Chukchansi casino regulars heading elsewhere

FRESNO, Calif (KFSN) -- A federal judge ordered the doors at Chukchansi casino to remain closed until there's enough proof the public is safe to go back in.

The parking lot at Chukchansi casino was a sea of empty lots hours after a federal judge granted the state attorney general's request to keep the casino closed.

Since October 9, Laura Martin and her friends have to catch a bus to Tachi Palace instead of their usual destination in Madera County.

"We feel bad because we go pretty often and sometimes we got the free rooms and free concerts. We really enjoyed going and I am sorry they closed," said Martin.

They plan to go back to Chukchansi if and when it reopens even though armed men from a tribal faction stormed inside earlier this month. Right now the women's main concerns are the employees who were laid off.

"I feel sad for the people the workers who are there. They are really devoted people. I used to talk to them all the time," said Caroline Kitt.

About 200 of the more than 1000 Chukchansi employees who are out of a job have come to the Madera County Workforce Assistance Center for help. With no reopening date rescheduled staff expects to see many more walk-ins.

"Most of these folks up until today thought and hoped today would change the situation they are in and they would all go back to work," said Elaine Craig.

Craig is helping former Chukchansi employees get unemployment benefits and look for other opportunities.

Staff members at the center say they plan to hold a financial literacy class to help people out of work deal with car, house and utility bills.