Opponents blast Lower Lake Rancheria casino bid

Opponents of a landless tribe's casino proposal were out in force at a public hearing held by the Bureau of Indian Affairs this week.

The Lower Lake Rancheria, also known as the Koi Nation, wants to build near the Oakland International Airport. But residents say the economically-depressed area is the wrong place for a casino that will bring gambling addictions and other social problems.

The unrecognized Muwekma Ohlone Tribe is also opposed. The proposed casino site is on lands sacred to the Ohlones.

The Lower Lake Rancheria is a 53-member tribe of Pomo descendants that former assistant secretary Kevin Gover re-recognized in one of his last actions in January 2001. The BIA said the tribe was inadvertently left of the list of recognized tribes.

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Oakland residents slam proposed casino near airport (The Contra Costa Times 12/17)
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