LIFELONG LEARNING CENTER
Our program offers lectures on specialized topics to provide life-long learning opportunities for those who are seeking enrichment opportunities. Lectures are taught by Los Medanos professors who are experts in their field and passionate about the topics they are addressing. Lectures are typically 2 hours in length and are taught on a variety of subjects including history, economics, art, politics, current events and more.
What is History? History, Storytelling and the Human Brain
January 14, 2025
Historian David Hlusak explores the true nature of history, its distinction from storytelling, its power, and the consequences of misconceptions shaped by entertainment media like films and video games.
Immigrant and Emigrant Pioneer Contributions
January 15, 2025
Explore California Delta history, from Gold Rush pioneers to agribusiness and aquabusiness booms, British trade, and local contributions like renaming Lake Bigler to Lake Tahoe.
iPhone: Introduction to Basics Part 1. Course 1 of 6
January 16 or March 11, 2025
This beginner-friendly module covers iPhone basics, including settings, “Do Not Disturb,” security, email, and resources. It’s the first in a six-part series for iPhone and iPad users of all levels.
iPhone: Introduction to Basics Part 2. Course 2 of 6
January 23 or March 18, 2025
This second module explores iPhone screens, critical settings, the Control Center, and Contacts management, building on basics to boost confidence and usability in a six-part Apple device tutorial series.
iPhone: Personalizing Your iPhone to Work for You. Course 3 of 6
January 30 or March 25, 2025
Learn to maximize your iPhone’s potential with tools like Calendars, Messages, Siri, and the Health App in this third module of a six-part Apple device tutorial series.
iPhone: Essential Applications. Course 4 of 6
February 6 or April 4, 2025
This fourth module covers setting up essential Apple apps like Password Manager, Photos, Wallet, Notes, and Health, enhancing daily efficiency and securing personal data in a six-part tutorial series.
iPhone: Exploring Internet Safety. Course 5 of 6
February 13 or April 8, 2025
This fifth module teaches safe internet use with Safari, customization tips, and Apple’s security features, helping you personalize your device while protecting against digital threats in a six-part tutorial series.
Harriet Tubman, Andrew Jackson, and the Fight for the $20 Bill
February 18, 2025
Professor David Hlusak explores the legacies of Andrew Jackson and Harriet Tubman, examining memorialization, historical figures on currency, and the evolving process of defining national values and heroes.
African-American Pioneers and Property Owners in Contra Costa County (Black History Month)
February 19, 2025
Africans and African Americans have contributed to California since Spanish exploration, working in various roles, including Gold Rush labor, real estate, and the defense industry, shaping Contra Costa County’s history.
iPhone: Settings for Security and Privacy. Course 6 of 6
February 20 or April 15, 2025
The final course in the series reviews key iPhone and iPad settings, focusing on security and privacy to protect your data and ensure a safe, personalized user experience.
Picnic in History - Rio Vista & Dutra Museums
February 22, 2025
Rio Vista, a key grain and produce port, boasts the Rio Vista Museum with local artifacts and the Dutra family’s 100-year history of maintaining Delta levees. The visit isn’t complete without Foster’s Bighorn restaurant, home to an extensive animal head collection.
More Savage than Domitian, More Foul than Nero: Rome’s Most Vile Emperors
March 4, 2025
Historian David Hlusak examines Ridley Scott’s Gladiator films, questioning the portrayal of Roman emperors and exploring the difference between historical facts and storytelling in cinema. Spoilers included.
Mystery of the Great Stone House
March 6, 2025
Author Dan Hanel presents the history of John Marsh, California’s first doctor, his murder, and the restoration of the Great Stone House, linking real events to his mystery novel Mystery of the Great Stone House.
Death at the Healing Waters
March 13, 2025
Dan Hanel presents the history of Byron Hot Springs Resort, from a popular 20th-century destination to a WWII interrogation center and spiritual retreat, linking it to his mystery novel Death at the Healing Waters.
Pioneering Women (Women’s History Month)
March 19, 2025
East Contra Costa County women were pioneers in California history, contributing to agriculture, education, and suffrage, which passed in rural areas before the 19th amendment.
Ghosts of Black Diamond
March 20, 2025
Dan Hanel presents the history of Black Diamond Mines, exploring mystic symbols, secret societies, tragic tales, and legends linked to the area, all tied to his novel Ghosts of Black Diamond.
Beneath the Tangled Vines
March 27, 2025
Dan Hanel explores the history of Winehaven, its role in the California wine wars, and the struggles of Chinese laborers, linking it to his novel Beneath the Tangled Vines.
Picnic in History - John Marsh Stone House
March 29, 2025
The John Marsh Stone House in Marsh Creek State Historic Park offers a rare opportunity to explore California’s pre-Statehood history, Rancho life, and Indigenous archeology. The John Marsh Historic Trust provides tours of the site, highlighting its significance. The trip includes a visit to Old Marsh Creek Springs Park in Clayton for a picnic.
The Folk Singers & the Bureau
April 1, 2025
This course explores how prominent folk singers like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, linked to political activism and the Communist Party, were monitored and suppressed by the FBI through music, video, and documents.
WWI’s Western Front: Drum-beats of Duty, Sabres of Doom
April 8, 2025
Historian David Hlusak examines the global diversity of World War I, exploring the involvement of non-European fighters, race relations, and the war’s impact on soldiers returning home after the conflict.
