Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation is challenging Vallejo’s temporary casino agreement with the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians, arguing that the city moved too quickly on a disputed project. The dispute is about a planned “preview casino” linked to Scotts Valley’s larger casino project in Vallejo.
The Vallejo City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with Scotts Valley in April. Yocha Dehe has criticised the process, saying the city limited public review while legal and cultural questions remain unresolved.
Temporary casino plan draws tribal opposition
The Scotts Valley Band wants to open a temporary gaming facility on its Vallejo trust land while work continues on a larger casino-resort plan. The preview casino would allow the tribe to begin operations before the full project is completed.
Yocha Dehe opposes the plan because it disputes Scotts Valley’s historical connection to the Vallejo site. The tribe has argued that the land sits within Patwin homelands and that development could affect cultural resources.
Federal approval remains key
The larger casino project moved forward after the U.S. Department of the Interior approved trust land for the Scotts Valley Band. That decision gave the tribe a federal route to develop gaming in Vallejo.
Yocha Dehe and other Patwin tribes have challenged the federal approval in court. Their lawsuits contest the Interior Department’s decision and argue that the project is based on disputed ancestral ties to the area.
Vallejo sees economic benefits
Supporters of the project see the casino plan as a potential source of jobs, city revenue and investment. Vallejo has faced long-running fiscal pressure, making large development proposals politically important. The temporary casino agreement covers early activity before a larger resort is built. It gives the city and Scotts Valley a structure for cooperation while the tribe pursues its gaming plans.
Preview casino remains disputed
The preview casino could bring gaming activity to the site before the larger development is complete. That would give Scotts Valley an early start in Vallejo. The next stage will depend on legal challenges, city actions and any further federal review. For Vallejo, the dispute keeps the casino project tied to both economic hopes and tribal sovereignty concerns.
