Agua Caliente tribe extends casino, trail closures amid coronavirus pandemic

Saturday 28th March 2020

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians on Friday extended the closure of its casinos, hiking trails and golf resort through April 12.

Impacted facilities include the Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage, Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, Indian Canyons Golf Resort, Tahquitz Canyon and Indian Canyons.

Beginning April 1, the tribe's team members will be paid through their earned vacation hours, according to the tribe.

"This will allow our casino employees to remain active team members and continue to receive health benefits through April 30," the tribe said in a statement.

Last week, the Tribal Council declared a reservation-wide state of emergency.

"We remain hopeful and are eager for the day we can reopen," Tribal Chairman Jeff L. Grubbe said in a statement. "Since time immemorial, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has been resilient in overcoming major challenges and obstacles."

"We will get through this together, Coachella Valley," he added.

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