Suit Challenging Chevron Solar Energy Project Affecting Sacred Sites Dismissed

Here are the materials in La Cuna De Aztlan Sacred Sites Protection Circle Advisory Committee v. U.S. Dept. of the Interior (C.D. Cal.):

DCT Order Dismissing La Cuna Complaint

 

Chevron Motion to Dismiss

Plaintiffs Opposition

Our previous post in this case is here.

Gary Kovall Indictment (29 Palms Bribery Case)

Here:

Kovall et al Indictment

We noted the press coverage here.

Article III Standing Order in Sacred Sites Challenge to Chevron Energy Solutions Lucerne Solar Project

Here is the opinion in La Cuna De Aztlan Sacred Sites Prot. Circle Advisory Comm. v. United States DOI (C.D. Cal.):

DCT Order on Standing

Federal Defendants Motion to Dismiss

La Cuna Opposition

Federal Defendants Reply

Federal Court Order Dismissing City of Temecula’s Claims against Pechanga

Here is the order:

DCT Order Dismissing Temecula Complaint

Briefing in City of Temecula v. Pechanga Band Gaming Dispute

Here are the materials:

Pechanga Motion to Dismiss

Temecula Opposition

Pechanga Reply

The complaint is here.

News coverage from Pechanga.net.

Santa Ynez Indians Sue IRS Over Tax Refund re: Gaming Per Cap Withholding

Here is the complaint, filed in Central District of California: Santa Ynez v US Complaint.

An excerpt:

11. During 2003 and 2004, Santa Ynez made “per capita” payments to its members from revenues derived from gaming activities. Federal law, at 25 U.S.C. § 2710(b)(3)(D), makes such payments subject to federal income taxation and 26 U.S.C. § 3402(r) make such payments subject to federal withholding requirements.

12. During 2003 and 2004, Santa Ynez failed to withhold, or underwithheld, federal taxes on payments made to some tribal members.

13. The IRS later conducted an audit of Santa Ynez for those years and assessed taxes, interest and penalties against the Tribe for 2003 and 2004.

14. On or about May 5, 2006, Santa Ynez paid the IRS $1,041,745.11 for tax year 2003 and $2,891,865.76 for tax year 2004 in full satisfaction of all amounts ostensibly owed under the audit.

15. Upon information and belief, the IRS received and credited the Tribe’s tax payments on or about May 10, 2006.

16. Subsequent to making its May, 2006 tax payments to the IRS, the Tribe determined that all, or virtually all, of the tribal members whose taxes had not been withheld, or had been underwithheld, had reported and fully paid their federal income taxes for years 2003 and 2004. As a result, the Tribe overpaid its withholding tax obligation for years 2003 and 2004.

 

Materials in FLSA/Tribal Immunity Case

Looks like an interesting case — whether a tribe is liable for violating the Fair Labor Standards Act in allegedly failing to properly pay overtime wages in a TANF program run by the tribal government (the answer is no).

Here are the materials in Noriega v. Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Tribe (C.D. Cal.):

DCT Order to Dismiss Noriega Complaint

Torres Martinez Tribe Motion to Dismiss

Noriega Opposition

Torres Martinez Reply

City of Temecula v. Pechanga Band Complaint re: Revenue Sharing

Here.

H/t Indianz.

29 Palms Band v. Schwarzeneggar State Income Tax Case

As this article reports, the 29 Palms Band sued the State of California over gaming-related income on behalf of its off-reservation members. The court granted an earlier motion to dismiss, but allowed the Band leave to file an amended complaint on whether IGRA preempts state taxation.

Here are the materials so far:

California Motion to Dismiss

29 Palms Band Opposition

California Reply

Sept DCT Order Granting California Motion to Dismiss

29 Palms Band Amended Complaint

California Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint

Order in United States v. Duro — Mobile Home Park on Tribal Lands

Here is the minute order in United States v. Duro (C.D. Cal.) (much longer than a minute, believe me), holding that Harvey Duro violated 25 U.S.C. sec. 415 by not obtaining a lease from the Secretary of Interior for his park on the Torres Martinez Indian Reservation.

Post-Trial Minutes of DCT