HMN - May 2026

NEWS

May/June 2026

Vol 10 No 3

Hidden Meadows Community Foundation Surpasses $100,000 in Scholarships, Honors 2026 Student Recipients

By Michelle Zipse/Resident

HMCF Spring Fling with a Twist

By Pat Tanabe The Hidden Meadows Community Foundation hosted a successful Spring Fling featuring local businesses, vendors, and a bake sale fundraiser in the HomeSmart, Meadows Deli Market, and Market in Hidden Meadows parking lots. Many community members

attended and enjoyed the sunny weather.

Vickey Ciarlanti was the Master of Ceremony and did a wonderful job as always, organizing the kid’s activities. Activities included kids' games, goodie bags, a cupcake walk, ball games for treats, SPRING See Page 6

Gabe Burin

26th Cruisin’ Grand opens June 5

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By DAVID ROSS The 26th Cruisin’ Grand will begin Friday, June 5, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., offering 17 Fridays of American classic cars and Heritage cruising cars, with the last Friday being September 25.

This celebration of America’s love affair with classic and muscle cars began in 2000, and took off one year during the COVID pandemic—which explains why this isn’t the 27th annual Cruisin’ Grand. In 2021 Cruisin’ was the first event outdoors in all San Diego to reopen.

We try to keep it simple, and focus only on what works with our community history, i.e. 1973 and earlier American-made Classics, Customs, Vintage, Muscle, and Hot Rods cruising Grand Ave, just like they did 50-60- years ago, on a Friday night, hopefully shoulder-toshoulder with a date!

We invite those same cars to park on Grand Avenue and side streets and enjoy the early 50’s setting of downtown Escondido.

Organizers try to keep

it simple, and focus only on what works with our community history, i.e. 1973 and earlier Americanmade Classics, Customs, Vintage, Muscle, and Hot Rods cruising Grand Ave, just like they did 5060- years ago, on a Friday night, shoulder-to-shoulder with a date!

They invite those same cars to park on Grand Avenue and side streets and enjoy the early 50’s setting of downtown Escondido.

This year—the 250th birthday of the United States—will include two special patriotic nights. “Friday July 3, we’re going to celebrate Royce Williams and his Medal of Honor and several other military folks in different wars,” said Waldron. “We’re going to have Royce do a parade lap in a 1948 Lincoln, with Wounded Warriors, Veterans of Foreign Wars and other groups doing a parade lap.”

He added, “I got a call a few weeks ago, when Royce was being honored at the USS Midway.

They said he had been asked what he wanted to do, and he said he wanted to go to Cruisin’ Grand.

We are putting together an evening for our military.”

Waldron continued, “On that GRAND See Page 4

Molly Hughes and dad

Max Keiser and Joy Cowden

For more than two decades, the Hidden Meadows Community Foundation has quietly invested in the future—supporting local students as they take their first steps into higher education. In 2026, the Foundation reaches a meaningful milestone, surpassing $100,000 in total scholarship donations awarded to the children of Hidden Meadows and Rimrock residents.

These scholarships are more than financial assistance; they represent a shared community commitment to academic achievement, personal growth, and future leadership. To be considered, applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance with a GPA above 3.5, reside within Hidden Meadows or Rimrock, and plan to attend college in the upcoming fall semester.

This year, the Foundation proudly recognizes four outstanding students FOUNDATION See Page 3

2 — Hidden Meadows News • May/June 2026 www.HiddenMeadows.news

Alaska Adventure

By E.M.Trivoli, resident Going to Alaska really wasn’t on my list. But my husband Dave had been talking about it for years, so we finally booked it. I can’t believe I wasn’t crazy about going; I would have missed the most amazing adventure!

People ask, “the land portion or the cruise” and the answer is, YES ! Holland America managed the whole trip, except for excursions.

Was it pricey? Not really; not for what we got. Booking all through them; adding AARP and other discounts and promos with on board credits, made it a great value.

Surprisingly, the next thing people ask is… were there a lot of old people? Well, people DO say they’ll do Alaska “when I have the money”, or “when I retire”, let’s say that YES, there’s some truth there. We did see people of all ages, but the senior crowd was well-represented. But I’m here to suggest: DO IT NOW. Go before the various physical issues start to creep up on you. Because, if you want to experience everything you can, it’s a VERY physical trip. There are shuttles, planes and a lot of walking. Trains with steep spiral steps.

Bikes and busses, hikes and kayaks. Seaplanes and sled dog rides.

Much easier to do and enjoy, when you’re decently able and fit.

Early September was a perfect time to go. Gorgeous fall-foliage in Denali and “not too cold” temps.

Plus: kids are back in school, so places are less crowded. Our fourperson posse was me and Dave, our son Ryan and nephew Jerry (both adults).

