A complex land ownership issue has emerged in San Francisco, stemming from a century-old deed involving the John Carter Company and the Pacific Railroad Company. The deed, granted in 1906, included a reversionary right that would return the property to the original grantee if it ceased to be used for rail purposes. However, the John Carter Company went defunct in 1936, while the rail line continued operations until 1994, creating a 60-year gap in ownership.

This gap has led to confusion over the current ownership of Parcel C, which remains unresolved. The deed did not revert back to the John Carter Company, leaving the property in a state of limbo. Meanwhile, Parcel B is even more complicated, with 15 different listed owners, many of whom are no longer traceable. Notably, one of the surviving owners is 97-year-old Elizabeth Crim from Sonoma County, whose family historically contributed land for public use in the area.

The Ware family, associated with the smallest parcel, remains completely uncontacted, adding to the uncertainty surrounding these properties. In light of these challenges, advocates like Super Tree Rubinstein have previously approached city officials, including Supervisor Ronan, with proposals to utilize the land for farming, highlighting the ongoing interest in resolving these ownership issues for community benefit. As discussions continue, the city faces the task of clarifying ownership and determining the future use of these parcels.