Desmond hosts fire insurance
‘town hall’
By DAVID ROSS
“Fire insurance has become one of the most urgent issues facing homeowners in Southern California—it’s probably the number one topic my office hears about every single week,” declared 5th District Supervisor Jim Desmond at his recent insurance “town hall.”
“Unfortunately, we can’t fix this at the County level.” He continued, “The authority rests with the State on this issue. But that doesn’t mean we’re just going to stand by. Over the past year we’ve heard from residents who have been seeing their premiums skyrocket. I’ve seen my own people dropped from coverage or forced into the FAIR plan. For some insurance is no longer affordable or even available. Clearly the current system isn’t working but it’s time for real solutions.”
Desmond hosted a “virtual” informative session with Sharon Smith, outreach analyst with the California Dept. of Insurance. She discussed what the State is doing to address the crisis and provide relief.
Several factors have contributed to the crisis:
• Growing climate change threats
• Historic inflation
• Several insurers stopped writing and non-renewed policy holders despite the approval of multiple rate increases
• Accelerated Fair Plan growth
• Fewer options and higher costs
• Outdated decades old regulations
Smith has worked on this issue for two years. “I’m sure we’re all experiencing to some degree the effect of insurers leaving the state or increased premiums,” she said.
Although the crisis seemingly happened “overnight,” several key factors drove the change. One is the “severity and frequency of natural disasters” and rising inflation—”which has really put stress on the insurance industry nationwide. Not just in California, but elsewhere. Also, the cost of rebuilding homes and business destroyed have surged. “We have rising prices for materials, labor shortages and supply chain disruptions,” she said.
Insurance companies also buy insurance to mitigate their risk of operating in high risk areas and THAT has become more expensive. In addition, the insurance market is contracting to protect financial stability.
“We’re starting see these ripple effects,” she said. She emphasized that insurance companies are not public utilities or nonprofits. “They’re looking to make a profit and they’re not legally required to offer coverage.”
The insurance regulatory framework passed by California voters in 1988 hasn’t kept pace with the changing insurance market, she said.
The Insurance Commissioner is working to modern-
Local pilot could get Medal of Honor under new bill
Captain Royce Williams, 100, a Hidden Meadows resident who singlehandedly downed several Russian MiG fighters in a secret, untold battle of the Korean War, could finally be given recognition for his heroic feat through a bill being proposed by 48th District Congressman Darrell Issa.
The Congressional Medal of Honor may be awarded for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty that occurred decades ago because of Issa’s proposed legislation.
The Valor Has No Expiration Act extends and expands a key provision from the 1996 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that waived the five-year limitation for Medal of Honor consideration—but only for actions occurring between 1940 and 1990, and only for classified “intelligence activities.” Rep. Issa’s bill specifically removes this arbitrary end date and expands the criteria to include acts
ize these outdated regulations. With assistance from the governor through an executive order to create a “sustainable insurance strategy.” This introduced regulatory reforms aimed at increasing availability for all Californians by creating a more resilient insurance market and protecting communities from the growing risk of climate change.
The key initiatives, said Smith, “include streamlining and improving the department’s rate application approval process to reduce the delays we experience and ensure that insurers are able to adjust to changing market conditions more efficiently.”
The second thing they did was to introduce catastrophe modeling to enable insurers to assess risk more accurately and account for wildfire mitigation ef-
that were classified or withheld from public record. Current law states that servicemembers must be recommended and awarded within five years.
“Valor never expires – and neither should the opportunity for our bravest heroes to be recognized with our highest honor,” said Rep. Issa. “There is no reason why those who went above and beyond are ineligible for the Medal of Honor due to an arbitrary time standard, when their true account may not be known or was kept classified for decades.”
Rep. Issa specifically cited his friend and constituent Royce Williams as both the inspiration and example of why the Act is necessary.
In 1952 during the Korean Conflict, then-Lieutenant Williams engaged in one of the most dramatic and heroic dogfights in U.S. history, single-handedly taking on and downing multiple Soviet MiG-15 fighters. His action,
forts—all aimed to increase insurance availability in wildfire distressed areas.
“We’ve required insurance companies to write more policies in high risk zones if they want to use these new tools and ensure that Californians have access to more traditional insurance options,” she said.
The inefficient insurance regulations came about through the adoption of Prop. 103 in 1988. Which created a review process. Anytime an insurance company wants to raise rates they go through an application ap-
however, was kept classified for more than 50 years before becoming public, which made Williams ineligible for the Medal of Honor.
“Captain Royce Williams – now 100 years young —is an American hero of the highest order. Every American should know his story and what he did on that day nearly 73years ago should go unrecognized no longer,” said Rep. Issa. “With this reform legislation, America’s heroes – whether undiscovered, unknown, or unrevealed – can be honored as they should. Acts of valor have no expiration date.”
