In spite of misgivings from the chief of police and protests from a neighborhood congregation, the Salinas City Council has paved the way for a no-wagering-limits card room to open.

Almost a year after Police Chief Dan Ortega pulled the plug on Cap’s Saloon, the City Council voted 6-1 to modify the city’s existing ordinance regulating card rooms. The modifications were made in anticipation of an application for a card room in Oldtown Salinas.

Businessmen Sal Jimenez Jr. and Hector Campos want to open the Bankers Casino and Restaurant, a gambling parlor with a banquet room in the 100 block of Monterey Street. Except for Councilwoman Janet Barnes, who wanted to support the recommendation by Ortega, the council agreed to everything the businessmen wanted: no wagering limits, nine tables instead of seven, no buy-in limits and no set annual fee to operate the card room.

“We’re not seen as friendly to businesses, and we want to change that,” Councilman Sergio Sanchez said.

Author Contact Info: Claudia Melendez Salinas