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California Town Against New Casino7 February 2003CALIFORNIA – As reported by the San Diego Union Tribune: "Hundreds of people turned out last night to give the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs their thoughts about a proposed tribal casino in Jamul. "Their near-unanimous sentiment was summed up on a sign toted by a toddler: `Stop the casino!' "Scores of Jamul residents took turns addressing a panel of five bureau officials at the El Cajon Community Center. The hearing was to gather feedback on an environmental-impact report on the Jamul Indian Village's request to annex 101 acres to its six-acre reservation for a proposed hotel-casino or a large retail project. "A chorus of residents, joined by some local elected officials, voiced a litany of objections: traffic, crime, water shortages, fire safety, property devaluation and destruction of wildlife habitat. "Mostly, they said, a casino would destroy the rural charm of their community, 25 miles east of San Diego. Jamul's main artery is two-lane state Route 94. "…One of the few residents – if not the only one – to voice support for the project was Kevin Schneider, 55, who has lived in Jamul since 1995. "Schneider said the area is developing anyway, being on a highway corridor between two border ports of entry. A casino development would `improve the quality of life' for tribal members and area residents. He said more supporters of the project did not attend the meeting because they are intimidated by the community's casino-opposition group. "His comments drew a loud chorus of boos, prompting the hearing officer to issue a plea for courtesy…" |