Casino Proposal

* Virtually every day I am asked about my opinion regarding the impact of a proposed casino in Oxnard. As the sheriff of Ventura County I feel obligated to voice my objection to a major gaming facility that could change the landscape of our community.

If the current effort to place a major casino complex in the Oxnard Factory Outlet site is successful, a major new influence will be introduced into our community. Any major venue (whether it be a casino, sports arena or shopping mall) will surely impact traffic, local programs and services, public safety and the infrastructure and environment. This is the most obvious and direct consequence.

But we’re not talking about a sports arena or shopping mall. What we are talking about is introducing organized and legalized gambling into Ventura County. Considerable effort in recent years has gone into studying the impact of gaming casinos on the local environment. It is estimated that there are more than 15 million Americans today who suffer from what has commonly been referred to as a “gambling addiction.� This affliction can be especially devastating to the individual, their family and employer.

It cannot be disputed that there will be some negative impacts from the casino and an undetermined additional influence from the prostitution, vice and corruption that often accompanies major gambling venues. Ventura County has long enjoyed a wholesome atmosphere, and reputation as the safest urban county in the western U.S. and a great place to live, work and raise children. Although there would likely be some financial benefit to the city of Oxnard, the more subtle and insidious negative influence on the quality of life in general weighs heavily against arguments for the casino effort. I urge the Oxnard City Council to reject the casino in favor of business that will enhance, not erode, the quality of life in Ventura County.

BOB BROOKS

Ventura County Sheriff

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* Re “Casino Project a Loser,� April 29.

Recently, while driving past the failing Oxnard retail outlet mall, I considered the proposal to build an Indian casino on the site and a better idea occurred to me. Why not convert the site to a permanent farmers’ market?

I lived in the Fairfax district of Los Angeles for many years, and the Farmer’s Market at 3rd and Fairfax has been a popular destination for tourists and locals for more than 50 years. Unfortunately, the site is now being turned into a large shopping mall and the country atmosphere that made the spot so appealing will soon be lost forever.

The Oxnard City Council should take advantage of this opportunity to fill this niche and endeavor to create a tourist destination that would be a perfect fit for Oxnard. The Oxnard farmers’ market could become a successful tourist attraction. The architecture and design of the site are already perfect for this use. Many farmers’ markets are held at various locations throughout the county and are a weekend routine for thousands of consumers.

As I envision it, the Oxnard farmers’ market would reflect the unique culture of Ventura County, a blend of Latin, country and Southern California. Children would enjoy pony rides, ice cream and a petting zoo. Mariachi bands would stroll through the market and our local radio stations would broadcast special performances by local bands. As with the market in Los Angeles, the main attraction would be food, food and more food! Local produce, meat, cheese, wine and more would be available from dozens of vendors.

Do we really want Oxnard to be known as the home of an Indian casino? How will that reflect on the community? I hope that the City Council and the citizens of Oxnard will take my suggestion seriously. Perhaps a few of our large local growers will be able to see the potential for selling and promoting their products and get behind this idea. Rather than try to compete with Las Vegas, we should leverage what Oxnard already has to offer into a winning deal for everyone.

FRITZ LIESS

Ventura