Tribe to lose historic lands if dam is raised 9/24/2008, San Francisco Chronicle
Much of that heritage was lost during California's era of dam building. The tribe's ancestral land in Northern California was submerged when the federal government built a 602-foot dam downstream of their ceremonial and prayer grounds in 1945. Now the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is considering enlarging Shasta Dam as a way to boost California's water supply. If allowed to go forward, the project would flood what little remaining land once belonged to a tribe whose name translates as "Middle Water." "These sacred places help keep the tribe healthy. They help keep it balanced and they help us to heal," said tribal chief Caleen Sisk-Franco. "There is no replacement. There's not an option to move it." The desire by the few remaining tribal members to preserve the remnants of their homeland is running headlong into the desires of Central Valley farmers, the main beneficiaries of the federal proposal to enlarge Shasta Lake.
Suspect in casino heist facing Oct. 31 trial date
9/23/2008, The Desert Sun
An Oct. 31 trial date was confirmed Monday for the alleged getaway driver in the $1.5 million Soboba Indian Casino heist that occurred last summer. Eric Aguilera, 24, of Hemet is charged with kidnapping and robbery, as well as false imprisonment and burglary, in connection with the Aug. 2, 2007, heist. He was arrested after a search of his apartment turned up $500,000 of the stolen cash, according to authorities. His girlfriend, Sonya Boyorquez, was charged with being an accessory and gave birth to his child in county jail. She has since pleaded guilty and been placed on probation. The alleged mastermind, Rolando Ramos, 26, faces charges of robbery, kidnapping to commit robbery, burglary, using tear gas and false imprisonment.
| |
Important to Participate - Rulemaking
NIGC Announces Extension on Comment Period for After-Acquired Lands Policy 9/4/2008, National Indian Gaming Commission
Washington, DC September 4, 2008 - National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Chairman Philip N. Hogen announced today that the agency is extending the time period for comments on how the NIGC should handle its decisions under the after-acquired lands provision of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), 25 U.S.C. § 2719, in light of the Department of the Interior's new regulations on that topic (73 FR 29354). In an August 11, 2008, letter to tribal leaders, Chairman Hogen had asked for input on the issue by September 5, 2008. That timeframe has now been extended to September 30, 2008.
EPA invites Public Comment
9/2/2008, Federal Register
EPA invites public comments on its responses during the 30 day comment period specified below. EPA sent reponses directly to the states on August 19 and tribes on or around August 20, 2008, and plans to make final designation determinations for the 2006 24 hour PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Comments Due: December 18, 2008.
American Indian Population and Labor Force Report9/24/2008, Federal Register:September 16, 2008 (Volume 73, Nu SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs (AS-IA) is seeking comments on the American Indian Population and Labor Force Report as we prepare to reinstate the collection as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act (Act) of 1992 requires the Secretary to develop, maintain and publish, not less than biennially, a report on the population by gender, income level, age, and availability for work. Comments Due: Nov. 17, 2008
Compulsive Gambling Institute
1-800-GAMBLER 24 Hour Problem Gambling Help Line - Tom Tucker, Chief Executive Officer
Upcoming Conference
INDIAN COUNTRY'S WINNING HAND, October 16-17, 2008, Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino Scottsdale/Fountian Hills, Arizona. Register online: www.law.asu.edu/ilp
LINKS and Legislation
Stand Up For California - Library
Stand Up For California - Helpful Links
###
| |
| |
