County of Los Angeles v. Southern California Gas Co.

Since 1917 defendant (or its predecessor) has maintained gas pipelines under and along county highways in unincorporated areas in the county and has paid 2 per cent of its annual gross receipts for the franchises. Prom 1925 to 1953 defendant (or its predecessor) has maintained gas pipelines on county bridges in unincorporated areas in the county and has paid certain amounts as rental for such use of the bridges. In 1953 defendant paid the bridge charge under protest, asserting in effect that defendant had the right under its highway franchises to use the bridges as a part of the highway…