Progress Reported In Video-Lottery Terminal Talks

SACRAMENTO, California – As reported by the Press-Enterprise: "Both sides reported progress Monday following a second meeting between representatives of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and Gov. Schwarzenegger's top legal adviser to discuss the tribe's video-lottery terminals.

"The governor's office demanded last month that the Morongo band and another Inland tribe, the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians near Temecula, remove the devices or face possible legal action to void the tribes' 1999 gaming compacts with the state.

"The Schwarzenegger administration contends that the terminals are the same as slot machines and fall under the limit of 2,000 slot machines per tribe. Both tribes have 2,000 slot machines.

"But the tribes contend that the devices are different from slot machines and should not be counted against the cap.

"The two sides traded proposals during Monday's two-hour session. Neither side would disclose details of the talks. A third meeting is scheduled for Monday.

"A 60-day window to resolve the dispute expires in early January…"