Table of Contents

Morongo support to Esperanza firefighters and Cabazon residents
PRESS RELEASE - Oct. 30, 2006

Pechanga Contributes $50,000 to Support Families of Fallen Firefighters
Pechanga Indian Reservation, CA, Oct. 26, 2006

PRESS RELEASE - Oct. 30, 2006

Morongo support to Esperanza firefighters and Cabazon residents

MORONGO TRIBE ANNOUNCES $100,000 TO RIVERSIDE COUNTY ARSON REWARD FUND; REWARD NOW AT $400,000
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TRIBAL FIREFIGHTERS WORKING WITH COUNTY AND CDF TO BRING ESPERANZA BLAZE UNDER CONTROL

The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians today announced a contribution of $50,000 to aid the families of the four fighters who lost their lives in the Esperanza wildfire.
"We at Pechanga are saddened to hear that four firefighters lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the firefighters," said Pechanga Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro. "Pechanga's families pray for the safety of the firefighters responding to this wildfire."
"Pechanga will do what it can to help," said Chairman Macarro. Since this morning, an engine from the Pechanga Fire Department was on the incident as part of a structure protection strike team.

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Pechanga Indian Reservation, CA, Oct. 26, 2006

Pechanga Contributes $50,000 to Support Families of Fallen Firefighters

The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians today announced a contribution of $50,000 to aid the families of the four fighters who lost their lives in the Esperanza wildfire.
"We at Pechanga are saddened to hear that four firefighters lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the firefighters," said Pechanga Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro. "Pechanga's families pray for the safety of the firefighters responding to this wildfire."
"Pechanga will do what it can to help," said Chairman Macarro. Since this morning, an engine from the Pechanga Fire Department was on the incident as part of a structure protection strike team.

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The Associated Press - 06/21/2006

Indian casinos are $7.2 billion-a-year industry

"We're very pleased with the health of the industry and the opportunities it provides for tribes and the region," said Valbuena, chairwoman of the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations, which is made up of 14 tribes.
"We're glad that as the industry has evolved; so, too, have contributions to surrounding communities and the state. TASIN tribes collectively will pay more than $1 billion to the state through the life of our compacts."

By JULIET WILLIAMS
The Associated Press
June 21, 2006

SACRAMENTO - Gambling revenue at American Indian casinos nationwide grew to nearly $23 billion last year, climbing at a rate more than three times faster than traditional gambling operations.

California tribes accounted for nearly a third of the money, according to a comprehensive report on Indian gambling to be released today.

Nationwide, Indian gambling revenue grew by 15.6 percent in 2005, even though no major casinos opened last year, according to the Indian Gaming Industry Report, which has been compiled the past five years by Southern California economist Alan Meister. It was the 10th consecutive year in which revenues increased by about 15 percent.

The growth can be attributed to expanded offerings at existing casinos and stepped-up marketing by tribes that are adding Las Vegas-style amenities to lure more visitors.

The report shows tribal casinos closing in on the amount of profits taken in by non-Indian casinos, which had $29.6 billion in revenue in 2005, a 4.6 percent rise from the previous year.

California's tribes saw revenue climb by 24 percent, to $7.2 billion, in a state where 55 tribes operate 57 casinos. That rate of growth isn't likely to slow any time soon, said Meister, an economist with the Analysis Group in Los Angeles.

Meister uses data from government agencies, Indian tribes and casinos, gambling associations and other studies.

The chairwoman of an organization that represents Inland tribes issued a statement late Tuesday in response to the report. Lynn Valbuena, who also is a member of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians near Highland, said tribal gambling has had a significant economic impact on the region.

"We're very pleased with the health of the industry and the opportunities it provides for tribes and the region," said Valbuena, chairwoman of the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations, which is made up of 14 tribes.

"We're glad that as the industry has evolved; so, too, have contributions to surrounding communities and the state. TASIN tribes collectively will pay more than $1 billion to the state through the life of our compacts."

Most of the Inland area's gaming tribes pay into a state-managed fund designed to help mitigate the impacts of casinos on communities, pay state regulatory expenses and help with problem gambling.

Most Inland tribes began 20-year agreements -- known as compacts -- with the state in 2000.

The region's tribes, like most tribes, do not reveal details about their revenues.

Staff writer Michelle DeArmond contributed to this report.

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The Desert Sun - 04/11/2006

Local tribe gives back to valley
$1.2 million in gifts awarded to local charitable groups

Debra Gruszecki
The Desert Sun
April 11, 2006 April 11, 2006

RANCHO MIRAGE - The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians on Monday gave more than $1.2 million to 90 government and charitable organizations in the Coachella Valley in its 11th annual giving event.

Gifts ranging from $5,000 to $60,000 went to groups in Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Thousand Palms, Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City.

The largest gift went to the Assistance League of Palm Springs Desert Area for school uniforms and clothing, followed by the Braille Institute Inc., which received a $50,000 check for its Desert Mobile Solutions program.

"Welcome to Christmas in April,'' radio personality Joey English told attendees.

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, which owns and operates the Agua Caliente Casino and Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs, made contributions largely to not-for-profit groups and government organizations that assist the youth and elderly, war veterans, medical programs, and the economically disadvantaged.

Not even the United Way of the Desert was ignored, as it got a $25,000 check.

"We fund over $1.3 million annually, but it's done on a monthly basis,'' said Linda Krengel, executive director of United Way of the Desert. "The tribe made lump-sum donations. Those were actual checks they handed out.

"Can you imagine what everyone's bank account will look like tomorrow?" Krengel said.

"What they've done is outstanding."

Tribal chairman Richard Milanovich said the tribal donations have added up to over $1.5 million so far this year, and that the money represents only a portion of the donations that are relayed to communities by the tribe annually.

In addition to the annual giveaway averaging $1 million a year since 1995, the tribe contributes to the Special Distribution Fund, as required by the compacts that set up tribal gaming. This year, $2.5 million will be distributed to communities within the reservation, with a total of about $12 million being distributed across Riverside County.

"Every year gets better and better,'' Milanovich said, expressing the pride the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians feels in its spirit of giving.

Barbara Gonzales Lyons, vice chair of the tribal council, said the annual event means a great deal to her and members of the tribe.

