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Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 | 2 a.m.
Charles Cain says football and Gene Autry helped him escape a life of street gangs and drug dealers in south-central Los Angeles. Sports led Cain to Las Vegas, where he played football for UNLV, and horses kept him here through a 28-year career as a Metro Police detective. He’d grown up watching cowboy movies and hanging around horse barns whenever he could, including at a sprawling stable complex located, believe it or not, smack in the middle of Compton. As a Metro officer, Cain said tending horses kept him sane while dealing with the violence of fighting the same type ...
Located South of the Strip, South Point is a hot spot frequented by locals. The hotel-casino is decorated in a Pacific Coast feel, with golds, reds and browns, mixing an island feel with the ambiance of Southern California.
Guests rooms feature 42-inch flat screen TVs, iPod docking stations and plush linens. Outside, the property features landscaped gardens, a hospitality to entertain poolside and a sand volleyball court.
When it comes to gaming, the South Point has more than 120,000 square feet of casino games, as well as a separate race books and sports books, a bingo and poker room. South Point also has some family friendly features, like a 64-lane bowling center, an arcade and a 16-screen movie theater.
Dining options range from an upscale meal at Michael's Gourmet to ice cream at Kate's Korner. The 24-hour Coronado Cafe is the perfect spot for a late-night craving, which include six midnight to 6 a.m. "graveyard" specials. Other restaurants include the Big Sur Oyster Bar, Don Vito's, Garden Buffet, Seattle's Best Coffee House and the Del Mar Deli.
One of South Points more unique features is the Equestrian Center and Arena, a first for Vegas. The Equestrian Center holds a variety of events, from college basketball to Championship Bull Riding.
Nice story! Good luck, Coach Charlie.
Know Compton all too well as a child, where the stable I hung out at was along the Long Beach Freeway and Los Angeles River off Rosecrans, the "Flying W". Horses, or the love for horses, will save your life, they did for me. Then, as you get older, you pay it forward, knowing somewhere, there is a young person who is at-risk that crosses your path, headed towards that dark place in life where few escape, but for the grace of God.
Equine therapy has been a mighty force in our world. From bringing hope and motivation for those handicapped or challenged, to those rehabilitating in our prison systems, and for young people at youth ranches. There's nothing like it. It is like magic before your very eyes working with such folks, watching miracles and transformations of the human spirit.
Thank you Las Vegas Sun for this wonderful story about the Cains and the South Point, truly making a difference in a great way for our community!
Blessings and Peace,
Star
The "Compton card" is way over-played! North Las Vegas has more violent crime. Even in the 1980's Compton was a decent place to live and work!
Great story about a great human being.
Having worked the "gang" unit with Charlie for many years he was always, calm, cool and collected, regardless of the situation. A true professional in every sense of the word. Glad to see he is enjoying his passion. Well deserved!!
I walked out of my final exam...ending my second semester of my 2nd year in medical school. I get a call from my parents telling me to type in "Charles Cain" and this story popped up. I am his daughter. My dad is my hero...always has been and always will be. He worked from the bottom up and is one of the most kind-hearted people I know. I am beyond blessed to have him as my daddy. I wouldn't trade him for the world. He always inspires me to be a better person and to just keep pushing. He has used his knowledge gained throughout his life so far to impact others in any positive way he can. I LOVE MY DADDY!!