Save the Valley, a group opposing the Chumash Casino Resort in California’s Santa Ynez Valley near Santa Barbara, has sued to prevent scarce water resources from being diverted to serve the casino’s expansion.
The expansion includes a 12-story hotel tower.
The group has sued the state of California, Santa Barbara County and a local water district, claiming that the state’s water emergency prevents the water from being delivered. It also claims that a deed restriction on the water prevents it from being used for commercial purposes.
The tribe has survived two previous federal court challenges.
The tribe plans to open the expansion on May 20.
