Huntington Beach, a coastal city in Orange County, California, is named after businessman Henry E. Huntington. With a population exceeding 198,000, it's the fourth largest city in Orange County and the most populous beach city in the county. Situated 35 miles southeast of Downtown Los Angeles, it's bordered by Bolsa Chica Basin State Marine Conservation Area, the Pacific Ocean, Seal Beach, Westminster, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, and Newport Beach.
1904: Huntington Beach's Fourth of July Parade: A Century-Old Tradition
Huntington Beach's annual Fourth of July parade, a beloved tradition dating back to 1904, has been a staple of the city's summer celebrations for over a century, showcasing community spirit and patriotism.
1904: Huntington Beach Pier Construction
The original Huntington Beach Pier, a 1,000-foot-long timber structure, was constructed in 1904.
1906: Huntington Beach High School Established
Huntington Beach's first high school, Huntington Beach High School, was built on Main Street in 1906.
February 17, 1909: Huntington Beach Incorporation
On February 17, 1909, during the tenure of its first mayor, Ed Manning, Huntington Beach was officially incorporated as a city.
1909: Huntington Beach Fire Department Established
The Huntington Beach Fire Department was officially established in 1909 with a team of 20 dedicated volunteers, marking the beginning of organized fire protection services in the city.
June 20, 1914: George Freeth Introduces Surfing to Huntington Beach
On June 20, 1914, George Freeth, hired by Henry E. Huntington to promote the city, gave the first public surfing demonstration in Huntington Beach. This event marked the beginning of the city's enduring association with the sport.
1914: Huntington Beach Public Library Founded as Carnegie Library
In 1914, the Huntington Beach Public Library was established as a Carnegie library, laying the foundation for a century of serving the community's educational and informational needs.
1922: Meadowlark Golf Club Opens in Huntington Beach
In 1922, Meadowlark Golf Club, a par-70, 5,609-yard 18-hole golf course, opened in Huntington Beach. This marked the arrival of a new recreational activity in the city and provided a challenging course for golf enthusiasts.
1922: Huntington Beach Fire Department Purchases Seagrave Fire Engine
In 1922, the Huntington Beach Fire Department made a significant investment in its firefighting capabilities by purchasing a Seagrave fire engine. This acquisition prepared the department for future emergencies and demonstrated its commitment to public safety.
1923: Huntington Beach Fire Department Acquires First Fire Engine
In 1923, the Huntington Beach Fire Department acquired its first fire engine, a 1923 Seagrave, significantly enhancing its ability to respond to fires and emergencies.
1925: Duke Kahanamoku Further Popularizes Surfing in Huntington Beach
In 1925, Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic swimmer and surfing legend, began surfing in Huntington Beach, further elevating the sport's profile and solidifying the city's reputation as a surfing destination.
1926: Santa Ana River Dam Failure
The Santa Ana River dam failed in 1926, causing a devastating flood across its entire delta, including the area that is now Huntington Beach. Although the dam remains operational, sedimentation is a concern, potentially reducing its capacity to prevent future floods.
1929: Golden Bear Restaurant Opens in Huntington Beach
In 1929, Harry Bakre opened the Golden Bear, a fine dining restaurant, in Huntington Beach. This marked the beginning of the establishment's long history as a local landmark.
1946: Huntington Beach Speedway Opening
Huntington Beach Speedway, a racetrack designed for midget car racing, opened in 1946.
1956: First Surfboard Shop Opens Under Huntington Beach Pier
In 1956, Gordie Duane opened the first surfboard shop under the Huntington Beach Pier, marking a pivotal moment in the city's development as a surfing mecca. This event catered to the growing popularity of surfing and cemented Huntington Beach's status as a surfing hub.
1958: Huntington Beach Speedway Closure
Huntington Beach Speedway, a racetrack designed for midget car racing, closed in 1958.
1963: Golden Bear Transitions from Restaurant to Nightclub
In 1963, the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach underwent a transformation from a fine dining restaurant into a popular nightclub. This shift in focus would see the venue attract renowned musical acts and cement its place in the city's cultural history.
June 15, 1974: Huntington Central Park Dedicated
On June 15, 1974, Huntington Central Park, the largest city-owned park in Orange County, was officially dedicated. This significant event marked a milestone in the city's commitment to providing green spaces for recreation and leisure.
1974: Adventure Playground Opens in Huntington Beach
In 1974, Huntington Beach opened one of California's first authentic Adventure Playgrounds, providing children with a unique and engaging space for creative play and exploration.
