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Pueblo Serena

THE SERENAN

Sponsored By Pueblo Serena Homeowners Alliance

Editor/Admin: Lin Marie deVincent lmdevincent@comcast.net

Calendar/Birthdays: Cynthia Boyer – byerbird@sonic.net

PUEBLO SERENA HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MARCH 2026

Board Chair : Ana Maria Erickson. .................................415-988-5882

Treasurer: Bert McCarthy……………………………………………………..............707-933-6461

Secretary: Robert Bruce 650-678-4122

Director at Large: Mary Stearns……………………………………………………….415-336-7693

Director at Large: Lin Marie deVincent……………………………………………… 707-225-8134

Designated Tenant Representative (DTR): John Kyle 415-341-2463

GSMOL Super Chapter President: Ann Colichidas … 415-902-7690

GSMOL V.P. Membership: Carol Werner 707-935-1235

PS & HOA Email Communications: Hugh McBride .. 707-934-0860 707-529-9524

Social Committee Chair: Carol Kelley

Emergency Response Coordinator: Mike Colhouer . 707-227-0848 Sandi Bird Homeowners’ Phone List: 415-450-1755

Cul-de-Sac Coordinator: Cynthia Boyer #28 Acapulco 707-495-6639

CUL-de-SAC CAPTAINS

CHICO

HACIENDA

ACAPULCO

MAZATLAN

CUERNAVACA

GUADALAJARA

MAYAN

GUAYMAS

LA PAZ

HERMOSILLO

MERIDA

PEPITO

Ramsey Sullivan #6 707-732-0624

Ted Sexauer #12 707-337-4518

Cynthia Boyer #28 707-495-6639

Monica Wohlferd #35 707-939-3683

Cathy Flight #43 415-531-5489

Kathy Fujikawa #67 707-738-4388

Laurel Laingen #62 707-953-7863

Robin McCormick #125 707-996-9384

Sandy Colhouer #75 707-318-3480

Carol Stienke #89

Carmen Naimish #99

707-292-3107

805-745-1520

Diane Lumiere #113 916-761-3234

Donna Tranchina #117

707-938-7674

MARCH 2026

Pancakes+ 9:30am

Bocce 10-12

HU Chant 121pm Library

Bocce 10-12

MOVIE NIGHT! 6:30pm “To Kill A Mockingbird” See p 4

Bocce 10-12

Knit/Crochet Group 12:30-3:00

Bocce 10-12

Daylight Saving Time Begins Pancakes+ 9:30am

Bocce 10-12 Natural Vision 11-12

HU Chant 121pm Library

Bocce 10-12

Recycling on W McArthur

Qigong 9:30-10:30

Bocce 10-12

Creativity 204 10:45-12:15

Luci Ungar

Bocce 10-12

Knit/Crochet Group 12:30-3:00

YOU are invited to the Academy Awards OSCAR WATCH PARTY! 4-7pm See p6 Pancakes+ 9:30am Bocce 10-12

World Water Day

HU Chant 121pm Library

St. Patrick’s Day

Bocce 10-12

Qigong 9:30-10:30

Bocce 10-12

Knit/Crochet Group 12:30-3:00 Bridge 1-4pm

Pancakes+ 9:30am

Bocce 10-12 Natural Vision 11-12

HU Chant 121pm Library

Bocce 10-12

Recycling on W McArthur

Swap Meet Setup 9am Start 10am Take down 3:30

29 30 31

Qigong 9:30-10:30

Creativity 204 10:45-12:15

Luci Ungar

Bocce 10-12

Knit/Crochet Group 12:30-3:00 Bridge 1-4pm GSMOL Meeting-zoom & in Petaluma 11:30

Bocce 10-12

5pm

Hosted by CYNTHIA BOYER

THE PUSH-PULL OF AGING

"Being" focuses on presence, awareness, and acceptance of the current moment, valuing intrinsic self-worth and the journey. "Doing" centers on action, goal-oriented tasks, and achievement. (AI Summary: Doing vs Being)

As the years pass, I am aware of a growing conflict between doing and being … between how active I think I should be at this age and allowing myself to simply be with my aging self. There is a pushy side of me that nags about all the things I need to be doing to maintain my independence and contribute to life. It often conflicts with the side that is pulling me into just being an appreciative observer of life.

