Amazon.com description: Product Description: Wide beaches curve out into the Pacific, mountains frame the palm-studded views, fascinatingly diverse communities line the littoral: it is no wonder that many do consider Santa Monica Bay a paradise on earth. SANTA MONICA BAY is a sweeping illustrated history of the region. With hundreds of archival illustrations and contemporary photographs, Fred Basten captures the allure of exclusive Malibu, funky Venice, bustling Santa Monica that drew the varied folk who have made this Eden along the California coast their home. This is a must for local historians as well as anyone else interested in the reality of the California Dream.