Controversy over new California compacts

Wednesday, April 30, 2008  

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) can't seem to catch a break over his tribal gaming compacts.

In February, four of his agreements were the subject of a costly statewide referendum. Voters approved the compacts but one key lawmaker is already calling for a vote on two new deals that were signed on Monday.

State Sen. Dean Florez, a Democrat, said voters should determine whether the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians can build an off-reservation casino. He believes tribes should be restricted to existing reservations.

The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians agrees. The tribe says the North Fork casino encroaches on its territory and should be rejected.

As part of its compact, the North Fork Rancheria agreed to share revenues from the off-reservation casino with the Wiyot Tribe. The Wiyot compact bars the tribe from opening a casino on its reservation.

Get the Story:
Tribe opposes new Central Valley casino complex (The Central Valley Business Times 4/29)
Florez denounces Governor's OK of Indian casino (KGET 4/29)