This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Judge throws out Temecula's lawsuit against Pechanga Indian tribe
Temecula's Pechanga Resort & Casino at night
(
Chris "LA Wad"/Flickr (Creative Commons-licensed)
)
Listen
0:57
Judge throws out Temecula's lawsuit against Pechanga Indian tribe
Judge throws out Temecula's lawsuit against Pechanga Indian tribe
A federal judge has thrown out Temecula’s lawsuit against the Pechanga Indian tribe. Temecula had sued the tribe over fees for services it provided to the casino and hotel complex.
The city had claimed tribal leaders reneged on a $2 million annual payment for police and other services at the Pechanga Resort and Casino. That agreement came after California voters approved measures three years ago that allowed tribes to expand gaming operations.
The measures ensured that tribes would pay bigger fees to cover the impacts of casino expansion. Pechanga agreed to the annual payouts, and to contribute $10 million to a freeway project, but only after it had significantly grown its gaming operation.
That hasn’t happened. The tribe also says it can’t cement any agreement with Temecula without Riverside County’s approval.
Last month, California pulled out of the lawsuit against Pechanga, saying compacts with gaming tribes require the state to resolve disputes before going to court. The federal judge who dismissed the lawsuit says the state’s compact had to authorize such lawsuits and call for an environmental impact study.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
