It's always been kind of cool living near an Indian Reservation up here in Placerville. We can hear their tribal drums from our house on a quiet evening, adding to the lovely atmosphere of these beautiful hills. Things changed last year though when we heard that they had gotten their 77 million dollar loan for a casino and they started chomping into the countryside to build their freeway ramps and huge buildings. I slept all summer to the noise of big machinery busy at work. But, like I feel about most things, I feel two ways about it. (I'm a Libra.) I'm sad that those hills are ruined with obtrusive giant structures, (we've been afforded a view of a big ugly parking garage) the lights so bright that the stars are faded, that our community has to have gates installed to keep out the "lookie-loos," that a lot of people, perhaps not all of the desirable type, are going to be flooding the neighborhood. On the other hand, I think it's a bit thrilling! A new place! New people in the area! Local businesses have got to be looking forward to this. It will bring more people into downtown Placerville and beloved Main Street will thrive. Quality of life and living will be much improved by the income for the Miwoks. Jobs have been provided. Its most likely going to be a bigger plus than not for the area.
The grand opening is already in the general atmosphere. I passed news crews on the way to work and its been the subject of choice at the office so far this morning. Dad called me a few minutes ago to be sure I got an email with a resident pass attached for me to print out so that I can get home today. Apparently there are already some security guards stationed on our street.
If you're interested, you can see a virtual tour of the Red Hawk Casino here. I think it looks great. I'd like to go see it myself; try some of the restaurants and see some shows. I just love the entertainment atmosphere, and how fun to be someplace brand-new, not shabby and worn. At the very least, it will be interesting to see what other changes take place around here.
4 comments:
I am less than torn. Why does it have to be a CASINO that brings business? Placerville is already growing on its own. But I don't think downtown will thrive. It seems as though it will be gobbled up with huge, new, corporate businesses. All the small town loveliness will shrivel as the money gets sucked out of its veins and pumped into the new shopping strips that are sure to follow.
Goodbye charming, hello corporate America. Hello gated communities where you have to PROVE you belong on a free street. Goodbye safe streets, hello drunk drivers . . . I could go on and on. But perhaps I am being cynical. Perhaps tomorrow I will change into a new person and embrace what the casino means for small town Placerville—but don't count on it.
There is enough corporate America sucking the life out of Folsom to have to suck it out of Placerville, surely! I take your point, though. I deplore the fact that its a casino, but I hope good will come of it...there are possibilities for good and better things.
I can tell you what to expect. I saw it happen here in Kansas city. Once the casino opened, 4 others followed. After that came a deluge of pawn shops. Gamblers will pawn anything for any amount just to get some cash for "one more shot" at a big payoff. Once everything of any value has been pawned, gambling addicts turn to crime to support their habit: drugs, theft, illegal gambling, prostitution, loan sharking, whatever they can get away with. Then all kinds of "front businesses" begin popping up through which crime bosses launder their money. These usually are in the form of bars, strip clubs, and other adult entertainment venues. Then racing tracks and other forms of gambling businesses come to the area to compete with the casinos. All these spin offs attract hordes of pan-handlers and street people. Soon municipalities are held hostage by casino bosses who, because of the huge tax revenue they provide, have their stooges appointed to city government organizations. Thus they begin to seize control of everyday decisions for the surrounding communities. A lot of business gets dome via under-the-table payoffs. It's a slippery slope to nowhere. I hate to see it happen anywhere. The outward glamor of the casino business is just one more evil appearing as something good. But - never forget - the increase in worldly influences is simply in response to the increasing influence and growth of the Lord's Kingdom. And He wins everything in the end! Merry Christmas everyone!!
wow..thanks for the dose of reality, Uncle Bob. Hope you don't mind, but I'm going to use your comment in my Relief Society lesson tomorrow...its on the last days. Merry Christmas back at you! Enjoy your grandson!
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