Orange County Almanac
During the first half of the century, Seal Beach had a racy reputation. The town was popular with tourists and fun-seekers, who flocked to the famous amusement park, dance halls and bars.
Several gambling ships were anchored three miles offshore--just a short motorboat ride away.
Illicit gambling halls also did business there. As more families moved into Seal Beach after World War II, though, the casinos and loud bars fell out of favor and slowly began to close.
In the mid-1950s, residents demanded a crackdown on the few remaining gambling halls, which all but disappeared by the end of the decade.
Today
The group “Women For: Orange County” will hold The Great American Write-In at the University Club on the UC Irvine campus.
Pen, paper and postage will be available for anyone who wants to write a letter to local, state or federal representatives. Last year, 400 participants wrote more than 1,000 letters on issues ranging from the Bolsa Chica wetlands to health care.
Free parking and refreshments will be provided. The event begins at 9:30 a.m.
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