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Santa Ysabel Tribal Casino Behind in County Payments

The new Santa Ysabel casino has fallen more than $400,000 behind in payments to San Diego County for everything from law enforcement services to gambling addiction programs.

The new Santa Ysabel casino has fallen more than $400,000 behind in payments to San Diego County for everything from law enforcement services to gambling addiction programs.

The San Ysabel Band of Diegueno Indians say a bad economy, wildfires and rains that closed the road to the 349-slot casino are to blame.

Santa Ysabel tribal Chairman Johnny Hernandez says the tribe has just enough money to keep the casino open.

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But county officials want to meet with tribal leaders about the overdue payments. If meetings between the county and tribal leaders don't lead anywhere, the county could take the tribe to arbitration.

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