The Rolling Hills Casino. Photo from Facebook
A faction of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians in California tried to shut down the tribe's casino on Monday. Four disputed council members sent security guards to the Rolling Hills Casino, which they say is operating in violation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. They were met by security hired by Chairman Andy Freeman and Tehama County Sheriff's Office deputies, who were called in to keep the peace. "Our number one priority is public safety, and that is why the physical closure of the casino is necessary. It is not safe," disputed Vice Chairman David Swearinger said in a press release. The effort didn't succeed and the casino remains in operation. But the National Indian Gaming Commission is conducting an investigation to determine whether to issue a notice of violation (NOV) to the tribe due to the ongoing dispute. The clash at the casino came just days after Clay Parker, a retired Tehama County Sheriff, resigned as police chief for the disputed tribal council members. His position was never recognized by Chairman Freeman. "When I took the post I let everybody involved know that I would serve as chief until all means and modes of peaceful resolution had been exhausted; and that any point when I realized that there would be no peaceful resolution to this discord, I would resign," Parker said in a press release. Get the Story:
Ousted tribal members attempt to shut casino by force (The Red Bluff Daily News 6/10)
Tribal conflict escalates, casino shutdown attempted (The Corning Observer 6/10)
Tribal tensions escalate in Rolling Hills dispute (KRCR 6/9)
Parker resigns as police chief of feuding casino tribe (The Corning Observer 6/7)
Clay Parker resigns as tribal police chief (The Red Bluff Daily News 6/7) Related Stories:
Editorial: Cooler heads must prevail at Paskenta Band's casino (6/2)
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