This report examines California's geographic, socioeconomic, political, and educational makeup, and focuses in particular on organizations, governmental agencies, and persons affecting educational policymaking. The author first examines the structure of the policymaking body in the State. This structure includes the Chief State School Officer (CSSO), the State Board of Education (SBE), the State Department of Education, the Governor, and the Legislature. He next discusses the issues facing the policymakers, with such issues as school finance and tax reform, early childhood education, and teacher certification being discussed. The author looks at the policymaking roles assumed by such participants as Wilson Riles, the CSSO, the SBE, the Governor, the Legislature, and educational interest groups. Finally, the author examines what the policymakers and educational interest groups might do in the future. (JF)