Scott Gabaldon, the chairman of the Mishewal Wappo Tribe of California. Photo from Facebook
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The Mishewal Wappo
Tribe of California is waiting on a decision in its federal recognition lawsuit amid fears of a casino.
Chairman Scott Gabaldon said the tribe hasn't decided whether to pursue gaming. But even if the lawsuit is successful, it could years for a casino to get off the ground.
"There are so many other ways to do economic development rather than just a casino," Gabaldon told Bloomberg News.
Local officials and wine producers say a casino is not compatible with the agricultural nature of Napa County. But until the tribe gains recognition and starts the process for a casino, there isn't much they can do right now.
As a comparison, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria opened a casino in neighboring Sonoma County last November.
That effort took 13 years -- the tribe was restored to recognition by an act of Congress in 2000.
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Napa Tribal Casino Resisted by Winemakers to Protect Vineyards
(Bloomberg News 5/18)
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