Royce Williams awarded Medal of Honor during SOTU
By DAVID ROSS
Hidden Meadows resident Navy Captain E. Royce Williams (Ret.) received the Congressional Medal of Honor, placed by First Lady Melania Trump, for his
exceptional valor and heroism during the Korean War during the State of the Union address Tuesday night.
The president’s comments are below. They occurred near the end of the nearly two hour speech.
Hidden Meadows Garden Club in 2026
January – Insects in the World Around Us
By Idalia Rewar/ Garden Club Member
Happy New Year everyone! We are done with wrapping gifts, decorating the house, making cookies, getting together with family, watching the Rose Parade, and the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in New York. Whew, thank goodness it’s over, now back to our routine. This was to be the Hidden Meadows Garden Club’s (HMGC) first meeting for the year taking place at Kim and
Rich Marin’s gorgeous home. As the ladies arrived, it got a bit louder. I don’t know what was going on, but the ladies were all having lively conversation and laughing – you think it was because they were excited to learn about bugs? Really? Maybe…
Kim Marin, one of our group’s co-presidents, opened the meeting by iterating some of the events of last year such as a field trip to the Carlsbad Flower Fields and to the San Diego Botanic Gardens, a yummy BBQ/potluck, and many others. One event stood out – it was the flower arrangement event.
“Tonight we’ve celebrated many truly extraordinary American patriots. But there is one last living legend to honor before we go. He is one more heroic American aviator, Navy fighter pilot. Royce Williams
An Extraordinary HMWSG Mardi Gras Dinner
By Pat Tanabe/resident
On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, an extraordinary celestial event took place—a rare cosmic alignment that marked the beginning of Lent, also known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. This remarkable day was further distinguished by the coincidence of the Lunar New Year (the Year of the Fire Horse) and the start of Ramadan, all occurring simultaneously. Adding to the sig-
Royce Williams after having the Medal of Honor draped around his neck by the First Lady.
First lady Melania Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to local veteran Royce Williams at last week’s State of the Union address.
HMWSG at Mardi Gras Dinner
Don’t Forget to Grab the Enclosed Envelope
By: Hidden Meadows Community Foundation
The donation envelopes for this year’s Hidden Meadows Community Foundation fundraising drive are included in this month’s edition of the Hidden Meadow News. Three years ago, in an effort to reduce paper consumption and be better stewards of our environment, we shifted from distributing donation inserts over three consecutive months to including them just once. We were pleased to see that your generosity remained steady. Encouraged by that response, last year we streamlined even further—reducing the solicitation package to a single remittance envelope. Once again, the community stepped up, and donations remained strong. We are continuing that approach this year. For those who prefer to donate by check, this is your one opportunity—so please be sure to save the enclosed envelope. Your timely support truly makes a difference.
2026 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for the Foundation, with a full calendar of events that bring our community together. We’re excited to host the fifth annual Spring Fling with a Twist, Car Show, and beloved
traditions like the Independence Day Parade, Halloween Trunk or Treat and Toys for Tots. Scholarship applications are already coming in, and when the rain lets up, we’re preparing to begin spring maintenance on the median.
All of this is possible because of you.
The Foundation does not collect annual dues. Instead, we rely on this one annual appeal to fund the programs, improvements, and emergency support that keep Hidden Meadows and Rimrock vibrant, welcoming, and resilient. Your donation—no matter the amount—directly supports our mission across four key areas:
• College Scholarships
Our annual scholarship program invests in the future by awarding $1,000 scholarships to qualified college-bound students living in Hidden Meadows. Thanks to your generosity, we have awarded nearly $100,000 since the program began.
• Community Programs and Events
Your contributions make possible the Spring Fling, Independence Day
nificance, an annular solar eclipse graced the sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Such a convergence of holidays centered around renewal and reflection, guided by lunar calendars, last occurred in 1863 and will not happen again until 2189. In 2029, Mardi Gras and Lunar New Year will coincide again as it has done nine times between 1948 – 2026.
In celebration of this auspicious occasion, Dannielle Milliken and Karla Fernandez co-hosted a lively Mardi Gras dinner at Karla’s beautiful home. The house was festively decorated with beads, masks, and Mardi Gras paraphernalia, including a uniquely decorated Christmas tree adorned with Mardi Gras ornaments—an imaginative blend of holiday cheer and festival spirit. Guests were encouraged to don masks and beads, and many embraced the tradition by wearing the vibrant Mardi Gras colors of purple, gold, and green. Prizes were awarded for the most creative outfit—Dee Spiller took home the award for her St. Patrick’s Dayinspired attire, while Terese Charlson dazzled everyone with a sequined Mardi Gras shawl over an elegant black ensemble, earning the title of most glamorous. Fun-door prizes, including keychains, figurines, and headbands, added to the festive atmosphere, with lucky participants taking home delightful mementos.
