LUCERNE, Calif. – New Paradigm College has announced a series of classes focused on issues of interest and concern to residents of Lake County.

The first of these classes begin on Aug. 14 and will be held at “The Lucerne Castle,” 3700 Country Club Drive

Fall classes – August start:

Bicycling Basics

7 p.m. Wednesdays. Starts Aug. 14. Four weekly sessions.

Instructor: Jeff Cramer

Local cycling expert Jeff Cramer teaches how to select, care for, maintain cycling equipment and how to approach bicycling in Lake County.

A Brief Natural History of Lake County

7 p.m. Wednesdays. Starts Aug. 14. Five weekly sessions.

Instructor: Jim Steele

If Mt. Konocti could talk, what would she tell us? Join natural studies professor and Lake County tracker Jim Steele on a fascinating survey of the natural history of Lake County. This class covers the ancient geological formation of this volcanic land, the special biology of its ancient lake and wetlands, and the historical events and unique challenges that have created our present situation.

Climate Disruption and Lake County

7 p.m. Wednesdays. Starts Aug. 14. Five weekly sessions, skipping Aug 21.

Instructor: Peter M. J. Hess, PhD

Climate disruption is already a central feature of life in the new millennium. Explore the history and science of human caused climate change with Professor and author Peter Hess, Ph.D. Lean its implications for Lake County, including how our new climate is already impacting local weather and the practical lessons we can take away from Lake County's recent natural disasters.

Fall classes – September to October start:

The Secret Solution to Global Warming (Hint: It involves YOU)

7 p.m. Wednesdays. Dates: Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25, and Oct. 23

Climate issues got you down? This course is an antidote for shock and despair. Global warming CAN be reversed: the data is in, the solutions are awesome, and implementing them might even be inspiring and fun! Join instructors Carol Cole-Lewis and Denise Rushing in uncovering the root causes of this crisis (and it’s not what you think!) and then choosing what you can do about it. This is a good follow-on to the popular Introduction to Drawdown workshop.

Workshop: Introduction to Permaculture (Ecological Design)

Date: Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Instructors: Lindsay Dailey and Denise Rushing

Permaculture, a design process based on observation and systems thinking, offers us a framework to create ecologically sustainable and socially just human settlements, and guides our response towards the health of the whole. In this course, explore a set of design principles and ethics to move our thinking and actions towards life-enhancing approaches to human and natural systems.

New Paradigm College will also be offering an 80-hour Ecological Design Certification Program beginning Oct. 26 for those interested in obtaining their Permaculture Design Certificate.

For more information and to enroll visit http://www.newparadigmcollege.org.