Twelfth Anniversary Of Black Oak Casino Resort

Twelve years ago on May 15th, a casino in Tuolumne City opened their doors for the first time.

Ron Patel, Black Oak Casino Resort General Manager, was Wednesday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.

“The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians were up against the clock on our compact agreement that we had with Governor Grey Davis to open the first temporary building,” Patel said. “It was built where the parking structure stands now”.

Thirty-two employees (or team members) that began with Black Oak Casino on that first day in 2001, are still there now.

Black Oak Casino is one of the top three employers in Tuolumne County, with around nine hundred full or part-time employees. The number has fluctuated over the past decade and depending on economic times, Sonora Regional Medical Center and the Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown employee more people.

To help celebrate this evening, Black Oak Cafe (on the casino floor) will feature a $12 steak and lobster dinner, beginning at 4 PM.

Additionally, a total of $12,000 will be given away with regualr drawings from 5 PM – 10 PM.

Outside at 5 PM, the ribbon cutting ceremony will take place for the official grand opening of the Hotel at Black Oak Casino Resort.

Additionally, to help celebrate the twelve year anniversary tonight, David Knopfler (co-founder of Dire Straits) will perform inside of the Willow Creek Lounge (casino floor) beginning at 8 PM.

A full list of the events can be found at http://www.blackoakcasino.com

The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard each weekday morning on AM 1450 KVML at 6:47, 7:47 and 8:47am.