Santa Ynez Chumash seek to move prominent open space into federal trust

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians seeks to place a prominent open space into federal trust—a move that would open the door to new construction at the site. “We purchased this land in 2015, and we want to ensure it is preserved for future generations of our tribe, Kenneth Kahn, Tribal Chairman, said in a statement. Kenneth Kahn, Santa Ynez Chumash tribal chairman, on Aug. 27 at the 2026 Solvang State of the City breakfast. (File photo by Tom Schultz/Santa Barbara News-Press) Called the San Carlos Property, also known as the Triangle Property, it’s bordered by Highway 154 to the northeast, Highway 246 to the south and the town of Santa Ynez at Meadowvale Road to the west. After notifying Santa Barbara County of the application, the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs now seeks input from local officials about the potential title change. If approved, the move would remove the property from Santa Barbara County planning and development oversight. The county Board of Supervis