The Santa Barbara, California, County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0, with one member abstaining, to talk with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians about the tribe's land-into-trust request.

The county is being pushed to appeal the Bureau of Indian Affairs' decision to take 6.5 acres into trust for the tribe. The appeal still might happen but officials want to work with the tribe first.

Chumash vice chairman Ted Ortega praised the board's turnaround. The tribe and the county have been at odds in recent years as the tribe has grown wealthy from its gaming establishment. The 6.5 acres is located across from the casino but there are no plans for additional gaming.

Get the Story:
Chumash, county to negotiate (The Lompoc Record 2/9)

Relevant Links:
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians - http://www.santaynezchumash.org

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