California Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed strong opposition to two proposed casino projects in the state, citing concerns for the well-being of local communities and the preservation of tribal sovereignty. In a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Governor Newsom urges the agency to halt the progression of the Shiloh Resort and Casino Project (Koi Nation of Northern California) in Sonoma County and the Scotts Valley Casino and Tribal Housing Project (Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians) in Solano County.
The Governor’s letter echoes the widespread concerns voiced by various tribal governments, elected officials, and local communities who have raised objections to these proposed casino projects. The letter highlights the DOI’s departure from established procedures and safeguards typically followed by tribes seeking to restore tribal land and establish gaming operations. Additionally, it underscores worries about the potential expansion of gaming onto land not currently recognized as eligible for tribal gaming, emphasizing that the proposed locations for both projects lie significantly outside the historical territories of the Koi Nation and Scotts Valley Band.
Governor Newsom’s letter expresses his belief that these projects are being pursued in a manner that circumvents the state’s authority, disregards the concerns of neighboring tribal governments and local communities, and stretches the ‘restored lands’ exception beyond its legal limitations. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive assessment of alternative approaches that could better serve the interests of all stakeholders.
The Lytton Rancheria of California, a neighboring tribe, has publicly commended Governor Newsom for voicing these concerns, stating that the proposed projects are being recklessly advanced without adequate safeguards, potentially leading to detrimental environmental consequences for local areas and surrounding communities. Notably, both projects face opposition from the indigenous peoples who historically resided in the proposed project areas, and they are being supported by tribes from outside Solano and Sonoma Counties.
The proposed Koi Nation project has drawn opposition from the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, the Windsor Town Council, state Senator Mike McGuire, Congressman Jared Huffman, Congressman Mike Thompson, and Senator Alex Padilla. Similarly, the proposed Scotts Valley Band project faces opposition from Solano County, Congressman John Garamendi, and Senator Alex Padilla.
Governor Newsom’s intervention underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of tribal gaming projects, highlighting the importance of careful consideration for the impact on local communities, the preservation of tribal sovereignty, and the integrity of established processes.
