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California Tribes Ready to Talk

SACRAMENTO, California – As reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune: "Negotiations on new Indian gambling agreements appeared to be gathering momentum with a growing number of the state's most successful tribes on the brink of joining the talks.

"Tribes such as Sycuan of east San Diego County, Agua Caliente of Palm Springs, San Manuel of San Bernardino County, and the Graton Rancheria of Sonoma County have either opened discussions with the Schwarzenegger administration or are considering that step, several sources said.

"Similarly, several tribes represented by the Monteau & Peebles law firm, which specializes in Indian gaming, may enter into negotiations.

"…Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration opened the negotiations three weeks ago with seven tribes. The state is seeking a large cash infusion, at least $500 million in the first year, in exchange for what likely will be another major expansion of Indian casinos.

"…Prominent tribal leaders initially scoffed at Schwarzenegger's request, suggesting it was another overreaching appeal from a state saddled with a chronic, multibillion-dollar budget deficit.

"…Tribes also may be responding to optimistic reports trickling out of the talks. Schwarzenegger has been saying privately that the talks are going better than expected and one of his top aides said as much in public a week ago…"

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