Our itinerary was San Diego > Anchorage (1 night hotel- I barely remember it), Glass-domed train to Denali (2 nights hotel). Coach bus back to Whittier, then seven glorious days on the HAL Noordam.

Stops and excursions in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan; cruise continued to Vancouver, then home.

The glass-domed train ride into Denali (they never say Mount McKinley, btw) offered up “beauty overload” scenery, expert narration, full bar and fine dining. In Denali, we went white water rafting; pretty tame but super fun, with guides that could side-gig as a comedy team.

Took a ½ day bus tour deep into Denali State Park, where moose and bear sightings stole the show against a backdrop of gorgeous autumn colors. Yes, the bus was packed. No, there were not enough bathroom stops, and Yes there’s a story there, just ask me.

After Denali, a much nicer coach bus took us back to Whittier. The 8-hour trip treated us to our first glacier sighting, lunch, a beautiful

overpass where we watched salmon LITERALLY swimming upstream, and the Iditarod Museum. This was a highlight! We took a quick lap around the property courtesy of the sled dog team (this helps fund the museum). It was over quick, but who gets to do that in regular life?

Boarded the Noordam, and I was glad I’d talked my husband into balcony rooms for all. It’s the only

way to go! We also bought the drink package this trip, and – like a Seinfeld episode quote.. “I can’t go back to coach”. (it comes with more than just drinks).

Another question I get: How was the food? Well, my honest answer is, “not great”. Even with my limited palate I’m a bit of a food snob and was hoping for better. If you ALASKA See Page 9

Dylan Nguyen, Valerie Spearman

2026 Spring Food Drive Hidden Meadows You are Awesome

By Nancy Ogrod The food drive on March 21st was great- thank you so much Hidden Meadows. Over 650 pounds of nutritious food and some monetary donations were collected in 5 hours. Val, Dylan and Nancy had so much fun greeting everyone as they dropped off their donations. Interfaith was very grateful and thanks you all.

If you did not have the opportunity to come by the golf club in March, it is never too late to take food or a monetary donation by the Escondido Interfaith facility. They are located at 550 West Washington Ave., at the corner of Washington Ave. and Quince St. The next Hidden Meadows food drive will be in August. Thank you again for your generosity.

Hidden Meadows News • May/June 2026 www.HiddenMeadows.news — 3

Hidden Meadows Book Clubs Hosts Author Tanja Davia Tucker A Memorable Gathering Celebrating "The Garnet Earrings"

By Pat Tanabe/resident The Hidden Meadows Book Clubs had the unique privilege of hosting a special meeting with author Tanja Davia Tucker, whose works have captivated readers across genres. Members from both the morning and evening book clubs came together in February for this occasion, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

The event was graciously hosted at Bonnie Metzger's lovely home, where participants enjoyed a delicious potluck lunch before diving into an engaging discussion.

Tanja Davia Tucker, the guest of honor, shared insights into her writing journey and her three published books. The group focused their discussion on her debut novel, "The Garnet Earrings," a moving story that spans generations of women in one family beginning in 1928 Germany. Themes of healing, secrets, and resilience resonated deeply with the club members, many of whom were eager to ask questions and learn more about the inspiration behind the book. Tanja revealed that the novel was originally written as a memoir about her mother and was transformed into fiction at her editor's suggestion. She possesses the garnet earrings that play a pivotal role in this novel. Tanja spoke candidly about the challenges of writing this very personal novel, especially when portraying her mother's struggles and triumphs.

Tanja also discussed her other novels, including the Literary Titan’s Gold Book Award winner "Where Truth Lies Waiting" and "Three Days in Amsterdam", an International Impact Award winner in the Women’s Empowerment category. She also offered her book recommendations to club members. Her passion for education, mentoring, and storytelling shone throughout the meeting, Top L-R: Freddie Comperchio, Leigh Goley, Bonnie Metzger, Therese Vasil, Meredith leaving attendees inspired and appreciative of her openness. The Kifer, Diane Heath Hidden Meadows Book Club looks forward to having more of Middle L-R: Cindy Payne, Dannielle Milliken, Michelle Zipse these enriching literary gatherings in the future.

Seated: Tanja Davia Tucker FOUNDATION From Page 1

whose achievements and aspirations reflect the values of the community: Molly Hughes, Max Keiser, Gabe Burin, and Joy Cowden.

Molly Hughes, a senior at High Tech High North County, has spent her life in California, growing up with a passion for creativity, communication, and connection. From volunteering at children’s camps to interning in real estate and working at the Hidden Meadows Market for three years, Molly has built a strong foundation rooted in service and interpersonal engagement. She will attend California State University, Long Beach this fall, majoring in Psychology with a minor in English. With plans to pursue a PhD and eventually open a private practice,

Molly is driven by a desire to help others and make a lasting impact in the field of mental health.

Max Keiser, a student at Classical Academy in Escondido, is equally ambitious in his academic pursuits.

