Highway named for Chumash

BY COLBY FRAZIER
DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER

The steep, winding and well traveled Highway 154 that cuts through the Santa Ynez Mountains to connect South Santa Barbara County with the sweeping vistas of the Santa Ynez Valley, has been designated by the California State Legislature as the “Chumash Highway.”
The State Senate voted 38-0 on Sept. 12 to adopt the new name, which was proposed by Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 75.

“This is a proud and historic moment for us as a tribal nation,” said Vincent Armenta, chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “I’m elated that this fact was recognized by the California Legislature with their highway naming project.”
The resolution was authored by Assemblyman Joe Coto, who serves the 23rd district, which is located in the San Jose area. Coto first introduced the resolution on Aug. 23.
Attempts to reach Assemblyman Pedro Nava, who represents the Santa Ynez Valley, were not immediately successful.
Armenta said the “Chumash Highway,” which will continue to be identified as Highway 154 and is also called the San Marcos Pass, 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.”
He said in prehistoric times, the Chumash territory encompassed 7,000 square miles, which included areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles and Kern counties.
According to a statement issued by the band of Chumash Indians last night, elected tribal officials are meeting with state representatives to begin drafting signs that will be posted along the highway recognizing it as the Chumash Highway.