Issa’s 48th Congressional District encompasses the central and eastern parts of San Diego County and a portion of Riverside County, including the communities of Fallbrook, Valley Center, Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Lakeside, Poway, Temecula, Murrieta, and the mountain and desert areas of the San Diego-Imperial County line.
proval process. By statute this must happen within 180 days of receipt, “but this almost never happens.” Typically reviews take over a year to approve, due to multiple factors. “Sometimes insurers submit incomplete applications needing back and forth exchanges that
INSURANCE See Page 9
Royce Williams next to one of the types of plane he flew during his encounter with seven Russian MiGs in 1952. The four planes he shot down are noted on the side of the plane. Photo courtesy of South Dakota Public Broadcasting
Hidden Meadows Honors Local Scholars at Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner
By Michelle Zipse / Resident
The Hidden Meadows community came together on Wednesday, May 21, to celebrate the remarkable achievements of seven outstanding local students at the annual Scholarship Awards Dinner. Held at the Sideyard Pub, the evening was a heartfelt tribute to the academic excellence, community spirit, and bright futures of these graduating high school seniors.
Each year, the Hidden Meadows Foundation recognizes seniors who have not only excelled academically but have also given back to their neighborhood through community service. This year’s group of recipients is nothing short of exceptional. Vickey Ciarlanti, Vice President of the Foundation and head of the scholarship committee, has spent the past several months carefully reviewing applications to identify the most deserving students. Her commitment to the program—and to each applicant—shone through in a thoughtful and well-organized celebration.
The 2025 Hidden Meadows Scholarship recipients include:
Preston Welch, who plans to major in Biochemistry with aspirations of attending medical school.
Logan Lee and Brandon Lee, both heading to RoseHulman Institute of Technology to pursue degrees in Electrical Engineering and Chemical Engineering respectively. These twins are truly amazing.
Kaileiya “Kai” Rodriguez, who will attend Colorado Christian University to study Vocal Performance and Musical Theatre.
Miles Keiser, who is headed to UC Berkeley to major in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Simone Orona, who plans to study Zoology at Oregon State University.
Vanessa Cruz, who will be pursuing a Pre-Med path at
Grand Canyon University.
The evening’s venue, the Sideyard Pub, provided a warm and welcoming backdrop for the celebration. Owners Shari and Alex Petric, who also run the Hidden Meadows Market, are dedicated supporters of the scholarship program. Each March, they host a fundraising night and donate a portion of their proceeds to support the scholarship fund. For the awards dinner, they once again went above and beyond—Shari beautifully decorated the space, and Sideyard served delicious pizza to the recipients and their families.
Adding to the evening’s special atmosphere were two past scholarship recipients who returned to share their journeys and updates with current board members. Their presence underscored the long-term impact of the Foundation’s support and the value of investing in young people’s futures.
This year marks a significant milestone for the Hidden Meadows Foundation. Thanks to
Foundation members Pete and Melissa Tomaszek, Heather Davila, Pat Tanabe, Vickey Ciarlanti, Debbie Lai, Rob Enfield, Lynn Wheeler and Michelle Zipse with the 7 Scholarship recipients Logan and Brandon Lee, Preston Welch, Kai Rodriguez, Miles Keiser, Simone Orona, Vanessa Cruz
Brandon and Logan Lee recipients with their Mom and Dad
the tireless efforts of board member Pat Tanabe, who researched the program’s history, we now know that Hidden Meadows has been awarding scholarships since 2002. With this year’s awards, the community has provided a total of $99,000 in scholarship funds to local students. These scholarships are only possible through the generous support of the Hidden Meadows community. Every donation—big or small— helps empower the next generation of leaders, scientists, artists, and engineers. The Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed and invites everyone to continue supporting this important work.
As we look ahead, the success of this year’s recipients serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community believes in its youth. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 scholarship winners—you make Hidden Meadows proud.
Public gets update on cannabis program
By DAVID ROSS
The County Dept. of Planning and Development Services (PDS) held a webinar June 25 on its proposed Socially Equitable Cannabis Program, that included a summary of public comments and an update.
County staff was led by Dara Elkurdi, long range planner. Given that this is a menu where you can order anything you wants, as long as it’s chicken, there was no Q&A or comments taken.
“This is not a debate about the legalization of cannabis,” said Elkurdi. She urged those wanting to weigh in to contact elected representatives or send comments to the Board of Supervisors.
The supervisors are likely to vote on the program before the end of this year, she said.
The supervisors directed staff in January 2021 to develop the Socially Equitable Cannabis Program, “intended to establish safe legal access to cannabis along with an equitable path to canna-
Dinner: 4pm - 8pm Fridays & Saturdays
bis-related business opportunities in our unincorporated county.”
