JAMUL – The image displayed to an audience of more than 400 people showed their worst nightmare: a 30-story casino looming above low-lying clouds in the semi-rural East County community.
However, county Supervisor Dianne Jacob and leaders of a group that opposes the casino reassured the crowd they are continuing their fight against the hotel and casino proposed by the Jamul Indians on six acres of tribal land.
"We're here tonight to tell you there's hope," said Peter Andersen, co-chairman of the Jamul Action Committee. "We're going to need your help, but this can be defeated."
The 53-member tribe announced plans to build the casino in August after it appeared its proposal to annex 81 acres wasn't going to get federal approval. The tribe wanted to build a two-story casino on the annexed land.
The building would be the tallest in the county outside of downtown San Diego, featuring a two-or three-story casino sandwiched between a 10-story garage and a 412-room hotel. The image projected during the meeting was created by opponents.
The casino is opposed by many Jamul residents, who say it will result in clogged traffic on state Route 94 and doesn't fit in with the community.
The meeting Wednesday night at the Jamul Elementary School was a combined information session and pep rally for casino opponents.
"We will fight this to the very end. Are you with me?" Jacob asked the crowd, which responded with thunderous applause.
Jacob cautioned that the tribe is not subject to the typical environmental approval by the county because the casino is being built on sovereign land. However, the tribe must still submit environmental studies for review by county officials.
Jacob said she was skeptical that the tribe could break ground for the casino in December, as tribal members have promised in a billboard posted off Jamacha Road.
However, Bill Mesa, gaming commissioner for the tribe, said a ceremonial groundbreaking is still planned for December and preparations are on schedule.
"It's right on track," he said.
He said some ground might be cleared then, but no construction will start until the environmental documents are submitted to state and local officials.
Jacob said she suggested to Jamul tribal leaders that they join with another tribe already running a casino to build their project nearby.
Mesa said that would be impractical. Other tribal officials have not expressed interest in working with the Jamul Indians, he said.
"It would probably be a little hard to find a place to move to," he said. In addition, representatives of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger have said they are opposed to Indians' operation of casinos away from their tribal lands, Mesa said.
Attorney Patrick Webb told the crowd he might seek an injunction against the tribe if the groundbreaking occurs. Webb, a Jamul resident, is representing a tribal member who opposes construction of the casino.
Mesa said he was unconcerned about the prospect of a legal challenge.
"We feel we're well prepared to handle it," he said.
Anne Krueger: (619) 593-4962; anne.krueger@uniontrib.com
