After an official return of ownership of Manhattan Beach property to descendants of a Black couple who turned it into a resort, but were stripped of the land in the 1920s, here’s a timeline of pivotal moments in the history of Bruce’s Beach based on LA County documents and NBC4’s reporting.
The plan allows for the return of the site on Highland Avenue near 26th Street once known as Bruce’s Beach in the city of Manhattan Beach, where the county’s lifeguard training headquarters is now located.
1912
Willa Bruce purchases one lot of land along the Strand in Manhattan Beach.
1920
Willa Bruce purchases a second lot of land along the Strand in Manhattan Beach.
1924
The Manhattan Beach City Council votes to condemn Bruce’s Beach and the surrounding land through eminent domain for a park.
1929
The court awards the property to the city of Manhattan Beach through eminent domain. The Bruces’ property is condemned, the resort is demolished, and the Bruce’s leave Manhattan Beach.
1948
The city of Manhattan Beach transfers the property to the state of California.
1956
Manhattan Beach builds a park on the land behind the Bruce’s Beach resort.
1995
Los Angeles County acquires the land.
Sept. 30, 2021
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs SB 796 into law at Bruce’s Beach.
April 14, 2022
The LA County Superior Court upholds the County’s proposed return of the property to the legal heirs of Charles and Willa Bruce.
May 26, 2022
LA County determines Marcus and Derrick Bruce, the great-grandsons of Charles and Willa Bruce, the legal heirs.
June 28, 2022
LA County officially returns Bruce’s Beach to the legal heirs of Charles and Willa Bruce.
