California appeals compact negotiation case

Friday, May 9, 2008  

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is appealing a decision that found he was negotiating in bad faith with the Rincon Band of Mission Indians.

Schwarzenegger wants the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to hear the case. His lawyers also want a federal judge to hold off enforcing the decision until the appeal is resolved.

The Rincon Band entered into Class III compact negotiations in hopes of installing more slot machines at the Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort. Schwarzenegger demanded the tribe pay fees to the state's general fund.

Magistrate William McCurine Jr. ruled that the demand wasn't justified because the state failed to offer a "meaningful concession" to the tribe. He wants the state and the tribe to negotiate a new deal.

Get the Story:
State seeks to delay Rincon order (The San Diego Union-Tribune 5/9)