View Our Current Class Offerings
Art Classes
Jump into the basics of improv! Through fun games and exercises, you will build confidence, sharpen your spontaneity, and learn to say "yes, and...". Perfect for beginners looking to have fun, connect, and get creative on stage - no experience needed!
Ages 18+.
NOTE: This class needs a minimum enrollment of 6 students.
Days: Wednesdays
Times: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Dates: February 26 through March 19, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #12
Room: Social Science Building, SS-102
Register 2 or more students: $81 each
Fee: $90
Instructor Bio: Maria Dawson is a theatre arts instructor, improvisational performer, and director with a Master's Degree in Education. With over 35 years of experience, Mrs. Dawson strives to spread her knowledge and passion of theatre across the Monterey Peninsula to those of any and all levels of experience.
Calling all jewelry enthusiasts! Unleash your inner designer and discover the captivating world of seed bead jewelry in this fun and informative class. In this class, you'll learn essential seed bead stitching techniques to create beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry. We'll cover the basics like beading vocabulary, material selection, and proper thread handling. No prior experience necessary! This class is perfect for beginners who are curious about beadwork, or those who want to expand their jewelry-making skills.
Ages 17+.
Day: Friday
Times: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Dates: March 7, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #37
Room: Art Dimensional Building, AD-107
Fee: $150
Register 2 or more students: $135 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $20
Instructor Bio: Abby Bettencourt is one of Monterey Peninsula College's instructors in the Jewelry and Metals Arts Dept. A local practicing artist and bench jeweler, she has a wide variety of knowledge in traditional silversmithing processes and small sculpture. Abby has a bachelor's degree in fine art from San Jose State University, practical knowledge from working in the industry, and participates in exhibitions and open studios.
Refine your metals and elevate your art! This hands-on workshop equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to operate a rolling mill, a cornerstone tool in jewelry making and Metal arts. Students will design and produce original templates and experiment with alternative found textural elements. During the 2nd session, students will use their textured copper products to create unique copper pins, earrings, pendants, and more! Basic finishing and patinas will be covered.
Ages 17+.
Day: Saturdays
Times: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Dates: March 15 and 22, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #37
Room: Art Dimensional Building, AD-107
Fee: $150
Register 2 or more students: $135 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $15
Instructor Bio: Abby Bettencourt is one of Monterey Peninsula College's instructors in the Jewelry and Metals Arts Dept. A local practicing artist and bench jeweler, she has a wide variety of knowledge in traditional silversmithing processes and small sculpture. Abby has a bachelor's degree in fine art from San Jose State University, practical knowledge from working in the industry, and participates in exhibitions and open studios.
Whether you're new to crochet or looking to refresh your skills, this course will guide you through the basics of crochet, helping you create beautiful handmade items. Each session builds on the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience that covers essential techniques and projects. Sessions will include beginning techniques, basic stitches and patterns, shaping and working in the round, and finishing techniques and beginner projects.
Each student will create a carrot and bunny keychain, just in time for the Easter holiday!
Ages 15+.
Days: Saturdays
Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Dates: March 8 through 29, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #12
Room: Social Science Building, SS-101
Fee: $150
Register 2 or more students: $135 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $15
Instructor Bio: Khadijah El-Ayoubi is an experienced crochet enthusiast who discovered the therapeutic benefits of crocheting as a stress relief during her academic pursuits. With a passion for the craft, Khadijah now seeks to share the joy of this creative endeavor with others. Join her class to not only learn the art of crocheting but also discover the calming and fulfilling experience it can bring to your life.
A custom designed, handmade card says so much more than one bought at the store! Just in time for the Easter holiday and Mother’s Day create personalized, handmade gifts for your friends and family! In this class, you'll design and print your own greeting cards for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. Start with a sketch or image (4x6" max) and transfer it onto a soft linoleum block. After carving, you'll print your design in the color of your choice onto 5x7" cards.
By the end of the two sessions, you'll have a set of 12 cards (or more) and the skills to continue creating at home. Perfect for anyone wanting to add a personal touch to their gift-giving!
This is an all-levels workshop, no prior experience required. Bring a lunch, you will have a 30 minute break.
Ages 18+.
Day: Saturdays
Times: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Dates: April 5 and 12, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #33
Room: Art Studio Building, AS-101
Fee: $200
Register 2 or more students: $180 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $30
Instructor Bio: Evelyn Klein heads the Printmaking faculty at Monterey Peninsula College, and has worked there for the past 18 years. An international and local exhibiting artist, she has been practicing printmaking since the late 70's. Evelyn holds a bachelor's degree in fine art from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. Before launching her teaching career, sharing her passion with her students, Evelyn created exclusive limited editions for galleries and corporations, as well as working with designers, creating large works for hotels and other projects.