Byron Hot Springs: The Most Fabulous Resort in the West
April 16, 2025
Byron Hot Springs, known as the “Carlsbad of the West,” hosted the wealthy and famous in the early 20th century, featuring hot springs, luxury hotels, golf, and a WWII secret interrogation facility.
Byron Hot Springs Tour (Bonus offering to those that attended the April lecture only)
April 19, 2025
Join historian Carol Jensen for an exclusive guided tour of Byron Hot Springs, exploring historic sites like the White Sulfur Springs and 1915 brick hotel. Limited to 20 registrants from the April lecture.
Picnic in History - SMUD Wind Turbine Park
April 26, 2025
The Solano Wind Park, developed by SMUD in the Montezuma Hills, generates 303 MW of renewable energy. The tour covers turbine design, output, and includes a picnic at the nearby Western Train Museum.
U.S. Flag Code: A Discussion of Respect for the Flag
May 15, 2025
Historian David Hlusak explores how Americans often disrespect the flag through excessive patriotism, examining legal guidelines, symbolism, and the unintended messages sent by displays of nationalism and patriotism.
Pre-1949 Californios living in Alta California –Genealogía
May 21, 2025
Spanish settlers, encouraged by King Charles III, arrived in eastern Contra Costa County in 1776, with many local families tracing their roots back to these early colonists over 8 to 10 generations.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP 101
California Sales and Use Tax
January 17, 2025
The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration workshop covers sales taxes, resale certificates, reporting, internet sales, and compliance basics for small businesses.
Small Business Income and Property Taxation
February 21, 2025
This workshop helps small business owners understand federal and California tax obligations, covering tax reporting, income, deductions, and filing forms for sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations.
Accounting and Bookkeeping
March 21, 2025
This course teaches record-keeping, bookkeeping, and cash accounting basics for small businesses, focusing on financial reporting, accounting cycles, and concepts simplified for non-accountants.
Picnic
in History - Somersville Mines
May 31, 2025
The discovery of coal in the Mt. Diablo foothills was California’s largest mineral strike after the Gold Rush. Visit Somersville, Judsonville, Stewartville, and Black Diamond to explore the history, followed by a picnic at Smith’s Landing in Antioch.
Knightsen and the Milk Train (Farms in Knightsen? “Moo!”
June 18, 2025
By 1900, Knightsen thrived with dairy farms and celery production, serving San Francisco and Oakland. The town, named after George Knight and Christine Christensen, grew with the San Joaquin Railroad’s arrival. www.losmedanos.edu/adultlectures
their economic impact. We design our workshops to be hands-on and tailored to the businesses and industries we are serving. Our instructors are industry experts and entrepreneurs themselves. www.losmedanos.edu/entrepreneurship
Human Resources for Business Owners; Independent Contractors (W-1099) Versus Employees (W-2)
April 18, 2025
This course explores modern HR essentials, covering recruiting, compliance, employee vs. contractor distinctions, stipends, workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, and creating a safe, productive workplace.
What Successful Entrepreneurship Looks Like
May 16, 2025
Entrepreneurship requires tenacity, motivation, and hard work. Walt Disney’s success contrasts with his brother Raymond’s steady job, highlighting the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur.
Stay up to date with the latest course offerings and Community Education news! Visit: www.losmedanos.edu/communityed
ONLINE CAREER COURSES
Los Medanos College in partnership with Ed2Go offers not-for-credit online career courses and training programs that are a perfect fit for students looking for the flexibility of online instruction. All courses and programs earn a certificate of completion issued by Los Medanos College, and many prepare you for industryrecognized certifications. We are here to help you reach your career goals!
Areas of Study Most Popular Courses
• Arts and Design
• Business
• Computer Applications
Computer Science
• Construction & Trades
• Health &t Fitness
• Hospitality
• Information Technology Language
• And many more!
• Introduction to Interior Design
• Spanish for Medical Professionals (Self-Paced Tutorial) Introduction to SQL
• Business Budgeting for Beginners
• Creating a Successful Business Plan
• Start Your Own Online Business
• Introduction to Google Analytics
Start Your Own Arts and Crafts Business
• And many more!
Important Note: These not-for-credit courses are for professional development only. For academic credit opportunities at Los Medanos College, please visit www.losmedanos.edu/registration
GET INVOLVED! PROPOSE A COURSE
LMC Lifelong Learning Adult Lectures
Areas of Study Most Popular Courses
• Arts and Design
• Business
• Computer Applications Computer Science
• Construction and Trades
• Health and Fitness
• Hospitality
• Information Technology Language
• And many more!
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Certified Paralegal
• Pharmacy Technician
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
• Veterinary Assistant
• CompTIA A+ Certification Training
• Certified Residential Interior Designer
• Certified Medical Administrative
Assistant with Medical Billing and Coding
• And many more!
Scan the QR code with your mobile device, or visit the website URL below.
www.losmedanos.edu/communityed/not4credit.aspx
Lifelong Learning Adult Lectures are fee-based, not-for-credit classes designed for personal enrichment. Taught by experts, these 2-hour classes cover diverse topics like history, art, and current events, and are offered on campus or via Zoom. If you are interested in teaching or proposing a course, please contact us at www.losmedanos.edu/communityed
