Schaben / Los Angeles Times / TNS
A beachfront property was returned to the heirs of the original owners whose land was taken from them in the 1900s. Charles and Willa Bruce moved from New Mexico to California and bought several lots in Manhattan Beach. Willa Bruce would build a resort on one of these properties that thrived. The community and local associations petitions that the Manhattan Beach City Council condemn and seize the Bruce family’s property. After protests had been ignored and lawsuits had been dismissed, the Bruce’s were forced to comply with the order. The Bruce’s asked for $120,000 for the property and damages, the City awarded them $14,500.