Lytton Band Changes Mind On Compromise - Feinstein Bill Just About Dead

A couple years ago, Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced a bill that, back then, drew support from the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians. The compromise bill would have locked in what the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians has now which is 1,050 electronic bingo games that mimic slot machines. But if the tribe ever decided to go for the Vegas style slots ("Class III" machines) they would have been required to go through a stringent federal process which has historically killed similar proposals.

The tribe has changed it mind fearing they would be on the short end of the stick if two other tribes win big casino projects in the area and the legislation is just about kaput.

The Senate passed Feinstein's legislation in 2007 and again in March. The first bill died last year in the House Natural Resources Committee and the current one is sitting in limbo with the same committee.

Brock Arner, city manager for San Pablo said ”My understanding is it's not moving anyplace. It would be entirely unfair to the Lytton band if there are two (Vegas-style) facilities approved in West County. Until that issue's resolved, we see no need to handcuff the Lytton band."

The city of San Pablo is opposed to Feinstein’s bill fearing it would hurt their economy.

The Scotts Valley and Guidiville bands of Pomo Indians are waiting on federal decisions on their casino bids. Guidiville wants a casino-hotel-convention center resort at the former Point Molate Naval Fuel Depot. Scotts Valley is looking to build a casino along Richmond Parkway.

The Bush administration froze those types of Indian casino applications but the tribes are hoping that the Obama administration may be more receptive.

Lytton spokesman Doug Elmets said, "The signals we have picked up say (the Obama administration is) going to look at these projects in a new light. With two casinos proposed for the Richmond area, Senator Feinstein's legislation puts Lytton at a significant competitive disadvantage."