The Lytton and Kashia Bands of the Pomo Indians said that they were unaware of the resolution until as late as Monday evening, and they criticized the board for not discussing the measure on a government-to-government basis.

According to County Counsel Steven Woodside, Native American lands held in trust are not subject to the Sonoma County general plan.

Still the resolution said that the county would take an active role in providing input into the federal trust acquisition review process to work to insure that any federal land trust acquisitions are consistent with the county's General Plan as well as uniform building, health and safety standards.

In addition, the resolution also noted the board's opposition to the federal government taking any land in trust that will contain casinos or other gambling facilities. The resolution said the board supported taking land into trust for housing and non-gaming purposes to help restore or compensate for the loss of past Indian land.

However, the resolution clearly stated that the acquisitions and proposed uses must comply with building, health and safety codes of the county.

The board withdrew the resolution in order to reword its provisions, and it pledged to meet with representatives of the county's five Indian tribes.

Instant Insights /

Native Americans Oppose County Resolution

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