The tribe will build and operate a luxury villa gaming and resort complex on a spectacular hilltop location overlooking Lake Wohlford. The land sits on existing tribal property near Escondido in Valley Center, Calif. The estimated cost of the development is more than $180 million.

Allen Lawson, chairman of the San Pasqual Tribal Council, stated: �This partnership with a proven leader in tribal gaming allows our tribe to build a premier resort and casino that will provide economic and social growth within our community. This full scale resort will be unlike any other proposed in California by scope and content.� Earl Barbary, chairman of both the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana and First Nation Gaming was equally enthusiastic:

�We are proud to be a part of The San Pasqual Tribe�s long-range vision for growth and sovereign development.� This complex will represent an infusion of millions of dollars into the local area economy by creating more than 1,600 new jobs. With an expenditure of over $100 million a year in wages, taxes, goods and services, this project represents a commitment to the surrounding communities, local neighborhood and the tribal people.  Rudy Contreras, council member of the San Pasqual Tribe, explained: �We as a tribe considered several potential quality sites on the 1,300 acre reservation for the casino. We unanimously decided on the hilltop site concluding that this countryside area was up to the challenge and environmentally sound for the scope and architectural design of our magnificent resort project.�

Development on the initial facility will begin with an employment and training center opening in Escondido within the month. Planned construction using local suppliers, labor and contractors will break ground within the next 45 days.  Project planners have already undertaken extensive soil and ground water tests on the proposed site. A tentative completion date of late 2000 is expected.

Las Vegas architect Bill Morris stated: �This truly will be the signature gaming resort property in the state of California. It is one of the most spectacular properties we have ever designed.� The San Pasqual reservation in Valley Center, with more than 300 members of the Kumeyaay Indian Tribe, was established in 1910. In recent years tribal members have constructed a community center and fire station, which has been recognized nationally by federal agencies as some of the most outstanding use of federal grant money in the Western United States. The tribe has two other grant-funded projects in progress�a new educational center and a new upgraded water delivery system. The tribe is also working with the Wild Animal Park and the City of Poway to establish permanent Kumeyaay Indian Cultural Centers and displays.