New Bruce's Beach Plaque To Be Unveiled At Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — A new plaque at Bruce's Beach Park commemorating the storied history of the area will be unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony this month, according to Manhattan Beach city officials.

The creation of the plaque and stone monument was inspired by the history of Manhattan Beach's racially motivated eminent domain action to dispossess a Black family, the Bruces, of their property in the 1920s. The City Council took action to replace the plaque with updated language that they believe evokes a feeling of reflection and inclusivity.

"By shining a light on the truth of the injustices of the past, Manhattan Beach has begun a new chapter of recovery and healing," said Manhattan Beach Mayor Steve Napolitano. "Today, we are an inclusive, loving and caring community and this new plaque reflects that."

The updated plaque condemns the past actions of government officials and white residents who the city said, "intimidated, harassed, and demonstrated discrimination against Black homeowners and visitors."

The city approved the design for the monument last month at a council meeting. The stone monument and bronze plaque will sit in the middle of a cement circle at the park with additional planters, artwork and benches to be added later.

Near the start of the year, the Bruce family sold the property back to the county for $20 million for many reasons including ease of development of the land.

"This fight has always been about what is best for the Bruce family, and they feel what is best for them is selling this property back to the county for nearly $20 million and finally rebuilding the generational wealth they were denied for nearly a century," Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said. "This is what reparations look like and it is a model that I hope governments across the country will follow."

In addition to the plaque, the city council commissioned an art piece and landscaping to surround the monument to evoke a sense of peace, healing and community at the park. The proposal for the art pice is currently being developed, officials said.

The ceremony will take place at Bruce's Beach Park on Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. For more information about the history of Bruce's Beach and current updates, visit the city's webpage.