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California Group Opposes Tribal Casino Development24 October 2000COARSEGOLD, California – Oct. 24, 2000 – As reported by The Indian Country Today: "A group called Stand Up For California opposes a 160,000-square-foot casino proposed by the Picayune Band of Chuckchansi Indians in the Madera county foothills. The group claims the proposed development is illegal because the site is not part of the reservation. "… The opposition says the land in question belongs to a disenrolled tribal member and the tribe is trying to use the trust status of that land. "It further claims the land was acquired using money from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and thus not eligible for gaming enterprises. The group also says the land in question is in fee simple status, meaning there are no restrictions on it that would designate the area as tribal land. "John Peebles, attorney for the Picayune, says that this is not true. He says bond were sold to raise money to acquire the land. He says that Stand Up For California makes a mistake when it claims the land is in fee simple status. He states flatly it is not. "…[Peebles] added that Madera County has been helpful to the tribe and a few misconceptions needed to be cleared up. He said the casino will provide extra services for the county such as public safety and fire protection…" |