Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-07-28
SQUATTERS GRANTED
FIFTY YEAR LEASES
EAST SAN PEDRANS ARE GIVEN
TITLES TO HOMES
Trustees Vote Unanimously for Propo-
sition After Brief Discussion.
Little other Business Is
Transacted
Especial to The Herald

SAN PEDRO. July 27.-The great
benefits which will accrue to the citi-
zens of this city by consolidation with
Los Angeles have already been mani
tested in various forms since the cam
paign has been started. Through the
numerous "harbor steals" and fran
chise grabs which have been stopped
by the interference of public senti-
ment, stirred up by the leaders in the
movement to unite with Los Angeles,
the city trustees have adopted policy
of acceding to the wishes of the people
and trying to protect the dear public"
as they are, under their oath of office,
supposed to do.
Last Friday the trustees visited East
San Pedro and Terminal island 70 see
what was needed in this, the new ter
ritory recently brought under the rule
of this city. The squatters at East
San Pedro told them that the main
thing they wanted was protection in
the peaceful possession of their little
homes, and were assured that the
trustees would do everything in their
power to give them this protection.
Squatters Ask for Leases
AS a result of the action of the trus-
tees at this time the squatters and fish
ermen were emboldened to ask for a
fifty-year lease today which would
give all of them, they are confident, un
questioned possession of their little
homes.
Judge Knox Of Los Angeles appeared
for forty or fifty of the squatters at
the council meeting today and eX-
planned that the petitioners only want
ed to protect their rights there. The
Salt Lake railroad had received lease
from Long Beach. he said, for ninety
seven acres at the nominal rental of
81 per year.
'This board" concluded Judge Knox,
"can do no more beautiful and gra-
cious act as YOU are about to terminate
your career Gf YOU are to do so) than
giving this lease to these poor persons"
City Attorney Henry Stieglitz spoke
for the lease as a citizen and taxpayer,
and when asked by Trustee Foot as
to which he thought more legal, ten
or fifty year lease said: IF I were
councilman I would make it fifty
years, in view of the fact that Long
Beach gave the railroad a fifty-year
lease"
Pay for Leases
Trustee Duffy made a strong talk
for the squatters and moved that they
be granted a lease for fifty years.
Trustee Foot Immediately seconded the
motion and the vote was unanimous.
The question of rental came up later,
and it was finally decided to make 1t
81 for each claim as shown on the map
filed with the petition, and several of
the squatters Immediately after adj
journment paid over the money to the
city clerk and got their receipts.
Judge Knox also presented a petition
from the same parties requesting that
United States avenue be widened and
filled, where needed. with crushed
rock. and that Taft avenue, a north
and south street east of the bulkhead,
be opened and declared public high
way. The request was also made for
electric lights and other improve
ments." On motion of Trustee Foot
the lighting question was referred to
the city electrician and the rtreet prob
lem to the city engineer for a report
at next meeting.
Little Other Business
Aside from the lease to the squatters,
little business was done by the trustees
Street superintendent Mcdonald urged
the board to take immediate steps to
provide for the winters storm water,
but Trustee Peck thought there was no
hurry, saying when reminded of the
early rain, Better let 1t lay over until
next month, it may rain something
else, but it won't rain water"
A request from Bessolo & Truxler for
a restaurant liquor license was referred
to the city attorney.
A petition from property owners to
grade by private contract Mesa street
from Tenth to Sixteenth was granted.
The city marshal reported having
collected $1649 in licenses during the
month, with $40 from recorders court
fees. The city assessor reported $164
collected on personal property. A war
rant for S94.50 was ordered drawn from
the general fund
The trustees took an adjournment
until 10 o'clock Saturday morning.