Map shows land consolidation area for Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, including proposed trust land acquisition. Image from Camp 4 Fee-to-Trust Environmental Assessment
Writer wants city council in Solvang, California, to fight a land-into-trust application submitted by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians:
Many in Solvang seem to believe the Tribal Consolidation Area (TCA) covering Santa Ynez, which was secretly approved in June by the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the tribe, does not affect Solvang because Solvang is not in the mapped area. This conclusion is short-sighted and dangerous. The tribe has always been a welcome member of the Solvang business community, making significant contribution to Solvang’s success as a tourist destination. In this regard, nothing has changed. However, if this BIA action to create a TCA is allowed to stand, it will have a material and adverse impact on the Solvang business community. The implications of the TCA are fast-track annexation of any parcel within the mapped area on a parcel-by-parcel basis. The practical consequence of annexation is significantly unfair competition with all other businesses in the Valley.Get the Story:
Nancy Eklund-Hunsickeris: Solvang in the mix in tribal land issue (The Santa Ynez Valley News 10/3) Related Stories:
City takes no position on Chumash Tribe's land-into-trust bid (10/2)
Vincent Armenta: Chumash Tribe isn't taking away your land (9/26)
Meeting held for Chumash Tribe's land-into-trust application (9/26)
County leader calls meeting on Chumash Tribe land-into-trust (9/24)
BIA extends comments for Chumash Tribe land-into-trust bid (9/19)
Editorial: Extend comments on Chumash Tribe land-into-trust (9/12)
County challenges Chumash Tribe's land consolidation plan (9/11)
Letter: Take poll on Chumash Tribe's land-into-trust application (9/6)
BIA taking public comments for Chumash Tribe land-into-trust (9/5)
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