Based on an examination of the socioeconomic factors likely to affect community college financing in California from 1980 to 1985, this report presents recommendations for community college fiscal legislation during the state's 1981-82 legislative session. The report first outlines 17 assumptions concerning future trends in community college mission and finance, including the increased participation of non-traditional students, the desirability of maintaining a comprehensive curriculum, the removal of most statutory cost of living increases, and the continuation of local governance patterns. A general approach to financing the California community colleges is then discussed, calling for the removal of certain existing constraints on the use of college resources, the development and implementation of a new compliance process, the continuing reliance on state and local taxes for operating revenue, and the improvement of fiscal decision-making. The report then provides seven recommendations: (1) restrict user fees to those currently authorized; (2) obtain a greater share of property tax revenues; (3) implement specified changes in the criteria for allocating funds to colleges; (4) limit categorical aid; (5) rely on current sources of capital outlay funds; (6) revise capital outlay planning procedures; and (7) reduce constraints on the use of funds. Appendices illustrate several influencing factors, such as faculty salaries and enrollment projections. (JP)