HMN - November 2025

November 2025

NEWS

Vol 9 No 9

Hidden Meadows Celebrates Halloween with a Spooktacular Trunk or Treat Event

By Michelle Zipse / Resident

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The spirit of Halloween was alive and well in Hidden Meadows on Saturday, October 25, as families gathered for the annual Trunk or Treat event. With more than 25 decorated trunks participating, this

year’s celebration was one of the most creative and festive yet.

The community came together in full costume and high spirits, transforming the parking area into a magical mix of spooky, silly, and spectacular scenes. The trunks

showcased everything from classic Halloween frights to clever themed displays that delighted visitors of all ages.

A number of participants received special recognition for their creHALLOWEEN See Page 11

2 — Hidden Meadows News • November 2025 www.HiddenMeadows.news

Hidden Meadows Neighbors Celebrate July 4th in True Community Spirit

By Michelle Zipse The lower parking lot of Boulder Oaks Golf Club was alive with red, white, and blue on July 4th as neighbors from across Hidden Meadows came together to celebrate Independence Day with patriotic pride, laughter, and plenty of fun.

Small American flags were handed out to every attendee as families gathered to share in the festivities. A kids’ activities table was buzzing with energy, where young participants made crafts and left happily clutching goodie bags.

Before the parade began, the crowd stood for the National Anthem—beautifully performed in American Sign Language by Emma Gutierrez, adding an extra layer of meaning to the moment.

Parade participants lined up behind the Conkle

family, who proudly carried the neighborhood’s July 4th banner. From there, it was a colorful procession of decorated rides, wagons, costumes, and smiling faces. The golf carts and ATV followed the pedestrians.

Several contests added extra excitement to the day. Beth Kline and Jean-Louis Clement took home the prize for Most Patriotic Ride, thanks to their brilliantly decorated ATV. The Most Patriotic Girl under 4 was awarded to twins Sammy and Brodie, while Emmet Orlowski earned the title of Most Patriotic Boy 4 and under. Titus, a beloved pup paraded by Robin Rabens, charmed everyone as the Most Patriotic Fur Baby.

The celebration also featured hula hoop contests, which drew big cheers from the crowd.

Olivia Marjanovic spun her way to victory in the 11 year-old and older group, while Lilliana Knack took the top spot in the 5-to-10 year old category. In true community spirit, every child under 5 was declared a winner and went home with bubbles and wands as prizes.

Special thanks go to the event judges—Jamie Gutierrez, Erin Amos, Kylie Thompson, and Summe Lobue—who had the tough job of selecting winners among so many fantastic participants.

The Hidden Meadows July 4th celebration was more than just a parade—it was a reminder of the neighborhood’s strong community spirit, where families, friends, and neighbors come together to honor the nation’s birthday in a warm, welcoming, and joy-filled way.

Hidden Meadows News • November 2025 www.HiddenMeadows.news — 3

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Hidden Meadows News is a free monthly publication mailed directly to approximately 1700 addresses within and near the Hidden Meadows area of postal route 92026. Hidden Meadows News is published in affiliation with the community of Hidden Meadows and Hidden Meadows Community Foundation. Our liability for errors and omissions on ads is limited to the price of the ad for a single issue run.

Opinions expressed by Hidden Meadows Community Foundation, columnists and articles are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the newspaper.

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SUBMIT CONTENT Deadline for local article submission: 20th of the month for the next issue. Photographs 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 Patricia Fox LocalEditor@HiddenMeadows.news Advertising Joshua Sibelius Advertising@HiddenMeadows.news

4 — Hidden Meadows News • November 2025 www.HiddenMeadows.news

HMWSG Halloween Dinner

By Pat Tanabe / Resident The October Halloween Dinner hosted by the Hidden Meadows Women’s Social Group (HMWSG) was a spectacular celebration filled with spooky fun, creative costumes, and festive cheer. Hosted at Laure Laprais’ beautiful home, with her energetic co-host Diana Procter, the entire house was transformed into a haunted haven, setting the perfect scene for a night of Halloween revelry. The house was decked out with spider webs draping every surface, bloody footprints and handprints haunting the walls and floors, and creepy paintings of skulls and bones adding to the eerie atmosphere.

