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California VLT Dispute in Deadlock

SACRAMENTO, California – As reported by the Palm Springs Desert Sun: "A second meeting Monday to resolve a dispute over the controversial video lottery terminals of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians has failed to end a logjam between the governor and the tribe.

"The governor's legal affairs secretary, Peter Siggins, and Morongo tribal attorney George Forman said Monday that they exchanged ideas that each side will consider separately.

"…Siggins and other state attorneys also met with leaders of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians in Ontario last week over the same issue and failed to reach resolution over the dispute.

"Pechanga tribal chairman Mark Macarro said after the talks that the tribe is honoring terms of its state compact.

"…Siggins said Monday that he does not have any more meetings scheduled with Pechanga representatives. But he said lawyers for the state Attorney General's Office will meet with them on the governor's behalf.

"…The California Division of Gambling Control has said there are about 2,025 'illegal' terminals in the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon and 1,671 in the Pechanga Gaming Center.

"In letters sent in early November to the two tribes, Siggins said the video terminals violate the tribes' gambling agreements with the state.

"…As talks continue, the California Tribal Business Alliance has recorded its opposition to the use of video lottery terminals.

"The alliance is a new association of six California tribes, five of which signed modified compacts last summer: The Pala Band of Mission Indians, the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, the Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians, the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians, the United Auburn Indian Community and the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians…"

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