This report prepared by the California Advisory Committee for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is said to constitute an initial attempt to present a demographic sketch of Asian Americans and Pacific Peoples and to describe generally the areas in which they encounter significant problems. In order to destroy existing stereotypes about Asian Americans, the Committee sought these populations' own perception of their concerns and needs. Sources of information used to supplement the scant official data available included interviews with community representatives, transcripts from two open meetings attended by the Asian American and Pacific Peoples sub-groups, and community-generated papers and reports. Four sections entitled Myths and Stereotypes, Asian Americans and Pacific Peoples-Demographic Factors, Communities' Perceptions of Issues and Concerns, and Recommendations constitute the document. Subdivisions to the Demographic Factors include Immigration Trends, Urban and Rural Settlement Patterns, the Population in California, and the Effects of Inaccurate, Hidden, or Unavailable Data. The six communities consulted were the Chinese, Guamanian, Japanese, Korean, Filipinos, and Samoan Americans of California. Among recommendations made were an immediate measurement and reassessment of census data and of specific needs of all Asian Americans and Pacific Peoples. Provisions for bilingual services were also suggested. (AM)