A view of the Chumash Casino Resort. Photo from Facebook
A top Danish diplomat apologized for an odd remark about Indian gaming that set off some serious head-scratching in the city of Solvang, California. During a speech earlier this month, Danish Ambassador Peter Taksoe-Jensen appeared to question the presence of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians in the community. He said a mythical Viking figure would protect the city if a tribal casino "tries to take over the Danishness of Solvang." Taksoe-Jensen now says he was only trying to make a joke. In a letter obtained by The Santa Ynez Valley News, he offered a "sincere apology" for comments that may have been "misunderstood" or "misconceived." Taksoe-Jensen asked Mayor Jim Richardson to convey the apology to Chumash Chairman Vincent Armenta. It's not clear if a similar letter was delivered to the tribe itself. The tribe owns several businesses in Solvang, long considered the Danish capital of the U.S. However, there are no plans for a casino there -- the Chumash Casino Resort is a few miles away. Get the Story:
Danish diplomat apologizes for 'misunderstood' Indian comments (The Santa Ynez Valley News 3/18)
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