Review by Bob Walch

Aug. 1, 2010 — How would you deal with a 3-foot rise in sea level over the next century? What are the weather patterns that affect the coast of California and what drives the waves that are constantly shaping and reshaping our shoreline?

These and a host of other questions are answered in Gary Griggs’ Introduction to California’s Beaches and Coast (University of California Press, $19.95 in paperback). This newest “California Natural History Guide” focuses on a topic Coastsiders should be very interested in: the state of the coastline.

In considering this massive subject, Griggs — the director of the Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz — addresses tectonics, wave formation, the effects of rain and wind, climate change and the human impact on the coastal environment. He also looks at the rising sea level and the problems of coastal erosion, which are very evident on our stretch of the coast from Pacifica to Santa Cruz.

Not only are the recent problems with erosion and the apartments in Pacifica mentioned, but you’ll also find a bit about Devil’s Slide and the tunnel.

Griggs’ commentary is not overly pedantic, so even though this is a college press offering don’t assume the book will be too difficult to read and understand. That isn’t the case at all. The author never forgets his audience is going to be largely non-professional, so he makes the text accessible.

Over 180 color photos, 13 line illustrations and 20 maps also provide ample opportunities for the reader to “see” exactly what Griggs is writing about.

There’s much in this book that should fascinate anyone living along the California coastline. It stands to reason that the more people know about the place where they live, the better off they will be!