Free Republic

<p>State and local governments, the tribal gaming establishment and various newspapers have lined up to oppose situating Indian casinos near cities. This chorus of nays exposes an elaborate hypocrisy.</p> <p>Let's start with Gov. Gray Davis' disapproval of a site near Interstate 80 and Reed Avenue in West Sacramento for the Upper Lake Pomo tribe. According to his spokesman Russ Lopez, "The governor feels strongly that gaming should not be allowed in urban areas on non-traditional sites." He wants to restrict the action to rural areas, such as the Capay Valley, where I live.</p>

<p>After months of negotiations, the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians and Yolo County officials struck a tentative agreement Wednesday that reduces the size of a proposed expansion of the Cache Creek Indian gaming casino.</p> <p>The deal also requires the tribe to pay Yolo County more than $80 million over the next 18 years to mitigate traffic, air quality and other problems.</p>