BAKERSFIELD, CA – Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) joins the Tejon Indian Tribe, Kern County residents, and community partners in celebrating the groundbreaking of the Tribe’s Resort Hotel and Casino Project in Kern County. The Tejon Tribe’s Project will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy through the creation of thousands of permanent jobs, in addition to venue space for tourism and conferences.

“I join the Tejon Indian Tribe and Kern County residents in celebrating this momentous occasion, and look forward to the venue becoming a travel destination and integral part of our local and state economy for generations to come,” said Senator Melissa Hurtado. “I was proud to carry legislation, Senate Bill 910, ratifying the tribal-state gaming compact between the State of California and the Tejon Indian Tribe empowering them to construct the resort. The project represents a milestone in the Tribe’s history, while bringing jobs and economic growth under the Tribe’s stewardship.”

In 2022, Senator Hurtado carried Senate Bill 910, the legislative vehicle ratifying the tribal-state gaming compact between the State of California and the Tejon Indian Tribe. The resort, in partnership with Hard Rock International (HRI) will create 5,000 construction and 3,300 permanent high-wage jobs once completed, near the intersection of Highway 99 and Valpredo Avenue. The Tejon Indian Tribe has committed to Kern County to mitigate any impacts on the environment and to public services.

Senator Melissa Hurtado is Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and currently represents the 16th Senate District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties. 

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