By Michelle Zipse / Resident
Hidden Meadows residents looking for a laid-back and favorful way to connect with their neighbors need look no further than the Hidden Meadows Cigar Lounge Social — a unique monthly gathering that blends camaraderie, conversation, and the comforting curl of cigar smoke in the air.
This casual community group meets every third Saturday of the month at 4 p.m., offering locals a welcoming space to unwind, share stories, and enjoy a fne cigar in good company.
Whether you're a seasoned afcionado or simply cigar-curious, the group extends a warm invitation to all who appreciate a relaxed and re-
spectful environment.
“It's not just about cigars,” one regular attendee shared. “It’s about
By Pat Tanabe / Resident
The Hidden Meadows Garden Club recently hosted a fower arranging workshop led by Four Seasons Flowers, held at Wilma Robert’s charming barn. The event provided members with an opportunity to explore tropical foral design, learn new techniques, and create their own arrangements.
Upon arrival, participants found their tables set with all the necessary supplies: garden clippers, small knives, a vase, Oasis foral foam, and a bouquet of tropical fowers and lush greens. Anne, the talented instructor from Four Seasons Flowers, stood at the front of the room ready to guide the group through each step. There was a completed arrangement on her table for reference.
She explained the process clearly, demonstrating techniques and sharing her expertise
to help everyone craft their own tropical masterpiece. Anne demonstrated and explained each step while making the arrangement, while we followed her lead. Throughout the workshop, Anne introduced the names of each element in the arrangement.
• Hala leaf: a large, dramatic leaf that adds height and visual impact.
• Solidago: a delicate, golden fller fower that adds brightness and texture.
• Dendrobium orchid (“Bombay”): bold, exotic orchids with intricate blooms.
• Heliconias (lobster claw & parrot beak): striking, colorful fowers with unique shapes that serve as focal points.
• Fatsia: lush, glossy foliage pro-
community. It’s about taking time to sit down, listen, and be present with the people around you.”
viding a rich green backdrop.
• Ti leaves: versatile broad leaf greenery
• Pink ginger fower: vibrant and tropical, adding a splash of color.
• Palm fronds: adds structure and balance.
FLOWERS See Page 2
Anne instructed us in shaping the foral foam and placing it into our vase. She then explained the technique for inserting each element into the foam and how to arrange them for placement and balance. Anne also instructed us on shaping the greens—slitting and rolling the Ti leaves and Hala leaf and cutting the palm fronds in half, rounding the bottom frond half — techniques that added a sculptural element to the arrangement. She emphasized the effcient use of stems, guiding us to utilize the foral stems to create lines in our arrangement, ensuring minimal waste and maximum visual impact. Despite all working with the same materials, each arrangement took on its own personality, refecting individual creativity and style. The results of this workshop were a collection of vibrant, unique tropical arrangements, each one a beautiful expression of the participants’ creativity. Members left with their stunning arrangements to decorate their home or to give as a beautiful gift.
If you are interested in joining the Hidden Meadows Garden Club (HMGC) please contact co-president Kim Marin at: kimgroggmarin@gmail.com or co-president Pat Tanabe at: pat.tanabe@3zconsulting.com
expanding our o erings to better serve our amazing community and neighbors — and that means more delicious, convenient meal options for you and your family! Whether you’re short on time or just craving something delicious, we’ve got fresh, homemade Grab & Go meals ready for you and your family.
Christmas
Do you enjoy singing? Did you sing in a chorus in high school or college, and would you like to be in a chorus again? Would you like to be able to sing in a show for family, friends, and neighbors? The Music Men Chorus has an offer for you: a chance to sing as a full participant in our Holiday chorus show for free and with no obligation to join!
The Music Men Chorus is a men’s “a cappella” (no accompaniment) chorus that performs 4-part, close-harmony songs arranged in the unique barbershop style with “ringing” chords. They sing at public and private events throughout North San Diego County.
They are looking for male singers, middle-school age or older, who Love Singing and who are interested in singing in a chorus. The group is offering them an opportunity to sing at one or more of our December holiday concerts if they:
• Attend several rehearsals a month between July and the end of the year.
• Learn a core group of Holiday songs to be sung with and without music.
• Commit to sing in some of our concerts in early December.
The Music Men rehearse Tuesdays from 7-9:30 p.m. at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Ave., in Luther Hall. The rehearsal is open, meaning there is no formal audition, just a simple voice check! They will provide sheet music and access to audio learning tracks to help you learn your voice part. They also provide a weekly rehearsal agenda to help you focus your practicing at home.
