Personal Enrichment   

This course is designed for people who have completed at least 2 years of Conversational Spanish. A more complex look at Spanish Grammar is a part of this class.  Learn even more about different Spanish cultures throughout the world. Improve your reading and comprehension as well. In this conversation course, you will be given the opportunity to communicate using the Spanish you have been learning through former classes. This practice will enhance your travel, work, and everyday interactions with Spanish-speaking people.

Prerequisite: Completion of "Spanish Intermediate B" is necessary to take this class. You can also enroll with instructor permission. Please reach out to our office to receive instructor permission 925-424-1467.  

Required Text: Advanced Spanish Grammar, by Marcial Prado available online. Please purchase the book prior to the first class meeting.

• Advanced Spanish Grammar (Amazon)
• Advanced Spanish Grammar (Barnes and Noble) 

Please note that this is a HYBRID course; you can come in-person or Zoom in online from home. 

Age range: 18 +

ChatGPT (AI) is here to stay and is the future for writers and content creators. Don’t be left behind! No prior AI experience required. Do you want to learn how to incorporate the power of cutting-edge technology to gain ideas and inspiration, write web content, articles, and even novels or scripts? In this beginner-friendly course, you’ll learn how to:

• register for a FREE ChatGPT account
• input effective writing prompts to avoid nonsense responses
• build creative content, from stories to marketing copy
• determine its capabilities and limitations
• understand ethical/legal considerations using ChatGPT

There’s no doubt ChatGPT and similar AI systems will force the job market to evolve. It’s crucial for everyone to adapt, learn new skills, and be open to working in collaboration with AI, so start building your expertise in the world of ChatGPT now! The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. 

Beginning Conversational Spanish starts with language fundamentals including the alphabet, pronunciation, basic vocabulary and grammar rules. Emphasis is placed on simple conversational situations. Students learn sentences and phrases they need to express themselves in Spanish at work and while traveling.

Required Text: Practical Spanish Grammar, by Marcial Prado (ISBN: 0-471-13446-5) available online. Please purchase the book prior to the first class meeting.

• Practical Spanish Grammar (Amazon)
• Practical Spanish Grammar (Barnes and Noble)

Age range: 18+

Join us for a unique birdwatching opportunity in eastern Alameda County's Shadow Cliffs East Bay Regional Park and discover the fall migration, post-breeding journeys of our local birds. Learn to recognize local birds by sight or sound. All classes are in the field. We emphasize local fall seasonal birds, both resident and migratory birds. These field classes discuss species, migration cycles, species distribution, habitats, and other field tours. Your guide will offer information on species, so note-taking is encouraged and a list of the bird species seen will be provided. We will also review smart phone apps and field guides. Please come with binoculars.     We will have an open forum discussion on the pressing issue of Climate Change and its impact on the avian world, including shifts in required habitat and its implications for food and nesting. By understanding these issues, we can all play a part in preserving our avian friends' habitats. 

Location: Shadow Cliffs East Bay Regional Park, Pleasanton CA. Parking lot directly behind the entry pay booth. Entry Fee for Shadow Cliffs is $6.00. Students are responsible for this fee. Specific meeting location to the field site will be distributed to attendees.

Please note: Please note that students are responsible for their own transportation and insurance. Sorry, no pets allowed.

Field Trip Leader Bio: Rich Cimino was on the conservation chair for Ohlone Audubon and a past member of the California State stakeholder committee on permitting the Altamont Pass Wind Turbine Resource area. He also volunteered for the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory for twelve years. Moreover, Rich is the creator of the Eastern Alameda County Christmas Bird Count and the owner and field trip leader of Yellowbilledtours.com

Age Range: These classes are designed for young adults 11 and over ( parents can accompany their children) and seniors.          

The Chi Running technique emphasizes running form and draws from principles of Tai Chi to make running easier on the body by promoting energy efficiency and injury prevention. You will be guided through exercises and drills designed to leave you with a clear sense of what the Chi Running technique feels like in your body. You will learn and practice how to:  develop, maintain, and body sense good posture and alignment and how to avoid over-using your legs by engaging the power of your core and moving forward from your center.  You’ll also learn focuses and unique tips and visualizations for upper and lower body to help conserve energy, vary speed and avoid injury.

