The Central Coast of California has a rich and varied geological history. First enjoy a brief overview of that history and then take a hands-on and up close look at some geological highlights that are exposed at the beach in Pismo.
Some of the features that the site has to offer are faults, dikes, volcanic ash, sea stacks, and evidence of rock eating clams. All of them have a story to tell and together we will unravel the tale. This course will allow you to look at our wonderful coast in a completely different way.
Note: The course site is on the beach and requires going up and down staircases that total approximately 160 steps. You should dress appropriately for the weather and the sandy beach.
Faculty: Lyle Yager is a docent for the Pecho Coast Trail and the San Luis Lighthouse. He teaches the OLLI Lighthouse Hike Course, Reservoir Canyon and the Coon Creek hikes. Lyle has developed a special interest in the geology of the Central Coast, and has studied the Pismo Beach site many times as a member of geology courses he has taken.
091-2338
Wilmar St., Pismo Beach
Friday, May 1
9:45 am - 11:45 am
1 Session
Maximum Class Size: 25
Return to Top
A Day with Beethoven at the PAC
This course is the latest in our popular “A Day with...” series, led by member favorite, Sandy Eastman. The San Luis Obispo Symphony offers, as a gift to the community, free dress rehearsals of its concerts during the afternoon (1p.m. to 3 p.m.) preceding the evening of the performance. On Saturday, May 2, 2009 the Symphony will perform Ludwig von Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67. It is perhaps Beethoven’s best known symphony and a favorite of concert-goers everywhere.
This class will be in two parts. During Sandy’s morning lecture, you will learn about the composer, about the pieces that will be played in the rehearsal, and about the soloist. In the afternoon, the class, as a group, will attend the dress rehearsal of the performance. At the dress rehearsal conductor Mike Nowak will speak throughout, giving background information, musicology, and notes on harmony. With Mike’s broad knowledge and stage presence, the dress rehearsals are fairly comprehensive.
Note: This course does not count toward your registration limit.
Faculty: Silsby Eastman (“Sandy”) spent most of his life in the LA area before moving with his wife Lynne to Pismo Beach. He graduated from Occidental College and Indiana University, was a bandsman in the Air Force, and has taught in San Bernardino, La Canada, Paramount, and Agoura Hills. He is a former member of the Long Beach Coterie Sinfonique, the Pasadena Community Orchestra, and the Topanga Symphony. He now teaches at Cuesta and Allan Hancock Colleges.
091-2210
Cal Poly Campus, Phillips Hall
Saturday, May 2
Lecture: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Concert: Harmon Hall
1:00 pm -3:00 pm
1 Session
Maximum Class Size: 75
Return to Top
Hollywood’s “Fabulous Forties”:
Musical & Film Noir Classics
Peter will start with an introduction: How to Read Any Well-Crafted Film. Then he will present a close, informed look at two of Hollywood’s great film-styles from the “Fabulous Forties”: The Musical and Film Noir, focusing on six classics. Bring to class your unbridled enthusiasm to grasp Peter’s three Quintessential Concepts:
Well-Crafted Movies Move Us
Great Film Is a Major Art Form, Deserving of Close Analysis
Major Films Are NOT Throw-Away, Disposable, Consumer Items
With lively, open, participant-centered discussions there will be NO BORING LECTURING with this exciting film series!
Series 2
May 4: Double Indemnity. Director: Billy Wilder. Stars Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck & Edward G. Robinson.
May 11: Yankee Doodle Dandy. Director: Michael Curtiz. Stars James Cagney, Joan Leslie, Walter Huston & Richard Whorf.
May 18: Out of the Past. Director: Jacques Tourneur. Stars Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer & Kirk Douglas.
Text: The Hollywood Story, 3rd. ed., Joel Finler, London/N.Y.: Wallflower, 2003 is highly recommended.
