Resident urges county to negotiate with Koi Nation, cites economic opportunities and local infrastructure needs

A Roseland resident urged the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Friday to engage with the Koi Nation amid possible litigation and to consider local economic and infrastructure benefits the tribe brings to the area.

Duane DeWitt, identifying himself as a Roseland resident, told the board that the Koi Nation draws visitors from across Northern California and said the tribe’s enterprises bring “billions” into the region. “That guy down there, he's got more money than God,” DeWitt said, arguing the county could capture some of those dollars and use them to help “North Sonoma County, helping West Sonoma County.”

DeWitt also raised local infrastructure concerns, urging the county to consider rebuilding the bridge on Laughlin Road, which he said “has been beat up for decades” and could be used by thousands of more county employees if agreements with the tribe proceed. He said members of his family are buried at Shiloh Cemetery near Windsor and framed his remarks in local historical context.

The remarks were part of the meeting’s public comment period. The board had opened by taking roll call and approving the day’s agenda; the approval passed unanimously. The board then adjourned into closed session to consider the matters listed on the agenda, with the clerk announcing the board will provide a closed-session report at the next scheduled meeting on 2025-04-22.

DeWitt’s comments framed potential negotiations as both a legal and economic question: he referenced ongoing or possible litigation involving the Koi Nation and urged the county to consider agreements that could bring revenue and traffic to surrounding communities. He also suggested that economic gains could create pressure on nearby roads and called for infrastructure upgrades to accommodate increased use.

The board did not discuss or take public action on the topics raised by DeWitt during the open meeting; the transcript shows the meeting moved into closed session to consider agenda items. No county staff response or formal direction to staff on the Koi Nation matter is recorded in the public portion of the transcript.

The public comment also included personal and historical references: DeWitt said several family members are buried in Shiloh Cemetery and referenced Laughlin Road and Windsor while recounting local ties. Those remarks were delivered during the public comment period and are reflected in the meeting record.

The board’s next scheduled meeting was announced as 2025-04-22, when the clerk said the board will report out on matters considered in closed session.