New singers who meet the requirements above can sing with the chorus at one or both of the group’s Christmas concerts, Sunday December 7 in Carlsbad and Sunday December 14 in San Marcos.
This is a great opportunity for you to see if you enjoy a cappella singing in the barbershop style with a dedicated and fun men’s chorus! They encourage those who enjoy this experience to consider joining their chorus on a permanent basis.
Come to any of our rehearsals starting in July! For more information contact Bill Olszanicky at wolszanicky@yahoo.com or (760) 585-6315 Visit www.musicmenchorus.org
The international hit kids show CoComelon is coming to life on stages across North America this Fall, with a stop in Escondido on Saturday, November 8, with the CoComelon: Sing-A-Long LIVE tour!
All the fun, music, and adored characters your child loves—now brought to life in a real-world interactive setting that invites young fans and their families to connect, sing, and play together.
This brand-new production, featuring favorite characters and songs that kids and parents know by heart, is specially designed as the perfect live show experience, a true ‘frst’ for little ones and their families. With engaging moments, playful surprises, and nonstop fun, the show delivers a perfect introduction to the magic of live entertainment—creating big smiles for little ones and unforgettable memories for their grown-ups.
Tickets for CoComelon: Sing-A-Long LIVE now on-sale
For tickets and additional information, visit ARTCENTER.ORG
In a press release this week that celebrated its two-year anniversary, CCAE Theatricals announced “a transformative new chapter that responds to the evolving landscape of the nonproft arts sector and reaffrms the organization’s commitment to a sustainable, long-term future in Escondido. This next phase includes staffng restructuring, two venue partnerships in the heart of Escondido, updated programming, and the launch of a fundraising campaign.”
Julianna Crespo, executive director declared, “As we mark our two year anniversary as an independent nonproft – and fve years of producing theatre in Escondido – we honor the visionary work of our founders while recognizing that sustaining professional theatre in today’s economy requires adaptability, courage, and clarity.” She added, “We are taking intentional steps to ensure our future remains strong, resilient, and deeply connected to our community.”
As part of the transition, the organization congratulated J. Scott Lapp, “who concludes a remarkable fve-year tenure as Artistic Director. Lapp’s leadership has shaped a legacy of producing critically acclaimed shows, and directing awardwinning productions and world premieres.”
Lapp will travel to Tokyo, to direct the national tour of “Murder for Two” with Broadway Asia, followed by a return engagement at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. He will return to the West Coast to begin a new chapter as Producing Artistic Director at a regional theatre, to be announced.
“Today marks the close of a meaningful chapter with CCAE Theatricals - a company Jordan and I built over many years, from Temecula to Escondido,” said Lapp. “This community - the artists, audiences, and broader San Diego theatre family have meant the world to me. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished - from our dedicated staff and apprentices to the brilliant artists, designers, musicians, and creatives who brought our productions to life. I will carry the spirit of this work with me as I take the next step in my professional journey.”
Jordan Beck, managing producer and co-founder, will also transition into an expanded regional role, producing professional theatre across multiple institutions—focusing on the Riverside and Inland Empire areas.
“I want to thank all the artists, creatives, and supporters who made the last fve years in Escondido so special,” said Beck. “From our early vision through our award-winning work, I’m immensely proud of what we achieved and grateful to those who championed our efforts—especially Jerry Van Leeuwen, Joe Bowe and Barb Fischer of the David T. & Dorris E. Staples Foundation and the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle. San Diego’s theatre community is truly one of a kind and I am honored to have been a part of it for the past fve years. I will carry these memories forward into my next chapter.”
Crespo added that Theatricals will continue collaborating with Beck and Lapp: “Their contributions will always be part of our foundation, even as we evolve and anchor the work they began so well.”
The David T. and Dorris E. Staples Foundation, has committed a matching gift – doubling all contributions beginning August 1, 2025.
“Our foundation is proud to continue our support so that productions like “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Jersey Boys,” and “Every Brilliant Thing” continue to thrive in Escondido and inspire our North County communities,” said Barbara Fischer, for the foundation. “It’s an honor to invest in the growing arts corridor that reaches from Escondido to the coast.”
Proceeds will help underwrite a major licensed theatrical production planned for the 2026 or 2027 season.