This introductory workshop delves into the fascinating world of e-etching, a safe and accessible technique that utilizes electricity to create permanent designs on metal surfaces. Suitable for beginners, this class will guide you through the entire process, from concept to creation, including vector-based graphic design and PNP application. Students will design textural patterns and motifs to create unique copper pins, earrings, pendants, and more! Basic finishing and patinas will be covered.
Ages 17+.
Days: Wednesdays
Times: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Dates: April 16 and 23, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #37
Room: Art Dimensional Building, AD-107
Fee: $165
Register 2 or more students: $148.50 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $25
Instructor Bio: Abby Bettencourt is one of Monterey Peninsula College's instructors in the Jewelry and Metals Arts Dept. A local practicing artist and bench jeweler, she has a wide variety of knowledge in traditional silversmithing processes and small sculpture. Abby has a bachelor's degree in fine art from San Jose State University, practical knowledge from working in the industry, and participates in exhibitions and open studios.
Culinary Skills & Cooking Classes
Cooking vegetarian meals can transform everyday ingredients into vibrant, nourishing creations, celebrating both the richness of local produce and your creativity. Embrace the challenge, and you'll discover that each dish is a masterpiece of health and flavor.
Ages 18+.
Day: Sunday
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Dates: February 23, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #17
Room: Family & Consumer Science Building, FC-104 (Kitchen)
Fee: $105
Register 2 or more students: $94.50 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $20
Students must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and may bring their favorite apron.
Instructor Bio: Amy Ferguson has been teaching for 37 years, 31 of those at American international schools in Brazil and Singapore. She is currently a chef at the Monterey Peninsula College Hospitality Culinary Arts Department. Food is a beautiful way to connect us all no matter where we come from or where we are going. She loves that the culinary world has no boundaries and that we are all able to connect and share experiences through the delights of food.
Tired of scrambling for dinner ideas or feeling overwhelmed by the time and effort it takes to cook? Join our hands-on cooking class, where you’ll prepare two delicious entrées, a hearty salad, and a grab-and-go snack. By the end of the session, you'll leave with prepped meals ready to enjoy all week!
This class focuses on simple, vegetarian recipes that highlight seasonal produce, ensuring maximum flavor, freshness, and nutrition. We’ll guide you every step of the way, providing all the ingredients and equipment you need. All you need to bring are your food storage containers (for 4 entrée servings, 2 salad servings, and a snack).
Not only will you leave with 4-6 homemade meals, but you’ll also connect with others in the community, share cooking tips, and enjoy the process of preparing nutritious, satisfying meals together.
What you’ll take home:
-
4-6 prepared meals
-
2 servings of salad with dressing
-
A tasty snack ready for the week!
Let’s make meal prep fun, easy, and stress-free!
Menu Sneak Peeks:
- Healthy Carrot Breakfast Cookies
- Ginger Sweet Potato Coconut Milk Stew with Lentils and Kale
- Greek Broccoli Salad
Ages: 18+
Day: Monday
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Dates: February 24, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #17
Room: Family & Consumer Science Building, FC-104 (Kitchen)
Fee: $90
Register 2 or more students: $81 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $45
Students must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and may bring their favorite apron.
Instructor Bio: Zoë is a certified health coach dedicated to promoting wellness through the power of nourishing meals and community connection. With a profound belief that food and community are essential to well-being, Zoë has made cooking for health and happiness a cornerstone of her personal and professional journey. Over the past eight years, she has successfully managed and served as a wellness consultant at an integrative health facility. Zoë loves to combine her passion for nutrition with her commitment to holistic health.
Neapolitan style pizza was invented in Naples, Italy and made the whole world fall in love with pizza. It is known for its simplicity. It's not about topping your pizza with as many things as possible, but about finding the freshest ingredients and enjoying the results - a perfect taste and texture. You will learn the seven basic guidelines according to the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. First you will learn how to make high hydration pizza dough, how to bulk ferment, and how to make dough balls. This method will allow you to produce dough with lots of flavor! Then learn how to shape each pizza and bake a true "Pizza Napoletana". You will take home your delicious 10 inch Pizza Napoletana with a leopard spotted crust - a sure sign that it was baked in a very hot oven!