"It gives us an opportunity to give back,'' she said. "That's one of our traditions: We share with others in times of plenty."

Lyons said special attention is paid to the elderly in honor of what they've given so far, and to youth as children on and off the reservation are interwoven and represent everyone's future. Lyons recalled how Angel View Crippled Children's Foundation helped her brother in a time of need.

"I'll never forget that,'' she said.

"We have been in similar situations in so many instances,'' Milanovich said. "We know what it is like to do without. Every year gets better and better because we know where the funds are going, and see the successes that this money brings."

Jack FitzGerald, a local attorney who is president of the board of United Way, thanked Milanovich by designating him as an official United Way member. He said the $25,000 check goes directly to two dozen charities throughout the Coachella Valley.

"There's a heart-warming story for everyone in this room to tell,'' he said, before he has handed the check. "This was an incredible display of true generosity on the part of the Agua Calientes that will affect and improve the lives of tens of thousands of residents in the valley."

Through the tribe's donations, an automatic door opener will be installed in a building that helps stroke victims. A golden retriever named Ingrid will be trained to guide someone who is blind.

Teens will learn how to balance a checkbook. Cancer patients will go to camp, and their siblings will get counseling.

Nursing students will be trained at California State University, San Bernardino's Palm Desert campus with $20,000 worth of scholarships. Hospitalized war veterans will get toiletries at Loma Linda VA Healthcare System. Shut-ins will get meals. And children at local schools will get dental care.

Susan Gardner, a volunteer with Guide Dogs of the Desert who brought Ingrid to the event, said the $25,000 will go a long way to train her. "We are a small school that thrives on private donations," she said. "Donations like this allow us to stay in business."

Robert Fey, chairman of the Smile Factory of the Tiempo de los Niños, said the $10,000 check the tribe gave to the organization will help maintain the mobile unit that has gone to 15 schools to offer dental service to low-income children.

The unit has already screened 10,000 children and provides 7,000 free treatments. "It's incredible,'' Fey said. "This will keep us functioning for another year."

Some Top Gifts

These are a few of the top grants that Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians made Monday:

Gilda’s Club Desert Cities: $30,000

Hanson House Foundation: $35,000

Martha’s Village & Kitchen: $30,000

Palm Springs Parks
and Recreation: $30,000

Assistance League of Palm
Springs Desert Area: $60,000

Barbara Sinatra Children’s
Center at Eisenhower: $30,000

Braille Institute, Inc.: $50,000

Mizell Senior Center: $50,000

Source: Agua Caliente
Band of Cahuilla Indians

The complete Agua Caliente Donations List

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, which owns and operates the Agua Caliente Casino near Rancho Mirage and Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs, handed out more than $1.2 million to 90 government and charitable organizations to communities in or near its reservation.

The recipients include:

ACT for MS, summer electric bill, $10,000

Alano Club of the Desert, coolers and floor repairs, $5,000.

American Legion Post No. 763, remodel patio area, $5,000.

American Legion-Owen Coffman Post 519, scholarships, $5,000.

American Legion-Rancho Mirage Post 301, community programs, $5,000.

American Youth Soccer organizations, Cathedral City, programming and items, $10,000.

American Youth Soccer, Rancho Mirage, programming and items, $10,000.

Angel View Crippled Children's Foundation, a residential facility, $25,000.

Arthritis Foundation, programming, $15,000.

Assistance League of Palm Springs Desert Area, school uniforms, $60,000.

Barbara Sinatra Children's Center at Eisenhower, counseling programs, $30,000.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert, programming, $10,000.

Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley, its life skills program, $10,000.

Braille Institute, Inc., the Desert Mobile Solutions program, $50,000.

California State University San Bernardino Palm Desert campus, scholarships, $20,000.

Camp Ronald McDonald, all-expense paid camp for 15 children, $10,000.

Cathedral City High School, "PS, I love you" scholarship program, $5,000.

Cathedral City Police Explorer Program, explorer program, $2,500.

Cathedral City Police Citizens on Patrol, volunteer program, $5,000.

Cathedral City Police Patrol Division, equipment, $5,000.

Cathedral City Police Reserve Officers, training, $2,500.

Cathedral City Library, programs, $5,000.

Cathedral City Boxing Club, youth programs, $20,000.

Cathedral City Boys & Girls Club, programs, $10,000.

Cathedral City Police Department, youth programs, $20,000.

Cathedral City Senior Center, programs, $25,000.

Cathedral City Youth Baseball League, programs, $10,000.

Children's Discovery Museum, support events, $5,000.

Coachellla Valley Autism Society of America, eight computers and equipment, $5,000.

College of the Desert Foundation, outreach and recruitment, $20,000.

Compulsive Gambling Institute, programming, $10,000.*

Debbie Chisholm Memorial Foundation, organization costs, $10,000.

Desert Blind &Handicapped Association, programming, $25,000.

Desert Fine Arts Academy, after school programs, $15,000.

Desert Hot Springs Police Activities League, $10,000.

Desert Hot Springs Boys & Girls Club, programming, $20,000.

Desert Hot Springs City Parks & Recreation-Arroyo Park, facility renovation and chair replacement, $5,000.

Desert Hot Springs City Parks &Recreation-May Center, chair replacement for senior center, $10,000.

Desert Hot Springs High School Booster Club, sign, $10,000.

Desert Hot Springs Police Department, canine , $25,000.

Disabled American Veterans, charitable programs, $25,000.

Food Now, Inc., food for needy, $5,000.

Foundation for the Retarded of the Desert, asphalt resurfacing in parking area, $25,000.

Gilda's Club Desert Cities, programming, $30,000.

Guide Dogs of the Desert, training for one dog/student team, $25,000.

Hanson House Foundation, Inc., cost to build one guest room, $35,000.

Idyllwild Arts, art summer program, $10,000.

Jeffrey Sandholm Memorial Community Crisis and Help Line, crisis help line and social services, $20,000.

Jewish Family Service, geriatric case program, $10,000.

Jewish War Veterans Palm Springs Post 750, charitable programs, $5,000.

John Burton Foundation Children Without Homes, programming, $15,000.

