The Santa Ana River Guide by Patrick Mitchell reveals both the wild and urban sides of the Southland's most important river. The book relates the river's natural and human history, geology, and current conditions and provides all the information necessary to plan an outing on or near the river. It is also a call to action for further protecting and restoring the river. Organized into six geographical sections corresponding to the river's "reaches," the book's individual entries include an extensive description of each park and preserve, location and access information, and highlights of what to do there.