Ages 15+.
Day: Saturday
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Dates: March 1, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #17
Room: Family & Consumer Science Building, FC-104 (Kitchen)
Fee: $105
Register 2 or more students: $94.50 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $32
Students must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and may bring their favorite apron.
Instructor Bio: Chef Yana Todorova received her Diplôme de Pâtisserie, Le Cordon Bleu Dusit, in Bangkok, Thailand. She taught French Pastry classes at the Levan Institute, was a math professor for 11 years at CSUB, and now teaches math at Hartnell College. Her math and baking skills combine for a very methodical teaching style with plenty of explanation and demonstration.
Calling all chocolate lovers! Join Chef Yana for a fun and delicious class all about chocolate and mousse! You’ll learn about different types and brands of chocolate, and how to create rich and creamy mousse. Chef Yana will demonstrate various techniques, and then you'll work in teams to prepare both white and dark chocolate mousse. Plus, you’ll get tips on how to decorate your finished desserts beautifully.
This class is perfect for anyone with gluten intolerance, as the recipes are gluten-free, light, and easy to make. At the end of the class, you’ll enjoy a tasting of your creations and take home two 8-ounce desserts along with the recipes to try again at home. Come satisfy your sweet tooth and learn how to make these decadent desserts!
Ages 15+.
Day: Saturday
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Dates: March 8, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #17
Room: Family & Consumer Science Building, FC-104 (Kitchen)
Fee: $100
Register 2 or more students: $90 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $22
Students must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and may bring their favorite apron.
Instructor Bio: Chef Yana Todorova received her Diplôme de Pâtisserie, Le Cordon Bleu Dusit, in Bangkok, Thailand. She taught French Pastry classes at the Levan Institute, was a math professor for 11 years at CSUB, and now teaches math at Hartnell College. Her math and baking skills combine for a very methodical teaching style with plenty of explanation and demonstration.
Discover the secrets to vibrant, long-lasting health by delving into Blue Zone recipes. Join our class to transform your diet and embrace a lifestyle that celebrates wellness and longevity!
Ages 18+.
Day: Tuesday
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Dates: March 18, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #17
Room: Family & Consumer Science Building, FC-104 (Kitchen)
Fee: $105
Register 2 or more students: $94.50 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $20
Students must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and may bring their favorite apron.
Instructor Bio: Amy Ferguson has been teaching for 37 years, 31 of those at American international schools in Brazil and Singapore. She is currently a chef at the Monterey Peninsula College Hospitality Culinary Arts Department. Food is a beautiful way to connect us all no matter where we come from or where we are going. She loves that the culinary world has no boundaries and that we are all able to connect and share experiences through the delights of food.
Love baking but want to try something a little healthier? Join our class to learn how to make delicious, moist zucchini, carrot, and banana muffins! These muffins are packed with wholesome ingredients and natural sweetness, making them a perfect snack or breakfast option.
In this hands-on class, you'll learn how to combine fresh veggies and fruit with simple baking techniques to create muffins that are both tasty and nutritious. We’ll walk you through each step, from mixing to baking, so you can make these muffins at home with confidence.
What you’ll take home:
-
Freshly baked zucchini, carrot, and banana muffins
-
Tips and tricks for baking healthier treats
-
A new, easy recipe to try at home!
Come enjoy a fun and relaxing baking experience while creating muffins that are sure to impress!
Ages 18+.
Day: Saturday
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Dates: March 22, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #17
Room: Family & Consumer Science Building, FC-104 (Kitchen)
Fee: $75
Register 2 or more students: $67.50 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $25
Students must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and may bring their favorite apron.
Instructor Bio: Zoë is a certified health coach dedicated to promoting wellness through the power of nourishing meals and community connection. With a profound belief that food and community are essential to well-being, Zoë has made cooking for health and happiness a cornerstone of her personal and professional journey. Over the past eight years, she has successfully managed and served as a wellness consultant at an integrative health facility. Zoë loves to combine her passion for nutrition with her commitment to holistic health.
Love veggie burgers but don’t know how to make them at home? Join our hands-on veggie burger class and learn how to create delicious, customizable veggie burgers from scratch! We’ll guide you through the process of making patties using fresh, plant-based ingredients like beans, grains, and veggies.
In this fun and interactive class, you’ll also learn how to create tasty toppings and sauces to take your veggie burger to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll leave with new skills, recipes, and a delicious homemade veggie burger (or two!) to enjoy.