I blame our culture which tends to overvalue independence and stigmatize dependence. We tend to point to elders who exemplify youthfulness in appearance and accomplishments as models for successful aging. I’ve definitely internalized that push to follow their example. This emphasis on healthy eating and staying physically active and socially engaged is also pushed by our health care providers and “aging experts” (who are usually still in their youthful prime). While I intellectually understand their rationale, there is the reality of my aging body and its diminishing capacity. The recliner sometimes pulls me away from my yoga mat. A nap attack often interrupts the weeding of my garden. The enjoyment of solitude occassionally takes precedence over a social opportunity. And if this were my last day on earth, would I really choose the salad over the fries?

Add to this inner conflict, there is the identity crisis of aging. I obviously look well beyond retirement age so when I meet someone new they inevitably ask me what I “used to do,” meaning who I was before I stopped working, not who I am now. I usually respond defensively by sharing all the things I am still “doing” as though “being” doesn’t count.

Doing all we can to stay as healthy and engaged as we can is definitely worthwhile. However, for many of us there will come a time when, like it or not, we will become dependent on the “doing” of others to meet our basic needs. “Being” will be forced upon us. Aging, to use an old movie-making term, is a natural “slow fade” from life. Those of us who are now in the later stages of life have bodies that are pulling us away from from our earlier more active life roles and pushing us to become witnesses to life. We are starting to prefer the park bench to the power walks.

Gary Hermes is a resident of Sonoma Oaks manufactured home community and is passionate about exploring the potential of the aging journey for self-growth and service. He can be reached at GaryDHermes@comcast.net

SONOMA VALLEY GSMOL

Golden State Manufactured-Home Owners League

7 Flags, Moon Valley, Pueblo Serena, Sonoma Oaks, Rancho Vista

Congratulations to Jodi Johnson of Petaluma, Our New VP

Jodi has been appointed to serve on the GSMOL Executive Board for Zone A-1. She is the ideal candidate to step in after the passing of Dick Heine. Let’s give her our full support as she takes on leadership of GSMOL’s largest zone.

Sonoma County Homeowners at the California Legislature

Homeowners from Sonoma County regularly travel to Sacramento to testify or register “me too” support on several GSMOL-sponsored or GSMOL-supported bills. In some cases, our presence was critical in stopping legislation that would have harmed mobilehome owners. Overall, Sonoma County residents helped make it a successful legislative year for GSMOL.

Sonoma is relatively close to the State Capitol, so participating in this process is both accessible and rewarding and it’s an effective way to protect our lifestyle and our investment. Please consider joining the team that goes to Sacramento. Carpools available. If you are interested and would like more information, contact: sonomavalleygsmol@gmail.com

2026 Legislation Update: GSMOL Sponsors and Supports

SB 722 Wahab. Transit-oriented housing development: excluded parcels/sites.

This bill would additionally prohibit the development from being located on an existing parcel of land or site governed under the Mobilehome Residency Law, the Recreational Vehicle Park Occupancy Law, the Mobilehome Parks Act, or the Special Occupancy Parks Act. To take effect immediately as an urgency statute.

AB 635 Ahrens. Mobilehome Residency Law Protection Program: Attorney General.

This bill would require the department to refer up to a total of 25 alleged violations of the Mobilehome Residency Law to the office of the Attorney General in any given fiscal year that the department in good faith efforts selects as the most severe, deleterious, and materially and economically impactful alleged violations. The bill would authorize the Attorney General to arbitrate, mediate, negotiate, or pursue any and all available judicial remedies in connection with any alleged violations of the law referred by the department.