It focuses on: regulatory requirements, environmental impact considerations, a licensing and permitting framework and support for equitable access to business related opportunities.
Regulatory requirements concern revisions to the County’s current regulations to allow for new and expanded commercial cannabis businesses in the unincorporated county. Including revisions to the County’s regulatory code and zoning ordinance to establish where and how cannabis businesses can operate.
Second is analysis of potential impacts to the environment from the proposed program. Part of this analysis is identifying ways to reduce those impacts. Those efforts are included in the Environmental Impact Report.
They are also developing structures and procedures for issuing licenses and other permits to run a cannabis business.
The final component focuses on providing support to eligible applicants to successfully establish or gain employment and a cannabis business.
“This include efforts to address the adverse impacts that cannabis criminalization had on people and their commu-
Learn about snakes at Daley Ranch
Join the Friends of Daley Ranch and Tom Derr from Tom’s Snakes and Rattlesnake Rescue on Sunday, July 13, at 11 a.m. to learn more about the snakes found in San Diego! See live snakes (but not rattlers)!
Tom Derr has trained several people, such as firefighters, rangers, and outdoor educators, on how to safely identify, capture, and release rattlesnakes keeping both people and the snake safe. The presentation is free and will be at the Ranch House. Water will be available as well as a light snack provided by Jimbo’s.
This free quarterly Daley Ranch Discussions With Friends is sponsored by FODR to offer the community interesting and informative topics that relate to Daley Ranch Preserve. Guests may hike up to the Ranch House or take advantage of a free shuttle service starting at 9:30 a.m. from the La Honda parking area. Please note that the shuttle will have a new step up for easier access.
Donations are welcome and FODR tees and hats will be available for purchase; cash is preferred. RSVP’s are required. Email info@daleyranch.org with name, number of guests and the number requiring shuttle service. For more information call Rick at 760-2147587.
nities,” said Elkurdi. That is being led by the County’s Office Of Equity And Racial Justice—through the Social Equity Program.
Elkurdi reported on comments received during the public review period, January 30, 2025 —March 31, 2025 on the draft EIR and the draft regulatory code and zoning ordinance.
Currently the staff is reviewing all the public feedback received during the public review period.
“This input is really going to help us shape and finalize that program in alignment with all of these stakeholder perspectives that we had and the final EIR—along with responses with those comments and the updated ordinances—are all going to be made available ahead of the public hearings around fall of this year,” said Elkurdi.
The program will probably go to the Planning Commission for its recommendation in the winter of 2025-26, although dates are fluid.
She noted that the webinar she was holding was not mandated under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), but in response to requests to see some of the responses the County had gotten.
“We are holding this webinar because
we want to be responsive to those requests and to provide some transparency on the kinds of comments that we received,” she said.
Since the board gave direction to staff in January 2021 the County has conducted 258 outreach meetings, including 33 county-hosted public outreach meetings, 31 meetings with county technical advisory and stakeholder groups, 49 meetings with community planning and sponsor groups, 28 meetings with local tribes, 51 coordination meetings with regulatory and government agencies and 67 other individual and group meetings.
Staff also attends cannabis meetings hosted by the Department of Cannabis Control or other advisory groups or forums to learn about other cannabis issues throughout the state.
Public feedback has helped shape the development of the program.
The County originally started with proposed measures for the zoning ordinance and regulatory code and then took these measures to public outreach events. After each outreach event they reviewed the comments.
“They were really instrumental in helping us identify key concerns and areas for improvement,” she said. “We were able to reach a really diverse
group of stakeholders— which has given us a good range of viewpoints for us to consider.”
They used to feedback to prepare revision to the draft ordinances and EIR that had been released.
“We are currently reviewing those comments and preparing responses which will all be included in the final EIR.” She added, “I want to make it clear we don’t just incorporate the feedback we receive our public outreach events or that we received during that EIR comment period. We have received hundreds of other comments via e-mail and phone and letters —which have all also helped shape the program.”
Staffer Chen Levy said public they included comments from California Department of Fish and Wildlife, San Diego Air Pollution Control District, San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, organizations in fields such as public health, social equity environmental groups, community organizations, school districts and community planning and sponsor groups. Plus comments from individuals such as residents of the unincorporated area.
They divided comments into two categories, environmental or non-environmental. “Although these non-EIR related comments don’t relate to the EIR directly, they are still considered in the broader development process of the program—just not within the framework of the EIR,” said Levy.
Most comments expressed support for a specific alternative in the draft EIR either for Alt. 2—which follows state regulations and Alt 4 which requires 1,000 feet buffer from expanded sensitive uses and prohibits outdoor cultivation.
Stakeholders were concerned about environmental impacts and how the project could affect wildlife and other agricultural operations and contribute to air pollution, light pollution and water usage.
