Chukchansi Tribe casino default raised in off-reservation battle

Monday, August 27, 2012  

The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians could go into default if an off-reservation casino is approved, opponents are claiming.

The state of California has invested public employee investment funds in the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. The tribe's lobbyist and a group of lawmakers say the funds are at risk if Gov. Jerry Brown (D) approves an off-reservation casino for the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians.

"I can't quantify it but it's substantial," lobbyist David Quintana told The Sacramento Bee, referring to the size of the investment in the Chukchansi casino.

Brown has until the end of the month to approve or reject the North Fork casino.

Get the Story:
Opponents say CA tribal casino would hurt public worker pension funds (The Sacramento Bee 8/24)
Decision on Mono casino expected next week (The Sierra Star 8/23)

Elaine Bethel Fink: Off-reservation casino deserves approval (8/24)
Sen. Feinstein again pushing to reject off-reservation casino (8/24)