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Manzanita Proposal Wins Referendum

CALIFORNIA – As reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune: "The Manzanita Indian band's proposal to build an off-reservation casino in Calexico got a big boost Tuesday, winning 56 percent approval in a ballot referendum in the Imperial County border city.

"…About 30 percent of Calexico's 12,000 registered voters cast ballots in Tuesday's special election on Measure N, which asked whether the city should negotiate a casino-development agreement with the tribe.

"…Local approval is essential for any tribe seeking a casino on land outside reservation boundaries. Manzanita's 4,600-acre reservation is in the mountains of eastern San Diego County, 50 miles from Calexico.

"Manzanita now must negotiate a formal agreement with the city, a process expected to take six to 12 months or more. The tribe also will need a revised gambling compact with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as his approval for the off-reservation project.

"…Manzanita and Viejas are looking at several parcels in Calexico for the proposed $175 million casino, which would have 2,000 slot machines and a 200-room hotel…"

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