The Los Coyotes Indian tribe wants to expedite the building of a casino in Barstow. Tom Shields, public relations agent for the tribe, is attempting to get in the fast lane by fasting. Both the Los Coyotes Band of Cahilla and Cupeno Indians began the fast at the state capitol in Sacramento that will last until the legislature ratifies the gaming agreement, or contract.
In accordance with the contracts Shield has written between the band and the Big Lagoon Rancheria Indians, dual gambling casinos in Barstow are hopefully on the move.
According to Shields, the fast began on Wednesday afternoon, August 16th, with 3 or 4 tribe members. In the days to come more supporters and tribe members will join the fast to show their support. Until the contracts are approved, the fast will be located on the Capitol lawn. Since the Capitol won’t allow overnight stays on their lawn, the fast will only take place from 9 am to 6 pm everyday. Some will fast a day or so at a time.
At the State Assembly Government Organization Committee, the first vote of 7-0 turned down the Los Coyotes/Big Lagoon contract last June. Tribal supporters want to see if the decision can be reversed.
As Los Coyotes spokeswoman, Katherine Silva Saubel stated, “By fasting, our aim is to call attention to the economic injustice of our people and to urge the legislature to ratify these contracts that will uplift the living conditions of our people.”
According to the casino developer in a statement from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s website, the Barstow dual casino could generate over $200 million in gaming revenues annually. The state can get as much as $30 million from the casino.
February 11, 2007
