Large swells only seem to hit the So Cal coast a couple times a winter.  This swell on Feb 24th was large enough to create waves that were lapping over onto the top of Stearns Wharf.  They even closed the pier due to the large waves.  In this photo you can see a large wave big enough to just touch the bottom of the pier under the Ty Warner Sea Center

Photo taken on:  2/24/08