Vallejo Approves Temporary Casino Agreement Amid Ongoing Federal Legal Uncertainty
Vallejo’s City Council has approved a temporary agreement that clears the way for the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians to advance a preview casino.
- Vallejo City Council approves a temporary agreement for a tribal casino project near Interstate 80
- Deal includes local hiring and community support conditions amid legal and federal hurdles
- Broader $700 million project remains under federal review with opposition from neighboring tribes
The preview casino would be on tribal offices on trust land near Interstate 80 and Columbus Parkway.
According to local reporting, the vote came after extensive public comment and debate, with council members adding conditions tied to local hiring and community contributions.
Limited Deal, Bigger Dispute
The amended memorandum of understanding calls for discussions on 15% local hiring and funding support for the city’s White Slough cleanup effort.
City staff said the arrangement covers temporary police, fire and water services, plus an encroachment permit process.
Vice Mayor Diosdado Matulac backed the move, saying, “I think there is a strong economic opportunity here.”
“There is a real opportunity to build better lives,” Scotts Valley tribe vice chair Jesse Gonzalez said.
“We are grateful for how many in this community have been supporting us to create local jobs.”
Federal Review Still Looms
The tribe says the temporary facility is only an interim step while it pursues the broader $700 million casino and resort plan.
But that project remains under federal review after the U.S. Department of the Interior rescinded its initial gaming approval last year, according to Yogonet.
Opponents, including neighboring Patwin tribes, continue to challenge the land’s gaming eligibility and the tribe’s ancestral claim.
