City of Los Angeles v. Los Angeles-Inyo Farms Co.

The appeal herein has been taken from an order taxing costs in a proceeding instituted by the City of Los Angeles for the condemnation of certain lands and appurtenant water rights.

On February 17, 1930, the defendant Los Angeles-Inyo Farms Company and certain other owners of ranch lands in Owens Valley commenced an action in the Superior Court of Inyo County, whereby they sought to enjoin the City of Los Angeles from operating pumps located upon land which was owned by said municipality in Owens Valley and from withdrawing water from the underground basin of said valley. On April 28, 1930, the city filed an answer and a cross-complaint in this action. By the answer, in addition to other defenses, the city proceeded as in reverse condemnation. By the cross-complaint the city sought to condemn the property of the plaintiff in said action, Los Angeles-Inyo Farms Company, which overlay the underground water basin. On May 10, 1930, the cross-defendant in said action, Los Angeles-Inyo Farms Company, filed an answer to the city’s cross-complaint, in which it was alleged that the value of the land sought to be condemned was $1,419,000. Upon stipulation this action was transferred to San…