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April 2026
Saddleback Mobilodge Club
15401 Williams Street
Tustin, CA 92780
Publication #713
THE ONLY NEWSLETTER IN THE WORLD DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE RESIDENTS AND THE EVENTS OF THE SADDLEBACK MOBILODGE CLUB.
Board of Directors
John Meurs
Lynne Meurs
Board of Officers
Vicki Van Allsburg President
Linda Hilliard Vice President Management
John Meurs
Rebecca and Joel Rebelo
Club Volunteers
Ingrid Enson Librarian
Phyllis Nelson Historian
Chris Leach Secretary
Maggie Moncrief Treasurer
Phyllis Nelson Activities Coordinator
Club Volunteers
Dennis Van Allsburg Club Photographer
Phyllis Nelson Sunshine Lady
Connie Davis Club Event Picture Board Pat Green Kitchen Supplies
Magazine Volunteers
Hans Megens Editor
Diane Megens Proofreader
Salvador Nava Circulation
Ann Bennett
FINANCIAL STATEMENT:
Getting to Know Your Neighbor Interviewer
Pat Green
Connie Davis Sickroom Supplies
A detailed report of receipts, disbursements, and cash balance on hand is posted on the clubhouse bulletin board.
GENERAL MEETING:
The Saddleback Mobilodge Club normally meets each month on the second Monday at 7:00 PM.
DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in the Saddleback Mobilodge Scuttlebutt magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of the Saddleback Mobilodge Club Management or Editorial staff.
Joel and Rebecca Rebelo
We came across this article and thought it had a lot of good points. The article was written by calmatters.org
For decades, traditional homeownership in California symbolized stability and long-term wealth. Today, however, the financial equation has changed dramatically. Sky-high home prices, often double the national median, combined with mortgage rates above 6%, have created a steep “buying premium.” For many households, monthly ownership costs now far exceed rent, making conventional homeownership less attainable and less predictable as a wealth-building strategy. In this environment, owning a mobile home while paying space rent has emerged as a practical and financially sound alternative.
Mobile homes typically cost a fraction of site-built houses, allowing buyers to avoid massive mortgages and six-figure down payments. Even with monthly space rent, the total housing cost is often far lower than a traditional mortgage payment in California’s major markets. This affordability reduces financial stress and frees up cash flow for savings, retirement, or other investments.
In many California cities, the cost difference between buying and renting is among the highest in the nation. High purchase prices, elevated interest rates, and ongoing expenses such as property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees make it difficult to build equity quickly. Mobile homeowners sidestep much of this burden by purchasing a more affordable asset while avoiding large property tax bills tied to high land values.
California’s housing shortage has driven prices up and limited choices, especially near job centers. Mobile home communities often provide access to desirable locations at a manageable cost, helping residents avoid long commutes or relocation far from employment hubs.
With lower monthly housing expenses, mobile homeowners can treat the difference as “forced savings” – consistently setting aside money that would otherwise be locked into a
high-interest mortgage. In a state where wage growth has lagged behind housing costs, this flexibility is increasingly valuable.
While traditional homeownership in California is no longer the guaranteed financial win it once was, mobile home ownership offers stability, affordability, and control. For many residents, it represents a smarter, more sustainable way to live well in one of the nation’s most expensive housing markets.
The City of Santa Ana dropped by with an informational flyer regarding a construction project at the Zoo and how it may affect the surrounding areas. It appears the Zoo will be making some improvements, and a small park will also be built. Copies of the flyer will be on the bulletin board and also on the table in the lobby. Below is a copy of the bulletin:
Subject: Santa Ana Zoo Stormwater Capture and Diversion Project
Armstrong Cal Builders, Inc., the lowest responsible bidder, has been awarded a construction contract for $6,627,620 for the Santa Ana Zoo Stormwater Capture and Diversion Project.
The work consists of the installation of stormwater capture systems, pavement improvements, landscaping, signage, and lighting improvements, and the establishment of a new pocket park. Once completed, this project will improve water quality, increase local water supplies, and enhance the Santa Ana Zoo.
Most of the work will be located within the Zoo property; traffic and Zoo parking will be affected at times during construction. We will do our best to keep any inconvenience to you at a minimum.
The City inspector on the project is John Dela Cruz, and the project manager is Craig Foster. Should you have any concerns regarding this project during construction, please don’t hesitate to call the project manager at (714) 647-5659. To help us respond promptly to your concerns, please refer to the project number above.
Sincerely,
Craig Foster Project Manager
We have to admit! Life has been an adjustment with our new family member, Penny! But a good adjustment for the most part, except for potty training. This is not going so well as of yet! Penny is our little sweetheart. It has been fun to see all of you at the recent Club events. We almost always get to pick the winning numbers, which is awesome!
