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Committee advances bill to allow San Diego to transfer state-park land to San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians
Summary
AB 971 would permit the City of San Diego, if it takes affirmative action, to transfer roughly 3.83 acres currently held as a state park to the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians; the Government Organization Committee voted to pass the bill to Appropriations with substantial support from tribal representatives and lawmakers.
Assemblymember Alvarez introduced Assembly Bill 971 to authorize the City of San Diego, if it chooses to act, to transfer approximately 3.83 acres of land to the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians. The Government Organization Committee voted to pass AB 971 to the Appropriations Committee.
Alvarez told the committee the county of San Diego hosts numerous tribal nations and described AB 971 as a step “to undo some of the historic, unfortunate, injustices” tied to land taken from tribes. He said the land at issue is “roughly 3.83 acres of land” and that the transfer would require the city to take affirmative action through its own processes for conveying the property.
Johnny Bear Contreras, who identified himself as Kumeyaay from the San Pasqual Band, testified about the tribe’s continuous presence and care for the land. Attorney Ryan Kroll, who said he represents the San Pasqual Band, told the committee the tribe is committed to reopening and operating the currently closed state park as a funded historical park and museum focused on the tribe and local history. Kroll said the transfer could turn “a closed park that no one can utilize to an open and operating park that is funded and operated by the tribe itself.”
A representative of the San Luis Rey Indian Water Authority recorded support in the hearing; committee members including Assemblymember Ramos expressed support and characterized the bill as a first legislative step toward returning ancestral territory to the tribe.
Assemblymember Macedo moved AB 971 out of committee with a second from Assemblymember Berman. The committee’s roll call and subsequent statements recorded that the measure “enjoys 16 votes,” and the bill was referred to the Appropriations Committee for further review. Committee members raised questions about coordination with the City of San Diego; Alvarez said the city must take affirmative action and that state and city discussions are ongoing.
