California Coastline Handed to Indigenous Tribes by Newsom
WHO:
Fox News - Caltrans District 1 announced the transfer of land to Kai Poma, a nonprofit established by three local Native American tribes.
Fox News - Governor Gavin Newsom supported the transfer of land to Indigenous tribes.
Fox News - The property will be transferred to Kai Poma, a nonprofit founded by representatives of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribes, and Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians.
NY Post - The three Indigenous tribes involved are the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribes, and Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians.
WHAT:
Fox News - The state acquired the coastal property in the 1960s as part of plans tied to Highway 1 expansion and the creation of a scenic overlook for motorists.
Fox News - The law governing the property bars commercial activity and requires continued public access.
Fox News - A total of 136 acres of beach and coastal bluffs will be transferred.
Fox News - The property includes Blues Beach, located just south of Westport.
Fox News - Caltrans gave final regulatory approval to the deal on June 26.
Fox News - The transfer is the first of its kind in California, allowing state-owned land to be transferred to tribal governments.
NY Post - The transfer is described as a return of land to Indigenous stewardship.
WHERE:
Fox News - The property is located in Mendocino County, California, specifically south of the community of Westport.
WHEN:
Fox News - The final regulatory approval for the transfer was given on June 26.
WHY:
Fox News - Supporters of the transfer argue it will protect one of the region’s most scenic stretches of coast while returning sacred land to the descendants of the people who historically stewarded it.
Fox News - The transfer aims to protect sensitive natural resources and Native American cultural resources.
Fox News - Tribal leaders have described the land as culturally and spiritually significant, used for traditional gathering activities.
HOW:
Fox News - Caltrans staff are expected to record the deed transferring the property from the state to Kai Poma.
Fox News - The transfer required years of work and a change in state law, which was facilitated by legislation signed by Newsom in 2021.
Fox News - Kai Poma is expected to conduct cultural, archaeological, and environmental surveys before developing a long-term resource management plan for the land.
(UPDATED July 7, 2026 04:20 UTC)
Caltrans District 1 has announced the transfer of coastal land to Kai Poma, a nonprofit formed by three local Native American tribes. This property, acquired by the state in the 1960s for Highway 1 expansion and a scenic overlook, is governed by laws that prohibit commercial activity and ensure public access. Supporters believe this transfer will protect a beautiful stretch of coastline while returning sacred land to its rightful stewards.
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(UPDATED July 6, 2026 17:53 UTC)
Governor Gavin Newsom has supported the transfer of 136 acres of beach and coastal bluffs in Mendocino County, California, to Kai Poma, a nonprofit representing the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribes, and Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians. This historic transfer, which marks the first time state-owned land will be handed over to tribal governments in California, aims to protect sensitive natural resources and honor the cultural significance of the land for Indigenous stewardship. Following years of work and a change in state law, Kai Poma plans to conduct cultural, archaeological, and environmental surveys before developing a long-term resource management plan for the property, which includes Blues Beach located just south of Westport.