Santa Barbara County and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians have been locked in a battle over hundreds of acres of property in Santa Ynez. The tribe wants the county to turn over 1,400 acre land parcel known as ‘camp 4’ to them. This would take the land off the tax rolls - and into a trust, giving the County no say in how the property would be developed. Some in favor of the turnover argue that the land could be used to provide more housing for the Chumash Indians, while others argue that the land will simply be used for the building of another casino.
In Washington - a vote took place in a Congressional Committee - in favor of turning the land over to the tribe. The only no vote on the committee - came from Rep. Lois Capps - whose congressional district represents Santa Ynez and Santa Barbara. In a conversation with KCSB Reporter Nkechi Ikem, Congresswoman Lois Capps explained her vote in more detail.
PC: Ken Pfeiffer Photography
