Hi MaryJane,
John Schaeffer here for the Solar Living Institute and Gaiam Real Goods. I strongly suggest you come and visit us at the Solar Living Center in Hopland which is about 90 minutes by car from the Golden Gate Bridge. We have 12 acres of permaculture gardens, lots of natural buildings, a 5,000 square foot straw bale store and demonstrations of renewable energy abound. check out www.solarliving.org to learn more.
Further our Solar Living Institute puts on dozens of classes in all types of green and natural building. check out the same website for class schedule and syllabus. Our SolFest Festival in August has many workshops on green and natural building as well.
Lastly, check out our Solar Living Sourcebook which you can order from www.gaiam.com or www.solarliving.org which is a full compendium on passive solar, natural building, finding your place in the country, renewable energy and much more.
I hope you find these resources helpful. Good luck in your ventures. I've been living in Mendocino County for 35 years off the grid on solar and hydro and it's a great life!
Best,
John Schaeffer