Indian Gaming > Editorial: Vote no on Barstow casino referendum

May 24, 2006

Editorial: Vote no on Barstow casino referendum

Indianz.Com Casino Stalker
Tracking casino proposals across Indian Country.

"Measure H creates a casino district, a relatively small one, on the southern edge of town. This zoning district contains the land where one tribe, the Chemehuevi, wants to build a casino. It does not contain the land where two other tribes, the Los Coyotes and Big Lagoon Rancheria, wish to build a dual-casino project.

The Big Lagoon Rancheria and Los Coyotes tribes have a compact with the governor to come to Barstow. They've gotten the governor's support. The Chemehuevi need an amendment to their gaming compact in order to come to Barstow, and from our discussions with the governor's office, we believe no such amendment is forthcoming at this time.

Measure H would kill the Big Lagoon/Los Coyotes project. That is the purpose of the measure and we categorically dismiss all claims to the contrary. The zoning map could have easily included the land that has been purchased for the Big Lagoon/Los Coyotes project. The decision to exclude them is deliberate. The backers of Measure H do not want the Big Lagoon/Los Coyotes project to happen. The facts speak for themselves."

Get the Story:
OUR OPINION: Measure H harms Barstow: Vote no (The Desert Dispatch 5/24)