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California County Tries to Stop Gambling Expansion

CALIFORNIA – As reported by the Contra Costa Times: "County supervisors are aiming to stack the deck to keep Indian tribes from transforming West Contra Costa into an urban gaming mecca.

"The board Tuesday is expected to approve a resolution opposing the creation or expansion of Indian casinos. The move would not directly affect the development prospects for three tribes that, bolstered by powerful investor allies, have proposed Las Vegas-style operations within an eight-mile radius.

"But supervisors would like to send a clear message to state and federal leaders charged with making the final approvals. Even with promised mitigation measures, East Bay communities are ill-equipped to handle the negative health, traffic and public safety impacts that large casinos could generate, said Supervisor Gayle Uilkema of Lafayette, who co-sponsored the resolution.

"…The measure would take on proposed casinos throughout Contra Costa, an unusual step for a board with land-use authority limited to unincorporated areas.

"That's because all casinos threaten to strain county health services, law enforcement, jails and the District Attorney's Office, said co-sponsor Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond, whose district includes the three gaming sites. Tack on noise, water quality and traffic impacts, he said, and a picture emerges of costly regional consequences.

"…Tribal leaders say supervisors are exaggerating the impacts…"

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