Thursday, January 27, 2005

Pechanga Indians also oppose San Pablo Casino Explosion

Friends, here's a statement from California Senator Dianne Feinstein. We support her, and enjoy her support, as well, as we stand against this unfair scheme.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Statement of Senator Feinstein on Pechanga Band’s Opposition to San Pablo Casino Project

“I am pleased to hear that the Pechanga Band of LuiseƱo Indians has stated its opposition to the proposed casino in San Pablo.

The Pechanga band stated in a letter this week that the proposed San Pablo project ‘is not what we promised the voters of the State (in advocating for Propositions 5 and 1A) and it has the potential to have an adverse and unfair effect on tribes who have had no choice but to develop economies with the land where their reservations were established. In short, it provides an unfair advantage for tribes that have circumvented federal and state procedure in acquiring tribal lands.’

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988 has laid out a clear process for siting tribal casinos. The Lytton Band’s agreement with Governor Schwarzenegger for a San Pablo casino would and may still short-circuit this process, hurting the many tribes who have followed the IGRA process, while at the same time eroding the confidence of California voters who authorized gaming on tribal lands.

For that reason, I will continue to push for legislation requiring the Lytton Band to adhere to the regular process laid out in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.”

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