Comments on cannabis odors ranged from general concerns about odors from cannabis cultivation to more specific concerns about odors emitting from outdoor cultivation.
While not considered part of the EIR, “there non-EIR topics are still valuable. We will consider them in the broader development process of the program. Such as in the ordinances and permitting and licensing systems,” said Levy. Some comments related more to law enforcement or code enforcement. Others were more appropriate for the Sheriff’s Office or Behavioral Health Services.
“However, staff does coordinate with these parties on a regular basis to ensure implementation of the cannabis program is connected across the county.”
Commenters “expressed a range of public health concerns related to can-
Tom Derr of Tom’s Snakes and Rattlesnake Rescue and a local rattler.
CANNABIS From Page 3
CANNABIS See Page 9
HMWSG La Dolce Vita Dinner
By Pat Tanabe, resident
The Hidden Meadows Women’s Social Group celebrated June with an enchanting dinner themed “La Dolce Vita,” hosted at the stunning home of Frances Munk. The evening was a perfect escape into Italy’s sweet life, set against a backdrop of clear, cool skies after a week of hot and humid weather, creating an ideal atmosphere for this Italian-inspired gathering. The word “abbondanza,” meaning abundance in
Italian, truly captured the spirit of the evening.
Frances outdid herself as the ultimate Italian hostess, serving large pans of homemade lasagna along with a side of Neapolitan ragu. Her Neopolitan ragu is a hearty blend of sausage, meatballs, and beef simmered in a flavorful tomato base, was a highlight. Guests also enjoyed a variety of other Italian favorites, including spaghetti, penne pasta, and a creamy mushroom risotto. The table was further adorned with
an assortment of wonderful breads— garlic bread, bruschetta, and a delicious focaccia baked by Frances’ son—perfect for sharing and dipping into the tomato sauce. A colorful array of salads complemented the meal, adding freshness and crunch to the feast. For dessert, the table was a sweet paradise featuring classic Italian tiramisu, zesty lemon pudding cake, zucchini bread made from fresh zucchini from Karla and Dannielle’s Garden, and almond cookies baked by Frances herself.
The outdoor patio was beautifully set up with multiple tables, allowing everyone to enjoy the meal al fresco while Frank Sinatra and other Italian melodies played softly in the background, enhancing the authentic ambiance.
After dinner, the group took a leisurely tour of Frances’ lush gardens, which are a true horticultural treasure. Her collection of succulents is impressive, with a vast array of shapes and colors, and her epiphyllum orchid cacti in a variety of vibrant hues added a touch of exotic beauty to her backyard oasis.
As the evening drew to a close, Frances shared her homemade Limoncello, raising glasses in a toast to friendship, good food, and the joy of “La Dolce Vita.” The event was a memorable celebration of a beautiful summer evening. This June dinner was a perfect reminder of the simple pleasures of life—good company, delicious food, and the beauty of nature—all wrapped in the warm spirit of Italy.
If you would like to join HMWSG for dinner, lunch or to lay a variety of games, please contact HMWSG92026@ gmail.com.
Top L-R: Pat Buntin, Marsha Rafter, Vickey Ciarlanti, Rochelle Weber, Debbie Lai, Ev Tivoli - Bottom L-R: Frances Munk, Dannielle Milliken, Michelle Zipse, Lisa Saget, Danie Walther, Karla Fernandez
Lavender, Lavender
By Idalia Rewar
“June Gloom” was an appropriate description of the morning of our Hidden Meadows Garden Club Lavender Crafting Event.
I called Pat Tanabe, the Coordinator of the trip, hey, it does not look too good out there, are you cancelling?
No way, rain or shine, over mountains, over plains, the Club marches on. Cloudy skies and mist do not stop the brave members of the Hidden Meadows Club going on an adventure. So off we went on a wonderful craft adventure.
I was very excited because it was something I’ve never done. We met at Bobbie Helland’s house (the host of the event). The environment was a surprise – you felt like you were out in the country. And then we climbed up a steep driveway to where Pat was conducting traffic as to where to park and then a few steps onto Bobbie’s patio. Her long tables were beautifully laden with teacups & saucers, plates, glasses and supplies for crafting (wires, ribbon).
Bobbie introduced herself and a guest, Nancy Larson. Bobbie met Nancy at the checkout line at Winco and invited her to the lavender craft event Bobbie was hosting after discovering Nancy was interested.
I looked around and felt like I was in a different environment - out in the country, engulfed in trees and plants – the kind of environment where you expect sounds from turkeys, chickens, peacocks or other farm animals.
Serving North County
After introductions, Bobbie proceeded to give us the background of her 4 ½ acres, stating that there would have been chaparral back in the day and there are still live oaks, some untouched chaparral, and manzanita surrounding the grounds. However, prior owners cut down many of the trees to clear it for avocado growing. They planted 400 trees, but many of them have died due to water scarcity.