1977: Huntington Beach Disc Golf Course Opens in Central Park West
In 1977, Huntington Beach welcomed its disc golf course in Central Park West, offering a par-54, 18-hole layout for disc golf enthusiasts. This addition diversified the city's recreational opportunities and catered to the growing popularity of disc golf.
1983: Storm Destroys End Cafe on Huntington Beach Pier
In 1983, a powerful storm caused significant damage to the Huntington Beach Pier, destroying the beloved End Cafe. This event highlighted the vulnerability of coastal structures to the forces of nature.
September 20, 1985: End Cafe Reopens on Huntington Beach Pier After Storm Damage
On September 20, 1985, the End Cafe, a popular eatery located at the end of the Huntington Beach Pier, reopened its doors after being destroyed by a storm in 1983. This marked a return to normalcy for the iconic pier and the city's waterfront.
1986: Golden Bear Nightclub Demolished
In 1986, the Golden Bear, once a renowned nightclub in Huntington Beach, was demolished. This marked the end of an era for the venue that had hosted countless musical acts and entertained generations.
1988: Another Storm Damages Huntington Beach Pier, Closing End Cafe
In 1988, another storm struck the Huntington Beach Pier, causing damage that led to the closure of the End Cafe. This event, occurring just a few years after the cafe's reopening, demonstrated the ongoing challenges of maintaining structures on the often-turbulent coastline.
1989: Meadowlark Airport Closure
Meadowlark Airport, a small general-aviation airport operating in Huntington Beach since the 1940s, was permanently closed in 1989.
1996: Ruby's Diner Opens on Huntington Beach Pier
In 1996, Ruby's Diner opened its doors at the end of the Huntington Beach Pier, filling the void left by the closure of the End Cafe. This popular chain restaurant became a fixture on the pier for over two decades.
1996: Inaugural Surf City USA Marathon Takes Place in Huntington Beach
In 1996, the first Surf City USA marathon was held in Huntington Beach, drawing over 20,000 runners and establishing itself as a major event on the city's calendar. This event showcases Huntington Beach's commitment to fitness and its iconic coastal setting.
1997: Preservation Society of Huntington Dog Beach Established
In 1997, the Preservation Society of Huntington Dog Beach was founded to advocate for the responsible use and preservation of this popular dog-friendly beach. This non-profit organization has played a vital role in keeping the beach clean, safe, and accessible for dogs and their owners.
2000: 2000 United States Census
The 2000 United States Census was conducted, providing data on population density, housing units, and the racial makeup of Huntington Beach.
November 2004: Huntington Beach Seeks to Trademark "Surf City USA"
In November 2004, the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau filed four applications to register the "Surf City USA" trademark. This move aimed to solidify the city's brand and capitalize on Southern California's beach culture.
2005: Rejection of Route 57 Extension Plans
In 2005, the city of Huntington Beach rejected long-term planning proposals to extend State Route 57 to Interstate 405 or potentially further to Pacific Coast Highway.
May 12, 2006: Huntington Beach Awarded Trademark Registrations for "Surf City USA"
On May 12, 2006, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau three trademark registrations for "Surf City USA." This ruling marked a significant step in the city's efforts to brand itself around its surfing culture and attract tourists.
2006: Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Restoration
A $110 million restoration project of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, a large marshy wetland located between Downtown Huntington Beach and Huntington Harbour, was completed in 2006.
2007: Huntington Beach Defends "Surf City USA" Trademark
In 2007, Huntington Beach became embroiled in a legal dispute with Santa Cruz over the "Surf City USA" trademark. This conflict, sparked by a cease-and-desist letter sent to a Santa Cruz T-shirt vendor, brought national attention to the city's claim to the iconic moniker.
2007: Pedestrianization Proposal for Main Street
In 2007, the city of Huntington Beach initiated discussions about transforming a section of Main Street into a pedestrian-only zone, aiming to enhance the retail shopping and restaurant areas by restricting car traffic from Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) through the designated zone.
January 2008: Huntington Beach Settles Trademark Dispute
In January 2008, Huntington Beach resolved a dispute with Santa Cruz over the "Surf City USA" trademark. The settlement allowed Huntington Beach to retain the trademark, ending a legal battle that had gained national attention.
April 2008: Huntington Beach Expands "Surf City USA" Brand with Licensed Products
By April 2008, the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau had secured over 20 licensing partners, with more than 50 products carrying the "Surf City USA" trademark. This expansion demonstrated the success of the branding strategy and its potential for generating revenue and promoting the city.
2009: Huntington Beach to Introduce Rental Bicycle Model
Building on the success of its "Surf City USA" beach cruiser, Huntington Beach planned to launch a second rental bicycle model in 2009, targeting resort locations worldwide and further promoting the city's brand.
