City files lawsuit against Pechanga Band for casino agreement

Wednesday, October 6, 2010  

The city of Temecula, California, made good on its threat to sue the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians over a gaming agreement.

The city is expecting $2 million a year from the tribe to address impacts of the Pechanga Resort & Casino. But the tribe hasn't paid because it is still negotiating a similar agreement with Riverside County.

"Although the City Council commonly uses litigation as a tool to conduct business, for Pechanga it is a very serious matter that is not taken lightly," Chairman Marc Macarro said in a statement. "It is not our tradition to solve issues through litigation. This approach has enabled us to become Temecula's top employer and largest economic contributor."

The lawsuit was filed in federal court.

Get the Story:
Temecula, Pechanga have complex relationship (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 10/6)
Temecula moves ahead with Pechanga lawsuit (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 10/2)

Related Stories:
City votes to sue Pechanga Band of gaming impact agreement (8/11)
Pechanga Chair: Tribe honors commitments with gaming deals (8/10)
Pechanga Band negotiates agreement to address casino impacts (8/5)