News
September 15, 2023
United States Attorney General and Dept. of Justice sets its sights on residents in the Disputed Area subdivisions. West Bank gears up for another Court Battle.
September 26, 2019
Following the West Bank letter of September 1, 2019 to the Secretary, the Department of Interior responded by suggesting a teleconference to discuss the matter. The teleconference was held on September 24, 2019, with the Secretary’s Counsel, John Tausuda, another DoI attorney, and West Bank representatives. The DoI lawyers refused to address the federal statute that denies federal authority to approve leases in the disputed area, the federal court’s confirmation of the unresolved boundary dispute, and California’s assertions that the disputed area is not part of the Colorado River Indian reservation, as well as its concerns regarding tribal jurisdiction over disputed area residents. West Bank requested that the DoI recognize federal law within PL88-302 and recognize the recent federal courts’ rulings, and also pledged to continue efforts to take the matter directly to the Secretary via any and all avenues available. A summary of the discussion was memorialized in West Bank’s letter to the Secretary’s Counsel who was previously Principal Deputy Attorney Secretary for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. https://departmentofinfluence.org/person/john-tahsuda/
Click here for West Bank letter to John Tahsuda
September 1, 2019
The West Bank Homeowners Association goes after the Secretary of the Interior directly with a letter requesting immediate compliance with Public Law 88-302 by denying approval of tribal leases within the disputed area. With the federal courts once again confirming the boundary dispute in French v. Starr, there can be no doubt that federal law prohibits not only approval of new leases, but that existing disputed area tribal leases are void.
Click here for West Bank Letter to Secretary Bernhardt
June 24, 2019
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco responds to West Bank Homeowners Association’s request to review the Sheriff’s Department policy on treating CRIT self help evictions within the disputed area as “civil” matters instead of in violation of Public Law 280. The Sheriff responded that there would be no change in policy at this time.
Click here for Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Letter
April 24, 2019
The West Bank Homeowners Association meets with newly elected Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco to brief the Sheriff on the difficulties within the Disputed Area with CRIT self-help evictions and the County’s treatment of those actions as “civil” matters instead of criminal in violation Public Law 280. The Sheriff was presented with documents from recent federal court decisions in French v. Starr that confirmed the Disputed Area as disputed and not tribal “trust land”, which is Riverside County’s basis for supporting its current policy.
Click here for Meeting Notes with the Riverside County Sheriff
October 31, 2017
West Bank supports President Trump and Newt Gingrich in efforts to break-up the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, aka the Ninth Circus (an unfortunate insult to circuses worldwide). See letter to Senator Dianne Feinstein, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Click Here for 9th Circuit Letter to Senator Feinstein
October 17, 2017
West Bank requests assistance from Senator Feinstein to pressure the BIA to recognize their lack of authority in accordance with Public Law 88-302, and refrain from attempts to confiscate disputed area residents homes in violation of both due process rights and the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Click Here for BIA Letter to Senator Feinstein
October 13, 2017
West Bank requests assistance from Senator Kamala Harris to pressure the BIA to recognize their lack of authority in accordance with Public Law 88-302, and refrain from attempts to confiscate disputed area residents’ homes in violation of both due process rights and the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Click Here for BIA Letter to Senator Harris
October 11, 2017
The United States Supreme Court has denied Certiorari in French v. Starr. Regretfully, our case against CRIT’s assertions of tribal jurisdiction over non-Indian residents within the disputed area will not be heard by the Supreme Court. But as we knew, the odds were long that the case would be heard. Since the courts have refused to address the matter, the residents are now challenged with convincing our elected representatives to reinstate our constitutional rights and insist on the enforcement of Public Law 88-302 that denies CRIT tribal authority.
August 7, 2017
The United States Supreme Court has received the petition for a writ of certiorari in French v. Starr and placed it on the docket August 7, 2017, as No. 17-197. The petition seeks to reverse the lower courts’ decision that CRIT had jurisdiction to evict Roger French from Lot 28 in the Rymer subdivision. Notification of the docket entry was sent to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit the same day.
The petition cites several conflicts between the lower courts’ decision and Supreme Court rulings per Supreme Court Rule 10(c), including the Ninth Circuit’s reasoning in the Water Wheel case. It is clear that the Ninth Circuit has attempted to establish its own criteria for tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians that is in opposition with the Supreme Court’s decisions. It is also clear that the lower courts’ justification of a finding of tribal jurisdiction is inconsistent with the law.
We are hopeful that SCOTUS will hear the case to prevent further harm to West Bank residents, reestablish our constitutional rights under the Fifth and Fourteenth amendments, and bring an end to the legal abomination that exists on the west bank of the Colorado River.
Supreme Court’s Docketing Notice
Click here for the Petition for a Writ of Certiorari
April 25, 2017
The United States Supreme Court knocks down tribal sovereign immunity for tribal employees in Lewis v. Clarke. In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled a State Supreme Court in finding that tribal sovereign immunity did NOT apply to a tribal employee for his personal actions. The decision in this case stands for the proposition that tribal immunity is no greater than state immunity. Under the landmark ruling in Montana v. United States, the boundary of core tribal jurisdiction does not extend “beyond what is necessary to protect tribal self-government”. Judge Thomas concurred on the grounds that the conduct was off-reservation and of a commercial nature, and this defeated any immunity claims. Justice Ginsberg concurred on the grounds that the conduct was off-reservation and involved a non-tribal member.
All West Bank residents should pray that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is listening……
December 23, 2016
Our demonstration on the steps of the Riverside County Courthouse on June 16, 2011, appears to have assisted in the resolution of an Indian land dispute. Lloyd Fields who owned land in Banning, CA, and spoke at the demonstration in Riverside, has been able to resolve his dispute with the Morongo Indian tribe by an act of Congress. Recently, President Obama signed legislation that included a land swap between Fields and the Morongo Indian tribe resolving the illegal blocking access of his land by the Morongo. This article from The Press Enterprise includes a photo that shows West Bank members and signs that describe difficulties with CRIT and the politicians who refuse to address the dispute and illegal activities by the Tribes.
Click Here for PE News Article
October 5, 2016
The Obama Administration gives CRIT $45 Million for “mismanaging tribal land”. In 2006, CRIT filed another lawsuit against the United States claiming that 1) the U.S. failed to enforce permits and leases on CRIT land, 2) the U.S. failed to prevent trespassers on CRIT land, 3) the U.S. improperly managed CRIT land, 4) the U.S. failed to obtain fair rental value of CRIT’s land. According to Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewel “Settling these long-standing disputes reflects the Obama Administration’s continued commitment to reconciliation and empowerment for Indian Country”. West Bank President Roger French sent the Joint Stipulation of Settlement with a Request for Judicial Notice to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to provide further proof of the U.S. motives for filing Amicus briefs against him and west bank residents in the current case, French, v. Starr.
Click Here for NPR News Article
Click Here for the Joint Stipulation of Settlement filed with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
September 20, 2016
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has now “sat” on the appeal in French v. Starr for over a year. According to the Court’s website, decisions are rendered between 4 and 12 months. Since the Court has obviously not acted in accordance with statements on its website, it would appear that the Court has a problem in considering the case. Although we have no real “news” on the decision of CRIT jurisdiction in the disputed area, we thought it helpful to post briefs filed in opposition to the Dept of Justice’s amicus briefs against Plaintiff French and the West Bank residents. This includes both French’s brief, and the amicus filed by the State of California. These briefs provide a very detailed history of the dispute and the improper actions by the federal government against the residents.
