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The plaintiff's attorney, Jonathan Stein, who sued Morales' faction, in part, to gain control of historical documents that could help it obtain federal recognition, was not impressed.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
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