Chukchansi feud has many worried about ripple effect

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Both Fresno city leaders and Valley visitors are worried about the ripple effect the ongoing feud over leadership at Chukchansi would have in our area.

The armed men with guns who stormed Chukchansi played a major role in shutting down the casino. Now, Council Member Lee Brand says if the closure continues, people in Fresno will end up paying.

"The implications of the Chukchansi tribe and their casino operations are profound on the team itself and by extension the city of Fresno," said Brand.

According to city leaders, Chukchansi signed a 15-year deal to shell out $16 million to the Fresno Grizzlies. Brand says the Grizzlies, who rent out the stadium from the city, depend on that cash flow from the Madera County casino.

"The team has been losing roughly a million dollars a year for the last 3 or 4 years that includes receiving a million dollar naming rights. You take out the million dollar naming rights for some reason they can't continue and that has dire consequences on the team," added Brand.

Stacey Olmos is also worried about losing money. She's on the planning committee for the 20 year Hoover High class reunion. The committee has already paid the casino more than $7,000 for the celebration, which is scheduled for this weekend.

"We put in a dispute with the credit card company. We are waiting to hear back on that," said Olmos.

Olmos and her team are now scrambling to find another venue while working to get a refund.

"It's costing us money and a headache, but there are all these people who are out of work too that are up there. It is not just affecting us. It is affecting a lot of people," said Olmos.