The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation has taken legal action against the Vallejo City Council and the City of Vallejo over approvals connected to a proposed temporary casino backed by the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians.
Court filings challenge the city’s approval of an encroachment permit and a memorandum of understanding tied to the planned facility. According to the complaint, Vallejo failed to follow requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, and the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act, often called the LAFCO Act.
The tribe argues that city officials moved ahead without first completing the environmental analysis required under CEQA. Instead, Vallejo relied on categorical exemptions that, according to the lawsuit, do not fit the scope of the proposed project.
The complaint also contends that the memorandum of understanding commits municipal services to Scotts Valley’s 160-acre federal trust property before securing approval from the Solano Local Agency Formation Commission, a step the tribe says is required by state law.
Yocha Dehe raises questions over temporary Vallejo casino process and legality
The legal challenge arrives as federal officials continue reviewing the underlying gaming eligibility determination for the larger casino proposal. The U.S. Department of the Interior is reconsidering that determination and has signaled concerns about the earlier approval process.
In a December letter to Scotts Valley, the department said the original gaming eligibility determination may have involved “legal error.” Federal officials also wrote that information submitted by local tribes and other interested parties “raise[s] questions” about whether the site qualifies for gaming activities.
The department additionally warned that Scotts Valley “would be ill-served” by relying on the earlier determination while the review remains active.
Yocha Dehe leaders say those unresolved questions make Vallejo’s recent actions especially problematic.
“The City of Vallejo’s decision to rush into a Memorandum of Understanding for the Scotts Valley project while the federal government is actively reconsidering whether the project is legal in the first place completely disregards the rule of law and proper process,” said Anthony Roberts, Chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, in a statement seen by ReadWrite.
“We were left with no choice but to file suit, not only to protect our Patwin ancestral homelands, but also to stand up for the thousands of Vallejo residents that deserve thoughtful decision-making grounded in facts and meaningful environmental review.”
The lawsuit follows criticism of the project from California tribal governments that have raised concerns about the proposed casino and the process surrounding its approvals. Opponents have pointed to environmental, legal, and jurisdictional questions that remain unresolved while federal review continues.
Despite the dispute, tribal leaders said their relationship with Vallejo residents and community organizations remains unchanged.
“Our Tribe remains deeply committed to the many community partners, residents, and organizations we have worked alongside in Vallejo for decades,” added Secretary Mia Durham. “These relationships are rooted in trust, partnership, and a shared commitment to the future of this region. We are proud of the work we continue to do alongside the people of Vallejo and remain committed to strengthening those partnerships for generations to come.”
A final decision from the Department of the Interior is expected by the end of July, a timeline the agency recently reaffirmed in a federal court filing.
Featured image: Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians
