Santa Monica College's spring "Environmental Issues Lecture Series" - featuring topics ranging from solar technology in Africa to sustainable land use practices is now under way.

All lectures are at 6:30 p.m. in Room 123 of SMC's Bundy Campus, 3171 S. Bundy Drive, adjacent to Santa Monica Airport. They are free and seating is on a first-arrival basis. Parking is also free.

The series is sponsored by SMC's Center for Environmental and Urban Studies. The center - which is open to the public - features displays, a library and information center, video collection, native garden, and other services and activities related to environmental and urban studies. SMC has been offering courses in environmental and urban studies since fall 2001.

The remaining lineup for the fall semester is:

* March 23: "Solar Technologies Saving Lives in Africa & Beyond"

* March 30: "Defining Global Citizenship: Energy & Environmental Consciousness"

* May 4: "It's All Local"

* May 25: "SMC Moves Toward Sustainability for You"

For information, call (310) 434-4743 or go to http://www.smc.edu/ceus.