For years, the people of San Luis Obispo county have been advocating for the return of tribal lands to the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini (YTT Northern Chumash) regarding the Diablo Canyon Power Plant lands/Pecho Coast. Despite the tribe’s relationship building and tireless work towards this cause, a recent proposal (“new plan”) threatens to remove YTT from priority in the updated land transference. This decision not only disregards the formal plans set out by PGE during their original disengagement announcement in 2016, but undermines one of their own top priorities: the rightful return of tribal lands.

The California Coastal Commission has a responsibility to honor the transference commitments made in the 2016 disengagement plan, to its own policy of tribal return, and to the public that it represents who demands that accountability. Instead of adhering to this, the “new plan” diminishes YTT from relevance, breaking a policy made to rectify historical injustices and neglecting the cultural heritage imbued within these lands.

The Pecho Coast is more than mere geography. It is a sacred place of heritage and identity for the YTT Northern Chumash. The descendants of the land's original stewards are best equipped to protect and preserve its sanctity, and have done so at every opportunity despite exceedingly limited access. Ignoring this fact would perpetuate the cycle of displacement and marginalization that Indigenous communities have faced for generations.

There is no plan for YTT to limit public access to the lands - lands will be managed public access to ensure protection of the ceremony and significant sites. 
 
This is not a call to immediately shut down Diablo Power Plant.

If we do not act, we risk losing an invaluable part of both California's biodiversity and cultural heritage.

By supporting this petition, you are standing up for the rights of the YTT Northern Chumash, ensuring their legacy lives on for future generations, and protecting an already threatened ecosystem.

Urge the California Coastal Commission to uphold its policy and ensure the return of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant lands to the YTT Northern Chumash. Sign this petition today to demand justice, recognition, and the rightful return of tribal land.