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Stand Up for California! is a statewide organization with a focus on gambling issues including tribal gaming, card clubs, horse racing, charitable gaming and the state lottery. | |
Supreme Court takes on first Indian law case of term11/4/2008, Indianz.com
The U.S. Supreme Court heard its first Indian law case of the term on Monday, taking on a land-into-trust dispute that could affect tribes nationwide. In Carcieri v. Kempthorne, the state of Rhode Island is trying to stop the Narragansett Tribe from benefiting from the land-into-trust process. At issue are 31 acres the tribe intends to use for a housing project. The Bureau of Indian Affairs agreed to acquire the land and its decision was upheld by a federal judge and the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals. But the victories could be overturned by a high court that seemed receptive to the state's side of the case. Briefs: http://www.narf.org/sct/caseindexes/current/carcieri.html
Economy puts River Rock access road on hold11/4/2008, Press Democrat
In a tangible sign that financing for its River Rock casino expansion has dried up, the Dry Creek Rancheria has announced it stopped work on an access road that was part of the plan. The Pomo tribe that owns the casino in Alexander Valley acknowledged in early October that it was postponing the $400 million casino expansion and luxury hotel project because of the tight credit market. Last week, tribal Chairman Harvey Hopkins elaborated in a statement, saying that like so many other organizations and businesses, the tribe cannot readily secure funding in today's troubled financial market. | |
Links between San Manuel band's donations to DA's office, plea deals denied 11/2/2008, The Press-Enterprise SAN BERNARDINO - San Manuel Indian and San Bernardino County district attorney officials deny that $22,500 in political contributions from the tribe to District Attorney Michael Ramos affected the plea deals that could allow two tribal members to avoid prison for their parts in plotting to kill a man in 2006. On Friday, Assistant District Attorney Dennis Christy denied the connection. "I can't emphasize that enough," Christy said.
Inland casino tribes spend less on state issues this election 10/31/2008, The Press-Enterprise SACRAMENTO - Politically influential tribes with casinos in the Inland region are largely sitting out the state's legislative and ballot-initiative campaigns this fall, although they continue to give to federal candidates and committees. None of the Inland area's big givers would explain the change, but several factors may be at work. Three Inland tribes burned through nearly $110 million in a gambling referendum battle earlier this year and there are no major issues for them on the fall ballot. Tuesday's election is the third of the year, and tribes made contributions in both the other elections. Additionally, the economic downturn is being felt at Indian casinos, forcing layoffs and other cutbacks.
Tribal groups come together to domestic violence in Indian country address 11/2/2008, Times Standard In what participants are calling a historic event, tribal agencies throughout Humboldt County and law enforcement agencies came together to expand their resources in dealing with domestic violence and sexual abuse in the Native American community. "Humboldt County is doing the best practices in the state of California," said Sally A. Hencken, chief of the victim witness section of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. "They're bringing the tribes together and the non-tribal organization in order to work between sovereign nations and traditional government." Hencken said the event is momentous for the state, in that it is able to bring together different organizations to deal with the issue of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
CASINOS MARKET TO GAYS, LESBIANS 11/4/2008, Las Vegas Review Journal No matter what California voters decide today on Proposition 8 -- a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages -- Harrah's Entertainment plans to continue marketing to gay and lesbian travelers. And why not? As a group, gay and lesbian travelers spend $64.5 billion annually in the United States, data from the U.S. Department of Commerce and a study by Community Marketing Inc., a gay market research group, show. "(Harrah's) realizes there's a demographic here that if you simply acknowledge they exist, that you have a little respect for them, they will be loyal," said Jeff Garofalo, a Las Vegas representative for the Human Rights Campaign, a national lobbying group. "If you know you're not going to face discrimination when you walk through the door, that goes a long way."
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Advisory vote on Needles casino proposal on S.B. County ballot today
11/3/2008, The Press-Enterprise
Voters in Needles today could push the region's newest casino one step closer to reality if they give their approval to the project located on the outskirts of the city. The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe is proposing a new casino on 300 acres it owns 4½ miles west of the city and adjacent to Interstate 40. If the 1,200-member tribe is successful, it would become the only tribe in the nation to operate casinos in three states. The Fort Mojave Indians run casinos in Nevada and Arizona. Today's vote is advisory but key to convincing Gov. Schwarzenegger to give his approval for the casino, officials said. "This is a big step," Needles Mayor Jeff Williams said. "They (the tribe) want to make sure they have the community's support." State Legislation to Watch
On December 1, 2008 the 2009 Legislative Regular Session Convenes for Organizational Session
Federal Legislation to Watch
A Lame Duck session may begin Nov. 17/18, there is speculation of a 'Lands Ominbus bill' to be introduced by Senator Harry Reid. It will carry approximately 160 bills that have previously passed the House, as well as Senate Bills. MORE AS IT EVOLVES.
H. R. 2963 - ENROLLED Congressman Issa Transfers without regulatory environmental process 1,178 ac. in Riverside and San Diego Counties to the Pechanga Band. AMENDED TO INCLUDE:
No Gaming. Maintained as open space and construction consistent with this purpose.
No existing right of ways or right of use prior to the date of enactment are affected.
H.R. 3490 -REPORTED TO SENATE Congressman Radanovich Declares that specificed federal lands are to be held in trust by the US for the benefit of the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuik Indians for non gaming purposes.
H. R. 5680 REPORTED TO SENATE Congressman Grijalva - A bill to extend leases for Morongo and transfer money to CRIT.
S. 3320 - Tribal Law and Order Act - to be introduced in early 2009.
LINKS and Legislation
Stand Up For California - Library
Stand Up For California - Helpful Links
Compulsive Gambling Institute www.gamblingaddiction.cc 1-800-GAMBLER 24 Hour Problem Gambling Help Line - Tom Tucker, Chief Executive Officer
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