REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adoption of a Resolution Recognizing and Supporting the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band in Protecting Their Sacred Lands of Juristac from Development by Public or Private Entities, and Instruct the Mayor to Send a Letter to Santa Clara County
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Promote Sustainability and Environmental Protection
BACKGROUND
At the October 19, 2021 City Council meeting, Councilmember Jain presented a petition asking the Council to pass a resolution asking the County of Santa Clara to reject a conditional use permit for the Sargent Ranch Quarry and to preserve an area known as Juristac located in south Santa Clara County as open space. The cities of Morgan Hill and Santa Cruz have passed similar resolutions. In addition, numerous elected officials and organizations have signed a Statement of Opposition to Sargent Ranch Quarry, and letters of support for protecting Juristac have been submitted by faculties of numerous colleges and universities, including a group of 279 faculty and staff and 90 students at Santa Clara University.
The petition also stated that the City of Santa Clara has demonstrated regional leadership in protecting Indigenous cultural heritage sites in the past by preserving the Tamyen Ohlone village site of Ulistac. A 2016 ballot measure amended the City Charter to prevent development or sale of city-owned parks, including Ulistac Natural Area, which received 90% voter support. Therefore, the petition stated that it is appropriate for the City of Santa Clara to continue its leadership in protecting Indigenous cultural heritage sites such as Ulistac and Juristac.
DISCUSSION
The Amah-Mutsun Tribal Band of Ohlone/Costanoan (Amah Mutsun Tribal Band) Indians of Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and San Francisco Counties are among the surviving aboriginal Native American lineages of this region and have demonstrated their cultural heritage, Native American identity, and tribal continuity through m...
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