A dramatic legal battle over a proposed casino in Vallejo, California, has taken a surprising turn. A federal judge has ruled that the Department of the Interior (DOI) violated the due process rights of the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians when it abruptly reversed its approval of the tribe’s gaming eligibility for the project.
The reversal occurred just eleven weeks after the DOI, in the waning days of the previous administration, had officially declared the tribe eligible to operate a casino on the site. This sudden shift followed intense lobbying from neighboring tribes who fiercely oppose the development, raising questions about fairness and tribal sovereignty.
Remarkably, both sides in the dispute are claiming victory. While the Scotts Valley Band has secured the right to continue pursuing their project, the DOI is free to re-evaluate its decision – a prospect welcomed by opposing tribes who believe the location is unsuitable for a casino.
At the heart of the conflict lies a proposed $700 million casino complex, envisioned as a 400,000-square-foot destination with 24 homes and an administrative building on a 128-acre site. The project represents a crucial opportunity for the Scotts Valley Band to revitalize its government and economy, with projections estimating annual revenues exceeding $243 million.
The judge’s 35-page ruling meticulously details the sequence of events, framing the dispute as a case of “an agency’s reversal.” For nearly a decade, the Scotts Valley Band diligently pursued the necessary approvals, only to have them seemingly snatched away after significant investment and planning.
The court found that the DOI’s initial approval created a “protected property interest” for the tribe. By rescinding that approval with minimal notice and explanation – while simultaneously engaging in discussions with opposing tribes – the agency failed to meet basic due process standards.
Evidence presented to the court revealed that representatives from opposing tribes explicitly warned the DOI that delays in reversing the approval could jeopardize their ability to challenge it legally. This raised concerns about undue influence and the potential for political pressure.
The Scotts Valley Band asserts that this project is not merely about gaming revenue, but about securing a brighter future for their people. The ruling acknowledges that this may be the tribe’s last opportunity to pursue this path, given the time constraints imposed by federal regulations.
While the DOI can continue its reevaluation, the judge has made it clear: the agency must now provide the Scotts Valley Band with proper procedural protections before it can again attempt to undo their gaming eligibility. The fight for the Vallejo casino is far from over, but the Scotts Valley Band has secured a critical victory in its pursuit of self-determination.
