There are over 1,000 miles of California beaches along the California coast and approximately 118 beach cities. Beaches are dynamic landforms altered by wind and waves in a continual process of creation and erosion. Longshore transport can deliver up to a million cubic yards of sediment annually to a single beach. Sand deposited onshore by the longshore current is oscillated by waves breaking onto and receding from the beach. This continual onshore-offshore movement gradually pushes the sand along the beach edge. The California coastline has been divided into geographic segments called littoral cells, that incorporate a complete cycle of beach sediment supply, sand transport by the longshore current, and eventual permanent loss of sand from the littoral cell. The five types of littoral cells along the California coast are each characterized by a different littoral process determined by the geographic features unique to the cell type. Guests who haven't visited the 450 California beaches often ask what the water looks like and how is the sand. Is it anything like the clear blue water at the Bahamas where East Coast residents enjoy smooth sand beaches, lawn chairs and cocktails served? California beaches are not usually like that and we've yet to find one to fit that description. The beaches range in sand quality from coarse to fine sand, rocks to pebbles. The coastal waters near the beach in the Pacific Ocean seldom tops 75 degrees on the warmest summer day in Southern California. The color is not usually clear though in some locations you can see a few feet in depth. The color of the water ranges from aquamarine to a deep green and occasionally brownish-red during red tide. Most beaches do not allow alcoholic beverages; the beaches are mostly public and usually require guests to bring their own beach chairs and gear. In case you wonder why the beaches are so popular, they offer rugged, natural scenic beauty. With well over 15 million people living near the state's beaches, the climate is a major factor in attracting so may people to this location. The Pacific Ocean's affect keeps the air temperatures enjoyable throughout the year. Many people do not own air conditioning in their homes along the coast. Also, the ocean waves can provide a great surfing experience, something that's contributed to California's multi-billion dollar surfing industry. Heal the Bay's Beach Summer 2007 Report Card was released with some real winners in water quality improvements and a few losers.