Pacifica (Images of America: California)

By Chris HunterPacifica Historical SocietyBill Drake, et al.

Book Overview

Predominantly built as a "bedroom" community for the San Francisco Bay Area, Pacifica's rich and diverse heritage stretches back to the Spanish explorers of the 17th century. Captured here in over 200 vintage images is a tribute to this coastal community and the settlers and pioneers who made it what it is today. From the early 1900s story of the Ocean Shore Railroad to the recent battles over the California red-legged frog, Pacifica has often been shaped by outside forces. Like few other cities, it is primarily the result of a mixture of people and location; blue-collar families from the 1950s discovered Pacifica's oceanside charm, and helped create it. In the 21st century, the wealthy from the Peninsula and Silicon Valley are rediscovering the same charms, choosing Pacifica over the hustle and bustle of the rest of the Bay Area. This book of photographs, culled from the collection of the Pacifica Historical Society, the files of the Pacifica Tribune, and contributions of local residents, offers a glimpse of the history of one of California's "best kept secrets."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738520683
• ISBN13: 9780738520681
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (SC)
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.5" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Follows the 1900s development of the town as no other

California residents and many a visitor to the Bay Area only know Pacifica as a suburban coastal town - but this history follows the 1900s development of the town as no other, from its early days as a railroad town to its current suburban community standing. Bill Drake owned the Pacifica Tribune from 1959 until 1989, Chris Hunter is its current editor, and members of the Pacifica Historical Society contribute the vintage photos so much a part of a history and survey which is lively from the beginning. Tourists visiting the town will relish Pacifica's colorful history.

Great Gift

Great gift idea for anyone who grew up in Pacifica. I gave a copy to my uncle and it reminded him of his own history in Pacifica. Sometimes you don't know what to buy for older relatives and this book was quite a hit at Christmas!

Local loves book

Thank you Bill and Chris for sharing some history and some great pictures of Pacifica. It is great to see old faces and memories of some great times. It's also nice to see what Pacifica looked like in the early days.Waiting for volume 2 ???