The Rumsey Band of the Wintun Indians has teamed up with Yolo County, California, in a controversial bid to acquire a 17,300-acre ranch.

The tribe agreed to finance the county's purchase of the Conaway Ranch. But the owner is refusing to sell, so the county has initiated an eminent domain action.

The county and the ranch were negotiating a possible settlement but talks broke down. The ranch owner, a major donor to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), says he is worried about the tribe's involvement.

Schwarzenegger is now being asked to consider a bill that would allow the county to proceed with the eminent domain. The bill passed the Assembly and the Senate this week.

Get the Story:
Tribe closer to gaining land (The Sacramento Bee 9/8)
pwlat
Negotiations end without settlement (The Daily Democrat 9/7)
Conaway Ranch owners say talks with Yolo County at impasse (The Sacramento Business Journal 9/7)