South County Group Seeks Halt to Indian Casino Plan

A group of business people on Friday sent a letter to four Orange County and California congressional leaders urging them to “stop or delay” federal recognition of the Juanenos Band of Mission Indians and halt development of an Indian casino here.

Concerned Citizens of South Orange County, which has about 30 members, called for an investigation of the band’s intentions, said Fred Amendariz, the group’s executive director.

“Our goal,” the letter stated, “is to seek your assistance in stopping or delaying federal recognition of this tribe until a complete investigation as to the true intention of the parties is ascertained.”

Copies of the letter were mailed to U.S. Reps. Ron Packard (R-Oceanside) and Christopher Cox (R-Newport Beach) and to Democratic Sens. Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer.

The Times disclosed Sunday that the Juanenos signed an agreement with Nevada investors to bring the county its first Las Vegas-style casino.

Under the complex agreement, investors would buy 20 acres in San Juan Capistrano and build a casino, administrative office and small museum. Investors would be reimbursed through gambling profits.

The deal relies on the Juanenos winning federal recognition for their tribe as a sovereign nation, a distinction that could open the door to legal gambling in Orange County. Tribes in San Diego and Riverside counties as well as other parts of the country already have turned to casinos to support themselves.

On Monday, city officials vowed to do all they can to halt construction of a casino, saying it would destroy the city.

Amendariz said that Concerned Citizens is worried about quality of life issues for residents. The letter said that “it appears” as though the Juanenos are “unwitting victims” of a business scheme.

Late Friday, a group of the Juanenos held a news conference and said they are seeking independent economic development. The Juanenos, who have denied that a casino was part of that plan, on Friday would neither confirm nor deny it, saying it was tribal business.