This report provides, first, an overview of the external and internal environmental factors affecting planning in California's community colleges; and, second, an examination of the influence of the demographics of the Los Rios Community College District (LRCCD). After an executive summary, introductory material discusses ways in which change can be planned through the assessment of internal and external environmental factors. Part I begins with a discussion of how the state's colleges are affected by external forces, such as an aging population, large minority enrollments, inadequate student preparation, limits on government spending, competition for state funds, the state of the labor market, increased accountability and regulation, and public opinion. This section goes on to examine internal environmental factors, including enrollment-driven funding formulas, staff compensation, faculty tenure, collective bargaining, affirmative action, and pressures for centralization. Part II focuses on the LRCCD, comparing the demographics of each college in the district and the district as a whole with those of their service areas. Part III offers conclusions, and appendices provide data on student enrollment by zip code and campus; and census profiles by campus and district. (HB)