When Bobbie bought the property, they wanted to make it both beautiful and useful and a nice place for people to enjoy. Bobbie decided to plant lavender – 8 rows of 24 plants per row! She has planted three types of lavender plants – Grosso, Provence and Millet. Provence lavender is a culinary lavender. Grosso and Millet are for crafting and grown for their essential oil. A tip Bobbie gave us is that when you buy lavender scented candles, soap, or shampoo, if it does not say it contains “essential oils” the product is using chemicals to give you
LAVENDER See Page 12
Farm to Smash HMWSG Lunch
By Pat Tanabe / Resident
The Hidden Meadows Women’s Social Group Lunch Bunch recently enjoyed a delightful outing to Farm to Smash in Escondido, a restaurant known for its commitment to allnatural, seed oil (canola, corn, soy, safflower) free ingredients and freshly prepared menu items. This fast casual burger joint is not “fast food” as your burger and fries are made only after you have placed your order. The gathering was attended by the dynamic duo of Meredith Kifer and Pat Tanabe, who relished the opportunity to indulge in smash burgers and enjoy one another’s company outdoors.
Farm to Smash is celebrated for its expertly crafted “smash burgers,” which feature thin beef patties that are cooked on a hot griddle and smashed to create crispy, brown edges. The meat is fresh ground daily and the brioche buns are baked fresh each day. You can order a specialty burger—whether you prefer a single, double, or triple patty—and get specific combinations of toppings and spreads. Alternatively, diners can opt for the “Build Your Own” approach, selecting their preferred toppings, spreads, and burger size for a personalized experience.
Accompanying the burgers are their
Meredith Kifer at Farm to Smash Pat Tanabe and Meredith Kifer Dining at Farm to Smash
FARM See Page 10
Lavender fields
Blending lavender herbal teas
Bobbie serving lavender shortbread
Bonnie Helland and Nancy
Lavender Harvesting lavender - Nancy Garcia and Pat Tanabe in foreground
Hidden Meadows Seller’s Faire: Summer Sunshine and Community Spirit
By Michelle Zipse / Resident
The Hidden Meadows Seller’s Faire returned in full swing on Sunday, June 8, filling the lower parking lot of the Boulder Oaks Golf Club with vibrant energy, eager shoppers, and over 60 diverse vendors. This beloved community event continues to grow, offering a festive blend of shopping, socializing, and supporting local talent.
As always, the Hidden Meadows Bake Sale was a centerpiece of the event and didn’t disappoint. Neighbors and visitors flocked to the table, eager to see what our talented local bakers had whipped up this time. From indulgent gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and brownie bars to moist banana breads, sweet loaves, and a colorful variety of cookies, there was truly something for every sweet tooth.
SELLER’S See Page 12
A few of our precious volunteers: Dannielle Milliken, Dawn Fuller, Karla Fernandez, Michelle Zipse and Diane Heath
Ester Sabedra of Healing Farm Rescue and Lynn Wheeler from Wild Wonders bringing awareness to their animal rescue programs.
Bake sale volunteers Olivia, Vickey Ciarlanti, Pat Tanabe, Debbie Lai, Siska, Thea and Deana
Ken and his wife from Ken’s custom pens
United4theCause.org founder Dr Karen White bringing awareness to breast cancer and supporting her programs through selling survivor clothing
Among the vendors, several stood out for their creativity and unique offerings:
• Katie’s Kreations offered ingenious handmade eyeglass and pen cases that hang around your neck—ideal for anyone who’s ever misplaced their glasses. With a pen always within reach, these handy accessories were a crowd favorite.
• Pampered Chef representative Brian Holloway returned with a wide array of practical and popular kitchen tools, sparking culinary inspiration among home cooks.
• The Healing Farm Rescue, a new addition to Hidden Meadows, made their debut at the Faire. Located at the site of the former horse rescue, founder Ester Sabedra shared her new vision of healing and wellness through equine-assisted therapy, children’s programs, and guided meditation walks. It’s a place of hope and transformation, and the community was eager to learn more.
• Wild Wonders, a private zoo based in Fallbrook, joined the event with local resident Lynn Wheeler offering insights into their animal rescue efforts and exotic animal care.
• Hidden Meadows artist George Stoneback captivated shoppers with his whimsical owl sculptures—crafted from pinecones collected from his own backyard—and his practical cork trivets, both handmade with care and creativity.
• Dr. Karen White, a breast cancer survivor and founder of United4theCause.org, brought a deeply personal and inspiring message to the Faire. She offered breast cancer survivor clothing and spoke about her nonprofit’s mission to educate and empower women through awareness and support.
• Ken’s Custom Pens drew attention with pens crafted from repurposed materials like old gun casings and antlers—unique conversation pieces and great gift ideas.
