The group contends the land was not historically home to the 1,300 member tribe, which consists of both Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo people. A trial court ruled against the group but the case is now under appeal.
Vocal opponents put forth the traditional arguments, saying the casino would bring crime, enable addiction, and cause traffic congestion and other environmental pressures too great for the region to bear.Ī lawsuit filed in state court by a group called Stop Graton Casino alleges the land was improperly placed in federal trust because the state never ceded it. To win support and offset negative consequences, the tribe agreed to pay about $9 million a year to Sonoma County for 20 years, and a total of $251 million to Rohnert Park over 20 years for public safety, education and other services.
The casino was first proposed in 2003 but construction did not begin until last June.