Joslyn Senior Center, meals on wheels, $10,000.

Kids Konnected, cancer support, education and counseling,$5,000.

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, children programs, $10,000.

Martha's Village & Kitchen, operations, $30,000.

Mizell Senior Center, programs, $50,000.

Palm Springs Air Museum, renovations, $10,000.

Palm Springs Art Museum, art education, $10,000.

Palm Springs Boys & Girls Club, programming, $15,000.

Palm Springs Boxing Club, operations and equipment, $5,000.

Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, community projects, $10,000.

Palm Springs High School - Boosters Club Inc., after school tutoring, $15,000.

Palm Springs High School - Spirit of the Sands, instruments and uniforms, $15,000.

Palm Springs High School - Wrestling, uniforms and travel gear, $3,000.

Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue, vehicle replacement, $15,000.

Palm Springs Parks and Recreation, 15-passenger van, $30,000,

Palm Springs Police Department Police Activities League, $10,000.

Palm Springs Police Department-DARE, drug prevention program, $10,000.

Palm Springs Police-Citizens on Patrol, equipment and training, $5,000.

Palm Springs Police-Community Policing Program, programming, $20,000.

Palm Springs Police Reserve Unit, bullet-proof vests, radios, $5,000.

Palm Springs Public Library, fiber optic cable, cluster server and check-out machine, $18,000.

Palm Springs Sunup Rotary Club, shoes that fit program, $20,000.

Palm Springs Sunup Rotary Club, uniforms, $5,000.

Palm Springs and Cathedral City Youth Football Association, school equipment, $15,000.

Palm Springs Youth Baseball, scholarship and safety programs, $10,000.

Pegasus Riding Academy, programs, $10,000.

People Helping People U.S.A., programming, $5,000.

Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce, restaurant advertising, $5,000.

Rancho Mirage Library, programs, $10,000.

Ranch Recovery Centers, Inc., playground, $5,000.

Raymond Cree Middle School Treasure Booster Club, instrument repair and replacement, $5,000.

Smile Factory of the Tiempo de los Niños, dental services for low-income children, $10,000.

Stroke Recovery Center, food services and installation of an automatic door opener, $12,000.

Thousand Palms Library, children's reading club, $5,000.

United Way of the Desert, charitable programs, $25,000.

Veterans Memorial Association (Desert), programs, $5,000.

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, cost of memorial programs, $5,000.

Well in The Desert, homeless programming $5,000.

YMCA of the Desert, after-school programs, $5,000.

(*This donation is over and above funds the tribe contributes as part of its tribal-state gaming compact for compulsive gambling programs)

(Source: Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians)

DA to expand casino crime unit

RIVERSIDE COUNTY: A cooperative effort between Indian tribes and prosecutors to double in size.

06:54 AM PST on Friday, January 13, 2006
By MICHELLE DeARMOND / The Press-Enterprise

Riverside County officials are more than doubling the size of a task force formed a year ago to prosecute crimes at tribal casinos, a deputy district attorney said Thursday.

The special tribal liaison unit has been key to helping tribes fight offenses ranging from white-collar theft to drug crimes, tribal leaders and the prosecutor said at an annual Indian gaming conference Thursday in Palm Springs.

By expanding the unit and prosecuting more cases, officials hope to send a message to criminals.

"Stay the heck out of casinos," said Arthur M. Chang, Riverside County deputy district attorney. "We basically want to make life painful for criminals."

The expanded unit will have three prosecutors, three investigators, three victim-witness advocates and one paralegal, he said.

The unit, which is funded by grants from tribes, also hopes to get $1.15 million for the upcoming fiscal year, up from the nearly $700,000 it got last year. The money comes from a special account funded by gaming tribes.

The unit prosecutes crimes at nine casinos on eight reservations that are visited by an estimated 10 million people every year, Chang said.

It has prosecuted more than 500 cases in the past year, including some 200 felonies and about 300 misdemeanors, he said.

Drug crimes, mainly use and possession charges, have been the most common felonies, followed by theft, identity fraud, violence and embezzlement, he said.

By expanding the unit's size, Chang said he hopes to prosecute more sophisticated gambling scams.

Richard Milanovich, chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, said the unit has been pivotal in fighting crime at his tribe's two casinos.

Milanovich said it's too early to know definitively if the unit's aggressive stance is deterring criminals, but he suspects it is. His tribe operated casinos for 10 years before the tribal liaison unit was created, and many criminals had to be let go during that time, he said.

Slot-machine or card-table thieves were escorted to the edge of the property and not allowed to return, but local authorities often didn't arrest or prosecute the suspects, he said.

Now that tribes and the district attorney's office are working together more, the casinos and the community are benefiting, Chang said.

He pointed to a case involving a pickpocket at the Spa Resort Casino, one of those run by the Agua Caliente tribe, who was caught on surveillance cameras stealing slot-machine tickets from gamblers' shirt pockets.

After the man was arrested, authorities discovered his fingerprint matched one from an unsolved burglary a few years ago, Chang said.

Chang hopes to send the man to prison for at least 10 years.

Chang gave his presentation at the Western Indian Gaming Conference at the Palm Springs Convention Center, an event by the California Nations Indian Gaming Association that has attracted more than 1,000 people from across the country.

Tribal leaders at the conference highlighted Riverside County as a place where tribes and police officials have successfully worked together to fight crime.

In San Bernardino County, a deputy district attorney prosecutes crimes committed at the San Manuel Bingo & Casino near Highland.

Deputy District Attorney Carl LeBlanc said he has a victim-witness advocate in the Indian-gaming unit, and there are a few sheriff's deputies that respond to crimes at the casino.

That unit was created seven months ago with a grant from Indian gaming money also, he said.

Reach Michelle DeArmond at (951) 368-9441 or mdearmond@pe.com

PRESS ENTERPRISE - 11/18/2005

A tribal payout
09:10 PM PST on Friday, November 18, 2005

The Pechanga tribe made good use of some of the band's gambling wealth this week: The tribe gave $1.5 million to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest County.

