Investing In the Community
Making a Positive Impact
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Casino will not only help the Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians move toward becoming a more self-sufficient people, it will also help the surrounding community. It is ironic that a business enterprise some neighbors didn't want in the area will actually allow the Tribe the ability to make a positive impact on the local community. Being a good neighbor, and more importantly, good people, is what the Dry Creek Tribe portrays.
In addition, the Tribe fuels the local economy by attracting more tourists and visitors to the Alexander Valley. Those benefits are already being realized by local merchants.
"River Rock Casino has proven to be a good neighbor and business partner,' explains Bill Weisel, owner of the Geyser Smokehouse in Geyserville. "Not only is the casino bringing new visitors into the area, which is helping my business, but they were right there with support when we planned a fundraiser for the Geyserville Firefighters Association. They genuinely want to partner with the community."
Pam Heath from Simi Winery agrees. "River Rock has included us as a partner in some of their advertising, and we look forward to showcasing our product in their Wine Creek Room," says Heath. "We're working together hand-in-glove."
In addition to increased business, local merchants have also been pleased with the quality of the facility. "It is a very well done project; very classy," adds Jason Farmer, director of sales for Hotel Healdsburg. "We have a good relationship with the casino's management and we're comfortable recommending River Rock Casino to our guests. We're seeing individuals and groups inquiring about our property because they are planning to visit the casino."
Helping The Local Economy
The Tribe is expected to generate an estimated $26 million annually in local wages and pay more than $75 million to its vendors. The Casino is one of the largest employers in the area, employing nearly 800 people, 25 percent of whom are Native American.
Improving Local Schools
The Tribe realizes the importance of a good education for the children of the Alexander Valley In this time of state budget deficits and cutbacks in education spending, the Tribe is working to help local schools. In June 2003, the Dry Creek Tribe donated $300,000 to the Geyserville School District to help cover a budget deficit. The funds were made possible, in part, through casino profits. Additional funds will be made available on a multi year basis.
Committing
The Dry Creek Pomo are proud of the local firefighters and are happy to be able to provide them with resources that benefit not only the Tribe, but also the surrounding community. In addition to having a strong working relationship with the Geyserville Fire Department, the Dry Creek Pomo have donated over $5,000 to the Geyserville Firefighters Association. In the words of Michael Pigoni, President of the Fire District Board, the Tribe's relationship with the Fire District "will increase our department's available resources to further protect the entire community." On December 31, 2003 the Tribe signed a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Geyserville Fire Department, committing over $1 million for ongoing fire protection services.
Improving Local Infrastructure
The Tribe, together with local agencies, has helped to improve local roads and intersections, and will continue to work on fixture improvements of road widening and traffic control.
Supporting Local Organizations
With so many great organizations in Sonoma County, the Dry Creek Pomo have been able to reach out and support a variety of groups on different levels. The Tribe feels it is important to support local projects and events that aid those in need. Examples of groups the Tribe has supported include:
• Santa Rosa Jr. College Baseball Team
• Maria Carrillo High School Basketball Team
• Geyserville Football Team
• Sonoma County Sheriff's Association
• Local chambers of commerce, including Healdsburg and Santa Rosa
• "Step Out for Seniors" with CPRS Aging Section
(California Parks and Recreation Society)
• Healdsburg Boys & Girls Club
• Elsie Mien Wrestling Team
• Cure for Cancer Walk
• Windsor Booster Club
• National Indian Justice Center
• California Indian Museum
Wine Country Meets Pomo Culture At the New River Rock Casino
Given the Rancheria's location — both its beauty and its challenging topography — an entertainment and gaming enterprise is the best solution available for the Tribe. And, from the beginning, Tribal leaders were adamant that their facility be sensitive to the natural elements of the Rancheria and surrounding community. They insisted upon being good neighbors and requested that all materials that could be touched by guests were to be real, not imitation.
The design of both the interior and exterior architectural features of River Rock Casino reflect the Craftsman Bungalow style found extensively in nearby communities. This style, with its use of oak wainscots, natural stone, arbors, mission style furniture, and warm earth tones, is a comfortable fit in wine country. Furniture selected for the interior comes from the same period with new pieces produced by the same manufacturer who produced the originals. A collection of fine Pomo baskets forms the backdrop for the table games.
The casino utilizes sophisticated mechanical systems. We have installed a state-of-the-art ventilation system that greatly reduces cigarette smoke and impurities, and circulates air from the ground level. This creates an almost draft-free source of clean air. The building features recycling of water reclaimed front the wastewater treatment plant. This same water is used for on-site irrigation.
Low cut-off lighting has been specified to reduce off-site glare. Every step has been taken to ensure that construction followed all safety standards for building. Per the Tribe's compact with the state, all required state government agencies have inspected and toured the facilities to approve the operations, including representatives from the state fire marshal's office, attorney general's office, and the local Geyserville fire department.
River Rock Casino is an illustration of the Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians' commitment to community, culture and creativity.
ALSO VISIT POMO RIDGE DISTRIBUTION FOR MORE INFORMATION 
