"Of all the astounding figures tied to the rapid rise of Indian casinos in California, perhaps the most remarkable statistic is the number of tribe members it takes to pitch a plan for a 2,000-slot-machine gambling hall.

It turns out it's five -- the size of the California Valley Miwok tribe, which is now considering an offer from outside investors to build a sizable casino on the outskirts of Gilroy's famed garlic fields.

The idea is only in the preliminary stage, after all -- the tiny tribe doesn't even have claim to land in the area. But with California in the twitchy grip of casino fever, it's probably only a matter of time before out- of-state gambling concerns find a two-member tribe to help them expand their fortunes."

Get the Story:
Ken Garcia: Casino fever grips the Golden State (The San Francisco Chronicle 9/13)