Judge Tosses Temecula Lawsuit Against Pechanga Indian Tribe
TEMECULA, Calif. (AP) — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Temecula against the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians.
The city wants the Indians to pay for public services needed because of the Pechanga Resort and Casino.
City Attorney Peter Thorson told the Riverside Press-Enterprise the judge ruled Monday that the state compact had to authorize legal action and mandate a study.
Thorson says the city will review options.
Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro says the ruling proves the lawsuit was absurd.
He says the tribe has given Temecula and Riverside County more than $25 million since 2002.
The city says it has a payment deal and the tribe missed its $2 million June payment.
The tribe says the deal with the city won't start until a deal is reached with the county.
(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
