In hopes of avoiding a legal and environmental showdown over the siting of gambling casinos in Napa County and its environs, the county has teamed up with Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties to monitor any potential developments.

Last year, plans to construct a casino and hotel complex near Sears Point were successfully shot down, although it shifted the controversy elsewhere in Sonoma County.

Napa County Supervisor Mike Rippey said the terminology is shifting from calling the phenomenon "Indian Gaming" to "Casino Gambling," since, "It has transcended Indian tribes, and Las Vegas casinos are now controlling the whole scene."

A meeting is planned for later this month to work on a four-county memorandum of understanding that would forge a North Bay strategy and coalition to monitor activity and to achieve greater political clout if needed. Rippey pointed out that in the past developments have literally occurred in the dark of night with legislative or administrative moves on the state and federal levels affecting local agencies.

Even though it hasn't yet surfaced as a direct threat to Napa County, there were reports that gaming interests were eyeing a location in Jamieson Canyon. That never got beyond a gleam in the eye of proponents.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed amended gaming agreements with five Indian tribes last month which attempt to strengthen environmental protections by mitigating impacts and making the otherwise-exempt tribes obey local building and zoning regulations for new facilities.

In exchange for their concessions, the tribes agreed to add $1 billion to state coffers.

In the meantime, the four counties are continuing to organize, given their disparate needs and the sovereignty issues involved in dealing with Indian nations. Often, state and federal government supersedes local government powers when it comes to designating lands for casino operations.

Rippey cited Schwarzenegger's recent accomplishments in the field as positive moves for local governments.

The governor has agreed to campaign against two measures on the November ballot which are unfriendly toward the interests of the tribes with whom he has forged the new pacts. One would provide a lesser amount of the increased revenue from slot machines to the state. The other, sponsored by card clubs and race tracks, would require tribes to share a greater percentage of net winnings or face the loss of their right to current use of gaming devices.

Representatives of the four counties held a conference call last week to work out housekeeping details according to Andrew Carey, an analyst in the Napa County CEO's office.

The matter will come back to supervisors in the near future.