States Mendocino oceanfront land giveaway puts the public last, again

From the “It looks bad, even if it’s legal” files:California has given away 136 acres of coastal land in Mendocino County to a group of three Indian tribes.This land was a valuable public resource, ceded for no financial consideration.The key questions are obvious:What is the land’s market value? Why give it away for essentially nothing? And what does the public really gain from this apparent handout?While politicians like to virtue-signal about “returning” native land — a policy that never extends to their own real estate, of course — it’s unclear how overtaxed Californians benefit from giving public assets away.Even so: This was enough of a priority for state officials that they spent years ensuring that it happened.In 2021, legislators passed and Gov.Gavin Newsom signed a bill authorizing the giveaway to Kai Poma — a nonprofit controlled by three tribes with ties to the region: the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribes and Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians.The land was officially ceded in June.Question: Why did the legislation authorizing this giveaway specify the transfer to occur “at no cost,” yet fail to include an appraisal of the land?Shouldn’t the public know what an asset is worth before the state hands it to a private group? Seems basic.It’s also fair for state residents to wonder: Why, with taxes so high and the state constantly spending more than it collects from residents, should California hand over a vast tract of land for no financial consideration? Such “transfers” also raise questions going forward. The acreage had been acquired by the state’s transportation department, now Caltrans, in the 1960s to support the State Route 1 corridor.

California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story ...