Chumash Donations Not Donations

The local newspapers have recently reported Solvang’s discussion about what to do with $350,000 dollars from the Chumash Special Distribution Fund.

I hope readers understand the reality. Casino tribes are obligated to contribute money to this special distribution fund because of the harm to communities from their casinos. However, as the articles explained, if the Chumash don’t agree with the way the cities want to spend the money then the Chumash can refuse to give it to them and send it to the state, instead. So now Solvang will be meeting with the Chumash to decide how the Chumash think the money should be spent. How about a new carpool lane to the casino? Isn’t this the definition of extortion?

The politicians are the ones responsible for this. They make the laws. It’s time to hold them accountable to change the laws so that casino tribes are not running our counties, our state, and our country.