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California Casino Closure Decision Delayed

"Fire Chief Vern Losh insists he has jurisdiction over the River Rock Casino in the Alexander Valley and said he was prepared to order the casino closed or take other actions to ensure public safety.

"Losh was unavailable for comment Wednesday, but County Counsel Steven Woodside said the fire chief was waiting to talk to leaders of the Dry Creek band of Pomo Indians, which owns and operates the casino.

"…Tribal attorney Jerome Levine insisted the facility is safe and said county officials were harassing the tribe. Levine also disputed Losh's authority over tribal land.

"Losh announced his plan to take action against the casino after receiving a scathing report on the facility from county Fire Marshal Jack Rosevear. In a memo dated Sep. 16, Rosevear said River Rock is ill-prepared for a fire or other emergency, `and the possibility of death or significant injury is high.'

"Rosevear said that the access road to the casino is too narrow for fire engines and other emergency vehicles, the water supply is inadequate, frequent calls `could devastate' the volunteer base of the Geyserville volunteer fire department, and the temporary buildings that house the casino `represent the most hazardous conditions relative to fire spread and structural stability."'

"Levine said that in the weeks since the inspection, the tribe has addressed many of the fire marshal's complaints. The road has been widened and paved and the water supply has been boosted to 300,000 gallons, he said.

"But Losh, who visited the casino Tuesday, said he believed there were still serious safety concerns and that he needed to act quickly because the fire season is at its peak…"

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