The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians is embroiled in a legal battle with the US Department of Interior over a controversial casino project in Vallejo, California. The tribe recently filed a lawsuit challenging the federal agency’s decision to close their temporary preview casino, which had only been open for a week.
The dispute centers around the tribe’s claim that the Vallejo site qualifies as restored tribal land under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). The federal government initially approved the project in early 2026, but recently reversed its decision, citing a lack of historical connection to the land.
The Casino Project and Its Controversies
The proposed casino project is a $700 million development that includes an eight-story casino, restaurants, bars, a ballroom, a parking garage, and over 20 homes and tribal offices. The site, located near Interstate 80 and Columbus Parkway, also features a 45-acre biological preserve.
The project has faced opposition from neighboring tribes, including the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, which argues that the land is part of their ancestral territory. The Scotts Valley Band, however, maintains that the administrative record supports their gaming eligibility and plans to challenge the federal decision in court.
The Federal Government’s Reversal
In a surprising turn of events, the US Department of the Interior reversed its initial approval of the project in August 2026. Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs William H. Kirkland III stated that the Vallejo parcel does not qualify as restored lands within the meaning of applicable law.
The tribe’s temporary preview casino, which opened on July 25, 2026, was forced to close just a week later on August 1, 2026. The Scotts Valley Band argues that the Department of the Interior substituted a materially different reconsideration process without proper notice or an opportunity to respond.
The Legal Battle Ahead
The Scotts Valley Band is determined to fight the federal decision in court. Tribal Chairman Shawn Davis has expressed confidence in their legal position, citing support from the administrative record and previous court rulings.
The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for tribal gaming rights and the future of the Vallejo casino project. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the court rules on the tribe’s claim and the federal government’s decision.