Click Here for French’s Reply Brief
Click Here for Amicus Curiae filed by the State of California
October 29, 2015
The State of California Tells the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that the 1969 Secretarial Order did not resolve the CRIT reservation boundary dispute. Consistent with her brief filed in the U.S. District Court, California Attorney General Kamala Harris filed yet another brief supporting appellant Roger French and his challenge to CRIT’s efforts to establish jurisdiction in the disputed area. California also reminded the Court that any determination of the reservation boundary requires California’s interests be considered.
Click Here for the Attorney General’s Letter to the Ninth Circuit
April 15, 2015
Sheriff claims that the Federal Court’s ruling does not change Riverside County’s policy in the disputed area. West Bank responds with another letter to Governor Brown protesting the unlawful harassment of West Bank residents.
February 13, 2015
Federal District Court declares: “The Location of the Reservation Boundary Remains Unresolved.” Federal Judge John J. Tuchi rules that the CRIT western boundary is still in dispute and therefore the Secretarial Order did not establish the disputed area within the reservation. However, the judge denied the California Attorney General’s Amicus Brief in support of French and other west bank residents.
January 16, 2015
Fight over CRIT Boundary Continues: Reprinting Zachary Matson’s article originally printed in the Havasu News, the Palo Verde Times included a photo of Roger French in the charred remains of his home that burned down while awaiting a decision by the federal courts. After attempting to intimidate residents by leaving the debris as a warning sign, the Tribes started cleaning up the wreckage the day after this article was published. Apparently, this “warning sign” became a political liability for CRIT. Especially despicable considering CRIT refused to allow an arson investigation back in August, 2014.
Click Here for Palo Verde Times article
January 15, 2015
This Los Angeles Times front page article attempts to characterize the situation on the west bank as a dispute between CRIT and the residents, rather than the reality of the dispute between the Department of the Interior and the State of California with the residents caught in the middle. Unfortunately, the LA Times has turned the issues of denial of constitutional/ property rights, tribal sovereign immunity, tribal jurisdiction, imposition of tribal law on non-Indians, and subjugation of residents to a hostile foreign sovereign into CRIT’s sound bite phrase “refusal to pay rent”. However, to be fair to writer Louis Sahagun, even though the characterization of the story heavily favors the Tribes (references to Reservation land rather than disputed area), most facts presented in the article are fairly correct, and the story is very interesting for a general readership.
Click Here for LA Times article
January 9, 2015
California, feds, disagree on CRIT western boundary. This story written by Zachary Matson of the TODAY’S NEWS-HERALD Havasu News is the most accurate representation of the disputed area in the media to date. Finally an article that explains the situation in a balanced fashion, rather that the “poor mistreated Indians” again having land stripped from them by greedy non-Indians who are nothing more than “deadbeat squatters” or “illegal aliens”.
Click Here for the TODAY’S NEWS-HERALD Havasu News article
January 6, 2015
CRIT Tribal Members press Tribal Council to implement forced evictions of all non-Indians in the disputed area, block all roads into Highway 95, and shutdown the River to all but Indians.
Click Here for Havasu News Article
November 12, 2014
The State of California tells the Federal Court “The Disputed Area is not part of the Reservation”. In an unprecedented action, Governor Brown has directed an Amicus Brief filed by the State’s Attorney General in French v. Starr responding to a West Bank HoA request for assistance.
Click Here for WBHA Request to Governor Brown
December 3, 2013
The Bureau of Indian Affairs confirms NO trust status for CRIT in the Disputed Area. Responding to a Freedom of Information Act request by Roger French, West Bank HoA president, the BIA confirms no records of trust status or deeds supporting CRIT’s statements that the land is held in trust for the reservation. This confirms that all claims by CRIT of trust status for the Disputed Area are indeed false as we have explained, and that the Riverside County Sheriff has been both sanctioning and encouraging illegal activity in the Disputed Area by ignoring Public Law 280 as further described in the [News] article of February 20, 2013.
August 6, 2013
CRIT intends to build an Indian Police Station at the Blythe Boat Club. Riverside County Sheriff will support CRIT police patrolling within the disputed area and will allow CRIT police to issue traffic citations on Highway 95. West Bank encourages all residents to protest the stripping of our federal and state constitutional rights.
May 16, 2013
Request to Congressman Ruiz to Mediate a meeting between West Bank HoA, Riverside County, and CRIT to restore the rule of law in the disputed area, and to stop the illegal “self-help” evictions by CRIT tribal police in violation of California law, CRIT law, constitutional rights to due process, and in opposition to CRIT’s assurances to the federal courts that it would not engage in such actions. West Bank officials met with newly elected Congressman Ruiz’s staff to present the proposal.
Click Here for Proposal to Congressman Ruiz
April 25, 2013
The Disputed Area is “No-Man’s Land”. Press article on Rio Loco owner Bill Tuttle who is CRIT’s next target. First time in history a published article is not replete with typical Indian bias. Very interesting story that includes our conflict with the Riverside County Sheriff.
April 13, 2013
CRIT Attorney Claims West Bank provides “misleading information”. West Bank responds to recent letter distributed to residents and challenges assertions to CRIT’s statements.
Click Here for the Press Release
March 17, 2013
California Democrats Push for Legislation to Green Light Tribal Court Money Judgments and Kick Constitutional Rights to the Curb. Pressed by Indian tribes to bypass current law restricting recognition of tribal court judgments, the California Senate is poised to exempt Indian tribes from existing law and force California courts to honor tribal judgments and deny U.S. citizens due process of law. Stand Up for California reprints article from The Press Democrat:
Click Here for the Press Release
March 7, 2013
CRIT Tribal Appellate Court Strikes Down CRIT’s Claim for 15 years of Back Rent in CRIT v French and Sets a Statute of Limitations of 3 Years.
Click Here for the Press Release
February 20, 2013
Riverside County Sheriff Refuses to Uphold Federal and State Law in the Disputed Area: CRIT again confiscates property in the disputed area, this time in Lingle Akins. The Sheriff refuses to enforce California law and defers entirely to a CRIT employee.
Click Here for the Press Release
Click Here for Illegality of “Self Help” Evictions
(Prepared for the Blythe Boat Club lawsuit)
November 14, 2012
CRIT attempts to bypass all federal, state, and tribal law to remove a west bank resident from her home. Riverside County Sheriff refuses to enforce PL280 and California Penal Code 418 to prevent CRIT’s proposed action.
Click Here for the Press Release
Click Here for Law on Trespass
(Excerpt from WBHA v Riverside County Sheriff)
Click Here for the Sheriff’s Legal Guidelines
August 28, 2012
CRIT v French: CRIT Tribal Appellate Court hearing on August 24, 2012. The Tribal court system proves once again that it is nothing more than a charade, unconcerned and unapologetic for its lack of impartiality, blatant disregard for the law, and open hostility to anyone who would dare challenge tribal authority.
