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Two California Tribes Plan Casino

CALEXICO, California – As reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune: "The Manzanita Indian band's hopes of developing an off-reservation casino in Calexico are getting a big boost with the backing of a new business partner: the Viejas tribe.

"The two East County tribes have been meeting with Imperial County officials since last month, working toward a tentative agreement under which Viejas would fund Manzanita's proposal to build a casino with up to 2,000 slot machines south of El Centro near the Mexican border.

"Any lending agreement would have to be approved by the membership of both tribes. But there appears to be strong support for the collaboration within the two Kumeyaay bands, which share family roots and cultural bonds.

"…Viejas operates one of the state's largest casinos near Alpine. The tribe made headlines last week over a proposed agreement with the neighboring Ewiiaapaayp band. Under that unprecedented venture, Ewiiaapaayp would build a casino next to Viejas', creating what could be the nation's largest Indian gaming complex.

"…In the Manzanita partnership, Viejas would help the tribe purchase land in Calexico, apply to get it placed into federal trust and pay for construction and start-up costs. Manzanita would own and operate the casino, which would have 2,000 slots and 20 to 30 card tables, Elliott said…"

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