With a deep curiosity about how the brain works, Max plans to study Biology as a stepping stone toward medical school, where he hopes to specialize in psychiatry. His commitment to understanding the complexities of the human mind highlights both intellectual curiosity and a desire to contribute meaningfully to healthcare.

Gabe Burin, also a student at Classical Academy, has set his sights on addressing environmental challenges through engineering. Gabe plans to attend either California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

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or the University of California, Riverside, where he will major in Environmental Engineering. His chosen path reflects a forwardthinking mindset and a commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Joy Cowden, a senior at Escondido Charter High School, will graduate this June and attend Point Loma Nazarene University in the fall, where she plans to major in kinesiology. Joy has maintained an exceptional GPA between 4.0 and 4.3 while taking honors, Advanced Placement, and collegelevel courses. Her interest in anatomy and physiology began early in high school and has since developed into a clear career goal: becoming a physical therapist specializing in sports medicine. A lifelong athlete, Joy has participated in gymnastics, dance, soccer, volleyball, and currently competes as a sprinter in track and field. She is especially driven by her desire to help others, particularly fellow athletes. Her nomination to represent her school at the National Youth Leadership Forum of Medicine at UCLA Medical School further solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in healthcare.

It is especially noteworthy that all four recipients are pursuing studies in STEM-related fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—as well as health sciences, areas that are critical to shaping the future. Their ambitions speak not only to personal drive but also to the broader impact they may one day have on society.

The Hidden Meadows Community Foundation extends its heartfelt congratulations to Molly, Max, Gabe, and Joy. As they begin this exciting new chapter, they carry with them the support and pride of an entire community.

With each scholarship awarded, Hidden Meadows continues to invest in its greatest resource—its young people—ensuring that the promise of tomorrow is built on the achievements of today.

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4 — Hidden Meadows News • May/June 2026 www.HiddenMeadows.news

California Native Plant Society website

California’s 30x30 Initiative and Hidden Meadows

By Linda Collins California’s 30x30 initiative is a statewide effort to protect 30 percent of the state’s land and coastal waters by 2030. For the Hidden Meadows community, this goal connects closely to the oak woodlands, chaparral hills, and open spaces that surround our neighborhood.

A key part of 30x30 is protecting biodiversity: the wide variety of plants and animals that call California home. Local habitats support birds, pollinators, native plants, and wildlife that depend on connected, healthy landscapes to survive. Protecting these areas helps keep ecosystems balanced and resilient.

For inland communities like Hidden Meadows, these conservation efforts also help preserve scenic views, strengthen resilience to drought and fire, and maintain the natural character that makes the area special.

You don’t need to own acres of land to support California’s 30x30 initiative. In fact, individual homeowners play an important role, especially in inland communities like Hidden Meadows, where backyards often border or connect to natural habitat.

Plant native plants. One of the most effective things you can do is add Southern California native plants to your yard. Native plants provide food

and shelter for birds, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife that depend on them to survive. They’re also well-suited to our climate, meaning they typically need less water and maintenance.

Create small habitat spaces. Even modest changes—like leaving some leaf litter, planting a flowering shrub, or adding a bird bath—can help create “stepping-stone” habitats that allow wildlife to move safely through the landscape.

Reduce chemical use. Avoiding pesticides and herbicides helps protect pollinators and beneficial insects, which are essential to healthy ecosystems and local biodiversity.

Together, these small, neighbor-by-neighbor actions add up. By caring for our own properties with nature in mind, Hidden Meadows residents can help protect local biodiversity and contribute to California’s broader 30x30 conservation goals—right from home.

For a great article on this, see the CNPS journal ‘Artemisia’, Vol. 51, No. 2. It discusses the specific goals, habitats, and communities identifying the percentage of each feature in the plan and how close we are to achieving it. (https://www.cnps.org/publications/scientific-journal)

Geology of Hidden Meadows

GRAND From Page 1

By Katy Freese The Geology of Hidden Meadows seems very interesting. After all there are steep slopes, large boulders, dramatic views and pretty rocks. If you look up the geologic map of San Diego County, Hidden Meadows is located in the Oat Hills. The rocks are identified as, the “Western Belt gabbroic and granitic rocks (120-105 Million Years) (intrusive igneous rocks)” Basically, part of the Peninsular Ranges Batholith. This range of mountains includes Palomar and extends down into Baja California. Granitic/gabbroic rocks form deep in the earth when the earth’s crust melts into magma and then slowly crystallizes over time. This slow cooling allows visible crystals to form. The difference between granitic and gabbroic rock is a different assemblage of minerals making the gabbroic rocks darker than the granitic rocks.

