This report focuses on political issues relating to California's major ethnic/racial minorities. Part 1 examines political attitudes and behaviors, with emphasis placed on comparisons between the heavily immigrant Latino and Asian communities and the largely native-born White and Black communities. Discussion and statistical data are provided on: the political attitudes and partisanship of new immigrants as compared to the rest of the population; their participation in the political process, how well racial/ethnic groups are represented at the various levels of California's government, and the problems faced by elected officials trying to represent these constituents. Part 2 covers the status of minority businesses in California, and the effect that government programs have had on them. Questions considered include: (1) How similar are the circumstances and problems facing the Black, Asian-American, and Latino business communities in California? (2) What are the basic government strategies and programs for encouraging business opportunities among immigrants and minorities? (3) What are some of the problems that have arisen with these approaches? Finally, Part 3 brings together survey findings to assess the perceptions of California's minority groups of discrimination and the opportunity structure of American society. A major conclusion drawn is that minority group leaders cannot count on common perceptions of discrimination and justice to foster a natural coalition between their group and other minorities. (KH)