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California Tribes Consider Tandem Casinos

ALPINE, California – As reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune: "After years of bitter battling, the neighboring Ewiiaapaayp and Viejas Indian bands are quietly discussing a plan for side-by-side casinos on the Viejas reservation, which could create the nation's largest Indian gaming complex.

"Neither tribe would provide details. Ewiiaapaayp officials confirmed yesterday that while exploring what would be an unprecedented casino venture with Viejas, they have been negotiating with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for a revised gambling compact similar to Viejas' that would allow for an unlimited number of slot machines.

"…[Ewiiaapaayp Vice Chairman Michael Garcia] said Ewiiaapaayp (pronounced WEE-ya-pye) is optimistic of striking a compromise and signing a deal with the governor this week. New compacts with at least three other tribes in Northern and Central California are expected to be announced later this week.

"…The seven-member tribe, which signed a state gambling compact in 1999, has been trying for years to get federal approval to build a casino on an Indian clinic site in Alpine. The 10-acre parcel, about a mile west of the Viejas casino, was placed in federal trust about 20 years ago under Ewiiaapaayp's name, although the clinic serves seven East County tribes, including Viejas.

"Viejas has opposed Ewiiaapaayp's clinic-to-casino proposal at every turn…"

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