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Venice Beach: From Oil Derrick to Tourist Hotspot

2/28/2026

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Story summary
  • Venice Beach in West Los Angeles has transformed from oil derricks to a tourist destination.
  • Historically, California was the top oil producer, and Indigenous peoples and Spanish explorers used natural tar.
  • Today, oil production still impacts California's economy, contributing over $300 billion and supporting more than 500,000 jobs.
  • Despite Los Angeles's green policies, a Beverly Hills High School clock tower hides an oil derrick.