Cabrillo Extension Classes
History and Nature
Behind Packing House Doors: Voices of Watsonville's Croatian Community
Of all the immigrant groups who came to California, probably the least known are the Croatians of the Dalmatian Coast. Often identified as Austrians, Slavonians, or Dalmatians, they came from a glorious tradition of international traders, sailors, and political thinkers and changed the way the United States did business. They also brought their customs and beliefs to their new home and established a way of life that was vibrant and rich in traditional folkways.
This day-long course will be an intimate look into the Watsonville Croatian community that only two native daughters can provide.
This first-ever class will have the following elements:
- A slide-illustsrated lecture overview of the Watsonville Croatian story
- A walk in downtown Watsonville to see the buildings the Croatians built
- A guided walk through the Croatian apple packing warehouses
- A bus tour to the more distance locations during the day including the local cemeteries
- A special visit to Gizdich Ranch
We will end the day with a special catered Croatian-style barbeque dinner, prepared by local chef Peter Kovacich and held at the Basor Terrace Winery on Whiting Road north of Watsonville.
We will walk a total of approximately three miles during the day at a leisurely pace, with many stops and stories.
Participants will receive a letter from the instructors prior to the event date.
Must be at least 21 years of age to participate.
Sat., May 11
9:30 am to 7:30 pm
Class meets at the Watsonville Center Main building - 318 Union St., Room A150
Register by Feb. 25: $100
Register after Feb. 25: $120
Sandy Lydon, Cabrillo College historian emeritus has been researching, writing and teaching the history of Santa Cruz County for over 40 years. He is the author of the award-winning Chinese Gold, co-author of Chinatown Dreams, and inspired and wrote the introduction for Blossoms Into Gold: The Croatians in the Pajaro Valley.
Donna Mekis, co-author of Blossoms Into Gold, holds degrees in Anthropology and Education from UC Santa Cruz. She has had a forty-year career in higher education, working both at UC Santa Cruz and Cabrillo College.
Kathy Mekis Miller, co-author of Blossoms Into Gold did her undergraduate and graduate work at UC Berkeley. She and her husband opened Sun Shops in Santa Cruz in 1971 and it was honored as 2009 Business of the Years by the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce.
Forest of Nisene Marks: A "Tow In" Hiking Adventure
Designed for the experienced and fit hiker, this class will focus on the upper reaches of the park.
We will be assisted by shuttles to gain the initial elevation, and will focus on the Molino Timber Company’s 1910-1917 operation and narrow gauge railroad. We will also include the history of the 1906 earthquake, the Loma Prieta earth- quake and the Soquel Demonstration State Forest that borders Nisene Marks on the north. The exact route of the day’s hike will depend on trail conditions in July, and we may be using some lesser-known, less-developed hiking trails.
We will be hiking approximately eight miles during the day, the terrain will be steep at times, and the pace will be moderate.
Bring a lunch and beverage. This program is suitable for participants aged 18 and above.
We will assemble initially and park in Aptos at the intersection of Aptos Creek Road and Soquel Drive. We will then be shuttled to the beginning of the hike and back from its conclusion at day’s end.
Costs of shuttle are included in the course fee.
Sun., July 14
8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Class meets in Aptos at the intersection of Aptos Creek Road and Soquel Drive. See above for more info.
Register by June 10: $64
Register after June 10: $75
Sandy Lydon was a member of the nisene marks citizen’s advisory committee, a founder of the advocates for the Forest of nisene marks, and the historian for the park’s General Plan.
Backyard Astronomer
Learn how to identify the stars and constellations seen in our local skies in this fun hands-on workshop. Using the Cabrillo planetarium and observatory you will see the wonders of the universe and learn about astronomy history, methods, equipment, and recent discoveries. Get a sense of distances to planets, stars and galaxies. Learn about Black holes, dark matter and the expanding universe.
