TWENTY NINE PALMS — The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians have declared a reservation-wide State of Emergency regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) consistent with declarations by the State of California and the federal government.

Darrell Mike, Chairman of the Tribe announced the temporary closures of all non-essential enterprises including both the Spotlight 29 and the Tortoise Rock Casinos due to the COVID 19 global pandemic.
Closures will take effect Thursday, March 19, 2020, at 6 p.m. and is anticipated to last until further notice.

During the time of this temporary closure, all Team Members will receive their base pay and benefits for two (2) work weeks and will have access to any accrued vacation time in order to maintain income during this uncertain time.

“Today we declared a State of Emergency in recognition of the magnitude of this global pandemic and in the best interest for the health and wellbeing of our Tribal Members, Team Members of the enterprises and the valued guests of our casinos.” said Darrell Mike, Chairman of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. “This decision came with careful consideration after hearing details about the federal stimulus package signed by the President yesterday which has major impact on so many of our valued team and families; I believe this is the right decision to preserve the best interest for all involved.”

The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians trace their origins back to the Chemehuevi, a peaceful and nomadic Tribe whose territory once covered parts of California, Utah, Arizona, and Southern Nevada. In 1867, a group of Chemehuevi settled at the Oasis of Mara in Twentynine Palms. The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians are their descendants. Today, the Tribe’s Reservation lands consist of two parcels, which are located near the town of Twentynine Palms and the City of Coachella. The Tribe’s two economic enterprises, Tortoise Rock Casino and Spotlight 29 Casino, help provide housing, education and financial security for the Tribe’s future generations.

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