"News flash: A game-changing letter in opposition to annexation of land by a wealthy Indian tribe has been sent by the state of California to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The March 14, 2012, letter from the California Attorney General, at the behest of the governor, requests BIA denial of an annexation request by the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians (the Soboba) — owners of a successful casino in Riverside County.

Significantly for us, this letter from a Democratic governor’s office follows a similar letter from our former Republican governor’s office requesting denial of a Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians (Chumash) request to annex 5.68 acres in Santa Ynez.

California appears fully aware of the problems of inappropriate land annexations by wealthy tribes, and is aggressively trying to stop them."

Get the Story:
Bob Field: State opposition to annexation in Riverside should apply here (The Solvang Valley News 3/29)

Related Stories:
Richard Gomez: Chumash Tribe needs more land for housing (3/1)
Opinion: Land-into-trust wasn't intended for 'wealthy' tribes (1/19)
Opinion: A lack of leadership over Chumash Tribe land-into-trust (1/5)