String lights in purple and orange twined around the house, while glowing eyeballs and spiders created a chilling ambiance that delighted all who entered. The themed decorations extended to the food and drinks, which were creatively presented to match the spooky setting. Guests sipped on a ghoulish blue sparkling lemonade, while mandarin oranges with celery “stems” resembled tiny pumpkins. Mini marshmallows nestled in apple slices served as “teeth” in a creepy smile, and sausage rolls shaped like a giant arattlesnake added a savory, sinister touch.

The highlight of the night was the costume contest. Attendees dressed in a wide array of creative and spooky costumes, vying for the top votes.

The winners, who got to select their prize, included Pat Buntin as a girl gorilla, Pat Tanabe as Asian Barbie, Dee Spiller as a scary green-faced witch, and Lala as a spooky skeleton. The competition was fierce, with costumes ranging from a sexy lobster, saloon girl, hippie, and pirate to witches—including one from the Salem Witch Trials, masquerade characters, and even an ant! Adding a special touch to the festivities, the most-voted costumes were able to pick their unique ceramic ghost figurine crafted by the talented Diana Procter. These adorable ghost favors, dressed in witches’ hats or as animals like cats, dogs, and bunnies, were given to all attendees as a memento of the fun-filled night. Everyone left with a smile, a new spooky friend, which was a delightful piece of art to remember the evening. The Halloween HMWSG dinner was a perfect blend of creativity, camaraderie, and Halloween spirit—an event that will surely be remembered until next October’s spooky celebration!

As the women arrived, they were greeted with two fun contests. The first was to guess the weight of a giant zucchini decorated with eyes, a nose, and teeth—won by Dee Spiller. The second was to estimate the number of candy corn in a jar, with Pia Courser taking home the prize. Throughout dinner, another game was underway: each woman had the name of a famous woman taped to her back. They asked yes/no questions to their fellow guests to figure out which iconic woman they represented—adding lots of laughter and lively conversation to the evening.

Gorilla Girl – Pat Buntin

Ant” Laure Laprais

Meredith Kifer & Susan Crandall

L-R Top - Dee Spiller, Shannon Antekeier, Debbie Lai, Rochelle Weber L-R Bottom – Lynn Wheeler, Lisa Saget

Masquerade-scary-costumes

“Goody” Procter & “Asian Barbie” Pat Tanabe

Hidden Meadows News • November 2025 www.HiddenMeadows.news — 5

Hidden Meadows Seller’s Faire:

Handcrafted Creativity and Community Spirit Shine

By Michelle Zipse / Resident The Hidden Meadows Seller’s Faire brought another lively day of creativity, community, and connection to the lower parking lot of the Boulder Oaks Golf Club on Sunday, October 12. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., more than 40 talented vendors gathered for this maker’s market, showcasing an inspiring variety of handmade goods and artisan creations that highlight the spirit of our community.

Each Seller’s Faire focuses on locally made, handcrafted items—and this fall edition did not disappoint. Among the many creative vendors, Mihaly Meadows drew attention with her beautifully hand-crafted soaps and lotions. Her magnesium cream, in particular, was a crowd favorite— praised for its relaxing, sleep-enhancing qualities.

Nearby, Penny’s Plants delighted shoppers with her artistic plant displays. Penny’s booth featured lush staghorn ferns, air plants, and faux succulents presented in colorful Talavera pots. She also creates stunning crystal and glass sun catchers and greeting cards featuring her own nature photography.

Bernadette Carvalho impressed attendees with her unique handmade greeting cards and paper crafts—each one a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

Pure Passion Jams and Nut Butters, a Vistabased business, tempted visitors with sugar-free jams, breads, and nut butters, all made locally with care and creativity.

Our own Lynn Wheeler represented Wild Wonders, a local wildlife education center that offers private tours, animal encounters, and even wedding venues. Visitors learned about their upcoming “Boo at the Zoo” events on October 18–19 FAIRE See Page 9

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6 — Hidden Meadows News • November 2025 www.HiddenMeadows.news

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Hidden Meadows is home to many fascinating people, each with a story worth telling — but few lives compare to that of Royce Williams. Now 100 years old, Royce’s journey from a small-town boy to a decorated war hero reads like something out of a Hollywood film.

