Vallejo City Council Approves MOU With Scotts Valley Tribe, Advancing Temporary Class II Casino Toward Opening
VALLEJO, CA - June 21, 2026.
The Vallejo City Council has approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians, authorizing the city to provide police, fire, water, and permit services for the tribe's planned temporary Class II gaming facility on its 160-acre federal trust property near Highway 37. The vote was 4-2 in favor, with Mayor Andrea Sorce absent - marks the most significant municipal milestone to date for the long-running casino proposal.
City approval establishes first formal services agreement for tribal gaming in Vallejo
The MOU is the first agreement in Vallejo's history to outline municipal service delivery for a tribal gaming operation. It sets the operational framework for the tribe's 5,400-square-foot temporary "preview casino," which is now under renovation using modular structures.
Under the agreement, the city will provide:
- Police services, including coordinated response and on-site presence
- Fire and emergency services, with enhanced readiness funded by the tribe
- Water service at standard commercial rates
- Encroachment permit processing for site access and infrastructure work
City staff emphasized that the MOU does not approve or endorse a future full-scale casino, nor does it affect federaldeterminations regarding the tribe's eligibility for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).
#1 Choice of U.S. Players!Council-added conditions strengthen local oversight
During deliberations, councilmembers added several requirements aimed at public safety, community benefit, and environmental stewardship. The final MOU includes:
- 15% local hiring goal:The tribe must work toward hiring at least 15% Vallejo residents for the temporary casino.
- White Slough cleanup contribution:The tribe will help fund the city's cleanup of encampments and debris in the sensitive White Slough wetlands.
- 24/7 security measures:The tribe must provide a full-time police officer stationed on site, FLOCK license-plate reader cameras, and a security tower camera. All security costs are paid by the tribe.
- Fire mitigation payments:The tribe will fund additional fire-response capacity and mitigation planning.
- $100,000 community benefit payment:A direct contribution to the city is included in the agreement.
City staff described the conditions as baseline protections for Vallejo as the project moves toward operation.
Temporary casino details
The Scotts Valley Band is preparing a 5,400-square-foot modular facility that will operate as a preview casino while the tribe continues pursuing approvals for a larger resort project.
- Gaming type: Class II gaming only (electronic bingo-style machines)
- No slot machines or table games
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- Purpose: Generate revenue, establish a tribal presence, and support long-term development
The temporary casino is located on the same trust parcel where the tribe proposes a future $700 million casino resort with hotels, restaurants, and expanded gaming.
Federal status remains unresolved
The city's approval does not resolve the tribe's federal gaming status. The U.S. Department of the Interior rescinded its earlier "restored lands" determination in 2025, and litigation from Patwin tribes remains active. The tribe may operate Class II gaming on trust land regardless of state approval, but Class III gaming would require a compact withCalifornia.
City officials repeatedly noted that the MOU is service-based, not a gaming authorization.
Public reaction: strong support and strong opposition
The council meeting drew significant public comment.
- Supporters - including union representatives, former State Senator Bill Dodd, and tribal leaders - argued the project will bring jobs, economic activity, and long-overdue recognition for the Scotts Valley Band.
- Opponents raised concerns about environmental impacts, cultural-resource protection, traffic, and the ongoing federal litigation. Some urged delaying action until federal decisions are finalized.
- Councilmembers Mina Matias and Diosdado "JR" Lediju voted no, citing concerns about long-term impacts and insufficient city protections.
Despite the division, the majority of the council concluded that the MOU provides necessary safeguards while allowing the city to manage services responsibly.
What happens next
With the MOU approved, the tribe can proceed with:
- Finalizing renovations to the modular casino building
- Completing security installations
- Securing the encroachment permit
- Coordinating with city departments on fire and police protocols
The tribe has not announced an opening date, but the facility is expected to debut later in 2026, pending completion of site work and federal review steps.
Milestone summary
| Milestone | Status |
|---|---|
| MOU approval | Passed 4-2 |
| Services authorized | Police, fire, water, encroachment permit |
| Added conditions | Local hiring, White Slough cleanup, 24/7 security, fire mitigation, $100k payment |
| Temporary casino size | Approximately 5,400 sq ft |
| Gaming type | Class II only |
| Federal status | Restored-lands determination unresolved; litigation ongoing |
| Next steps | Renovation completion, security installation, permit issuance |
