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Valley Magazine SEPTEMBER 2026

2001-2026

25TH ANNIVERSARY

REMEMBERING

9/11

READING OF THE NAMES

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VA L L E Y C E N T E R

PA UM A VA L L E Y

PA L A

PA L O M A R M O U N TA I N

N. E S C O N D I D O

COMMEMORATING 25 YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE

Twenty-five years later, we climb so we never forget. Join the Rincon Fire Department as we climb in remembrance and honor the victims, heroes and first responders of September 11, 2001.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH 9:00-11:00 AM

HARRAH’S RESORT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Funner, CA 92082 Post-climb food & beverages at Rincon Reservation Road Brewery 25TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE CHALLENGE COIN Presented to the first 50 registered participants

FREE TO THE PUBLIC SCAN TO REGISTER

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Valley Magazine - September 2026 | 3

4 | Valley Magazine - September 2026

Valley Arts

A cultural landmark in the making: Valley Center Art Gallery moves closer to its dream home By FABIOLA GUZMAN Valley Center is on the brink of a cultural transformation. After seven years of planning, organizing, educating, and rallying community support, the Valley Center Art Gallery (VCAG) is closer than ever to securing a permanent home, a dedicated art gallery built right on the Valley Center Library complex grounds. What began as a spark of imagination in 2019 has grown into one of the most ambitious community arts projects in North County. As founding member Barbara Scharnau once recalled, the idea emerged during a visit to the Fallbrook Art Center, when she and fellow artist Gloria Warren asked each other, “Why don’t we have an art gallery in Valley

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Publisher • Justin Salter Editor • David Ross Advertising • Joshua Sibelius Art Director • Kelly Fox Cover by: Lenny Kerbs

CONTRIBUTORS JOHN BALOGH FABIOLA GUZMAN JEANNA HUGHES ED LABRADO

Valley Magazine A Valley Roadrunner Monthly Publication Roadrunner Publications, Inc. PO BOX 2300 / 29115 Valley Center Road Valley Center, CA 92082 760.749.1112 / 888.847.0000 Copyright 2026 © Roadrunner Publications. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from Roadrunner Publications. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of the magazine. Our liability for errors and omissions on ads is limited to the price of the ad for one issue.

Valley Magazine - September 2026 | 5

VCAG members. Judith Wilson Shadzi, Carolyn Warner McGraw, San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones, Zenobia Beckett- Ryken at a Hilltop Winery Event.

The debut of the Valley Center Gallery at Bates Nut Farm, May 23, 2022. From left: Gloria Warren, Judith Shadzi, PJ Campbell, and Barbara Scharnau. Little Foxes and Roses paintings by Joyce Brettell, and frog by Judith Shadzi.

Art Gallery float en route on Valley Center Road.

Center?” That question ignited a movement. From vision to momentum: a community story The early years were filled with determination. With guidance from History Museum historian Bob Lerner, who famously told Scharnau, “Barb, you need to have an art gallery and I’m going to tell you how to get one,” the founding group began the long process of forming a nonprofit, building a board, and raising awareness. Even the COVID pandemic couldn’t extinguish their resolve. By 2021, the team was back in motion, hosting events, building partnerships, and strengthening ties with environmental groups, tribal communities, and local organizations. Their focus on Valley Center’s wildlife and natural beauty led to collaborations with CONNECT, Friends of Hellhole Canyon, Valley Center Trails, and others. At one CONNECT event, wildlife photographer Sandy Zelasko reminded attendees, “Emotion ignites passion and 6 | Valley Magazine - September 2026

passion promotes action.” Fundraising events grew in scale and sophistication. A 2022 gala at Gloria Warren’s home drew more than 85 guests, complete with live music, fine food, donated artwork, and community leaders. Two attendees remarked, “The time has come to have our own art gallery… Bravo.” The momentum continued through public presentations, art exhibits, environmental collaborations, Western Days parade participation, and youth-focused programs. VCAG became a familiar name, and a familiar force in Valley Center. A cultural complex for Valley Center The vision has always been clear: a 4,000-square-foot art gallery built alongside the Valley Center Library and History Museum, forming a unified cultural center for the community. Architect John Dominie’s renderings show a space designed from the ground up to celebrate creativity, with gallery rooms, classrooms, a sculpture garden, a children’s art wall, and dedicated space honoring Native American artists. This gallery will be a place where: • Local and regional artists can exhibit their work • Children and teens can learn, explore, and create • Tribal communities can share cultural art and traditions • Environmental groups can collaborate on nature‑centric exhibits Residents can attend classes, seminars, workshops, and events It will be a hub of creativity — built for the community, by the community. Major progress: The County moves forward The biggest news arrived recently: The County of San Diego’s Department of General Services (Real Estate Division) and County Libraries have informed VCAG that they are moving forward with the proposal to build the gallery on library grounds. The next step is an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA), expected within 30–45 days. Once the ENA is executed, VCAG will launch its capital fundraising campaign, the largest and most exciting phase yet. The model mirrors the successful partnership used by the History Museum: VCAG will raise the capital funds to build the gallery, then turn ownership over to the county, and lease it back at a nominal fee to operate it for the community. This is a monumental milestone. After years of meetings, pre-

The Valley Center Art Gallery’s Flora and Fauna Art Exhibit at the VC Library.

sentations, negotiations, and community outreach, the dream is finally within reach. A call to Valley Center: help build your art gallery The Valley Center Art Gallery has always been powered by community passion, and now, the community’s support is more important than ever. VCAG is inviting: • New members • Donors and sponsors • Volunteers • Artists of all mediums • Local families and youth • Businesses and organizations Every contribution, whether time, talent, or funding, brings Valley Center closer to opening the doors of its own cultural landmark. As VCAG leaders often say, “The library has been very good to us, but it’s time to grow.” And grow we will — together. Be part of Valley Center’s creative future The Valley Center Art Gallery is more than a building project. It is a promise, a promise to future generations that creativity, culture, and community matter. To learn more, become a member, volunteer, donate, or join the movement, visit: www.valleycenterartgallery.org

Judith Shadzi, Tatiana Ovanessoff and Laura Adolph at a fund raiser for Valley Center Art Gallery at the VC Library.

