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The Vallejo City Council has approved a temporary memorandum of understanding with the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians, clearing a path for a preview casino while the tribe’s resort proposal remains under federal review.
The temporary project involves a preview casino and tribal offices on trust land near Interstate 80 and Columbus Parkway in Vallejo. Construction of the interim facility is expected to begin in the coming months, subject to approval of an encroachment permit, reports CBS News.
City leaders said staff will continue analysis of the impacts of the proposed larger casino project, pending federal approval, ensuring Vallejo is reimbursed and mitigated for any impacts.
Resort proposal remains in legal dispute
The tribe’s larger $700 million casino and resort project remains unresolved after the federal government rescinded its initial approval following lawsuits from neighboring tribes.
The dispute centers on claims from nearby tribal governments that Scotts Valley does not have ancestral ties to the Vallejo site.
“That is ancestral Patwin territory. It has been, it always will be… Our fight from day one has never been to hold the tribe down. It’s been to protect the resources that we’ve protected in our ancestral lands for generations,” Anthony Roberts, chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, told CBS Sacramento.
During public comment, Andy Mejia, chairman of the Lytton Rancheria, urged the council to delay action until the federal process is completed.
“To do so will simply waste the time and resources of the city when a few months of patience would go a long way. If the city of Vallejo moves forward with the decision, Lytton Rancheria will litigate,” Mejia said.
Revised terms added before approval
The MOU was revised during council deliberations to include more community engagement, a requirement that 15% of hires come from Vallejo, and a contribution toward the cleanup of White Slough.
Scotts Valley requested the agreement to establish terms for city services, including water, police, and fire support, while development begins on tribal land.
Under the agreement, the tribe must obtain an encroachment permit and fund a range of site requirements. These include 24/7 onsite security with a full-time police officer, paid fire mitigation services, monthly commercial water payments, and installation of FLOCK license plate reader cameras and a security tower camera at the tribe’s expense.
“We feel that Vallejo is not just a project site, it is our homeland. This is my home now. We are developing the land with a preview casino to help build stability and opportunity for our families and to provide benefits to the city and Vallejo community,” said Shawn Davis, tribal chairman for Scotts Valley.
Split vote followed extended debate
The council vote followed several hours of debate and public testimony. Council members Alexander Matias and Tonia Lediju voted against the amended agreement.
“On the merits, I can’t vote for this agreement tonight. Part of that is because I don’t think that the agreement in its current form is substantially bringing to the city of Vallejo the benefits it could bring, even though it is a temporary agreement,” Matias said.
Matias also proposed a motion requiring Scotts Valley to return with a revised proposal in 30 days. The motion failed, with Lediju casting the only supporting vote.
“Partnership requires clarity and discipline. I want to say that I acknowledge and respect the sovereignty of the tribe and the right to pursue economic development, and I support the city engaging in partnership… what concerns me about this MOU is whether we should engage, but whether we are doing so in a way that fully protects Vallejo and our residents,” Lediju said.
Public comment showed divided views
Public testimony included support from residents and labor representatives who backed the interim project.
“We are all in support of the MOU. This agreement helps ensure Vallejo will see meaningful benefits from the tribe’s preview casino, including support for city services… it is a positive step to making sure this project contributes to our community in a responsible, beneficial way,” a member of the North Coast States Regional Council of Carpenters said.