I have a wooden-nickel chip advertising the World's First Poker Game Played With Wooden Money from back around 1974 in Redondo Beach, believed to be a place at N. Harbor Boulevard (not a lot of streets in town with a 159 house number). Think it was a one-time game (charity?).

Soon after I came to L. A. in 1974, I met up with some musicians who lived in Manhattan Beach and I would go down there on weekends to jam with them. At that time the railroad tracks, which had been built by Pacific Electric Railway magnate Henry Huntington, were still on the ground, although I don't remember seeing any trains using them. Years earlier, to attract visitors to his pool and beach facility, Huntington hired a youngster named George Freeth, who had a most unusual skill: he could ride waves while standing on a redwood plank. California's first surfer!

But, visitors, be forewarned: check the parking meters carefully. They operate 24/7 in Redondo and other beach cities and cops will surf right up and put a ticket on your windshield if you're forgetful, like I once was!