Although the Big Lagoon Rancheria's official address is in Trinidad, Humboldt County, CA; and the Los Coyotes Band of Indian's official address is in Warner Springs, San Diego County, CA; GAI's amended filing report provides an address for both in Detroit, Michigan 48201. Both tribes have indicated they are represented by attorneys with California addresses.
However, the out-of-state casino syndicators (Barwest LLC) who devised the scheme to locate two off-reservation Indian casinos side-by-side in Barstow, CA have their headquarters -- and those of a number of other entities that form their entertainment, gambling, dining and sports conglomerate -- at an address in Detroit, Michigan 48201. Barwest LLC has agreements with the tribes to develop and manage each of the two casinos and in the early years of operation could receive as much as 30 percent of the profits from the combined casinos and resorts.
Barwest LLC and its principals have made significant political contributions in California the last four years; however, neither the organization nor its two principals (Michael J. Malik, Sr. or Mrs. Marian Ilitch) have registered as lobbyists or lobbyist employers. It is represented that Barwest LLC or those behind Barwest LLC are paying all or nearly all of the lobbying expenses for both tribes which appear to be fronting for the backers interests as well.
You may want to review these additional posts:
- Where there's smoke, there's fire: Attorney attempts to clean up FPPC mess created when he failed to report $63,805 arrangement with lobbyist
- It appears the Big Lagoon Rancheria failed to file lobbying disclosures for 2nd Quarter 2007
- Lobbyist failed to report $66,677 from Big Lagoon Rancheria
- By Bankrolling lobbying expenses behind the scenes, Casino Syndicators were free to flow political cash
- Detroit-based Barwest LLC has paid more than $613,439 for casino lobbying support in Sacramento the last 18 months
- More Lobbying Irregularities related to Barstow Casino raising question about who's paying the bills and why they are hiding
- Ilitch Casino Lobbyist Keith Olberg is also president of a GOP attack committee funded by "swift-boat" founders
- Lobbyist indicates Senator Wiggins would sponsor Ilitch Family's Barstow casinos legislation
- SF Chronicle editors warned Willie Brown commands a high price and leaves little paper trail
- What was Willie Brown's role with Barwest's original Barstow casino proposal?
- Wife of Lobbyist returns to position in Governor's Office
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