Cracks In The Tribal Sovereignty Shield Are Starting To Appear

For over a decade corrupt tribal leaders all across the United States have used the shield of Tribal Sovereignty to protect themselves from prosecution.  As more and more cases work their way through  the courts many Judges are left scratching their heads wondering how this could happen and wondering when Congress will do something.

Sure, a few people have gone to jail such as Michael Thomas, the former Mashantucket Pequot tribal chairman.  But most tribal leaders just continue on in their corrupt ways.  They have learned much from the U.S. Government.  They have learned how to bribe, I mean "Lobby", Congress.  They have learned how to donate to political campaigns in return for favors.  They have learned how to use their money, I mean influence, to get their way.

But perhaps, just perhaps, things are starting to change:

(h/t originalpechanga.com)

The Press Enterprise - Ruling a setback for tribal sovereignty Court of Appeal ruling exposes a chink in the sovereign armor of the state’s tribes.

BY AARON CLAVERIE / STAFF WRITER
Published: May 29, 2015 Updated: May 30, 2015 8:43 p.m.

Excerpts:
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The ruling, which was handed down Thursday, reverses a Riverside trial court’s dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a former casino dealer against five members of the Pechanga Gaming Commission who had revoked the dealer’s gaming license.

In 2013, the trial court dismissed the case filed by Benedict Cosentino of Temecula, saying the tribe was a sovereign nation and state courts did not have jurisdiction in the matter.
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Cosentino appealed the Riverside court’s decision. This week’s ruling said the individual actions of particular commissioners do not shield them from liability if they use their official position to “intentionally harm” someone. (emph. added).

Read Full Article Here-->The Press Enterprise - Ruling a setback for tribal sovereignty Court of Appeal ruling exposes a chink in the sovereign armor of the state’s tribes.

Pala Interactive Launch Delayed

pokerfuse.com Pala Interactive Puts Online Poker “On Hold” In New Jersey

Ryan said that the plan has changed. “We put that on hold because we do expect PokerStars to enter the market,” Ryan stated about Pala Poker.

Ryan revealed that the company did not expect to garner a large market share anyway, but that the lack of potential liquidity in the market was also a contributing factor in the decision. “[L]iquidity is obviously a challenge, we’ve seen one poker network already exit the marketplace,” Ryan said in reference to the closing of Ultimate Poker last year.

Read Full Article Here-->pokerfuse.com Pala Interactive Puts Online Poker “On Hold” In New Jersey

Also:

calvinayre.com BECKY’S AFFILIATED: JIM RYAN ON PALA INTERACTIVE AND THE STATE OF US REGULATED REAL MONEY GAMING

4flush.com New Jersey Online Poker Launch by Pala Interactive Postponed

Pala Casino Renovation Project

Pala starts $5 million renovation project

19 February 2015

PALA, Calif. -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Pala Casino Resort and Spa has started a $5 million construction project that will add new venues to the property and renovate several existing restaurants. It also will add a permanent outdoor stage to Pala’s popular Starlight Theatre. All elements are slated to be completed and open to the public just ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. Specific opening dates will be announced.

The cornerstone will be CAVE, a new 6,000-square-foot, full-service dining experience, bar, lounge, underground wine cave and entertainment complex. CAVE will build on the success of Mama’s Cucina Italiana, the restaurant it will replace. Mama’s popular Italian Chef Luciano Cibelli and his entire staff will remain to ensure the quality of CAVE’s “Mediterranean cuisine with an Italian flair.” CAVE also will offer an extensive wine list from Napa Valley, Sonoma, France, Italy and Australia, a wide variety of wines by the glass and a creative selection of large-format bottles. The CAVE lounge also will provide an imaginative menu of craft cocktails.

The subterranean wine cave will be one of a kind and will provide a unique, elegant setting for wine enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite selection. Atop the wine cave Pala will build a permanent outdoor concert stage which will host a diverse schedule of headline entertainers in the Starlight Theatre. The spring/summer concert series will kick-off Saturday, May 23 with Queen Nation and Zeppelin USA followed on Friday, May 29 with Creedence Clearwater Revisited.

“Chef Luciano’s new CAVE menu will offer many of the authentic Italian dishes for which Mama’s was well- known, but will add many new Mediterranean specialties as well,” said Bill Bembenek, Pala’s chief executive officer. CAVE’s menu will include “small bites” of Beef Tartare, Tuna Crudo, Lamb Carpaccio, Chicken Liver Cognac Pate, Bruschetta and Charcuterie selections of Cured Meats and Cheeses. Appetizers will include Chef Luciano’s family recipes for Octopus, Mussels, Clams, Escargot, Quail and Foie Gras. CAVE will also offer fresh pasta dishes and salads while entrées will include Carbonara with Pancetta, Chef’s Daily Ravioli, Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu, Muscovy Duck, Luciano’s Daily Risotto, Prime Filet or Rib-Eye Steaks and daily selections of fresh Fish, Shrimp and Lobster.

In conjunction with the opening of CAVE, Pala also will unveil Luis Rey’s, a new indoor-outdoor entertainment venue with a patio lounge and bar. Luis Rey’s will bring the scenic, mountain views that are unique to Pala into a comfortable, casual patio bar with live entertainment. Its menu will offer a blend of appetizers from around the U.S. and Mexico to include Pala’s famous Street Tacos, Carne Asada Nachos, Taquitos, Empanadas, Grilled Halibut Tacos, Ahi Tuna Carnitas, Ahi Tuna Poke, Oyster Shooters, Dungeness Crab Cakes, Coconut Shrimp, a selection of Sliders, Wings and Specialty Burgers, Fish and Chips, Beer or Chicken Satay, Egg Rolls, Lettuce Wraps, Fried Frog Legs and additional bar appetizers. Luis Rey’s will also feature a wide variety of local craft beers from San Diego and Mexico, craft cocktails and Tequila. Luis Rey’s guests also will enjoy live bands performing on stage during weekend evenings and holidays.