Royce was born in Wilmont, South Dakota, into a family of homesteaders who built sod homes on the cold plains of the Midwest. When he was 11, his family moved to Clinton, Minnesota, where he spent his teenage years. It was there, just after the attack on Pearl Harbor, that his father encouraged Royce and his older brother to enlist and serve their country. Royce was only 16 years old.

Two months after Pearl Harbor, his remarkable military career began — one that would span 37 years, take him around the world, and see him rise through the ranks as aviation technology evolved from canvas biplanes to powerful jet fighters.

While his career included countless missions and honors, it’s one “secret mission” during the Korean War that forever etched Royce’s name into military legend.

During an aerial engagement with Russian MiG fighter jets — the number of which is still debated, ranging from three to seven — Lt. Williams found himself alone in the sky, vastly outnumbered. In a dogfight that lasted 35 minutes, he managed to shoot down five enemy aircraft, sustaining heavy damage to his own F9F Panther. When he finally landed back on the USS Oriskany, the jet was riddled with 263 bullet holes, and every one of its 760 rounds of 20mm ammunition had been fired.

For intelligence reasons, the mis-

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Hidden Meadows News • November 2025 www.HiddenMeadows.news — 7

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8 — Hidden Meadows News • November 2025 www.HiddenMeadows.news

Linda’s Native Garden

By Linda Collins-Mitchell / Resident

Two years ago, I made the decision to begin converting my yard to native plants that are unique to our microenvironment here in Hidden Meadows. Through volunteering with the Escondido Creek Conservancy on their restoration project at the Mountain Meadow Preserve, I have gained valuable knowledge and experience. As you walk through any undeveloped area in our neighborhood, you can spot some of these native plants. While they may appear a bit shaggy at the moment, most of them can be trimmed and shaped to fit your garden preferences.

Some of the easiest native plants to grow include black sage, California sage, and monkey flower. Additionally, ceanothus, buckwheat, and Mountain Mahogany thrive once established and require no further care. Sugar bush, lemonade berry, and elderberry are also well-suited to our area. (I personally avoid Laurel Sumac because I am allergic to it, and it can quickly take over a space.)

I am currently adding Hollyleaf Red Berry, Hollyleaf Cherry, Chaparral Mallow, and a few colorful annuals that are not commonly seen around here but do grow in our region. The San Diego Native Plant Society offers seeds for many

of these plants, and I look forward to attending their annual sales. I have purchased seeds for San Diego Sunflower and California Fuchsia, as well as potted plants like Wooly Blue Curls and Showy Penstemon, among others.

If you are interested in researching native plants, Calscape.org is a wonderful resource.

The site allows you to search for plants by pollinators, butterflies, drought tolerance, and more.

My long-term goal is to create an attractive native landscape across my 4.5 acres. While this will take years to achieve, I am truly enjoying the process of learning about these plants and transforming my yard.

Hidden Meadows News • November 2025 www.HiddenMeadows.news — 9

Cigar Lounge Social

Hidden Meadows Cigar Lounge Social: A Relaxed Gathering of Neighbors

By Michelle Zipse / Resident The Hidden Meadows Cigar Lounge Social held its fourth gathering on Saturday, October 18, at 4 p.m. on the outdoor patio of the Boulder Oaks Golf Club. With a strong turnout and two new members—Aaron and Dirk—joining the group, the event proved once again that this laid-back meetup is becoming a favorite local tradition.

The Cigar Lounge Social meets on the third Saturday of each month, offering neighbors a relaxed opportunity to unwind, enjoy a cigar, share a drink, and connect with friends old and new. The setting at the Boulder Oaks patio provides the perfect backdrop—open air, good conversation, and the easy camaraderie that defines Hidden Meadows.

Organizer Jean Louis Clement describes the group as a casual, welcoming space where anyone who enjoys the occasional cigar and friendly company can feel at home. “It’s a great way to meet neighbors, swap stories, and just enjoy the evening,” he said.

Residents interested in joining the next gathering can find more information on the group’s Facebook page at: Hidden Meadows Cigar Lounge Social or by contacting Jean Louis Clement directly at jlstsi@yahoo.com or 760-529-2031.

Whether you’re a cigar enthusiast or simply looking for a friendly place to relax and connect, the Hidden Meadows Cigar Lounge Social offers a warm welcome—and plenty of good conversation—to all who stop by.

