COLLEGE AREA -- Leaders of the Pala Indian band and local gaming tribes
will square off Tuesday night in a panel discussion of the controversial
gambling accord that Pala signed last month with Gov. Pete Wilson.
The 7 o'clock forum at San Diego State University is scheduled to feature
Pala Tribal Chairman Robert Smith; Barona Tribal Chairman Clifford
LaChappa; Viejas Chairman Anthony Pico; Danny Tucker, a former Sycuan
tribal leader now heading the California Nations Indian Gaming Association;
Art Bunce, Barona tribal attorney; and Diane Vitols, Viejas attorney.
Federal prosecutors have set a May 13 deadline for California's 40 gaming
tribes to sign the Pala compact or shut down their casino machines and
negotiate separate agreements with the state.
The Pala compact has evoked widespread opposition from tribes contending
that it undermines their roles as sovereign governments.
Tuesday's forum will be held in the Aztec Center's Casa Real meeting room
and is open to the public at no charge. Free parking is available in Lot I
on College Avenue, across the pedestrian bridge from the student center.
Additional information is available at (619) 699-4888.