The gift will help pay for a new youth complex under construction in Temecula, slated to open in April, and will fund much of the cost of another center planned for French Valley.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest County serves more than 3,300 children in Temecula, Murrieta, French Valley and Lake Elsinore. The organization provides places for youths to learn and play -- a vital service for parents who work at distant jobs while their children are out of school, or for families with limited resources.

And although tribal casinos sometimes create friction with their neighbors, here is a case in which a tribe served the larger community. The Pechanga tribe's generous donation to a good cause deserves the southwest area's thanks.

The Desert Sun - 08/5/2005

Tribes rally to restore public safety funds

Indians, officials upset over governor's veto of $20 million in budget

Debra Gruszecki
The Desert Sun
August 5, 2005

Palm Springs' new fire truck was there and so were the Indian tribes that made it possible.

Tribal leaders and local officials from throughout the Coachella Valley and Inland Empire displayed public safety equipment Thursday to show what their share of casino gaming dollars has bought, and to urge the governor to restore a $20 million appropriation from the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund to the state budget.

In signing a new state budget recently, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed $20 million out of $50 million in tribally paid funds that the Legislature had approved for 25 counties to use for public safety, traffic control and other services.

State Sen. Jim Battin, R-La Quinta, who attended the event in Banning, said Thursday that he plans to introduce a bill to restore the funds.

And public safety officials gathered with the political and tribal leaders and vowed to back them up.

A boon for police

Don't mess with the special distribution fund, Riverside County Sheriff Bob Doyle said.

The new police and sheriff's vehicles, fire trucks and other public safety gear is only a part of the story, according to Lynn Valbuena, a member of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, who chairs the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations.

The revenues also helped put 30 new sheriff's deputies and local police officers on Coachella Valley, Inland and Santa Barbara community streets.

"Supporting our local communities has always been a priority for us,'' Valbuena said. "We fought hard to get the funds wepay to the state returned to the local communities in order to put more police officers on the streets, enhance fire protection services, support children's programs and improve road conditions."

The demonstration also was held to introduce a Web site, www.StrongerCommunities.com, to provide information about the Special Distribution Fund and offer a way for Californians to e-mail Schwarzenegger and state lawmakers to urge the $20 million be returned to the 2005-2006 state budget.

The Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund was created through the 1999 Tribal State Compact, and is fully funded by the 26 tribal governments that were operating more than 200 slot machines as of September 1999.

Proceeds from the funds are earmarked for programs that include local governments and special districts that are impacted by Indian gaming, gambling and addiction programs, regulatory costs and for providing revenues for nongaming tribes.

Funds go local

Special Distribution Funds became available to local communities for the first time in 2003. Since that time, more than $13 million has flowed to Coachella Valley, Inland and Santa Barbara communities. The funds have been used to hire law enforcement officers, buy 21 fully-equipped police and sheriff's vehicles, two fire engines, an ambulance and breathing apparatuses for more than 100 firefighters.

Nearly $16 million will be provided in this fiscal year.
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians' chairman Richard Milanovich said tribal people have long been accustomed to giving back to the community.

"We're honoring our commitments under the compact, and are helping to build stronger communities,'' said Barbara Lyons, vice chairman of TASIN and the Agua Caliente Band, which operates the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage and the Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs.

Patrick Murphy Jr., TASIN secretary and a member of Pechanga Development Corp., said these projects are only the beginning. He projected contributions to the Special Distribution Fund will exceed $1 billion through 2020.

FUND BREAKDOWN
How a portion of Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians' (Agua Caliente and Spa Resort Casino) contributions to the Special Fund are working:

• Riverside County Sheriff's Department, $121,951
  
• Riverside County District Attorney's office, $42,597
  
• City of Cathedral City, $78,002
  
• City of Desert Hot Springs, $10,000
  
• City of Palm Springs, $897,062
  
• City of Rancho Mirage, $121,951
  

How grants co-sponsored by Augustine Band of Mission Indians' (Augustine Casino) funds are working:The funds are made possible by the 20 percent nonpaying portion of the special distribution fund, which is paid for by Agua Caliente, Cabazon, Cahuilla, Morongo, Pechanga, Soboba and Twenty-nine Palms.

• Riverside County Fire Department, $100,000
  
• Riverside County Transportation Department, $253,703
  
• City of Coachella, $540,191
  
• City of Indio, $485,136
  
• City of La Quinta, $177,250
  

How a portion of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians' (Fantasy Springs) funds are working:

• City of Indio, $260,041

How a portion of Morongo Band of Mission Indians' (Morongo Casino) funds are working:

• Riverside County District Attorney's office, $275,000
  
• Riverside County Emergency Medical Services, $450,000
  
• Riverside County Fire Department, $400,000
  
• Riverside County Sheriff's Department, $528,244
  
• Riverside County Transportation Department, $647,705
  
• City of Banning, $870,317
  

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San Bernardino County Sun - 08/5/2005

Patrol cars reflect tribes' funding

By Mike Cruz
Staff Writer

Friday, August 05, 2005 - BANNING - Rows of shiny, new patrol cars and other public safety vehicles parked at the Banning Police Station appeared ready to move into action at a moment's notice.

Destined for agencies in Banning, Coachella, La Quinta and unincorporated Riverside County, the vehicles and related equipment were purchased with funds from local tribes deposited into the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund.

Monies from the statewide fund are filtered back to counties and local communities and used to offset impacts of Indian gaming operations.

Representatives of state, county, local and tribal government met Thursday for a news conference at the Banning Police Department to showcase the newest fruits from the fund.

Officials also used the event to call on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to restore to the fund $20 million that was destined for local communities but was removed from the 2005-06 budget, according to the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations.

Banning police received six new patrol cars which represent one-third of the city's overall black-and-white force as well as three unmarked police vehicles and a motorcycle, said Chief John Horton.

Banning received a total of $870,317 from contributions to the fund made by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

The police vehicles and a new fire engine given to the Banning Fire Department will be used to keep safe visitors to the city and neighboring Morongo Resort, Spa and Casino while traveling city streets and Interstate 10.

Banning police also received funding for two officers to specifically work Ramsey Street from Banning to the casino five days a week, Horton said. The department also purchased 15 hand-held radios, 10 shotguns and 10 handguns.

"I think it's a great boost to public safety,' said Banning Mayor John Machisic.