What you’ll take home:
-
Homemade veggie burger patties
-
The confidence to make your own veggie burgers at home!
Come hungry, and get ready to have fun in the kitchen!
Ages 18+.
Day: Saturday
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Dates: April 5, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #17
Room: Family & Consumer Science Building, FC-104 (Kitchen)
Fee: $75
Register 2 or more students: $67.50 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $35
Students must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and may bring their favorite apron.
Instructor Bio: Zoë is a certified health coach dedicated to promoting wellness through the power of nourishing meals and community connection. With a profound belief that food and community are essential to well-being, Zoë has made cooking for health and happiness a cornerstone of her personal and professional journey. Over the past eight years, she has successfully managed and served as a wellness consultant at an integrative health facility. Zoë loves to combine her passion for nutrition with her commitment to holistic health.
Tired of scrambling for dinner ideas or feeling overwhelmed by the time and effort it takes to cook? Join our hands-on cooking class, where you’ll prepare two delicious entrées, a hearty salad, and a grab-and-go snack. By the end of the session, you'll leave with prepped meals ready to enjoy all week!
This class focuses on simple, vegetarian recipes that highlight seasonal produce, ensuring maximum flavor, freshness, and nutrition. We’ll guide you every step of the way, providing all the ingredients and equipment you need. All you need to bring are your food storage containers (for 4 entrée servings, 2 salad servings, and a snack).
Not only will you leave with 4-6 homemade meals, but you’ll also connect with others in the community, share cooking tips, and enjoy the process of preparing nutritious, satisfying meals together.
What you’ll take home:
-
4-6 prepared meals
-
2 servings of salad with dressing
-
A tasty snack ready for the week!
Let’s make meal prep fun, easy, and stress-free!
Ages 18+.
Day: Monday
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Dates: April 28, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #17
Room: Family & Consumer Science Building, FC-104 (Kitchen)
Fee: $90
Register 2 or more students: $81 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $45
Students must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and may bring their favorite apron.
Instructor Bio: Zoë is a certified health coach dedicated to promoting wellness through the power of nourishing meals and community connection. With a profound belief that food and community are essential to well-being, Zoë has made cooking for health and happiness a cornerstone of her personal and professional journey. Over the past eight years, she has successfully managed and served as a wellness consultant at an integrative health facility. Zoë loves to combine her passion for nutrition with her commitment to holistic health.
Has your doctor recommended a Mediterranean Diet, but you're not sure where to start? Or maybe you’ve heard about the health benefits of this popular way of eating and want to learn more?
Discover the flavors and health benefits of the Mediterranean diet in this hands-on cooking course! The Mediterranean diet is widely celebrated for supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, regulating blood sugar, and promoting overall well-being.
In this course, you'll learn how to prepare delicious, nutrient-packed meals and explore key components of the Mediterranean diet, including seasonal vegetables, heart-healthy olive oil, lean proteins, whole grains, and vibrant herbs and spices.
Whether you're looking to add more variety to your meals, embrace a healthier lifestyle, or simply savor the joy of cooking, this course will give you the skills and knowledge to confidently create dishes that nourish the body and delight the senses.
We will prepare and enjoy a meal during class and you will leave with a recipe book and the skills to continue to implement Mediterranean diet principles into your cooking.
Join us to discover how cooking for the Mediterranean diet can transform your health and your table!
Date: May 1, 2025
Day: Thursday
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #17
Room: Family & Consumer Science Building, FC-104 (Kitchen)
Class Fee: $50
Materials Fee: $30
Instructor Bio: Vanessa Lord, MS, RD, is a Registered Dietitian dedicated to empowering individuals to feel like their best selves through food. Vanessa is a Nutrition Instructor and Chairs the Nutrition Department at MPC.
If you love Latin American desserts, this class is for you! Join Chef Yana and learn how to make three delicious treats: flan, tres leches cake, and arroz con leche. These popular desserts, loved in Mexico and around the world, are easier to make than you might think once you know the right techniques!
Chef Yana will show you how to prepare a light, airy tres leches cake soaked in a sweet milk mixture, and teach you the secret to making the smoothest, creamiest caramel flan. You’ll also get to taste these luscious desserts during class and take home a slice of tres leches cake and a slice of dulce de leche flan to enjoy later. ¡Delicioso!
Ages 15+.
Day: Saturday
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Dates: May 17, 2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #17
Room: Family & Consumer Science Building, FC-104 (Kitchen)
Fee: $100
Register 2 or more students: $90 each
Materials Fee Per Student: $22
Students must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and may bring their favorite apron.
