If successful, the Chumash would assert similar jurisdiction over the land as it does over its existing reservation. The tribe is working through Congress and the federal government to use a land transfer program called “fee to trust” for the property. It plans to build 143 homes for tribal members and descendants on the property.

The band bought the 1,400 acres, known as Camp 4, in 2010 from the late actor Fess Parker. Tensions are already high among some valley residents because the Chumash band is trying to effectively annex land about 2 miles away from its reservation 30 miles northeast of Santa Barbara.

“So far, they have rejected it every time.” “We’ve offered on numerous occasions to provide additional fire and law enforcement services for the valley, and the county can accept that or not,” Armenta said. In addition to the other concerns, Farr said the tribe’s offer to pay for extra fire and sheriff’s services was inadequate. “We’re using less water now than we were using 10 years ago,” Armenta said.