Established under the Tribal-State Compact of 1999, the special distribution fund is funded by 26 tribal governments statewide that operated more than 200 gaming devices as of September 1999, according to the alliance.

Money was first placed into the fund in 2002. Officials estimate tribal governments will pay more than $1 billion into the fund through 2020.

Morongo Chairman Maurice Lyons said the Morongos have given $43 million to the fund, of which $8 million has come back to Riverside County.

"To us, giving back is just part of a way of life,' Lyons said.

Since 2002, the tribal alliance has paid more than $100 million into the special distribution fund, of which a portion has been distributed to San Bernardino, Riverside and Santa Barbara counties to purchase public safety equipment and increase personnel, officials said.

State Sen. Jim Battin, R-La Quinta, who was at Thursday's event, said legislators plan to modify Senate Bill 288 to restore the $20 million and ensure expenditure reports go to the Legislature and the Gambling Control Commission.

Riverside Press Enterprise - 08/5/2005

Inland-based proposal unblocks state funds generated by casinos

12:10 AM PDT on Friday, August 5, 2005

By MICHELLE DeARMOND / The Press-Enterprise

BANNING - Inland legislators announced Thursday they have found a way to restore $20 million in Indian-casino revenue that Gov. Schwarzenegger took away from local governments last month.

Schwarzenegger refused to distribute the money to local governments, saying counties had failed to file paperwork showing how they spent money from the tribal-gaming account last year. However, several state agencies verified that counties had turned in their paperwork but the governor's office didn't check with those agencies.

State Sen. Jim Battin, R-La Quinta, said he hopes his new bill will clear up any confusion about where the reports are supposed to be filed -- and get the money out quickly to the local governments.

Inland governments and others in communities with tribal casinos want the revenue to pay for new fire engines, firefighters, roadwork, emergency services and other needs. They could gain almost $10 million for this region if the distribution is approved.

"I challenge the governor to release it, to follow Sen. Battin's lead and let it go to the people," said Richard Milanovich, chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in Palm Springs. "We're sharing and taking care of our neighbors."

Battin and other legislators and tribal leaders spoke optimistically about the proposal's prospects during a news conference Thursday outside the Banning police station. They gathered there to display fire engines, police cars and other items purchased with previously allocated money.

A spokesman for the governor said Schwarzenegger will consider the bill, but is concerned about making sure local governments account for how they will spend the money.

He already approved $30 million for the local governments in July. The $20 million he vetoed came from a surplus in the account, which is funded primarily by Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Vince Sollitto, a spokesman for the governor, said Thursday the administration still is researching whether the counties filed the reports properly and on time.

The state Gambling Control Commission is the agency that told the governor the counties had not submitted the reports, but the counties are not required to file with the commission.

Battin's draft legislation calls for requiring counties to send their reports to the commission, the state Department of Finance and the Legislature.

The legislation also would extend the existing law to 2020, when the gaming agreements expire for the tribes who fund the account. Currently, the law that lays out how the money is processed ends in 2009.

The deadline has passed for new legislation this session, but Battin plans to introduce it through a process known as "gut and amend." State Sen. Denise Moreno Ducheny, D-San Diego, agreed to let him strip the language from one of her bills and replace it with Battin's casino-revenue bill. Battin said he will bring it before the Legislature during a four-week session that starts Aug. 15.

Lawmakers could meet with other resistance from Schwarzenegger, who previously called for taking money from the casino-revenue fund and using it to beef up the Gambling Control Commission.

The fund, created under gaming agreements that went into effect in 2000, can be used for gambling-addiction programs, grants to local governments affected by tribal casinos, state regulatory costs and to help non-gaming tribes.

Reach Michelle DeArmond at (951) 368-9441 or mdearmond@pe.com.

Bee Capitol Bureau - 08/11/2005

Lawmakers try to boost gaming funds

Local governments want $20 million to handle services needed when casinos go up.

By Jennifer M. Fitzenberger / Bee Capitol Bureau
(Updated Thursday, August 11, 2005, 5:55 AM)

SACRAMENTO - State lawmakers want to free up $20 million for local governments to deal with the effects of Indian casinos, such as clogged roads and increased calls for police and firefighters.

Lawmakers this year asked for $50 million from the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund to mitigate impacts of tribal gaming.

Gov. Schwarzenegger approved $30 million in the state budget, but he put $20 million on hold, saying he didn't have enough information about how the money is spent.

Roughly 25 counties - including Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Madera - receive money from the fund supplied with money from gaming tribes. The money pays for public safety, road maintenance and other local projects.

In his veto message, Schwarzenegger said local governments did not provide reports detailing how funds were spent in previous years. But Sen. Jim Battin, R-La Quinta, said reports had been filed and that a communication snafu led to the governor receiving wrong information.

Battin said the reports have since been delivered to the governor, and he now hopes Schwarzenegger will sign his legislation to restore the $20 million.

Last fiscal year, local governments received $30 million from the fund.

"I'm pretty confident we'll get it out of the Legislature quickly," Battin said of Senate Bill 288, which is in the process of being amended. "We've got to make sure we get the governor's support."

H.D. Palmer, a spokesman for the state Department of Finance, said that in future years the governor's administration wants to receive county spending reports in October, before the governor's budget proposal is released in January.

That way, Schwarzenegger will know how the money is being spent before deciding how much to make available.

Current law requires spending reports to be sent to the Legislature in April.

"If we do indeed move forward with a stand-alone bill, we'd like to have that fix," Palmer said.

Tribes give money to two state funds: the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, which gives slot-machine license fees to nongaming tribes, and the Special Distribution Fund, which sets aside a portion of gaming revenue for several purposes, including county reimbursement.

Each year, tribes in California pay about $100 million to the latter fund.

Valley tribes that contribute include Big Sandy and Table Mountain rancherias in Fresno County, Santa Rosa Rancheria in Kings County and Tule River Tribe in Tulare County.

Special Distribution Fund money is used for problem-gambling prevention programs, to help cover state regulatory costs and to support local governments affected by Indian casinos.

It also supplements the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund when license fees fall short of what nongaming tribes are supposed to receive.

Minus $30 million for local mitigation, the Special Distribution Fund has a balance of about $80 million. So lawmakers sought to give another $20 million to local governments.

