Oakland residents are speaking out about a proposal to put a casino in their city.
Councilwoman Jane Brunner called a meeting Saturday to talk about the casino proposed by the Lower Lake Rancheria Koi Nation.
``It's a hot issue,'' said Brunner, who opposes the plan. ``I can tell you people who go gambling want a casino in Oakland. . . . The passions are high, and I'm not sure if we understand each other's point of view.''
The casino would include 2,000 slot machines, a spa, hotel, restaurants and a 1,000-seat concert venue.
``When I voted for Indian gambling some years ago, I never thought that it would be coming to my back yard,'' resident Donald Lowry said.
But tribe officials are asking residents to wait for environmental impact studies before making up their minds.
``Your concerns are our concerns,'' said Daniel Beltran, tribe chairman. ``We want to have a positive effect on this community, and I believe we will.''
The tribe is offering to pay Oakland $30 million a year.