Economy, Labor and Biz

A little piece of Vegas on the Bay?

By Zoe Corneli on Tuesday, Feb 23, 4:39pm
Point Molate in Richmond. Photo by Orin Zebest.
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Point Molate in Richmond is one of the few remaining undeveloped spots on San Francisco Bay. It’s right at the foot of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, and its green hills separate it from the Chevron refinery in Richmond. The area used to be a Naval fuel depot; the resulting contamination is what has kept it from being developed so far. But there are plans to change that. The Guidiville band of Pomo Indians wants to build a casino on the property. And not just any casino -– we’re talking a little piece of Vegas right here on the Bay, with slot machines, retail, and two hotels, as well as parks and walking trails. If it's approved, it would be the first urban casino in California. The proposal has sparked debate among Richmond residents, and political bodies from local to federal will be involved in making the final decision. To find out more, KALW's Zoe Corneli sat down with John Simerman, a reporter who covers Indian gaming in the East Bay for the Contra Costa Times. She asked him what the main arguments are against the project.

 

UPDATE 03/01/10: After hearing this interview, Richmond resident Rita Lane called in to KALW to tell us how she felt about the project. You can listen here.

Discussion

Zoe Corneli's picture
By Zoe Corneli on Tuesday, Mar 2, 4:42pm.

Rocky Leplin writes:

"Culturally, environmentally, aesthetically and morally this would be an abomination. I don't want Richmond to profit from this farce, that enables an Indian 'tribe' to grab a piece of property that they have NOTHING historically to do with, and turn it into a palace of greed. California voters did not vote for this.

Richmond residents will go and throw what little money they have down the drain.

Forgetting everything I just said, just the traffic, right before the entrance to the San Rafael Bridge, should rule it out.

My demographics: 62 years young, white, BA from UCLA, MA from Oregon State, California Teaching Credential, semi-retired from WCCUSD, composer/songwriter."