Friday, April 28, 2006

As reported by the San Bernardino County Sun: "A bill to ratify gaming
compacts between the governor and two American Indian tribes was pulled
Tuesday before going to the state Senate, sparking angry exchanges Wednesday
among competing groups hoping to open casinos here. "The sponsor of the
measure, state Sen. Wesley Chesbro, D-Arcata, removed the context of the
bill before it was sent to the full Senate floor from a Senate committee, a
press aide confirmed.

"The measure, Senate Bill 1582, called for ratifying a gaming compact signed
Sept. 9 between Gov. Arnold Schwarnegger and the Los Coyotes and Big Lagoon
tribes.

"The two tribes and a third tribe, the Chemehuevi of eastern San Bernardino
County, are seeking local, state and federal approval to open
multimillion-dollar casino resorts near west Barstow's two factory-outlet
malls.

".Tom Shields, spokesman for Detroit-based BarWest Gaming, business partner
for Los Coyotes and Big Lagoon, said the compacts are still alive in
Sacramento."