Native Americans Seek To Stop Reservoir Construction At Cemetery Site

In Santee, California, efforts are underway on several fronts to prevent the Padre Dam Municipal Water Board from proceeding with construction of a reservoir and pipeline in an area that was a burial ground for the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians. East County Magazine reported yesterday that after human remains and artifacts were discovered, a state Superior Court judge issued a temporary restraining order to stop construction on part of the project. The Viejas Tribe plans to seek an extension of the order to the entire construction site at a hearing on Friday. On June 17, the California Native American Heritage Commission ruled the site to be a sanctified cemetery and ceremonial site, and requested a halt to construction while mitigation measures, including tribal monitoring during grading activities, are considered. However construction continued until the state Attorney General threatened to file suit to stop further damage to the area while the Water District reviews the Commission's proposed mitigation measures. Padre Dam authorities say construction is necessary to protect against firestorms and delays cost some $150,000 per month. It says moving the project to a new site would cost $10 million.