You Need GSMOL | GSMOL Needs You

It’s easy to join or renew your GSMOL membership online Explore the GSMOL website, it’s loaded with resources and information www,gsmol.org

Robin’s Corner, Community Manager, Pueblo Serena Estates

Appreciative, that’s what I want to focus on. As opposed to despondent. Living in Sonoma makes it very easy to be appreciative. There are the obvious reasonsvineyards, the mountains, the beaches and my family all in close proximity. My job, walking to work, my dogs, walking the dogs, my community, and seeing my neighbors when I walk.

When I started working at Pueblo three years ago, I never imagined the number of people I would interface with. Residents of course, the maintenance manager and assistant, for sure, but then there are so many others. Real estate agents, closing agents, plumbers, handymen, arborists, inspectors of all shapes and sizes for the pool, the grounds, the buildings. Just this week alone I was appreciative of out pest control guy, our heating/AC guy and every week our postman.

A few months ago we changed our pest control company. ShooFly is now our vendor for all things creepy. Lu, our service man for these tasks, is one of the most positive and upbeat guys that walks into my office. Always a big smile, and a “what can I do for you today” attitude. If you did not know better you would think he was on his way to a party, or a community bike ride that he takes part in - not an unpleasant task. This is admirable, and encourages me to look on the bright side.

Claron, our postman is another positive soul. Although he does not have a regular pick up at the clubhouse, he has occasion to stop in every now and again and is always upbeat. I smile every time I see him.

We use Apes Plumbing for routine and emergency heating and AC issues. It’s embarrassing to admit that I can’t recall the name of the technician who was here just a couple of days ago. I do recall his smile. He was friendly, efficient and informative. Before he left he went over to the piano and played a couple of tunes. That was fun.

Speaking of the piano, I am so appreciative that we hauled that antique out of the closet and that Taras and Diane gave it a beauty makeover and Carolyn Mae made sure we had it tuned. It always makes me smile, when I am busy printing invoices, or filling out the dreaded friendly reminders, to hear someone practicing, playing, plunking the piano. Music to my ears, so to speak.

I think what I am trying to say is that one does not need to look too far to find something that is pleasing, calming, good for your spirit, and for that I am appreciative.

Our warm sunny days are also appreciated. The guys are out pruning, cleaning, cement grinding, painting, shoveling and in general keeping Pueblo neat and tidy.

You can help us help you by keeping your yards and home neat and tidy. Weed, repair, paint, wash. If we all do our part Pueblo will continue to be an oasis. A lovely place to take a walk, visit with our neighbors, sit in the forest, listen to the birds, and maybe see a deer. In general a place we can replenish our souls.

Be kind to yourself and others. Appreciatively, Robin McCormick

PUEBLO SERENA HOMEOWNERS ALLIANCE MINUTES

Community Meeting January 17, 2026 @ 10:30 AM

HOA Board Present: Ana Maria Erickson, Chairperson + John Kyle, Treasurer + Bob Bruce, Secretary + Bert McCarthy, Director + Mary Stearns, Director

In addition, a total of 38 community members representing a total of 30 homes were in attendance as were 3 guests from Sonoma Oaks Park & 1 guest from Seven Flags.

At 10:31 AM Ana Maria Erickson called the meeting to order:

• Ana Maria welcomed new and longer term residents, and thanked all in attendance.

• Ana Maria introduced potential directors to the board and opened the floor to additional nominations to the board. Bert McCarthy, Mary Stearns, and Lin Marie deVincent were proposed and approved without objection to fill out the 5 member board.

• Secretary Minutes by Bob Bruce, as posted in the library, were accepted and approved.

• The Treasurer's report by John Kyle was reviewed, accepted and approved.

• Carol Stienke announced that the next social gathering will be on Valentine’s Day February 14th. A $10 donation is appreciated. The event will include games and music. The next party has yet to be scheduled.