• Wonderfully Made Stitch Creations showcased custom embroidery designs and personalized apparel, perfect for special occasions or thoughtful gifts.
• Finally, Kika’s Handmade Dresses charmed the crowd with adorable girls’ dresses, some featuring fun Disney themes. Kika also offers alteration services, providing both style and practicality to her customers.
The June Seller’s Faire was more than just a market—it was a celebration of creativity, compassion, and community. As the warm summer sun shone over Hidden Meadows, neighbors connected, causes were supported, and local artisans shone. If you missed it, be sure to mark your calendars for the next Faire—this is one event you don’t want to skip. After taking a break for the summer heat the Seller’s Faire will be back on Sunday, September 14.
It takes a village to put on these events and you are welcome to join the village. To learn more or get involved please email us at hmsellersfaire@gmail.com or check out the Hidden Meadow Foundation’s website at www.hiddenmeadowsfoundation.org
can take months,” she said.
Additionally, the department has been working with outdated technology and staffing limitations. It is now hiring more staff and developing new data tools to move the process along.
Also impacting rate reviews is the state’s “Intervenor” process, unique to California. It allows consumer advocacy groups and individual consumers to log onto the department’s website and intervene in a rate application.
“When Prop. 103 was written it had great intentions of giving consumers a voice and increasing transparency and consumer protection,” said Smith. “But it also is kind of a double edged sword that has led to a lot of delays in the rate approvals—and insurers and intervenors go through very long lengthy legal negotiations.”
Example: Because a 7% increase will spark a lengthy process, including hearings; insurers routinely ask for a 6.9% increase, and next day ask for another, to avoid triggering a hearing. “It created a really inefficient process where they were getting these smaller rate increases instead of the increases they probably actually needed.”
The Insurance Commissioner, said Smith, decided, “ ‘We can’t do any more of these 6.9% rate increases. We will look at the company’s financials. We will take into account what rate increase they actually need and go that way—as opposed to this really inefficient process.’ ” Additionally, with climate-related incidents increasing in frequency, several insurers faced financially instability, and started to leave the market and high risk areas. This left homeowners with fewer options.
“The department is addressing the challenges by working on streamlining these processes but still maintaining consumer protection,” she said. “We
nabis operations,” said Levy. They raised concerns about facilities located near schools and youth spaces and exposure to second hand smoke from lounges and events.
Other comments raised concerns over contamination of cannabis products with pesticides and banned chemicals. Plus concerns over the ability to test cannabis products for pesticides or contaminants and the transparency of the results to the consumers.
Some were concerned about having sufficient code enforcement officers and law enforcement to address multiple potential complaints relating to odor noise and other health and safety concerns. As well as crime and theft.
know that rate reviews need to happen in a timely fashion so insurance companies can accurately price risk and continuing offering coverage. But we still need to balance that with affordability and consumer protection.”
Besides improving technology and increasing technology, “we’ve also committed to making sure that insurance companies submit complete rate applications before they can get started on the rate review process.
The goal is to balance consumer protection and transparency while making the necessary adjustments to keep coverage available.
In the past, insurance agencies based rates entirely on historical data of losses. But this didn’t reflect increasing losses based on climate change and increased natural disasters. “This method really failed to recognize any mitigation that was done by homeowners or by communities. Any aspects that they were doing in wildfire prevention was not reflected in the insurance rates,” she said.
Regulations recently finalized allow insurance companies to use forwardlooking catastrophe modeling that prioritize wildfire safety mitigation and transparency.
“Effectively addressing the climate change crisis is going to require modern risk assessment tools and strategies,” said Smith. “It’s going to ensure that insurance premiums are available and still encourage proactive wildfire risk reduction and mitigation so insurance companies are required to use these catastrophe models that recognize the clear benefits of investments made by a wildfire mitigation.”
This, she said, will create a more fair and more accurate system that rewards policy builders for reducing the risk and helps stabilize the insurance market and continues to ensure that we’re getting more insurance availability in high risk areas.”
“Lastly we also received comments on the proposed ordinance changes separate from the environmental analysis,” said Levy.
Comments relating to the drafting zoning ordinance and regulatory code, included selection of sensitive uses and buffer distances and recommendations to introduce new sensitive uses like residential zones.
“We also heard feedback that certain sensitive uses like preserves and religious assemblies should be removed,” said Levy. “Some commenters noted that the sensitive uses seemed to only address those who live in more urban areas and provide little protection for those living in rural areas.”
CANNABIS From Page 4
thick-cut fries, cooked in tallow— rendered beef fat—which provides a higher smoke point and imparts a rich, savory flavor. To complement the meal, a selection of sauces—including garlic, chipotle, ranch, and more—are available for dipping the fries or burgers. All sauces, spreads, and mayonnaise are avocado oil-based, aligning with the restaurant’s focus on natural ingredients.
