River Rock, Geyserville fire district OK $336,000 deal - 2004-01-18
The Geyserville Fire Protection District will receive $336,000 annually for emergency services under an
agreement with the tribal operators of the River Rock Casino, officials said Friday.

The pact is the first between a local government agency and the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo
Indians since the casino opened over a year ago.

It outlines obligations for both sides and includes a limited waiver of sovereign immunity that legally binds the Pomos, who pay no property taxes and have clashed with Sonoma County officials over other issues since the casino opened.
Read the full story at Santa Rosa Press Democrat

Tribes ready fight to keep slots monopoly - 2004-01-18
Faced with a proposed initiative to end their voter-approved monopoly on slot machines, California Indian casino tribes have started putting together an arsenal that includes legal challenges, lots of funds -- and possibly an initiative of their own.

"This is clearly the first step toward a massive expansion of non-Indian gaming in the state," California Nations Indian Gaming Association Chairman Anthony Miranda told attendees last week at the ninth annual Western Indian Gaming Conference.
Read the full story at Modesto Bee