Of course, no Mardi Gras celebration is complete without iconic food, and this dinner was no exception. The menu featured two types of gumbo, hearty red beans and rice, muffaletta sliders, and a show-stopping King Cake for dessert. The King Cake, shaped like a crown with a ring-shaped dough, is traditionally flavored with vanilla and sometimes filled with cream cheese. It’s decorated with icing and colorful sugar in purple, yellow, and green—symbolic of Mardi Gras. No one found the baby in the cake so who knows who will host the next Mardi Gras Dinner?
As the evening unfolded, everyone embraced the spirit of “Laissez les bons temps rouler”—let the good times roll— celebrating the rich traditions, celestial wonders, and joyful camaraderie that make Mardi Gras such a special occasion. This memorable gathering not only honored the holiday’s festive traditions but also celebrated the unique convergence of history, culture, and the cosmos. If you would like to join us for a fun-filled gathering – please email hmwsg92026@gmail.com.
It was a great activity with participants taking home a stunning tropical floral arrangement. I personally enjoyed the potluck BBQ. Kim discussed some suggestions for this year’s events such as a trip to the Temecula Rose Society. She also urged all members to commit to supporting the club and mentioned ways to do so (hosting a meeting, planning an activity). Kim has served as co-president for the past 3 years and is now looking for a replacement for her as copresident to help Pat Tanabe (the other co-president) in her duties.
Now for the bugs. Quite a fascinating topic. Lucy Warren, a Master Gardener, lectured on “Insects in the World Around Us, Fun Things to Know”. San Diego County has 700 species. Those pesky little creepy creatures that annoy, buzz, bite, and fly around, as much as they “bug” us, they are crucial to our planet. Ms. Warren used slides to illustrate various insect species and gave us an overview of the insects all around us and of their contribution to our world. Insects influence us through culture, perspective, and inspiration. They contribute immensely to our eco system through pollination, decomposition, and pest control. They also contribute to our economy through agriculture - food products such as honey, and as a protein source. Ms. Warren admitted she had eaten a fried cricket in a Mexican dish. Crunchy, like popcorn. She liked it! They fry caterpillars in Brazil, and chefs use termites (ants) in Ghana in their gourmet cuisine. Insects also contribute to pharmacology, cloth dyes and adhesives. Biomimicry of insects is seen in architecture and. In some cultures, some insects are considered evil. In cinema, insects have been depicted in Disney animated comedies and in horror films like “The Fly”.
The lecture ended with Kim thanking Lucy Warren, the speaker, for such an informative lecture and for educating us about the world of insects. She was a lovely, lively well-informed lady with a good sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Also, thanks to Rich Marin (her “Assistant”) who, when necessary, contributed some of his vast knowledge on the subject of insects – he reads National Geographic, served as IT support and is also very funny. Thank you to all the members and to those that bought goodies. We also have some new members: Lynn, Debbie and Lisa. Welcome!! And a big thanks to Kim and Rich Marin for hosting the event.
February – Senior Safari by Rich
Marin/resident
The Hidden Meadows Garden Club decided to take advantage of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s program of making admission
free for Seniors in February. Timing of the trip could not have been better because the San Pasqual Valley facility was in all its glory, starting with a cool morning that got progressively warmer as the day went on. I am hesitant to name the attendees since, by definition, that puts them all in Seniors category, but that may not be so shocking to some, given the nature of the favored retirement pastime of gardening. Attending was Faraj & Yasuko, Tavengari, Frances Munk, Meredith Kifer, Sima Kashani, Suzie & Mark Messer, Diane Heath, Pat Tanabi & Joe Zlotnicki, Amy & Steve Frizenkotter and Kim & Rich Marin.
We got a jump on the day by being the first in line for the 9:00am opening and started by heading up towards the Bonsai Garden to view the magnificent array of 50–400-year-old specimen trees that put all of our feeble bonsai efforts to shame. We then headed up past the kangaroos to the Succulent and Baja Gardens. We stopped to ponder the Bighorn Sheep through the Condor Ridge, where California’s grand birds hang out near the Bald Eagles and other native California birds of prey. We were heading down the hill onto the Tiger Trail when we saw a magnificent Bengal Tiger and soon thereafter a pride of lionesses looking hungry for their lunch. The Safari Park is planning its grand opening of its new Elephant Enclosure (the Denny Sanford Elephant Valley) in a few weeks and as we headed past it we could see that it promises to be well worth another visit in the near future.
Our plan was to honor our origins as a Garden Club by taking the Noon Botanical Tram ride through the Escondido version of the African Savana. Our group boarded the tram and spent 30 minutes getting educated about how the Zoo has used all available plant matter to match the needs of the transplanted fauna as well as the modest available water supply. It’s hard to say we learned a lot about our local succulents and native California plants that we didn’t already know, but that was never really the point. Being reminded of what a great facility we have at our disposal in our local San Diego Zoo Safari Park was the point and we were not disappointed.
If you are interested in joining the Hidden Meadows Garden Club, email Kim Marin at Kimgroggmarin@gmail.com or Pat Tanabe at zlotanabe@gmail.com.
served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam — flying more than 220 missions. In the skies over Korea in 1952, Royce was in the dogfight of a lifetime — legendary dogfight.
“Flying through blizzard conditions, his squadron was ambushed by seven Soviet fighter planes. It was his first aerial combat of the war, and despite being massively outnumbered and outgunned, Royce led the takedown of four enemy jets, and almost destroyed the others, vanquishing his adversaries while taking 263 bullets to his own plane, and being seriously hurt.
“His story was secret for over 50 years. He didn’t even want to tell his wife. But the legend grew and grew. But tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He was a legend long before this evening. Royce, please stand up, and I will ask the first lady of the United States to present Capt. Royce Williams with his Congressional Medal of Honor. Thank you.”
The day after the ceremony, Capt. Williams was welcomed back to San Diego County when his plane landed at Palomar Airport and there were about 400 people to greet him—including a contingent of veterans the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Combat Veteran Riders.
HIDDEN MEADOWS NEWS
submitted for publication should be hi-resolution (300DPI), unmodified originals, jpeg format. We cannot accept photos taken from social media sites such as Facebook. Email content and photos to LocalEditor@HiddenMeadows.news
Advertising Joshua Sibelius Advertising@HiddenMeadows.news
The Meadows Homes Association –Pavilion Rental Reminder
Planning a birthday party, family gathering, celebration, or special event?
The Meadows Homes Association would like to remind our homeowners within The Hidden Meadows Homes Association — as well as our partners at the Hidden Meadows Ranch HOA — that our Community Pavilion is available to rent for upcoming occasions.
Pavilion Rental Fees
Pavilion Use: $100.00 • Optional Kitchen Use: Additional $50.00
Our Pavilion offers a welcoming community space perfect for private events, with ample seating, tables, and access to on-site restrooms.
Hidden Meadows Community – Outside Membership Opportunity
Homeowners within the greater Hidden Meadows Community who are not members of The Meadows Homes Association or The Hidden Meadows Ranch may also enjoy our amenities by joining as an Outside Member.
Membership Term: June 1 – May 31
Annual Membership Fee: $475.00 per fiscal year
Optional Add-On: Tennis Court Key: $25.00 deposit per key
Outside Members receive access to Association amenities in accordance with membership guidelines and seasonal availability.
Contact Information Meadows Homes Association 28208 Meadow Glen Way West, Escondido, CA 92026
760-749-7278 MeadowHoa2@gmail.com
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
By Linda Collins-Mitchell
We see them all in bloom in spring with the hillsides covered in blue and purple lilac-like flowers. They are the large shrub Ceanothus (see-AH-nothus), commonly called California lilac or Mountain lilac. There are over 100 varieties of Ceanothus in California as listed on Calscape. We have nearly 50 varieties that grow right here in the San Diego area.
Most common, again according to Calscape, is Woolyleaf ceanothus. It is identifiable by its softer leaves that have a fuzzy, felt-like underside. It grows tall. Although mine are 6-8 ft., they can be much bigger.
Blueblossom, another variety, can also have a blue-violet blossoms. . . or light or dark blue. The plant ID app I use, PictureThis, seems to think
Parade, Halloween Trunk or Treat, Toys for Tots Breakfast, Turkey Trot, Neighborhood Garage Sale, Makers Market, Welcome Committee visits, and the Vintage Car Show.
• Beautification
Major projects such as the median re-landscaping and pine tree removal/ trimming have transformed our shared spaces. Ongoing maintenance ensures these improvements continue to enhance the beauty of our community.
• Families in Crisis
Through the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program, the Foundation provides support when one of our residents faces a serious emergency. Your donation can be the lifeline a neighbor needs during their most difficult moment.
Please take a moment today to make your contribution.
Use the envelope included in this issue, or—if you prefer to donate electronically, visit https://hiddenmeadows.news and click the “donate” button in the upper right corner. We also accept Zelle contributions at HMCFDonate@yahoo.com.
Your generosity is what keeps Hidden Meadows the unique, warm, and connected community we all cherish. Thank you in advance for supporting the people, programs, and projects that make this place feel like home.
The Hidden Meadows Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your gift is tax deductible and will be used to support initiatives within our community. To learn more, visit https://hiddenmeadowsfoundation.org.
Lunch at Upper East
By Pat Tanabe/resident
In January, the Hidden Meadows lunch group dined at Upper East (155 E. Grand Ave.), one of the new restaurants to open following the completion of the Grand Avenue Vision Project. The project finished in June 2025, improved traffic flow (both pedestrian and
vehicle) along Grand Avenue by adding roundabouts, widening sidewalks, and installing diagonal parking. It also created permanent space for outdoor dining, enhancing the area’s appeal for both businesses and visitors.
Upper East is owned and operated by James Throp and his business partner, John Haskett. In addition to
most of the ceanothus in my yard is Blue Blossom. The size can vary dramatically from a nearly upright tree to a low growing mound.
I have one Hoaryleaf ceanothus at the bottom of my 4+ acres, and I am going to propagate more. I also see one of these at the dead end of Mountain Meadow Rd. Hoaryleaf ceanothus is a smaller shrub, has a small, white blossom, and it blooms earlier. Mine was in full bloom in late January.
Chaparral Whitethorn, which does have thorns, can have lavender colored flowers . . . or blue or white. I’d like the lavender, please! I have yet to add a couple of these to my native garden, but it is on my list!
There are some other less common and rare varieties, which can be seen on Calscape. There are even some nonnative varieties with pink flowers. I heard that Waterwise sometimes carries them. But I haven’t confirmed that.
Ceanothus, in general, prefer north-facing slopes but will grow almost anywhere. Limit watering! Regular watering can cause them to be short-lived. Occasional water through the summer and none in the winter is sufficient to get a gorgeous bloom. They attract a lot of pollinators (birds, bees, butterflies, caterpillars, and even bats) and provide shelter for other plants and animals. And NOTE! It does not like to be trimmed. Sometimes trimming it can cause a whole branch to die much like pear blight on pear trees. Use clean pruners and be conservative in any trimming that you do.
• And a fun little tidbit, you can rub fresh flowers between wet hands to create a gentle, fragrant soap lather
As I move my garden towards more native plants, I watch for babies of the ceanothus and other natives growing near the mature plants. I harvest them to plant in other areas of the yard. Or, I give them away to share the bloom!
Upper East, the pair have owned and operated the Knotty Barrel Gastropub in Rancho Peñasquitos since 2020. In an April 2025 article in San Diego Magazine, Throp explained why he chose to open a restaurant in Escondido, saying he “wanted to make sure he got in while the gettin’ was good.” He had noticed an increasing number of restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries opening in downtown Escondido and saw an opportunity to become part of the area’s growth.
Throp and Haskett envisioned the Upper East restaurant as a neighborhood gathering place—family- and pet-friendly, while also welcoming late-night diners and drinkers. The menu features classic pub fare, such as burgers, flatbreads, salads and fish and chips, alongside internationally inspired items like carnitas sandwiches, elote brussel sprouts and an ahi poke stack. The restaurant also offers 20 beers on tap, wines and cocktails crafted with house-made syrups and fruit purées. Upper East is open for weekend brunch as well.
The Hidden Meadows lunch group sampled a Classic Grand Burger, a carnitas sandwich, and a Reuben. The food was excellent, the servers were warm and friendly, and the company was, as always, fabulous.
If you would like to explore local restaurants and meet new neighbors or old friends, email hmwsg92026@gmail.com
Neighbor Spotlight: Marc Weissman and the Community Emergency Response Team
When disaster strikes, the first 911 call is only the beginning. In large-scale emergencies, professional first responders can quickly become overwhelmed. That’s where the Community Emergency Response Team—better known as CERT—steps in. And here in Hidden Meadows, that team is led by a familiar face: long-time resident Marc Weissman.
