It's for that reason, along with her service to nonprofit groups and city government, that Caldwell, a Saratoga resident and former member of the city planning commission, has been appointed to the California Coastal Commission by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Caldwell teaches at Stanford Law School and has served as director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy Program at the university since 1994. She is on the board of directors at Waterkeepers Northern California, an environmental group.

Two others—Steven Kram and Bonnie Neely—were also appointed to the commission by the governor.

"California's coastline and beaches are some of our most valuable assets," said Schwarzenegger in a statement released to the press. "I am confident that Meg, Steven and Bonnie will represent the interests of all Californians as we strive to protect and restore our coast for the sake of future generations."

Saratoga Mayor Ann Waltonsmith counts Caldwell as a personal friend.

"She is a terrific person to work with. She was with the planning commission for eight years," said Waltonsmith. She said that Caldwell likes to keep the public involved in projects she's working on.

"She is very thoughtful, knowledgeable and has a long history of protecting the environment," said Waltonsmith. The mayor said that it's thanks to people like Caldwell that Saratoga is still beautiful and rural.

Deb Self, associate director of Waterkeepers Northern California, said that Caldwell has the ability to build consensus, manage conflict and get respect from both business and environmental groups.

"She has a lot of expertise in land use, and she is conversant in science, law and economics," said Self. "She has done a lot of good work with the Earth Justice law clinic." The clinic is run in conjunction with Stanford University.

Ann Notthoff, California advocacy director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, has interacted with Caldwell on several panels at Stanford University over the last five years.

"She has practical knowledge. She has worked in local government," said Nothoff. "She is bright, is a quick study and has got a good sense of humor. All these qualities are important at the coastal commission, where things can get quite heated."

Caldwell taught at San José State University from 1992 to 1994 in the department of geography and environmental studies. She also served on the boards of the Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee and the Coyote Creek Riprarian Station.

Caldwell is the author of numerous publications, including A Citizen's Guide to California Land Use Law and Local Government Decision Making.

She is currently a member of the California State Bar and the American Bar Association. She earned her bachelor's degree at UC-Berkeley and her doctorate from Stanford Law School.

The coastal commission protects and conserves environmental resources on the California coast. It was established in 1972. Any development that affects coastal-land usage or public access to coastal waters requires a permit from the commission or the local government.

Caldwell, a registered Republican, will be sworn in on June 2.

"She has been saving our hillsides," said Waltonsmith. "Now she will protect the state's environment."