People v. Smith

This action was commenced under the Red-light Abatement Act [Stats. 1913, p. 20] against the owners and proprietors of a place in Seal Beach known as the Seal Cafe and Seal Inn.

The complaint alleges, and the court finds, that the premises were used for the purpose of lewdness, assignation, and prostitution, judgment was entered" in favor of the plaintiff, and from that judgment this appeal is prosecuted.

Much of the argument advanced by appellants is disposed of in the opinion this day filed in the case of People v. Bayside Land Co. et al., post, p. 257, [ 191 Pac. 994 ], and need not receive further notice here.

The main point urged by appellants as ground for reversal is that the evidence is insufficient to justify the findings regarding the use of the property. The building in question was a two-story structure, the lower floor of which was used as a cafe where meals and drinks were served, and music furnished that the patrons might dance. In a separate por tion of the lower floor was a grill-room, from which a stairway led to the floor above. The second stery was divided into sixteen bedrooms, for the accommodation of guests. At the times to which the testimony refers…