As reported by: San Gabriel Valley Tribune
A proposed bingo operation stands little chance of becoming a reality because of strong opposition by the City Council.

"I don't like the idea of using any form of gambling to subsidize the city budget,' said Covina Mayor Walt Allen III. "I am leery of these types of operations, because I suspect they might lead to additional forms of gambling, such as card clubs.'

"Lucky Bingo' was put forward by La Habra Heights-based David/Del Junco Enterprises, which submitted a two-page proposal for a 700-seat bingo hall on the northwest corner of Azusa Avenue at San Bernardino Road.

"You already have bingo in your city,' said George Del Junco. "You already have SuperLotto in your stores.'

Del Junco said the gambling hall would bring money to local charities and provide jobs for the community. The nonprofit operation would not serve alcohol.

At a Covina City Council meeting last week, Del Junco faced stern criticism for the proposal. The council asked Del Junco to come back with a more detailed report.

"It's a fairly conservative community,' said Councilman Kevin Stapleton. "From my standpoint, it's not the kind of use I'm particularly excited to see.'

Councilman Christopher Lancaster said bingo is not something he wants Covina to be known for. Lancaster also questions Del Junco's character.

"He doesn't instill a lot of trust in the legitimacy of their proposal,' Lancaster said.

Del Junco, a chiropractor and boxing promoter, once served as a cornerman for world champion boxing "Sugar' Shane Mosley.

But he also served 19 months of a three-year prison sentence in 1988 for fraud and forgery.

"I've never done anything wrong,' Del Junco said.

Del Junco told the council the bingo operation would pay 10 percent of its revenue - estimated at $250,000 a month - to the city. He claimed a similar bingo operation in Hawaiian Gardens was a financial boon to that city.

A California law makes bingo operations legal if the proceeds go to charities. Del Junco said he has devoted his life to helping others.

"Even when I was in there serving my time, I helped my fellow man,' Del Junco said.

The northwest corner of Azusa Avenue and San Bernardino Road was the former home of a Lucky supermarket. It is now a blighted strip mall, but Community Development Director Mike Marquez doesn't see bingo as the solution.

"I'm not sure I saw the benefit to adjacent businesses in the area,' Marquez said. "Does it help the overall vitality of the city? I can't say that it does.'