Government and Civic Engagement

Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel logo and text header reading "Applying to Boards & Commissions"

 

Make an Impact in Your Community

Becoming an appointed member of a state or local board or commission is a meaningful way to serve your community, contribute your expertise, and help shape California's future. Your involvement can make a difference if you are passionate about education, public health, the environment, or other areas. This page is your guide to navigating the appointment process through the offices of the Governor, Speaker of the Assembly, and Senate President Pro Tempore.


Governor's Appointments

The Governor's Office appoints members to various California boards, commissions, and committees. These positions range from advisory to hands-on responsibilities and may include compensated, per diem, or volunteer opportunities.

How to Apply:

  • Browse Open Positions: The Governor's Appointments Index provides a complete list of available positions and information on the type of compensation.
  • Start Your Application: To begin the application process, visit the Governor's Application Portal. The site provides all the necessary forms and instructions.
  • Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet the qualifications for each role, as outlined on the Governor's website.

If you have questions about the application process, don't hesitate to contact the Governor's Office at (916) 445-4541 for assistance.


Speaker of the Assembly's Appointments

The Speaker of the Assembly appoints members to boards and commissions focusing on healthcare, housing, public safety, and more. These appointments provide an opportunity to influence policies that directly impact Californians.

How to Apply:

  • Explore Opportunities: Visit the Speaker's Appointment Page to see the available boards and commissions list.
  • Application Process: Find detailed instructions and start your application here.
  • Attend Informational Seminars: The Speaker's Office offers seminars throughout the state to guide interested applicants through the process. For a schedule of upcoming workshops, contact the Speaker's Appointment Office at Speaker.Appointments@asm.ca.gov.

Senate President Pro Tempore's Appointments

The Senate President Pro Tempore appoints members to various boards and commissions focusing on statewide legislative priorities. These appointments are ideal for individuals passionate about impacting policy areas like economic development, transportation, and social justice.

How to Apply:

  • Currently, there is no dedicated website for Senate appointments. For more information on available positions and how to apply:
    • Contact the Senate Appointments Office: Call (916) 651-4151 for personalized guidance on the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What qualifications are needed to apply for an appointment?
A: Qualifications vary depending on the specific board or commission. Each office provides detailed eligibility requirements on their websites or can offer guidance over the phone.

Q: Are these positions paid?
A: Some appointments are compensated, while others are per diem or voluntary. Compensation details are usually specified in the position descriptions.

Q: How long does the appointment process take?
A: The timeline can vary depending on the position and the office responsible for the appointment. For the most accurate information, it's recommended to check the specific instructions on each website.


Need Assistance? Contact Us!

If you have additional questions or need help with the application process, don't hesitate to contact our office. We're here to support you every step of the way.

En Español

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Consumer inquiries or complaints (800) 952-5225

Reports of Medi-Cal fraud or elder abuse
(800) 722-0432
oag.ca.gov 

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL PROTECTION AND INNOVATION

Consumer inquiries or complaints about brokers and investment advisors
(866) 275-2677
dfpi.ca.gov

CA CIVIL RIGHTS

Employment and housing discrimination complaints
(800) 884-1684
calcivilrights.ca.gov

CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Consumer information includes:

  • Filing a complaint
  • Product recalls
  • Consumer updates

(800) 952-5210
dca.ca.gov

CONTRACTORS

Status of a contractor's license and contractor complaints
(800) 321-2752
cslb.ca.gov

EDUCATION

Education information includes:

  • Testing and accountability
  • Specialized programs

(916) 319-0800
cde.ca.gov

EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT

Assistance and information for the unemployed
(800) 300-5616
edd.ca.gov

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Consumer inquiries or complaints about state-regulated financial institutions
(866) 275-2677
dfpi.ca.gov

FISH & WILDLIFE

Report poachers and polluters
(888) 334-2258
wildlife.ca.gov

FRANCHISE TAX BOARD

Taxpayer information
(800) 852-5711
ftb.ca.gov

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

Express a concern about state government
(916) 445-2841
gov.ca.gov

HEALTH CARE SERVICES

(Medi-Cal)
Questions on health benefits and/or eligibility
(800) 541-5555
medi-cal.ca.gov

