Ex-Actor, Chumash Plan Community

The process of placing land into federal trust was established in 1934 by the Indian Reorganization Act to compensate tribes for the loss of native lands. It can take as long as a decade for the secretary of the Interior to approve trust application. But Armenta said he believed the federal government would look favorably on his tribe's petition because the Chumash tribe once inhabited the area that is now the Parker property and the plan includes Indian housing.

Since 2000, the tribe has placed two parcels in federal trust, bringing the size of the reservation to 138 acres.

The tribal chairman is upbeat about working closely with county officials.

"I honestly believe if they take a look at this, not in a political manner, but what it's going to do economically for the entire valley, they are going to say this is a great project," Armenta said. "Housing developments in the area are inevitable. Here is a way to tastefully do a project that addresses everyone's concerns."

Marshall, however, is skeptical if the development is placed off limits to local government.

"I'm not really sure how it greatly benefits the surrounding community if the project generates no property taxes, no sales taxes and no occupancy taxes" while it competes with other communities and other hotels, she said.

The Chumash tribe is counting on its partnership with Parker, a local celebrity and benefactor, to help smooth the way.

"We are honored to be associated with Mr. Parker," Armenta said, calling the developer "an American icon and a savvy businessman who has helped enhance the Santa Ynez Valley."

Parker, who will turn 80 in August, had a moderately successful Hollywood career. After a handful of one-hour episodes in which he played Davy Crockett, produced by the Walt Disney Co., Parker donned another coonskin cap to play Daniel Boone in a television series that first aired in 1964 and had a six-year run.

Parker carved out a second career as a successful hotelier and vintner. In 1986, he built the Fess Parker Doubletree Inn on beachfront property in Santa Barbara and he will soon begin construction on an adjacent luxury hotel. Among his holdings in the Santa Ynez Valley are a 21-room Victorian-style inn in Los Olivos and a 714-acre winery in Foxen Canyon.

Parker said he hoped to build a development similar to Hope Ranch, the wealthy seaside enclave in Santa Barbara.