Click Here for the Press Release
June 18, 2012
Salazar v. Patchak: At Long Last – WE WIN ONE! On June 18, 2012, the Supreme Court announced its decision in Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians v. Patchak (consolidated with Salazar v. Patchak). This case considered whether an individual may file suit to challenge the federal government’s placement of land into trust for use by Indian tribes.
In an opinion delivered by Justice Kagan, the Court held by a vote of 8-1 that the United States had indeed waived sovereign immunity and that the plaintiff did have the right to challenge the government taking land into trust for use by Indian tribes. The Chief Justice and Justices Scalia, Kennedy, Thomas, Ginsburg, Breyer, and Alito joined Justice Kagan’s opinion. Justice Sotomayor filed a dissenting opinion.
This blow to Indian Country will be felt far and wide. To CRIT, it means that they will have to step up their efforts to get all west bank residents to sign on to tribal jurisdiction or increase efforts to force residents to leave their properties. If CRIT is unsuccessful in intimidating residents to sign or leave, they will find themselves in a very risky position with any financial forays into a new casino on the west bank.
The good news is that the U.S. Supreme Court is showing signs that it will not tolerate the Secretary of Interior taking land into trust for Indians to build casinos against the will of the neighboring communities
Click Here for the U.S. Supreme Court Ruling
March 27, 2012
Salazar v. Patchak: West Bank joins 27 other California organizations in filing an Amici Curiae with the U.S. Supreme Court in Salazar v Patchak, a case seeking to reverse land taken into trust for an Indian tribe by the Secretary of the Interior. The Tribe wants to build a casino on the newly acquired land. Patchak seeks to oppose construction of the casino due to degradation of his quality of life. Our brief seeks to stop the fee to trust process without consideration of the effects to neighboring communities.
Click Here for the Press Release
Click Here for the Amici Brief
December 29, 2011
West Bank responds to Congresswoman Bono Mack seeking clarification that she really intends to refuse to answer the boundary question and reminds her that her inaction will
a) Force her constituents to surrender their homes
b) Force her constituents to yield their constitutional rights
c) Force her constituents to yield to a prejudicial tribal court system
d) Force her constituents to continue to be burdened with legal expenses
December 17, 2011
Iowa Judge rules against Tribes and tribal sovereignty: “To require a litigant to pursue this claim in a forum operated and funded by the adverse party, with all decision makers employed by the Defendant, is ludicrous and would give the Plaintiff no reasonable basis for concluding that his claim received a fair hearing.” It is encouraging that at least in some small corner of this country, a judge is willing to challenge political correctness and rule with simple logic to provide real justice. The judge also provides a scathing rebuttal to the tribes claim of sovereignty.
November 17, 2011
Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack sidesteps the Aranson Hypocrisy, the Boundary Question, and attempts to evade her responsibilities by claiming that her constituents must refer to the Dept of Justice to interpret Congressional intent.
November 2, 2011
CRIT Denial of Constitutional Rights: CRIT claims in the press and to our elected officials that it provides constitutional rights within their tribal court system. However excepts from the current eviction case shows otherwise.
November 1, 2011
West Bank follows up with Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack requesting her answer to the question of the Aranson hypocrisy.
September 21, 2011
West Bank responds to Senator Dianne Feinstein’s suggestion that the boundary dispute is “best left to the courts” (see correspondence below dated July 13)
August 19, 2011
Press Release: You Tube video on the Indian Land Grabs in California with excepts from the demonstration at the Riverside County Courthouse on June 16, 2011.
August 10, 2011
From Capitol Weekly: California’s West Bank: Tribes vs. residents on the Colorado River
July 13, 2011
Senator Dianne Feinstein responds to West Bank request for assistance.
June 16, 2011
Below is a link to the article published in the Riverside Press Enterprise.
The statements attributed to Roger French were actually made by a speaker from another participating group with similar circumstances. Therefore, some corrections are in order.
Our members understand that it is only the 17 mile strip of land that is disputed by California, not the entire California portion of the reservation. Also, unlike other groups, CRIT is unwilling to negotiate terms with West Bank permittees. Lastly, we have not argued “grossly increased prices” of the proposed lease, because the value of any CRIT lease is entirely based upon term and conditions of the lease.
Fortunately, the signs tell the story better than the reporter.
June 16, 2011
PRESS RELEASE – Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) taking land away from non-Indian residents in order to expand their casino operations
June 13, 2011
Modern Day Western Land Grab – Indian Tribes Blockading Private Property. Press Conference June 16, 2011 at Riverside County Courthouse
June 10, 2011
PRESS RELEASE – Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issues ruling in Water Wheel case
May 25, 2011
The Bureau of Reclamation confirms that the Disputed Area is under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Reclamation and not CRIT. See [Interior]
Click Here to go to [Interior]
May 19, 2011
West Bank appeals to United States Senator Dianne Feinstein to assist with a legislative solution to the CRIT reservation western boundary dispute.
Click Here for Letter to Senator Feinstein
May 12, 2011
West Bank responds to the Department of the Interior’s answer to the CRIT Western Boundary legal determination requested by Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack
Click Here for West Bank Letter to Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack
April 14, 2011
West Bank HoA supports Senator Dianne Feinstein in her efforts to curb “reservation shopping” and the proliferation of Indian casinos in urban areas outside of established reservations.
Click Here for West Bank Letter to Senator Feinstein
March 26, 2011
CRIT posts their response to the Governor’s letter, attempting to argue that only the land south of Riverside Mountain is disputed.
March 21, 2011
West Bank receives a 2008 letter from the California Governor’s office to CRIT Attorney Eric Shepard regarding CRIT’s attempts to secure approval for a casino in California.
March 15, 2011
West Bank Homeowners Association presses Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack to initiate legislation to provide clarification to the Colorado River Indian Reservation western boundary.
Click Here for West Bank Letter to Congresswoman Bono Mack
November 5, 2010
CRIT rejects our proposed legislative solution sent to Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack. West Bank requests the BIA to determine the reason.
Click here for West Bank letter to the BIA
October 28, 2010
West Bank Homeowners Association offers a counterproposal to the CRIT lease. The revised lease removes the waivers of constitutional rights in a format similar to lease documents used by other Indian tribes. The counterproposal is made available to all residents in the disputed area.
Click Here to Receive Counterproposal via Email
October 25, 2010
CRIT ignores the request for reconsideration and files a lawsuit in tribal court against WBHA President Roger French. CRIT engages their San Francisco team of lawyers to again defend their boundary claims. Meanwhile, West Bank gears up for a protracted legal battle.
October 12, 2010
CRIT initiates full scale legal action against the West Bank Homeowners Association by serving a Notice to Quit Possession to WBHA President Roger French. Response calls for the tribal council chairman to reconsider action in light of the proposed Congressional legislation offered to the Tribes, a request for civility, a recognition of the longevity of resident’s occupancy, and consideration of humanitarian conditions.
Click Here for Notice to Quit Reconsideration Proposal
October 8, 2010
West Bank HOA lawsuit against Riverside County hearing has been postponed and relocated to federal court
Click Here for Special Bulletin
September 15, 2010
West Bank Homeowners Association presents a formal solution to the boundary dispute to be incorporated into proposed legislation, and requests a meeting with Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack.
