Supporters of the proposed off-reservation casino in Barstow, California by the Los Coyotes Band, traveled to Washington D.C. last week to pursue their cause with officials of the Department of the Interior.
The Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians, based in San Diego County, want to build the $160 million Barstow Casino and Resort more than 100 miles from their traditional homeland.
The casino would have 1,325 slots and 57 gaming tables, a 100-room hotel and other amenities.
The travelers to D.C. include officials of the tribe as well as of the City of Barstow, which supports the casino. The city delegation will include Mayor Julie Hackbarth-McIntyre, Mayor Pro-Tem Timothy Silva and City Manager Curt Mitchell. Much the same delegation met with Governor Jerry Brown last July.
The Bush administration rejected an earlier iteration of this proposal, but the Obama administration has proven to be more accepting of off-reservation proposals.