Faculty: Peter Raleigh, Ph.D. has greatly enjoyed teaching Film Studies, Shakespeare, Literature and Foreign Languages for 40+ years at major Colleges and Universities in England, Germany, Wisconsin and California. The essence of his approach is quite simple: “I make our students the focus of each meeting: We all, at once, become a community of equal learners.” Dr. Raleigh holds the B.A. from The Honours School, University of Birmingham, England (German & French Literatures); the M.A. in German Literature and the Ph.D. in German Literature—Emphasis in Theatre—both from University of California, Santa Barbara. He also holds the M. A. in Film Studies from University of the Pacific. Founder-Director of The Shakespeare Academy, Dr. Raleigh’s latest brainchild is his founding of “The Cambria Shakespeare & Film Festival.”
091-2315
CANCELLED
Return to Top
Hiking through Reservoir Canyon, you will experience an interesting mix of the riparian, chaparral and oak woodland habitats of San Luis Obispo County. The trail follows a creek at the rocky canyon bottom, crosses it to climb a steep hill through brush and broken rock, then continues up an open hillside with expansive views of rolling hills and rugged serpentine outcroppings.
Participants should have experience with, and be conditioned for, strenuous hiking conditions. Hikers need to be able to walk approximately four miles (round trip) on a rocky trail with an elevation gain of 500 feet. In places the trail is narrow and winds across steep hillsides and through loose rock.
Note: YOU CAN EXPECT TO ENCOUNTER POISON OAK AND TICKS. There are no restroom facilities. You should wear sturdy shoes that are suitable for steep trails and loose rocks. Hiking boots are recommended. Wear a hat and layered clothing. Bring plenty of water and a lunch or snacks. Cameras, binoculars, plant guides, etc. may be useful.
Faculty: Lead docent Paul O’Connor, former Cal Fire Captain, is an experienced outdoorsman, Pecho Coast Trail Docent, Buchon Point Trail docent, San Luis Light House Keeper/Docent and OLLI leader of local area hikes.
Lyle Yager is a docent for the Pecho Coast Trail and the San Luis Lighthouse. He teaches the OLLI Lighthouse Hike Course, Reservoir Canyon and the Coon Creek hikes. Lyle has developed a special interest in the geology of the Central Coast, and has studied the Pismo Beach site many times as a member of geology courses he has taken.
Barton Dennen is an active local docent who regularly leads hikes in San Luis Obispo County, giving special emphasis to the native plants, geology and history of the surroundings. He is part of the team that leads the Coon Creek hike, Montana de Oro Bluff walk, Point Buchon walk, Point San Luis Lighthouse hike, and Reservoir Canyon hike.
091-2175
Reservoir Canyon
Monday, May 4
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
1 Session
Maximum Class Size: 15
Return to Top
Retirement is a time for you to make a difference and to renew and rediscover yourself. You now have the time to really take a look at your life goals and determine what the last 30 or 40 years of your life will amount to.
What do you want to do with these years? Travel? Help others? Learn and/or study? Serve as a mentor for young people? Help our society prepare for the aging of the Baby Boomers? Socialize? Just sit around, pretend you’re too busy to do anything else? Or some combination of all of these?
How do you re-invent yourself in retirement? How do you discover unknown talents? How can you determine how you can really help others? How do you really determine who you are?
All current studies strongly indicate that keeping mentally and physically active will help you live a healthier and better life in retirement. Interested? Please join this course to explore all your options.
Faculty: Chuck Carlson Ph.D. is a gerontologist who has instructed several courses for OLLI. Dr. Carlson has taught Gerontology courses for UC Santa Barbara, CSU Bakersfield, and Bakersfield College. He currently serves on the Advisory Council of the Area Agency on Aging, the SLO County Commission on Aging, and the Curriculum and Planning Committees of OLLI.
091-2328
Morro Bay Library
Tuesdays, May 5, 12
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
2 Sessions
Maximum Class Size: 50
Return to Top
At present there is a great ferment in religious ideas and institutions. There is a trend toward “fundamentalism” both in Christianity and Islam, but also a growing influence of other religions, exemplified by the Dalai Lama and other Buddhist teachers, various Hindu roshis and “gurus”, Muslim imams and representatives of other religions.
