Pala Band of Mission Indians applauds County of San Diego Board of Supervisors for repealing policies hindering tribal growth

PALA – The Pala Band of Mission Indians applauds the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors for their decision to repeal blanket opposition on fee-to-trust applications and loosen strict liquor license requirements for tribal governments at this morning’s board meeting.

“On behalf of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, we thank the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors for supporting this important proposal,” said Robert Smith, Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians. “This action is an important step in the right direction.”

The decision, which was unanimously approved, will lift barriers and repeal a current policy that has opposed tribal growth since the mid-1990s. The action also establishes a tribal liaison position to further the government-to-government relationship with each of the region’s tribal governments.

“Several tribes throughout San Diego County, including Pala, have responsibly developed casinos and businesses on their reservations, employed thousands of residents with good paying jobs and made significant contributions to the local economy,” said Chairman Smith. “Tribal businesses are vital to economic development in our communities and we are committed to working to strengthen and foster strong government-to-government relationships throughout the region and the state.”

Submitted by Pala Band of Mission Indians.