'Viejas stands out as a business and community leader because they offer guests a completely smoke-free resort hotel. As sovereign nations, Indian casino resorts are not required to comply with California's smoke-free workplace laws. San Diego County has the highest concentration of Indian casinos in the United States, with nine gaming venues. The award was given to the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians in recognition of their policy to open the new Viejas Resort & Hotel completely smoke free. On March 21, 2013, the California Clear Air Project (CCAP), a statewide project of ETR Associates, presented a California Clean Air Award at the grand opening of the new Viejas Resort & Hotel in San Diego, California.
