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.  It's not very often that you see a surfer riding a wave at Stearns Wharf between the Ty Warner Sea Center and The Harbor Restaurant. 

Photo taken on:  2/24/08