International Acclaim for Huntington Beach

Local Pride; International Attention

Huntington Beach residents have a great deal to be proud about.  One of the most noticeable aspects of living in Huntington Beach, dating back to the oil boom of nearly 100 years ago, is the magnetic attraction of the city which draws people in from all around the world for a vast array of reasons.  For those unfamiliar with Huntington Beach apart from its reputation as a historical surfing capital of the world, one may be tempted to assume the international appeal of the city as limited to the surfing community and its many events. While this is certainly true, not only does Huntington Beach play host to a myriad of national and international events for all manner of beach related sporting events (surfing one of many), but Huntington Beach retains international significance for one of its more subtle beauties as well.

The Bolsa Chica wetlands stretch 300 acres enveloped by Warner Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway on one side and homes along with (arguably historic, since few remain) oil fields on the other.  The ecological reserve is a coastal sanctuary for wildlife and migratory birds.  With very little wetland area left in Southern California (from 53,000 acres down to 13,000 in the last half decade, of which the Bolsa Chica represents a critical section), 20% of North America’s migratory birds use the Pacific Flyway (meaning a designated stopover for migratory birds) provided by the Bolsa Chica.  One does not have to be a ‘tree hugger’ or even an avid hiker as I am to appreciate the wildlife that by necessity must travel through the Bolsa Chica habitat.

Whether you are a devout wildlife follower or have never given nature on this level much thought, the Bolsa Chica wetlands are an unparalleled local visit.  Of particular interest; a simple wooden bridge crossing over a tidal inlet and a 1.5 mile loop trail which grant access to a view of untouched wildlife which draws as much international interest as any beach centered athletic competition.  The significance of Huntington Beach’s wetlands earned the designation of "Wetlands of International Importance" in accordance with the Ramsar Convention.

Long before the oil boom which gave rise to the Huntington Beach the world has come to know and love, some 8,000 years ago, Native American Indians lived on bluffs overlooking the Bolsa Chica wetlands.  Today, the preserve represents one of the many things that make Huntington Beach one the most richly diverse cities to call home is Southern California.  I invite you to contact me to find your place in the Huntington Beach landscape.

Sylvia Harsin

714-612-5373

Sylvia@sylviaharsin.com

Ever Changing Yet Still the Same

Ever Changing Huntington Beach

Part of the reason why Huntington Beach maintains its iconic status is due to the resilience of the community which allows it to reinvent itself while never relinquishing its unique personality.  Rare is the case when a beach community is without its own distinct flavor, and the fun yet strong nature of Huntington Beach has allowed for a steady, determined trend of renewal.  A great recent example of Huntington Beach’s successful re-transformation, as well as a fantastic reason to make your home in Huntington Beach, is the Bella Terra shopping center. 

If one was inclined to leave the proximity of Huntington Beach’s 8 ½ mile coastline heading inland toward the 405 freeway and the most inland portion of the city boundary, circa 1966-2003 one would find the Huntington Center.  Known in later years as the Huntington Beach Mall, it had been a ‘struggling’ mall during its entire existence.   The Huntington Center originally had The Broadway, JC Penney, and Montgomery Ward as its anchor stores, and while it saw a fair share of business throughout the 1960’s, later decades saw the mall become notoriously limited in traffic.  Anchor store JC Penny closed in 1992 and moved to the nearby Westminster Mall, replaced 1995 by Burlington Coat Factory.  The following year, however, true to the reputation of limited business, The Broadway closes, followed by Montgomery Ward in 2001.  Apart from Meryvn’s and Burlington Coat Factory, the mall finally closed altogether in 2003.

True to its regenerative nature, Huntington Beach finds a way to bring its freeway-close retail community back to life, and Bella Terra rises from the ashes of the empty Huntington Beach Mall lot three years later.  Bella Terra sports a world class retail mall environment while loosing none of Huntington Beach’s unique character; its very existence a testimony of Huntington Beach’s capacity to always change for the better while remaining the same iconic city.  With top of the line stores such as Barnes & Noble, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Century Theaters, Whole Foods Market, Cost Plus World Market, Kohl's, Staples, and 24 Hour Fitness, bringing in more traffic per capita than the area has ever known, there is every reason to celebrate and raise a toast of congratulations to the community which always finds a way to thrive.

It’s time to make Huntington Beach your home so you can share in its unique character; as an area expert I’ll find the ideal part of town to settle in!

Sylvia Harsin

714-612-5373

Sylvia@sylviaharsin.com