ELR Citation: ELR 20240
No(s). C051270 (Cal. App. 3d Dist. Oct 19, 2006)

The court upheld the award of attorney fees in favor of a county in a case involving a state agency's proposal to convert agricultural land into wildlife habitat. Although the action was ultimately dismissed, the county's action resulted in the modification of a conservation easement to permit grazing on the property at issue. Hence, the county was a successful party. In addition, the county's action enforced an important right affecting the public interest, conferred a significant benefit on a large group of people, and was necessary. The award of attorney fees was therefore proper.