Typically, the last part of the magma has dissolved water and gases that can cause very large crystals to form, called pegmatites. In Pala, there are famous pegmatite mines that have large crystals of Quartz, Feldspar, Tourmaline, Morganite, Kunzite and Lepidolite. Hidden Meadow’s rocks were crystallizing during the Cretaceous, when dinosaurs roamed the surface of

the earth. Don’t look for any dinosaur fossils, these rocks were forming deep underground. When magma is closer to the surface of the earth, it can erupt as lava which is an extrusive igneous rock and forms much smaller crystals.

Kilauea on the big Island of Hawaii has been erupting some beautiful fountains of lava in the last week.

So, what causes all the rock variation in Hidden Meadows? As the Southern California Batholith was uplifted to the surface, relief fractures formed in the rocks as the load of the overlying rock is removed. These fractures or joints form at right angles if the rock is uniform, or along a weaker zone where there is variation in the rock. As erosion, weathering and water wear down the granitic mass, rocks with rounded edges form boulders. Will these boulders move? Yes, if they are undermined by water and erosion. Boulders can also be dislocated when subjected to earthquake forces.

Flatter areas will form a soil profile which is generally sandy, but can also include some heavy clays formed from chemical alteration due to weathering of rocks.

Steep slopes are a result of the rocks being strong and not easily eroded. Granitic rocks are typically referred to as bedrock.

evening we’re going to parade him up and down the street and the Escondido Police Department will escort him. He will then be over on Broadway and Grand to greet attendees.”

The second special night will be Friday, September 11, Patriots Day, the night to honor first responders. “We will have the military, police and fire departments with fire engines, giving people rides. That’s a big popular evening,” said Waldron.

The event has always been sponsored by the Rincon Band.

This year Rincon is doing even more. First of all they will have a booth with a Slow Duck Race at the corner of Broadway & Grand Avenue, where you can visit the booth and get prizes.

Also employees from Harrah’s Resort Southern California will be helping out as volunteers. “That is something special this year,” said Waldron.

Each Friday there will be a parThe closest fault mapped is parallel to Palomar Mountain near highway 76 and known as the Elsinore fault. Lake Elsinore is a natural lake formed due to permeability differences across the fault. In geologic terms, it would be called a

ticular theme or host club (usually located at Broadway & Grand on the southwest corner). The Information booth is also located at Grand & Broadway and the DJ will also operate from there.

“Every Friday we have a different band,” said Waldron, who named a few of the most popular ones: “Rudy-T, Smokin’ Guns, Blackwater Blues, Dusty & the Love Notes, The Fuel, Geno & the Lone Gunman and many more!”

He added, “That’s a show in itself. At the gazebo at the park, people hang out and have supper.

The others at Kalmia & Grand and Maple and Grand, near the arch, are also popular.”

Waldron urges fans of Cruisin’ to visit the event website https:// www.cruisingrand.net where they will find the names of the sponsors, such as Harrah’s Resort Southern California and O’Reilly.

“We couldn’t do it without them,” he said.

GRAND See Page 9

sag pond. Generally, the faults in Southern California parallel the San Andreas Fault and continue offshore to San Clemente Island.

Enjoy the beautiful terrain formed by the granitic rocks of Hidden Meadows.

Hidden Meadows News • May/June 2026 www.HiddenMeadows.news — 5

House Plants Talk – How to Make Them (and You) Happy

By Idalia Rewar Friday the 13th – oooh lucky day!

With temperatures in the high 80’s, the Hidden Meadows Garden Club (HMGC) had a lecture on houseplants plants at the gorgeous modern home of Faraj and Yasuko Tavangari. Kim Marin, HMGC co-president, introduced our lecturer, Master Gardener Linda Stewart, who spent her professional life as a Registered Nurse nurturing new babies and moms, and teaching new parents and nursing students. Once she retired, she turned to nurturing plants and became a docent at the San Diego Botanic Gardens. Linda covered just about every topic regarding caring for your house plants. She commenced with the question: What is a house plant? A houseplant is an ornamental plant grown in containers, designed to thrive indoors and typically in residential or office environments. They are usually native to tropical or desert climates, requiring consistent temperatures, specific light, and regulated watering in order to survive in conditioned air.

Common houseplant examples include succulents, and spider plants.

When to transplant? – Spring is best.

You have houseplants – your challenge is how to keep the plants alive and how to deal with their particular issues. Multiple factors which are important to consider and will determine whether your plant will live or die include: overwatering, humidity, soil mix, and insects. Some recommendations for pest control were offered: pick them off by hand, wash them with a strong spray of water, apply insecticidal soap, and/ or use isopropyl alcohol. Also, be

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Meeting attendees Judy Dunn and Frances Munk

aware if your plant is happy (put on a happy face) or if it is in trouble, which can be the result of improper care or if environmental factors in the home are unfavorable to optimal plant growth. However, by inspecting the plant often, you will be able to detect if there are any problems.

