California Compact Bill Move Angers Tribes
BARSTOW, California – 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…"
2006-04-30
