South Shore casinos to battle Red Hawk7/18/2008, Tahoe Daily Tribune
Red Hawk Casino on the Shingle Springs Rancheria has officially begun hiring for 1,750 jobs - the most available by any private employer in El Dorado County. Some 150 applicants walked into the casino's employment center in El Dorado Hills last week; another 3,500 completed job applications online. Casino General Manager Peter Fordham said they expect 15,000 to 20,000 applications before the casino opens late this year. The hirings have South Shore casinos readying themselves for the grand opening and its effect on the area's economy.

Critics say Barona grants are misused7/18/2008, San Diego Union Tribune
SACRAMENTO - The Barona Band of Mission Indians has made state elected officials a generous offer. The tribe will contribute $5,000 to any public or private school a legislator selects in his or her district. The program, an example of the millions in charitable spending directed by legislators each year, is wildly popular among lawmakers and school officials. "I wish more organizations would do that," said Assemblyman Joel Anderson, R-La Mesa. "It's a big chunk of change that they are donating." So what could be wrong with a wealthy tribe sharing some of its casino-generated revenues with struggling schools? Plenty, according to some campaign finance reform advocates.

 

Sen. Dorgan to introduce law enforcement act7/17/2008, Indiaz.com  
Sen. Byron Dorgan, the chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, said he will introduce a law enforcement bill next week. Dorgan said the bill, which has been in development for several months, has nine co-sponsors. He described support for the legislation as "bipartisan." The bill addresses a wide range of concerns that have been raised by tribes. It includes sections on funding, personnel, detention facilities, domestic violence and the Indian Civil Rights Act. The draft discussion that was released in June did not address tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians. Dorgan's comments came at a hearing today on tribal implementation of the Adam Walsh Act. He said the bill could be introduced as early as Monday. "We've traveled across the country, we've consulted with tribes," Dorgan said.