Click Here for West Bank Proposal
Click Here for Correspondence Sent to Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack
September 13, 2010
CRIT Evicts Water Wheel Owner: West Bank Files Lawsuit As expected, CRIT successfully evicted Water Wheel owner Bob Johnson. Bob removed all of his property on September 13, 2010, shortly after a large convoy of CRIT vehicles and personnel arrived at the resort with a Writ of Execution. The Riverside County Sheriff was at the scene, but stayed about 40 yards away from CRIT personnel involved in the removal action. The eviction followed 3 years of legal proceedings through tribal court and federal courts. The Water Wheel case is still on appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
August 31, 2010
West Bank Homeowners Association endorses Blythe Boat Club’s letter to CRIT
Click Here for Letter sent by the Blythe Boat Club
Click Here for Correspondence Sent from WBHA to Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack
August 10, 2010
Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack again goes to bat for West Bank residents with letters to both the Dept of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, and the U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. Included with these letters is the August 1, 2010 letter from West Bank refuting claims made by the DoJ in a prior letter dated 2008 regarding the CRIT reservation western boundary.
Click Here for Letters sent by Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack
Click Here for Letter to Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack from West Bank HOA
August 1, 2010
West Bank sends a rebuttal to the Dept of Justice’s response to Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack regarding the legality of the ’69 Secretarial Order.
Click Here for Department of Justice Correspondence
July 28, 2010
West Bank Homeowners president Roger French posts comments on the Press Enterprise website.
July 27, 2010
Colorado River residents implore the Riverside County Board of Supervisors to request that the Sheriff protect private property. The Supervisors rebuke the residents claiming that they have no jurisdiction and fear a lawsuit if they take action.
Click Here for Press Enterprise Story
July 20, 2010
Correspondence from Ron Jones’ attorney to the sheriff. As CRIT refuses to respond to Ron Jones’ attorney, the sheriff is put on notice that their refusal to prevent confiscation of personal property by the tribes is effectively “assisting in CRIT’s unauthorized actions which are contrary to California criminal law”.
July 14, 2010
CRIT proposes to use a tribal ordinance to confiscate mobile home. A mobile home owned by Ron Jones, is being claimed abandoned by CRIT 3 days after meeting with Mr. Jones, who informed them that the mobile home was not abandoned. This action clearly demonstrates CRIT’s continued extortion attempts on Mr. Jones. See response by attorney Tom Slovak
July 13, 2010
West Bank requests assistance from Riverside County Supervisor to pressure the Sheriff to protect residents in the disputed area.
June 30, 2010
CRIT offers new lease agreements for permittees. Paragraph 25 includes consent to tribal jurisdiction, tribal court, and compliance with all tribal ordinances existing and in the future. This is the same language the tribes used to trick the residents at Paradise Point in 2001 to prevent legal actions against their evictions notices issued 30 days after residents signed the new agreements.
Click Here for Residential Lease
June 18, 2010
West Bank attempts to “bridge the wide divide” with CRIT. This letter explains West Bank participation in AZ v. CA, clarification of our stated purpose, and mindset of members
Click Here for Letter to CRIT Chairman
CRIT’s Attorney General’s response to correspondence sent on June 13, 2010. This letter reiterates the tribes refusal to meet with West Bank.
Click Here for Correspondence from CRIT Attorney General
June 13, 2010
West Bank responds to the Notice of Trespass posted below.
Click Here for Letter to CRIT Attorney General
June 10, 2010
Several West Bank members received posted notices on their homes May 27, 2010. This may be CRIT’s first eviction attempts of permittees using their tribal court system in lieu of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. CRIT previously used their tribal court system with the Water Wheel commercial lease expiration.
Click Here for Notice of Trespass
June 2, 2010
CRIT responds to West Bank requests to BIA for start of discussions. West Bank started a series of discussions with the Dept of Justice and the BIA requesting their assistance with CRIT months before trespass notices were posted.
Click Here for CRIT’s Response
October 15, 2009
Important information regarding the Water Wheel Ruling which was sent in a newsletter to the General Membership.
Click Here for Water Wheel Ruling
September 26, 2019
Following the West Bank letter of September 1, 2019 to the Secretary, the Department of Interior responded by suggesting a teleconference to discuss the matter. The teleconference was held on September 24, 2019, with the Secretary’s Counsel, John Tausuda, another DoI attorney, and West Bank representatives. The DoI lawyers refused to address the federal statute that denies federal authority to approve leases in the disputed area, the federal court’s confirmation of the unresolved boundary dispute, and California’s assertions that the disputed area is not part of the Colorado River Indian reservation, as well as its concerns regarding tribal jurisdiction over disputed area residents. West Bank requested that the DoI recognize federal law within PL88-302 and recognize the recent federal courts’ rulings, and also pledged to continue efforts to take the matter directly to the Secretary via any and all avenues available. A summary of the discussion was memorialized in West Bank’s letter to the Secretary’s Counsel who was previously Principal Deputy Attorney Secretary for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. https://departmentofinfluence.org/person/john-tahsuda/
Click here for West Bank letter to John Tahsuda
September 1, 2019
The West Bank Homeowners Association goes after the Secretary of the Interior directly with a letter requesting immediate compliance with Public Law 88-302 by denying approval of tribal leases within the disputed area. With the federal courts once again confirming the boundary dispute in French v. Starr, there can be no doubt that federal law prohibits not only approval of new leases, but that existing disputed area tribal leases are void.
Click here for West Bank Letter to Secretary Bernhardt
June 24, 2019
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco responds to West Bank Homeowners Association’s request to review the Sheriff’s Department policy on treating CRIT self help evictions within the disputed area as “civil” matters instead of in violation of Public Law 280. The Sheriff responded that there would be no change in policy at this time.
Click here for Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Letter
April 24, 2019
The West Bank Homeowners Association meets with newly elected Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco to brief the Sheriff on the difficulties within the Disputed Area with CRIT self-help evictions and the County’s treatment of those actions as “civil” matters instead of criminal in violation Public Law 280. The Sheriff was presented with documents from recent federal court decisions in French v. Starr that confirmed the Disputed Area as disputed and not tribal “trust land”, which is Riverside County’s basis for supporting its current policy.
Click here for Meeting Notes with the Riverside County Sheriff
October 31, 2017
West Bank supports President Trump and Newt Gingrich in efforts to break-up the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, aka the Ninth Circus (an unfortunate insult to circuses worldwide). See letter to Senator Dianne Feinstein, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Click Here for 9th Circuit Letter to Senator Feinstein
October 17, 2017
West Bank requests assistance from Senator Feinstein to pressure the BIA to recognize their lack of authority in accordance with Public Law 88-302, and refrain from attempts to confiscate disputed area residents homes in violation of both due process rights and the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Click Here for BIA Letter to Senator Feinstein
October 13, 2017
West Bank requests assistance from Senator Kamala Harris to pressure the BIA to recognize their lack of authority in accordance with Public Law 88-302, and refrain from attempts to confiscate disputed area residents’ homes in violation of both due process rights and the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Click Here for BIA Letter to Senator Harris
October 11, 2017
The United States Supreme Court has denied Certiorari in French v. Starr. Regretfully, our case against CRIT’s assertions of tribal jurisdiction over non-Indian residents within the disputed area will not be heard by the Supreme Court. But as we knew, the odds were long that the case would be heard. Since the courts have refused to address the matter, the residents are now challenged with convincing our elected representatives to reinstate our constitutional rights and insist on the enforcement of Public Law 88-302 that denies CRIT tribal authority.
