California tribe tied up in court over casino issues

Monday, May 3, 2004  

A California judge is being asked to determine whether a county can enforce its laws at the casino owned by the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians.

Chairwoman Liz Elgin DeRouen told The Los Angeles that the tribe "passed every state and federal regulation required under our compact. We are not obligated to report to the county. But we are not its enemy either."

County officials claim the casino is violating fire code regulations. The fire chief sued after he was barred from going to the reservation to inspect.

The casino is the area's largest employer with 550 employees. According to The Times, the 768-member tribe took in $69 million last year from the casino.

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