I cannot recommend the Institute of Urban Homesteading's Cheese Making Intensive enough…read more This day and a half "intensive" is a combination of the cheese making 1, 2 and 3 classes, taught by IUH founder Ruby. It's fast-paced and she throws a lot of information at you, but the whole process is warm, interactive and accessible. I immediately felt like I could leave Ruby's home and make these cheeses (and other dairy products!) we had learned in my own. I especially love that she's found what seems like the perfect middle ground between science lesson and home-cook/homesteader understanding. She brings her personal experience in with just enough of the science and technical understanding to make home cheese making incredible accessible and attainable. I also love that IUH also has a sliding scale for fees because it demonstrates the value they put on what they teach in making these classes more widely accessible. I already have the summer farm tours on my calendar, and I can't wait to take my next class.

I recently took the Canning tomatoes class- and left with all of the skills I needed to do it on my…read moreown. Ruby does such a great job of detailing everything you need to know- as well as why it works. She dispels a lot of myths and fears about canning- it's really not so hard as people think! The class was really fun, part listening and part hands on. We all left with a jar of tasty marinara and the confidence to do it on our own. I would highly recommend any of the IUH classes. They are professional, informative, and give you everything you need to do it on your own without costing an arm and a leg!

Diana came over and provided one on one serger lesson for me. She was really patient and showed me…read morethe very basics of getting going with my serger - how to thread, some interesting tools and tricks specific to my machine - things I need to know to even begin to play around with this complicated AF machine. Full confession: this is a second review, the first one was immediately after taking a class and I was extremely disappointed - I felt like the class wasn't organized or efficient with time and I left not knowing anything more than when I started. But Diana reached out to me directly and came to my house and provided 1.5hr personal lesson, which I tremendously appreciated. After talking with her, it sounds like that class was really challenging for many reasons and I respect that there are situations out of your control, like the class dynamic and when people show up with weird machines you're not familiar with. I greatly appreciated her reaching out to me - I'm so used to getting burnt by things like that, that it didn't even occur to me to reach out about the negative experience! At the end of the day, all I wanted was to be able to load the d*mn machine and to serge a corner. That being said, I realized that moving forward, spending the extra $$ for a one on one might be a better choice for me in the future - with a baby, a full-time job and often very specific needs/questions re: sewing/serging, this hour+ together was way more helpful and manageable than a class. Ultimately, I found Diana to be very approachable, easy to work with, and very patient.

Took the 3 hour Intro to the Machine class and it was awesome. I was nervous & knew basically…read morenothing about seeing. Diana was so patient, warm & her teaching style is very accessible. I learned all about my machine and don't feel intimidated by it anymore. Highly recommend her classes!

I got a few healing stones, a bracelet and a reading from Omi. This space is so welcoming,…read morebeautiful, and healing, especially for Black and Indigenous folx

From the owner: Temple of Earth Apothecary is a Black led herb shop, multi-generational freedom school and…read morecommunity healing space, selling locally grown bulk herbs, house-made herbal preparations and metaphysical, ritual goods. Individual healing consults, readings and bodywork are available at the Temple, as well as classes, workshops on herbal medicine and the healing arts through the Freedom School of Black & Indigenous Mystery and Ancestral Herbal Medicine works.

I found out about and registered for the class super last minute by calling Cecilia the day before…read morethe start date and she was able to fit me in. Cecilia is pleasant and the class I am in consists of 8 women, all 30-40 age range. The class that I am taking is called Beginning Sewing I : From the Start. This is a 5 classes series that consists of a weekly 3 hour class from 6pm - 9pm. The class in 5 parts costs $175 (not including materials, which you would have to purchase yourself) consists of: Class 1: Sewing and general concepts Class 2: How to read pattern, marking and cutting patterns, and custom fitting. Class 3: Sewing machine, sewing seams, finishing seams. Class 4: Pressing techniques and pressing tools Class 5: Finish sewing project The series consists of making of a garment from patterns, and we are not expected to touch a sewing machine until the 3rd class. There is a lot of learning -- about fabrics, patterns, and cuts. Thus far what I find the most interesting thing I have learned is why clothes don't fit and how to make adjustments. It is an eye-opening experience for me to take this class. Cecilia is very organized and knowledgeable -- you will learn things in her class that won't be found in your regular beginning sewing book. As for the store, you won't find fabrics or patterns here. The small store offers a good selection of notions (Cecilia has mentioned that she's picky about the quality of what she puts in her store), some books, sewing machines, and sewing furniture (which needs to be ordered and then delivered). There are other classes available but schedules are still being worked out. Beginning Sewing seems to be the most popular regular class.

3 words for $28 seems like a lot but I'm not keen on how much these things are supposed to cost…read more Brought in an apron on Wednesday to have 3 words embroidered (not more than an inch in size) and was told it would be ready by Saturday. The only really frustrating thing about the experience was trying to get an estimated time frame of when the apron would be done. When I asked when I could expect it, the lady sternly told me she had a lot of orders but it would be ready by Saturday. I probably should have been more direct about when exactly I needed it but I just figured they close at 6pm so it would have to be done before then... I called around 3pm and was told it would be ready by 4:30. Luckily I was able to get it wrapped and ready for a bday dinner...but it was definitely cutting it close. I'd recommend bringing in your items way in advance just in case they are backed up and can't turn an order over quickly.

One of the best cups of cold brew I've ever had. My only frustration with this place was the fact…read morethat it didn't open until 9 AM. Thankfully they were open when it came time for my second caffeine fix of the day. The space is also absolutely gorgeous and they appear to host lots of educational / experiential events for coffee lovers. Highly recommend!

