Patwin Tribes File Amicus Brief Opposing Scotts Valley Legal Action; Reinforce Federal Rejection of Vallejo Casino
Patwin tribes filed a brief opposing Scotts Valley Band's casino lawsuit, reinforcing the federal government's rejection of the Vallejo project.Summary
The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, representing Patwin tribes, have filed an amicus brief in federal court opposing the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians' legal challenge. The tribes support the Department of the Interior's 2026 Indian Lands Opinion, which reversed a prior 2025 approval and found that Scotts Valley lacks the "significant historical connection" to Vallejo required by federal gaming law for a proposed $700 million casino. The brief argues the 2026 opinion corrected errors by properly considering evidence that refutes Scotts Valley's claim to the San Francisco Bay Area site, which the Patwin tribes assert as their ancestral territory. Scotts Valley is a Pomo tribe with historical homelands near Clear Lake, about 100 miles away. The filing is supported by other tribes and the Governor of California, highlighting broad opposition and the importance of adhering to the historical record in federal trust land decisions.
(Source：Ein Presswire)