Instructor Bio: Chef Yana Todorova received her Diplôme de Pâtisserie, Le Cordon Bleu Dusit, in Bangkok, Thailand. She taught French Pastry classes at the Levan Institute, was a math professor for 11 years at CSUB, and now teaches math at Hartnell College. Her math and baking skills combine for a very methodical teaching style with plenty of explanation and demonstration.
Fitness
Home & Garden Classes
Join us and learn how to create a thriving, sustainable garden!
Ever wondered why some plants in your garden thrive while others struggle? This course will help you understand the secrets of successful gardening in a Mediterranean climate. You’ll learn about the five distinct climate zones and how to select plants that do well in our summer-dry, winter-wet conditions. We'll explore why hardy plants, including California Natives from the Central Coast, are perfect for your landscape.
Topics include designing a garden with California’s unique style, choosing drought-tolerant and low-maintenance plants, planning for seasonal color, and selecting plants that are fire-resistant. You'll also discover how to build a more resilient landscape that can stand up to the challenges of our climate.
The course includes a hands-on demonstration of planting techniques for perennials, shrubs, and trees, ensuring the best results for your garden. You’ll also get a chance to identify key plants in both slide presentations and live examples found on campus. (Be sure to bring a pen and notebook!)
Age: 18+
Day: Saturday
Date/Time: March 8, 2025 (9 AM - 12 PM)
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940
Room: Life Sciences Building #14, LS-102
Fee: $90 (Register 2 or more students: $81.00 each)
Instructor Bio: Juli Hofmann has a passionate interest in growing resilient plants and creating healthy soils, key principles of sustainable horticulture. She was an outreach member of the “Rot Squad” teaching composting and vermi-composting in the residential waste diversion program of the Monterey Regional Waste Management District (now ReGen). She has designed public demonstration gardens and serves as the president of the Marina Tree and Garden Club, inspiring the cultivation of useful plants, and working with regional soils and micro-climates. Juli is a graduate of the MPC horticulture program and now teaches HORT 425 - Gardening Techniques, and, HORT 51 and 52, the courses that give students the knowledge base they need to successfully pursue further study in horticulture.
Sign up today and discover how to grow a thriving garden with minimal effort!
Looking for a quick and easy way to start a productive vegetable garden on the Central Coast? Join us for an innovative class on straw bale gardening! This flexible method allows you to create rich, productive garden beds using straw bales—perfect for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers in just about any space.
In this class, you’ll learn how to prepare straw bales for planting using a simple 10-14 day fermentation process. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right site to setting up your beds, experimenting with different shapes and sizes, and selecting the best vegetable varieties for your garden. Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience with planting, maintaining, and harvesting your straw bale garden.
Whether you have limited space or just want an easy, efficient gardening method, straw bale gardening is a great solution. (Be sure to bring a pen and notebook!)
Age: 18+
Day: Saturday
Date/Time: March 22, 2025 (9 AM - 12 PM)
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940
Room: Life Sciences Building #14, LS-102
Fee: $90 (Register 2 or more students: $81.00 each)
Instructor Bios:
Juli Hofmann has a passionate interest in growing resilient plants and creating healthy soils, key principles of sustainable horticulture. She was an outreach member of the “Rot Squad” teaching composting and vermi-composting in the residential waste diversion program of the Monterey Regional Waste Management District (now ReGen). She has designed public demonstration gardens and serves as the president of the Marina Tree and Garden Club, inspiring the cultivation of useful plants, and working with regional soils and micro-climates. Juli is a graduate of the MPC horticulture program and now teaches HORT 425 - Gardening Techniques, and, HORT 51 and 52, the courses that give students the knowledge base they need to successfully pursue further study in horticulture.
Greg Simmons, a lifelong gardener, started his professional horticulture career in Seattle attending Edmonds Community College and working as a landscape gardener for 10 years. Becoming more interested in the science of growing plants, he studied botany and earned a degree at the University of Washington and went on to earn degrees in ecology and evolutionary biology and entomology at the University of Arizona. After graduate school, he has worked an entomologist for the United States Department of Agriculture for over 25 years. His areas of expertise includes integrated pest management and biological control of invasive plant pests. He also works as an instructor in the Horticulture departments at Monterey Peninsula College teaching a class in integrated pest management and has taught several workshops on vegetable gardening in straw bales.
Join us to start saving water and making your landscape more eco-friendly!
