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California Casino Quietly Opens17 September 2002SACRAMENTO, California – As reported by the Associated Press: "A temporary Indian casino quietly opened over the weekend in a tent overlooking the Alexander Valley vineyards and the Russian River in Sonoma County, despite objections from state and local officials. "The River Rock Casino began with just 60 slot machines, but the Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians hopes the hundreds of visitors it drew its first day is a harbinger of millions more to come. "…The tribe opened its casino despite objections from the governor's office and the state attorney general, who had asked the tribe to stop construction in July over allegations it was violating various building, safety and environmental codes and requirements. "The officials invoked, for the first time, a provision requiring the tribe to `meet and confer' over the problems or risk losing its gambling compact with the state. Attorney General Bill Lockyer also questioned whether the tribe has complied with all the legal steps needed under federal law before gambling can begin. "Those negotiations are continuing, with the tribe contending it has committed no compact violations, attorney general spokesman Nathan Barankin said Monday. "…Residents who have opposed the casino didn't protest its opening, but said they already are seeing the increased traffic they fear local country roads can't safely handle. "The casino hosted an invitation-only event under twin tent-like fabric Sprung structures Saturday, and opened to the public around-the-clock on Sunday. About 600 people were expected its first full day, said general manager Doug Searle…" |