The Rolling Hills Casino. Photo from Facebook
The state of California is asking a federal judge to shut down the casino owned by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians. A ongoing leadership dispute "poses a threat to the public, health, safety and welfare," the state said in court documents. The lawsuit cited armed guards that were patrolling the Rolling Hills Casino up until Monday and clashes among rival factions of the tribe. "One faction in the intra-tribal dispute advises that 'by and through its tribal Police, (it) intends to very soon physically repossess and close' the casino located in Corning," the complaint states. "This is an imminent threat to the public health, and safety of Paskenta's members, the Casino's patrons and employees, and the state's residents." Despite the harsh words in the court documents, both factions of the tribe welcomed the suit. Chairman Andy Freeman said it will help prevent his rivals from trying to shut down the casino. "It's the same thing we wanted. We wanted everything the same. We didn't want to have any problems fighting with anyone or trying to fight with anyone, all we wanted was to do our business like it was normal," Freeman told KRCR. "This is exactly what we wanted." Vice Chairman David Swearinger thanked Attorney General Kamala Harris for filing the suit. His faction claims the casino has been operating in violation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. "As we’ve said for weeks, the Rolling Hills Casino is currently an illegal gaming operation because it is not being operated by the tribe, per state and federal law," Swearinger said in a press release. "This armed occupation of the casino must end and the tribe must regain control. Correcting this situation will benefit the tribe and secure the jobs of the employees working there.” Get the Story:
Sides react to state lawsuit against Paskenta tribe (KRCR 6/18)
State files suit against tribal factions (The Corning Observer 6/18)
State asks courts to grant restraining orders in Rolling Hills dispute (The Red Bluff Daily News 6/18) Relevant Documents:
Complaint: California v. Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians | Memorandum In Support of Temporary Restraining Order
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