This booklet points out some of the characteristics of the varieties of English spoken in Riverside and in the rest of California. The first chapter provides a general discussion of language variation and change on the levels of vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. The second chapter discusses California English and pronunciation and vocabulary characteristics of different areas. Chapter three considers the findings of the Linguistic Atlas of the Pacific Coast survey made in the 1950's and a more recent survey made in Riverside using an interview technique similar to but shorter than the Linguistic Atlas survey. Trends evident from the comparison of the two surveys indicate a move toward homogeneity, "spelling pronunciations," and greater Midlands and Southern influence. The final chapter deals with non-regional variations that can be attributed to age, sex, occupation, social class, or ethnic group. A bibliography is included. (VM)