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Ada Preston (November 2005)

Dixon Citizens for Quality Growth (DCQG) continues its effort to keep the horse racetrack proposed by Canada-based Magna Entertainment Corporation out of Dixon. If built, the horse track and betting parlor will attract thousands of cars and cause gridlock in Dixon and Davis (on I80 and Pedrick road) on most week ends. Noise levels will exceed city standards, and air quality will further degrade. The project would require a rezoning and the loss of potential jobs that would pay better than jobs from a racetrack and casino. Gambling probably would bring more crime to our area. For more information on the impacts see our website. The track would permanently change the quality of life of Dixon and Davis residents.

Our main goal is getting enough "Letters to the Mayor" signed to convince the City Council that the majority of the residents don't want the racetrack. We meet every Saturday morning for a "knock and talk" walking campaign. Neighborhood walkers wear screaming yellow T-shirts emblazoned with "dumpthedowns.org" and are well received by the majority of citizens: the "No" votes are out there.

The group continues to speak at all city council and planning commission meetings using the 3-minute allotted time during the non-agenda item. A Councilman asked for a special election on the racetrack issue, but the City Council decided that it would rather make the decision by itself. Council members did mention that the citizens had recourse if they didn't like it, we will be ready on that day.

The proposed racetrack draft EIR has been published and DCQG members are studying it in order to make comments.

Last Friday, Gail Preston and Shirley Humphrey participated in a Speaker Series seminar at UCD named "Doing/Debating Development" (Sponsored by Dr. Al Sokolow). The subject was: "Fighting City Hall: Dixon Citizens Take on the Racetrack.".

The next fundraiser is a Book and Bake Sale, Sunday, November 20, 11:00 - 3:00 pm, 2040 Regency Parkway, Dixon. Phone (707) 628-9211. The public is cordially invited to the sale. Remember, everyone needs another book!"

DCQG thanks the Sierra Club for their ingoing support and encouragement

Contact Dixon City Council members Steve Alexander, Loren Ferrero, Mike Smith, Gil Vega, and Mayor Mary Ann Courville by email at citycouncil@ci.dixon.ca.us. Their phone numbers are on the city website. Let them know you do not want the Dixon Downs track.

Check out a copy of the draft EIR and submit comments. It is available at the Dixon City Hall at 600 A Street, and the Dixon Library at 230 North First Street. It is available for purchase at Dixon City Hall. It is also available online at www.ci.dixon.ca.us and on CD-ROM available for loan or purchase at Dixon City Hall.

If you would like to help the Dixon Citizens for Quality Growth by knocking and talking, writing letters, or in other ways, contact Gail and Ada Preston (email) or by calling 707-693-0642.