I sang the virtues of The Club at Soboba in San Jacinto. I pointed out that it is a smart marketing tool for Soboba tribal leaders in their campaign to annex land into their reservation so they can build a new hotel and casino near the golf course they purchased in 2004.

I wasn't surprised that nearby residents let me know they believe a new casino would ruin the tranquillity of their very nice neighborhoods. They thought I was out of tune.

Mike and Dee Wickham, who live just a few hundred feet from the lavish new clubhouse, which is open to the public, worry that a new casino on land annexed into the reservation would draw crime to their neighborhood.

They'd prefer to see the tribe build a new gambling facility near its existing casino, which already is on the reservation.

They think a massive, Las Vegas-style casino with accompanying retail shops, public services, parking areas, restaurants and bars would spoil neighborhoods in what is one of nicest parts San Jacinto.

"It is already a problem for residents to get in and out of their homes when the existing casino has special events, let alone emergency vehicles," they wrote in an e-mail dispatch.

"Traffic can be backed up for several miles when these events occur. Soboba Road is nothing more than a two-lane country road."

I've heard the same concerns from other residents who worry about a casino near their homes.

The Wickhams did not complain about the impressively improved golf course and the fancy clubhouse.

The Club at Soboba is worth checking out. It offers a nice setting where businesspeople can entertain clients and conduct meetings.

The clubhouse is a place that San Jacinto Valley residents can visit for a meal with an unusual amount of elegance in a restaurant with the atmosphere of a private country club. There is nothing like it in the area.

The big banquet area also was sorely needed in the valley. The Club at Soboba will be in demand as a wedding site once outdoor facilities for ceremonies are finished.

I'm sure people who live nearby will enjoy the clubhouse and golf course but will worry that what now is one of the nicest parts of the valley will be ruined by a massive gaming complex if the land around their homes is annexed into the reservation.

Tribal leaders will point to the golf course and maintain a casino and hotel would bring needed facilities to the valley.

Neighborhood residents are serious about their objections. The hotel, restaurant and concert facilities, never mind gambling, would be welcomed by people who do not live close by.

Let the debate rage on.