August 7, 2017
The United States Supreme Court has received the petition for a writ of certiorari in French v. Starr and placed it on the docket August 7, 2017, as No. 17-197. The petition seeks to reverse the lower courts’ decision that CRIT had jurisdiction to evict Roger French from Lot 28 in the Rymer subdivision. Notification of the docket entry was sent to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit the same day.
The petition cites several conflicts between the lower courts’ decision and Supreme Court rulings per Supreme Court Rule 10(c), including the Ninth Circuit’s reasoning in the Water Wheel case. It is clear that the Ninth Circuit has attempted to establish its own criteria for tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians that is in opposition with the Supreme Court’s decisions. It is also clear that the lower courts’ justification of a finding of tribal jurisdiction is inconsistent with the law.
We are hopeful that SCOTUS will hear the case to prevent further harm to West Bank residents, reestablish our constitutional rights under the Fifth and Fourteenth amendments, and bring an end to the legal abomination that exists on the west bank of the Colorado River.
Supreme Court’s Docketing Notice
Click here for the Petition for a Writ of Certiorari
April 25, 2017
The United States Supreme Court knocks down tribal sovereign immunity for tribal employees in Lewis v. Clarke. In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled a State Supreme Court in finding that tribal sovereign immunity did NOT apply to a tribal employee for his personal actions. The decision in this case stands for the proposition that tribal immunity is no greater than state immunity. Under the landmark ruling in Montana v. United States, the boundary of core tribal jurisdiction does not extend “beyond what is necessary to protect tribal self-government”. Judge Thomas concurred on the grounds that the conduct was off-reservation and of a commercial nature, and this defeated any immunity claims. Justice Ginsberg concurred on the grounds that the conduct was off-reservation and involved a non-tribal member.
All West Bank residents should pray that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is listening……
December 23, 2016
Our demonstration on the steps of the Riverside County Courthouse on June 16, 2011, appears to have assisted in the resolution of an Indian land dispute. Lloyd Fields who owned land in Banning, CA, and spoke at the demonstration in Riverside, has been able to resolve his dispute with the Morongo Indian tribe by an act of Congress. Recently, President Obama signed legislation that included a land swap between Fields and the Morongo Indian tribe resolving the illegal blocking access of his land by the Morongo. This article from The Press Enterprise includes a photo that shows West Bank members and signs that describe difficulties with CRIT and the politicians who refuse to address the dispute and illegal activities by the Tribes.
Click Here for PE News Article
October 5, 2016
The Obama Administration gives CRIT $45 Million for “mismanaging tribal land”. In 2006, CRIT filed another lawsuit against the United States claiming that 1) the U.S. failed to enforce permits and leases on CRIT land, 2) the U.S. failed to prevent trespassers on CRIT land, 3) the U.S. improperly managed CRIT land, 4) the U.S. failed to obtain fair rental value of CRIT’s land. According to Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewel “Settling these long-standing disputes reflects the Obama Administration’s continued commitment to reconciliation and empowerment for Indian Country”. West Bank President Roger French sent the Joint Stipulation of Settlement with a Request for Judicial Notice to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to provide further proof of the U.S. motives for filing Amicus briefs against him and west bank residents in the current case, French, v. Starr.
Click Here for NPR News Article
Click Here for the Joint Stipulation of Settlement filed with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
September 20, 2016
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has now “sat” on the appeal in French v. Starr for over a year. According to the Court’s website, decisions are rendered between 4 and 12 months. Since the Court has obviously not acted in accordance with statements on its website, it would appear that the Court has a problem in considering the case. Although we have no real “news” on the decision of CRIT jurisdiction in the disputed area, we thought it helpful to post briefs filed in opposition to the Dept of Justice’s amicus briefs against Plaintiff French and the West Bank residents. This includes both French’s brief, and the amicus filed by the State of California. These briefs provide a very detailed history of the dispute and the improper actions by the federal government against the residents.
Click Here for French’s Reply Brief
Click Here for Amicus Curiae filed by the State of California
October 29, 2015
The State of California Tells the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that the 1969 Secretarial Order did not resolve the CRIT reservation boundary dispute. Consistent with her brief filed in the U.S. District Court, California Attorney General Kamala Harris filed yet another brief supporting appellant Roger French and his challenge to CRIT’s efforts to establish jurisdiction in the disputed area. California also reminded the Court that any determination of the reservation boundary requires California’s interests be considered.
Click Here for the Attorney General’s Letter to the Ninth Circuit
April 15, 2015
Sheriff claims that the Federal Court’s ruling does not change Riverside County’s policy in the disputed area. West Bank responds with another letter to Governor Brown protesting the unlawful harassment of West Bank residents.
February 13, 2015
Federal District Court declares: “The Location of the Reservation Boundary Remains Unresolved.” Federal Judge John J. Tuchi rules that the CRIT western boundary is still in dispute and therefore the Secretarial Order did not establish the disputed area within the reservation. However, the judge denied the California Attorney General’s Amicus Brief in support of French and other west bank residents.
January 16, 2015
Fight over CRIT Boundary Continues: Reprinting Zachary Matson’s article originally printed in the Havasu News, the Palo Verde Times included a photo of Roger French in the charred remains of his home that burned down while awaiting a decision by the federal courts. After attempting to intimidate residents by leaving the debris as a warning sign, the Tribes started cleaning up the wreckage the day after this article was published. Apparently, this “warning sign” became a political liability for CRIT. Especially despicable considering CRIT refused to allow an arson investigation back in August, 2014.
Click Here for Palo Verde Times article
January 15, 2015
This Los Angeles Times front page article attempts to characterize the situation on the west bank as a dispute between CRIT and the residents, rather than the reality of the dispute between the Department of the Interior and the State of California with the residents caught in the middle. Unfortunately, the LA Times has turned the issues of denial of constitutional/ property rights, tribal sovereign immunity, tribal jurisdiction, imposition of tribal law on non-Indians, and subjugation of residents to a hostile foreign sovereign into CRIT’s sound bite phrase “refusal to pay rent”. However, to be fair to writer Louis Sahagun, even though the characterization of the story heavily favors the Tribes (references to Reservation land rather than disputed area), most facts presented in the article are fairly correct, and the story is very interesting for a general readership.
Click Here for LA Times article
January 9, 2015
California, feds, disagree on CRIT western boundary. This story written by Zachary Matson of the TODAY’S NEWS-HERALD Havasu News is the most accurate representation of the disputed area in the media to date. Finally an article that explains the situation in a balanced fashion, rather that the “poor mistreated Indians” again having land stripped from them by greedy non-Indians who are nothing more than “deadbeat squatters” or “illegal aliens”.
Click Here for the TODAY’S NEWS-HERALD Havasu News article
January 6, 2015
CRIT Tribal Members press Tribal Council to implement forced evictions of all non-Indians in the disputed area, block all roads into Highway 95, and shutdown the River to all but Indians.
