Which of the following is a key responsibility of the California Rangers?

Assisting with search and rescue operations is a key responsibility of the California Rangers. This role is integral to their mission of ensuring public safety and providing support during emergencies. The California Rangers are often deployed in various situations that require search and rescue skills, such as natural disasters, missing persons cases, and other critical incidents. By performing these operations, they demonstrate their commitment to protecting lives and supporting communities during distressing times.

In contrast, while the other options involve important functions within public service, they do not align with the primary duties of the California Rangers. Providing legal representation in court pertains more to the legal profession, writing legislative proposals relates to policy-making typically conducted by elected officials or specific advocacy groups, and conducting environmental studies is a task usually assigned to scientists or environmentalists rather than law enforcement or ranger duties. Thus, the focus on search and rescue illustrates a direct connection to the Rangers' role in public service and safety.