Happy Spring to everyone, and hopefully we see you soon!
Vicki Van Alsburg
Greetings Neighbors! I hope you are enjoying 2026 here at Saddleback so far this year! Phyllis has planned some great events with some delicious food. She obviously enjoys cooking, but she certainly appreciates any volunteers who can help. Be sure to let her know. If you haven’t been able to attend an event yet, there will be an opportunity every month. We hope you will consider taking part in one of the future events.
Our monthly club meetings have been informative and fun! We look forward to seeing you atfuture meetings, always on the second Mondayat7:00.OnMonday,March9,ourown ChristyCamarillo and her friend Rosie Ramos delighted us with their singing and ukulele, and banjo playing while sharing a story. They began with “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” by Bob Dylan, a song about waiting for his bride, but the honeymoon is over. Then came “Bye-bye Love” (made famous by the Everly Brothers), followed by “Cuando Caliente El Sol” by Raphael Perez and Carlos Rigaul about a love story of a couple on their beach honeymoon in Hawaii. We were all clapping and singing along with “Shake the Papaya”. They ended with a fun rendition of “Wooly Bully” by Sam the Sham as we sang along. We appreciate that they were willing to share their amazing talents with us in such a fun way!
When we get togetheron Monday, April 13, Phyllis is planning a surprise activity for us! What will it be? Our only clue is that money is involved. You will be able to find out if you join us at 7:00 that evening.
Save the date for our May 11 gathering! We will be having an outside speaker who will give a presentation on “Brain Myths Busted! What’s True, What’s Not, and What to Do”. Likely, all of us know someone with brain or memory issues, maybe even ourselves. This will be a great opportunity to gain some useful information.
Whether you have lived here 40 years or 40 days, I truly hope all of you realize how blessed we are to live here at Saddleback Mobilodge with great neighbors, fun activities, and our wonderful managers, Joel and Rebecca.
Phyllis Nelson
Next month we will have 2 functions. They are having a Tax Day Lunch on April 15th and a Pasta Dinner on April 25th. I hope to see you all there. I am looking forward to the rest of the functions for 2026, especially July 4th, Happy 250th Birthday America, and September 19th, Happy 60th Birthday to SADDLEBACK MOBILODGE. We have an awesome celebration planned. I’m blessed to be a part of this community. Let’s” Keep On Keeping On”.
You are invited to come and celebrate Tax Day with us on April 15th, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the clubhouse. The menu is Fried Bolonga, Turkey, and Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, Water, and Coffee. Donation is 50 cents for each sandwich. Money collected will be donated to Mary’s Kitchen.
Please sign up on a sheet located on the board above the poker table. It will be posted on April 1st. This is a Saddleback Mobilodge Club function, but not funded by the club.
Phyllis Nelson 714-227-6009
SATURDAY • FEBRUARY 21, 2026
Organized by Phyllis Nelson
Photographer Dennis Van Alsburg
Thank you, thank you, Saddleback residents and guests, who attended our belated Valentine’s dinner. Your support is greatly appreciated. I had 19 helpers for everything I needed help with. When I accepted the activities position, my plea was “help”, and you all have stepped up to the plate.
Saturday, April 25 at 6:00 pm
We will be serving Spaghetti & Meat Sauce or Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine, Salad, Garlic Bread, and Dessert
The price for dinner is Members - $10.00 Non-members and Guests - $15.00
Opportunity Drawing Tickets will be on sale for your Chance to win $$$$$
Reservations with payment will be taken before or after the General Meeting on April 13. The last day to make a reservation will be April 19 at 5:00 pm. No checks, please.
Volunteers are welcome. Let’s keep on keeping on.
Submitted by Phyllis Nelson in space 59 at 714-953-5101. Please TEXT or call. Please NO EMAILS!
Cal Stewart
Connie Lamb
Ann Bennett
Tim Lombardi
Chris Leach
Elaine Trujillo
Darlene Rea
Linda Hilliard
Welcome Gift
Health Issues #28
Balance Issues #60
Health Issues #17
Back Surgery #122
Eye surgery #119
Father Danny passed away #24
Husband Al Rea passed away #125
Health issues #107
Jesus Jimenez Luevanos #33
Leticia Leynas de Jimenez #13
Steven Marsh #61
By Ingrid Enson
We received nine novels in the Hope Springs series of heartwarming, small-town romance that Christian fiction genre lovers are sure to enjoy. For true crime fans, we have Chaos. A riveting expose’ on the conspiracy to cover up the flaws of the Manson murders prosecution.