INSURANCE

Consumer Hotline
(800) 927-4357

 Low-Cost Auto Insurance Program
(866) 602-8861
insurance.ca.gov

MANAGED HEALTH CARE

Complaints against a health maintenance organization (HMO)
(888) 466-2219
dmhc.ca.gov

MEDICAL BOARD

Complaints against a doctor and status of a doctor's license
(800) 633-2322
mbc.ca.gov

MOTOR VEHICLES

Appointments for driver license or vehicle registration renewal
(800) 777-0133
dmv.ca.gov

PARKS AND RECREATION

State campground reservations
(800) 444-7275
parks.ca.gov

PUBLIC UTILITIES

Utility rates, service, and billing problems
(800) 649-7570
cpuc.ca.gov

RESOURCES, RECYCLING & RECOVERY (CalRecycle)

Recycling program information and complaints
(800) 732-9253
calrecycle.ca.gov

SECRETARY OF STATE

Elections and campaign information, corporations and partnerships, domestic partnerships, state archives
(800) 345-8683 or
(916) 653-6814
sos.ca.gov

STATE AUDITOR

Reports of improper governmental activities
(800) 952-5665
auditor.ca.gov

TRANSPORTATION

Real time traffic information
(800) 427-7623
quickmap.dot.ca.gov

VETERANS AFFAIRS

Veterans benefits or complaints about providers
(800) 952-5626
calvet.ca.gov

WORKERS' COMPENSATION

Information and assistance
(800) 736-7401
dir.ca.gov/dwc

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Agencias y Departamentos del Estado

English

FISCAL GENERAL

Preguntas o quejas de los consumidores
(800) 952-5225

Denuncias de fraude de Medi-Cal o abuso del adulto mayor
(800) 722-0432

oag.ca.gov

DEPARTAMENTO DE PROTECCIÓN E INNOVACIÓN FINANCIERA

Preguntas o quejas de consumidores sobre corredores de bolsa y asesores de inversión
(866) 275-2677
dfpi.ca.gov

DEPARTAMENTO DE DERECHOS CIVILES DE CALIFORNIA

Quejas de discriminación en el empleo o vivienda
(800) 884-1684
calcivilrights.ca.gov

ASUNTOS DEL CONSUMIDOR

Información para el consumidor incluye: 

  • Presentar una queja
  • Productos retirados del mercado
  • Actualizaciones para el consumidor

(800) 952-5210
dca.ca.gov

CONTRATISTAS

Estado de la licencia de un contratista y presentar quejas
(800) 321-2752
cslb.ca.gov

EDUCACIÓN

Información educativa incluye: 

  • Exámenes y responsabilidad
  • Programas especializados

(916) 319-0800
cde.ca.gov

DESARROLLO DEL EMPLEO

Asistencia e información para el desempleado
(800) 300-5616
edd.ca.gov/spanish

INSTITUCIONES FINANCIERAS

Preguntas o quejas de consumidores sobre instituciones financieras reguladas por el estado
(866) 275-2677
dfpi.ca.gov

PESCA Y VIDA SILVESTRE

Denuncia a los cazadores furtivos y contaminadores
(888) 334-2258
wildlife.ca.gov

IMPUESTOS ESTATALES

Información para el contribuyente
(800) 852-5711
ftb.ca.gov

OFICINA DEL GOBERNADOR

Expresar una preocupación sobre el gobierno estatal
(916) 445-2841
gov.ca.gov

SERVICIOS DE LA SALUD (MEDI-CAL) 

Preguntas sobre beneficios de salud y/o elegibilidad
(800) 541-5555
medi-cal.ca.gov

SEGUROS

Línea directa para el Consumidor
(800) 927-4357

Programa de Seguro de Auto de Bajo Costo
(866) 602-8861

insurance.ca.gov

COMPAÑÍAS DE SEGUROS DE SALUD HMO

Quejas contra compañías de seguros de salud HMO
(888) 466-2219
dmhc.ca.gov

JUNTA MÉDICA

Quejas contra un médico y estado de la licencia de un médico
(800) 633-2322
mbc.ca.gov

VEHÍCULOS MOTORIZADOS

Citas para renovación de licencia de conducir o registro de vehículos
(800) 777-0133
dmv.ca.gov

