More groups are coming forward to say Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians has pressured them to oppose the off-reservation casino sought by the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians.

The Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce lost a $150 donation because the group refused to take a stance. "I thought it was petty," president Leslie Cox told The Sierra Star. "You're going to irritate an entire community for $150 dollars?

The Fairmead Community and Friend was also pressured to oppose the North Fork casino. The group previously received $31,000 from the Chukchansis.

"I was upset because of the way we were approached -- the way this person tried to bully or persuade us into thinking their way," vice president Nettie Amey told the paper.

Another business owner, who was not named by the paper for fear of retribution, felt threatened. "Basically it said if you don't oppose the North Fork Mono's proposed casino then there is no way we will ever do business with you," the person said.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the North Fork casino last September. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, Gov. Jerry Brown (D) can veto it.

Get the Story:
Chukchansi pressure is inappropriate to some (The Sierra Star 4/19)

Related Stories:
Opinion: North Fork Rancheria takes high road on casino (4/13)
Chukchansi Tribe fights North Fork off-reservation casino (4/12)