Rep. Lois Capps (D-California) is opposing a bill to place 1,400 acres in trust for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

Capps said H.R.3313, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians Land Transfer, was "misguided," The Santa Maria Times reported. She doesn't think the bill should even get a hearing because she wants the issue to be resolved locally.

“I know this issue has been a source of considerable controversy among Valley residents and understand how important it is for the community and county as a whole," Capps wrote in a letter to constituents, the paper said. That is why I firmly believe a locally produced decision is crucial to achieving the best results for everyone involved."

The bill has been referred to the House Natural Resources Committee. A hearing hasn't been scheduled but the tribe's land issues were discussed at a hearing in August 2012 in which lawmakers were sympathetic to the tribe.

Get the Story:
Capps opposes ‘Camp 4’ bill in letter (The Santa Maria Times 3/13)

An Opinion:
Nick Welsh: Getting Your Dog On (The Santa Barbara Independent 3/13)

Related Stories:
Opinion: Chumash Tribe too wealthy to follow land-into-trust (02/03)
IBIA dismisses challenges to Chumash Tribe land consolidation (11/05)
Opinion: Far-away lawmaker introduces bill for Chumash Tribe (10/31)
Bill introduced to place 1,400 acres in trust for Chumash Tribe (10/29)
Vincent Armenta: Chumash Tribe strives to be good neighbor (10/24)