San Diego, CA–Supervisor Jim Desmond Wednesday and numerous tribal leaders announced a proposal for the upcoming Board meeting on Wednesday, which will repeal previously approved resolutions opposing tribes processing fee-to-trust applications and strict criteria to obtain liquor licenses.
“San Diego County Tribes have proven to be good neighbors and their commercial endeavors are an economic engine to our region,” said County Supervisor Jim Desmond. “Collectively, they have created more than 10,000 jobs, which has resulted in a $1 billion industry. For too long the County of San Diego has opposed the growth of Tribal Governments.”
The action also establishes a tribal liaison position to further the government-to-government relationship with each of the region’s eighteen Tribal Governments.
“On behalf of the San Diego County Indian tribes, we are very appreciative of the work Supervisor Desmond has done in an effort to help us rescind a decades-old policy that has created tensions with the tribes and their surrounding communities,” stated Chairman Bo Mazzetti of the Rincon Tribe. “Our goal is to build positive partnerships with County officials and the community at large while helping our tribes and our neighbors through public safety, economic development and environmental sustainability. We strongly believe this is the first step in the right direction and look forward to a close working relationship between our Tribal Governments and County Government.”
San Diego County has more Tribal Governments than any other county in the nation. The unincorporated area of San Diego county is home to nineteen Native American reservations represented by eighteen Tribal Governments.
“These actions recognize our major contributions to the economy and the impact we have employing thousands of San Diegans as tribal governments, said Chairwoman Erica Pinto, of the Jamul Indian Village of California. “Today we create a solid foundation together, one that is based on mutual respect and collaboration that will serve us all for generations to come.”
Establishing government-to-government relations with each local Native American Tribal Government is necessary to ensure delivery of efficient services and improved quality of life for respective residents and the communities.
