The wooden pier, tree-lined Main Street and ocean views, coupled with a prosperous and happy community, led Forbes "magazine to name Seal Beach one of the five friendliest towns in America. Getting there, however, was a bumpy adventure. Starting in the 1860s as Anaheim Landing, the first seaport in what would become Orange County, it soon became a summer retreat for squatters and illegal saloons. Despite the efforts of real estate developers to turn the town into an amusement resort and an early center for aviation and motion pictures, Seal Beach became neighboring Long Beach's tavern, brothel and gambling destination. But order and prosperity eventually prevailed to create today's quiet residential city. Join author Larry Strawther as he tracks Seal Beach's evolution from raucous port to cherished community."

Larry Strawther has been writing professionally, for newspapers, musical comedy groups, television, movies and books, since high school. His previous book is A Brief History of Los Alamitos & Rossmoor." Best known as a writer and executive producer for TV's "Happy Days, " "Laverne & Shirley" and "Night Court, " Strawther co-created the cult hit "MXC." He co-wrote the screenplay for "Without a Clue, " was head writer on "Jeopardy!" and has written for comedians including Bob Hope and Rich Little."