It began almost 30 years ago, in the decade that followed that chilling year when two different serial killers were on the prowl in Santa Cruz. It's the Commission For the Prevention of Violence Against Women, made up of seven City Council-appointed individuals, who work to reduce and prevent sexual assault, violence, harassment and domestic violence targeting women.

For the past 20 years, the commission has prioritized a constant rotation of self-defense classes for women and girls, ages 8 to seniors. The classes teach awareness, power of body and voice, body language and various self-defense techniques that empower women to defend themselves against violence. 

“Our philosophy is to teach how to use your body parts and nearby objects to defend yourself. If you’re going to carry pepper spray, you should be trained in how to use pepper spray,” says Kathy Agnone, coordinator of the commission. "Obviously, if you’re clumsy with your pepper spray, this could work against you at the time of an attack."

So yeah, maybe you’re one of those women who considers herself armed because of that pepper spray from Big 5. Reasonably, you carry it at the bottom of your purse when you go out, or stash it (less reasonably) in your glove box. Or maybe you’re one of those women who thinks she will never be the target of a violent crime.

The more I think about arming myself with poison spray, the less I want to rely on it to save my ass. A little training on how to turn one's “own body parts and nearby objects” into weapons of self-defense seems like it would give more peace of mind (and bod) next time I'm walking home alone after dark.

Springtime arrives with a plethora of self-defense classes, some starting as soon as today, and it is not too late to sign up.

Below is a list of the available classes organized by the CPVAW and Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation, taught by local safety trainer, Leonie Sherman. Women and girls of all physical abilities are welcome. The class fees are listed with the class descriptions, but nobody is turned away for lack of funds, says Agnone. Just wear comfortable clothing and show up to the first class!

Self-Defense Class for Teens 

This once-a-week class meets four times. Teaches assertiveness, body language, the power of the voice and multiple physical self-defense techniques for teen women. Ages 13-17 years old *Parent/guardian signature required. $5 city residents/$15 nonresidents. 

Tuesdays: Now through Feb. 21, 3:30-5:30 p.m., or April 26-May 17, 3:30-5:30. At the Louden Nelsen Center, 301 Center St., Room 1.

 Girls and Women Allies Defense Class

This once-a-week course meets four times. For girls between 8-12 years of age along with their “women allies.” The women ally can be an older friend or mentor, sister, mother, aunt or grandmother. Course outlines assertiveness, power of voice and some physical self-defense moves for girls in a fun and safe atmosphere. $5 residents/$14 nonresidents

Sundays April 3-17, 1-3 p.m. at Depot Park Freight Building, 119 Center St.

Saturdays April 30-May 14, 1-3 p.m. at the Louden Nelson Center, 301 Center St., Room 5.

Beginning Self-Defense Workshop for Women

A two-week workshop for women 18 years and up. Addresses assertiveness, awareness of surroundings, body language, the power of voice and self-defense tactics. $10/residents/$25 nonresidents.

Sundays April 3 and 10, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Depot Park Freight Building, 119 Center St.

Sundays May 7 and 14, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Louden Nelson, 301 Center St, Room 5.

Beginning Self-Defense Class for Women

Once a week for four weeks, for women ages 18 and up.  A more extensive review and practice of assertiveness, awareness, body language, voice and self-defense tactics. $15 residents/$45 nonresidents

Tuesdays now through Feb. 22, 6-9 p.m.

Tuesdays April 26-May 17, 6-9 p.m.

Both taught at the Louden Nelson Center,  301 Center St., Room 1.

Intermediate Self-Defense Class for Women

Once a week for four weeks, this class builds on the skills learned in the beginning self-defense class. Defending yourself against weapons and multiple attackers is introduced. Beginning class not imperative, but some experience with self-defense is required. $15 residents/$45 nonresidents.

Thursdays April 28 -May 19 6-9 p.m.

Louden Nelson Center,  301 Center, Room 4.

Senior Women

This class is free for seniors, aged 60 years and up, and teaches physical and verbal self-protection techniques specifically geared towards senior women. Free for residents/$15 for nonresidents.

Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Depot Park Freight Building, 119 Center St. 

Register at the city Of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Office at 323 Church St., or online at santacruzparksandrec.com For more information, call 831-420-5270. Courses are closed after the first class.