Participants should dress warmly for outdoor observation at the observatory. In case of rain or fog, class will assemble in the planetarium.
This class is appropriate for students aged 8 to adult.
2 Fri., April 26 & May 3
6:30 - 9:30 pm
Room 707
Register by Feb. 25: $58
Register after Feb. 25: $65
Karl von Ahnen has been an amateur astronomer and telescope user since age 12. He served as lab instructor-assistant in the Cabrillo Astronomy Department for many years, and is the Director of the Fujitsu Planetarium at De Anza College, one of the largest school planetariums in the country.
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Safari
Back by popular demand!
Explore the calm waters of a premier wetland habitat, Monterey Counties' Elkhorn Slough, from the unique advantage of a comfortable seat aboard a large pontoon craft as we observe water-associated birds and assorted marine mammals at very close range. Seals, sea lions, sea otters and a wide spectrum of resident and migratory bird species are abundant.
Two of the most experienced naturalists in the Monterey Bay area will be your personal guides.
Bring your binoculars and/or camera to enjoy close-up observations and unique photography opportunities while learning about the biology of individual species.
A location map and letter will be made available upon registration.
Click here for Elkhorn Slough Student Information
Sunday., May 19
8:45 a.m.– 12:00 Noon
Moss Landing Harbor
Register by Feb. 25: $62
Register after Feb. 25: $68
Bruce Elliott - See bio below
Hummingbirds: How They Do Amazing Things!
The biological characteristics of the hummingbird is absolutely fascinating!
Restricted to the Americas, these incredible avian acrobats hover, fly backwards (even upside-down!), endure a metabolic marathon that may only narrowly permit them to survive through a single day, and exhibit plumages that exceed that of Birds-of-Paradise, and are often even iridescent.
Several score of the more than 350 described species carry names of precious gems, reflecting their unique brilliant feathery.
Join us for a evening learning about the birds our Latin American neighbors call the “Zum-yums”.
Fri., June 7
6:30 - 9 pm
Room: 403
Register by Feb. 25: $24
Register after Feb. 25: $28
Bruce Elliott - See bio below
Spring Season at the Pinnacles National Park
The Pinnacles Monument has just become our newest National Park!
Join us for a day within the eastern half of the park during the peak of the annual bird migration and the spring wildflower display. The Pinnacles were once part of a huge volcano that migrated from southern California over 23 million years ago. This location presents a fascinating platform for a day of tectonic plate geology, fauna, flora, Native American history and the recent re-introduction of the California Condor.
A letter and directions to the East Side park entrance will be provided upon registration.
There is a $5 park entrance fee (unless you possess a National Park Service annual pass or a Golden Eagle Passport)
Sat., May 18 (CLASS FULL)
9 am - 3 pm
Pinnacles National Park
Register by Feb. 25: $64
Register after Feb. 25: $72
Click here for Pinnacles National Park Student Information, Map and Directions
Sat., June 1
9 am - 3 pm
Pinnacles National Park
Register by Feb. 25: $64
Register after Feb. 25: $72
Please note this class meets in Pinnacles West
Click here for Pinnacles National Park Student Information, Map and Directions
Bruce Elliott - is a retired senior Biologist Supervisor for the California Dept. of Fish and Game. He is a skilled field trip leader who conducts a variety of tours and explorations of the area's natural resources.
Bounty from the Beehive
What do you do now with all the honey and wax from your beehives? Kathy will demonstrate how to extract honey two different ways and then show you how to melt down the wax in a solar wax melter (made with readily available materials). We will make fire starters, lip balm, candles, and lotion bars. Recipes will be provided!
Sat., August 10
10 am - 1 pm
Room: 908
Register by June 10: $60
Register after June 10: $70
plus $20 materials fee at class
Kathy Niven has been teaching in the culinary department for more than 30 years. She has been a home beekeeper for the last 8 years. Two of her beehives reside at the Cabrillo Horticulture department.