PARQUES Y RECREACIÓN

Reservaciones para campamentos estatales
(800) 444-7275
parks.ca.gov

UTILIDADES PÚBLICAS

Precios de utilidades públicas, servicio y problemas de facturación
(800) 649-7570
cpuc.ca.gov

RECURSOS, RECICLAJE Y RECUPERACIÓN (CalRecycle)

Información y denuncias del programa de reciclaje
(800) 732-9253
calrecycle.ca.gov

SECRETARÍA DE ESTADO

Información sobre elecciones y campañas, corporaciones y sociedades, sociedades domésticas, archivos estatales
(800) 345-8683 o
(916) 653-6814
sos.ca.gov

AUDITOR DEL ESTADO

Informes de actividades gubernamentales inapropiadas
(800) 952-5665
auditor.ca.gov

TRANSPORTE

Información de tráfico en tiempo real
(800) 427-7623
quickmap.dot.ca.gov

ASUNTOS DE VETERANOS

Beneficios para veteranos o quejas sobre proveedores.
(800) 952-5626
calvet.ca.gov

COMPENSACIÓN DE TRABAJADORES

Información y asistencia
(800) 736-7401
dir.ca.gov/dwc

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Know your rights: Immigration

 

The information provided is not intended as legal advice.

Stay Informed, Stay Prepared 

This hub provides a concise overview of how to interact with immigration officials. It connects you to trusted state, national, and non-profit organizations offering free or low-cost legal assistance. It also includes country-specific resources and rapid response networks to ensure immediate support during immigration enforcement actions.

You'll also find guidance on safely reporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity while maintaining privacy. These tools are designed to empower you and your community with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate complex situations confidently.

📌You are not alone. You have rights. And California is here to help.

 


URGENT:

Do you need immediate help?

📞 Call Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA): (888) 624-4752

📞 ACLU Southern CA: English or Spanish: (213) 977-9500

📞 Report ICE Activity: Call or Text (415) 715-9990 (PaseLaVoz, free and confidential)

📌 Know Your Rights: Stay silent, do not sign anything, and request an attorney.

 


Know Your Rights at a Glance
 

ad76 patel know your rights english    ad76 patel know your rights english

✅ Right to Remain Silent – You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or birthplace.

✅ Do Not Open Any Door – Unless they present an arrest warrant naming someone at the residence or a search warrant describing the area to be searched, and the warrant is signed by a judge.

✅ Do Not Sign Anything – Consult an attorney before signing any documents to protect your rights.

✅ Avoid False Information – Do not falsify documents or misrepresent your citizenship status.

✅ Seek Legal Help – Contact the trusted organizations listed below for assistance.
 

Immigration Resources & Legal Assistance
 

📍 Access immediate support, legal aid, and educational resources to protect your rights.

State Resources

National & Regional Organizations

Free & Low-Cost Legal Assistance
 

Rapid Response Networks

📍 Report ICE Activity or Seek Emergency Support

     Southern California: San Diego Rapid Response 📞 (619) 536-0823

📡 Rapid Response Networks (Statewide ICE Activity Reporting & Support)

📍 If you witness ICE activity or need emergency legal assistance, contact the Rapid Response Network nearest you.

Southern California

📖 More Resources & Full List of Rapid Response Hotlines

⚖️ Free & Low-Cost Legal Assistance in California

📍 These organizations provide legal representation, naturalization assistance, and immigrant rights advocacy.

California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation (CRLAF)
Legal support for immigration matters, including removal defense and naturalization.
📞 (916) 446-7904

Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
Education, policy advocacy, and legal resources for immigrants.

Catholic Charities of California – Immigration Services
Free and affordable immigration legal services.
📞 (888) 924-2777

University-Based Legal Clinics

📍 These law schools provide low-cost or pro bono legal services for immigrants in California.

UC Davis School of Law Immigrant Legal Services Center
McGeorge School of Law Immigration Clinic (University of the Pacific)
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services – Immigration Legal Assistance

📲 How to Stay Updated & Report ICE Activity

🔹 Text or Call for ICE Alerts – Subscribe to PaseLaVoz for real-time updates. 📲 Text or call (415) 715-9990.

📌 Bookmark this page and follow us on social media for the latest updates: