California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 1A ... based on the promise that Indian gaming would be restricted to "Indian lands," tucked away from our cities. Other Central California tribes have followed the rules, operating their casinos on their lands.
But now, Station Casinos of Las Vegas, a multi-million dollar conglomerate, has come into our community and wants to play by its own set of rules. Stations is bankrolling the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians to try and build a $250 million casino and resort right on Highway 99 - 40 miles away from the tribe's existing reservation. Allowing this mega-casino to be built right in the middle of Madera violates what California voters approved and threatens our Valley's way of life.
Allowing the Highway 99 Casino to be built would set a precedent for the proliferation of "off-reservation" gaming throughout California. Before we know it, there could be Indian casinos on every corner - next door to our schools, churches and places of business.
Don't let Madera's legacy be the community that opened the floodgates for the entire state.
- Significantly harm our already terrible air quality - more than 10 tons of pollutants will be added into the San Joaquin Valley air each year
- Cause major traffic congestion on Highway 99
- Choke the already stressed water supply
- Destroy 300 acres of farmland
Don't let greed destroy our way of life. The state and local economies have been enticed with financial gain from the Highway 99 casino. But make no mistake, there WILL BE A BIGGER PRICE TO PAY.
Senator Dean Florez speaks out against reservation shopping and encourages North Fork Rancheria to find an alternative site for its casino closer to its existing tribal lands. Read Florez's full statement and other comments on the Fresno Bee's Editorial Opinion Blog. http://www.fresnobeehive.com/opinion/2008/03/
Download PDF
Send in your opposition form via on-line form or download word doc and fax it in.
The Fresno Bee says approving a casino along Highway 99 would set a huge precedent that would allow Indian casinos to go anywhere.
Download PDF
Read why The Fresno Bee calls North Fork's proposed casino along Highway 99 a bad bet for the entire region.
Download PDF
For more information or to share your comments against the proposed Highway 99 Casino, e-mail info@nohighway99casino.org