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The County of San Diego is offering $100 rebates for having your septic tank serviced after completing a brief online training. Rebates are limited and open only to residents of unincorporated San Diego County. Go to: http://sandiegocounty.gov/watershedrebates and click on the Septic Rebate Program or scan the QR code to learn how to apply!

Valley Magazine - September 2026 | 7

A group photo of the Valley Center Art Assn’s Senior artist watercolor class.

Senior artist at Hand Clay Class offered by the VC Art Assn.

Valley Art Portrait and figure drawing senior art class.

VC Art Association receives grant to provide seniors (55+) art classes By ED LABRADO The Valley Center Art Association (VCAA) received a $10,000 grant from the San Diego County Senior Community Foundation to provide art classes to seniors living in Valley Center and the surrounding areas. There are very few programs available to our senior residents within the Valley Center/Pauma area. 8 | Valley Magazine - September 2026

Many of our seniors live in remote areas of Valley Center and lack transportation or funds to participate in art classes. Many studies have shown that seniors who socialize and learn new skills tend to be healthier and happier. This grant addresses those issues. This grant provides art materials and instructor fees for art classes which are approximately 3 hours long. These art classes are in various mediums such as watercolor, acrylic painting, drawing & charcoal, pastels, cell phone photography, mixed media, and hand clay sculpture. There is no fee for seniors to attend these art programs and all art materials are provided free of charge Our workshops are orientated to skills development in which art techniques are perfected over a series of classes. Most of our classes are held in the VC library; however, we had several classes at Ridgeview Church in or-

der to make these classes available to residents in East Valley Center. Some upcoming classes will be a cell phone photography class on Wednesday, September 9 and water color classes on December 3 and 10. If you are interested, check the first business day of each month for information about our classes in the VC Library Calendar. Prior registration at the library is required. VCAA and the senior community appreciate the Valley Center Library’s support of senior art. The current grant will expire on December, 31 2026. We will submit another grant request for next year. Hopefully with this funding we can continue this program next year. So far, we have had 31 senior art classes and a total of 421 participants. Many of our seniors will exhibit their art work on November 20 and 21 at the VCAA open art show at the VC library.

Yellow Ribbon Fund FUNDrive® Coordinator Yellow Ribbon Our Goal: $700 Fund 125

Mary Hodson mary@yellowribbonfund.org (623) 853-3157

Large Bags (~20 lbs. per bag)

FUNDrive® Coordinator

Medium Boxes goods, Mary (Household Hodson ~20lbs. per box) mary@yellowribbonfund.org 13 (623) 853-3157 Medium Boxes (Books/Media, ~30lbs. per box) Our Goal: $700

125 Collection Days Community

Large Aug 1 - Sep 17 Bags (~20 lbs. per bag)

Medium Boxes (Household goods, ~20lbs. per box)

Visit our fundraiser page for the collection schedule, information, and to make a pledge. 13

Medium Boxes (Books/Media, ~30lbs. per box)

Community Collection Days Aug 1 - Sep 17

Visit our fundraiser page for the collection FUNDrive® does not accept monetary schedule, information, and to make a pledge. donations, nor does it ask for credit card or payment information.

Clean out your closets for Yellow Ribbon Fund! Yellow Ribbon Fund is hosting a FUNDrive to support our mission of assisting profoundly ill and injured post-9/11 veterans and their families. We are collecting gently used clothing, household goods, books, and media for donation. Your clothing donations will go to thrift stores, and the proceeds will support Yellow Clean out your closets for Yellow Ribbon Ribbon Fund and its veteran families directly. Fund! CALL/TEXT TO ARRANGE A LOCAL PICKUP OR Yellow Ribbon FundLOCATIONS is hosting a FUNDrive to support ALTERNATIVE DROP-OFF our mission of assisting profoundly ill and injured We Arepost-9/11 Collecting veterans and their families. We are collecting gently used clothing, household goods, books, and Clothes: men’s, women's & children's, coats, shoes, media for donation. Your clothing donations will go to scarves, handbags, wallets, fashion accessories, belts, thrift stores, and the proceeds will support Yellow backpacks, etc. Ribbon Fund and its veteran families directly. CALL/TEXT TO ARRANGE A LOCAL PICKUP OR Household Textiles: bedding, comforters, blankets, ALTERNATIVE DROP-OFF LOCATIONS sheets, towels, linen tablecloths, curtains, pillows, etc.

We Are Collecting

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Small Household Goods: kitchen items (such as pots/ pans, dishes, silverware, glasses, & serving pieces andshoes, Clothes: men’s, women's children's, coats, hand-held appliances), home decorative items, knick- belts, scarves, handbags, wallets, fashion accessories, knacks, toys, games, and small electronics. backpacks, etc. Books &Household Media: paperback, hard cover – all genres. Textiles: bedding, comforters, blankets, sheets, towels, linen tablecloths, curtains, pillows, etc. *media needs to be boxed separately Small Household Goods: kitchen items (such as pots/ *no encyclopedias or text books pans, dishes, silverware, glasses, serving pieces and hand-held appliances), home decorative items, knickknacks, toys, games, and small electronics. Books & Media: paperback, hard cover – all genres.