The 2nd Annual Staged Reading Festival on Saturday, August 16 at the Ritz Theater will be followed by the grand opening of two newly occupied venues: the Don Anderson Community Center and Oak Hill Activity Center, also in Escondido. Facility upgrades are underway to prepare to welcome the public to tour these spaces.
“We look forward to collaborating with many local organizations to share these new hubs for community engagement,” said Dr. Tom Abruzzo, Director of Education & Engagement. “The Escondido Union School District has waitlists in the hundreds for expanded learning programming, and we are eager to help create more capacity so students don’t miss out on invaluable Creative Youth Development experiences. We are proud to continue our strong partnership with the district, with whom we recently completed fve weeks of summer programming. This fall, we’ll be in eight elementary schools offering our after-school program.”
The organization’s popular Cabaret series at Bellamy’s Restaurant will continue in partnership with Grand Restaurant Group. Meanwhile, some previously scheduled events will be paused as the organization transitions its staffing structure. Ticket holders will be contacted— outlining updated production schedules, and options for refunds, credits, or converting their purchase into a donation.
The organization will present a Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) production in Fall 2025, followed by a multi-week mainstage production in Spring 2026.
By Lynn Clark
This is a debut novel by this author. She is known by people that listen to podcasts. She has her own media company, and has a variety of shows she produces. Probably her best known podcast is the one called "Crime Junkie".
"All Good People Here" - by Ashley Flowers - crime fction
Margot Davies has moved back to her home town of Wakarusa, Indiana, to help her Uncle Luke, who has been diagnosed with early onset dementia. She's hoping she can make a living as a newspaper reporter by working remotely from her Indianapolis job. Her editor reluctantly gave her permission to move, but she knows she is on thin ice because her work has not been the best lately.
As soon as she enters her uncle's house, she encounters chaos and she realizes that he is defnitely struggling. There is no other option. She needs to keep her job, and she needs to make enough money to help her uncle.
The very next day a story breaks that a fve year old girl has been abducted from a playground in a neighboring town and is missing. Margot is transported back 20 yrs. to a time when she was 6, and played with a girl in her neighborhood named January Jacobs. January was also abducted and the crime ended as a homicide that was never solved.
Margot starts to wonder if it is possible that the same person that was responsible for January's death could still be around, and if there is a possible link between the two crimes. If there is a connection, can Margot fnd it without endangering the care of her uncle or herself? So she starts to research, and contacting townspeople from the past until.....
I thought the plot of this story had overtones of the JonBenet Ramsey case that was never solved. This was a fast-moving intense story that had an very unusual ending that left me wondering if there was a book that was going to follow this one.
By GIG CONAUGHTON, County of San Diego Communications Offce
As summer temperatures rise, the County of San Diego has closed three parks that it shuts down every year for the month of August to protect residents during what is often the hottest time of the year.
Parks offcials announced that El Capitan Preserve near Lakeside, Hellhole Canyon Preserve in Valley Center and Mt. Gower Preserve in Ramona are closed for the month.
In addition to protecting the public from extreme temperatures, the closures give Department of Parks and Recreation staff the opportunity to conduct maintenance such as trail restoration.
Parks offcials urged the public to be safe and protect themselves from the heat if they do go out to hike in summer months.
Below are some safety tips hikers should consider before hitting the trails:
• Choose hikes that are appropriate for your skills and physical condition. Go with the safest option trail if heat may be an issue for part of the hike.
• Stay hydrated. Drink water before, during and after hiking.
• Check weather forecasts and be familiar with the terrain for your trail.
• Let someone know where you will be and when you plan to return. Don’t just rely on your cell phone because it can lose reception in remote areas.
• Hike with others, never alone.
• Bring a backpack or bag with food and water, extra sunscreen to reapply and a fashlight, frst aid kit, multipurpose tool or knife and a whistle.
• Park rangers recommend carrying one liter, about one quart, for every 2 to 3 miles. Bring more water than you think you’ll need—and even more water on longer or strenuous trails.
• Non-perishable items like dried fruit, energy bars, trail mix, peanut butter, canned tuna, whole grain crackers and jerky are a perfect, healthy snack. They provide fuel to boost your energy levels and to make up for lost calories.
• Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen.
• Dress in layers of breathable, light-colored, loose-ftting clothes that you can take on and off, based on the temperature and can prevent sunburn.
• Good boots provide grip in rocky and slippery areas, but they also provide a thick layer of protection from the hot earth.