The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the basic principles of the major religions. This term, lecturer, George Bekey will concentrate on Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism, sometimes referred to as "Eastern religions." In future OLLI terms, courses will cover Judaism, Islam, Native American religions, Zoroastrianism and others.
The emphasis in this course will be on understanding how each of these religions and philosophies helps people find meaning in their lives. In contrast with courses on “comparative religion” (which often try to show that one religion is superior to another), the basic ideas will be presented “from the inside”, as they may appear to someone who is an active practitioner.
Note: This course is an updated version of Prof. Bekey’s very successful OLLI classes in 2006 and 2007.
Text: “The World’s Religions” by Huston Smith, is recommended. It is available in a paperback edition from Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
Faculty: George Bekey, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of Computer Science at USC and Adjunct Professor of Engineering at Cal Poly. Before completing his engineering PhD he spent three years at a School of Theology where he majored in world religions. Since then he has studied meditation with Hindu and Buddhist teachers and practiced Tai-Chi with Taoist teachers.
091-2013
PG&E Community Center
Wednesdays, May 6, 27, June 17
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
3 Sessions
Maximum Class Size: 75
Return to Top
Do you want to have a grand painting experience? Does the thought of painting with a professional painter intrigue you? Then don’t miss this chance. Tracy Taylor invites you to paint with her at her studio on the second floor of the Old Edna Store, where natural light emanates from every angle. Working with watercolors, you will create ART using the ‘simplify and exaggerate’ method. Beginners and experienced artists are welcome. Tracy will provide you with the best possible art supplies because you never know when a ‘masterpiece’ may arrive.
Note: Weather permitting, sketching will take place outside. Bring your own lunch or sample the menu at the Old Edna Deli on the ground floor.
Faculty: Tracy Taylor has been painting professionally since 1967. She is recognized for her posters, t-shirts, cards, puzzles, cruise line presentations, etc. Her designs are licensed worldwide. She is currently working with the Wyland Corporation doing fine art for galleries. She is known for her bold use of color and playful subjects. Visit her web site: www.tracytaylor.com
091-2263
Old Edna Store
Upstairs at Tracy’s studio
563 Old Price Canyon Road, SLO
Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
3 Sessions
Maximum Class Size: 20
Fee: $50 includes paints, special
paper and brushes
Return to Top
Join a unique workshop that will provide you with a greater understanding of the factors influencing foreign policy, the realistic goals and limits of such policy, and the role of values in the creation of policy.
This workshop will be a three-session, participant-centered continuation of the exploration of foreign policy that started in Part 1, where participants began to identify foreign policy objectives for the United States. They identified definitions and various influences, such as: physical security, economic interests, geography, history, culture, language, religion, and technology. And then the fun began as they discussed how all of these applied to the Middle East, starting with Israel and moving on to Iraq, Iran Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China and Russia.
In Part 2, after a recap of the discussions in Part 1, participants will move on to discuss Europe, South Africa, Venezuela and Brazil.
In the last session participants will focus on integrating what was learned and agreed to in previous discussions, into a comprehensive policy agenda for long-term relations with the rest of the world. Finally, participants will discuss how to implement it.
You will be encouraged to share your experiences, learning, and concerns.
Note: Participation in Part 1 is not a requirement to attend Part 2 of this series.
Faculty: Paul Malykont led the first part of “Let’s Design Our Own Foreign Policy for the U.S.”, “How Does the World Fit Together” and “Right and Wrong – How Do We Decide?” for OLLI last year. His passion for history and knowledge of economics and religion provide a broad base for the exploration of ideas. His career has been in public accounting, law, and investment banking and management.
091-2268-2
Morro Bay Community Center
Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
3 Sessions
Maximum Class Size: 25
Return to Top
Interested in learning what makes animals tick? If so, this course is for you. Using domestic animals and local elephant seals as prime examples Leland Senson will introduce you to the fascinating world of comparative animal behavior.
