Dry Creek Rancheria chair builds gaming bridges

Monday, May 19, 2008

As chairman of the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, Harvey Hopkins has been mending fences with neighbors who haven't been happy with the tribe's casino.

Hopkins, who was first elected in 2004, said prior tribal leaders were "less than truthful" about plans for the River Rock Casino. Neighbors felt blindsided by the casino, which opened in 2002, and its seven-story parking garages.

"They finally admitted it, but they were less than truthful about what was going on. That doesn't establish good relationships," Hopkins told The Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

But Hopkins has been working with local officials and residents to address their concerns. The result was a $100 million revenue-sharing agreement with Sonoma County.

Now Hopkins, who plans to run for a third term in office, is looking forward to a $300 million expansion of the casino, which is one of the county's largest employers.

Get the Story:
The dealmaker of River Rock (The Santa Rosa Press Democrat 5/18)