Officials Warn Indian Band Casino Could Close If Violence Continues6/15/2008, KNBC.com SAN JACINTO, Calif. -- The National Indian Gaming Commission has warned a Riverside County Indian band that its casino could be closed in a "worst-case scenario" if violence continues, it was reported Sunday. "Closure of the facility might be necessary" if violent incidents continue near the Soboba Casino, Gaming Commission Chairman Phil Hogen told the Riverside Press-Enterprise. But the local fire department has resumed responding to service calls on the reservation southeast of Riverside after law enforcement and fire officials noted that the situation appears to be calming down, and acts of violence have stopped.

Calif. tribe, sheriff battle over sovereignty
6/15/2008, Balitmore Sun
SAN JACINTO, Calif. - After leading the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians for nearly three decades, Robert Salgado is facing one of his greatest challenges - to set aside years of suspicion and to trust the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. It hasn't been easy. For the past three weeks, the two sides have met behind closed doors to prevent the kind of violence that led to the deaths of three tribal members in shootouts with deputies in May.

 

 
Senate committee to take up 'crisis' on reservations6/16/2008, Indianz.com
The Senate Indian Affairs Committee this week will take up a comprehensive proposal aimed at improving law enforcement on reservations. According to government data, American Indians and Alaska Natives suffer from the highest rates of violent crime in the United States. Native women are more likely to be victims of domestic violence than any other racial or ethnic group. Citing these concerns, the committee held four hearings and a series of listening sessions to solicit input on a draft discussion bill that was unveiled last November. The result of the process is a new proposal that is being distributed to tribes, states, law enforcement officials and other affected stakeholders.

Sovereignty is at heart of dispute between Soboba tribe, deputies6/10/2008, Los Angeles Times
SAN JACINTO, CALIF. -- After leading the Soboba Band of Luiseņo Indians for nearly three decades, Robert Salgado is facing one of his greatest challenges: to try to set aside years of suspicion and trust the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. It hasn't been easy for him.The Soboba tribe signed a five-year contract with the Sheriff's Department in 2005 to patrol the reservation but canceled it a year later. Salgado said he wasn't happy with the service. Deputies said they seized assault weapons and recovered $500,000 in stolen vehicles. Stone said the contract was canceled because authorities were arresting family members of top tribal leaders.