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Hesperia Group Plans Legal Battle Against Casino

HESPERIA, California – As reported by the Hesperia Star: "A few Hesperia residents are saying it's time to wage a legal battle to put the fate of the casino proposal into the hands of the people.

"The first part of the two-prong attack is filing a court injunction to halt the city's municipal service agreement with the Timbisha Shoshone tribe, which was expected to be approved by the council Monday night, after this issue was printed.

"`We're looking for a good lawyer who would be willing to do some volunteer work,' said Vivian Houser, one of a few suggesting the action. `I think it's time for Hesperians to come forward and say what they think. I don't want this to be a gamble for Hesperia.'

"…Houser believes a judge would find the deal questionable because the tribe already has land in trust in the Death Valley area. Giving a second parcel 150 miles away doesn't make sense.

"…Houser suggested Hesperia's casino agreement may not pass the scrutiny of Gale Norton, the head of Department of the Interior, because `she doesn't approve of off-site gambling.'

"Also, the tribe doesn't have a gambling compact with the state, and there is no guarantee Gov. Gray Davis will give one.

"…Also, she anticipates most casino jobs will be near or at minimum wage, rather than the suggested $30,000 to $60,000 per year…"

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