Cabrillo Extension Classes
Green Home and Garden

The A to Z of Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Rainwater harvesting is a popular alternative for homeowners and gardeners who want to become more self-sufficient by collecting rainwater while reducing their water bills. Rainwater can be used to water gardens and for emergency water supply. In this class we will discuss the fundamentals of designing a domestic rainwater harvesting system, how to optimize capture and usage, filtration and distribution. Graywater systems will also be discussed.

There will be a lunch break followed by a field trip to visit two nearby residential rainwater harvesting system projects.

Sat., May 12
10 am - 3 pm
Room 405
Register by Apr. 1: $72
Register after Apr. 1: $85

 

Bobby Markowitz is a licensed landscape architect specializing in rainwater harvesting design. His passion about rainwater harvesting has come out of his 30 years experience in landscaping, from his own organic garden and concern for the environment.

Build Your Dream House

Times have changed. It's more difficult to buy a house and in many parts of the country house prices are still too high. There is another way. You can build your own house and be mortgage free in just a few years without the worries about losing your house to foreclosure. This 3-hour class will steer you in the right direction to building your own house for the least amount of money. Learn how to: buy land at county tax sales; buy materials for next to nothing and build it green, too; design your house for ease of construction; live on your property rent free while you build; use unconventional financing; and get the best help for the least cost.

Sat., May 5
10 am - 1 pm
Room 435
Register by Apr. 1: $50
Register after Apr. 1: $58
plus $20 text payable at class

 

David Cook, author of Build Your Dream House for a Song, is a former salesman and restaurant owner. He'd barely picked up a hammer before starting work on his dream house in Marin County.

Designing Your Bathroom for the 21st Century

While your bathroom may be the smallest room in your home, it can be the most complicated to remodel. Will a face lift be sufficient or do you need to tear everything down to the 2 x 4’s? Are you lacking storage? Is the lighting impossibly horrible? Are you interested in “greener” options that don’t break the bank? This class will give you the tools you need to achieve the best possible outcome.

Attendees: Plan to email your floor plan and digital photos to instructor before the second session. More detail will be provided at first class.

2 Sat. May 5 & 12
9 - 11:30 am
Room 510
Register by Apr. 1: $65
Register after Apr. 1: $75

 

Yvonne Ross - see bio below

Remodeling Your Kitchen for the 21st Century

In this economy, many are trying to make a dollar go further. There are many choices and options to decide upon. Any of which can push you outside your comfort zone. Are you wondering where to start? What options are available? What are the most common cost over runs and how to avoid them? Wondering whether or not it is wise for you to act as the general contractor? How to get a realistic estimate? Is a time and material contract better than a fix bid contract? How do liens work? Wondering how to keep costs and schedule on track? This class will outline the necessary steps to complete your project on budget and on time.

Recommendation: Bring a snack or bag lunch for the 30 minute break which will be used by instructor to answer specific questions you have for your project. You can use this time to review instructor’s design folders, books, and portfolios.

Sat. Apr. 14
10 am - 2:30 pm
Room 510
Register by Apr. 1: $60
Register after Apr. 1: $70

 

Yvonne Ross - See bio below

Designing Your Kitchen for the 21st Century

Be it a face lift or complete overhaul, the key elements for your remodel are: cabinets, appli- ances and finish materials. Are you wondering what the difference is between similar products? Are custom cabinets better than ready-made?  Is engineered stone better than natural stone? Are there greener options? Are you concerned about your new kitchen seamlessly integrating into your home? Wondering how to incorporate the “latest” and not get a “dated” design? Want to avoid the common layout problems?

This class will prepare you for defining and designing your “ideal” kitchen.

2 Sat. May 26 & June 2
9 - 11 am
Room 510
Register by Apr. 1: $60
Register after Apr. 1: $70

 

Yvonne Ross has received certification for kitchen design, green building and lighting design. Working as a field project manager she has managed all phases of construction from permits to material selection and installation for over 250 kitchens.