Scotts Valley tribe's $700M Solano County casino in legal limbo, preview site set to open soon
The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians plans to open a preview casino despite legal challenges to their $700M casino project in Solano County.Summary
The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians is preparing to open a “preview casino” in Vallejo, California, while their plans for a $700 million casino and resort remain stalled due to a legal dispute with other local tribes and a reconsideration by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). The DOI initially approved the project but later acknowledged a potential “legal error” and initiated a reconsideration process following lawsuits from tribes like the Yoche Dehe Wintun Nation, Lytton Rancheria of California, United Auburn Indian Community, and the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, who claim the land is ancestral Patwin territory. These opposing tribes argue that moving forward with gaming activity before the DOI’s review is complete undermines trust and creates conflict. The Scotts Valley Band defends its right to the land, citing an exception in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act for landless tribes, while opposing tribes assert that Scotts Valley has no legitimate ancestral connection to the site. A federal judge has warned that development before final approval is at the tribe’s own risk, and a final ruling from the DOI is expected this summer.
(Source：CBS News)