The Pinoleville Band of Pomo Indians confirmed Tuesday that it is purchasing the 105-acre Sozzoni property on the outskirts of Ukiah. 

The tribe said the land is in escrow pending the outcome of environmental investigations, but that the land belonged to the tribe in the 19th century and was known as "Ke-buk'ke-bul'." 

The Pinoleville tribe stated in a press release that the property contained a tribal village with ceremonial, cremation and burial sites and that ancestors of today's tribal members were removed from their homes. "Generations of tribal members have dreamed of reclaiming the site," the press release states. 

Tribal Chairwoman Leona Williams was also quoted as saying the tribe was "surprised by the rumors reported in the press about putting a casino on this property and we have no idea who would have started such rumors.
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"The Tribe has never planned or considered putting a casino on this land," she continued. "It is property that belonged to the Tribe and it has historical as well as sentimental value to us. It is ironic that we need to buy back our own land. 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." 

Since word came out that the property was in escrow to a Native American tribe, rumors had indeed been flying up and down the streets of Ukiah as to who was buying the land and what was intended for the site. 

The topic of a possible Pinoleville casino has been heard before around the Lover's Lane/Orr Springs Road vicinity in years gone past, but it appears Pinoleville will remain the only tribe in the area without a casino. 

It is not known what the tribe intends to do with the land once escrow closes.