Why does LA-Orange Co. line not follow the Coyote Creek exactly? Is there a reason for the jagged boundary?

Question

I noticed on a map that the cities of La Palma and Cerritos extend to the opposite side of Coyote Creek? It doesn't seem to make sense that the county boundary does not follow the creek? Is there a reason why I'm wondering??

Answer 1

You have to remember that the county boundries were set over 150 years ago. Most likely, it was erosion. The stream meanders because of changes in soil density and the like. Add in the effects of earthquakes and suddenly it is hard to have things stay on one side of the line or another.

Answer 2

Probably has something to do with who owned the land originally.