NATIONAL GAMBLING IMPACT STUDY COMMISSION

MR. CARLOS ARTURO ALVARENGA

CHAIRPERSON JAMES: Carlos Arturo Alvarenga?

MR. ALVARENGA: Thank you for the Commission to be in California. My name is Carlos Alvarenga. I have worked at the Hollywood Park Casino for the last 40 years.

Thank you.

I am married and I have beautiful family. I am the father of six children. I came to California 16 years ago and I got a job where I work for 12 years as a cook, $7.00 an hour In those 12 years I never received a raise, never have a vacation, never was offered family health insurance. When my children get sick I have to take my children to local clinic and I pay cash for all the expenses. I never have time for my family. I work 14 or 15 hours a day seven days a week just to be able to support my family.

By now I am working at the Hollywood Park Casino and in California. The first union casino is southern California. Now that I work at the union casino I love it so much than better. As a lead cook I make $12.00 an hour, $5.00 more an hour than I used to make. And now I have affordable family health insurance and I can count on having regular days off to spend with my family.

Before I worry about our future, but now I have job security and most importantly I have respect and a voice on my job.

All this and the will to keep working. I have my job and I hope to work therefore many years to come. I would like to thank you for your attention.

CHAIRPERSON JAMES: Thank you.