Click Here for Havasu News Article
November 12, 2014
The State of California tells the Federal Court “The Disputed Area is not part of the Reservation”. In an unprecedented action, Governor Brown has directed an Amicus Brief filed by the State’s Attorney General in French v. Starr responding to a West Bank HoA request for assistance.
Click Here for WBHA Request to Governor Brown
December 3, 2013
The Bureau of Indian Affairs confirms NO trust status for CRIT in the Disputed Area. Responding to a Freedom of Information Act request by Roger French, West Bank HoA president, the BIA confirms no records of trust status or deeds supporting CRIT’s statements that the land is held in trust for the reservation. This confirms that all claims by CRIT of trust status for the Disputed Area are indeed false as we have explained, and that the Riverside County Sheriff has been both sanctioning and encouraging illegal activity in the Disputed Area by ignoring Public Law 280 as further described in the [News] article of February 20, 2013.
August 6, 2013
CRIT intends to build an Indian Police Station at the Blythe Boat Club. Riverside County Sheriff will support CRIT police patrolling within the disputed area and will allow CRIT police to issue traffic citations on Highway 95. West Bank encourages all residents to protest the stripping of our federal and state constitutional rights.
May 16, 2013
Request to Congressman Ruiz to Mediate a meeting between West Bank HoA, Riverside County, and CRIT to restore the rule of law in the disputed area, and to stop the illegal “self-help” evictions by CRIT tribal police in violation of California law, CRIT law, constitutional rights to due process, and in opposition to CRIT’s assurances to the federal courts that it would not engage in such actions. West Bank officials met with newly elected Congressman Ruiz’s staff to present the proposal.
Click Here for Proposal to Congressman Ruiz
April 25, 2013
The Disputed Area is “No-Man’s Land”. Press article on Rio Loco owner Bill Tuttle who is CRIT’s next target. First time in history a published article is not replete with typical Indian bias. Very interesting story that includes our conflict with the Riverside County Sheriff.
April 13, 2013
CRIT Attorney Claims West Bank provides “misleading information”. West Bank responds to recent letter distributed to residents and challenges assertions to CRIT’s statements.
Click Here for the Press Release
March 17, 2013
California Democrats Push for Legislation to Green Light Tribal Court Money Judgments and Kick Constitutional Rights to the Curb. Pressed by Indian tribes to bypass current law restricting recognition of tribal court judgments, the California Senate is poised to exempt Indian tribes from existing law and force California courts to honor tribal judgments and deny U.S. citizens due process of law. Stand Up for California reprints article from The Press Democrat:
Click Here for the Press Release
March 7, 2013
CRIT Tribal Appellate Court Strikes Down CRIT’s Claim for 15 years of Back Rent in CRIT v French and Sets a Statute of Limitations of 3 Years.
Click Here for the Press Release
February 20, 2013
Riverside County Sheriff Refuses to Uphold Federal and State Law in the Disputed Area: CRIT again confiscates property in the disputed area, this time in Lingle Akins. The Sheriff refuses to enforce California law and defers entirely to a CRIT employee.
Click Here for the Press Release
Click Here for Illegality of “Self Help” Evictions
(Prepared for the Blythe Boat Club lawsuit)
November 14, 2012
CRIT attempts to bypass all federal, state, and tribal law to remove a west bank resident from her home. Riverside County Sheriff refuses to enforce PL280 and California Penal Code 418 to prevent CRIT’s proposed action.
Click Here for the Press Release
Click Here for Law on Trespass
(Excerpt from WBHA v Riverside County Sheriff)
Click Here for the Sheriff’s Legal Guidelines
August 28, 2012
CRIT v French: CRIT Tribal Appellate Court hearing on August 24, 2012. The Tribal court system proves once again that it is nothing more than a charade, unconcerned and unapologetic for its lack of impartiality, blatant disregard for the law, and open hostility to anyone who would dare challenge tribal authority.
Click Here for the Press Release
June 18, 2012
Salazar v. Patchak: At Long Last – WE WIN ONE! On June 18, 2012, the Supreme Court announced its decision in Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians v. Patchak (consolidated with Salazar v. Patchak). This case considered whether an individual may file suit to challenge the federal government’s placement of land into trust for use by Indian tribes.
In an opinion delivered by Justice Kagan, the Court held by a vote of 8-1 that the United States had indeed waived sovereign immunity and that the plaintiff did have the right to challenge the government taking land into trust for use by Indian tribes. The Chief Justice and Justices Scalia, Kennedy, Thomas, Ginsburg, Breyer, and Alito joined Justice Kagan’s opinion. Justice Sotomayor filed a dissenting opinion.
This blow to Indian Country will be felt far and wide. To CRIT, it means that they will have to step up their efforts to get all west bank residents to sign on to tribal jurisdiction or increase efforts to force residents to leave their properties. If CRIT is unsuccessful in intimidating residents to sign or leave, they will find themselves in a very risky position with any financial forays into a new casino on the west bank.
The good news is that the U.S. Supreme Court is showing signs that it will not tolerate the Secretary of Interior taking land into trust for Indians to build casinos against the will of the neighboring communities
Click Here for the U.S. Supreme Court Ruling
March 27, 2012
Salazar v. Patchak: West Bank joins 27 other California organizations in filing an Amici Curiae with the U.S. Supreme Court in Salazar v Patchak, a case seeking to reverse land taken into trust for an Indian tribe by the Secretary of the Interior. The Tribe wants to build a casino on the newly acquired land. Patchak seeks to oppose construction of the casino due to degradation of his quality of life. Our brief seeks to stop the fee to trust process without consideration of the effects to neighboring communities.
Click Here for the Press Release
Click Here for the Amici Brief
December 29, 2011
West Bank responds to Congresswoman Bono Mack seeking clarification that she really intends to refuse to answer the boundary question and reminds her that her inaction will
a) Force her constituents to surrender their homes
b) Force her constituents to yield their constitutional rights
c) Force her constituents to yield to a prejudicial tribal court system
d) Force her constituents to continue to be burdened with legal expenses
December 17, 2011
Iowa Judge rules against Tribes and tribal sovereignty: “To require a litigant to pursue this claim in a forum operated and funded by the adverse party, with all decision makers employed by the Defendant, is ludicrous and would give the Plaintiff no reasonable basis for concluding that his claim received a fair hearing.” It is encouraging that at least in some small corner of this country, a judge is willing to challenge political correctness and rule with simple logic to provide real justice. The judge also provides a scathing rebuttal to the tribes claim of sovereignty.
November 17, 2011
Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack sidesteps the Aranson Hypocrisy, the Boundary Question, and attempts to evade her responsibilities by claiming that her constituents must refer to the Dept of Justice to interpret Congressional intent.
November 2, 2011
CRIT Denial of Constitutional Rights: CRIT claims in the press and to our elected officials that it provides constitutional rights within their tribal court system. However excepts from the current eviction case shows otherwise.
November 1, 2011
West Bank follows up with Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack requesting her answer to the question of the Aranson hypocrisy.