Title & Author
Hope Springs Books 1 - 3
by
Valerie M. Bodden
Hope Springs Books 4 - 6
by
Valerie M. Bodden
Hope Springs Books 7 - 9
by
Valerie M. Bodden
by Tom O’Neill With Dan Piepenbring
Synopsis
Acollectionof threeheartwarming,interconnected Christian romances set in a small Michigan town. The stories focus on second chances, faith, and redemption as characters navigate past hurts to find love.
Three sweet, standalone Christian romances focused on redemption, forgiveness, and finding love in a small town. These stories feature emotional journeys, including a reformed bad girl seeking a second chance and a single mother finding community.
Fall in love on the shores of Lake Michigan with three full-length novels from the heartwarming, emotional Hope Springs series. Grumpy-sunshine, enemies to love, fake relationship, amnesia, found family, redemption―you’ll find it all, and more, in Hope Springs…where friends become family, faith heals hearts, and love lasts forever. Find a cozy spot…because once you settle into Hope Springs, you’ll never want to leave!
20-year investigative exposé challenging the "official"storyofthe1969Mansonmurders.O'Neill uncovers evidence of a massive cover-up, revealing potential CIA/FBI involvement, connections to MKUltra mind-control experiments, and negligence by law enforcement, suggesting Manson was not acting alone.
By The Archaeologist Editor Group
Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead. It is one of the most important Christian holidays, celebrated by billions of people around the globe. In addition to its religious significance, Easter has become a significant subject of archaeological research as scholars seek to understand the origins and evolution of this significant holiday.
The origins of Easter can be traced back to ancient pagan celebrations of the vernal equinox, which were observed in numerous cultures around the globe. As symbols of new life and rebirth, these celebrations frequently included feasting, dancing, and the exchange of eggs in Europe. With the spread of Christianity, these pagan traditions were incorporated into the new religion, and Easter took on a new significance as a celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection.
Archaeologists have discovered evidence of ancient Easter celebrations in multiple locations around the globe. In Greece, for instance, excavations at the ancient city of Mycenae have uncovered evidence of a festival held in honor of the goddess Demeter, which may have been a precursor to the Christian holiday of Easter. Catacombs decorated with images of the resurrection have been discovered by archaeologists in Italy, shedding light on early Christian beliefs and practices.
The Tomb of Jesus, located in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, is one of the most wellknown Easter-related archaeological finds. According to Christian tradition, Jesus was buried and then resurrected at this location. Archaeologists have conducted extensive research on the tomb and have uncovered evidence of multiple burial chambers and site modifications over the centuries. Although the tomb's authenticity has been contested, its significance as a site of Christian pilgrimage has not diminished.
Archaeologists have also examined Easter-related material culture, including the traditional Easter egg. The use of eggs as symbols of new life and rebirth dates back to ancient pagan rituals; Christians later adopted the practice as a symbol of the resurrection. Eggs have been discovered in numerous archaeological contexts, such as ancient Roman tombs and medieval castle ruins, and their use as Easter symbols has persisted.
Easter has deep roots in both Christian and pagan traditions, and its significance has made it an important topic of archaeological study. From ancient pagan celebrations to early Christian catacombs and the Tomb of Jesus, archaeologists have unearthed an abundance of evidence regarding the origins and evolution of this significant holiday. We gain new insights into the meaning and significance of Easter and its enduring place in the human experience as we continue to investigate the past.
When: Seven days a week.
Where: Saddleback Mobilodge Clubhouse Pool Room
Time: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
All men and women (18 years or older) are welcome.
When: Every Monday night (play moves to Tuesday when the General Meeting is in session)
Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Saddleback Mobilodge Clubhouse
Please come to the Clubhouse and join the fun. If anyone is interested, please contact Ron O’Quain at 714-904-7338.
When: On hold till the warmer months. Check with Ron Gathers to make sure.
Where: Saddleback Mobilodge Shuffleboard Area.
BINGO
Chairperson
Ron Gathers & Bingo Caller
Dick Green
02/19/26 - NO BINGO
02/26/26 12 Pat Green
03/05/26 9 Connie Davis
03/12/26 9 Rose Lawrence
Players must be at least 18 years old to play by State Law and Tustin City Code 324. Players must pay for their cards before playing Bingo.
FOOD GIVE-AWAY for Saddleback Mobilodge Residents. Every Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at the Clubhouse. Many residents have already benefited from receiving fresh food from this generous organization. Shopping bags are provided, or bring your own.
From January 8 through May 2026, we will be studying “The Promise of Heaven” by Dr. David Jeremiah from 10:30 am to 12:15 pm at the clubhouse. Come and explore God’s Holy Word, the Bible, and discover His amazing promises for us in eternal Heaven. All are welcome! Bring your Bible, a notebook & pen, a heart to learn God's Word, and a desire to have fun and make new friends. Call Dane or Linda Counts at (714) 222-0777.