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29209 Cole Grade Road Valley Center, CA 92082 Valley Magazine - September 2026 | 9

Valley Art

Matthew Valdivia, Waȟčázi (Kathy A. Willcuts Garcia - Mnicoujou, Itazipco, & Sicangu (Rosebud Reservation) Lakota), 2026. Giclée archival print. Courtesy of the artist.

10 | Valley Magazine - September 2026

Luiseño baskets were traditionally made with locally gathered materials such as juncus, sumac, deergrass, and yucca.

California Center for the Arts Museum’s Blood Memory has a Valley Center connection The California Center for the Arts Museum will present Blood Memory, a multidisciplinary group exhibition on view September 12, through February 28, 2027. Although this exhibit is in Escondido, many of the art works there have a deep connection to Valley Center, especially to the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians. Blood Memory explores how ancestral knowledge and cultural memory continue to shape the present through contemporary art practices. The exhibition centers the work of regional artists from Native nations and Indigenous communities who consider how ancestral knowledge and lived experience are passed on across generations. Through installation, painting, sculpture, film, photography, fashion, and design, the exhibition presents inheritance as an active and sometimes unsettled process. Histories may be preserved, questioned, reclaimed, or understood anew. The exhibition takes its title from a term developed across the writing of Kiowa author N. Scott Momaday. In his work, memory can extend beyond the limits of an individual life. It may emerge in an intuitive recognition of place, in an ancestral story felt with the force of personal memory, or through relationships sustained by language, oral tradition, imagination, and land. The artists in Blood Memory direct attention toward these forms of inheritance, and investigate how the past remains present in the body, in

A Luiseño basket from the Wasxayam Pomki Museum in Valley Center on the Rincon Reservation.

materials and images, and in the choices artists make now. Participating artists include Esteban Cabeza de Baca, Fox Maxy, Gail Werner, Gerald Clarke, James Luna, Johnny Bear Contreras, Lewis deSoto, the late Robert Freeman, Matthew Valdivia, Sky Hopinka, Summer Herrera, Tiffany Wolfe, X, and XoQUE Art in Motion. A Rincon connection Laurie E. Gonzalez, Tribal Councilmember of the Rincon Band—a tribal member who is very much interested in the arts, explained why she is excited by this exhibit: “I am excited to see our culture, our history and even our struggles reflected in this exhibit in Escondido. This is our territory and to have them acknowledge us is gratifying. We want to be part of the community. We want to contribute. And we haven’t always been allowed to. Hopefully this door will remain open.” She added, “The significance of what you will see reflects pre-contact, contact and where we are today.” She noted that you can explore some of that history at the museum on the Rincon reservation: the Wasxayam Pomki Museum, located at 1 Government Center Lane in Valley Center. “It’s small. It has limited hours. If you call in advance we will gladly open it and give you a tour. We do that for schools and other groups. We want to share who we are and how we have contributed to where we are today as a city, county and a state.” Drawing upon the work of Wa$xayam Pomki Museum The exhibition also includes a presentation organized by Cheryl Madrigal, Cultural Resources Manager of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, drawing upon the work of the Rincon Band’s Wa$xayam Pomki Museum, with special thanks to Cheryl Madrigal and Laurie E. Gonzalez, Tribal Councilmember of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians. We reached out to Cheryl Madrigal to provide some context for Rincon’s contribution to the exhibit. “The Tribe is very pleased to collaborate with the Center on the Blood Memory exhibit,” Madrigal wrote. “The Wa$xayam Pomki Museum, the Rincon Tribal Museum, is honored to have the opportunity to exhibit selections from our collections as part of this upcoming exhibition, including Luiseño baskets that reflect generations of knowledge, artistry, and cultural continuity. Luiseño basketry is much more than the creation of beautiful and Valley Magazine - September 2026 | 11

locally gathered materials such as juncus, sumac, deergrass, and yucca, each requiring knowledge of where and when materials should be gathered and how they should be prepared. Juncus TOOLS colored or carefully dyed to create distinctive may be naturally patterns andFASTENERS designs. Baskets have served many purposes, includPAINT ing gathering, carrying, storing, preparing, and serving food and IRRIGATION Helping the Valley Center TOOLS other materials. The knowledge woven into each basket reflects a FASTENERS Community For Over 50 Years relationship PLUMBING PAINT with plants, seasons, landscapes, and generations of HARDWARE IRRIGATION Luiseño teaching.” WE’RE MORE THAN PLUMBING ELECTRICAL HARDWARE JUST IRRIGATION! Madrigal KEY concluded, CUTTING “We believe Blood Memory will beautiELECTRICAL KEY CUTTING fully marry SCREEN the old REPAIR and the new, demonstrating how traditional SCREEN REPAIR QUIKRETE MATERIALS knowledge and artistic practices continue to inform contempoQUIKRETE MATERIALS $ LAWN & GARDEN & GARDEN rary Native LAWN expression. The exhibit also provides an important INFILTRATOR SYSTEMS $ 25 PURCHASE INFILTRATOR SYSTEMS SEPTIC TANKS opportunity to consider how Native artists are perceived while Cannot be combined with any $5 OFF WATER STORAGE TANKSother offers. Cannot be used for TANKS $25 PURCHASE recognizing SEPTIC that both traditional and contemporary art are sigonline orders. & MUCH MORE Valid thru 09/30/26 WATER STORAGE TANKS nificant expressions of identity, culture, and lived experience. Valid thru 8/30/25 $25 PURCHASE We’re more than & MUCH MORE (760) 749-1213 just irrigation! Through this collaboration, we hope visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the continuing creativity, resilience, and cultural 28511 Cole Grade Rd. Valley Center, CA 92082 We’re more than Tools • Fasteners • Paint • Irrigation • Plumbing vitality of Native artists today.” Hardware • Electrical • Key Cutting • Screen Repair just irrigation! A1.doitbest.com Quikrete Materials • Lawn & Garden • Infiltrator Systems Also included in the exhibit is an extended reality mural projSeptic Tanks • Water Storage Tanks & Much More! ect, Before There Were Borders, organized by Our Worlds. 28511 Cole Rd. Valley Center, CA will 92082 28511 Cole Grade Rd. •Grade Valley Center An opening reception be held Saturday, September 12, 5 to 7 p.m. at the California Center for the Arts Museum. 760.749.1213 Major support is provided by the Henry Luce Foundation, A1.doitbest.com the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, and the California Center for the Arts Charitable Trust. Additional support is provided by George’s Camera, with special thanks to Parker Gallery, Los Angeles; Garth Greenan Gallery, New York; The Odds Art, Paris; and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

functional objects—it carries generations of knowledge, cultural practice, and connection to the land.” She continued, “Luiseño basket makers traditionally work with

