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California Tribal Casino in Middle of PR Battle

CALIFORNIA – As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle: "A high-stakes public relations battle is underway over the expansion of Casino San Pablo, and at the center of it is a tiny city known more for being an exit off busy Interstate 80 than for its media savvy.

"A gambling expert hired by Bay Area cardrooms who don't want a large casino to quash their business joined anti-urban gaming city council members from Oakland and Albany Tuesday to present a report that says Las Vegas-style gambling in San Pablo would cost the Bay Area about $193 million annually.

"The study's findings will be officially announced this morning -- at about the same time casino backers will stage a news conference a few miles away to announce union support for the casino and the 6,600 jobs it is expected to bring.

"As if that weren't enough, the San Pablo City Council was expected Tuesday evening to approve a measure expressing its support for bringing as many as 2,500 slot machines to town. The Albany City Council, on the other hand, was expected to vote against it.

"Dueling press conferences, faxed news releases and competing studies are just the latest salvo in a heated battle that appears to have no end in sight.

"…Today, leaders from such labor organizations as the AFL-CIO and Contra Costa Building and Trades Council will gather at the casino to tout the expansion plans as good for local wages and health benefits…"

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