In what is being described as a first in California, a federal magistrate has agreed to hold regular sessions on the Hopland Reservation.

Judge Nandor J. Vadas of the California Northern District Court will go to the reservation twice a month. He will hold sessions at the tribal court of the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians.

Vadas will resolve misdemeanor violations of federal law that are issued by the Hopland Band, the Robinson Rancheria and federal agencies. Officers from the two tribes are cross commissioned with the federal government.

The arrangement prevents tribal officers from having to travel to federal courthouses off the reservation to resolve cases.

Get the Story:
Federal judge to hold court on Hopland Indian reservation (The Lake County News 6/24)