Drinks at Farm to Smash are thoughtfully curated, with all beverages free from artificial sweeteners and corn syrup. The menu features real ingredient shakes made with house-made strawberry puree and organic agave lemonades crafted with natural flavors, offering refreshing options that align with the restaurant’s health-conscious ethos.
During the lunch, Meredith built her own burger, while Pat ordered “The Original,” which came topped
BOOK REVIEW
The title "Twenty" is integrated into the story in several ways, but you will have to read to the end of the book to find the very clever way it was put to use in the plot and the ending.
"Twenty" - by James Grippandofiction - crime
Jack Swyteck's law office is close to his daughter's school. When the alarm goes off that there is an active shooter on the campus of his daughter's school, he takes off from his law office at a run to reach the building. Knowing his wife Andie is in the school rec center for a meeting enhances his fear, but
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Deadline for local article submission: 17th of the month for the next issue. Photographs submitted for publication should be hi-resolution, unmodified originals, hi-res/300dpi. We cannot accept photos taken from social media sites such as Facebook. Send drafts and photos to Patricia Fox to LocalEditor@HiddenMeadows.news
HIDDEN MEADOWS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
HiddenMeadowsFoundation.org HMCF2023@gmail.com
Michelle Zipse, President
Vickey Ciarlanti, Vice-President
Shannon Antekeier, Secretary
Paul Schoos, Treasurer
Heather Davila, Director
Rob Enfield, Director
Debbie Lai
Pat Tanabe, Director
Melissa Tomaszek, Director
Pete Tomaszek, Director
Lynn Wheeler, Director
Editor Patricia Fox
Median Maintenance
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with American cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and a special spread reminiscent of Thousand Island dressing. Both enjoyed their meals immensely, complemented by ranch and garlic dipping sauces for the fries.
The outdoor seating consists of two café tables. The group was fortunate to snag one of the outdoor tables, although the other became available shortly after, as the original table was not entirely shaded under the umbrella. Indoor seating is available at a bar along the
By Lynn Clark
Andie is an FBI agent so he is hoping she is near their daughter. He also knows that because she is off duty she does not have a weapon.
When the police arrive the shooter cannot be found, but they recover a gun on school grounds. The preliminary investigation finds the gun is registered to the father of a student. The father's name is Amir Khoury, and his son Xavier's fingerprint is found on the weapon. He has just turned 18 so when he is found and arrested he is charged as an adult.
Xavier's father is Muslim. His mother is not. They both believe their son has been radical-
wall. If you have a large group (more than 3-4), you may want to pick up your food and eat elsewhere.
Overall, the HMWSG Lunch Bunch’s visit to Farm to Smash was a delicious success, highlighting the restaurant’s dedication to quality, natural ingredients, and flavorful, health-conscious fare. The casual, outdoor setting made for a perfect midday outing, and we left satisfied and eager to return for another round of smash burgers.
ized. His father wants nothing to do with him, but his mother hopes his life will be spared.
A school shooting is a fearsome encounter for everyone. Jack and Andie quickly become a target in their community when people start to question their actions: Jack for becoming the initial defense attorney during the arraignment of Xavier, and Andie as an FBI agent on the campus during the shooting, but unable to stop the shooter.
I liked the way the author put the ending together. Since I read this novel I have gone back and started with the first books he wrote and I haven't been disappointed.
Hidden Meadows Community Resources and
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Contact Marc Weissman at 760-525-5170 or marcweissman11@gmail.com.
Community Sponsor Group
Contact Chairman Jim Chagala, at 760 751-2691 for more information.
Hidden Meadows Neighborhood Watch
Please join our facebook group: Hidden Meadows Neighborhood Watch. We’ll share neighborhood information, safety tips, and news of future events.
Contact Info: Erik Tyler 442-235-9060 erikdtyler@gmail.com
Deer Springs Fire Safe Council
Contact Steve Kerrin at 760-807-1141.
Homeowners Associations
The Meadows Homes Association (MHA) 760-749-7278
Rimrock Homeowners Association 760-749-4008
Hidden Meadows Ranch Homeowners Association 760-407-7575
Silverado Management Services
Oak Meadows Glen Homeowners Association 760-749-4796
Organizations
Organizations
Garden Club
Contact Kim Marin (kimgroggmarin@gmail.com) or Pat Tanabe (zlotanabe@gmail.com)
Hidden Meadows Bridge Group
We play bridge at the MHA Pavilion every Wednesday from 10:00AM to 2:00PM.
Please call Curt Bruce at 442-222-0821 if you’d like to join us.
