Critics of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians say the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Salazar v. Patchak will help them fight the tribe's land-into-trust efforts.

Preservation of Los Olivos (POLO) and Preservation of Santa Ynez sued the Bureau of Indian Affairs for approving one of the tribe's applications. A federal judge ruled that the groups have standing, an issue that was affirmed by the Supreme Court's ruling in Patchak.

That application is currently tied up in an administrative appeal. Meanwhile, the tribe is seeking to have 1,400 acres placed in trust through an act of Congress.

“Gaming tribes are wealthy. They can and do seek to exert great influence on politicians. Their immense financial resources allow them to cross the line from Native Americans needing support and assistance to just another big wealthy special interest seeking unfair advantage,” three local groups said in an amicus brief that was submitted as part of the Patchak case.

No bill has been submitted so far for the tribe.

Get the Story:
Local groups applaud ‘standing’ ruling (The Solvang Valley News 6/21)
Senator pulls bill on tribal annexations (The Solvang Valley News 6/21)
Supreme Court rules casino critics's case can continue (The Allegan News 6/20)

Related Stories:
Vincent Armenta: Chumash land-into-trust boosts community (6/7)
Richard Gomez: Chumash Tribe shares $16M with local charities (5/24)
Rep. Young won't introduce Chumash Tribe land-into-trust bill (5/21)
Opinion: Chumash report ignores land-into-trust issues (04/20)
Chumash Tribe cites economic benefits of land-into-trust (4/11)
Opinion: Putting an end to land-into-trust for wealthy tribes (03/29)
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)