The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians is moving on with its bold plan to build a casino in Vallejo, despite major legal obstacles and opposition from the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and local officials. The tribe is adamant about establishing itself in the region despite the criticism, seeing the project as a vital step toward restoring their cultural legacy and financial security.
The 160 acres of proposed development are located at the crossroads of Route 37 and Highway 80. It has 24 residential units, an eight-story casino, a ballroom, a number of restaurants, bars, and a tribal government facility. The site will see major modifications, such as the establishment of a 45-acre nature preserve on the northeastern slope and the upkeep of a wetland region in the southern portion of the property, which is now made up of undeveloped ground and a horse boarding facility.
“For generations, our people have endured hardships, including the loss of our ancestral lands and the challenges of being one of the few landless Indian tribes in the United States,” stated Scotts Valley Band board chairman Shawn Davis during a recent public feedback meeting. “This project represents a significant opportunity to reverse that history.”
Opposition and Legal Battles
Local officials and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation have voiced strong opposition, citing concerns over the Scotts Valley tribe’s lack of historical ties to Vallejo and the perceived inadequacy of the project’s environmental review. The Wintun Nation, which claims a stronger historical connection to the land, also criticized the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for excluding them from the decision-making process. They argue that the Scotts Valley tribe is not truly landless, pointing to property the tribe owns in Clear Lake.
However, the ultimate decision rests with the federal government, leaving local and state authorities without control. The BIA’s environmental assessment acknowledges the Scotts Valley Band as a federally recognized landless tribe, emphasizing that placing the Vallejo site into trust would allow the tribe to reestablish its homeland and build a tribal government headquarters.
The casino project has been in the works since 2016, facing initial rejection and subsequent appeals. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ordered the Interior Department to reconsider the proposal, leading to the release of the environmental assessment on July 8 and a 30-day public review period.
During a virtual public hearing on July 23, opinions were divided. Supporters highlighted the potential economic benefits, while opponents raised concerns about transparency, traffic, crime, and environmental impact. The Bureau of Indian Affairs extended the public comment period to August 22, but some local officials argue that this extension is insufficient for a thorough evaluation.
As the deadline approaches, the fate of the Vallejo casino project remains uncertain, with significant implications for both the Scotts Valley Band and the local community.
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