California. The mere mention of the name conjures up thoughts and images as diverse as the state itself. With the geographic size, population, and economy to be a thriving country, California is unique. But are its social problems unique or do they represent issues shared, today and in the future, with the other forty nine states and the global community? The editors and authors of California's Social Problems shed light on these questions and others in their fascinating analyses of a variety of social situations, policies, and trends in the Golden State.