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Valley Art Hidden Valley Community Concert Assn. may be the best deal around By DAVID ROSS For more than eight decades the Hidden Valley Community Concert Association (HVCCA) has provided the best concert deals available—with a series that this year will provide five concerts for seniors for a total of $90 if you purchase season tickets. What’s more, students through college get in free. This upcoming season, which premieres October 18, will be the 81st. All concerts are on Sundays at 2 p.m. and are held at First Congressional Church of Escondido, 1800 North Broadway, Escondido—which, incidentally, is in its 140th year! Find out more by visiting www.hiddenvalleyCCAescondido.info 2026-2027 Season High Society Jazz Band—October 18, 2026, 2 p.m. Back by popular demand. New Orleans and Chicago-style jazz, Dixieland, swing, big band, Latin and even some oldies. Come enjoy the music, humor and energy of JSJB that has been entertaining San Diego for over 30 years. Find out more by visiting www.highsocietyjazzband.com Alfredo Rolando Ortiz—January 17, 2027, 2 p.m. Internationally acclaimed soloist of the Paraguayan harp. Composer, author, educator and recording artist with over 40 albums to his credit. Find out more at www.alfredoharp.com Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi—February 14, 2027, 2 p.m. World-famous piano duo, two or four hands on one piano. Great American songbook, stride, ragtime, jazz, boogie-woogie, blues, you name it. Find out more at www.stephanietrick.com

Russian classical pianist Svetlana Smolina, who will perform May 2, 2027.

The High Society Jazz Band will play October 18, 2026.

Valley Magazine - September 2026 | 13

The Black Market Trust—March 7, 2027, 2 p.m. Five world-class musicians who play violin, up-right bass, guitar, keyboards and drums—who have traveled the globe. Amazing American traditional pop/vocal group for Los Angeles. Go to www.theblackmarkettrust.com Svetlana Smolina—May 2, 2027, 2 p.m. Stunningly talented, highly sought-after world-renowned Russian classical pianist. The Los Angeles Times has described her “Luxuriant tone” and the New York Times has called her “mesmerizing and dynamic.” Visit www.svetlanasmolina.com Dennis Tomlinson is the president of the Hidden Valley Community Concert Association and is assisted in his task by his executive officers and board: Vice-President: Paul Gerard, Secretary (acting)- Susan Tomlinson, Treasurer/Membership - Alan Van Loy; board: David Beevers, Wayne and Amy Brown, Dorris Kingsbury, Cheryl Lyons, Bonnie Sanchez, Suzanne Southwell, Mary Stewart and Virginia “Ginny” Thomas. The board meets twice a year and meetings are open to the public. Tomlinson—who has been HVCCA president for 25 years—comes from a family of musicians. “Back on the farm there were three pianos in the house,” recalls Tomlinson. “Father was a professional cellist, brought up with classical music. Everybody played something. And we went to concerts at the Redlands Bowl.” His parents ran Riverside Community Concerts for 40 years as president and secretary and he inherited that interest. Some of those concerts were held at the iconic Redlands Bowl. “I grew up on a farm,” Tomlinson recalls. “My father was a school teacher and a cellist.” The original name of HVCCA was the Escondido Philharmonic Artist Association, which started in 1945. During the mid-70s, this association brought the legendary conductor Zubin Mehta to perform at the old Escondido High School auditorium. It was part of Community Concert Associations—which had grown up during the Depression and by 1940 included 335. Today, Community Concerts—of which there are 250— is still the largest most enduring network of performing arts presenters. In the 1990s local CCA’s broke away from Columbia Artists Management, Inc. and, including HVCCA started operating independently, booking artists directly or through agents. Concerts were held in the Seventh Day Adventist School’s gym with folding chairs until the California Center for the Arts, Escondido first opened its doors in 1994. HVCCA presented more the 100 concerts at CCAE’s intimate Center Theater. HVCCA has supported the local Civ14 | Valley Magazine - September 2026

The Valentine’s Day concert will feature Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi, world-famous pian duet. They play from the Great American Songbook, stride, ragtime, jazz, boogiewoogie, blues etc.

