After years of legal battles, a federal judge has brought closure to the longstanding dispute over the tribal casino in the Jamul Indian Village, located in San Diego County. US District Judge Andrew G. Schopler, appointed by President Joe Biden, not only dismissed the latest case against the casino but also imposed sanctions on the plaintiffs, marking an end to the protracted legal saga.

Kumeyaay Native Americans Reveal Historical Dispute in Battle for Tribal Land

The case dates back to the early 1990s when the Kumeyaay Native Americans, residing in the Jamul Indian Village, held an election regarding the construction of a casino and a hotel on their tribal land. The decision led to a series of legal challenges initiated by a group opposing the construction, which persisted over the years.

In his ruling issued on February 29, Judge Schopler emphasized the frivolous nature of the plaintiffs’ claims, citing over 20 failed lawsuits with shifting and meritless arguments, reported Courthouse News Service. Judge Schopler accused the plaintiffs of pursuing the case in bad faith, solely for harassment purposes, and ordered all attorney fees to be borne by the plaintiffs.

The core of the legal battle revolved around allegations that the construction of the casino infringed upon ancestral burial grounds, owned by the Roman Catholic Church of San Diego. The plaintiffs contended that the transfer of the cemetery plot to the Village was fraudulent, and orchestrated to evade responsibility for desecration.

Federal Judge Ends Lawsuit Against Tribal Village, Urges Plaintiffs to Cease Legal Pursuits

However, Judge Schopler dismantled these arguments, highlighting the plaintiffs’ misunderstanding of state laws and failure to prove fraudulent transfer. Moreover, he pointed out a critical legal flaw: the absence of the Village as a defendant, despite its indispensable status. As a federally recognized tribe, the Village enjoys sovereign immunity, rendering it immune to lawsuits.

Consequently, Judge Schopler dismissed the case and cautioned against further legal pursuits by the plaintiffs and their attorneys, warning of escalating financial penalties. Expressing hope for a definitive resolution, he urged the plaintiffs to accept their losses and cease litigation.

Last year the Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation (JIVDC) expanded its Jamul Casino with a luxurious 16-story hotel boasting 200 rooms, including 52 suites, alongside extensive amenities such as a rooftop pool deck, restaurant with scenic views, retail space, meeting areas, spa, and fitness center. 

Linked by a pedestrian sky bridge, the hotel aimed to elevate the gambling experience. The expansion reflected JIVDC’s strategic growth plan following a substantial loan, with Chair Erica Pinto emphasizing the economic benefits for the tribal nation and local community, while casino president Mary Cheeks anticipated enhanced competitiveness in the leisure market.

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The Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation (JIVDC) is expanding its Jamul Casino with a new hotel. The hospitality facility is already under construction and should welcome its first guests very soon, the tribal company said.

The boutique hotel will be 16 stories tall and will sport 200 rooms, including 52 luxurious suites. In addition to the rooms, the property will have a parking lot with a whopping 350 parking spaces, more than enough to accommodate guests’ cars.

The new hotel will be connected to the existing casino through an air-conditioned pedestrian sky bridge, ensuring seamless travel between the gambling facilities and the hotel rooms. The lobby, meanwhile, will cover an area of 4,800 square feet.

The hotel will also feature a restaurant with picturesque views of the locale. In addition to that, the property will have retail space, meeting and banquet areas, a full-service spa, a fitness center and a huge 11,000 square-feet rooftop pool deck with a bar and hot tubs.

JIVDC’s ambition is for the new hotel to achieve AAA’s Four Diamonds designation.

The Hotel Will Complement the Existing Casino

JIVDC hopes that its new property will complement the view and the casino experience. The hotel is designed with highly luxurious experiences in mind, as the corporation seeks to redefine gambling in the region.

The original Jamul Casino opened in 2016 and created 1,200 jobs in the region. The opening of the hotel is expected to create 125 new permanent jobs, as well as 1,000 constitution jobs. The new expansion comes in the wake of a $515 million loan JIVDC took to cover its debts and expand its property.

Erica Pinto, chair of Jamul Indian Village and chair of JIVDC’s board, said that the hotel will allow the tribal corporation to expand its market footprint. In addition, it will allow her team to create new jobs and increase funding for fire protection in San Diego County.

The economic impact of the hotel will have far-reaching and long-term positive effects on our tribal nation, state, and local economy.

Erica Pinto, chair of Jamul Indian Village and chair of JIVDC’s board

Mary Cheeks, Jamul Casino’s president & general manager also commented on the matter, saying that the hotel will make Jamul Casino more competitive, allowing it to stay relevant and surpass its competitors. Cheeks said that the luxurious facilities of the property are expected to cement the casino as an attractive leisure destination.

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Details of the new collaboration emerged Monday and see the duo celebrate the rich history, contributions and culture of Black Americans. With this effort, Jamul Casino highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion. Thanks to the new collaboration, the organizations have set different events throughout February.

Earlier this month, Jamul Casino organized a luncheon that commemorated two local heroic women of color, Wendy Shurelds, the founder and CEO of Many Shades of Pink, an organization that helps with treatment and support to African American breast cancer patients, as well as Dr Suzanne Afflalo.

“With a number of events and initiatives scheduled throughout February, the JIV and Jamul Casino are joining the celebration by amplifying Black voices and highlighting the significance of the historical contributions of Black Americans as well as the ongoing struggles,“

reads a statement released by Jamul Casino and the Jamul Indian Village

What’s more, throughout February, Jamul Casino is featuring 31 important African American leaders and figures via its digital screens on site. Additionally, the casino will recognize those important figures via its digital media channels. Jamul Casino confirmed its commitment to support Many Shades of Pink with $10,000. Both the Tribe and Jamul Casino have also confirmed they will continue to provide donations and support the County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce.

The Duo Is Excited to Collaborate for the Black History Month

Mary Cheeks, Jamul Casino’s president and general manager, explained that the different initiatives during Black History Month deliver a unique possibility for the communities to honor the struggles and sacrifices of Black people. “We’re excited to recognize the African American community’s contributions to our culture, and be part of creating a brighter, richer, more inclusive future for the next generation,” she pointed out.

“This month, we acknowledge and appreciate the historical contributions of the Black community while also recognizing the role and impact of the systemic barriers to racial equality that still exist today.“

Erica M. Pinto, chairwoman of the Jamul Indian Village and chairwoman of the JIVDC Board

Erica M. Pinto, JIV and JIVDC’s Board chairwoman, outlined that during Black History Month, the Tribe acknowledges the historical accomplishments of the Black community. At the same time, she said that the initiatives identify the impact of the barriers to racial equality that currently exist. Finally, Pinto said that the Tribe and its Board of Directors commemorate the achievements and legacy of Black Americans.

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