Whenever an ad hoc meeting takes place between Santa Barbara County and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, it unfortunately brings out a lot of misinformation from local tribal opponents.

During the public comment period of those meetings and through letters written to local newspapers, these individuals create more confusion by spreading misinformation.

For example, take a recent letter to a local newspaper titled, “Chumash aren’t seeking equality.”

The headline of this letter sets the tone with a false statement. We are, in fact, seeking equality. When it comes to annexation, we would like to be treated like other entities. We know the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors doesn’t require ad hoc meetings of Vandenberg or UCSB when those entities annex their land.

In contrast to the support of the county for the new UCSB Long Range Development Plan, including towers of over 70 feet high, the annexation of 6.9 acres across the street from our reservation to build a Chumash museum was on appeal for over 14 years.