Dry Creek tribe delays new rules

<p>The Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo has postponed action on a controversial "code of conduct" for its members until a committee can review the proposal.</p><p>The rules would subject tribal members to banishment and fines if their actions "demean or otherwise injure the reputation and image of the tribe or any tribal operation."</p><p>Critics said the policy is too broad and is an attempt to muzzle opposition to tribal leaders.</p><p>The measure states that picketing, leafleting, demonstrating and speechmaking could de defined as interference with tribal operations if done without the permission of the Tribal Council.</p><p>"We're not against free speech and not about to write anything that would affect somebody's civil rights," Tribal Chairman Harvey Hopkins said Monday.</p><p>Tribal leaders sought to cast the code of conduct as something intended to keep tribal meetings and revenues from being disrupted, particularly from its River Rock Casino.</p><p>The 970-member tribe has been locked in a controversy over the ouster of some members following the cancellation of December tribal elections. Protesters upset with the five-member board of directors' actions have picketed at the casino as well as outside the tribal offices in Healdsburg, including last Saturday.</p><p>Hopkins said 11 tribal members and three alternates will be picked for the committee that will take up the code of conduct and report back to the general membership, perhaps by the next meeting in late April.</p><p>-- Clark Mason</p>