“We’re expanding, our members are growing, and we need that land,” Pinto said. Currently, the tribe only has 6 acres of land where its casino was built, and there is no housing built on the reservation for the tribe’s 72 members. Pinto said her tribe had submitted a land trust application in 2012 that was opposed by the Board of Supervisors, preventing the tribe from increasing the size of its reservation. “For too long, the County of San Diego has opposed the growth of tribal governments.”ĭesmond was joined by tribal leaders, several of whom spoke during the press conference in support of the proposal. “Collectively, they’ve created over 10,000 jobs for San Diego County residents, resulting in an over $1 billion a year industry. “These tribes have proven to be good neighbors with their commercial endeavors - they’re part of the economic engine of our region,” Desmond said. These businesses are the main source of income for tribal governments, and also provide job opportunities for both San Diego County residents and tribal members. There are 10 tribal casinos found throughout the county, as well as other tribally owned businesses such as gas stations and a brewery. With its 18 tribal governments, San Diego County is home to the greatest number of tribes compared to all other counties in the United States. (Sandy Huffaker / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)

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