Sunset Beach resident Tom Ellis watches the sunset from a lifeguard tower. Many residents of the beach community object to Orange County’s order that it be annexed by its much larger neighbor, Huntington Beach. (Christina House / For The Times)
Pacific Coast Highway. (Christina House / For The Times)
Katelyn Ciarelli, a waitress at Captain Jack’s restaurant, passes by Antiques of the Sea on her way to work. (Christina House / For The Times)
The landmark water tower house on Anderson Street in Sunset Beach takes in a commanding view of the Pacific Ocean. The town has fewer people than most high schools, and yet it may just become Orange County’s newest city. The quirky, seaside community of Sunset Beach, just a short stretch of beach and harbor, nautical shops, seafood joints and biker bars between Huntington Beach and Seal Beach, lives in the netherworld of being unincorporated Orange County. Now, with Orange County officials putting pressure on Sunset Beach to become part of a proper city, the community’s 1,200 residents ponder their future. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
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David Garr. left, and Aric Pepper take in the view from their rented home on 24th Street in Sunset Beach. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
Since there is no home mail delivery in Sunset Beach, the post office is the only place residents can get their mail. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
A beachgoer packs it in on a quiet day along Sunset Beach. (Christine Cotter / Los Angeles Times)
A man jogs on the sand in Sunset Beach. The city is being pressured by Orange County officials to become part of a proper city. (Christina House / For The Times)
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Passers-by window shop at Antiques of the Sea in Sunset Beach. (Christina House / For The Times)
Motorcyclists prepare to leave Mother’s bar in Sunset Beach. (Christina House / For The Times)
Cal State Long Beach student Ben Solinsky goes fishing at Sunset Beach. (Christina House / For The Times)
Kate Sikorski, left, of Huntington Beach and her boyfriend Jackson Root of Long Beach head out to catch waves in Sunset Beach. (Christina House / For The Times)