"It's just sitting in the bank and not being spent," Battin said.

Valley officials said they'd love to receive extra Special Distribution Fund Money, which is distributed through special committees formed in each county.

In Tulare County, more money is requested for projects than is available, spokesman Eric Coyne said.

Last fiscal year, Tulare County received $410,265 from the fund. The money was used for several needs, including repairs on Reservation Road and the purchase a firetruck in Porterville.

"There is a home for twice as many dollars as are available," Coyne said.

Fresno County received $1.3 million from the fund last year. It was used to improve Friant Road; purchase tattoo-removal equipment for youths in juvenile hall; and buy supplies for a sheriff's drug- and gang-resistance program for kids.

Kings County, which received $536,500, upgraded firefighting services, and Madera County, which received $311,846, held school field trips and after-school programs and enhanced law-enforcement and firefighting services.

The reporter can be reached at jfitzenberger@fresnobee.com or (916) 326-5541.

TRIBAL LEADERS TO GOVERNOR: GIVE PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIALS GAMING MONEY

Indian gaming has gone a long way to improve conditions at police, fire and rescue facilities in California, proponents of Indian gaming in that state said, and they staged a demonstration last week to prove it.

According to a report in Palm Springs' Desert Sun, tribal leaders and local officials from throughout the Coachella Valley and Inland Empire displayed public safety equipment to show what their share of casino gaming dollars has bought. Additionally, they called upon the governor to restore a $20 million appropriation from the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund to the state budget.

In signing a new state budget recently, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed $20 million out of $50 million in tribally paid funds that the Legislature had approved for 25 counties to use for public safety, traffic control and other services.

The new police and sheriff's vehicles, fire trucks and other public safety gear purchased with gaming funds is only a part of the story, Lynn Valbuena, a member of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, told the paper. Valbuena, who chairs the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations, said the revenues also helped put 30 new sheriff's deputies and local police officers on Coachella Valley, Inland and Santa Barbara community streets.

The demonstration also served as the introduction to the Web site, www.StrongerCommunities.com, which will provide information about the Special Distribution Fund and offer a way for Californians to e-mail Schwarzenegger and state lawmakers to urge the $20 million be returned to the 2005-2006 state budget.

The Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund was created through the 1999 Tribal State Compact, and is fully funded by the 26 tribal governments that were operating more than 200 slot machines as of September 1999.

Proceeds from the funds are earmarked for programs that include local governments and special districts that are impacted by Indian gaming, gambling and addiction programs, regulatory costs and for providing revenues for nongaming tribes.

-Matt Connor

Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations - 08/4/2005

RELEASE: August 4, 2005

Source: Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations
Contact: Jacob Mejia, (951) 675-0586

TRIBAL GAMING HELPS TO PUT PUBLIC SAFETY FIRST
AS BENEFITS FLOW TO INLAND EMPIRE COMMUNITIES

New equipment, police recruits, children's programs
funded by tribal government gaming revenues

Banning, CA, August 4, 2005 - For one time only today, brand new police and sheriff's vehicles, fire trucks and other public safety equipment - all of it purchased with the proceeds of tribal gaming - will come together from all over the Riverside and San Bernardino area. State and local officials, fire and police chiefs, and tribal leaders will also be on hand to show first hand the public benefits from tribal gaming, and to urge the governor to take the necessary steps to make sure these funds continue to flow to local agencies.

The impressive assembly of public safety equipment is only part of what cities and county agencies throughout the Inland Empire have acquired with the funds that local tribal governments have contributed to the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund (SDF). Many of the 30 new sheriff's deputies and local police officers that have been hired with SDF support will also be on hand for today's event in Banning.

"Supporting our local communities has always been a priority for us," said Lynn Valbuena, a member of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians who chairs the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN) which sponsored the event. "We fought hard to get the funds we pay to the state returned to the local communities in order to put more police officers on the streets, enhance fire protection services, support children's programs and improve road conditions."

The event will take place Thursday, August 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the police parking area of the Banning police station, located at 125 E Ramsey, Banning, CA 92220.

Funding for local governments from the SDF became available for the first time in 2003. A total of $13,002,725 was provided in the 2003/04 fiscal year to Inland and Santa Barbara communities to add 30 sheriff's deputies and police officers; purchase 21 fully-equipped police and sheriff's vehicles, two fire engines, an ambulance, and acquire breathing apparatuses for more than 100 firefighters. And that is only part of the list. See the attached detailed breakdown. Almost $16 million will be provided for communities in the three counties in the current fiscal year.

"These projects are only the beginning," said Patrick Murphy, Jr., TASIN Secretary and member of the Pechanga Development Corporation. "TASIN member tribes project their contributions to the SDF will exceed $1 billion through 2020."

Unfortunately, part of the SDF funding for the coming year has been stalled at the state level. At today's event, state lawmakers, tribal and local government leaders will call on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to restore a $20 million SDF appropriation for local governments that was inadvertently removed from the 2005-06 state budget. They will unveil a website (http://www.StrongerCommunities.com/) that will provide information about the SDF and include features that allow Californians to email Governor Schwarzenegger and state legislators to urge them to return these critical dollars for Southern California communities.

"Tribal governments in the Inland region have honored their commitments to their neighboring communities," said Marion Ashley, Chairman of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. "We hope the governor will do the right thing and restore the funds so that we can continue to build on the progress we have made together."

The Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund was created through the 1999 Tribal-State Compact and is fully-funded by the 26 tribal governments that were operating more than 200 slot machines as of September 1999. Proceeds from the fund are earmarked for specific programs that include local governments and special districts impacted by tribal government gaming, gambling addiction programs, regulatory costs, and for providing critical revenues for non-gaming tribes.

Priorities for disbursements include local law enforcement, fire and other emergency services, environmental impacts, water supplies, behavioral health, land use, public health, roads, recreation, youth and child care programs.

"We're proud that our contributions are putting more police officers on the streets, enhancing fire protection services, and improving road conditions," commented Rosemary Morillo, Treasurer of TASIN and a Council Member for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians.

"We're honoring our commitments under the compact and are helping to build stronger communities," stated Barbara Lyons, Vice Chairman of TASIN and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

NOTE TO TELEVISION NEWS EDITORS: Tribal leaders will be available for satellite interviews and b-roll footage will also be available through our satellite service, Media Link. Please contact Jacob Mejia at (951) 675-0586 for details.

NOTE TO PRINT EDITORS: Tribal leaders will be available for telephone interviews following the event. Photos from the event will also be available via e-mail. Contact Jacob Mejia at (951) 675-0586.

About the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations
The Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN) is an association of federally recognized tribal governments located within Riverside, San Bernardino and Santa Barbara counties. It was formed in 1995 to protect and promote tribal sovereign governmental rights, as well as the cultural identity and interests of federally recognized tribes in the region. Since its inception, TASIN and member tribes have been at the forefront of nearly every major policy initiative in Indian Country.

# # #

Equipment and projects financed in the 2003/04 Fiscal Year for communities in Riverside, San Bernardino and Santa Barbara Counties by the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund
(Arranged alphabetically by tribal government)

How a portion of Agua Caliente's contributions are working
Riverside County District Attorney's Office (total: $42,597)

• Provided a contribution toward the Tribal Liaison Unit, which investigates and prosecutes crimes connected to or affecting tribal casinos

Riverside County Sheriff's Department (total: $121,951)

• Funded the addition of a sheriff's deputy and a fully-equipped patrol vehicle

The City of Cathedral City (total: $78,002)

• Funded a portion of the purchase of 70 sets of protective "turnout" clothing and "wildland" firefighting boots
  
• Funded 12 pieces of firefighter cardio equipment

The City of Desert Hot Springs (total: $10,000)

• Funded 200 hours of police officer overtime dedicated to traffic enforcement

The City of Palm Springs (total: $897,062)

• Funded two uniformed police officers to serve as "Casino Officers"
  
• Purchased two police bicycles
  
• Purchased lap top computers for police department
  
• Purchased police radios and other necessary equipment
  
• Funded 50% of additional fire department staffing and a higher level of emergency medical service
  
• Funded a portion of the Palm Springs Police Drug Prevention Program
  
• Funded a portion of the "Downtown Experience"
  
• Funded 64% of a replacement fire engine
  
• Funded a civilian drug prevention officer in the Palm Springs Police Drug Prevention Program
  
• Funded one civilian PAL officer in the Palm Springs Police Activities League
  

The City of Rancho Mirage (total: $121,951)

• Provided reimbursement of Rancho Mirage casino police enforcement costs
  
• Funded the purchase of four vehicle mounted radar units and four handheld Lidar units and training for police officers not certified in the use of these units

How grants co-sponsored by the Augustine Band of Mission Indians are working (Note: these funds were made possible by the 20% non-nexus, non-paying portion of the SDF, which is paid for by Agua Caliente, Cabazon, Cahuilla, Morongo, Pechanga, Soboba and Twenty Nine Palms)
Riverside County Fire Department (total: $100,000)

• Funded the purchase of 25 new high pressure Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses with a 50% larger cylinder capacity
  

Riverside County Sheriff's Department (total: $528,244)

• Funded the addition of a sheriff's deputy per shift and a fully-equipped patrol vehicle

Riverside County Transportation Department (total: $253,703)

• Paid for the installation of a traffic signal and addition of left turn lanes on Route 86

City of Coachella (total: $540,191)

• Funded an addition of a motorcycle officer 24 hours per day, seven days per week
  
• Funded a 42-hour shift for the Coachella Police Department
  
• Provided reimbursement for a portion of the cost of a traffic signal at Harrison and Avenue 54

City of Indio (total: $485,136)

• Funded a portion of the installation of a traffic signal and related work at the intersection of Indio Blvd. and Van Buren Street, including road widening at each leg to accommodate the full roadway
  
• Funded the development of the Indio Youth Master Plan that included costs associated with the Search Institute Youth Survey and aggregate report of middle and high school students; fees associated with consultants to monitor development of plan; expenses associated with community meetings, supplies, advertising and promotional events; personnel costs related to the Youth Coordinator position

City of La Quinta (total: $177,250)

• Funded the portion of a motor officer to assist with increased traffic

How a portion of Cabazon's contributions are working
City of Indio (total: $260,041)

• Funded a portion of a Type-I Ladder Truck

How a portion of Morongo's contributions are working
Riverside County District Attorney's Office (total: $275,000)

• Provided a contribution toward the Tribal Liaison Unit, which investigates and prosecutes crimes connected to or affecting tribal casinos
  

Riverside County Emergency Medical Services (total: $450,000)

• Funded the placement of one ambulance staffed with one accredited Paramedic and one certified Emergency Medical Technician I at Casino Morongo

Riverside County Fire Department (total: $400,000)

• Funded the purchase of 100 new high-pressure Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses with a 50% larger cylinder capacity. The larger cylinder allows firefighters to remain inside smoke-filled areas for an extra 15 minutes

Riverside County Sheriff's Department (total: $528,244)

• Funded the addition of one sheriff's deputy per shift and a fully-equipped patrol vehicle

Riverside County Transportation Department (total: $647,705)

• Financed modification and improvement of Main Street Interchange at I-10 that includes preparation of a project study report, development of a more refined construction cost estimate, and preparation of preliminary environmental work

City of Banning (total: $870,317)

• Purchased one new fire engine and associated fire suppression equipment
  
• Purchased six fully-equipped black and white units, three unmarked units, and two police motorcycles for the Banning Police Department. These purchases constitute a 40% increase in patrol vehicles for the Banning Police Department
  
• Purchased 15 handheld radios, 10 shotguns, and 10 handguns for the Banning Police Department
  
• Funded beautification and maintenance efforts on Ramsey Street

How a portion of Pechanga's contributions are working
Riverside County District Attorney's Office (total: $340,979)

• Provided a contribution toward the Tribal Liaison Unit, which investigates and prosecutes crimes connected to or affecting tribal casinos

Riverside County Fire Department (total: $200,000)

• Funded the purchase of 50 new high-pressure Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses with a 50% larger cylinder capacity. The larger cylinder allows firefighters to remain inside smoke-filled areas for an extra 15 minutes

