Tribe
wants casino complex in downtown Palm Springs
As reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune
LOS
ANGELES - The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
is seeking permission to turn a square-mile portion of
downtown Palm Springs into a multibillion-dollar complex
featuring high-rises, shopping malls, restaurants, a theme
park and a second casino.
The
controversial development plan will be submitted Wednesday
to the city Planning Commission.
"The
city should have a great run from this plan because it's
in the downtown area, and it gives the city a focus in
terms of what it is we're looking for," Agua Caliente
Chairman Richard Milanovich told the Los Angeles Times.
The
412-member Agua Caliente Band is already the only tribe
in the state with two casinos, with a $95 million downtown
Palm Springs gambling palace that opened in November and
a casino in Rancho Mirage.
"If
everything in the plan manifests, it will be a glory day,"
Palm Springs City Manager David Ready said. "If only
a third of it happens, it would have a huge positive impact
on the entire city."
Not
everyone, however, is thrilled.
Homeowners,
hotel owners and others say they object to the size, design
and location of the complex, which would be on a 640-acre
site a short block east of Palm Canyon Drive and a mile
west of the city's international airport.
The
Agua Caliente tribe defends its plan, calling it a vision
for "a unique and cohesive district with its own
identity, which is separate but linked to downtown Palm
Springs."
The
tribe compares it to Pleasure Island in Orlando, Fla.,
an entertainment complex that includes eight nightclubs
and evening street parties set off by music and fireworks.
Gaming
Channel launches new Avago iTV game show
Interactive
TV gambling firm The Gaming Channel has launched a new
interactive game show on its flagship channel Avago. Called
The Big Shuffle, the game, which uses a combination of
red-button technology and presenter-led shows, offers
viewers Play Your Cards Right-style higher-or-lower bets
on the result of six card turns.