WCC Members

Meet the Woodfords Community Council

  • Geoffrey Ellis

    Woodfords Community Council Chairman

    Washoe Tribal Council Representative

  • Steven "Buck" Cruz

    Woodfords Community Council Vice-Chairman

  • Jeanne Mortimer

    Woodfords Community Council Secretary/Treasurer

    Washoe Tribal Council Representative

  • Irvin Jim, Jr.

    Woodfords Community Council Member

    Inter-Tribal Council of California Chairman

  • Emmerette Frank

    Woodfords Community Councilwoman

Upcoming events.

Please check our newsfeed for additional events.

Please email: woodfordscommunity@washoetribe.us to request that your event be placed on our community calendar.

Understanding Governance in the Woodfords Community

Sovereignty & Partnership

An Interactive Guide to Governance and Law Enforcement in the Woodfords Community

Click on any entity in the diagram below to learn about its role, responsibilities, and legal authority.

Washoe Tribal Council

Supreme Governing Body

Woodfords Community Council

Local Governance

Washoe Tribal Court

Judicial Authority

Washoe Tribe Police

Tribal Law Enforcement

Alpine County Sheriff

County Law Enforcement

Explore the Diagram

Select an entity to see its description here. This guide explains how different layers of government and law enforcement work together to serve the community.

Key Legal Concepts

📜 Tribal Sovereignty

As a federally recognized tribe, the Washoe Tribe has the inherent right to govern itself, its lands, and its members. This is a fundamental power that predates the United States. The Tribe's government, courts, and police are expressions of this sovereignty. They are not "given" power by the county or state; they exercise their own authority.

🤝 Concurrent Jurisdiction (Public Law 280)

A federal law called Public Law 280 gives California (and thus the Alpine County Sheriff) the authority to enforce state criminal laws on tribal lands. However, it **does not** take away the Tribe's own authority. This creates "concurrent" or shared jurisdiction. Both the Washoe Tribe Police and the Alpine County Sheriff can operate in the same area, but they enforce different sets of laws (tribal vs. state). This partnership ensures comprehensive public safety for everyone in the community.

Misc. Applications

  • WHA Community Building

    Looking to rent a space for your next outreach event in the Woodfords Community? The Washoe Housing Authority Community Building is available upon request.

    Hung A Lel Ti Facility Use

  • Land Assignment Application

    Land Assignment Application

    Here

  • WCC Facility Use Agreement

    The Wellness Center and Picnic area are available to rent.

    Agreement Here