The city of Temecula, California, is objecting to a bill that would transfer 1,178 acres to the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians.

City manager Shawn Nelson said he is worried the tribe might use the land for purposes other than conservation. He asked Rep. Darrell Issa (R-California), the sponsor of the bill, to include provisions to address changes in land use.

The bill states that the land "may be used only for the protection, preservation, and maintenance of the archaeological, cultural, and wildlife resources" and that no roads "other than for maintenance purposes" can be constructed on the site.

H.R.2963 passed the House last summer. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on the bill last week.

Get the Story:
Temecula opposes federal land transfer to Pechanga tribe (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 5/21)
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TEMECULA: City questions transfer of federal land to Pechanga (The North County Times 5/21)