California Tribes Sue DOI Over Vallejo Casino Approval
Three California tribes—the United Auburn Indian Community, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation—have all filed federal lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) over its January approval of a Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians casino project in Vallejo.
The approval was one of several that came in the last days of former President Joe Biden’s term. The Vallejo project has been especially controversial because it is considered off-reservation, which historically has been nearly impossible to obtain approval for. Before securing approval earlier this year, the Scotts Valley Band project was denied by both the first Trump administration and the Obama administration.
In addition to a casino, the $700 million project is slated to include an administration building, single-family residences, a 45-acre biological preserve area and more. Opponents accuse the DOI of violating several tribal and environmental laws by approving the project.
“The approval of this casino is a blatant violation of federal law and sets a dangerous precedent for tribes that have followed the established rules for Indian gaming,” said Auburn Chairman John Williams, per the Mercury News. “For decades, our tribe has worked to uphold the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and prevent opportunistic gaming proposals that ignore history and harm responsible tribal governments.”
In response, Scotts Valley Chairman Shawn Davis said: “This anti-competitive lawsuit was completely expected, and it doesn’t change our approach and commitment to the project. We are moving forward in collaboration with the local community just as we have been. …We are confident that the Department of the Interior followed the law in its thorough review of our application and that our tribal land will remain in trust. We plan to join the United States in defending and upholding this decision.”
Potawatomi Reclaim Land in Illinois
On March 21, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker authorized the state’s Department of Natural Resources to transfer ownership of the 1,500-acre Shabbona Lake State Park to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.
The tribe has vowed not to develop the park for a casino or other commercial project, and a proposed bill (SB 867) would establish a land management agreement to keep the park open for public recreation. Senator Mark Walker, the bill’s sponsor, said he has worked on the bill with the tribe since 2018.
“This moment reflects the power of collaboration and the shared desire to build a future rooted in justice and respect,” Potawatomi Chairman Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick said in a statement. “Illinois has shown true courage and vision by leading the way in the Land Back movement, demonstrating that healing and reconciliation are possible.”
Tucson Casino Closes Event Due to Virus Concerns
Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona on March 22 shut down the Wild Wild West Steampunk Con, citing health concerns, according to News 4 Tucson.
A vendor at the show told the outlet that the casino “didn’t tell us anything and that was concerning. They just said it was a medical evacuation and that they had to get everyone out of the ballroom where the vendors were at and that they were shutting down the Hotel Casino where all the vendors and people were staying as well and that we all had to leave. We had two hours to break down everything and get out of the building.”
Casino Del Sol later posted the following statement to its Facebook page: “This afternoon a member of a group staying at Casino Del Sol informed management that a member of their group had a contagious virus and a few others were showing symptoms. Out of caution we informed the group they should stop the remainder of their festivities. The health and welfare of our guests and team members is of paramount importance and we will provide updates as needed. Casino Del Sol remains open for business.”
Mohegan Sun Adds New Sales VP
Mohegan Sun March 24 announced that Kimberly Stone has been appointed as its next vice president of sales and marketing. Simone has been with the company since 2023, when she joined as director of sales.
“Kim Simone has demonstrated exceptional insight into market trends, and will now have a well-deserved promotion to VP as she oversees the impressive, large-scale and diverse sales and marketing strategy for Mohegan Sun’s meetings and conventions,” Mohegan Sun President & General Manager Jeffrey Hamilton said in a statement. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the executive team. Her leadership, expertise and dedication in delivering exceptional experiences for our meeting planners, major groups, and guests is a tremendous asset to Mohegan Sun.”