We will not be doing lots of running, so no matter what condition you’re in, have no fear. This class is for anyone – beginners who want to start off “right”, seasoned runners and triathletes who want to increase distance or speed, or if you’re just tired of getting injured. This course will utilize either an indoor or outdoor running track per weather. Registration number is limited to ensure personal attention so register early to guarantee a place in the class.

Bonus – Reference materials will be emailed post event. 
This course will utilize both an indoor and outdoor running track. 

Age range: 15+

The Chi Walking technique emphasizes walking form—the proper and effective biomechanics of walking and draws from the movement principles of Tai Chi to make walking easier on the body by promoting energy efficiency and injury prevention. Developing an efficient walking technique is an essential component in restoring or sustaining your walking practice Through innovative walking drills and exercises you will learn and practice how to: develop and maintain good posture and use the power of your core to create whole body walking, reducing the stress and strain on your hips, back, legs, knees, and feet. Learn how to use cadence and engage efficient arm swing for different walking speeds, how to loosen joints for flexibility and more. Suitable for individuals of all conditioning and experience levels interested in enhancing the health benefits of walking and avoiding injury. The class will be on the indoor track and classroom. Registration number is limited to ensure personal attention so register early to guarantee a place in the class.

Bonus – Reference materials will be emailed post event.

This course will be held indoors. 

Have you thought about painting or drawing but do not know where to start? This course is for adult beginners, or those who would like to refresh their basic art skills, to draw and paint in a traditional, realistic style. With the guidance of local artist Thomasin Dewhurst, you will practice line drawing, shading and blending, proportion, perspective, composition and tonal balance. Then, we will take the drawing skills and apply them to painting practice. Using mainly acrylic paint, we will learn specific painting skills, such as color theory, color-mixing, impasto painting, glazing, scumbling. Selected History of Art references will be included to demonstrate certain aspects, and your instructor will include demonstrations as you learn. Students completing this course will have the skills to better paint on their own, or even participate in more advanced workshops and art events, such as Paint Livermore.

The materials fee of $10 includes all of the tools and supplies that you will need during the course. This is due to the instructor the first day of class. Cash only. 

Age range: 18+

Have you thought about painting or drawing but do not know where to start? This course is for adult beginners, or those who would like to refresh their basic art skills, to draw and paint in a traditional, realistic style. With the guidance of local artist Thomasin Dewhurst, you will practice line drawing, shading and blending, proportion, perspective, composition and tonal balance. Then, we will take the drawing skills and apply them to painting practice. Using mainly acrylic paint, we will learn specific painting skills, such as color theory, color-mixing, impasto painting, glazing, scumbling. Selected History of Art references will be included to demonstrate certain aspects, and your instructor will include demonstrations as you learn. Students completing this course will have the skills to better paint on their own, or even participate in more advanced workshops and art events, such as Paint Livermore.

The materials fee of $10 includes all of the tools and supplies that you will need during the course. This is due to the instructor the first day of class. Cash only. 

Age range: 18+

Are you a lady who drives? Do you wonder what those lights on your dash mean? Can you check your own fluids? What about changing a spare tire? Can you use jumper cables? Can you check your tires properly? We have a class for you! Let's make your car less intimidating together!

Why join us? You will learn valuable car maintenance information that will save you money and keep you safe on the road. Better yet, this is an interactive, hands-on class.

Class materials included in the price. 

Space is limited to 12, and this course is for females only.

Age range: 16+

Are you a lady who drives? Do you wonder what those lights on your dash mean? Can you check your own fluids? What about changing a spare tire? Can you use jumper cables? Can you check your tires properly? We have a class for you! Let's make your car less intimidating together!

Why join us? You will learn valuable car maintenance information that will save you money and keep you safe on the road. Better yet, this is an interactive, hands-on class.

Class materials included in the price. 

Space is limited to 12, and this course is for females only.

