Carly Montan
Features Web Editor
To many people under the age of 18, adults seem to know how to do almost everything. The truth is, there is always something new to learn. The South Bay Adult School at Mira Costa instructs parents and other adults in the community in everything from playing the recorder to the origins of humor.
The SBAS started in 1918 and has been held at the Costa campus for more than 25 years. With more than 10,000 students enrolling annually, SBAS has 14 available locations to attend.
“I like the South Bay Adult School because it gives the community something to do other than sit on the couch and watch television; it helps them be proactive,” Costa program secretary Irma Ruiz said.
Classes such as yoga, foreign languages, kitchen remodeling and stock management are available for anyone over the age of 18 to take.
However, Costa students that are 17 and need to receive credit for a language can also do so through the adult school. They must consult with their counselors before signing up.
“People come to learn something fun on top of learning something new. There is a wide variety of classes so you can better your mind, body and soul,” Ruiz said.
Because of the large number of classes, there is a large amount of teachers as well. Many are certified teachers, but some are volunteers or members of the community with substantial knowledge of a particular subject.
“We have been affected by the recent budget cuts, but that hasn’t stopped the people of the community from wanting to get involved,” Ruiz said.
The profits made by the SBAS are evenly distributed to both the communities of Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach as well as the administration. Although money has been short, the teachers receive a pay that is usually used for class supplies and items for their lessons.
“Because the money is split into thirds between the administration, Costa and Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach, everyone benefits,” SBAS high school supervisor Tim Kearns said.
Since the SBAS is located on school grounds, its office likes to get students involved every year. The students need to be academically strong and able to help out in the office. They act as custodians and student aides by opening the classrooms and performing other tasks.
“We hire students to work, but we want to make sure they can do their school work as well as working,” Kearns said.
Seniors Chris Bickel and Seth Hartnell split the job and work two nights a week for four-hour shifts from 6 to 10 p.m. Since both are seniors, there will be job openings next year.
“It’s a good job. It’s very simple and I even get to finish my homework while I’m on the job,” Hartnell said.
The SBAS is open for a fall, winter, spring and summer quarter each year and from 5:30 to 10 p.m. daily.
To get involved, visit the SBAS office located next to the nurse’s office on the Costa campus, or log onto their website: www.southbayadult.org.
“Being able to work at the adult school has given me a new kind of responsibility that is different than anything I’ve ever done before. It’s really valuable to learn how to manage a job and school,” Bickel said.
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