A judge in California put a temporary stop on the sale of land in Richmond to investors backing the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians.

The judge acted in a suit brought by ChevronTexaco and Nicolas Villa Jr., a member of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians who claims to be the tribe's hereditary chief. Villa and his allies say the Guidivilles don't have a right to seek land at Point Molate.

But Matt Franklin, the recognized chairman of the Ione Band, says the tribe doesn't object to the Guidiville Band's project. He says Villa has been putting out misinformation for decades.

The Guidiville Band wants to build a casino on a 354-acre former Navy fuel depot. The Richmond City Council was scheduled to vote on the $50 million project.

ChevronTexaco owns the land surrounding the former depot and says the city failed to offer the land for public use.

Get the Story:
Tribe disputes man's claim of leadership (The Contra Costa Times 8/31)
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Judge delays casino land deal in Richmond (The Oakland Tribune 8/31)

Inspector General Investigation:
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