Tribes express ‘serious concern’ over Vallejo casino
Several tribes have voiced strong concerns regarding the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians’ planned casino in Vallejo, citing legal and procedural issues.Summary
Several tribes – the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Lytton Rancheria of California, and the United Auburn Indian Community – have jointly expressed “serious concern” over the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians’ plans for a casino in Vallejo, California. This concern stems from the fact that the U.S. Department of the Interior is actively reconsidering the project’s gaming eligibility, and a federal court cautioned against proceeding while this reconsideration is ongoing. The tribes argue that moving forward with a temporary “preview” casino, even before the larger planned $700 million casino is approved, would disregard the court’s warning and undermine the integrity of the federal review process. They emphasize that their opposition isn't about competition, but about upholding the rule of law, tribal sovereignty, and ensuring a lawful and responsible development that respects tribal history and federal regulations. The tribes have called for a pause on all gaming operations until the reconsideration is complete. Scotts Valley has not set a date for the preview casino opening.
(Source：Santa Rosa Press Democrat)