US seized California island ranch after $4m offer; jury awarded family $12.7m

A federal jury awarded a California family $12.7 million for their Santa Cruz Island ranch. The government had seized the 6,300-acre property using eminent domain in 1996. This verdict concluded a decades-long property dispute between park officials and the Gherini family. The family’s ancestors had owned part of the island since the late 19th century. The award allowed the National Park Service to gain full control of the land.