• Follow posted safety rules.
• Print out a map of the trail to bring along to stay on track. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause disorientation or heat stroke.
One last suggestion for hikers is to leave your dog or dogs at home. Dogs get overheated easily. Never leave your pet in the car. On an 85-degree day, a car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes and soar upward to 120 degrees—even with the windows down an inch or two. If you do take your dog, bring plenty of water for your pet and please don’t walk your dog on hot pavement, asphalt or sand in the heat, it will burn their paws.
For additional information on visiting County Parks, visit sdparks.org.
By: Laurel Perun
Right around the corner from the Hidden Meadows community are acres upon acres of beautiful native plants, managed by The Escondido Creek Conservancy (Conservancy) at the Mountain Meadow Preserve! The Mountain Meadow Preserve was created by a partnership of the Conservancy, San Diego County Parks and Recreation and the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, all with the goal to protect na-
tive plants and wildlife.
Staff, board members, and volunteers at the Conservancy were recently treated to a training in native plant propagation with Justin Daniel of the San Diego Chapter of the Cali-
fornia Native Plant Society (CNPS). Propagating native plants means learning how to create new native plants from the existing ones – through cuttings, or growing new plants from seed after careful seed collection.
If you have an interest in native plants, or just an inclination for gardening, the Escondido Creek Conservancy has volunteer opportunities for you! Wednesday mornings from 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM, a team of volunteers meet at the
Patagonia Nursery on Mountain Meadow Preserve to weed, water, and tend to growing native plants. Or, if you prefer to just help out less frequently, the Conservancy would love help taking care of the garden at its offce, about once per month for an hour.
The Escondido Creek Conservancy also collects native seed from approved areas throughout the 3,100+ acres of land they protect, and they need lots of hands to help collect and sort the seed! Those seeds are used to restore previously damaged areas on Conservancy preserves.
Contact information@escondidocreek.org with questions about volunteer opportunities. We hope you can join us!
By Nancy Ogrod / Resident
Please Mark your calendars NOW!! Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 9 am to 2 pm at the Boulder Oaks Golf Course – Clubhouse 10333 Meadow Glen Way East
It's time for the next food drive for Interfaith. Have you checked your pantry lately for food that is still unexpired but reaching its end date? This is a wonderful time of year to clean out your pantry of food you aren't using or go shopping for new items.
The food pantry accepts fresh fruit and vegetables in addition to the non-perishable, unexpired, canned, bagged, or boxed food items. I've also been told there is a great need for items like soap, shampoo, baby products and other toiletry type items.
Please bring your food to the front of the Boulder Oaks Golf Course between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 16th
Thank you in advance for your generosity. Volunteers to help collect the food as it is dropped off are always needed and appreciated. If you would like to help, or if you are unable to deliver your donations to the drop site, please contact Nancy Ogrod by calling at 760-749-7023 or e-mail at n.ogrod@yahoo.com.
By Michelle Zipse / Resident
After taking a well-deserved summer break, the ever-popular Hidden Meadows Seller’s Faire is returning this fall — and locals can already feel the excitement building. The next event is set for Sunday, September 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in its usual location: the lower parking lot of the Boulder Oaks Golf Course. With returning favorites and some special additions, this fall faire promises to be one of the best yet. One of the most important features of the September event is the Blood Mobile, which will be onsite and accepting donations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donors are encouraged to reserve a spot in advance at https://www.mysdbb.org/donor/ schedules/drive_schedule/85165
As a heartfelt thank you, all blood donors will receive one free ticket to SeaWorld’s HallowScream event. It’s a chance to give the gift of life and get a little seasonal fun in return — a win-win for everyone. Of course, the core of the Seller’s Faire remains the same: a vibrant collection of local vendors, many of whom specialize in handmade and artisan items that you simply can’t fnd anywhere else. These homegrown talents give the Faire its unique fair and keep shoppers coming back month after month.
Some of the vendors we've had participate this year and look forward to coming back include Ryder Realm, founded by 14-year-old entrepreneur Ryder Burgner. Ryder uses a 3D printer and a team of four designers to create fantastic creatures — especially dragons — out of eco-friendly PLA plastic made from corn. A favorite among fantasy collectors, Ryder is also an authorized seller of Cinderwing models. Another standout is Orion Broadband, a locally-owned internet provider run by John Santohoff and his wife KarenSoriano, both Hidden Meadows residents and strong supporters of the community. John, a member of the HOA board, helps bring reliable broadband to
harder-to-reach corners of our neighborhood — and many neighbors are especially grateful for the choices Orion brings in a world that increasingly relies on strong internet connections.
