The head of the Chumash Tribe has resigned.
Vincent Armenta has been Chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians since 1999. He headed the tribe during the biggest period of financial growth in its history, overseeing construction of the Chumash Casino Resort, the purchase and relaunch of one of the largest hotels in Solvang, and the addition of multiple parcels of real estate in the Santa Ynez Valley.
He’s also headed negotiations with Santa Barbara County in often contentious talks over the tribe’s land development.
Armenta was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America in New York. He says this is an opportunity to pursue his lifelong passion for cooking. The tribe will hold an election to select a new chairman.