• John Kyle reported that the City of Sonoma is reviewing Phase 1 of adopting AB2782 regarding park Closure and Conversion Ordinance provisions. Our Council representative Sandra Lowe is unable to vote or comment on this as she lives too close to our park. [within 500’] The City is seeking comments from park owners and homeowners in the three parks within city limits. John emphasized how important it is that all residents turn out for City Council meetings to show support for park Homeowner's position. Meetings are held at Council Chambers, 177 First St. West.

• John reminded all that The Home Support Team is collecting the suggested $250 donation from each home site due for 2026 to support the legal fund expenses. All funds are appreciated and needed.

• Mike Colhouer announced that the AED unit now has new pads, and that he will have a demonstration class at the next meeting to show how to properly use the unit that is at the shed at the southwest corner of the clubhouse.

• Mike O'Conner won $105 from the 50/50% raffle and donated this amount to Mike Colhouer to help offset the costs he paid for the new AED pads.

• Carol Kelley is now Social Committee Chair as Linda Bruce retired. Many thanks, Linda.

• The next General Homeowners meeting is scheduled for 04/04/2026 at 10:30 AM.

• 11:32 Meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by Bob Bruce, Secretary 650-678-4122 / Robert.the.Bruce@gmx.com Minor edits by Serenan Editor/LMdV 2/7/26

wild plums the first flush of spring fading darkening sky the heaviness of an approaching storm March morning alone with the birds and the bees releasing into presence nowhere to go nothing to do global conflict--tiny seeds awakened by the rising warmth

mscoach@sonic.net

SPRING IS HERE! Officially, at least. The vernal equinox arrives on Friday, March 20th, marking the start of the spring season for the Northern Hemisphere and the fall in the Southern Hemisphere. On the equator, the sun will be directly overhead at noon. Equinoxes are the only time when both the north and south poles are lit by sunshine at the same time.

A person takes a picture as revellers attend spring equinox celebrations during sunrise at Stonehenge stone circle, near Amesbury, Britain, March 20, 2025. Photo by Jaimi Joy/ Reuters

The events have been marked and celebrated around the world for centuries. Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, is based on the spring equinox, for example. And at the Mayan site Chichen Itza in Mexico, people gather during the equinox to watch the sun create a shadow pattern that resembles a serpent descending a building called El Castillo.

But what is happening in the heavens? Here's what to know about how we split up the year using the Earth's orbit.

What is the equinox? As the Earth travels around the sun, it does so at an angle. For most of the year, the Earth's axis is tilted either toward or away from the sun. That means the sun's warmth and light fall unequally on the northern and southern halves of the planet. During the equinox, the Earth's axis and its orbit line up so that both hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight.

The word equinox comes from two Latin words meaning equal and night. That's because on the equinox, day and night last almost the same amount of time though one may get a few extra minutes, depending on where you are on the planet.

The Northern Hemisphere's spring/vernal equinox can land between March 19 and 21, depending on the year. Its fall – or autumnal equinox can land between Sept. 21 & 24.

From: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/its-the-spring-equinox-what-in-the-heavens-is-happening

In Search of the HU

Stories from the VA clinic

One couple came to the HU healing session. When it ended, the husband screamed with joy and said to his wife: “Honey, it’s the Sound that I’ve been telling you about, it’s the Sound that I’ve been searching for the last 25 years. I’ve finally found it, it’s the HU”.

He went on to tell the group that he had had a heart attack and was transported to the hospital emergency room. He found himself out of the body looking at the doctor, nurses doing CPR on him while his wife was crying. Then he was pulled into bright lights and surrounded by this beautiful sound of heaven. He was in bliss and did not want to leave that place. He was told that he needed to go back. He found himself back in his body again and everybody was happy that he was back. However, he was sad that he couldn’t hear that sound again. He was trying to describe to his wife the heavenly Sound that brought tremendous peace and joy and dispelled his fear of death. He had been in search of it ever since, for the last 25 years. The wife was overjoyed to finally hear the HU and understood why her husband wanted her to hear it. He’s so grateful that he finally found it! They both felt like they had found a treasure with the HU that day.