ic Youth Orchestra aka CYO for over 14 years and the Civic International Youth Artists Competitions for over 7 years and has provided opportunities for local schools’ musicians to perform with professional musicians. Currently it is supporting the Mission Bay High School’s music department by having their ensembles perform for it. HVCCA was one of its first tenants. Recently the association found a new permanent venue, the First Congressional Church, which it could better afford. For its 81st season, “It’s still the best concert deal around,” says Tomlinson. “Nobody can touch us! That is particularly true if you become a member.” He adds, “People don’t realize that I know five agents, including Kamstar out of San Francisco.” His great knowledge of agents means that he is able to get world-famous artists. “That’s what sets us apart,” he says. “These are not local bands. The last four artists of this season are all world famous. It’s because we’ve been doing so long. If anyone has done it for as long as I have, you become an expert. I’m a maverick; we got rid of the middle man.” He adds, “I’m on a first-name basis with many artists.” Tomlinson recalls that “back in the day there were seventeen community concert

agents in Southern California.” Today most of them are gone. But because Tomlinson has been at this game for so long, he continues At the January 8, 2026 concert HVCCA season members took a bi-annual survey to vote on the artists for the next two seasons. Says Tomlinson, “There are always one or two ‘back by popular demand artists. Do you know of any other venue or musical organization that does this. My guess is no, which makes HVCCA unique and special!” Another positive about a HVCCA concert: “It’s very intimate, as close as 8 feet to the artist. You can almost reach out and touch them. It’s so informal you can talk with them during intermission. When would you ever have the opportunity to talk to one of the best harpists in the world, Alfredo Ortiz?” Tomlinson explained why HVCCA has found a permanent venue with First Congressional Church of Escondido, which has stadium seating. “We left because the Arts Center was costing us more than the artists,” said Tomlinson. Starting this year all of the shows are on Sundays and all are at the church. HVCCA spends most of the money on the artists. The organization is funded through some donations, ticket sales and season memberships.

Will Tindall, who teaches at All Things Music.

Valley Spotlight

All Things Music instructor spotlight: Will Tindall By ALLEGRA MUCH Musician Will Tindall has been practicing music since he was a child. Although he was not born in Valley Center, he moved to San Diego in 2003, and has lived here since 2012. Tindall has varied musical interests, and has learned how to play several instruments including guitar, piano, drums, and bass and teaches all of those instruments. He also sings but he does not teach voice. He has been teaching music for 13 years. Although he enjoys performing, he has found he also has a passion for teaching the next generation of young musicians, and sharing his knowledge with them. He has been teaching at All Things Music since its inception. He also teaches one day a week in Encinitas. Although he doesn’t perform as often as he would like to be at the moment, he has performed at some interesting places in the past including Disneyland, Petco Park, and the Tower Bar, a 100-year-old bar in San Diego. He has performed in various capacities over the years including in ensembles, marching bands, concert bands, and choirs all over the country. He currently as performs as part of the backing band for Suiteheart, a San Diego solo artist. His own musical inspirations include David Bowie, and much of Classic Rock music from the 60’s and 70’s. He also enjoys more modern bands such as Magdalena Bay and Pink Pantheress. He studied Music Technology at Mira Costa College. He also enjoys writing music. It’s not all about performing for Tindall though.

He explained: “You know, there’s a lot to be gained internally from music, whether that’s just like learning to overcome the struggle. It’s not just about performance, but proving to yourself you have the ability to achieve things that are really difficult that only a small percentage of people can do.” Tindall continued. “It also gives you problem solving skills that you can use in day life and offers people a form of self-expression. Being able to express yourself through song is one of the most moving things a person can do.” While performing is often the goal for most people, it is not the only reason why people should learn to play an instrument. Tindall believes all kids have the ability to learn an instrument if they want to— but also should be ready to overcome obstacles in their music journey. He encourages all his students to find other venues to performing music including in small bands, in school music programs, and also eventually as solo artists if they want to. Tindall has what he calls a three-pronged approach to teaching music lessons which includes music theory and musicianship, repertoire, and playing techniques or exercises. These three categories give him a well-rounded approach to teaching and allows him to teach his students how to be better musicians even after they stop taking lessons from him. More than just music theory and performing, Tindall notes, “ The most important thing about music is not just the craft, and the discipline, and the enrichment of the mind, but the com-

munity and culture. It’s amazing to see musicians sharing music, and the interconnectivity of the music community is one of the things that makes life interesting. Will Tindall is currently accepting students of all ages and abilities at All Things Music. If you would like to begin lessons with him, you can visit the store, or call the front desk. All Things Music is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. The store is located at 29115 Valley Center Rd. Suite F. For more information call 760-317-6245.

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Sergio Mejia with the Marching Aztecs at San Diego State University, one of the most prestigious collegiate marching bands in the region.

New Valley Center schools band teacher Sergio Mejia at the Spreckels organ pavilion in Balboa Park.

Valley Music

New band director Sergio Mejia has been involved with VC music program for 15 years Changing kids’ lives, one beat at a time 16 | Valley Magazine - September 2026

By ALLEGRA MUCH Longtime Assistant Band Director and Drumline director Sergio Mejia has officially been named as band director for both the Middle School and High School bands. The announcement came shortly after the retirement of Jeff Beck—who had led the Valley Center bands for over 30 years. Mejia also worked briefly as a substitute band director for Barry Cahill the elementary school music teacher. Mejia has been involved with the Valley Center music program for 15 years. His journey with the Valley Center band program began as a middle school student where he began to learn bass guitar. He also learned trumpet and has the ability to play other brass instruments but he quickly realized his passion was in percussion. Less than a year after Mejia graduated from high school, Beck asked him to become an assistant band director at the Valley Center Middle School. At the same time Mejia also joined the Marching Aztecs at SDSU, one of the most prestigious collegiate marching bands in the area. He also took several music theory classes at SDSU. While juggling his schedule at Valley Center, Mejia also accepted Assistant Band Director positions at both El Capitan beginning in 2024 and Classical Academy in 2025. At both schools Mejia was also working as the Percussion Caption Head (the band leader who manages the percussion department), where he oversaw the drumline specifically. Despite his young age, Mejia seemed like a good choice to take over the role of band director. He explained, “I think the kids already have an idea of how it was going to be and how it was going to work, and instead of losing kids (due to a change in leadership) we actually got some kids coming back, and I am confident. I know the program here. I know all the staff, so it was very easy and welcoming.” Having a baseline understanding of the program as a whole, Mejia is planning to maintain the current program while adding a program back in. The current bands at Valley Center middle School consist of the Beginning/Intermediate Band, the Advanced Band, the Jazz Band, and the afterschool middle school drumline. Valley Center High School’s band Program consists of the Jazz Band, the concert/marching band, and the after-school drumline. He is planning to incorporate teaching basic music theory into each of his classes. Mejia is also planning to bring back the Marching Band and color guard at Valley Center High School, and to have the students compete in their first field show in several years. He is also planning to expand the drumline to compete in two separate circuits instead of just one. Although the high school band is considered a marching band, they have only been performing at football games and in parades for several years. Under Mejia’s direction the students will compete in at least one field show competition this year, with a program written by Mejia himself, Jesse McKnight, and Blue Devil Drumline Corps performer David Cardoze— who will write the drills the students will perform. They will create the first and third move-

