Efforts in California are growing against off-reservation casinos.

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors is being asked to oppose any off-reservation casino in the county. The effort is seen as a criticism of an off-reservation proposal in Madera County.

Seperately, a University of California at Berkeley economics professor and a Sierra Club lawyer have introduced a ballot referendum to bar casinos within a 15-mile radius of an "urban" area as defined by the 2000 census. It would void any compact for an urban casino that might be approved this year and would require the Legislature to approve gaming compacts by a 2/3 vote.

Lawmakers in the Bay Aera are also working on a ballot referendum to halt casino development. The Lytton Band of Pomo Indians is trying to open a casino in San Pablo and at least three other tribes are interested in the area.

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Urban casinos growing concern (The Fresno Bee 3/7)