California county weighs Indian gaming referendum

Tuesday, February 26, 2008  

Voters in Sonoma County, California, might be asked to decide whether they want more casinos in their backyard.

The county is home to the River Rock Casino, owned by the Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians. The Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria and the Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians are also seeking casinos in the county.

Opposition to the Graton casino prompted supervisor Mike Kerns' call for the referendum. But rather than target one tribe, he said the advisory measure should speak to gaming in general.

"Casinos have countywide impacts on traffic, air quality, water resources and lord knows what else," Kern told The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat.

The county board of supervisors will vote today whether to put the issue on the June 3 ballot.

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Public may get say in gaming (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 2/25)