This study was undertaken to provide insight into the circumstances of California's Puerto Ricans who are only now surfacing as a distinct Latino bloc within the State's larger Hispanic population. Research methods consisted of a demographic analysis of Puerto Ricans in California and interviews with community representatives and public officials to assess the needs of Puerto Ricans and their participation in government programs. Findings indicate: (1) the Puerto Rican community is dispersed throughout California; (2) Puerto Rican organizations are structured along social club lines and are primarily engaged in activities supporting the culture and language; (3) Puerto Ricans have had limited success in soliciting assistance from public agencies; (4) governmental social action agencies and other groups concerned with minority problems have not been aware of Puerto Ricans in California; (5) discrimination that follows from being Hispanic as well as from mislabeling as Mexican aliens affects Puerto Ricans; (6) Puerto Ricans have difficulty obtaining adequate social services; (7) bilingual education programs often do not meet the cultural needs of Puerto Rican students; (8) there is a lack of awareness by Federal and State agencies as to the existence of a Puerto Rican population in California; and (9) the nature of daily concerns of the Puerto Rican community has not been addressed by public officials or governmental agencies. (Author/MK)