Loya’s Wood Works is another vendor. Owned by Hidden Meadows locals Ernesto Loya and Veronica Elena, this vendor creates gorgeous, handcrafted wooden goods like cutting boards, charcuterie trays, jewelry boxes, trivets, and more — each piece made with craftsmanship and heart. If you’ve got a green thumb or simply love houseplants, don’t miss G4 Creations by Elena, a San Marcos nursery known for its healthy and beautifully presented succulents and cacti. Plant vendors are always a hit at the Seller’s Faire, and G4 is no exception — be sure to shop early, as they often sell out!
You’ll also want to stop by the Hidden Meadows Garden Group booth, which pops up at several Seller’s Faires throughout the year with seasonal goodies and garden-themed treasures.
For those in need of some sharpening, the always-popular Dell MacGray knife sharpener will be back on site to handle knives, shears, and even tools with blades — so bring those dull edges for a tune-up.
Please note that the bake sale will be on hiatus for September, but fear not — it will return in October with sweet treats from Hidden Meadows’ fnest home bakers.
Speaking of October, be sure to mark your calendar for Sunday, October 12 — not only will the bake sale be back, but an electronic recycling truck will also be onsite. It’s a perfect opportunity to fnally clear out those old tech items that have been gathering dust.
And don’t forget — the fnal Seller’s Faire of the year will take place on Sunday, November 16, just in time for holiday shopping and festive fnds.
If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, volunteering, or simply learning more about upcoming Hidden Meadows events, send an email to hmcf2023@gmail.com
Come September 14, join your neighbors for a day of shopping, giving back, and celebrating the creative spirit of Hidden Meadows. We’ll see you at the Faire!
Pictured are (L-R) Loya’s Wood Works - Ernesto Loya and Veronica Elena, Vicky Long, Amy F, Gwen Dana and Diane Heath helping at the Seller’s Faire, John Santoff and Karen Soriano from Orion Broadband, Ryder Realm at the Seller’s Faire
With nearly 1,900 animals in care — including 900 who are ready for new homes — San Diego Humane Society is reducing adoption fees by 50% from August 1–31, to help fnd loving families for the pets who need them most.
On Saturday, August 23, all adoption fees will be waived during a special “Clear the Shelters Day” adoption event.
These promotions are part of the national Clear the Shelters campaign, which encourages pet adoption during a time when shelters across the country — including San Diego Humane Society — are at or over capacity.
“Adopting a pet doesn’t just change their life — it changes yours in the best possible way,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. “Every animal in our care has the potential to become someone’s best friend, and right now, they’re simply waiting for that chance. If you’ve been
The Escondido Sunrise Rotary is celebrating the 15th annual Grape Day 5K’s charity walk, run, & stroll September 13. This year they are partnering with Palomar Health and Berg Electric.
The Escondido Sunrise Rotary Club has impacted tens of thousands around the globe for both Rotary International & the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society and over the 14 years have raised close to $800,000.
This year, there is a lot to celebrate: 15 years of supporting local charities and organizations, like the Boys and Girls Club, Bikes for Kids, Project Mercy “Tijuana House Build,” North County Veterans Stand Down, School Improvement Projects in Mexicali, National MS Society, Fisher House Camp Pendleton and many international matching grants throughout the world. All in the name of Rotary.
As always, they are mainly raising money for MS Society. Their fundraising goals are set to reach across the nation to bring in proceeds to support to completely eradicate MS.
Want to participate in the 5K—Find the Grape Day 5k details: https://www.grapeday5k.com/ and sign up. Run, walk, or stroll with a group. You can also do this virtually and get a T-Shirt.
Check out their website: https://escondidosunriserotary.org/
Want to donate? Visit Kevin Svetich’s fund raising site: bit.ly/452VJ6S
thinking about adopting, there’s no better moment than now.”
San Diego Humane Society continues to care for a high number of puppies, kittens, adult pets and small animals. Adopting a pet from San Diego Humane Society is not only a compassionate choice, but also a cost-effective one. Every adopted pet is spayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.
San Diego Humane Society is open for walk-in adoptions Tuesday through Sunday at campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego.
Adoption hours are:
· Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
· Saturday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
All available animals can be viewed at sdhumane.org/adopt.
