Tribal Leaders Deny Land Is for Casino

Tribal leaders of the Pinoleville Band of Pomo Indians said Wednesday that the purchase of 105 acres of land near Ukiah High School was made to reclaim ancient ceremonial and burial sites, not for development of a casino.

Tribal Chairwoman Leona Williams said rising concerns among neighbors and local officials that the tribe was considering a gambling hall on a portion of the land were groundless.

"We value our relationships with our neighbors in the county and in the city of Ukiah, but what has been reported in the press the past few days is nothing more than unfounded gossip," Williams said in a prepared statement issued by an Oakland law firm.