ments themselves and include a non-copyrighted well-known ballad as their second movement. They will perform the field show at the North County Showcase, and may also perform at Great Oaks. Mejia is also working with football coaches to have the band play at more away football games this year. They also plan to perform more for the community in general, attending Bates Nut Farm events including the first Weekend in October, and Christmas in the Valley, and will also attend Valley Center Western Days and other local events. For Mejia—though a love of music is what he wants to instill in his students—“We want them to feel accepted. We want it to be a positive learning environment and we want kids to see the world, which is why we do all these trips and travel.” He continued, “ I want to be able to change kids’ lives, one beat at a time.” Mejia plans to use the many things he has learned in his years as an assistant band director and his years as a band student to make a positive impact in the lives of the kids he teaches. He explained that while Beck and Cahill had different teaching styles, he learned a lot from both. Beck was regimented, and taught students discipline in music, while Cahill was more laid back, but still encouraging. Both teachers where very encouraging towards the students and encouraged many to pursue music further than just middle school and high school band, such as performing in a band or join a collegiate or professional marching band. “I want to instill a passion for playing in my students. I want to be the teacher that will push kids to be better, but reinforcing them, saying ‘hey you guys are actually really good, have you ever thought about doing this or that.’” He is excited about this new chapter and confident that his bands will do well, not just in competitions, but in musicianship as well. The Valley Center Bands are sponsored by the Valley Center Music Boosters and also participate in several fundraisers through out the year to help offset the costs of competitions and field trips. To learn more about the Valley Center Pauma Music Boosters you can visit their Facebook and Instagram sites: Valley Center/Pauma Music Boosters and @vcpmusicboosters

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Valley Events

Worldfamous art event has roots in Valley Center A local resident asked a volunteer at the History Museum if the fabled Pageant of the Masters art extravaganza originated in Valley Center. She had attended a performance of the annual outdoor event in Laguna Beach where living persons re-create famous paintings, and had noticed a footnote about its origins 112 years ago on the grounds of a famous property in Valley Center. One of the world’s most famous art events, the Pageant had its first performance in 1914 on the picturesque grounds of the castle that gave Old Castle Road its name. On the picturesque grounds of the castle that gave Old Castle Road its name, more than 1,500 people showed up on opening night in 1914 to claim 500 available seats, according to local newspaper accounts. They witnessed an event that Sunset magazine called “A Pageant in the Wilderness.” Some 40 fully-costumed actors and a full orchestra performed in the event created and staged by artist Isaac Frazee. In the background of the 160-acre property was the castle he built in 1893. Frazee said it was a replica of an ancient feudal castle that had been home to his Scottish ancestors. Frazee, who years earlier had painted the first known watercolor of Laguna Beach, attracted the attention of a growing art colony in the Orange County community, and he subsequently was invited to move his pageant. That occurred in 1921. In the early years of his tenure as an artist, Frazee had painted the first known watercolor of Laguna Beach and attracted the attention of a growing art colony in the Orange County community. He was eventually invited to move his Valley Center pageant to Laguna. Frazee died in 1942 but left behind volumes of memoirs and photos, many of which are at the Valley Center History Museum. The unique home on Old Castle Road remains a private residence. 18 | Valley Magazine - September 2026

An actor atop the old castle heralds the opening of the Valley Center pageant in 1915.

A scene from the 1915 Valley Center performance of the fabled show now known as “Pageant of the Masters”.

Valley Nostalgia

The Banana Boat and the big screen By JEANNA HUGHES My brother and I pile into the back of our old Buick station wagon. We affectionately call it “the Banana Boat.” We have our blankets, pillows, and bags of popcorn in small brown paper bags. The sides of the bags have little grease marks from the popcorn being popped in oil. My brother pushes me, and I push him back. “This is my side of the car,” he squeals in his little four-year-old voice. Mom and Dad put the back seats down so we can lie in the car and make a little drive-in theater bed. Finally, we are here. The sun is just starting to set, and I can see the dust in the headlights of all the cars as I get my first glimpse of the park below the giant screen. As Dad drives the big station wagon over the bumps in the parking lot, my brother and I play Jell-O, flopping around as if we have no backbone. Mom points to the spot she wants. It is right in the middle of the parking lot, close enough to see the playground and far enough back to see the screen. My brother and I are jumping up and down in the back seat; we can’t wait to get out and go to the playground. As soon as the car stops, we bound out of it. I can hear my mother yelling, “Watch

both ways for cars! Hold your brother’s hand!” Neither Paul nor I listen to her as we blast toward the merry-go-round and start to spin it as fast as we can. Soon Dad joins us, and he is spinning us as fast as he can. Paul and I start to slide off the merry-go-round as it flies around. I’m screaming as I slide off into the soft dirt, laughing as I see Paul sail off in the other direction. Dad tells us he will push us on the swings if we hurry because the movie is about to start. Paul yells out, “Flip me over the top, Dad!” I start to drag my feet along the dirt; I don’t want to flip over the top. Paul is giggling so hard when Dad says it’s time to go. We all race back to the car, piling into the back seats. Dad gets in and pulls in the metal box that is squeezing out some loud sounds. He hooks it onto his window, turns the knob at the bottom and adjusts the volume. We hear scratchy voices as an advertisement for refreshments dances across the movie screen. Someone arrives late, and their headlights shine on the kids still at the park and across the screen. Everyone starts to honk their horns and yell out their windows, “Turn them off!” Soon the movie starts, and we lean over Mom and Dad’s seats to see the fuzzy screen

