Gardena Council okays $40,000 annual dues to California Cities Gaming Authority amid legal fight over card rooms

The Gardena City Council voted 5-0 on Sept. 9 to approve an amendment to the California Cities Gaming Authority (CCGA) joint exercise of powers agreement that raises Gardena’s annual contribution from $30,000 to $40,000. The change, approved as part of agenda item 15(a), was presented to the council as necessary to cover foreseeable legal expenses and ongoing lobbying related to state regulations and litigation concerning California card rooms. Council members and staff described the CCGA’s work as focused on challenging proposed regulations from the California Bureau of Gambling Control and on tracking and responding to litigation and legislation — including the measure identified in staff reports as SB 549 and a federal bill mentioned in the staff presentation. Staff said the CCGA is preparing for possible court actions and legislative hearings that would require counsel, an executive director and regular representation in…