Coyote Valley Tribe announces minimum wage increase amid casino milestone

Wednesday, May 8, 2019  

The Coyote Valley Tribe is celebrating 25 years in the Indian gaming industry with some big changes.

First, the tribe has raised the minimum wage for all employees to $15 an hour. The boost comes ahead of the state of California's scheduled increase.

“It our tribe’s moral responsibility to continue to ensure that all of our employees earn a living wage," Chairman Michael Hunter said on Wednesday. "We will not wait until 2022 when the state mandated minimum of $15 per hour goes into effect. As California becomes a more expensive place to live, we feel obliged to become an ‘employer of choice.’ Our employees’ continued success is our tribe's success.”

Vice Chairman Patrick Naredo added: “It’s exciting to be in a position to offer these wages in this area. Our employees are the backbone of our businesses and we are very proud to do this.”

Second, the tribe is undertaking a gaming improvement and expansion project. The Coyote Valley Casino, which opened in 1994, is being replaced with an entirely new facility that will feature three restaurants, eight gaming tables, four poker tables, 349 slot machines and a multi-purpose showroom.

The work is occurring adjacent to the existing casino. An opening date hasn't been specified but the tribe expects construction to be completed soon.

Additionally, work continues on a 101-room Wyndham Garden Hotel at the site. It's expected to open sometime in 2020, according to the tribe.

The new facility complements the growing economic development activities on the reservation. in March 2017, the tribe opened a convenience store and gas station near the casino. The store features a small number of slot machines as well as a drive-thru smoke shop.