as the countdown begins: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. The giant lion roars. After the first movie ends, Mom and Dad tell us it’s time to go to sleep. The next movie is for adults only. We both protest but know we will not win. I lie in the back seat of the station wagon, watching the other four screens around us, each one like a silent movie. I try to make sense of what’s happening in the movies. I can hear the speaker blaring inside our car. It doesn’t match what I’m watching, but I don’t care. I feel like I am getting away with something. I sneak a peek at the “adult” movie my parents are watching. It just looks boring. Not that adult at all. Soon I drift off to sleep after a fun night at the drive-in. When I had my own kids, I took them to one of the only drive-ins still in operation. It was in Chula Vista, and it is no longer there. We piled in with all their friends. Everyone had a seatbelt, or at least shared one. When we got to the drive-in theater, it was much like I remembered from childhood. You couldn’t really see the screen. The movie was blurry, and the voices coming through the radio, which you now tuned to a station for each screen, were almost imValley Magazine - September 2026 | 19

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possible to hear. The kids all sat on the roof of my Expedition with blankets and chairs. My girlfriend and I laughed as we watched them. We both remembered doing this as children with our parents. As with many things in life, this was something from the past, better left there. The memories of the experience were better as that, a memory. I do miss the family loading into the car and the memories of the sun setting as we played on the dusty playgrounds. I miss the family being together, enjoying a hard-to-see screen and barely audible sound. As my family and I settle into the theater seats, we press the foot-recliner buttons and slide out our food trays while the theater server brings us a cold beer and a tub of gourmet popcorn. We are getting ready to enjoy our first 4D movie experience. Soon the sound begins in Dolby surround sound. The chairs begin to move, water sprays in our faces, and the experience begins. Seeing this movie is just that, an experience. I feel the punches from the fight in my back; I feel the ocean water spray over me. I feel the wind on my face as I glide over the treetops. Movies have certainly changed, and so has the way we experience them. But as incredible as it is to feel as though I am soaring over the treetops, part of me still misses lying in the back of that old Banana Boat, eating popcorn from a grease-stained paper bag and watching a fuzzy screen through the windshield. Maybe the magic was never really on the screen at all.

Valley Safety

Valley Events

College Safety By JOHN BALOGH Crime Prevention Specialist Valley Center Sheriff Station

Your young adult is off to college. The house is quieter and there is this emptiness and time to think about what they are in store for. Will they have a good roommate? Are they prepared for the transition to being on their own? Will they make the right decision when in a difficult situation? Will they be safe? There are many unknowns. Here are some helpful tips and information to discuss with your college student: • Ensure no one can get into your dorm room without you knowing- use a door-stop alarm. • Keep valuables out of sight- computers, cash, other expensive items. • Carry pepper spray- many are small enough to carry in a pocket or keychain. • Don’t open the door for a stranger- verify who is at the door. Do you know them? • Don’t post your class schedule on social media- it tells people your routine. • Program emergency numbers into cellphone- campus security. • Try to avoid stairways unless you are with friends- there are hiding places. • Don’t post photos that you don’t want future employers to see- Think about the future. • Cyberbullying- Don’t engage, take screen shots as prove, block them, report to campus college or website, if threating you, report to law enforcement • Go places with friends and crowds- people can see and help if you are in trouble. • Don’t get drunk or take drugs- if you do, have your friends get you to a safe place. • Do not drink and drive- have a driver, call a driving service, use campus shuttles. • Lock your vehicle or bike- keep items in the car out of view, register your bike with campus security, lock wheels and frame. • Never give personal information to people you don’t know- especially on-line. • Go with other friends on first date/blind date. • Research campus crime statistics (Cleary Act) and see what steps you can do not to be a victim. • Have a plan for a various situations and options if the first plan does not work. • Don’t get a credit card on campus—interest rates are usually very high and you can get in debt fast. • Call your parents- They miss you, Study hard, and have fun too!

22 | Valley Magazine - September 2026

The look of wonder in a child’s face during the holidays makes Christmas in Valley Center a special happening.

Christmas in Valley Center returns to Bates

The Valley Center Chorus performing at a recent Christmas in Valley Center.

The Grinch is expected to make an appearance at this year’s Christmas in Valley Center.

By DAVID ROSS Christmas in Valley Center, a tradition for many years, will be returning once again to Bates Nut Farm Friday, 4-8 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., December 11 and 12. Sherrie Ness, longtime organizer of the event and owner of Bates and Krista Hubbard, president of the Valley Center Business Association (VCBA), the nonprofit sponsor of the holiday tradition, dropped by the newspaper office this week to talk about the event. The VCBA’s role, said Ness, is “to act as a sponsor and to be the nonprofit platform for Christmas in Valley Center.” As a nonprofit, VCBA was able to apply for a grant from Fifth District Supervisor Jim Desmond’s community fund. “That is what has helped us over the years to bring everything to the kids absolutely free!” Hubbard declared, “I think it’s perfect and fitting that VCBA participates because it’s an opportunity for local businesses and organizations to give back to their community—and all the while that they are being seen. It’s an

The “Polar Express” taking little ones and their families to visit Santa Claus.