September 21, 2011
West Bank responds to Senator Dianne Feinstein’s suggestion that the boundary dispute is “best left to the courts” (see correspondence below dated July 13)
August 19, 2011
Press Release: You Tube video on the Indian Land Grabs in California with excepts from the demonstration at the Riverside County Courthouse on June 16, 2011.
August 10, 2011
From Capitol Weekly: California’s West Bank: Tribes vs. residents on the Colorado River
July 13, 2011
Senator Dianne Feinstein responds to West Bank request for assistance.
June 16, 2011
Below is a link to the article published in the Riverside Press Enterprise.
The statements attributed to Roger French were actually made by a speaker from another participating group with similar circumstances. Therefore, some corrections are in order.
Our members understand that it is only the 17 mile strip of land that is disputed by California, not the entire California portion of the reservation. Also, unlike other groups, CRIT is unwilling to negotiate terms with West Bank permittees. Lastly, we have not argued “grossly increased prices” of the proposed lease, because the value of any CRIT lease is entirely based upon term and conditions of the lease.
Fortunately, the signs tell the story better than the reporter.
June 16, 2011
PRESS RELEASE – Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) taking land away from non-Indian residents in order to expand their casino operations
June 13, 2011
Modern Day Western Land Grab – Indian Tribes Blockading Private Property. Press Conference June 16, 2011 at Riverside County Courthouse
June 10, 2011
PRESS RELEASE – Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issues ruling in Water Wheel case
May 25, 2011
The Bureau of Reclamation confirms that the Disputed Area is under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Reclamation and not CRIT. See [Interior]
Click Here to go to [Interior]
May 19, 2011
West Bank appeals to United States Senator Dianne Feinstein to assist with a legislative solution to the CRIT reservation western boundary dispute.
Click Here for Letter to Senator Feinstein
May 12, 2011
West Bank responds to the Department of the Interior’s answer to the CRIT Western Boundary legal determination requested by Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack
Click Here for West Bank Letter to Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack
April 14, 2011
West Bank HoA supports Senator Dianne Feinstein in her efforts to curb “reservation shopping” and the proliferation of Indian casinos in urban areas outside of established reservations.
Click Here for West Bank Letter to Senator Feinstein
March 26, 2011
CRIT posts their response to the Governor’s letter, attempting to argue that only the land south of Riverside Mountain is disputed.
March 21, 2011
West Bank receives a 2008 letter from the California Governor’s office to CRIT Attorney Eric Shepard regarding CRIT’s attempts to secure approval for a casino in California.
March 15, 2011
West Bank Homeowners Association presses Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack to initiate legislation to provide clarification to the Colorado River Indian Reservation western boundary.
Click Here for West Bank Letter to Congresswoman Bono Mack
November 5, 2010
CRIT rejects our proposed legislative solution sent to Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack. West Bank requests the BIA to determine the reason.
Click here for West Bank letter to the BIA
October 28, 2010
West Bank Homeowners Association offers a counterproposal to the CRIT lease. The revised lease removes the waivers of constitutional rights in a format similar to lease documents used by other Indian tribes. The counterproposal is made available to all residents in the disputed area.
Click Here to Receive Counterproposal via Email
October 25, 2010
CRIT ignores the request for reconsideration and files a lawsuit in tribal court against WBHA President Roger French. CRIT engages their San Francisco team of lawyers to again defend their boundary claims. Meanwhile, West Bank gears up for a protracted legal battle.
October 12, 2010
CRIT initiates full scale legal action against the West Bank Homeowners Association by serving a Notice to Quit Possession to WBHA President Roger French. Response calls for the tribal council chairman to reconsider action in light of the proposed Congressional legislation offered to the Tribes, a request for civility, a recognition of the longevity of resident’s occupancy, and consideration of humanitarian conditions.
Click Here for Notice to Quit Reconsideration Proposal
October 8, 2010
West Bank HOA lawsuit against Riverside County hearing has been postponed and relocated to federal court
Click Here for Special Bulletin
September 15, 2010
West Bank Homeowners Association presents a formal solution to the boundary dispute to be incorporated into proposed legislation, and requests a meeting with Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack.
Click Here for West Bank Proposal
Click Here for Correspondence Sent to Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack
September 13, 2010
CRIT Evicts Water Wheel Owner: West Bank Files Lawsuit As expected, CRIT successfully evicted Water Wheel owner Bob Johnson. Bob removed all of his property on September 13, 2010, shortly after a large convoy of CRIT vehicles and personnel arrived at the resort with a Writ of Execution. The Riverside County Sheriff was at the scene, but stayed about 40 yards away from CRIT personnel involved in the removal action. The eviction followed 3 years of legal proceedings through tribal court and federal courts. The Water Wheel case is still on appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
August 31, 2010
West Bank Homeowners Association endorses Blythe Boat Club’s letter to CRIT
Click Here for Letter sent by the Blythe Boat Club
Click Here for Correspondence Sent from WBHA to Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack
August 10, 2010
Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack again goes to bat for West Bank residents with letters to both the Dept of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, and the U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. Included with these letters is the August 1, 2010 letter from West Bank refuting claims made by the DoJ in a prior letter dated 2008 regarding the CRIT reservation western boundary.
Click Here for Letters sent by Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack
Click Here for Letter to Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack from West Bank HOA
August 1, 2010
West Bank sends a rebuttal to the Dept of Justice’s response to Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack regarding the legality of the ’69 Secretarial Order.
Click Here for Department of Justice Correspondence
July 28, 2010
West Bank Homeowners president Roger French posts comments on the Press Enterprise website.
July 27, 2010
Colorado River residents implore the Riverside County Board of Supervisors to request that the Sheriff protect private property. The Supervisors rebuke the residents claiming that they have no jurisdiction and fear a lawsuit if they take action.
Click Here for Press Enterprise Story
July 20, 2010
Correspondence from Ron Jones’ attorney to the sheriff. As CRIT refuses to respond to Ron Jones’ attorney, the sheriff is put on notice that their refusal to prevent confiscation of personal property by the tribes is effectively “assisting in CRIT’s unauthorized actions which are contrary to California criminal law”.
July 14, 2010
CRIT proposes to use a tribal ordinance to confiscate mobile home. A mobile home owned by Ron Jones, is being claimed abandoned by CRIT 3 days after meeting with Mr. Jones, who informed them that the mobile home was not abandoned. This action clearly demonstrates CRIT’s continued extortion attempts on Mr. Jones. See response by attorney Tom Slovak
July 13, 2010
West Bank requests assistance from Riverside County Supervisor to pressure the Sheriff to protect residents in the disputed area.
June 30, 2010
CRIT offers new lease agreements for permittees. Paragraph 25 includes consent to tribal jurisdiction, tribal court, and compliance with all tribal ordinances existing and in the future. This is the same language the tribes used to trick the residents at Paradise Point in 2001 to prevent legal actions against their evictions notices issued 30 days after residents signed the new agreements.
Click Here for Residential Lease
June 18, 2010
West Bank attempts to “bridge the wide divide” with CRIT. This letter explains West Bank participation in AZ v. CA, clarification of our stated purpose, and mindset of members
Click Here for Letter to CRIT Chairman
CRIT’s Attorney General’s response to correspondence sent on June 13, 2010. This letter reiterates the tribes refusal to meet with West Bank.