Something which we sometimes do not give much thought to is the type of pot used for your plant: a pot made of clay or wood, with a wide top and narrow at the base, is recommended and enables you to easily transplant when the need arises.

Linda provided photos of the easiest house plants for your home – some of which we may already have.

Philodendron, Anthurium, Peace Lily, Mother In-Law’s tongue – (I thought that was a very funny name for a plant), Rubber Tree, Christmas PLANTS See Page 9

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6 — Hidden Meadows News • May/June 2026 www.HiddenMeadows.news

SPRING From Page 1

and shopping at vendor stalls offering paintings, jewelry, lavender products, 3D toys, custom Labubus dolls, plants, baked goods, and jams. The HMCF Bake Sale saw a steady stream of customers for their homemade treats.

Upcoming HMCF events include Community Garage Sale, Volunteer Appreciation Night Sock Hop, 4th of July parade & event and many more. For more information, please visit our website at www.hiddenmeadowsfoundation.org. Donation to the HMCF can be made through Zelle at HMCFDonate@yahoo.com or www.HiddenMeadows.news/donate.

Hidden Meadows News • May/June 2026 www.HiddenMeadows.news — 7

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8 — Hidden Meadows News • May/June 2026 www.HiddenMeadows.news

April gathering of the Hidden Meadows Cigar Lounge Social

Hidden Meadows Neighbors Gather for Monthly Cigar Social

By Michelle Zipse On a mild Saturday evening in Hidden Meadows, a group of neighbors came together for an event that is quickly becoming a local tradition—the Hidden Meadows Cigar Lounge Social. Hosted this month at Jerry and Nicole’s

home, the April 18 gathering brought together residents for a relaxed evening of conversation, camaraderie, and community building.

Jerry and Nicole, who have called Hidden Meadows home for just over a year, opened their doors to both familiar faces and newcom-

ers. Their welcoming approach reflects the spirit of the event itself, which aims to create a casual, inclusive space where neighbors can connect.

The Cigar Social meets regularly on the third Saturday of each month at 6 p.m., rotating among CIGAR See Page 9

Hidden Meadows News • May/June 2026 www.HiddenMeadows.news — 9 PLANTS From Page 5

Cactus, and many more. A handout was available entitled “Houseplant Problems” which featured what causes houseplant problems, the management program for growing conditions and plant health; controlling insect and mite pests; a guide for diagnosing houseplant problems; controlling houseplant diseases; and a warning on the use of pesticides.

A question-and-answer session followed the meeting. This lecture was informative and educational since most of us have at ALASKA From Page 2

don’t care much about food, you’ll be happy. It’s there, it’s plentiful, and there’s a good variety.

What was there to do? The HAL Noordam is not huge (unlike a 15-story Royal Caribbean ship, which we’ve also been on) and there are things to do but they’re not particularly exciting (hence, the excursions!). The big-theatre entertainment was just OK, but the piano-playing duo in the lounge was really good (which is probably why this was their last cruise and they’re headed to NYC). We met some fun Dutch people at the daily musictrivia contests and looked forward to hanging with them, and others we’d met white-water rafting.

So, how about the excursions?

First stop was Skagway: Our mountain biking trip (in a large group, with guides) involved some walking, a shuttle van; an old-timey goldmine-era train, another van and then biking down the mountain back to town. Was it raining and freezing at first? YES. Was it gorgeous as you rode back to the town (briefly into Canada!) and it started warming up? 100%.

Next was Juneau, where “the boys” boarded a seaplane; flying over five glaciers and landing at a private island. There, they had an amazing, fresh lunch buffet featuring local salmon, tremendous hospitality and a friendly dog-guide to show them around. (Small planes are not my thing, so I stayed on the ship and relaxed… see “drink packGRAND From Page 4

The webpage and Facebook page is also where you can find each Friday’s theme and activities.

Nor without the volunteers who have been with Waldron for many years, including Doug Dill, Pete Hale and Jeff Armasino. Those guys are out there every Friday night.”

What keeps Waldron coming back year after year. “I guess the love of the cars and the people in the community love this event. I honestly never thought it would go twenty-six years but it’s amazing how people just adopted this event.

I’ll keep doing this as long as people keep coming.”

Asked how the attendance has been over the years. “I’d say that prior to COVID, when we ran from April-September, we would have about one hundred thousand,” he

least one houseplant who might have bit the dust if not for this lecture. Our thanks to the following people: Linda Stewart for the lecture; Faraj and Yasuko for hosting; to Kim Marin and Pat Tanabe who plan and coordinated the meeting and for always finding interesting educational speakers; and finally, thanks to all the members who attended on such a hot day. If you are interested in joining the Hidden Meadows Garden Club, please email Kim Marin at Kimgroggmarin@gmail.com or Pat Tanabe at zlotanabe@gmail.com. age” above.) When they got back, we all met up to hit the local watering holes and shops.

