U.S. approves federal trust status for Scotts Valley tribal casino site in Northern California

Sunday, January 12, 2025 10:45 AM
Photo:  Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians (courtesy)
  • Thomas Gase, Vallejo Times-Herald

Plans for a $700 million casino resort sought by the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians advanced Friday with Department of Interior approval of federal trust status for a 160-acre site in Vallejo.

The trust approval was signed by Wizipan Garriott, the agency’s principal deputy assistant secretary for Indian Affairs, and disclosed to members of Congress. The decision becomes final early next week when it’s listed in the Federal Register.

“This is a special day for the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians,” tribal Chairman Shawn Davis said. “For at least three decades we have been trying to reclaim our community.”