Hidden Meadows Community Foundation (HMCF)
Contact Michele Zipse at HMCF2023@gmail.com www.hiddenmeadowsfoundation.org
Ladies Bible Study
Contact Debbie Hamer at 760-297-1278 or Sue Shepard at 760-213-0325
Tennis Club
Contact Katy Freeze at 760-749-9722 or clarkfreese@gmail.com
Women’s Golf Club
Contact Ellen at 760-749-1190
Women’s Social Group email to hmwsg92026@gmail.com
Go Team!
By Linda Collins-Mitchell / Resident
Sometimes you have a big project and you need extra hands. You put out the call and hope people show up. And, they did!
Dennis and Elizabeth Cook did the plotting and planning to expand the nursery space at the Mountain Meadow Preserve. Starting on the sides, the shade cloth was pulled away from the primary structure and angled out to provide space on the sides. Then came the bigger project: Creating a frame for extending the shade cover on the back side. Volunteers and staff showed up to help dig holes, set posts, trim back the peach tree that was in the way. (Mind you, that was a painful decision as those peaches are wonderful! But, it isn’t a native plant. Sigh.)
Mike Quadrozzi, Harry DiMik, Dennis and Elizabeth Cook, Conservancy Staff Member Raul, and Land Manager Juan Troncoso all lent their hands to the process. Me, I stopped by to check on the progress, made the decision on how much of the peach tree to cut off, pulled some weeds, and went home. But it was sure good to see them all working together, and the progress they made.
Dennis also repaired the electrical line coming to the nursery, and is reworking the sprinkler system in the nursery to water all the new tables. I don’t know how we got so lucky, but he is a dream come true! Next, we have to repair or replace the roof on the shed. It would be nice to fill the holes in the road. Some of the volunteers have little cars, and they’ve been dodging the
holes. We tried filling some of them with dirt; it just didn’t last.
And, of course, we are still weeding and watering. The mustard and thistle are the biggest problems, so those go first. But we want to watch for any baby native plants that may be coming up on their own. For that, we need to learn what is native. We just found a whole patch of California Bricklebush, some Jimson weed and some native nightshades that we flagged so they aren’t pulled as weeds. We have also found some California Figwort, aka California Bee Plant. I am having a lot of fun learning all these new plants!
Wanna join the fun? Have a skill to share? Let me know!
Linda Collins: 760-212-2601 or linda_J_collins@sbcglobal.net
The 693-acre Mountain Meadows Preserve, here in Hidden Meadows, is home to The Escondido Creek Conservancy headquarters. The office is the home base for all Conservancy staff, including those who are in the field a lot of the time taking care of nature and providing outdoor education programs for Escondido students.
This preserve was acquired in partnership with San Diego County Parks and Recreation and the Navy/Camp Pendleton. It is part of a larger effort by the conservation partners to preserve natural open spaces in the Escondido Creek watershed and North County. Escondido Creek begins in Bear Valley (east of Lake Wohlford), then travels 26 miles west emptying into the San Elijo Lagoon.
Harry Digging
Juan, Harry & Mike
a lavender scent.
After the lecture, off we went down the driveway, to the side of a hill where the rows of lavender were growing. Oh, that was a beautiful sight! We were like little beavers cutting the long stems of the various types of lavender to make wreaths and wands. For wreath making, Bobbie directed us to cut at least 60 stems. She demonstrated how to make a wreath –twisting the ends of the thick wire to form a wreath and then wrapping bundles of lavender around the wreath form attaching them with thin wire. We worked very hard wiring the flowers on the thicker wire and bands.
At the other end of the table, Pat Tanabe was demonstrating making lavender wands. The wands require
an odd number of lavender stems (at least 15 stems) and involves weaving ribbon around fresh lavender stems to provide scent in drawers and closets.
In the meantime Bobbie offered lavender refreshments consisting of lavender shortbread cookies (which were delicious), lavender lemonade and allowed us to experiment blending lavender with spearmint, chamomile, or hibiscus to make unique herbal tea combinations. I favored the hibiscus, and it tasted wonderful.
The group was happy with their beautiful wreath or wand. Bobbie gave each of us a party favor of dried Provence lavender for cooking. I’m looking forward to enjoying the fragrance of my wreath and using the culinary lavender in a drink or baked goods.
I went on google and found that lavender has a history spanning 2500 years originating in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and India, and that there are 23 types of lavender in different colors: purple, violet, pink or white. Lavender is used in bouquets, cleaning products, fragrances, medicinal/aromatherapy (for stress, anxiety and sleep improvement), protection against insects and moths, culinary, and ornamental purposes. Lavender is mostly cultivated in America, France and England.
Thank you so much to Bobbie for hosting this educational and fun event, Pat Tanabe for coordinating, and all the members who attended.
If you are interested in joining the Garden Club, email Kim Marin at: kimgroggmarin@gmail.com
LAVENDER From Page 7
Karen Henderson harvesting lavender
HMGC members harvesting lavender