Otto and Lillian Berk: 

1957-1972 Era of Property Subdivision    

Otto served as a founding member and director of the Olivenhein Metropolitan Water District. He moved from New York City, where he was a floor tile contractor, to retire in Del Mar and to raise thoroughbred race horses.  The Berks invested in real estate and remained active in land sales throughout his "retirement" years. In addition, Otto Berk continued to work as a building contractor and horse breeder.

Escondido historian, Lucy Berk had lived on Mt. Israel where she raised her children with her former husband, Norman Berk, the son of Otto and Lillian Berk.  She recalled that her father in law, Otto Berk sold off subdivided property behind his home which was once a part of their Hidden Lake Ranch.

Lucy Berk, explained that Otto Berk sold a view lot to the actress Elizabeth Taylor high above their own home. Lucy and Norman were close friends with Elizabeth Taylor’s brother, Howard and his wife, Mara until the Taylors moved permanently to Hawaii. Past ranch owners speak of a picture of Elizabeth Taylor sitting in Otto Berks Jeep in the driveway of Hidden Lake ranch. However the picture has not been located.

Another  home from Otto Berk’s sub division of Hidden Lake Ranch was built on a huge reservoir that had been on original property and described as one that could have been built by Louis Richard. It was so large that Lucy's children could paddle in an inflatable boat. The home constructed on that site was owned by a well-known dermatologist, Dr. Dickerson.  Lucy also remembered that there were cuts into the walls of the mountains which were from spec mining above property in Mr. Israel area.

On January 6, 1972 Lillian G. Berk, trustee sold the remaining portion of Hidden Lake Ranch to Clifford A. Gabba, widower. They remained on the property until September, 1974 where Otto Berk passed away. See obituaries below.