The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, which runs the Graton Resort & Casino in Sonoma County, thanked Gov. Gavin Newsom for opposing casino proposals by rival tribes, the Koi Nation of Northern California and the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians.
In a letter on Tuesday to the Department of the Interior, the Governor’s Office said both projects are outside the aboriginal territory of the tribes, and the department hasn’t considered alternative locations within their Lake County homelands.
The Koi Nation is proposing a Shiloh Resort and Casino Project in Sonoma County, while the Pomo Indians are planning a Scotts Valley Casino and Tribal Housing Project in Solano County.
Sonoma County is home to five federally recognized tribes.
The Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians opened River Rock Casino near Geyserville, the county’s first casino, in 2002.
In 2013, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria opened Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park, taking a large chunk of the same gaming customer pie from River Rock.
In 2022, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria sought to expand the Graton Resort & Casino by as much as 50%. The tribe broke ground on the $1 billion project in 2023.
River Rock Casino is now proposing an expansion. It would boost the size of the gaming floor and slot machines, and become a “resort,” with a new hotel tower and spa.
The Koi Nation’s proposal is its third attempt at acquiring land for a casino. The tribe was unsuccessful in attempts near the Oakland Airport in 2005 and on Mare Island near Vallejo in 2014, according to Sonoma County records.
“The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria appreciates Governor Newsom’s support in protecting tribal sovereignty,” said Federated Indians Chairman Greg Sarris. His tribe is comprised of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo Indians.
“We have repeatedly explained to Interior that these projects will have devastating impacts to the rights and cultural resources of our tribe and others in whose ancestral territory these prospective projects are located.”
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has the final call on the proposals of the Koi Nation of Northern California and the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians.
2 comments
Paying off the governor to prevent someone from creating a competing business. Sure.
In other news, Burger King opposes other hamburger restaurants opening in counties containing Burger Kings.