Tuesday, July 04, 2006

As reported by the Desert Dispatch: "An Assembly committee Wednesday
rejected a bid by two Indian tribes with reservations far from Barstow to
open casinos in that economically depressed town after representatives from
several Inland gaming tribes testified against the proposal. "The vote by
the Assembly Governmental Organizational Committee marked the latest
instance of lawmakers rejecting gaming compacts negotiated by the
Schwarzenegger administration. "Legislative approval is required for the
deals to be enacted. "The vote almost certainly dooms chances for
side-by-side Barstow casinos run by the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and
Cupeno Indians of San Diego County and the Big Lagoon Rancheria of Humboldt
County. A final vote breakdown was not available Wednesday night.

"The bid for the two casinos, which was crafted by Gov. Schwarzenegger's
negotiators last year, drew opposition from Inland tribes and others who
said it would violate federal law and break promises California tribes made
to voters when they approved Indian gambling here more than six years ago.
The two out-of-town tribes said the deal was their best avenue to economic
development.

".Lawmakers left open the possibility of changing the pacts to allow the
tribes to put a casino in another part of the state.

".Schwarzenegger spokesman Darrel Ng said the governor was disappointed by
the panel's action."