Topics will include emotion and motivation, learning, aggression and territory as well as mating and parenting. You will be asked to spend at least three hours outside of class observing your favorite animal, applying some of the principles learned in the classroom and share those experiences with others in class. This course is guaranteed to give you new insights into the animals you know and love.
Faculty: Leland Swenson, Ph.D., studied comparative animal behavior in graduate school and taught college level courses and conducted research related to animal behavior for more than 38 years. Swenson’s masters thesis was on counting behavior in ravens. He currently lives with four cats and a dog. He holds two doctorates and two master degrees.
091-2336
Pismo Beach Veterans’ Hall
Fridays, May 8, 15, 22, 29
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
4 Sessions
Maximum Class Size: 20
Return to Top
Walking the Pecho Coast Trail to the Point San Luis Lighthouse offers a unique opportunity for you to access private lands along one of the wildest and most spectacular stretches of the California Coast. The hike is moderately strenuous with uneven terrain (elevation gain of 440ft.). The four mile round trip hike to Point San Luis Lighthouse, one of the most important historical sites in San Luis Obispo County, features beautiful coastline views, discussions of the natural features and history of the area, a tour of the unique Victorian lighthouse and lunch on the light station grounds.
Note: Parts of the trail are strenuous with steep uneven terrain and an elevation gain of 440 feet. So, you should be experienced with and conditioned for strenuous hiking on a narrow trail along a steep high mountainside. You should wear shoes or boots suitable for rugged hiking. Bring lunch, water, sun screen, camera, binoculars and a hat. Wear layered clothing. Prior to the hike, check out the Point San Luis Lighthouse website www.sanluislighthouse.org. A PG&E waiver must be signed at the beginning of the hike.
Faculty: Lead docent Randy Bello is a third generation native of the area and is a trained interpretive docent with California State Parks and the Natural History Association in Morro Bay, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Pecho Coast and Buchon Trails Docent, and Cal Poly OLLI program leader.
Paul O’Connor, former Cal Fire Captain, is an experienced outdoorsman, Pecho Coast Trail Docent, Buchon Point Trail docent, San Luis Light House Keeper/Docent and OLLI leader of local area hikes.
Lyle Yager is a docent for the Pecho Coast Trail and the San Luis Lighthouse. He teaches the OLLI Lighthouse Hike Course, Reservoir Canyon and the Coon Creek hikes. Lyle has developed a special interest in the geology of the Central Coast, and has studied the Pismo Beach site many times as a member of geology courses he has taken.
Karin Leonard has taught a number of various courses for OLLI, but one of her favorites is the hike to the Point San Luis Lighthouse. The walk out gives glimpses of Chumash clan life, of healing native plants and of unique geological formations, all of particular interest to Karin.
Barton Dennen is an active local docent who regularly leads hikes in San Luis Obispo County, giving special emphasis to the native plants, geology and history of the surroundings. He is part of the team that leads the Coon Creek hike, Montana de Oro Bluff walk, Point Buchon walk, Point San Luis Lighthouse hike, and Reservoir Canyon hike.
091-1142
Point San Luis Lighthouse
Monday, June 1 - UPDATE, THIS COURSE RESCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, MAY 8TH
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
1 Session
Maximum Class Size: 20
Return to Top
This three-session course will cover the fundamental issues for novice investors.
The first session will cover why people invest, the importance of planning, and different investment concepts.
The second session will discuss, in more detail, the characteristics of stocks, bonds and mutual funds.
And the third session introduces retirement and tax planning issues and their potential impact on financial investments.
Note: Not required, however suggested that participants have attended OLLI course “Exploring Your Financial Future”
Faculty: Ron Workman is a financial advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(tm) professional with Wachovia Securities, LLC. He has previously taught Introduction and Intermediate courses for Microsoft Excel, and Exploring Your Financial Future, through OSHER. Prior to entering the financial industry, he has had many years of experience working with and developing software products. He has been an author and a guest lecturer at several international computer industry conferences. He has held executive management positions in marketing and sales of infrastructure software, operating systems, development tools and other runtime software IP products and services. He is a 1977 graduate of Cal Poly.