Age range: 16+

Christmas is coming! Let's get ready and have fun! You will learn to craft beautiful Christmas ornaments that will add a pop of personality to your home or will make a great gift. It is perfect for beginner and intermediate crafters, both teens and adults. You will get acquainted with the essential tools, materials, and techniques needed for polymer clay projects. Join this course for a fun and memorable time and walk away with festive creations and newfound artistic skills that help with creating unique, handmade gifts that are perfect for friends and family!

Teens and adults ages 12 and over are welcome; class size is limited to 12 to ensure personalized instruction and a collaborative learning environment.

In this course, you will learn:

• sculpting tools and techniques
• clay handling techniques wire and armature techniques coloring 
• assembling techniques Materials: Students will be provided with all materials and tools in class. At the end of the course students will take home their completed polymer clay Christmas ornament. 

Materials: Students will be provided with all materials and tools in class. At the end of the course students will take home their completed polymer clay Christmas ornament.  

Christmas is coming! Let's get ready and have fun! You will learn to craft beautiful Christmas ornaments that will add a pop of personality to your home or will make a great gift. It is perfect for beginner and intermediate crafters, both teens and adults. You will get acquainted with the essential tools, materials, and techniques needed for polymer clay projects. Join this course for a fun and memorable time and walk away with festive creations and newfound artistic skills that help with creating unique, handmade gifts that are perfect for friends and family!

Teens and adults ages 12 and over are welcome; class size is limited to 12 to ensure personalized instruction and a collaborative learning environment.

In this course, you will learn:

• sculpting tools and techniques
• clay handling techniques wire and armature techniques coloring 
• assembling techniques Materials: Students will be provided with all materials and tools in class. At the end of the course students will take home their completed polymer clay Christmas ornament. 

Materials: Students will be provided with all materials and tools in class. At the end of the course students will take home their completed polymer clay Christmas ornament.  

Looking to relieve stress from the demands of work or school? Are you a DIY lover eager to explore a new creative outlet? Then dive into the amusing world of porcelain clay art! You'll learn the techniques to sculpt and arrange stunning, handcrafted Thanksgiving arrangements that will adorn your festive interior. This course is for beginners and intermediates, both teens and adults. You will be guided through the main tools and materials needed to create porcelain clay projects and will learn basic sculpting and coloring techniques. By the end of the course, you will walk away with exquisite, handmade Thanksgiving arrangements to adorn a festive home.

Teens and adults ages 12 and over are welcome; class size is limited to 12 to ensure individualized guidance and a collaborative learning environment.

By the end of this course, you will have learned:

• sculpting techniques
• clay handling techniques wire & armature techniques
• coloring
• assembling techniques

Materials: Students will be provided with all materials and tools in class. At the end of the course students will take home their completed porcelain clay Thanksgiving arrangements. 

Looking to relieve stress from the demands of work or school? Are you a DIY lover eager to explore a new creative outlet? Then dive into the amusing world of porcelain clay art! You'll learn the techniques to sculpt and arrange stunning, handcrafted Thanksgiving arrangements that will adorn your festive interior. This course is for beginners and intermediates, both teens and adults. You will be guided through the main tools and materials needed to create porcelain clay projects and will learn basic sculpting and coloring techniques. By the end of the course, you will walk away with exquisite, handmade Thanksgiving arrangements to adorn a festive home.

Teens and adults ages 12 and over are welcome; class size is limited to 12 to ensure individualized guidance and a collaborative learning environment.

By the end of this course, you will have learned:

• sculpting techniques
• clay handling techniques wire & armature techniques
• coloring
• assembling techniques

Materials: Students will be provided with all materials and tools in class. At the end of the course students will take home their completed porcelain clay Thanksgiving arrangements. 

Kung Fu is a comprehensive training program that teaches the ancient Chinese martial art. Its goal is to develop physical fitness, mental discipline, self-defense skills, and an understanding of the traditional Chinese martial arts culture. This course covers basic forms of Kung Fu, as well as different combinations, kicks, stances, and Shaolin Lian Huan Quan. Kung Fu classes are suitable for a diverse range of individuals with different interests and needs, including adults! It is suitable for adults of all ages who want to improve their fitness, relieve stress, or learn self-defense. Upon completion of this course, students can expect to gain a wide range of skills, ideas, and personal development. These include physical fitness, self-defense techniques, discipline, focus, confidence, self-esteem, respect for others, cultural appreciation, stress relief, and mental well-being. Kungfu offers more than just physical techniques, as it enriches students' lives in various ways and empowers them to become better individuals both inside and outside of the course.

Age range: All those 14 and over are welcome!

Kung Fu is a comprehensive training program that teaches the ancient Chinese martial art. Its goal is to develop physical fitness, mental discipline, self-defense skills, and an understanding of the traditional Chinese martial arts culture. This course covers basic forms of Kung Fu, as well as different combinations, kicks, stances, and Shaolin Lian Huan Quan.

Kung Fu classes are suitable for a diverse range of individuals with different interests and needs, including kids and teens! Kung Fu classes provide a structured environment for kids and teens to learn self-discipline, boost their confidence, and improve their physical fitness.

Upon completion of this course, students can expect to gain a wide range of skills, ideas, and personal development. These include physical fitness, self-defense techniques, discipline, focus, confidence, self-esteem, respect for others,
cultural appreciation, stress relief, and mental well-being. Kungfu offers more than just physical techniques, as it enriches students' lives in various ways and empowers them to become better individuals both inside and outside of the course.

Note: This section of this course is for kids and teens age range 7-13. 

''3D SketchUp for Beginners'' is a comprehensive, step-by-step introductory course designed for those with little to no experience in 3D modeling. Those interested in interior design and architecture, even hobbyists and DIY enthusiast will find the course helpful; you will explore the world of 3D modeling and master the basics of SketchUp, a user-friendly and powerful 3D modeling software. Over the duration of the course, students will learn how to navigate the SketchUp interface, create and manipulate 3D models, apply textures and materials, and generate wonderful perspective views for presentation purposes. 

By the end of this course, students will have acquired essential skills in 3D modeling:  

• Proficiency in using SketchUp tools and commands. 
• The ability to create basic 3D objects and interior related elements and some architectural components. 
• Techniques for applying materials and textures to models. 
• Methods for creating detailed and accurate 2D and 3D drawings. 
• The capability to produce high-quality 3D models for presentations and client proposals.

This course equips students with the foundational knowledge needed to confidently use SketchUp for personal projects, academic assignments, or professional tasks in interior design and architecture. 

This is a HYBRID course. You can join the class in person or on zoom, LIVE REMOTE. 

Materials:

1. Desktop PC or laptop with internet connection (computers will be provided for in-person students / or students can bring their own laptop)
2. SketchUp Free web-based software (cost: free) : limited access to other features. Students should create an account through sketchup.com either before class or on the first day of session. 
3. SketchUp Studio for Students* : 1-year license download for only $55. This includes a Pro account meaning unlimited access to almost everything including 3d rendering. Students need to produce proof school registration. (*This is totally optional and depends on student's own preference)

Age Range: 18 and above are all welcome.

Master Craig Kutil is honored to offer an afternoon of training from two masters of Filipino Martial Arts representing the three schools of Stockton, CA Eskrima: Grandmaster of Tenio DeCuerdas Eskrima, Grandmaster Daniel Siazon and the 9th Master and graduate of Cabales Serrada Escrima, Grandmaster Frank Rillamas.  The schedule is as follows:

10:30-11:00 am Check-In/Registration

11:00-2:00 pm Instruction

This seminar is open to all ranks and styles.

Grandmaster Frank Rillamas studied and trained under the late GM Angel Cabales for eleven years till his passing in 1991. He is one of GM Angel's masters. He teaches the Rillamas Serrada System of Escrima. 

Grandmaster Daniel Siazon is grandmaster of Tenio DeCuerdas Eskrima after inheriting the title after the passing of Grandmaster Arthur Gonzalez.  He earned the title of Instructor under the late Grandmaster Leo Giron of Bahala Na Eskrima, trained with Grandmaster Angle Cabales and Grandmaster Frank Rillamas of Cabales Serrada Eskrima, trained in Doce Pares under Nito Noval, and has gained Instructor status in the Jagabaya program of Pak Herman Suwanda.