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Schwarzenegger Signs Urban Casino Deal

CALIFORNIA – As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle: "Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and a once-landless Indian tribe are expected to announce within weeks a deal that would bring slot machines to the heart of the Bay Area, creating the state's first full-fledged urban casino in San Pablo.

"The agreement between the Schwarzenegger administration and Lytton Band of Pomo Indians would eventually transform a cardroom in a dense portion of San Pablo near Interstate 80 into the type of gaming house that has already radically changed the state's gambling landscape and made many tribes major political and community forces.

"In doing so, it would also put Bay Area residents within miles of an activity that they could take part in only after heading to a traditional tourist spot or, in recent years, a far-flung reservation.

"The Lytton band's intent to build a casino in central San Pablo has been well established, and city officials have warmly embraced the push.

"But news of a pending agreement is significant because it indicates the governor will not attempt to block the plans.

"…The Lytton band has not determined the exact nature of its plans, and has no approximate date in mind for the casino to open, Cohen said. Later this year, the tribe will embark on a mandated environmental impact study for the area, and the tribe will continue meeting with the city…"

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