WILLITS, Calif. – The Mendocino College Willits Center will offer a Fundamentals of Geology for Real Estate class on two consecutive Saturdays, April 30 and May 7, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., in college classrooms at the Mendocino County Museum in Willits.

Presented by college Earth Science Instructor Skip Beale, the class is designed for property owners, real estate agents, renters, buyers and other local residents interested in understanding local and regional geologic risks and other land use factors.

“The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan has, once again, reminded all Californians that it’s wise to know as much as possible about how geologic features and processes can affect our lives,” Beale explains.

“Before you buy, sell or lease land in Mendocino or Lake counties, it’s smart to be familiar with the geologic risks and their potential impacts. This two-day class is designed to provide home owners, real estate professionals and others with the knowledge to make informed decisions about the land the live on,” Beale added.

Topics for the class include faults and earthquakes, the Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, landslides and slope instability, mineral hazards, resources and rights, coastal and stream erosion, flood zones, wells and septic systems, and information about county plans and regulations.

“We’ll pay special attention to information about local earthquake faults and other aspects of local and regional geology,” Beale said.

Cost for the one unit college class is $38 for California resident new students. Preregistration and a college application is required.

For more information about fees or to register in person, please contact the Mendocino College Willits Center, 11 Marin St., Willits, Monday through Thursday at 707-459-6224.

Students may enroll online at www.mendocino.edu.