Sonoma County officials say they are aware of the event.
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“We would prefer not to have a party with 4,000 people indoors,” said Paul Gullixson, a Sonoma County spokesperson at a news conference Wednesday.
Sonoma County Public Health officer Dr. Sundari Mase said she had been in contact with the casino but has no jurisdiction over sovereign land.
“They try to do things with as much relief as they can, in terms of limiting the indoor capacity to 20% of what is normal, in terms of enforcing face coverings or masks and social distancing,” said Mase.
Sonoma County supervisor David Rabbitt, who was skeptical about shutting down things like outdoor dining, was more forceful in his rebuttal, saying the science is clear about large indoor gatherings.
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“I don’t think it’s necessarily a great thing in that regard. It’s a difficult time, but meetings have turned out to be something that causes rapid spread,” Rabbitt said.
But if they open on New Year’s Eve, at least he says they plan to limit the number of people rather than let it get out of hand.
If the figure of 4,000 people quoted by Gullixson is 20% capacity, the casino could theoretically seat 20,000 people if they wanted to.
“By having it be by invitation only, I think they could control who comes in, rather than expecting there to be a much greater number over the course of the evening,” Rabbitt said.
In a statement, Tribe Chairman Greg Sarris told ABC7:
“The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria continue to work closely with the Sonoma County Public Health Officer. Graton Resort & Casino remains limited open and continues to exceed all CDC safety requirements. Members are tested every two weeks for COVID-19 and wear digital devices that provide concerns for social distance. The bars remain closed and the alcohol service ends at 9pm every night. “
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