Last stop was Ketchikan and I have to say the kayak excursion was the most awesome thing. Led by a great guide named Sarah, our group was just 8 kayaks. I’d never known such peace and calmness, out on the water. We met up with a pod of HUGE sea lions who vocalized a lot just to remind us of our place in their world. An eagle, sea stars (fka ‘star fish’) and of course the main attraction - whales. You DO need to keep a legal distance of about 100 yards but to see the bubbles, spouts and tails of these giants, was simply incredible.

Also in Ketchikan, a Lumberjack Show! I was really looking forward to this and it did not disappoint. I had no idea that “Timber Sports” was a thing. Affordable and very entertaining; more so if you wear your flannel shirts 12. That night we enjoyed the stunning amber colors of a Ketchikan sunset. Hard to describe, but beautiful to behold; this was our last evening on the ship, and we treated ourselves to a Fine Dining dinner.

Back to Vancouver; then Seattle and San Diego. Back home to reality. I’m reminded that where WE live, is also a travel destination for people from other places.

Travel makes the world smaller and more interesting, and provides us with opportunities we might have missed. Go while you can.

said. “We now run four months, and I guess we get 60,000-70,000 over the course. That’s a guess, based on what it was in the past. Some evenings we think it will be average and we show up and there’s 10,000 people. On others it’s 3,000-4,000.

Events & Information - Parking for event-era cars is on Grand Avenue and side streets, from Escondido to Ivy Street.

- “Reserved” parking area for local/regional 73 and earlier American made car clubs who pre-reserve a night.

- Awards weekly for five selected cars. No pre-registration. No fees.

Just fun!

- Restaurants cafes, pubs, specialty retail stores open late.

- Family-friendly features Hula Hoops, Name That Tune contests, and more.

2026 HIDDEN MEADOWS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION’S SCHEDULED EVENTS FOR Hidden Meadows and Rim Rock Residents Please visit our Website at www.hiddenmeadowsfoundation.org for additional information regarding Events and Programs here in the Meadows.

Donations can be made via Zelle at HMCFDonate@yahoo.com or www.HiddenMeadows.news/donate EXTRA, EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT

_______________________________________________________________ HMCF Sock Hop Volunteer Appreciation Night Wednesday, June 24th ● 6pm- 9pm Side Yard Public House

_______________________________________________________________ HMCF Community Garage Sale ● Saturday June 27th 8am-1● Contact Jen Hill at JennHill68@gmail.com for info

_______________________________________________________________ HMCF 4Th of July Event ●10am -1pm Location: Home Smart , The Market and Side Yard Parking lots Fun For All ● Parade starts at 11am

HMCF Hot August Bingo Night Fundraiser Wednesday, August 19th● 5pm – 8pm Location : Side Yard Public House _______________________________________________________________ HMCF Maker’s Market, Saturday September 19th● 10am - 1pm Location to be determined ● Fun for all local Hidden Meadows and Rim Rock members, local businesses and vendors.

If you would like to participate as a Hidden Meadows vendor, please contact Dawn at the HMSellersFaire@gmail.com _______________________________________________________________ Additional Events being planned *Trunk or Treat -Saturday, October 24th - 10am – Noon *Turkey Trot - Thursday, November 26th - 8am *Toys for Tots/Car Show Saturday, December 5th - 10am – Noon

CIGAR From Page 8

hosts and continuing to draw interest from across the community.

While cigars are part of the theme, the focus is less on formality and more on fostering friendships and strengthening neighborhood ties.

Attendees described the evening as laid-back and engaging, with plenty of laughter, storytelling, and the kind of easy conversation that defines small-community life.

Events like these highlight the unique character of Hidden Meadows, where residents value both privacy and opportunities to come together.

Organizers emphasize that everyone is welcome, whether longtime

residents or those new to the area.

The goal is simple: create a consistent opportunity for neighbors to meet, unwind, and enjoy each other’s company.

For more information or to join a future gathering, interested residents can reach out to Jean Louis Clement via email at jlstsi@yahoo.com or by text at 760-529-2031.

As the Hidden Meadows Cigar Lounge Social continues to grow, it serves as a reminder that sometimes the strongest communities are built not through large events, but through simple, recurring moments of connection.

10 — Hidden Meadows News • May/June 2026 www.HiddenMeadows.news

April – HMGC visit to Temecula Valley Rose Society’s (TVRS) Rose Haven Heritage Garden

By Pat Tanabe/resident On a mild spring day, the Hidden Meadows Garden Club paid a visit to Rose Haven Heritage Garden, a creation by the Temecula Valley Rose Society. The garden is preparing for its 35th anniversary festivities this October. Spanning 3.4 acres, it was established thanks to a grant from the Metropolitan Water District and now boasts 2,000 rose bushes alongside a variety of gardens, trees, plants, and sculptures.

