Editorial: Off-reservation casino needs community support

Thursday, December 15, 2011  

"We respect the sovereignty of American Indian lands. But we also believe tribes should respect the wishes and policies of local residents.

One such conflict is playing out in Joshua Tree, where the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians is considering a small casino, about half the size of a grocery store, on land that it owns but is not part of the reservation.

About 1,400 out of Joshua Tree's 7,400 residents have signed petitions opposing the plan. Many believe a casino would alter the rural character of the community."

Get the Story:
Our Voice: Tribe needs community support for new casino (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 12/14

Related Stories:
Sen. Feinstein against Twentynine Palms off-reservation casino (11/17)
Twentynine Palms Band sees opposition to casino proposal (10/19)
Twentynine Palms Band to discuss off-reservation casino plans (9/27)