"The measure of just how frustrating government-to-government negotiations can be is when the first side blinks. In the case of talks between the Chumash tribe and county government about development of land near the tribe's casino, it would seem the county has made the first move.

County and Chumash officials agreed in February to negotiate a deal that would keep the county from opposing the tribe's plan to annex 6.9 acres across Highway 246 from the casino, on which it plans to build a cultural museum, retail shops and a public park.

In return for its lack of opposition, the county was to get from the tribe an agreement to follow certain county regulations with regard to development, which normally the tribe would not be required to do because of its status as a sovereign nation."

Get the Story:
Editorial: The business of deadlines (The Santa Maria Times 6/23)

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

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