The Central California town of Ridgecrest City has so far had four town meetings in four weeks, including two city council meetings, on a proposal by the Death Valley-based Timbisha Shoshone to put an off-reservation casino in the town.
Some of the meetings have gone on for five hours. The city council this week had on its an agenda a municipal services agreement with the tribe to review. This is the first step towards hosting a tribal casino with the town’s city limits.
Voices for and against the proposal are often loud and passionate, although the anti-casino residents clearly outnumbered the supporters in the most recent meeting. They also made more of a visual impression with printed signs, handbills and buttons. Both sides kept busy handing out literature before the meeting. The proponents chose green as their color, with opponents employing red and yellow. They also sat on opposite sides of the auditorium.
In that meeting about 30 people spoke against the casino. Ten supporters spoke.
Opponents cited worries about problem gambling, more crime, and the proximity of such a casino to the nearby China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station. One opponent compared hosting a casino to allowing pornography.
One resident predicted that the issue would create large rift between residents.
According to the Daily Independent, resident David Shweitzer declared, “It’s a poor opportunity. We’re not going to be offering brothels in town any time soon.”
Said another, “This is a big decision for our community, it will change the face of Ridgecrest.”
Pro-casino residents cited economic growth and additional entertainment opportunities as one positive. One resident played the race card, accusing opponents of being anti-Native American.
One supporter satirized the opposition by comparing a casino with the Wal-Mart that is currently being built in the town. “What are we going to do with this big Wal-Mart? Look at the opportunity for shoplifting! And binge shopping! And hoarding, that’s an addiction! And how about Thanksgiving Day!”
Mayor Pro Tem James Sanders supports putting the issue to the voters because of its controversial nature.
Mayor Peggy Breeden wants to have an economic study done first.
