Some prime Southern California beachfront real estate can now be rightfully returned to the descendants of the Black owners, who had the land taken away from them by the city of Manhattan Beach a century ago.
Last month, California lawmakers unanimously voted to return the Manhattan Beach property purchased in 1912 by Willa and Charles Bruce.
Yesterday Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation that will enable the county to return the beachfront property to The Bruce’s descendants. The two lots of land are now worth approximately $75 million in total.
The property was once a resort known as “Bruce’s Beach,” famous for being the first West Coast resort for Black people when racial segregation kept them from enjoying many beaches.
The Bruces purchased the land in 1912 for $1,225 and built several facilities, including a cafe and changing rooms on the property. It was one of the few beaches in the country where Black residents could go and enjoy the local beach.