Click Here for Correspondence from CRIT Attorney General
June 13, 2010
West Bank responds to the Notice of Trespass posted below.
Click Here for Letter to CRIT Attorney General
June 10, 2010
Several West Bank members received posted notices on their homes May 27, 2010. This may be CRIT’s first eviction attempts of permittees using their tribal court system in lieu of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. CRIT previously used their tribal court system with the Water Wheel commercial lease expiration.
Click Here for Notice of Trespass
June 2, 2010
CRIT responds to West Bank requests to BIA for start of discussions. West Bank started a series of discussions with the Dept of Justice and the BIA requesting their assistance with CRIT months before trespass notices were posted.
Click Here for CRIT’s Response
October 15, 2009
Important information regarding the Water Wheel Ruling which was sent in a newsletter to the General Membership.
Click Here for Water Wheel Ruling
3 Responses to “News”
Roger on 16 May 2011 at 5:53 pm #
There is no “new” lease. CRIT is consistently making attempts to coerse folks into believing that they are negotiating or offering more enticements for the sole purpose of obtaining signatures on a lease that includes consent to tribal jurisdiction. The lease can be terminated at any time regardless of the language because as Judge Ortero told us, CRIT has no obligation to adhere to any conditions of the lease due to their refusal to waive sovereign immunity. He also characterized the lease as a “one way” lease. The lessee has to adhere to the conditions of the lease, but CRIT does NOT! If the lessee violates terms of the lease, he can be sued in tribal court. If CRIT violates the lease, there is absolutely nothing the lessee can do. ALL residents are encouraged to read the paragraphs in the lease on “Consent to Tribal Jurisdiction” and “No Waiver of Tribal Immunity”. Paragraphs 25 & 28.
As stated in the last newsletter, CRIT is attempting to either eject residents or obtain their consent to tribal jurisdiction in order to eliminate challenges to their upcoming trust patent application. If they obtain a trust patent for the disputed area, they will have a right to put a casino here. CRIT exposed their plan to put a casino in the disputed area during negotiations with Blythe for an off-reservation casino. But with a trust patent, CRIT will be allowed to have a casino ON THE RESERVATION, and be immune from community impact or financial obligations.
Residents need to realize that signing the “new” CRIT lease is effectively signing your own eviction notice.
West Bank residents must insist that CRIT offer a true long term “enforseable” lease.
eddy on 25 Aug 2011 at 5:13 pm #
I go by the moniker 918eddy I have been following this matter for a long time reading websites and letters from the tribes to you and the residents of this socalled disputed area. I have read all the court orders by the tribal court and federal district court and the 9th court of appeals, I have read the media coverage which you have provide to the riverside board of supervisors and their videos they have made of their proceedings in behalf of WBHOA and the disputed area. I come up with this conclusion “don’t you feel alone in what you are doing?” The state of California will not help because they have no interest in this matter. The board of supervisors will not help you because the have declared the western bank reservation of CRIT. Your congresswoman Bono-Mack can’t help you because of the letters she has recieved declaring the west bank of the river reservation. The riverside county sheriffs can’t help because this matter is a civil matter between us and you. The disputed area is only disputed because you say it is, to us it is not disputed it is ours. You even tried to declare PL-280 in the area but you have to know we are a Arizona Tribe Not a California tribe.. The 9th court of appeal gave jurisdiction to the tribal court over all matter pretaining to WW, WBHOA, and all others who have declared war against the tribal authority by refusing to sign new leases and staying on the land without permission. Like we all say you can declare anything you want but you don’t have the backing to enforce anything all you have is EMPTY WORDS.. The tribes have the backing of the supreme court the district court the court of appeals and the tribal courts to help inforce their laws pretaining to the western bank. You can’t have it your way it has to be the tribal way. DISCLAIMER– I speak for myself as a tribal member but I voice the many concerns of other tribal members. Last words- bulding a casino so far away from the main road is not fessible for the tribes…..
Roger on 08 Jul 2012 at 10:50 pm #
Dear Mr. Eddy,
Thank you so much for posting your comments here. It is indeed welcome that we receive communication from tribal members. As you know, the tribal council has refused to discuss any of these matters with us since a 1994 meeting with then Tribal Council Chairman Eddy Jr.
Tribal members should be aware that the United States Supreme Court still recognizes a disputed western boundary, acknowledged by the CA v AZ settlement agreement signed by CRIT tribal chariman Eddy, Jr. in 1999. Tribal members should understand that CRIT’s attorney general also ackowledged the boundary dispute in his letter to the Office of the Governor in 2009 that is posted on this website. And most of all, tribal members should be aware of the U.S. Supreme Court Special Master McGarr Orders No. 14 and No. 19, which firmly established that the entire western boundary is riparian and not the “fixed line” proposed by both Dept of Inteior and CRIT (also posted on this website under Arizona v. California).
To answer your question ” do we feel alone?”: Yes, we do feel alone. California won their water rights but refuses to defend its position when it comes to the residents stuck in the middle in the disputed area. The politicans avoid this disputed area issue for good reason: tribal gaming campaign contributions. Three of the top ten politican contributors nationwide are Indian tribes. All three have reservations in Congresswoman Bono Macks district, the Pechanga, the Aqua Caliente, and the Morongo. Riverside county has gone on record that they fear a lawsuit initiated by the federal government over the sheriff’s refusal to enforce California law. So Riverside County plays the game of defining the Sheriff’s role as nothng more than a “peacekeeper”. So yes, the disputed area residents, the Permittees, are indeed a pawn in this political game of Indian gaming money, corruption, and local government fear of the federal government.
So the obvious question to you sir is does might make right? Today it is good to be Indian.
You have mischaracterized the Ninth Circuit’s ruling on tribal jurisdiction. The Ninth circuit found that CRIT has inherent authority over Water Wheel because Water Wheel conceded that the land was tribal. The lawyers for Water Wheel reasoned that if Water Wheel challenged the boundary, CRIT would in turn invoke sovereign immunity and Water Wheel would lose on sovereign immunity grounds. This was the result in the case brought against CRIT by he L.A. Metropolitan Water District, and the Pardise Point residents. Water Wheel played a game of tribal sovereign immunity chess and lost. Like I said, it’s good to be Indian.
West Bank fully intends to challenge CRIT’s jurisdiction by taking on the tribal land issue head-on. It is not tribal land, never has been, and cannot be considered tribal land due to CRIT’s pleadings in U.S. v Aranson. As you know, CRIT prevailed in that lawsuit and recovered 2,000 acres of land all based on a riparian interpretation of the western boundary, directly opposite of CRIT’s position of the northern 2/3 of the western boundary being a “fixed line”.
I agree that CRIT does have enforcement options unavailable to the poor residents who have been on their land for 3 and sometimes 4 generations. Again, sometimes might makes right.
We’ve heard before that CRIT has no intention of desiring a casino in the disputed area. However the hypocrisy is obvious by reading either the letters to/from CRIT’s attorney general to the Governor of California, or by the 1997 CRIT ballot clearly citing rights to a casino in the disputed area as a goal of the Tribes. (See Dispute, Exhibit 3 posted on this website).
Again, thank you for posting your thoughts on the matters.