California tribes offer funds in exchange for more slots

Don Thompson

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003 | 9:56 a.m.

SACRAMENTO -- Twenty-one of the 94 California Indian tribes that have or want casinos formed a coalition Tuesday, and said they are willing to help fix the state's budget crisis in exchange for more slot machines.

But representatives reiterated their position that it's unrealistic for Gov. Gray Davis to expect the tribes to contribute $1.5 billion in gambling profits.

The 21 are the first to notify the state formally that they want to reopen talks next month on the gambling compacts hastily negotiated in the early days of Davis' administration four years ago.

"It shows the tribes are reaching out and they want to work with the state, and we will reciprocate," Davis spokeswoman Amber Pasricha said. "They're willing to compromise on the things that they want, and the things that we want."

The 21 specifically want to dissociate themselves from others that rejected re-negotiations or criticized Davis, said Robert Rosette, whose law firm represents 11 of the tribes. They're also tribes that have generally been able to work with the California Gambling Control Commission while others have been sharply critical.

They include a statewide mixture of tribes currently operating or planning to open casinos, and those that either have sought or plan to seek gambling compacts with the state. Of the state's 108 recognized tribes, 61 have gambling compacts and 36 have said they want compacts.

"What this signifies is a large group of tribes ... that are saying to the governor that we got the message, we hear you loud and clear, and we are willing to re-negotiate," Rosette said. Five tribal leaders offered promises of good faith negotiations in statements announcing the coalition.

While the tribes want to start negotiations "on a favorable foot with the governor," Rosette said, Davis' goal of $1.5 billion is unlikely in part because it's apparently based on a projection of $6 billion in annual gambling profits.

"I think the number is probably closer to $3.5- to $4 billion. To get $1.5 billion out of that would be, what, 33- to 35 percent ... which is totally unreasonable," he said. The tribes' position is the state's share would come only from slot machines above the current limit of 2,000 per tribe.

However, the tribes said in a letter to Davis that they also want to work with local governments to blunt or compensate for the economic or environmental damage caused by future casino development or expansion. The tribes believe that could be part of the deal, Rosette said, and are taking the position they want to work cooperatively with surrounding communities.

California Nations Indian Gaming Association officials declined comment on the announcement. Some coalition members have withdrawn from the association because of CNIGA officials' strong criticism particularly of the state's gambling commission, but others remain association members.

The 21 tribes are the Pala Band of Mission Indians; Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk; Shingle Springs Rancheria; Santa Rosa Rancheria; Rumsey Rancheria; Karuk Tribe; Fort Mojave Tribe; Rincon San Luiseno Band; Alturas Rancheria; Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria; Mechoopda Tribe; Susanville Rancheria; Picayune Rancheria; Buena Vista Rancheria; La Posta Band of Mission Indians; Ewiiaapaapy Band of Kumeyaay Indians; Trinidad Rancheria; Auburn Rancheria; Cortina Rancheria; Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians; and Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians.