Pechanga Band labels lawsuit over gaming deal a 'political ploy'

Thursday, October 21, 2010  

Despite claims by local officials, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians has accepted service of a lawsuit that was filed in federal court in California.

Officials in Temecula claimed a process server wasn't allowed on the reservation. But Chairman Marc Macarro said the city never made proper arrangements.

"The decision to not pick up the telephone and make appropriate arrangements, along with the appearance of a political ploy, strongly implies that the City Council has chosen to abandon the government-to-government relationship that the tribe and the city has worked for years to develop," Macarro said in a statement.

As part of its Class III gaming compact, the tribe agreed to address the impacts of its casino. An agreement with Temecula is complete but one with Riverside County is still being negotiated.

The lawsuit says the tribe should start paying an estimated $2 million a year to the city.

Get the Story:
Pechanga calls out city for false accusations (The Californian 10/20)

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Pechanga Band won't allow process server on the reservation (10/18)
City files lawsuit against Pechanga Band for casino agreement (10/6)
City votes to sue Pechanga Band of gaming impact agreement (8/11)
Pechanga Chair: Tribe honors commitments with gaming deals (8/10)
Pechanga Band negotiates agreement to address casino impacts (8/5)