$stalker Two California tribes seeking to open side-by-side casinos hundreds of miles from their reservations face opposition from rival tribes.

The Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians and the Big Lagoon Rancheria signed a compact with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) for casinos in Barstow. The location is a prime one -- on a major interstate about halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

When the proposal came before the state Legislature last year, the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians opposed the project. The tribes, which all operate successful casinos, criticized Los Coyotes and Big Lagoon for "reservation shopping."

All three tribes have since signed new compacts with Schwarzenegger to expand their casinos. But they could still lobby against the Los Coyotes-Big Lagoon deal, which was reintroduced in the Legislature last week.

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Bill boosts hopes for Barstow casinos (The North County Times 2/7)