FAIRE From Page 5

LARRY E. HERMAN

and 25–26 at 6 p.m.—a fun and educational outing for families.

Double Eagle, another crowd favorite, offered handmade goat milk soaps, lotions, and other body products. The company’s name pays tribute to its owners—two retired Navy nurses, both Captains—whose passion and craftsmanship shine through in every product.

For the kids, Paintable Labubus provided hands-on fun with 3D-printed succulent planters made from recycled plastic. These imaginative creations combined art, sustainability, and family-friendly entertainment—always a hit at the Faire.

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The Fire Safety Council was also on-site, offering valuable information to residents about fire preparedness and upcoming safety events—a timely reminder during the fall fire season.

The Bake Sale was another highlight, featuring an array of homemade treats prepared by our talented local bakers. And as always, the electronic recycling station gave residents a convenient way FAIRE See Page 10 to responsibly dispose of old or unused electronics.

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10 — Hidden Meadows News • November 2025 www.HiddenMeadows.news FAIRE From Page 9

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the final Seller’s Faire of the year on Sunday, November 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The November Faire will have a holiday theme, featuring festive goods and gift ideas from local artisans. The ever-popular knife sharpener will return— so bring your kitchen knives and garden tools for a fresh edge. And of course, the bake sale will be back with more delicious treats to kick off the holiday season.

The Seller’s Faire is not just a market—it’s a celebration of the Hidden Meadows community: local creativity, neighborly spirit, and small businesses supporting one another.

If you’d like to get involved, volunteer, or learn more about upcoming events, email hmsellersfaire@gmail.com. To stay up to date on everything happening in Hidden Meadows, visit the Hidden Meadows Foundation website at www.hiddenmeadowsfoundation.org

HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS 911:

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211: Emergency and nonemergency county information hotline Animal Services: 619-299-7012 CAL FIRE/Fire Information hotline: 619-590-3160 California Highway Patrol: 858-637-3800

Deer Springs Fire Protection District Station 1 Headquarters: 760-749-8001 Station 2 Deer Springs: 760-741-5512 Station 3 Hidden Meadows: 760-751-0820 Burn Permits: 760-749-8001 Road Conditions/ Closures: Cal Trans 800-427-7623 or www.traffic.com

SUBMIT CONTENT FOR HMN Deadline for local article submission: 17th of the

Going Native: The Wildly Entertaining Adventure of Using Native Plants in Your Garden

By Linda Collins / Resident If you’ve ever looked at your garden and thought, “Wow, this is nice, but I wish it were less work and more like a spa day for local bees,” then you’re ready to jump on the native plant bandwagon. Not only are native plants the ultimate lowmaintenance guests, but they also know how to throw a party for butterflies, birds, and every pollinator in the neighborhood.

Native plants are like the hometown heroes of the plant world. They’ve grown up in your area, know the local weather, and are fluent in the language of your soil. Unlike those high-maintenance imports that need fancy fertilizers and more drama than a reality TV show, native plants are chill. They’re adapted to your climate and often thrive on their own—sometimes to the point where you’ll wonder if you’re even needed anymore.

Native plants are Basically Superheroes: • They Save Water: Native plants are drought-tolerant and won’t guzzle your water supply like a thirsty camel on vacation.

• No Drama Queens: Forget about endless pruning, spraying, and apologizing to your neighbors for last year’s dandelion invasion. Native plants want you to relax.

• Pollinators Love Them: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds will show up in droves, turning your garden into “The Place to Be.” • They’re Tough Cookies: Forget about babying them through frost, heatwaves, or the occasional squirrel stampede. Native plants have seen it all.

PLANTS See Page 12

Hidden Meadows Community Resources and Organizations

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

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

Contact Info: Erik Tyler 442-235-9060 erikdtyler@gmail.com

Hidden Meadows Community Foundation (HMCF)

Deer Springs Fire Safe Council Contact Steve Kerrin at 760-807-1141.

Homeowners Associations

Debbie Lai

The Meadows Homes Association (MHA) 760-749-7278

Pete Tomaszek, Director Lynn Wheeler, Director

Editor Patricia Fox Median Maintenance Paul Schoos, Chair Donate via Zelle: HMCFDonate@yahoo.com Donate online: www.HiddenMeadows.news/donate

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.

