The Pinoleville Band of Pomo Indians cleared a major step by signing a gaming compact with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) last week but there are still some hurdles to clear before the tribe opens its first casino.
The biggest is deciding on a location for the casino. It could go on the tribe's reservation but Chairwoman Leona Williams said a site hasn't been chosen. The 99.5-acre reservation was created in 1911 but The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat said only 2.8 acres is held in trust for the tribe. Another 23.5 acres is held in trust for individual Indians. The tribe was terminated by an act of Congress in 1966. The tribe was restored to recognition in 1983 as a result of the Tillie Hardwick case. Get the Story: