The Log Cabin Diner in Klamath, California, discontinued it sit-down service, which violated tribal laws established to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Photo courtesy Yurok Tribe
Yurok Tribe satisfied with business owners’ move to eliminate dine-in option
Local diner owners terminate sit-down service after warnings from the Tribe, county
May 6, 2020
The Log Cabin Diner discontinued its dine-in service yesterday after receiving letters from the Tribe and the county ordering the business to immediately address the public health concern.
On Saturday, May 2, the Log Cabin Diner, located on fee land within the Yurok Reservation and therefore under the Tribe’s jurisdiction, opened a sit-down service, which violated tribal laws established to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We will never be idle when the health of our people is in peril,” Chairman James said. “The integrity of our economy is important, but it will never trump the health and safety of our community members.”
The Yurok Tribe has taken every available action to shield reservation residents from COVD-19. Sixty percent of tribal citizens living on the reservation are either elders or individuals who have underlying medical conditions. The elderly and those with preexisting illnesses are particularly prone to suffering the most severe health consequences from the coronavirus.
To protect the most vulnerable and the community as a whole, non-residents are presently prohibited from stopping on the reservation, where curfew and shelter-in-place orders are in effect. The Tribe has also temporarily ceased operations at the Redwood Hotel and Casino, the Klamath Jet Boat Tours as well as the other non-essential businesses. The closure of these revenue-generating enterprises has caused a significant hardship for the Tribe. Nearly all of the businesses in the economically disadvantaged redwood region are in a similar position.
“I would like to acknowledge all of the businesses owners on the Yurok Reservation for the tremendous sacrifices they have had to make to keep the community safe,” Chairman James said. “I look forward to the day when we are back to work rebuilding our local economy.”
Within the last five years, the Yurok Tribe has invested millions of dollars into the revitalization of Klamath’s tourism infrastructure. The Tribe has installed aesthetically appropriate signage along Highway 101 and completely transformed Klamath Boulevard into a welcoming main street. The Tribe has also put much effort into promoting Klamath as a one-of-a-kind destination for international travelers. All of these endeavors benefit tribally owned and non-tribally owned businesses.
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