Incorporated in 1909, Huntington Beach remained a sleepy seaside town until the city's legendary oil boom in the 1920s. Wells sprang up overnight, and in less than a month, the city's population more than doubled. As the area developed culturally through the decades, the once tiny farming community increased its size with 25 miles of annexations to become one of Southern California's major tourist destinations. Pictured here in nearly 200 vintage photographs is the evolution of this small seaside village into a classic, Southern California beach city, known as Surf City to nearly a million tourists a year. Showcased here are images acquired from city records, including shots of the famous Huntington Beach Pier as it evolved over the century, rare amateur photos of one of the largest gushers in city history, vintage beach scenes, rarely seen historic aerial views, images of the turn of the century "Tent City," the infamous flood of 1938, and nostalgic shots of the Saltwater Plunge.

For more than 100 years, Huntington Beach has been a scenic haven for locals and tourists alike. Huntington Beach has also been the subject of many postcards. After all, Surf City, USA is a wonderfully picturesque place. Compelling printed images of the famous pier, downtown, the parks, people, agriculture, and businesses became some of the citys most popular souvenirs. Postcards such as these evoke the magic of long-gone summers; wistful, nostalgic glimpses of a classic Southern California beach cityand they are just as lovely today as they were decades ago.

"The history of a thriving and integrated yet forgotten Japanese American community before World War II"--

The great world traveler and writer Trevor Summons has decided to settle down in Southern California and conduct all his subsequent literary expeditions here. Summons is now the region's tour guide of choice. He leads readers not only on visits to the well-known attractions, but also on journeys of discovery to hidden locations that are even more fascinating. This collection of some of his best articles must be considered the new travel bible that belongs in the car, motorcycle, backpack, suitcase and bookshelf of anyone who wishes to explore the Golden State's glittery half. John Weeks, Features Editor L.A.N.G. (Retd!) Trevors Travels (in Southern California) is the result of 15 years of a weekly column published each Sunday in the San Bernardino Sun and other newspapers in the Los Angeles Newspaper Group (L.A.N.G.) Each piece is an account of a location recommended for a day visit. S. California has a great deal to offer both resident and visitor. From museums and art galleries to the many beautiful outdoor locations, the area has it all and you dont have to worry too much about the weather! The 150 places herein range from the eerily named but interesting Museum of Death to the awe-inspiring Getty, and from the Living Desert in Palm Springs to the relaxing beach of Marina Del Rey.

When Brenda is a very young girl, her mother takes her to the YMCA near their home so that Brenda can learn how to swim. While she is on the side of the indoor pool, another child challenges her to a race. Brenda agrees, not knowing that she could be in danger. The water is very deep, and Brenda doesnt really know how to swim yet, so she sinks down into the deep blue water. Luckily, there is a lifeguard nearby who jumps in and pulls her to safety. But now Brenda is sad and afraid of the swimming pool. Even so, she continues to take swimming lessons, learning how to respect the water. As she grows up, she learns how to have fun while swimming and even begins to teach others how to swim. In this childrens story, a scary incident helps one little girl begin a lifelong journey of swimming and water safety and helps children understand the importance of knowing how to swim.

"Officially known as Surf City USAa, Huntington Beach is a surf town like no other. Ever since Hawaiian transplant George Freeth "walked on water" beside the famous Huntington Beach Pier in 1914, the city has had a storied relationship with surf culture that endures to this day. Combining a rough-and-tumble working-class spirit leftover from the city's epic oil boom with its role as a popular beach resort destination, Huntington Beach has produced some of surfing's most memorable personalities and moments. From legendary surfing heroes to long-standing competitions and titans of industry, these vintage photographs trace the evolution of this once small seaside settlement into a West Coast surf mecca, where surfing truly is a way of life."--Page [4] of cover.

Journalist Robert Pearce returns to his home town of North Bay after fifteen years of travel, to interview a rock band, who are about to make a break for the London scene. The assignment leads him through the wreckage of his memories and the decline of the town, becoming a journey of conscience that leads to murder.