After California Governor Gavin Newsom sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) opposing two casino projects, the Lytton Rancheria Tribe of California has applauded his move.
The Koi Nation of Northern California Tribe is looking to build the Shiloh Resort and Casino in Sonoma County, a $600 million project that has been in the works since September 2021. Last month, the Koi Nation project opened up for public comment, due by August 26.
Meanwhile, the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians has been seeking approval for its Scotts Valley Casino and Tribal Housing Project in Solano County since 2016. Newsom has asked the DOI not to move forward with either project.
Newsom’s letter, submitted by Matthew Lee, the state’s senior adviser for tribal negotiation, stated that 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 — while failing to adequately consider whether there might be a better way.”
“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,” said Lytton Rancheria Tribal Chairperson Andy Mejia in a statement. “Unfortunately, these two projects are being recklessly advanced in an unprecedented way without important safeguards – which could have disastrous consequences for the local environment and surrounding communities. 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.”
Solano County, Congressman John Garamendi, and Senator Alex Padilla also oppose the Scotts Valley casino project. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, the Windsor Town Council, State Senator Mike McGuire, Congressman Jared Huffman, Congressman Mike Thompson, and Senator Alex Padilla, disapprove of the Koi Nation casino.
Supporters of the Koi Nation project include California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Santa Rosa City Councilmembers, and the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians.
