"A new chapter in the storied history of the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians took shape Sunday afternoon when the familiar clang of coins and the ring of slot machines echoed inside the tribe's new Red Earth Casino on Highway 86, roughly halfway between Desert Shores and Salton City.

The casino represents an economic mega-leap forward for the tribe, which has worked for years to move the project forward. The tribe negotiated its compact with former California Gov. Gray Davis in 2003 but never could move the project forward. It was one of the few local tribes to not operate a casino in the lucrative gambling market in this corner of Southern California until Sunday.

The new 10,000-square-foot operation, with its six game tables and 349 slot machines, immediately makes the Torres-Martinez a player in the local casino market.

Tribal officials are celebrating the $10 million-plus venture - as they should."

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Editorial: Torres-Martinez's new casino one giant leap for tribe, Salton Sea area (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 4/5)