The document discusses action taken by the San Diego Community College District regarding a five percent "cap" placed on the growth of adult education and community colleges by the California State Legislature. Serious fiscal and management problems were created and the District Board of Trustees established a series of seven public hearings to determine citizen reaction to the proposed changes. Over 1,450 people attended and their opinions obtained regarding additional fees and tuition, priorities, course deletion, "frill" courses, and personal motivation. Reactions from members of the Board and Chancellor Dale Parnell are presented, and background information on State philosophy and San Diego history of adult education is given. A policy statement by the Board includes the following: an adult core program of seven classes not subject to any reduction, the continuation of adult education center development throughout communities, and consistency in the collection of fees across the district, with fees as low as possible. (LH)