Riverside County Sheriff's Department (total: $541,450)

• Funded the addition of one sheriff's deputy per shift and a fully-equipped patrol vehicle

City of Temecula (total: $1,804,049)

• Funded a portion of the Wolf Creek Fire Station
  
• Funded a portion of the I-15/State Route 79 South Interchange Project

How a portion of San Manuel's contributions are working
San Bernardino County Fire Department (total: $299,225)

• Funded a portion of the replacement of an ambulance, fire engine and equipment for the Havasu Landing area

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department: (total: $578,501)

• Funded the addition of five sheriffs deputies and a fully-equipped patrol vehicle

City of Highland (total: $309,199)

• Funded street improvements to the intersection of Highland and Victoria

City of San Bernardino (total: $578,501)

• Funded the creation of a new "police beat" that included two fully-equipped police vehicles, seven officers and one sergeant
  
  

How a portion of Santa Ynez's contributions are working
Communities in Santa Barbara County (total: $1,104,559.42)

• Projects include sewer equipment for the Santa Ynez Community Services District, additional law enforcement, firefighter and paramedic personnel, and road improvements

How a portion of Soboba's contributions are working
Riverside County Sheriff's Department (total: $276,172)

• Funded the addition of three sheriff's deputies and a fully-equipped 4x4 patrol vehicle

City of San Jacinto (total: $276,142)

• Funded fire department services addressing casino-related needs. This contribution represents 6.25% of the fire department contract budget
  
• Funded completion of the design for the Ramona Expressway Road Improvement Project, including the reconstruction and minor widening of Ramona Expressway from State Street to Lake Park/Main Street
  
• Funded police department services related to casino incidents

How a portion of Twenty Nine Palm's contributions are working
Riverside County District Attorney's Office (total: $38,434)

• Provided a contribution toward the Tribal Liaison Unit, which investigates and prosecutes crimes connected to or affecting tribal casinos

City of Coachella (total: $78,910)

• Funded the upgrade of a firefighter position to a paramedic position on each shift
  
• Increased police patrols during break periods (i.e., Friday and Saturday nights)

City of Indio (total: $78,910)

• Funded the purchase of up to 19 new high-pressure Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses with a 50% larger cylinder capacity. The larger cylinder allows firefighters to remain inside smoke-filled areas for an extra 15 minutes

PRESS ENTERPRISE - 07/24/2005

New S.B. County prosecutor unit to focus on casinos

CRIMES: A prosecutor will take on cheats and those who victimize nearby residents.

12:54 AM PDT on Sunday, July 24, 2005

By RICHARD BROOKS / The Press-Enterprise

SAN BERNARDINO - In terms of crime, an Indian casino near San Bernardino is similar to a small town, generating felonies and misdemeanors that range from trespassing and vandalism to car thefts and counterfeiting, officials say.

With 107 documented crimes last year in and around the casino, state officials have issued a $178,842 grant so that San Bernardino County district attorney's officials can assign a prosecutor full time to crimes reported at the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians' gambling parlor and the nearby neighborhood.

The money comes from a state fund designed to offset the costs that local governments incur because of Indian gaming. Tribes that run casinos pay into the fund, and nearby governmental agencies can apply for grants, many of which are for additional law enforcement.

The tribe fully supports this grant. There is no sense in making arrests if the resulting court cases aren't effectively prosecuted, said Jerry Paresa, the tribe's executive director of governmental operations.

In Riverside County, the district attorney created a Tribal Liaison unit in January. Its prosecutors have filed cases on more than 100 felonies and 100 misdemeanors, ranging from employee embezzlement and pickpockets to people who pass counterfeit cash and use devices that trick slot machines into paying off.

"I started filing cases about a week ago," said San Bernardino County Deputy District Attorney Carl LeBlanc. "So far, I've been doing a lot of (cases involving) drugs, identity theft, counterfeiting, some stolen cars."

LeBlanc plans to personally handle all felony prosecutions. But he'll also file the misdemeanor cases, which then will be prosecuted by other attorneys. Misdemeanors include trespassing on Indian land.

"San Manuel is a sovereign nation. They have a right to ban anyone they want," said LeBlanc. "If someone shows up (at the casino) drunk and belligerent, the tribe might throw them out and ban them.

"If they come back, they're arrested for trespassing, and we'll file the charge."

About a block from the casino, seven-year resident Sonya Scheffler is mainly concerned about the traffic congestion that she says the gambling Mecca has brought to her neighborhood.

But she likes the idea of a full-time criminal prosecutor for the area.

"Our vehicle was broken into and some change and some cassette tapes were stolen," Scheffler recalls. "We had a sago palm stolen off our front porch ... and our neighbor's house was broken into and jewelry was stolen."

Scheffler tells of men urinating in public and dumping alcoholic beverage containers in the street and on lawns.

Assistant District Attorney Jim Hackleman has heard many similar reports.

"These are the kinds of things that a community prosecutor can help" solve, he said.

The effort also will benefit the casino, he said.

"Las Vegas is very successful dealing with casino cheats," he said. "These people are finding better pickings in California. There's no one casino they focus on, but it's a growing concern."

Reach Richard Brooks at (909) 806-3057 or rbrooks@pe.com

Prosecutor grant

107 crimes in and around the San Manuel casino were reported last year

The district attorney has appointed a full-time prosecutor to handle those crimes

The cost is covered by a state grant

PRESS ENTERPRISE - 07/19/2005

Little time is left to receive cash

RESTORE: Legislators still say they'll get $20 million in Indian gaming money back from the state.

07:23 AM PDT on Tuesday, July 19, 2005

By KIMBERLY TRONE / The Press-Enterprise

COACHELLA - Two state lawmakers Monday said they intend to speed up legislation aimed at restoring $20 million in Indian gaming revenue to communities affected by casinos.

Gov. Schwarzenegger slashed from $50 million to $30 million the amount of gaming revenue Riverside, San Bernardino and other counties would receive in this year's budget. The cut cost Riverside County an estimated $8.5 million and San Bernardino County about $1.2 million.

With the legislative session scheduled to end Sept. 9, the lawmakers told members of the Riverside County Tribal Task Force on Monday that they are working against the clock.