The Lytton Rancheria Tribe of California has publicly backed California Governor Gavin Newsom following his recent letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), where he voiced opposition to proposed casino projects by the Koi Nation and Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians.
"We thank Governor Gavin Newsom for voicing his concerns about the Shiloh Resort and Casino Project and the Scotts Valley Casino and Tribal Housing Project," commented Lytton Rancheria Tribal chairperson Andy Mejia.
Limited support
Several local and state officials also oppose the projects. The Scotts Valley casino project faces opposition from Solano County, congressman John Garamendi, and senator Alex Padilla. Meanwhile, the Koi Nation’s casino plans have been met with resistance from the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, the Windsor Town Council, State senator Mike McGuire, congressman Jared Huffman, and congressman Mike Thompson.
"Both of these projects are opposed by the native peoples actually indigenous to these sites and supported by tribes from outside Solano and Sonoma Counties,” added Mejia.
The plans
The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians has been pursuing the construction of a casino in Vallejo since 2016. The proposed $700 million casino resort would include a casino, hotel, restaurants, and an entertainment center. The Koi Nation of Sonoma County announced plans for the Shiloh Resort and Casino in September 2021. The $600-million project, to be built just outside of Windsor, is currently undergoing an environmental review and is open to public comments through Aug. 26.
“With this land and the Shiloh Resort and Casino, we are taking long overdue steps to preserve our cultural and historic integrity and secure a brighter future for coming generations,” said tribal chairman Darin Beltran in the plans.
Newsom has asked the DOI not to move forward with either of these projects as he is "concerned that these specific projects are proceeding in a manner that would sidestep the State, ignore the concerns of tribal governments and other local communities, and stretch the 'restored lands' exception beyond its legal limits."
The Koi Nation of Northern California Tribal Council shared a statement with Covers, stating that regulatory approvals for the Shiloh Resort and Casino project have been pursued under full accordance with federal law.
"Despite our nation's best efforts to educate stakeholders about our eligibility to seek gaming-eligible trust land under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act's (IGRA) "restored lands" exception, it is evident that the Governor's opposition reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of federal law," said Dino Beltran, vice chair and director of development for the Koi Nation of Northern California
"While we would have welcomed an opportunity to brief Governor Newsom in advance of the submission of the letter, we remain committed to continual communication with him, his administration, and all key stakeholders."
California tribal gaming
In the case of California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians in 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tribes could operate U.S. casinos outside of state jurisdiction if the state didn't prohibit gambling. Then, in 2000, California voters approved Proposition 1A, enabling tribes to conduct regulated gaming on their lands. The proposition ensures revenue from Indian gaming are shared with non-gaming tribes to support education, healthcare, and other important services.
In June 2000, Viejas Casino opened its doors, becoming the first tribal casino in California to offer Las Vegas-style slot machines. Today, the state is home to more than 70 tribal casinos, with over 40 of these being located in Northern California.
Earlier this month, Governor Newsom signed new gaming compacts with the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe and the Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians of the Sulphur Bank Rancheria. The agreements allow the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe to operate Class III gaming activities, while the Elem Indian Colony received approval for 349 gaming devices.
