Napa Valley Vintners, a non-profit trade association of winemakers, warned that the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians is planning to establish a casino in the surrounding counties of Napa, Sonoma, or Solano.
The tribe is to work with Integrated Resort Development, LLC on the construction of the venue. A site for the property is to be selected later in 2015.
Napa County residents have long been opposing any potential introduction of tribal casinos on their territory, as these might put the Agricultural Preserve into serious danger.
Generally speaking, if a given tribe purchases land and places it in trust, it can use the land in question for any purposes, and it will not be subjected to any of the local laws, related to the use of land.
Napa Valley Vintners and other local agricultural representatives discussed the matter on a special meeting, held yesterday morning.
Previously, other Indian nations had expressed interest in building casino on the territory of Napa County, the Mishewal Wappo Tribe of Alexander Valley being among those. Its project, however, could not materialize, as the tribe is not federally recognized.
Supervisor Mark Luce pointed out that the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians might achieve its goal, as it had been recognized by the state of California. He shared during the meeting that a potential casino poses serious threat to their “sovereignty as California citizens”.
It seems that Napa Valley Vintners has acquired a copy of the agreement between the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians and Integrated Resort Development, LLC. Rob Ottone, an administrator for the tribe, commented that he had no information about such an agreement.
Rex Stults, spokesman for Napa Valley Vintners, explained that the association is planning to raise and match as much as $100,000, in order for casinos to be prevented from being established. Once this is done, the group will offer $100,000 more for the purpose.
Mr. Stults also pointed out that anyone who wants to change local land for purposes different from agriculture should abide by the so-called Measure P. Under it, residents should cast their vote as to whether they support any potential change.
Reportedly, Integrated Resort Development, LLC operates several casinos across the country, Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California, owned by the United Auburn Indian Community, is among those.
The above-mentioned agreement suggested that the potential sites for the casino should be narrowed to two or three within no more than 45 days. An option agreement for the purchase of the property is to be negotiated within 80 days. And a request for giving the land in trust should be prepared within 120 days.
What is more, under the agreement, the tribe will receive the sum of $100,000 as an upfront payment. And Integrated Resort Development, LLC will receive 12% of the new gambling venue’s net winnings for a period of six years.