Our guide, Rebecca Weersing— past president and dedicated volunteer for TVRS—welcomed us.

At the entrance, she highlighted a quote from Ralph Waldo Emer-

son’s essay “Beauty” in Nature, etched into the pathway: “To the attentive eye, each moment of the year has its own beauty, and in the same field, it beholds, every hour, a picture which was never seen before, and which shall never be seen again”. She then pointed out the labyrinth we stood within, explaining that unlike a maze, which has multiple routes and dead ends, a labyrinth leads along one path to the center. This particular labyrinth is listed on the Worldwide Labyrinth Locator at labyrinthlocator. org, which TVRS hopes will attract additional visitors. Walking meditatively through the labyrinth

offers a unique garden experience.

The grounds feature various rose collections, such as Hall of Fame Roses, Peace Garden, and old garden roses, as well as other themed spaces. One highlight is the Tree of Life Garden, designed with pathways mimicking the shape of a tree. It serves both educational and demonstration purposes, cultivating fruits, vegetables, grapes, and culinary or medicinal herbs— many of which belong to the Rose family, including apples, pears, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Last year alone, this section provided 700 pounds of produce for donation. Another no-

table area is the Rebecca Weersing Pollinator Garden, filled with native plants that attract pollinators vital to local gardens, farms, and vineyards.

Throughout the property, visitors encounter an array of fascinating features. Among the diverse trees are ginkgo, a pair of redwood trees, desert willow, yew pine, cork oak—which will soon be ready for harvest—and an old pepper tree with a knotted trunk and shaded benches beneath its branches. A scenic gazebo offered the perfect spot for our group photo above the gardens, while a tranquil pond with HMGC See Page 11

Mountain Meadow PRD By: PRD 102 Committee Hidden Meadows residents and guests travelling northward on Mountain Meadow at Vista Montanoso have probably noticed the above sign, but I don’t think too many have bothered to ponder, “okay if not the county, who does do the maintenance?”. Well, for the few who might have been curious, the answer is the combined owners of those properties outside the county-maintained area, via an association called a Permanent Road Division. A PRD is a district formed under California State Law by area property owners for the purpose of maintaining and/or improving their private roads. The total cost of the work is paid for by property owners through assessments or special taxes placed on the tax rolls.

Mountain Meadow PRD was established in 1980 as County Service Area 102. At the time of the PRD’s inception, the county performed an analysis of projected road maintenance costs.

Those costs were then apportioned to the properties within the PRD using a methodology that assigns what are called equivalent benefit units (EBUs) to each parcel as a way to measure the relative benefit to be received. In PRD 102 factors such as the size of the parcel and whether it is improved determine EBU’s. The majority (61%) of the 462 parcels are assigned two EBU’s, 22% are assigned one, 15% three and 1% four. The initial calculation resulted in an assessment of $122 per benefit unit.

Road sign demarcating responsibility of PRD

The PRD 102 Committee is currently comprised of Ron Piritz (chair), Charlie Marks, Chris Nelson, Steve Robertson, and Paul Schoos. If you have any questions In 1993 the homes of Rimrock were or wish to report a non-emergency road issue you can added to the County Service Area provid- email the PRD committee at HiddenMeadowsPRD@ ing access and emergency egress to that yahoo.com or talk to one of the committee members. community via Meadow Glen Way West For emergencies that present an immediate risk to the and Meadow Mesa Lane. Approval of the public (e.g. car swallowing sink-hole) you should call Rimrock development was conditioned 911 and then contact the after-hours urgent road hazard on the residents of the community joining number for North County (858) 565-5262. and participating in the PRD. In June of 2000, the name County Service Area was changed to PRD 102 when the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved the establishment of a Countywide PRD structure in accordance with state law and the allowable maximum for the PRD 102 assessment was set at $150 per EBU. PRD 102 maintains nineteen private roads in Hidden Meadow totaling 6.24 miles which makes it one of the largest PRDs in the county. The PRD starts at Vista Montanoso / Rocky Ridge and covers most paved roads north of that. (If you want to see the map of the actual roads included you can go to the San Diego County Department of Public Works map website and click on Mountain Meadow PRD 102: https://www.sandiegocounty. gov/content/sdc/dpw/specialdistricts/prd/ prd-maps.html) Currently property owners in PRD 102 receive an annual tax assessment of $75 per EBU as approved in 2003. The average assessment is $144.27 which funds an annual operating budget of just over $60,000, about $10,000 per mile of road. Spending is prioritized first for emergency repairs, then general repairs, and lastly, when funds are available, preventative maintenance.

