PICO RIVERA : Casino Backers Lead Foes in Fund Raising

Supporters and opponents of a proposed casino in Pico Rivera have laid their cards on the table, and it’s clear who is holding the aces.

An organization that supports the casino has spent about $88,000, while those against the club have spent less than $2,000, according to statements filed recently with the city clerk’s office.

The “Yes on Proposition B to Play Bingo & Cards,” campaign has mailed three sets of written materials to residents, distributed potholders and refrigerator magnets, printed lawn signs, produced a video and is planning chartered bus trips to let residents visit existing casinos.

“We’re working extremely hard,” said campaign Chairman Alberto Natividad, a former councilman. “I think we’re going to be successful this time around, but I have to be cautious about saying that because last time it was very close.”

Voters will go to the polls June 6 in a special election to determine whether a card club and bingo parlor will be built in the city. Residents rejected a similar proposal by a narrow margin two years ago.

The Rev. Richard Ochoa, a local pastor who is leading the opposition, said he isn’t worried by the financial figures.

“Money is not as big a factor as people would make it out to be,” Ochoa said. “Granted, it’s nice to have money, but we’re making our signs by hand, passing out literature by foot. I’d rather have people that are doing it from their hearts and through dedication to the community.”

Ochoa’s group, “Just Say No to Casinos,” has received $1,890 from various individuals and two local churches, and has $288 left in the bank.

The casino supporters’ campaign has raised $105,200, all but $200 from a single contribution by Palace Associates, a Brea-based development group that has an option to buy the land on which the casino would be built. The campaign has about $17,000 in the bank, according to the disclosure statements.

The controversial casino plan calls for a multilevel gaming facility to be built on 15 acres of undeveloped property near the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway in the city’s northeast corner. The club would offer traditional card games such as draw and stud poker, high-stakes Asian games such as pai gow and super pan nine, and bingo.

Profits from the bingo games would be allocated to community groups through a nonprofit organization, Natividad said.

Proponents say the card club would generate $5 million to $6 million a year for the city’s general fund and bring hundreds of jobs to the area. Opponents, however, say the casino would bring more crime and prostitution to the area.