County of Los Angeles v. Berk

Opinion

MANUEL, J.

In March 1971, the City of Torrance and the County of Los Angeles (County), acting for themselves and as trustees for the *206public, brought separate actions to establish a “public beach recreation easement” on certain property owned by Oscar and Shirley Berk, naming as defendants in addition to the Berks certain parties alleged to have security interests in the property. Answers and cross-complaints were filed by the Berks and other defendants. In their answers the Berks asserted a number of affirmative defenses, including estoppel and laches. Their cross-complaints, to the…