"Indian gaming is a boon for the state. But we shouldn't allow the Sacramento sinkhole to collect and control the revenues. I want to see the money in action on a local level. Currently, many tribes give to their local communities.

Indian gaming generates about $120 million in state and local taxes annually, which mostly assists local communities affected by gaming. Another $120 million per year goes to non-gaming tribes to help with various social programs. Locally, the Pechanga Band is helping to bring business and tourism to the area. Recently, they signed a three-year contract as title sponsor of the California State Open Golf Championship to be played in Murrieta.

Certainly, the state of California would not be so inclined to invest in our community."

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Elaine Bellucci: Leave Indian money alone (The Californian 5/13)