I am starting a home based online book store in California. I have no
employees, and no sales are conducted at my residence. Am I required
to collect CA state sales tax, and if so, how do I report and/or pay
it to the state government?

Yes, you would be required to collect sales tax, provided the books
that you sell ARE taxable in the state of California; i.e., perhaps
study books are not taxable, I do not know.

I believe you will find all of your answers here:
http://www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/faqscont.htm

In brief, it looks like you must obtain a seller's permit.
You must clearly state that California State sales tax is charged on
purchases shipped within the state.

Likely, just like Pennsylvania, you get your permit, and you are sent
a coupon book from which you submit quarterly payments (or more often
if sales are more than a few thousand...).

The website should answer all your questions. This is a legal issue
and shouldn't really depend on the answer from a $2 question. Good
luck in your business!!