Marc has lived in Hidden Meadows since 1990 and has been involved with CERT for about 10 years. Today, he manages our local CERT team, a group of trained volunteers ready to assist firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement when the need exceeds available resources.
So, what exactly is CERT? The Community Emergency Response Team program is part of FEMA’s Civilian Corps and is sponsored locally by the Deer Springs Fire Protection District, with coordination through the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services. CERT was originally developed by the Los Angeles City Fire Department
Clockwise L-R: Linda Collins, Meredith Kifer, Dannielle Milliken, Pat Tanabe
BLUE From Page 2
Hidden Meadows Celebrates a Century of Joe Targia:
A Life Built on Grit, Curiosity, and Clean Living
By: Hidden Meadows Community Foundation
Hidden Meadows recorded a remarkable milestone in January as longtime resident Joe Targia celebrated his 100th birthday—a century defined by hard work, adventure, and an unwavering commitment to living well.
Joe’s story begins in Brooklyn, where he was born to Sicilian parents who had immigrated to the United States in their twenties. Their neighborhood—just thirty some houses at the time—was, as Joe fondly re-
TARGIA See Page 9
By Bonnie Metzger/ Resident
January’s Women’s Social was a delightful gathering hosted at the Hidden Meadows home of Linda Collins. The vibrant event brought together nine attendees and
See Page 9
Hidden Meadows Women’s Social Group Celebrates Community and Native Beauty
SOCIAL
L-R: Dannielle Milliken, Bonnie Metzger, Lisa Saget, Karen Soriano, Pat Tanabe, Meredith Kifer, Annette Nelson and Linda Collins with Owen
HIDDEN MEADOWS COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION’S Scholarship Event
Sponsored by: Side Yard Public House
2026 College Scholarship Fundraiser ●Thursday, March 19th
Location: Side Yard Public House 5pm - 8pm.
A percentage of Food Proceeds goes directly to the 2026 College Scholarship Program
For College Scholarship Application Information
Please contact Vickey via email at vickeyciarlanti@gmail.com
Winter Food Drive for Interfaith
Nancy Ogrod/Resident
Please Mark your calendars Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 9 am to 2 pm at the Boulder Oaks Golf Course – Clubhouse, 10333 Meadow Glen Way East
Now that the holiday season has passed, the shelves at Interfaith are beginning to have blank spots. Mr. Kim will again allow us to be in front of the Golf Clubhouse for the winter food drive. Please bring your non-perishable, UNEXPIRED, canned, bagged, or boxed food items or fresh fruits or vegetables to the clubhouse between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 21st. You can stay in your car; I will be happy to take your donation out of your back seat or trunk, especially if the weather is not sunny and bright.
Your generosity in the past has helped many families by filling Interfaith’s cupboards. Please, help again. Some food items that are always needed are • Mac & Cheese (Box or Individual Serving) • Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta (Dried) • Pasta Meals, Spaghetti O’s (Canned Only) • Hearty Soups, Stew, Cup of Noodles • Canned Meat, Beans , Chili & Tuna • Canned Fruits or Vegetables (Corn or Green Beans) • Rice & Beans (Dried) • Peanut Butter & Jelly (or Jam) • Cereal — Family-sized Boxes • Microwavable Foods & Meals (Packaged to heat and serve.) • Pop-lid Canned Foods • Nuts, Raisins, Cheese ‘n Crackers, Granola Bars. Often not thought of, but greatly needed are canned or dry milk & Can Openers. Other items that are always needed are diapers, baby food, & toiletry items. 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 before March 16th
TARGIA From Page 6
calls, “a wilderness.” He grew up in a modest two-story home with a basement, surrounded by dirt roads that were finally paved when he was about three years old. That simple improvement opened up a world of childhood joy: Joe could finally take his roller skates outside.
He spent his early years playing stickball in the streets, following his older sister (six years his senior) and her friends around the neighborhood, and attending PS 215, now Morris H. Weiss Elementary School, through eighth grade. From there he moved on to David A. Boody Junior High School, beginning a pattern that would define his life— always moving forward, always learning, always working.
