The California State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights met on January 21-22, 1971, to discuss the political participation of Mexican Americans. This paper presents the committee's discussion and recommendations. Matters that are pertinent to the participation of Mexican Americans in the Political life of California are discussed. These matters include the issue of reapportionment and its effect on the Mexican American community, voter rights, influence in major political parties, political use of police and the courts, political appointments, and Mexican American political problems in both rural and urban areas. Political racism in California is also examined. The appendix includes letters to the State Assembly and State Senate and corresponding replies, a table carrying numbers of Spanish-surname votes (in 1 district) in the 1970 Democratic congressional primary election, and a discussion of Mexican American participation in California government. (NQ)