Great Oak...

Comedian and guitarist Pete George will perform Nov. 10-11 at Kelsey's Loft at Pechanga Resort Casino.

Pechanga announces monthlong solo standup comedy series

November 3, 2023 at 1:01 p.m.

While the end-of-year holiday frenzy is rapidly approaching, most people may be looking for a break from the stress that comes with the times and what better cure than a...

Chef Eric Celaya of 1882 Cantina holds one of the beef cheek tacos he will be serving ta Pechanga Resort Casino's Tacos & Tequila Festival on Sept. 16 in Temecula.

Five tacos to try at Pechanga’s first Tacos & Tequila Festival

September 16, 2023 at 1:32 a.m.

When chef Eric Celaya heard that Pechanga Resort Casino’s first Tacos & Tequila Festival was happening on Saturday, he immediately thought of a party.“It’s Mexican Independence Day, and that day...

Valley View Casino & Hotel added Patties & Pints Bar as part of their $50 million expansion and remodeling on July 1, 2019.

Where to watch NFL game and score some food and drink specials at local casinos

September 15, 2023 at 12:54 p.m.

With football season now under way, fans may be preparing to set up their fantasy football league or trying to figure out the best way to watch all of the...

The Australian Pink Floyd Show features Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" album played in its entirety, in honor of the album's 50th anniversary.

Australian Pink Floyd Show to celebrate 50th anniversary of ‘Dark Side of the Moon’

August 13, 2023 at 1:01 p.m.

When Chris Barnes, lead singer of The Australian Pink Floyd Show, first listened to Pink Floyd's 1971 compilation record, "Relics," he wasn't immediately mesmerized by the psychedelic and progressive music...

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