Rob Enfield, Director

Melissa Tomaszek, Director

Garden Club Contact Kim Marin kimgroggmarin@gmail.com or Pat Tanabe zlotanabe@gmail.com

Please join our facebook group: Hidden Meadows Neighborhood Watch We’ll share neighborhood information, safety tips, and news of future events.

Heather Davila, Director

Pat Tanabe, Director

Organizations

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

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 Women’s Social Group email to hmwsg92026@gmail.com.

Restoring California

By Idalia Rewar Leave it to those in charge of the Hidden Meadows Garden Club to find an interesting and different event this month of October. Oh, my goodness, I had no idea what this event was all about, even though the e-mail sent gave us a clue. A very pleasant surprise was in store for us. As the members arrived, a young man appeared, was very friendly and cordial. The event took place at “Restoring California” a natural landscaping and garden design company located in a quiet residential neighborhood in San Marcos. It is a small family-oriented business operated by brothers Vincent and Daniel Bellino. The business was born in 2016, in 2017 volunteers entered the business, and in 2021 they hired help.

The Bellino family bought their home and an adjoining rental property next door which is adjacent to two acres of park land. The Homeowners Association acquired the park land and subsequently hired the Bellino brothers to landscape the park. Vincent Bellino, part-owner and our tour guide, introduced the motivation and purpose of their business - the family’s desire to make a living doing what they love,

transforming conventional landscaping into sustainable, natural, native gardens. We followed Vincent around the residential properties as he introduced us to the various native grasses, shrubs and trees used in the landscape.

He discussed the plants’ requirements, their environment, and their water needs. He led us onto one of the house’s patios, which is a nice area to enjoy the surroundings. Vincent discussed this area’s water filtering system. He only waters once a week here because its shaded and always damp, which makes it an ideal environment for the plants growing here. I asked if there were any pretty flowers, he stated that since it is late summer, there was not much blooming in the heat, but when Spring comes its much more colorful.

He then stated: “Are we ready for a hike?” So off we went to the park next door adjacent to their rental house. We started our walk up a slight hill into the park. Again, Vincent pointed out different areas of grass and shrubs and explained their purpose for planting these in the park.

They are experimenting with wood chips to suppress weeds, but you get to a point where it is too thick and then

ROYCE From Page 6

sion was classified for more than 50 years.

Many believed the Panther had been pushed overboard, but Admiral Sheldon later confirmed it was refurbished and reused. When the details were finally declassified, Royce’s heroism came to light — and he has since been awarded the Navy Cross and nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor, a distinction rarely given to living servicemen.

Among Royce’s most cherished memories is his meeting with President Dwight D. Eisen-

Hidden Meadows News • November 2025 www.HiddenMeadows.news — 11

difficult to wheelbarrow to the other areas using mulch. Other areas have different treatments to suppress weeds like groundcover with sage brush and some buckwheat. We walked on to an area where there were large boulders, forming a natural playground for kids to play. Vincent said that the rocks in the park are from when they built this development, and they piled the rocks from building the houses in the park.

Large areas of grass were planted and are now being removed and replaced with native grasses and other planting.

Currently there are a couple of natural grass areas which will be expanded to allow for larger sitting and playing areas. Vincent wants the grassy areas to be concentrated in one area as opposed to having small patches interspersed throughout the park. A garden club member asked Vincent from what nurseries he would recommend purchasing native plants, and he recommended the following: Native West Nursery (San Diego), Moosa Creek Nursery (Valley Center) and Tree of Life Nursery (Rancho Mission Viejo).

The Bellino family looks forward to the park being more developed so residents could use the park as a place to gather, relax, host a birthday party or a wedding, and enjoy the park with their families. There are 156 homes

in the area. The HOA feels that the park improvements (landscaping) will increase the value of the community, while keeping the HOA ($50/month) as low as possible. Thankfully, they’ve received rebate money for removing the lawn areas. The park is cared for by volunteers, who got together to plant shrubs that were irrigated for their first two years. Vincent and his brother Daniel work here every Friday.