Try something new for 2026! Come and learn a simple practice that could make a difference in your life.

Monday from Noon to 1 PM at the Pueblo Serena Library

Hosted by Keval (415) 203-3323

CAUSES OF INFLAMMATION

The 12 Most Inflammatory Foods, According to Nutrition Experts. Avoid these foods to combat chronic inflammation. By Betty Gold January 27, 2026

Inflammation is one of the body's natural mechanisms for increasing the flow of blood (with its antibodies and proteins) to an area to fight infections or toxins in an attempt to heal itself. If you suffer from chronic inflammation, avoiding the worst foods for inflammation is especially important. Unlike acute inflammation, which is temporary, chronic inflammation is a longterm condition that can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's, and stroke. While there are healthy ingredients that can prevent or fight inflammation, some worsen it. Here are the foods health experts say you should avoid to reduce chronic inflammation.

1. Processed Snacks With Added Sugar

If you look for it at the grocery store, you can find added sugar everywhere, even hiding in foods we consider healthy like packaged granola bars, cereal, and fruit-flavored yogurt. According to nutrition expert Frances Largeman-Roth, sugary foods can cause inflammation through the release of cytokines and can raise blood pressure. Don't confuse these foods with those that contain naturally occurring sugar, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy. We're talking about sugars that are added to foods to sweeten them. For some good news, your sweet tooth may be happy to learn that honey has been shown to reduce inflammation. Consuming excessive sugar can also increase your risk of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and even cancer, adds Andrew Abraham, MD.

2. High Fructose Corn Syrup

While the small amounts of fructose in fruits and vegetables are fine, consuming large amounts, especially in the form of uber-processed high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), can negatively affect your health. HFCS is a favorite of food processors because it's cheaper and sweeter than sugar. The rest of us should avoid anything to do with HFCS because aggravating inflammation is just one in a list of maladies that it contributes to. Among the worst offenders that are typically high in HFCS are candy, fast food, frozen ice cream treats, and applesauce.

"Ultra-processed" is a relatively new classification that describes snacks, drinks, ready meals, and other products created from food extracts or derivatives with little intact food. They're also likely to contain flavors, colors, and other additives to make them convenient, addictive, and profitable. Foods that are ultra-processed usually have few, if any, whole foods to nourish your body's immune system, and that deficit can lead to chronic inflammation. Examples are packaged snacks, like chips and cookies, non-dairy creamers, and microwaveable meals.

4. Soda and Other Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Beverages are just another vehicle for high fructose corn syrup and other added sugars, but they deserve a separate mention because they're an often overlooked contributor to our daily intake. A 2022 study found soda, sports drinks, and other sugary beverages (as well as other sugary foods) to be a key factor for causing and aggravating inflammation, and can also impact your gut microbiome. While it's not realistic to cut out all added sugars in our diets, we can certainly stand to reduce our daily intake. "Start by using less sweetener in your morning coffee and gradually reduce it to zero," Largeman-Roth advises, and be sure to read nutrition labels to make better choices.

5. Trans Fats

Trans fats have been found to cause systemic inflammation in the body, and eating it has been linked to coronary heart disease. Some trans fats occur naturally in animal products, but it's the industrially produced stuff that manufacturers add to processed foods that we want to stay away from. While most manufacturers were forced to remove trans fats listed as "partially hydrogenated fats" in an ingredient list—from their products by 2021, certain packaged foods still contain them. "For example, packaged frosting has 2 grams of trans fat per 2 tablespoon serving," explains Largeman-Roth. Among other likely offenders are commercial baked goods and deep-fried foods.