2010: Talbert, Brookhurst, and Magnolia Marshes Restoration
Restoration efforts were completed in 2010 for the Talbert, Brookhurst, and Magnolia Marshes, located across from Huntington State Beach, south of Downtown Huntington Beach.
2010: 2010 United States Census
The 2010 United States Census reported that Huntington Beach had a population of 189,992. The racial makeup of the city was also recorded during the 2010 census.
2015: Car Ownership in Huntington Beach
In 2015, a very small percentage of Huntington Beach households (2.6%) did not own a car.
2016: Car Ownership in Huntington Beach
In 2016, the percentage of Huntington Beach households without a car decreased slightly to 2.2%, compared to a national average of 8.7%. The average household in Huntington Beach had two cars, while the national average was 1.8.
February 18, 2020: California Secretary of State Releases Voter Registration Data for Huntington Beach
On February 18, 2020, the California Secretary of State released voter registration data for Huntington Beach, providing a snapshot of the city's political landscape. The data revealed party affiliations and voter demographics, offering insights into the electorate's political leanings.
2020: 2020 United States Census
The 2020 United States Census was conducted and reported that Huntington Beach had a population of 198,711. The racial makeup of the city was also recorded during the 2020 census.
2020: Renovation of Adventure Playground Begins
In 2020, Huntington Beach embarked on a renovation project to enhance the Adventure Playground, aiming to improve its safety, accessibility, and play value for children.
October 2, 2021: Huntington Beach Oil Spill
On October 2, 2021, a pipeline burst resulted in a significant oil spill that impacted the ocean, beach, and the nearby Talbert Wetlands. This incident led to the cancellation of the Pacific Airshow scheduled for that day to minimize further environmental damage.
October 3, 2021: Huntington Beach Oil Spill
On October 3, 2021, an oil spill was reported off the coast of Huntington Beach. The spill, originating from Platform Elly, operated by Beta Offshore, released an estimated 120,000 gallons of oil, impacting local beaches and raising concerns about ecological damage, particularly to tidal wetlands and bird species.
October 2021: State Housing Law Impacts Huntington Beach
A state law went into effect requiring Huntington Beach to zone for 13,368 new housing units to be built inside the city limits between October 2021 and 2029.
2021: Ruby's Diner Closes on Huntington Beach Pier
In 2021, Ruby's Diner closed its location on the Huntington Beach Pier, marking the end of an era for the iconic pier and leaving a prime spot open for a new dining establishment.
July 2022: Bud & Gene's Opens at Former Ruby's Diner Location on Huntington Beach Pier
In July 2022, Bud & Gene's, a casual seafood restaurant, opened at the location previously occupied by Ruby's Diner on the Huntington Beach Pier. This new addition aimed to capitalize on the prime waterfront location and cater to the city's beachgoers.
2022: Adventure Playground Closes Due to Drought Conditions
Despite renovations completed between 2020 and 2022, Huntington Beach's Adventure Playground was forced to close due to ongoing drought conditions, highlighting the impact of environmental factors on recreational facilities.
March 2023: California Sues Huntington Beach Over Housing Regulations
In March 2023, the state of California filed a lawsuit against Huntington Beach for failing to comply with state housing regulations, arguing that the city's ban on processing ADU applications violated state housing laws.
April 10, 2023: California Amends Housing Lawsuit Against Huntington Beach
On April 10, 2023, the state of California submitted an amended complaint in its lawsuit against Huntington Beach, alleging that the city's ban on processing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) applications violated state housing laws.
June 22, 2023: California Moves to Dismiss Huntington Beach's Housing Lawsuit
The state of California filed a motion on June 22, 2023, to dismiss Huntington Beach's federal lawsuit, which challenged state housing mandates.
August 2023: Broad Street Oyster Company Replaces Bud & Gene's on Huntington Beach Pier
In August 2023, the Broad Street Oyster Company replaced Bud & Gene's on the Huntington Beach Pier. This change in ownership highlighted the competitive nature of the restaurant industry in such a sought-after location.
November 15, 2023: Federal Judge Dismisses Huntington Beach Housing Lawsuit
As of November 15, 2023, a federal judge dismissed Huntington Beach's lawsuit against the state of California over housing mandates.
2023: Huntington Beach Releases 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
In 2023, Huntington Beach published its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, providing insights into the city's finances and economic landscape. This report likely included data on the city's top employers, offering a glimpse into the businesses and industries driving Huntington Beach's economy.
2029: State Housing Law Deadline for Huntington Beach
The state housing law that went into effect in October 2021 set a deadline of 2029 for Huntington Beach to have zoned for 13,368 new housing units within its city limits.