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 says opposition to the land-into-trust application submitted by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians in California is based on concerns about fairness and taxation:
The Chumash enjoy a unique treaty with the federal government on their reservation. They pay no local taxes, and are exempt from all Santa Barbara County land-use regulations. In reality, if this exemption was not in effect, the casino they built on their reservation land may have never been approved. No one is opposing the reservation privileges of the Chumash. If they add 1,400 acres of non-contiguous land to their reservation and pay no local taxes or are not subject to local land-use regulation - like all other Santa Barbara residents - the issue of inequity arises. Tribal members can vote in this county, and as residents of this county, can influence our political process. They enjoy police and fire protection as county residents, which is funded with local taxes. Our local education institutions are funded with local taxes.Get the Story:
Toru Miyoshi: Tax burdens and fairness (The Santa Maria Times 10/9) Related Stories:
BIA grants extension on Chumash Tribe's land-into-trust bid (10/8)
Opinion: City should join fight against Chumash Tribe land bid (10/3)
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)
Join the Conversation