Lawsuit accusing Morongo Band of blocking access dismissed

Wednesday, October 5, 2011  

A lawsuit that accused the Morongo Band of Mission Indians of blocking access to some property has been dismissed, according to the attorney for the city of Banning, California.

Lloyd Fields wants to develop homes on his 41-acre site. He says the tribe erected a gate on the only road leading to his property.

The lawsuit named the city of Banning but not the tribe. A judge ruled that the tribe was an indispensible party but could not be joined without its consent.

A final judgment hasn't been entered, the city's attorney said. But Fields claims the city retaliated against him for filing the lawsuit when it agreed to rename Fields Roads to Malki Road at the tribe's request.

The road at issue sits at the boundary of Banning and the reservation.

Get the Story:
Landowner calls Fields Road name change retaliation (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 10/5)
Banning Property Owner Tries To Save His Land (KESQ-TV 10/4)

Related Stories:
City approves road name change at request of Morongo Band (9/29)
Lawsuit accuses Morongo Band of blocking access to property (2/18)