Sonoma County officials say they are aware of the event.
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“It would be our preference not to have a party with 4,000 people inside,” Paul Gullixon, a spokesman for Sonoma County, told a news conference Wednesday.
Dr. Sundari Mase, head of public health in Sonoma County, said he had been in contact with the casino but had no jurisdiction over sovereign land.
“They are trying to do things with the maximum possible mitigation, in terms of limiting indoor capacity to 20% of normal, in terms of applying coatings or face masks and social distancing,” Mase said.
Sonoma County Supervisor David Rabbitt, who has been skeptical about closing things like eating out, was more blunt in his rebuttal, saying the science is clear about large indoor meetings.
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“I don’t think it’s necessarily a big deal in that regard. It’s a difficult time, but the meetings have proven to be something that causes the spread to happen quickly,” Rabbitt said.
Although, if they are open on New Year’s Eve, he says they at least plan to limit the number of people instead of leaving it out of hand.
If the figure of 4,000 people mentioned by Gullixon has a 20% capacity, theoretically the casino would fit 20,000 if they wanted to.
“Having only invitation, I guess they could control who comes in, instead of hoping to have a much bigger number throughout the night,” Rabbitt said.
In a statement, the president of the tribe, Greg Sarris, told ABC7:
“Graton Rancheria’s federated Indians continue to work closely with the Sonoma County public health officer. Graton Resort & Casino will remain open on a limited basis and continue to exceed all CDC safety requirements. Members take COVID-19 tests. every two weeks and they carry digital devices that guarantee social distancing. The bars will remain closed and the alcohol service on foot will end every night at 9 p.m. “
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