Joe’s work ethic took root early. His first job was delivering the Brooklyn Eagle, then as large and respected as The New York Times. The Sunday edition was so hefty it required two loads and nearly three hours to deliver to his fifty customers, each paying twenty-five cents a week and just maybe giving Joe a 5 cent tip. At fifteen, he took on a new challenge: selling ice cream from a three-wheel bicycle around the neighborhood.
His interests soon turned toward aviation, leading him to the Manhattan High School of Aviation Trades. But at eighteen, with World War II still raging, Joe volunteered for the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the landing ship LSM-200, and was headed toward Okinawa when President Truman ordered the atomic bomb dropped. The war ended before Joe saw combat, and he was discharged in San Diego.
Returning home, Joe’s career path took a creative turn. He became a jeweler and jewelry model maker, earning $2 an hour—double the standard wage for jewelers at the time. Eventually, he opened Tar-
con Jewelry with partner Peter Conti, directly across from Belmont Racetrack in Elmont, New York. Many of the pieces Joe and his wife, Val, still wear today were crafted by his own hands.
Never one to stick to a single path, Joe also owned and drove a taxi, purchasing his cab medallion for $11,000 and later selling it for $18,000. His curiosity and ambition then led him to law school. Despite having completed only one year of college, he powered through a grueling three-month, twelve-hour-a-day bar review course to gain admission to Brooklyn Law School. After graduating, he skipped the traditional big-firm route and instead opened his own practice—Targia, Leff & Kirshner—with partners who shared his drive and resilience. One partner, Murray, had lost his father in Auschwitz, a reminder of the profound histories intertwined in Joe’s life.
It was during this period that Joe met the woman who would become his lifelong partner. Valerie (Val) was referred to him around 1964 for help with a furniture dispute. The legal matter was resolved, but something far more enduring began. Joe and Val have now been together 62 years, married for 60, a partnership built on mutual respect, shared adventure, and deep affection.
Joe’s professional life continued to evolve. He became a developer, building more than thirty homes, and even constructed his own home on Armstrong Avenue in Brooklyn. But in 1970, drawn by the turquoise waters and warm breezes of the Caribbean, Joe moved his family to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. There, he clerked for Judge Joseph and eventually became Assistant Attorney General for the Virgin Islands and later an administrative judge. He loved the islands—especially the
showcased an impressive array of homemade dishes prepared by local women. Among the highlights were Pat Tanabe’s homemade apricot bars, crafted with locally grown apricots.
Collins has cultivated a reputation for establishing stunning California native plant gardens across her 4.5-acre property, formerly a kiwi grove. Guests enjoyed a stroll through thoughtfully designed native plant groupings that have flourished under her careful stewardship.
chance to swim every morning.
In 1983, Joe and Val made another major move, this time to Rancho Bernardo, so their son Christopher, then fifteen, could attend stronger schools. Joe purchased their home with a no-interest loan and continued commuting to the Virgin Islands every three months until he could retire.
Retirement, however, didn’t slow him down. In 1990, Joe began building their home in Hidden Meadows, one of the first on Vista Montanoso. The home was completed in 1992, and the couple has been part of the community ever since. They spent their retirement years traveling extensively in Europe—especially throughout Italy—and visiting Val’s family and friends in London. One of the most meaningful trips was to Sicily, where Joe visited his mother’s birthplace.
Today, Joe and Val remain as vibrant as ever. Val, now 84, continues her work in geriatric cancer research with the University of Rochester and City of Hope. Joe, at 100, still rides his exercise bike every day. He attributes his longevity to clean living, healthy eating (no sugar!), and plenty of exercise. Joe’s life is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of staying curious. From a Brooklyn “wilderness” to the Caribbean courts, from jewelry making to homebuilding, from Navy service to a century of wisdom— Joe has lived fully, generously, and with unmistakable spirit.
Hidden Meadows is proud to celebrate this extraordinary neighbor. Happy 100th Birthday, Joe.
Your story enriches our community, and your example inspires us all.
Her garden features a rich variety of mostly native species, including borage, fiddleneck, purple needlegrass, elderberry, ceanothus (California lilac), coyote brush, cudweed (Gnaphalium), golden yarrow, monkey flower, sea lavender, black sage, and toyon. Collins takes special pride in her manzanitas, which she has successfully grown from seed. During the tour, guests were shown a charming boulder “waterfall” cascading down the property. Collins enthusiastically shared her knowledge of sustainable gardening, emphasizing the importance of preserving nature while enhancing the surrounding landscape.
