Chumash leader disgusted with Santa Barbara County

ASSOCIATED PRESS 7:20 a.m. March 21, 2007 SANTA BARBARA – Chumash leader Vincent Armenta is upset with Board of Supervisors treatment of the casino-rich Santa Ynez tribe.

A day after the tribe announced Armenta had won his fifth term as tribal chairman, Armenta made a surprise appearance before the board Tuesday to describe his dismay with the county over its lack of communication.

Armenta was apparently angry because the board worked on a letter to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger expressing resident concerns over potential expansion at the Chumash Resort.

Armenta told the board he had always stressed the importance of communication and mutual respect, but said he felt his tribe has received neither in return.

“I told you eventually the tribe members who govern me are going to be upset with this and tell me to close the doors,” Armenta said. “That day has come. Because our doors are closed. I hope you're proud of it.”

“An apology will not be accepted. Actions speak louder than words,” he added.

Supervisor Brooks Firestone said the board would follow up with the tribe.

“It concerns me, because what they have stated and what we have stated is we need better communication,” Firestone said. “They have asked for more meetings, and we've been happy to do that. I've always said I'm there. The question is, does this statement imply something different? That concerns me.”