Judge won't move Graton Rancheria casino suit to federal court

Thursday, March 7, 2013  

A judge in California set a trial date for a lawsuit aimed at stopping the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria from opening a casino.

The tribe already started work on the Graton Resort and Casino after winning approval of its land-into-trust application and its Class III gaming compact. But a group called Stop the Casino 101 Coalition claims Gov. Jerry Brown (D) lacked authority to agree to the deal.

Brown sought to move the lawsuit to federal court but Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Elliot Daum refused. Daum also refused a request to add the Interior Department and the National Indian Gaming Commission as defendants.

The trial date is set for August 2.

Get the Story:
Lawsuit seeking to block Rohnert Park casino to go to trial (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 3/7)

City claims eminent domain for Graton Rancheria casino road (02/14)