"It has been recently rumored throughout the Santa Ynez Valley that the Santa Ynez Band is planning to put their newly purchased 1,400 acres, in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, into federal “trust” (outside the U.S. Constitution and local and state taxation and regulatory authority).
The rumored plan also includes increasing tribal members by lowering the amount of “Indian blood” it takes to be in the tribe, and that the 1,400 acres is already being divided up for more housing, more businesses and more gambling.
County government is not admitting any knowledge of this, but it is exactly what the Foxwoods (largest casino in the world) casino tribe did successfully, and these plans follow the blueprint done by many casino tribes throughout the U.S.
This is why, in 2005, P.O.L.O. and POSY filed the lawsuit against the federal government – to get standing for communities to object. Before that lawsuit, communities were ignored by their government. Because of your financial support, P.O.L.O. achieved standing and is attempting to end tribal land expansion. P.O.L.O. is again fundraising for the legal defense fund. Our continued success in the 2005 lawsuit is a huge defense to stop the 1,400 acres – and other property they buy – from going into “trust.”"
Get the Story:
Kathy Cleary: CHUMASH CASINO LAND EXPANSION
(The Santa Ynez Valley Journal 2/23)
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