LOS ANGELES (AP) A faction of a landless Indian tribe has
changed course and said they are interested in building a casino in
the area.
The possibility of a casino came up as two factions of the
Gabrielino-Tongva tribe squared off in Superior Court over a
membership dispute. One group wanted to build a casino against the
wishes of another faction led by tribal Chairman Anthony Morales,
who said he had no interest in gambling.
On Wednesday, five days after prevailing in state appellate
court, Morales changed his mind. ``We are open to entertain any
economic opportunities to help our people,'' he said.
The legal battle concerned tribal membership, but the main issue
was federal recognition of the tribe. If such recognition is
obtained, the tribe could attempt to lay claim to ancestral lands
in Los Angeles County.
The plaintiff's attorney, Jonathan Stein, who sued Morales'
faction, in part, to gain control of historical documents that
could help it obtain federal recognition, was not impressed.
``We wish Mr. Schwartz the best of luck,'' he said. ``And we
hope he learns to operate a slot machine.''
Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com
(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)