34 03' 37 N
118 58' 13 W

What could be more lovely than watching the sun set over the ocean? Developers looking for the best view around built these homes directly on the beach. However, the risk these homeowners are taking for such a view is enormous. Unmerciful winter storms can strip away wide sandy beaches. High tides and strong waves have been known to hurl large rocks and driftwood logs at houses battering walls and breaking windows.

Homes built directly on the beach suffer the most damage; even houses built on low pilings have been uplifted by waves during high tide and smashed through the pilings as they fell. When considering to build a house on beach front property, the following major questions should be asked: What will it take to protect the property? How much is it going to cost now and in the future, and is it affordable? How will the protective structure affect the beach and neighboring beaches? How long will the sturcture last?

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