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Council accepts quick‑claim deed for former Navy railroad right‑of‑way, opening options for trail and public use
Summary
The council accepted a quitclaim deed transferring a former Navy railroad right‑of‑way to the city; the acquisition covers a corridor near Rancho Road and was approved 7‑0.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to accept a quitclaim deed from Spreckels Sugar Company for a former Navy Railroad right‑of‑way, a parcel staff and speakers said the city had eyed for years as a potential trail and public open space.
Mayor Pat Burns described the acquisition as a rapid staff effort: after he inquired about the vacant property, city negotiators confirmed no remaining private ownership claims and secured the deed within weeks. Dan Jamieson, a resident who testified during public comment, told the council volunteers have already been maintaining parts of the corridor, which he and others called the Monarch Nature Trail in the Rancho Road area.
Council members praised staff and the city attorney’s office for completing the quiet‑title/conveyance work quickly. The city now holds the property for future public‑use planning; no formal decision was made Tuesday on an ultimate use, but council members mentioned volunteer maintenance and trail planning as likely near‑term actions.
Clerk recorded the motion and the council adopted acceptance of the deed by a 7‑0 vote.
