Developed under mandate by the Master Plan Commission, this report reviews the organization and governance of the California community colleges and offers recommendations regarding structures and processes. Part I provides an introduction to the need for the study of governance and organizational problems and offers a summary of findings drawn from a document review, interviews, and a survey of trustees, faculty, and administrators. Part II discusses the history of the colleges; examines organizational "systems" and "controls" in general; lists the specific organizational options available; and recommends explicit recognition of the California Community College System. Part III reviews critical attributes or elements of organizational systems; and recommends the enhancement or establishment of a consultation system, an information system, fiscal and academic accountability systems, and a planning system. Part III also offers observations on five issues or problems (i.e., the composition and selection of district trustees, composition of the Board of Governors, collective bargaining, state funding mechanisms, and the delineation of state board and local district functions). Part IV offers a brief conclusion. Information on study methodology and the survey instrument are appended. (EJV)