Editorial: Stop Vegas-style gaming in California

Wednesday, November 1, 2006  

"The main thing to remember about Measure H on the Nov. 7 ballot is this: If you want your locally elected representatives to do everything possible to stop any proposal to build a casino south of town, vote “yes” on Measure H.

An advisory measure, Measure H asks voters if the Petaluma City Council should “take all lawful steps to oppose gaming” on land owned by the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians. This is the same tribe that owns River Rock Casino near Geyserville and last year purchased 277 acres between Highway 101 and the Petaluma River, opposite Kastania Road.

Any attempt by the Pomo tribe to build a casino on the property should be fought vigorously if local residents hope to preserve this community’s quality of life. A large casino complex on Petaluma’s southern flank would result in massive traffic jams and increased accidents along Highway 101; increased crime and pollution; severe water shortages in an already water-scarce region; wastewater disposal problems impacting the nearby Petaluma River; lowered housing availability; and impaired fire protection and law enforcement services. Clearly, the project is not in the community’s best interests."

Get the Story:
Protect Petaluma from Vegas-style casino (The Petaluma Argus Courier 11/1)