Opinion: Attorney general must not undermine Chula Vista’s progress

Chula Vista has always relied on hard work, strong partnerships and smart choices. As former mayors, we have seen how thoughtful public policy, community collaboration and a shared commitment to service have helped our city grow into one of the safest, most vibrant places in San Diego County.

That progress is now at risk.

Cardrooms have been a part of our culture for over 80 years. As mayors in the 1980s and in the 2000s, we personally reviewed and approved cardroom establishments and the types of games that could legally be played in Chula Vista. Throughout our tenures, Chula Vista collaborated with the state of California when the cardroom industry went from 100% local jurisdiction to joint licensure and oversight between the state and local governments. Over the past several decades, the particular games offered by cardrooms in our city and across the state have been thoroughly reviewed and determined to be legal.

In a sudden course reversal, California Attorney General Rob Bonta is now considering a new regulatory proposal that would drastically restrict the operations of local cardrooms, by designating well-established betting methods and entire categories of games as illegal. These are not just technical adjustments. They are sweeping and unnecessary changes that could have devastating consequences for cities like ours — cities that depend on cardroom revenue to fund basic public services.

Here is what is at stake. As one of Chula Vista’s large contributors to the city’s general fund, Seven Mile Casino plays a vital role in supporting essential city services — including fire protection, public safety and library programs — through the tax revenue it generates. Seven Mile also generates more than 300 good-paying local jobs that strengthen our regional economy.

In addition to its financial contributions, Seven Mile gives back through extensive philanthropic efforts, donating hundreds of thousands of dollars and countless volunteer hours to programs and organizations across San Diego County. Its support for Chula Vista Animal Services, local Boy Scout troops, South Bay Community Services and youth sports means a lot to these entities and more.

The attorney general’s own data projects that these regulations could cost California cities over $500 million statewide. In Chula Vista, that could mean cutting revenue that funds the equivalent of at least 15 full-time employees from the city budget. Chula Vista and cities like Hawaiian Gardens, Commerce and Bell Gardens stand to lose up to 70% of their general fund budgets.

The COVID-19 pandemic showed what this looks like. When cardrooms shut down for 18 months, services were slashed, workers were furloughed and some cities barely avoided bankruptcy. We do not want our community to relive that crisis for unnecessary restrictions.

The result of the proposed restrictions is more than numbers on a spreadsheet. This is about real people and working families, many of whom rely on stable city services and family-wage jobs supported by cardroom revenue. The proposed regulations would jeopardize the very things California leaders claim to support: jobs, public safety and equity for underserved communities.

Seven Mile has operated legally for decades under bipartisan oversight and strict regulation. Games targeted by the attorney general have been reviewed and approved by the four prior California attorneys general. The proposed regulations appear to contradict long-standing legislative intent. Critics across the political spectrum have raised red flags for what appear to be unintended consequences.

When a former community leader opined that “If it isn’t broke, break it,” the opposition to breaking what was not broken was profound. That sentiment should prevail now. If the attorney general believes changes are needed, bring local governments to the table. Do not impose top-down regulations that endanger public services without consulting the people responsible for delivering them.

Now is not the time to destabilize the very systems that help working families thrive. We urge support for businesses like Seven Mile Casino, which contribute to our community’s health and well-being. We urge Attorney General Bonta and the Department of Justice to reconsider these regulations and instead, protect the revenue and jobs that keep public services enjoyed and cherished by our communities.

Greg Cox served as mayor of Chula Vista from 1981 to 1990 and San Diego County supervisor from 1995 to 2021. Cheryl Cox served as a member of the Chula Vista Elementary School District Board of Education from 2000 to 2006 and mayor of Chula Vista from 2006 to 2014.