Huntington Beach is a seaside city in Orange County. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 189,594. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west, by Seal Beach on the north, by Costa Mesa on the south, by Westminster on the northeast, and by Fountain Valley on the east.

It is known for its long 8.5 miles of beach, mild climate, and excellent surfing. The waves are a unique natural effect caused by edge-diffraction of ocean swells by the island of Catalina, and waves from distant hurricanes. Because of the curve of the coastline at Huntington Beach, the local beach actually faces southwest. In summer, the southwest-facing beach often has very strong surf from hurricanes off the Mexican coast.

Because of its land-use policies, Huntington Beach has the largest ratio of park area to person of any city in the United States. Almost all schools have playing fields arranged for public access as parks, with park-like amenities near major streets, and schools near the centers of blocks. Since Huntington Beach contains a major power generating station, the high-voltage rights-of-way are numerous, and have also been zoned as parks with walkways. The city often ranks among the top 10 safest cities for its size in terms of crime

History

The area where Bolsa Chica State Park is, was first inhabited by the Gabrielino Indians who lived on the bluffs overlooking the estuary more than 8,000 years ago. These native Americans manufactured constones-round, flat discs three-to-five inches in diameter and one-inch thick. Archaeologists do not know their purpose, but presume they were for some ceremonial rites.

The Indians did not inhibit the natural function of these wetlands. But with the arrival of the Europeans, the wetlands began to be affected by agriculture. As the practice of farming and ranching increased inland, the wetlands began to be affected by the runoff to Bolsa Chica. In 1899, a dam was built with tide gates causing the natural ocean entrance to eventually fill with sand. Early in the Twentieth century oil production took its toll on the wetlands. However, it was later observed that an important migration of the birds was important to this section of Bolsa Chica, and they began to set aside this area as a natural reserve.

During World War II, this mesa was used for shore defense as Bolsa Chica Fort Command. Two big guns on rotating mounts were placed here, directing toward a possible attack. The concrete turrets are still there.

Quick Facts

Population 2000: 189,594
On the Pacific Ocean
Named after Henry Huntington, landholder and promoter of railroads
Oil was discovered here in 1920
Major industries include oil
No. 7 on the “Best Cities for Women” list (small cities), Ladies’ Home Journal, 2002
Well-known residents have included:Dr. Sammy Lee, Olympic medallist
Nearby parks and recreation: Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington State Beach
Attractions: municipal pier
Historic sites and museums: International Surfing Museum
Colleges and universities: Golden West College