An overview is provided of the 40-year history of Diablo Valley College (DVC), examining the educational ideals of the founders of the college and the changes in the goals of community college education in Central Contra Costa County, California. Part 1 sets the historical scene for the establishment of public two-year colleges nationally, in California, and in Contra Costa County. The early years of development of DVC are described with reference to the roles and contributions of students, classified staff members, faculty, and the first administrators. Part 2 focuses on particular changes and issues in the early 1960's and 1970's, such as the college's efforts to govern fairly and effectively, philosophical concerns such as student retention and open door policies, outreach programs, student and faculty action on social and political issues, and maintaining a campus culture. In part 3, some recent changes and issues are described including the effects of growing financial constraints, new student populations, responses to California state legislation with regard to community colleges such as Proposition 13, and changes in organization and leadership at the college. This final section also reviews new programs such as those for women and older students, closing with a discussion of professional renewal efforts. Included are photographs showing changes in the physical environment of the college and some of the notable college events, as well as appended tables of longitudinal data on total enrollments and enrollments by gender, student age, and course loads. Notes are provided at the close of chapters. (JMC)