The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation has initiated legal action against the City of Vallejo, California, and its council following approval of an Encroachment Permit and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians. The dispute concerns a proposed temporary casino in Vallejo, planned to include 24 single-family residences, a tribal administration building, a parking garage, and a 45-acre biological preserve near Interstate 80 and Highway 37. The casino, with a projected cost of $700 million, would operate continuously, 24/7.

As reported by Vallejo Times-Herald, Anthony Roberts, Chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, criticized the city’s decision, stating, “The City of Vallejo’s decision to rush into a Memorandum of Understanding for the Scotts Valley project while the federal government is actively reconsidering whether the project is legal in the first place completely disregards the rule of law and proper process. We were left with no choice but to file suit, not only to protect our Patwin ancestral homelands, but also to stand up for the thousands of Vallejo residents that deserve thoughtful decision-making grounded in facts and meaningful environmental review.”

Details of the MOU and Opposition

In April, the Vallejo City Council voted 4-2 to provide municipal support—including fire, police, and water services—for a small casino operation and a Pomo tribal office. The MOU requires the Scotts Valley Band to contribute $100,000 in community benefits, make 15 percent local hires, engage the community throughout the project, and support the cleanup of the White Slough encampment. Council members Tonia Lediju and Alexander Matias opposed the MOU, arguing the city’s terms were insufficient.

Secretary Mia Durham of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation emphasized, “Our tribe remains deeply committed to the many community partners, residents, and organizations we have worked alongside in Vallejo for decades. These relationships are rooted in trust, partnership, and a shared commitment to the future of this region.”

Federal Oversight and Ongoing Review

The lawsuit claims the city violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act (LAFCO Act). Critics argue the city failed to conduct proper environmental review and relied on inapplicable exemptions. Additionally, the MOU commits municipal services to the proposed casino on federal trust land without Solano LAFCO approval.

The federal Department of the Interior is reassessing the gaming eligibility of the Scotts Valley project. In a December letter, the department noted potential legal errors in prior approvals, stating that evidence from local tribes and other parties raises questions about whether the site qualifies for gaming. Officials warned that relying on the previous eligibility determination would be ill-advised while the reconsideration continues. A final decision from the Department of the Interior is expected by the end of July.

Roberts concluded, “We were left with no choice but to file suit to protect our ancestral lands and ensure Vallejo residents’ interests are fully considered. The federal review remains underway, and the city’s premature support of the preview casino risks both proper legal process and local resources.”