This one was not as easy as it looks to capture. My umbrella kept getting blown by the wind. Also, people kept walking by in the background--along the water's edge. Then, every time I would move down the beach, more folks would come and sit down on their blankets, getting in postion to watch the sunset. I had to keep adjusting my angle, trying to keep the composition in mind (rule of thirds, horizon not in the middle, etc.)
Post Processing: Converted from RAW and then brought out more tonal range using the "32-16-32" Local Adaptation method before selectively desaturating.
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I admit I would have preferred to see the umbrella more in the foreground for this shot, but it's a great idea and you didn't stint on the b&w portion of the task - very nice range of tones.
Well that hard work paid off nicely. Good score and good placement. It's so simple, and the light and shadows are so nice. Good use for selective desat, and the rule of thirds really works.
P.S. I find that every time I set up a shot in a public space, especially if I'm using a tripod, the people just seem to drift into the shot. They try to look like they haven't noticed me, but I know they just want their moment of fame.
Your efforts paid off - very good execution for this challenge - simple, to the point, and the desat works for the point you're making. I am indeed surprised you managed to get off a shot without people in it at Huntington Beach!
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