Small changes can lead to big water savings in your garden! In this workshop, we’ll discuss ways to reduce water use while preserving the beauty and function of your landscape. We’ll cover a range of options, including simple steps you can take now as well as long term changes you may want to plan. We’ll use the MPC campus and get our gloves dirty (and wet).
- Assessing and auditing your irrigation system
- Fixing leaks and replacing broken parts
- Upgrading to more water-efficient irrigation devices
- Choosing water-wise plants
- Creating hydrozones (grouping plants with similar water needs)
- Setting up an appropriate irrigation schedule (learn more in our Irrigation Scheduling workshop)
- Correctly programming your irrigation controller (see our Program Your Controller workshop)
- Capturing and using rainwater
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have the tools to make small but impactful changes to save water and improve the health of your garden. (Be sure to bring a pen, notebook, water bottle, sun hat, sunscreen, walking shoes, and garden gloves.)
Age: 17+
Day: Saturday
Date/Time: April 5, 2025 (9 AM - 12 PM)
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940
Room: Social Science Building #12, SS-104
Fee: $75 (Register 2 or more students: $67.50 each)
Instructor Bio: John Kern is a lifelong landscape professional, having worked as a designer, installer and teacher. He has taught landscape design, installation and maintenance since 1985. He has taught the landscape irrigation, landscape construction and firescaping classes in the horticulture program at MPC since 2018. He's obsessed with anything that makes landscape work easier, especially if it's also fun to use.
Join us and learn how to give your plants the best care with drip irrigation!
Drip irrigation is easier than you think! If you’ve been considering switching from sprinklers to drip irrigation but felt it would be too complicated or expensive, this workshop is for you. Whether you’ve been hand-watering or just want a more efficient system, you’ll learn how to convert your sprinkler system to drip quickly, easily, and affordably.
In this hands-on class, we’ll first discuss the advantages of drip irrigation over traditional sprinklers, including how it saves water and delivers it more effectively to your plants. Then, we’ll gather the materials needed and practice installing drip components using a former sprinkler system as the water supply. You’ll work with both point source drip (individual emitters) and dripline (tubing with built-in emitters) and learn how to install both.
This is an all-levels workshop, no prior experience is required.
Age: 17+
Day: Saturday
Date/Time: April 12, 2025 (9 AM - 12 PM)
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940
Room: TBD
Fee: $85 (Register 2 or more students: $76.50 each)
Materials Fee (per student): $15
Instructor Bio: John Kern is a lifelong landscape professional, having worked as a designer, installer and teacher. He has taught landscape design, installation and maintenance since 1985. He has taught the landscape irrigation, landscape construction and firescaping classes in the horticulture program at MPC since 2018. He's obsessed with anything that makes landscape work easier, especially if it's also fun to use.
Travel & Adventure Classes
Plan your next adventure with ease! This course teaches you how to select destinations, travel time, navigate transportation, and booking based on seasons/weather. You'll also learn essential tips for mobile assistance, insurance, and traveling with medications. This course is perfect for solo or group travelers looking to make the most of their trips!
Days: Friday and Saturday
Friday Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Saturday Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Dates: 4/4/2025 - 4/5/2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #12
Room: Social Science Building, SS-101
Fee: $40
Instructor Bio: Ms. Fissell is an experienced educator and tour director who has lived and toured all over the West and traveled solo with groups to Europe extensively. She has trained at ITMI International Tourism Management Institute in San Francisco and now enjoys helping people plan/book trips in their retirement years.
Senior Classes
Learn to navigate your iPhone with confidence in this beginner-friendly class designed for seniors. This course will provide you with the essentials, including making calls, sending texts, using apps, taking photos, Airdropping, Face ID, Using Siri, Mobile Banking, and safety features. We'll also explore helpful features like notifications, the control center, and display and brightness settings. By the end of this course, you'll feel comfortable using your iPhone for everyday tasks and staying connected with loved ones!
Days: Friday and Saturday
Friday Time: 2 PM - 3 PM
Saturday Time: 10 AM - 11 AM and 1 PM - 2 PM
Dates: 4/4/2025 - 4/5/2025
Location: Monterey Campus, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940, Building #12
Room: Social Science Building, SS-101
Fee: $40
Instructor Bio: Ms. Fissell is an experienced educator and tour director who has lived and toured all over the West and traveled solo with groups to Europe extensively. She has trained at ITMI International Tourism Management Institute in San Francisco and now enjoys helping people plan/book trips in their retirement years.