Coachella Valley casinos to close for coronavirus

PALM SPRINGS (CNS) - The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians today declared a state of emergency, and announced it would be closing its two Coachella Valley casinos tonight due to the coronavirus pandemic. The tribe's decision -- a reversal of its previous stance -- came after the Palm Springs City Council earlier Tuesday directed staff to draw up a formal letter to be sent to tribal, state and federal officials urging the tribe to close its Palm Springs casino following the tribe's announcement Monday that it would not be closing its two casinos in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage. "I'm personally very concerned about a casino being opened in our city where the virus could spread,'' said Mayor Pro Tem Christy Holstege, who started the discussion during Tuesday's emergency council meeti