Leaders of the Santa Ysabel Band of Mission Indians of California voted 4-3 to keep Chairman Johnny Hernandez in office.

The tribe's legislative branch cleared Hernandez of misusing $27,180 after a hearing yesterday. But he still faces a recall effort.

"I feel that tribal business and political matters should remain within the tribe," Hernandez told The North County Times in a statement. "This tribe is my family and family matters shall be kept within the tribe."

Earlier this year, Hernandez tried to remove vice chair Brandie Taylor for "blatant insubordination." The Inter-Tribal Court blocked him from taking action.

Get the Story:
Santa Ysabel tribal leaders vote to keep chairman (The North County Times 6/9)

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