This paper describes some of the important changes that have occurred in California community colleges since Proposition 13 was enacted in 1978, in hopes to assist Arizona state leaders as they consider possible reductions on local property tax support for community colleges. Included is an historical overview, an official mission description of California community colleges, a discussion of governance and coordination within the system, and a section on funding that includes information on operating budgets, tuition, construction costs, and Proposition 98, and a chart of state appropriations by year. Enrollment statistics are provided, followed by a conclusion that the severe rollback of local property taxes in 1979-80 was a major contributing factor to fluctuations in both funding and enrollment. An attached California higher education fact file contains data including population, enrollment, tuition, faculty salary, and degrees awarded. (Contains 16 references) (AS)