091-2326
Cal Poly Campus, Kennedy Library, Room 202
Saturdays, May 9, 16, 23
10:30 am - 11:30 am
3 Sessions
Maximum Class Size: 50
Return to Top
On July 13, 2007, a pristine three mile section of the Central Coast, which was previously closed to the public, was opened again as the Point Buchon Trail. This protected area is rich in beauty, wildlife and history. The Steelhead Passage Enhancement Project can be viewed from the bridge over Coon Creek. At the mouth of Coon Creek, you will explore a sea cave and learn about the geology of the area. A recently formed 100 foot diameter sink hole can be safely viewed from the trail.
During the hike you will view sea otter habitat and perhaps see passing whales from the bluff. This is also a great area to view local and migrating birds. An abundant display of local flora and chaparral will be seen from the bluff. Local history will be discussed—for example—early Japanese farming and present day ranching.
Point Buchon is considered an easy five-mile hike. You will be walking up a small hill at the beginning of the hike and on sand at the mouth of Coon Creek.
Note: A PG&E waiver form is required at the beginning of the hike. You will encounter poison oak and ticks on the trail. Although rare, rattlesnakes may be encountered on the trail. Bring a hat and dress in layers, the weather can change frequently on the bluff. Bring binoculars to better view the wildlife and a camera to preserve the experience. Also bring a lunch or snack and plenty of water for a four hour hike.
Faculty: Lead docent Randy Bello is a third generation native of the area and is a trained interpretive docent with California State Parks and the Natural History Association in Morro Bay, Pacific Gas and Electric Company Pecho Coast and Buchon Trails Docent, and Cal Poly OLLI program leader.
Paul O’Connor, former Cal Fire Captain, is an experienced outdoorsman, Pecho Coast Trail Docent, Buchon Point Trail docent, San Luis Light House Keeper/Docent and OLLI leader of local area hikes.
Lyle Yager is a docent for the Pecho Coast Trail and the San Luis Lighthouse. He teaches the OLLI Lighthouse Hike Course, Reservoir Canyon and the Coon Creek hikes. Lyle has developed a special interest in the geology of the Central Coast, and has studied the Pismo Beach site many times as a member of geology courses he has taken.
Barton Dennen is an active local docent who regularly leads hikes in San Luis Obispo County, giving special emphasis to the native plants, geology and history of the surroundings. He is part of the team that leads the Coon Creek hike, Montana de Oro Bluff walk, Point Buchon walk, Point San Luis Lighthouse hike, and Reservoir Canyon hike.
091-2218
Point Buchon
Thursday, May 14
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
1 Session
Maximum Class Size: 20
Return to Top
One Man's Plan to Feed the World
Gene Carl says he can “feed the world” using a technique for raising rainbow trout that he will demonstrate at his Lone Pine Nursery in Nipomo. His system involves growing trout and New Zealand flax plants, and making top quality compost…a full circle plan. “The system will work anywhere with similar conditions including small African villages.” says Gene. Join him as he walks you through the steps of his inventive process.
Faculty: Gene Carl majored in Dairy Husbandry and Soil Science at Cal Poly SLO and Pomona. He worked in Southern California as an Orange Grove Manager and field man in several Avocado Cooperatives before establishing Lone Pine Nursery. In 1998 Gene ran for Senate as an Independent for the 38th Senate District. In 2000, he and his wife moved to Nipomo, opened another Lone Pine Nursery, and started his present fish/plants/mulch operation.
091-2341
Gene Carl Residence, Nipomo
Tuesday, May 19
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
1 Session
Maximum Class Size: 50
Return to Top
Vandenberg AFB Tour and Santa Maria BBQ Lunch
If you have an interest in Aerospace Programs and in the history of the Vandenberg Air Force Base, this tour of the Vandenberg Air Force Base with a United State Air Force retiree is just for you. The tour will include several parts of the base and the spectacular space museum.
Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) is the Air Force Space Command’s premier missile base. It is the only installation in the free world where operational intercontinental ballistic missiles and polar-orbiting space satellites are launched. The 30th Space Wing operates the aerospace test ranges over the Pacific Ocean for Air Force Space Command. It also performs intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) test launches, trains space operators and completes commercial, civil and military satellite launches. Vandenberg is the third largest Air Force base with 99,099 acres and 41 miles of coastline. The base was originally named Camp Cooke in 1941 by the U.S. Army. Later, it became Cooke Air Force Base. It was re-named (1958) in honor of General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, the second Air Force Chief of Staff and chief architect of today’s modern Air Force. Another interesting fact about Vandenberg is that it is a census-designated place with a population count from the 2000 census of 6,151, a community itself!
Highlights of the tour will include: the Heritage Museum; Space Launch Complex 6 which was re-constructed for the Space Shuttle; and Honda Point, the site of the worst U.S. peacetime naval disaster in our history.
Note: Comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket or sweater are recommended for the tour. Lunch is available at reasonable cost at the base “All Ranks Club,” paid for by each participant. Access to Vandenberg Air Force Base requires security clearances for everyone. Therefore, not later than 30 days prior to the tour, OLLI staff will provide VAFB staff the following information to complete background checks: date of birth; social security and driver’s license numbers for everyone on the tour.
Text: Optional reading material, Jaws of Honda, by Maury Hoag; This Was Sudden, by Kevin Palmer; and German Prisoners of War at Camp Cooke, California: Personal Accounts of 14 Soldiers, 1944-1946, by Jeffrey E. Geiger.
Faculty: Archie Mitchell recently retired from the United States Air Force. He has also worked as a reporter for various news organizations, including UPI, the Los Angeles Herald Examiner and the Pasadena Star News. He is a graduate of CSU Northridge.
091-2083
Vandenberg Air Force Base
Thursday, May 21 Changed to May 11th
9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Approximately)
1 Session
Maximum Class Size: 41
Fee: $25
Return to Top
Exploring Microscopic Life in the Morro Bay Estuary
This course is about discovering what types of microscopic plankton can be found in the Morro Bay estuary, and why you should care. You will start at the Coast Guard T-Pier in Morro Bay being introduced to the basics of how to collect microscopic plankton. Next it is off to the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History to learn more about plankton—what they are, how they fit into the ecology of the estuary, and how they affect human populations.
Following the presentation, you will take your own voyage into a drop of the water that was collected at the pier. You will make slides from the water and view them using the museum’s video microscope equipment. This is always an adventure, because many types of plankton look like creatures from a science fiction film, and you never quite know what you will find. Laminated handouts will serve as identification references, and you will be encouraged to participate in the identification process.
Faculty: Karen Watts is a former high school biology and biotechnology teacher. She has a Bachelor’s from UCSB in Biological Sciences and a Master’s from Cal State East Bay in Science Education. Currently she is a docent at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History, conducts a walk/talk program for the museum’s Adventures with Nature series, and is a member of the docent team that developed a plankton program for 4th-6th graders.
091-2342
Morro Bay Natural History Museum Auditorium
Wednesday, May 27
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
1 Session
Maximum Class Size: 25
Return to Top
Come explore the wonders of Bob and Judy Thomas’ Triple T ranch in Arroyo Grande, home to more than 300 turtles and tortoises representing over 40 species from around the world.
You’ll learn about how habitat loss, superstitions and misunderstandings threaten these interesting animals. Hear about and discuss turtle and tortoise preservation, how to protect the health of captive turtles, and how to provide homes for them through adoption.
Faculty: Bob and Judy Thomas have studied and raised turtles and tortoises for more than 19 years. Their Triple T Ranch is a “Home for Wayward Turtles and Tortoises.” Bob and Judy work with several zoos, breeding endangered species and work with Pacific Wildlife Care rehabbing native reptiles. They also speak to students at schools in SLO County and deliver special talks for our State Parks.
091-2094
Thomas’ Ranch
313 E. Ormonde Rd, Arroyo Grande
Wednesday, May 13
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
1 Session
Maximum Class Size: 15
Return to Top
