ads@blueearthmarketing.com   712.224.5420

California | Casino Stalker | Opinion
Column: No simple bet on Guidiville Band casino


"The people who addressed the Contra Costa County supervisors Tuesday came armed with hard-edge opinions on building an Indian casino-resort on the Richmond waterfront.

One unemployed man said the Point Molate project proposed by the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians was a godsend for job seekers trying to support families.

"When there's no work, there's no medical coverage," he said. "When there's no work, there's no dental."

How could anyone argue with that?

Then a woman stepped to the microphone and spoke of the lives ruined by gambling addiction. She said that more than a million people in California have a gambling problem, and another casino will create more of them.

How could anyone argue with that?

The speakers, each limited to three minutes, continued in this fashion for nearly three hours. Those in favor of the project outnumbered opponents, but that wasn't as striking as each advocate's absolute certainty in his or her position.

One man said job opportunities would take teens off the street, give a purpose to their lives and curtail crime. Another was equally certain that a casino would attract miscreants, prey on the poor and pave the way for more gambling dens.

Sides were drawn and positions taken. You loved the idea or you hated it, simple as that.

Except nothing is simple about this project, and that includes whether it ever happens."

Get the Story:
Tom Barnidge: No simple answer on how to bet on casino's meaning for Richmond and Contra Costa (The Contra Costa Times 11/7)

Also Today:
Point Molate casino proposal revised (The Contra Costa Times 11/8)