Tuesday, election day around most of the country, saw the curtain open on a new gambling casino in Sonoma County, California. The Graton Casino, an Indian casino owned by the local native American tribe, the Graton Pomo Indians.
With federal authorization, the tribe was given land in the county next to the city of Rohnert Park. City services:water, sewer, and utilities came from the city. With a partnership from a Las Vegas gambling group, the new building and its adjacent 6 story parking garage were built just west of Highway 101. New freeway ramps and access roads were installed to accommodate the expected traffic. On opening day, 25 extra policemen were on duty to facilitate traffic. By 11am, the parking lot was full, traffic was at a standstill, and the casino rightfully closed its doors to new arrivals: too much of a good thing.
So, here we have a new "wine country" diversion. It's not enough to have world class wines, excellent restaurants, and prospering businesses, more is needed: more jobs, more people, more money. Given that it has been only 2 days since the opening, more time will be needed to assess the full impact on Rohnert Park, Sonoma county, and the local job market, housing market, and quality of life for all involved.
Stay tuned.
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