Wilton Rancheria faces anonymous campaign against casino bid

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Artist's rendering of the Wilton Rancheria's resort project in Elk Grove, Caifornia. Image by Wilton Rancheria

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The Wilton Rancheria of California is facing casino opposition from an unknown group that has launched a website, distributed fliers and placed automated phone calls to local residents.

Little is known about Protect Elk Grove. But its efforts have stirred up people on both sides of the issue, prompting a large turnout at a city council meeting on Wednesday night even though the casino wasn't on the agenda.

"THANK YOU to everyone who spoke out at the City Council meeting on Wednesday," the group's site now reads. "We are making a difference."

The tribe plans to build a casino resort at the site of an outlet mall under construction in Elk Grove. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is reviewing the environmental impact statement for the project.

The tribe was restored to federal recognition in 2009.

Get the Story:
Robocalls and flier from anonymous group target Elk Grove casino plan (The Sacramento Bee 7/14)
Anonymous Anti-Casino Flyers And Robo Calls Target Elk Grove Residents (CBS 7/13)
Large Audience Voices Concerns, Support For Proposed Casino at Elk Grove City Council (The Elk Grove News 7/13)
Little Known About 'Protect Elk Grove' Anti-Casino Group (The Elk Grove News 7/11)

Federal Register Notices:
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Wilton Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Casino Project, Sacramento County, California (December 29, 2015)
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Wilton Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Casino Project, Sacramento County, California (December 4, 2013)