Red Meat

"Meat typically has high levels of both arachidonic acid and saturated fat, which contributes to inflammation," says Abraham. An easy, overarching way to counter inflammation is to consume more plant-based foods, the doctor suggests, because they typically have markedly less fat, particularly saturated fat. "Plant-based diets that also include plenty of leafy greens

and vegetables have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body," he continued. "This, in turn, minimizes the risk of disease and, even more importantly, those adopting more plant-based options in their diet simply feel much better."

7. Processed Meats

Similarly to red meat, processed meat—bacon, sausage, hot dogs, bologna, pepperoni, and salami is high in saturated fats, which can cause inflammation in fat tissue. A 2019 study found that processed meat protein, in particular, promoted inflammation in mice. Another study linked processed meat (and red meat) with an increased inflammatory response and an increased risk of colon cancer.8 Better anti-inflammatory choices are chicken and fish as well as lean cuts of red meat and, of course, plant-based options.

8. Refined Carbohydrates

Foods made with refined grains white flour, white bread, and white rice have been milled to have the fibrous bran and the nutrient-rich germ removed. They're very easy to overeat (hello, dinner rolls) and, according to Largeman-Roth, the resultant extra pounds can lead to chronic inflammation. On the other hand, whole grains contain the entire grain kernel: bran, germ, and endosperm. Foods like brown rice, whole wheat flour, oatmeal, and whole cornmeal are all healthy whole grains, which studies show help to reduce inflammation in the body.9 "Aim to make at least half of your grains whole," Largeman-Roth advises.

9. Fried Foods

10. Alcohol

Deep-fried foods French fries, fried chicken, and donuts are typically an inflammation trigger. What's worse, they're often prepared in a way in which they're soaked in oil with omega-6 fatty acids, which can prompt even more inflammation.

You can argue whether alcohol is a "food," but there's no argument that chronic excessive alcohol consumption can cause inflammation. Studies have shown that when your body breaks down alcohol, it produces a series of inflammatory compounds. The byproducts of that process trigger an inflammatory response that can damage your gut's microbiome, which in turn can be detrimental to your liver and other organs. This doesn't mean you have to give up your Friday night cocktail, because moderate drinking doesn't cause as much inflammation as excessive drinking does. The USDA's 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends

that men limit their alcohol consumption to two drinks per day and, for women, no more than one drink per day. What Is Considered One Alcoholic Drink? According to the USDA, one alcoholic drink is defined as containing 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol, such as the following:

 12 fl oz of regular beer (5% alcohol)

 5 fl oz of wine (12% alcohol)

 1.5 fl oz of 80-proof distilled spirits (40% alcohol)

11. Synthetic Sweeteners

You might opt for synthetic sweeteners as a healthy alternative for your daily cup of joe, but the results may not be what you signed up for. "Synthetic sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, are known for causing inflammation, due to how they affect the microbiome in the gut, as well as metabolic processes," says Michelle Bacarella, MS, RDN, registered dietitian. "Research has shown that this can lead to inflammatory bowel[s], not to mention the potential for an increased risk of various cardiovascular issues."

12. Cereals

A bowl of cereal can be oh-so delicious, but it can also lead to inflammation in the body. "While some cereals, specifically those high in fiber, do have the potential to reduce inflammation, there are quite a few others that do quite the opposite," Bacarella says. "Those cereals are typically highly processed, made from refined grains (like white flour) and essentially devoid of crucial vitamins and minerals." When browsing the cereal aisle, aim for high-fiber, low-sugar brands.

Health Expert Contributors:

Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, private nutrition counselor through the HealthyHousecall program

Andrew Abraham, MD, founder and CEO of Orgain, an online supplements provider based in Irvine, CA

Michelle Bacarella, MS RDN, product development and innovation NutriFusion

From REAL SIMPLE https://www.realsimple.com/foods-that-cause-inflammation-11888559

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