Correlate Tax Map With Topo Map

The county's tax map is divided into one-mile squares called sections (640 acres per section); each section is designated with a number from I to 36, then blocks of 36 sections are designated "townships". "Topo" or topographical maps use exactly the same designations. The USFS San Bernardino National Forest map and BLM Surface Management Status map also utilize the same one-mile square section numbering system. So you can correlate between the maps by using the section lines.

The Bowen Ranch is in section 11, this is depicted by the large numeral "11" in the exact center of the section. Notice that on the tax map the numeral "11" has the abbreviation "SEC" just above it and "(640 AC.)" immediately below.

Mike Castro's property in the eastern half of section 11, or as shown on the map, to the right of the large numeral 11. His 80 acres is a quarter of a mile wide (east to west) and a half mile long (north to south). The Rancho Los Flores property is in the western half of section 11; the 160 acres are one half mile square and situated to the left of the large numeral 11.

To see if the Bowen Ranch parking lot is really on Rancho Los Flores land, first look at topographical map. Notice that the parking lot is in the vicinity of old "Water Tank" site which is to the left of the section 11 numeral.

Next look at the county tax map. Rancho Los Flores is to the left or west of the center of section 11. Mike Castro's Bowen Ranch is to the right or east of the center of section 11.

This puts the Bowen Ranch parking lot on the Rancho Los Flores land and makes Mike Castro's "parking fees" an illegal toll; because you pay at the ranch tollgate then park (trespass?) upon the land of another. That is unless you actually park near the Bowen Ranch Buildings.