News briefs

Oakland residents against building a casino

OAKLAND “”mdash; 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.

Some in Oakland say they don’t want gambling in their
city.

“˜”˜When I voted for Indian gambling some years ago, I
never thought that it would be coming to my backyard,”
said resident Donald Lowry.

Police shoot suspected teenage gang member

A 13-year-old suspected gang member driving a stolen Toyota was
killed by police early Sunday after a pre-dawn chase in which he
rammed an LAPD patrol car, authorities said.

The vehicle was moving erratically and police began their
pursuit after suspecting the driver was drunk, said LAPD
spokeswoman Kristi Sandoval.

The driver stopped and a passenger, described as another
suspected gang member, fled on foot.

The driver ignored commands from police, then shifted the car
into reverse and rammed a black-and-white cruiser, prompting police
to open fire, Sandoval said.

The driver died at the scene.

Compiled from Bruin wire reports.