"It appears that skeptics of a deal between the county and Chumash tribal leaders may have been right.

If tribal leaders and county officials can't come up with an agreement by the deadline, the county should join in the appeal action. The two sides first started discussing this "landmark" agreement in February. It is now mid-July, and there is no real progress to report.

The tribe wants to build a cultural museum, retail shops and a public park on the land, all of which would be valuable additions to the Santa Ynez Valley. It is not unreasonable, however, for county officials and the tribe's neighbors to expect some cooperation from the tribe on how the development will proceed."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Tribe, county still haggling (The Santa Maria Times 7/14)

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

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