A storm of protest is brewing over a proposed casino in Vallejo, California, as four powerful tribes have voiced “serious concern” regarding a planned temporary preview facility. The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Lytton Rancheria of California, and the United Auburn Indian Community are united in their opposition, fearing a rush to profit could jeopardize a crucial federal review.
The heart of the dispute lies in a recent court ruling. While seemingly allowing a temporary move forward, the court explicitly warned that Vallejo would be “ill-served” by relying on this provisional approval while the Department of the Interior thoroughly reconsiders the site’s eligibility for gaming. Tribal leaders argue this warning has been disregarded.
Anthony Roberts, Chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, condemned the move as a “short-term cash grab” that disrespects the reconsideration process and potentially endangers Vallejo’s vital public resources. He emphasized the court’s clear intention: the ruling was not a green light for immediate gaming activity.
Other tribal chairmen echoed these sentiments, stressing that their objections aren’t about hindering economic development, but about upholding a fair and lawful process. Chairman Wright of the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation warned that proceeding now risks eroding trust in the federal review and igniting conflict within tribal communities.
The tribes point to the Department of the Interior’s own admission that its initial approval of the Vallejo site may have been based on legal errors. They contend that significant evidence submitted by local tribes – evidence concerning the land’s eligibility under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act – was previously overlooked.
John Williams, Chairman of the United Auburn Indian Community, cautioned that pushing forward with the casino while these legal questions remain unanswered could leave all parties vulnerable. He stated that rushing into development doesn’t guarantee prosperity, but instead creates an unstable situation for Vallejo, the Scotts Valley Band, and surrounding communities.
The tribes are calling for a complete pause on all gaming operations until the federal reconsideration is finalized. They emphasize their respect for tribal sovereignty, but insist that respect must extend to honoring the courts, the federal process, and the rights of neighboring tribes with deep ancestral ties to the land.
The proposed “preview” casino, slated for 200 Columbus Parkway, is intended as a glimpse of a much larger development. Plans for the full-scale casino include 24 homes, a tribal administration building, a parking garage, and a 45-acre biological preserve, but these plans currently remain uncertain.
The current conflict stems from a federal lawsuit filed in Spring of 2025 by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and the Kletsel Dehe Nation of the Cortina Rancheria. They alleged the Bureau of Indian Affairs failed to follow proper procedures when approving the land transfer to the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians.
Adding to the concerns, the proposed casino site is located near several historically significant Patwin village sites, raising concerns about cultural preservation. A spokesperson for the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation recently described the Scotts Valley Band’s decision to move forward with a temporary casino as “deeply hurtful,” signaling the intensity of the ongoing dispute.
