Did you know that the Lompoc City Council officially lists invocation (also known as prayer) on its meeting agendas? So does the city of Santa Maria, by the way. It happens right before the Pledge of Allegiance.
I feel a little weird about that.
You know, the whole separation of church and state thing. As in, an overtly Christian prayer shouldn’t be part of an official agenda for a government meeting, broadcast to the public. The city of Guadalupe, at least, holds a moment of silence. You can have a Christian moment if you want. You can have an atheist moment, a Buddhist moment, or a Muslim moment. Whatever your heart desires.
Remember when Atheists United sued Pismo Beach for having invocations at City Council meetings and an official city chaplain position?
The suit alleged that prayers conducted at Pismo Beach City Council meetings and the city chaplain position were unconstitutional. As part of a settlement, five months later in April 2014, the city paid the plaintiff’s attorney fees—$47,500—and got rid of the chaplain and official prayers.
But, here I am getting after Lompoc for prayers, when its City Council voted for something truly important on Aug. 4: to officially hold government-to-government meetings with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. Lompoc is the second city to do so in Santa Barbara County—and hopefully, the county Board of Supervisors is paying attention.
Solvang was the first, in 2014. Solvang City Councilmember Hans Duus spoke at the Lompoc meeting, saying, “There’s been a rift in the valley, and I believe it’s all due to a lack of communication with the tribe.” He alluded to the trouble between some Santa Ynez Valley community members and pretty much any project the tribe embarks upon. “I feel that’s very important to recognize the tribe for what they are. They are a sovereign nation. And to show that respect to them and show the way that we can work together and that we don’t have to be in adversity all the time.”
Duus also cautioned Lompoc’s City Council to make the decision for the right reasons, not for the money. I think money is a huge reason for Lompoc—the Chumash Casino Resort is the biggest private employer of Lompoc residents, according to John Linn, who introduced himself as a “resident” when speaking during the public comment portion of the meeting, but assuredly also said “when I was mayor,” as he almost always does. The bike park, the YMCA, and several other capital projects have all received donations from the tribe.
It makes sense that it would be an impetus behind official government-to-government talks discussing things of “mutual interest.” However, Lompoc’s Mayor Bob Lingl did point out that meetings between the city and tribe already happen, but making it official is important.
“It’s not about the money,” he said. “It is showing mutual respect.”
Now, that’s what I’m talking about. I wonder when the county’s going to figure out that more can be done with a diplomatic discussion than with accusations and appeals.
The Canary’s got important things to say. Canary-to-government talks, anyone? Send comments to canary@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Aug 13-20, 2015.