San Diego County staff evaluates and recommends all project maintenance plans and associated costs and ensures that all work done is consistent with sound construction practices. County staff presents their recommendations to a “PRD Committee” comprised of volunteer property owners who review and comment on the yearly plan and work with county staff on the plan’s implementation. While the PRD Committee serves in an advisory role all final decisions are the responsibility of County DPW staff. District funds are handled as public monies. This means that the County must follow purchasing and contracting requirements of the County Purchasing Department which calls for a competitive bid process. Any road work funded by the district must be done by State Licensed and insured contractors, and the work product must be inspected by the County.

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 Pat Tanabe - Hidden Meadows News Local Editor Donate via Zelle: HMCFDonate@yahoo.com Donate online: www.HiddenMeadows.news/donate

Hidden Meadows News • May/June 2026 www.HiddenMeadows.news — 11 HMGC at the gazebo in the Rose Haven Heritage Garden

HMGC From Page 10

water lilies, turtles, and koi added to the charm. Our lunch took place in a cool, sheltered picnic area. The morning provided a delightful opportunity

to appreciate the splendor of the garden.If you are interested in joining the Hidden Meadows Garden Club, please e-mail Kim Marin at Kimgroggmarin@gmail.com or Pat Tanabe at zlotanabe@gmail.com.

L-R Scholarship applicant Joy Cowden, Amy Cowden

Alex and Shari Petric

Hidden Meadows Community Foundation’s Scholarship Fundraiser Event at the Side Yard Public House

By Vickey Ciarlanti/Resident The Hidden Meadows Community Foundation recently held the Scholarship Program Fundraiser at the Side Yard Public House here in Hidden Meadows. The March 19th event was a success, with a percentage of food sale proceeds generously donated to the Hidden Meadows Scholarship Program.

The fundraiser event at the Side Yard was not only a fun-filled evening with neighbors and friends, but also an opportunity to meet three of the scholarship applicants themselves. As our high-school seniors gear up to apply for scholarships, the Foundation plays a pivotal role in helping them achieve their academic aspirations.

Scholarship interviews will take place on Thursday, April 30th, from 6 pm- 8 pm at the Side Yard. This is

an opportunity for the applicants to showcase their achievements to the Scholarship Committee Members.

All scholarship recipients will be notified via email of the results of their application by Thursday, May 7th. Finally, the Scholarship Awards Dinner will be held on Thursday, May 21st at the Side Yard from 6 pm – 8 pm.

Thank you for the unwavering support and vision of Shari and Alex Petric. Their dedication to fostering a sense of community is evident in every aspect of the Side Yard and its operations. Shari, Alex and Jake, the Hidden Meadows Community Foundation and community members extend heartfelt gratitude for enriching our neighborhood with such a wonderful establishment and continued support.

If you would like to donate to the

Scholarship applicant Max Keiser and family

L-R Danie Walther, Ellen Koury, Harlan Gruenstern, Rob Enfield, Jeff Ciarlanti, Doreen Thawley

Hidden Meadows Community Foundation, please go to hiddenmeadows.news/donate/ or visit our website at hiddenmeadowsfoundation.org.

12 — Hidden Meadows News • May/June 2026 www.HiddenMeadows.news

The 76th annual Valley Center Western Days parade is just about two weeks away. Excitement is building since Korean War hero, ace and Medal of Honor recipient USN Capt. (retired) Royce Williams will be the Grand Marshal.

Besides being extra special since the parade returns to the Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 23, the theme is: “Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday.” Bring your red/white/blue outfits and American Flags!

The parade will run between 10 a.m.-noon. Valley Center Road will be closed to through traffic beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Before the parade there will also be a 5K Run and the FFA will prepare

the traditional pancake breakfast from about 7 a.m.-10 a.m.

The road signs showing where the road closures and detours will be will be going up soon.

This week was the last to register for the parade and have the entry listed in the upcoming Western Days issue of the Valley Magazine—but you can still be in the parade. Sign up here: www.WesternDaysParade.org The parade is sponsored by the Valley Center Western Days Parade Committee and Valley Center Business Association. Questions? Contact Parade Chairwoman Laura Gordon at: Parade@WesternDays.org or text the Western Days hotline: 760-440-VCWD (8293).

Proudly Nominated for Best of North County 2026 22 Nominations Between Our Two Businesses — An Incredible Honor!

We’re beyond honored that both Side Yard Public House and The Market at Hidden Meadows have been nominated for Best of North County 2026.

With nearly 300,000 votes cast, being recognized among so many incredible businesses means everything to us. We’re so grateful for our community’s support!

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SIDE YARD: • NEW Taco Tuesday – Launching Cinco de Mayo!

• Padres Game Happy Hour – Game-time specials • Bottomless Mimosas EVERY Sunday ‘til 2PM • NEW Beer Buckets (Domestic + Imports) – Coming Soon!

• Food Specials Every Friday & Saturday • LIVE MUSIC Returns Mid-May! 10326 Meadow Glen Way E., Escondido, CA 92026 • 760.297.1051 • sideyardph.com •

SideYardPublicHouse •

@SideyardPH