Town approves deal with tribe

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2003 | 9:12 a.m.

ROHNERT PARK, Calif. -- The city council has approved a plan to share revenue, which would be generated by a controversial proposed casino, with an Indian tribe.

The council approved the agreement with a 4-1 vote Tuesday following hours of debate. The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, a landless tribe, hope to build a massive casino-resort in three years and have pledged to give Rohnert Park about $200 million over 20 years if the deal goes through.

There's plenty of opposition to the casino deal. Those living near the proposed site have taken the proposed casino as an affront.

"What you're doing tonight is tantamount to civil war in this city," said Larry Esparza, who lives near the proposed casino site. "There are going to be major repercussions with a vote to approve. We feel that we have been violated, and that the city leaders have betrayed our trust."

The tribe's partner is Station Casinos Inc. of Las Vegas, which already operates a big casino for another tribe near Sacramento.

"The revenue sharing commitment that the tribe has made to the Rohnert Park community is unprecedented and far exceeds any existing gaming accord between a California tribe and a local governmental entity," said Greg Sarris, chair of the tribe.