Stopped by after breakfast. Slight line out the door. The line moved quickly. Plenty of people…read moreworking. Some taking orders, others making food or coffee. Others cleaning. . Nice different menu. They have a nice variety of different coffee blends. This shop is Hugh. Plenty of open seats They have some unique artwork on the wall.

If you need to take your OSHA 30, hope that you get Mr. Lopez as your instructor! I was expecting a…read morelong, boring week of lectures, but Mr. Lopez made the class incredibly engaging. He has a great energy and a unique way of explaining complex safety standards so that they actually make sense. He cares deeply about his students' success and safety, and it shows. He kept the energy up, kept us entertained with relevant stories, and made sure no one was left behind. I learned a ton and actually enjoyed the process. Highly recommend

I was having difficulties with admissions because I'm a returning student. Seems like I was getting…read morethe round around with everyone I spoke to until I went into the welcome center where TAMARA helped me out tremendously . She was very helpful and patience and showed that she cared...and she saved my day .. I give her assistance 100 STARS .. but everything else so far a negative zero.. But she was amazing I wish Laney hire more people like her ...

Great program for the community to engage people into the construction industry. Teaching life…read moreskills and a pre-apprenticeship program to help individuals get a foot in the door for a career.

This Place is a F#@% Joke! It's so sad that the Black community can't have anything that can help…read moreour young men of color progress... My son was so excited to be in this program. He purchased the $20 cap and shirts to comply with the dress code. It was going well for about two weeks... Week three my son was so disappointed by this program, it crushed him! So when I see apprenticeships make mention of this program I cringe! The Cypress Mandela Program failed my son and is failing their community!! Such a letdown and very disappointing! I bet Concord, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek and Palo Alto and other predominantly white communities Apprenticeship Programs make sure the young men in their community/program are well-trained and not allow the people who are NOT serious about learning interfere with those who want to learn, but since this is what the instructors allow, The Cypress Mandela Program is a F*&@% Joke! And it hurts my heart to have to say this especially with the iconic name "Mandela" as the program's name. We HAVE TO DO BETTER Truthfully, Yolanda D.

Today was a good day for treatment at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences Clinic…read more(ACCH). A combination of Eastern medicine modalities delivered with competence, calm and collective cooperation. I love the atmosphere they create. Kate and Devon served my spirit very well today. My other regular Acupuncturist, Zia, graduated and she was excellent as well. The school has the ability to attract some of the most skilled students whose personalities pair very well with an environment of healing. Thank you A Bobbit

Great staff, receptionist, students, teachers,cost effective in price with community focus…read moretreatment.

"I'm deeply concerned after seeing the conditions at After Guard Sailing Academy on Embarcadero st…read morein Oakland, California. The conditions there are truly alarming--dogs are kept in tiny kennels, looking malnourished and on the brink of survival. These animals desperately need care and attention. I hope this review brings awareness and encourages immediate action to help these poor dogs."

It's like a relationship. Sometimes u have to go with the flow. Hard working people. Way more going…read moreon behind the scenes than most people are aware. We are a part of this school and are proud members. If u want snobby go elsewhere. People here are real and Mary is the last of the Mohicans. Her employees always try hard to make all things work out. A+ for effort. Ani keeps gears moving. Thanks for all the effort and ASA classes.

Enjoyed program! Would recommend…read more Did 5 week EMT course. Well paced, I thought this was the perfect porridge btwn the 2 wk and the 8 wk. Fav instructors include Yas Michelle Jeff, honorable mention to Tyler Matt & JT who were also great. Good amount of fake blood squirting :). Instructors seem genuinely interested in the material, fellow students and instructors were down to coordinate some outside of class reviewing before test days which was nice. Good vibes, we had fun in the class! Very hands on style- good for fairly tactile learners. Do it!

I came in today for ACLS and BLS COMBO in which I registered and paid for about a week ago. I was…read moresent the precourse for the ACLS. I was never sent a BLS Precourse, but I was sent a paid receipt for both courses. I called the Wednesday prior during business hours and did not get an answer. I arrived an hour prior to start of the combo class for the front desk clerk attendant(who opened the office up) to tell me I was only signed up for ACLS AND NOT BLS. I asked her to call Grace who is supposed to be the office mgr. The clerk said, "I'm not calling her on the weekend with a frown on her face". I sat waiting for an hour and 10 minutes after ACLS class started for nothing to be done. I had to ask am I supposed to be in class for the attendant to say, " I was just going to call you up". I was told to go into the ACLS CLASS while they try to sort things out. On my first break I followed the error project heart beat made up, and the same clerk said I can offer you a refund. I told her I wanted the combo class. Money is not the issue. Project Heart Beat made the error. I've sent the office manager 2 emails while sitting here offering to complete the online portion on these breaks we are give during ACLS with no response. Another student in the class did not complete either ACLS OR BLS pre test. They still allowed her to go through the in person didactic and then complete both ACLS AND BLS TEST AFTER. Project Heart Beat has to do better and hire a front desk clerk that is friendlier and customer service oriented and not trying to hide errors. She would probably do better cleaning the building than having to interact with customers. Also, they have to be consistent on precourse requirements. It took a second clerk to tell me what the real issue was after waiting an hour being told I was only signed up for ACLS WHEN I HAD RECIEPTS FOR BOTH ACLS AND BLS. I was never sent the precourse for BLS. If you register for classes here, call and confirm until you get someone to confirm that they have sent all emails and you have the precourse. In the meantime, hopefully the first desk clerk to arrive is a bit more customer friendly and focused.