She sources many of her native plants from Moosa Creek Nursery and the San Diego Native Plant Society. Though Moosa Creek operates as a wholesale nursery, Collins places her orders through Green Thumb Nursery and El Plantio Nursery. Her landscape also includes a creative succulent installation nestled inside an old tree trunk, along with a striking succulent “river” flowing along the front drive.
As a generous parting gift, Collins offered guests an assortment of plants to take home, including succulents, ground covers, and iris.
In short, the gathering felt like both a refreshing retreat and a celebration of friendship and environmental stewardship. Collins’ home stands as a heartfelt reminder of the beauty that blooms when community and nature grow together.
For information about attending a future HMWSG dinner, email HMWSG92026@gmail.com.
in 1985, after officials recognized that following a major disaster, residents would likely be on their own for the first 72 hours.
In San Diego City and County, CERT formally began in January 2004 as a pilot program, funded by a $250,000 grant from the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company following the devastating Cedar Fire of 2003. By that same year, the CERT training program had expanded nationwide, with all 50 states, three U.S. territories, and six foreign countries participating.
Today, there are 32 CERT teams across San Diego County, operating under a mutual aid model. Our local Hidden Meadows CERT team is part of the Deer Springs Fire Protection District, which operates three stations: Station 1 at Circle R, Station 2 currently under construction across the highway, and Station 3 right here in Hidden Meadows. While these stations collectively serve a wide area, they typically have only 15–20 personnel on duty at any given time—usually three firefighters on an engine and two paramedics staffing an ambulance. In a catastrophic situation, CERT volunteers become a vital force multiplier.
Marc has personally been activated twice. The first was during the Paradise Fire in Northern California, when he was asked to assist. The second activation came during the COVID-19
SUBMIT CONTENT FOR HMN
Deadline for local article submission: 20th 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 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
Rob Enfield, Director
Debbie Lai, Director
Pat Tanabe, Director
Melissa Tomaszek, Director
Pete Tomaszek, Director
Lynn Wheeler, Director
Median Maintenance
Paul Schoos, Chair
Steve Fritzenkotter Communications Director
pandemic, when CERT volunteers helped coordinate vaccination efforts in Fallbrook and Ramona and assisted with COVID testing right here in Hidden Meadows.
Beyond CERT, Marc is deeply committed to community safety. He volunteers with the American Red Cross installing smoke alarms in local homes, is a licensed HAM radio operator, and serves with the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), providing critical communications support during emergencies.
Hidden Meadows currently has 10 active CERT members, but Marc is always looking to grow the team. “There are no limitations,” he emphasizes. “There are roles for everyone, regardless of physical condition.” CERT members receive training in triage, “stop the bleed” techniques, and basic disaster response skills, and each volunteer is equipped with a backpack of emergency supplies. Training includes an initial CERT academy—now available online for the classroom portion—followed by a weekend of hands-on instruction. The team meets monthly and participates in quarterly trainings, recognizing that these are perishable skills that require regular practice.
CERT also plays an important role in public education and community events. Locally, the team offers fire extinguisher training, participates in the Sellers’ Faire to raise awareness,
and provides water stations for the annual Turkey Trot. Looking ahead, CERT will host an Interactive Safety Faire for seniors and older adults at Champagne Village on Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For residents wondering how CERT differs from the local Fire Safety Council, Marc offers a clear distinction. The Fire Safety Council, led by another Hidden Meadows neighbor, Steve Kerrin, focuses on wildfire preparedness and mitigation—what we do before a disaster. CERT, on the other hand, is activated after something catastrophic happens, working alongside first responders to support the community.
CERT reports monthly to the local Fire District and the Fire Protection Board, and all volunteers are covered under the state’s Disaster Service Worker (DSW) insurance program while serving.
In short, CERT is neighbors helping neighbors when it matters most—and Marc Weissman is helping lead the way. Anyone interested in learning more or becoming involved is encouraged to reach out directly.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Marc Weissman at
marcweissman11@gmail.com
Hidden Meadows Community Resources and Organizations
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
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
Pickleball Club
Contact Holly Pobst at 858.349.4403 or thehollypobst@gmail.com
Women’s Golf Club Contact Ellen at 760-749-1190
Pat Tanabe - Hidden Meadows News Local Editor
Donate via Zelle: HMCFDonate@yahoo.com
Donate online: www.HiddenMeadows.news/donate
Women’s Social Group email to hmwsg92026@gmail.com