They get free mulch which volunteers spread. The mulched areas have not irrigated for the past 4-5 years. When it rains, this area greens up, which speaks to the viability of nature and the native plant’s ability to survive. When Vincent speaks, one senses his passion, commitment, and dedication to enhancing our environment and to creating a lovely, healthy place to visit and live. Thanks to Pat Tanabe for arranging the event, to Vincent Bellino and his brother for enhancing our environment, and to the Hidden Meadow Garden Club members who showed up on such a hot day.

It was quite a different and educational experience.

If you are interested in joining the Hidden Meadows Garden Club, email Kim Marin at Kimgroggmarin@gmail.com or Pat Tanabe at pat.tanabe@3zconsulting.com

hower. When Eisenhower, newly elected, visited the Korean front, he requested to meet just one man — Lt. Royce Williams.

day forward, Scotch became his drink of choice, a small tribute to an unforgettable moment in an extraordinary life.

As Royce recalls, “All the upper brass wanted to come along, but Ike pulled me right into his office, sat me in a chair, and put his arm around me.” The President asked what he’d like to drink. True to his Midwestern roots, Royce replied, “A bourbon and water, Mr. President.”

Eisenhower smiled and countered, “Are you sure? We have some mighty good Scotch here.”

Now, at 100, Royce Williams lives quietly here in Hidden Meadows, surrounded by friends, neighbors, and admirers who are honored to share a community with one of America’s greatest living heroes.

Royce laughed and agreed — and from that

His story is a testament not only to courage and survival, but to the spirit of a generation that helped shape the world we live in today.

HALLOWEEN From Page 1

ativity and effort. The Most Creative award went to the Woodruff Family, whose imaginative Toy Story theme stole the show—complete with Woody, Rex the dinosaur, and an array of familiar characters brought to life.

Other standout winners included Stephanie Conkle, who won Best Makeup for her stunning Maleficent transformation, and Amanda DeRisi, who took home Scariest Costume honors for her hauntingly beautiful Raven ensemble. The Grack Family claimed Best Couple, while the Barton Family was named Best Overall for their fantastic group presentation.

Eight lucky kids also walked away with prizes, each receiving a bubble wand and medal for their Best Costume awards—proof that the next generation of Halloween enthusiasts is already full of creativity and charm.

The competition for Best Trunk was fierce, but the top spot went to the Camporese Family, whose pirate-themed display featured a full pi-

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rate ship under attack by a massive octopus. Their attention to detail and enthusiasm made their trunk a clear crowd favorite. The Clement/Klein Family earned Second Place for their delightful Family Farm setup, complete with a John Deere riding tractor for kids to climb on. The Villanueva Family rounded out the winners with their Balloon Twister Trunk, which kept children smiling throughout the morning.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to Foundation Vice President Vickey Ciarlanti, who organized the event and ensured everything ran smoothly. At the Foundation booth, Vickey—playfully dubbed the “Sugar Sheriff”— handed out fun, non-sweet treats, keeping the focus on laughter and creativity rather than just candy.

The evening was filled with joy, laughter, and community spirit—exactly what makes Hidden Meadows such a special place to live. Thank you to all who participated and helped make the event a memorable experience for local families.

We hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween!

For more photos and upcoming community events, visit the Hidden Meadows Foundation website at www.hiddenmeadowsfoundation.org.

12 — Hidden Meadows News • November 2025 www.HiddenMeadows.news

Blue Elderberry

Rushrose

Holly Leaf Cherrty

Showy Penstemon

Yucca PLANTS From Page 10

Search for plants on Calscape.org. Watch for plant sales by the San Diego Native Plant Society or Moosa Creek Nursery. You can also order from Moosa Creek and have the plants delivered to a local nursery to pick up.

Once your native garden is established, you’ll notice some delightful side effects.

Your weekends will be free from endless weeding and watering, and you might start getting mysterious thank-you chirps from local birds. You’ll also have more time to lounge on your patio and brag about your eco-friendly, low-effort masterpiece.

Going native in your garden isn’t just ecofriendly—it’s a fun, rewarding adventure that will leave you with more time, more wildlife, and way fewer headaches. So grab your shovel and a sense of adventure and transform your yard into nature’s favorite hangout. Your garden will love you for it—and so will every buzzing, fluttering, chirping creature in the neighborhood!

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