organic way to bring awareness to your business or group.” She has been on the committee since 2018. Ness, who has been a benefactor of local causes for many, many years, added, “The give back part is the one thing I love.” She added, “I just like to pro-

vide the opportunity for people to come out and enjoy the holiday and Christmas event. My favorite part is seeing the families and all the clubs and organizations in VC, from fire to Kiwanis — It’s a group effort. Without all of them we can’t do it!” Valley Valley Magazine Magazine -- September September 2026 2026 || 23 23

Hubbard added, “It really shows what an awesome community Valley Center is. And it’s so much fun!” The event doesn’t happen alone. Although the people who put it together are kind of an elite group because there are so few of them. That’s where you can come in, either with a donation or as a volunteer for one of those two days. “We do need volunteers, even for clean-up,” said Hubbard. “We of the committee are few, small but mighty.” Through donations and volunteers Christmas in Valley Center is able to provide everything to the kids and their families for free—as was the dream of the late Marcia Townsend when she first founded the event in 2014 as Christmas in the Valley. “That’s why we have tried so hard to keep everything free because that was her dream, for kids from all backgrounds,” said Ness. “For me that is the most gratifying thing.” She can never forget the image of a little girl asking, “Is it free?” “and when the parents find out it’s all free and they see a pony ride that usually costs $14 and it’s free.” There are always free giveaways. There are also vendors where parents can buy holiday gifts and do some of Christmas shopping. Valley Center Pageant girls will offer free face painting and you can get photos taken of your kids on the ponies. But providing fun for kids is expensive, which is why donations and volunteers are appreciated. On Friday night there will be lit Christmas tree with carolers and Santa Claus will arrive in all his glory atop a pumper Kids get to meet Santa Claus in the special “North Pole” zone of Bates Nut Farm.

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from Valley Center Fire—accompanied by the Valley Center High School Marching Band. The Valley Center Chorus will sing. Both days there will be a bounce house and slides. “The last few years we’ve had the Grinch—which is really fun!” said Ness. Saturday morning and afternoon the vibe will be a little different. Santa Claus will arrive on the Polar Express. On both days, St. Nick will take a seat at “The North Pole” and invite the little ones to tell him what they want for Christmas, and of course, to pose for photos! The Charter schools will perform Some of the 17 or more clubs and organizations that will be taking part this year include the Kiwanis Club, four or five local churches, Rincon Little Feathers and the Dos Valles Garden Club. Groups that participate are asked to provide crafts or an activity that will serve 1,000 children. When children and their parents arrive they are greeted at the welcome booth with a free gift, like a toy that lights up, colorful wands, necklaces and beanies. There will also be several food trucks and booths offering a variety of snacks and goodies. As the event draws near, you can find a schedule on Instagram and Facebook under “Christmas in Valley Center” and, of course on the Bates Nut Farm website. Naturally, The Roadrunner will provide update as December approaches.

A planets sculpture.

Lorenzo Bentley with his elephants relief sculpture. Photos by Allegra Much

Valley Events Local veteran finds peace creating wind chimes, plant holders out of bamboo By ALLEGRA MUCH On a property nestled beneath Palomar Mountain on Hwy 76 in Pauma Valley local Vietnam veteran Lawrence Bentley has created a quiet haven to create largely using materials found in nature. Particularly bamboo and stones found locally that he uses to create wind chimes and planters that capture the attention and may also calm the mind. A veteran and then an artist in New York creating sculptures, Bentley has combined both aspects of his life to create art and live in a more relaxed pace in harmony with nature. He also makes sculptures out of marble and other materials. Having studied geology in college; he also has a passion for rocks and minerals and utilizes rocks that he has found locally in creek beds and all over Pauma Valley. Bentley’s family was no stranger to the military. His father was a master sergeant in World War II. “He was really tough,” recalls Bentley. “And then my brother, who was five years older than me went over to Vietnam, and then I went there after that.” He left Vietnam after his service but went back later to be a peacemaker. Bentley recognized the beauty in the country and learned a lot. He explained, “Here in the USA, our minds are overloaded with so much technology, and it affects the body, it affects your diet, everything. But Valley Magazine - September 2026 | 25

Lorenzo Bentley and his wife Grace in front of their workshop.

One of several marble sculptures made in New York by Lorenzo Bentley.

over there, they concentrate on the physical, organic, well-being.” Although he and his wife were born and raised as Christians, Bentley has found many benefits in the Buddhist tradition. Before sitting down to sculpt or carve, he takes time to meditate, focus, quiet his mind, and discover what the object in front of him can become. He had a farm in Fallbrook for several years, but he continues to grow bamboo, herbs, and other plants onsite in Pauma Valley. The wind chimes, planters and artistic root sculptures, all come from the bamboo he grows around his property. It grows in several different sizes. The sounds of the wind chimes can vary significantly—based on the length and diameter of the dried hollow pieces of bamboo. The natural clinking sounds of the wood lends itself to a peaceful natural ambience. Bentley also has started to make walking canes for senior citizens. The pieces are carved by hand and decorated by him and his wife. “I cut the bamboo, and then it has to dry for about six months in the shade, and then I cure it with special organic oils, and then I have all the tools to make the cuts.” He explained, “The designs just come to me in the moment, like ‘Oh I’m going to do this,’ or ‘I’m going to do that.’ I just play with the designs and then it’s just fitting the pieces of bamboo together.” Each piece takes a long time—which is obvious from looking at the pieces. Although he considers this a hobby, Bentley is also interested in selling his creations. His pieces range from $35 to $75. He makes sales by appointment only. If you are interested in purchasing windchimes, planters, or sculptures, email him at la.bentley51@ gmail.com or call 760-576-8697. A windchime and bowl.

Sean presenting Brayden, the rescuer, with a token of his gratitude.

26 | Valley Magazine - September 2026

Valley Magazine - September 2026 | 27

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