Saddleback Mobilodge Club residents can obtain assistance and access to the medical supply storage room through Pat Green at 714-5472279 and Connie Davis at 657-223-3541.
A casual daily gathering of men and women residents who like to have a little chit-chat with their coffee in the morning. Lying is not necessary, but understood. Loosely headed up by President Emeritus, Roz De Rosa. Meet every day around 8:00 am until about 9:30 am in the Clubhouse when it’s cold; around the pool when it’s warm; and sometimes in the pool hall. So come on out, bend an ear, and share a cup of coffee. All are welcome. Contact: Roz De Rosa at 714-972-4735.
This is an ultra-beginner class for those who want to have some fun while learning to line dance. Your body and brain will benefit! We meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 3:30 p.m. Please join us!
Contact: Vicki Van Allsburg at 720-471-3743.
Please start submitting all reports and/or articles on APRIL 1, but no later than APRIL 6, 2026, for the MAY 2026 Scuttlebutt Issue. The Scuttlebutt document will be submitted to the Magazine Publisher for publication on or before APRIL 14, 2026. Some consideration will be given to reports and/or articles that are submitted after APRIL 10, 2026. They could be included depending on space availability, but it can be saved for the next issue. You can email your reports/articles using Times New Roman with font size 14 to our email address, smceditors15401@gmail.com, with the subject area to read: “Scuttlebutt”, or place your report in the editor’s mailbox space #45. When submitting handwritten or typewritten articles, they should be no longer than ONE page long. Should you have any questions concerning the content or formatting of reports/articles, please feel free to contact the editor by email, phone, or slip a note into the editor’s mailbox on 45 Estrella.
PUBLISHER’S DEADLINE must be observed to allow review time for articles by the Scuttlebutt editing staff and to meet the schedule of the MHBGROUP Publisher Late submissions will not be published in the upcoming edition. Each Scuttlebutt monthly final draft must be submitted to the publisher on or before the 15th of each month, but preferably one to two days before the publisher’s deadline.
ARTICLE SUBMISSION. If any resident has a story to tell (or knows of someone who has a story to tell) on how you got to Saddleback Mobilodge, interesting places you have visited, anything you have experienced in yesteryears, or a favorite recipe you would like to share, please call Ann Bennett at 949289-8983, who will interview you and submit it to the Scuttlebutt. If you would prefer to compose the story yourself, send it to the email address smceditors15401@gmail.com or put it in the editor’s mailbox at space #45. Please use Times New Roman with font 14, using Microsoft Word. The editor can also be reached by phone as follows: Hans at 714-496-9285. If the editor does not answer your call, please leave a message.
Just as a reminder to all readers, should you find an error, PLEASE bring this to the attention of the Scuttlebutt editor, Hans Megens, at 714-496-9285.
Puzzles and Word Games you
Adams Belfry
Boston
British
By land
By sea Church
Concord
Dawes
Firing
Grenadiers
Hancock
Horse Lantern Lexington March Midnight North end Patriot Paul Platoon Revere Revolution Ride Signal Silversmith Troops
Warren
Across
1.Computer memory units
5.High school class
8.Need for fishermen
9.Regrets
11.Jason’s ship
12.“Cogito, ___ sum”
13.It isn’t silver or gold
15.Long, long time
16.Some baby toys
21.Cosmetic additive
22.Hokkaido people
24.Poet Angelou
25.___ tide
26.Battle of Britain grp.
27.Opens a door
Down
1.CEO’s degree
2.Make, as money
3.Garbage in, garbage out
4.Unhearing
5.Largest island in the world
6.Circular domed
dwelling
7.Prefix with phone
10.Costa del ___
14.Jersey call
16.Battering device
17.Winged
18.Spanish painter
19.In ___ of
20.A breeze
23.Bull markets
How to solve sudoku puzzles
No math is required to solve a sudoku. You only need logic and patience.
Simply make sure that each 3x3 square region has only one instance of the numbers 1-9. Similarly, each number can only
appear once in a column or row in the larger grid. The difficulty on this puzzle is easy.
•Custom
Serving South Orange County To advertise in this magazine, please call 1-800-828-8242 or email info@mobilehomeparkmagizines.com mike@mobilehomeboard.com www.mobilehomeparkmagazines.com 1240-C Mtn. View/Alviso Rd.
Sunnyvale,
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408-744-1011 • 1-800-828-8242 • FAX 408-744-0870
Guaranteed
submitted instructions. Proofread all typesetting, especially names, it CAREFULLY. We are not responsible for errors you fail and fax back (408) 744-0870 or return promptly SIGNATURE:
