154 Named The “Chumash Highway”

Yesterday, Santa Ynez Chumash Tribal Chairman Vincent Armenta announced that the California Legislature passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) No. 75, which designates Highway 154 the “Chumash Highway.”

“Travelers taking the scenic route from Santa Ynez to Santa Barbara cross a journey that the Chumash people have traversed for thousands of years,” said Chairman Armenta. “I’m elated that this fact was recognized by the California Legislature with their highway naming project.”

Authored by Assembly Member Joe Coto, ACR No. 75 was introduced on August 23 and adopted by the Assembly on September 4 (76 Ayes 0 Noes). On September 12 the Senate adopted ACR No. 75 (38 Ayes and 0 Noes) and sent it back to the Assembly for enrollment.

“This is a proud and historic moment for us as a tribal nation,” said Armenta. “Many of the views from the Chumash Highway route reflect what our ancestors would have seen, including vistas of the Santa Ynez Mountains from atop San Marcos Pass.”

In prehistoric times the Chumash territory encompassed some 7,000 square miles. Today, this same region in Southern Central California takes in five counties including Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles and Kern.

“The Chumash Highway follows an elaborate Chumash trail network which linked several hundred early Chumash villages and towns, seasonal encampments, rock art sites, shrines, gathering places and water sources,” said Armenta. “These trails were vital to sustaining cultural longevity for over 8,000 years in this region as they formed the foundation for economic and social exchange among the Chumash.”

Armenta said that the naming project represents the respect and recognition that members of both the California Assembly and Senate have for Native Americans. “They understand the historical significance of the area,” he said.

Members of the tribe’s elected tribal officials have met with state representatives to begin the process of producing signs designating the Chumash Highway.