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30 | OHCC LIVING | NOVEMBER 2025 | Pet Lovers Club e Annual Meeting will be Sat., Nov. 1, in Abravanel Hall from 9:30 am to noon. Open to all. Pet Lover Club members are asked to participate in two important decisions, and we need a quorum of members to arrive by 9:30 am for the vote. We will be voting for a new treasurer (the rest of the Board was voted for a two-year term ending 12/31/2026) and which animal charities to donate excess funds for the holidays. At 10 am on Nov. 1 our guest speaker will be Bill Toone, founder of Ecolife Conservatory in Carlsbad. Bill's presentation will be on "The Roar of the Monarch" This is our 5th year of 'Presents for Pets.' The Helen Woodward Animal Center, through the "Animeals" program, provides specifically packaged food for pets of Meals on Wheels clients… The Pet Lovers Club has a separate event once a year for those clients to allow them to give holiday presents to their pets. Our "Pet Presents" come solely from the OHCC Pet Lovers Club, and the gifts have brought great joy to the clients. Meals on Wheels provides us with a wish list from their Animeals clients and we put items we collect in gift bags for MoW clients on the wish lists. Checks made out to OHCC PLC are used to buy larger items and services that those pet parents cannot afford. We give each client on the list the equivalent of $50 either as a gift card to PetSmart or Petco or the specific item asked for by the client. If you want to donate, we can use PetSmart or Petco gift cards in $5, $10 or $25 amounts, dog or cat toys and treats. We will have about 40 gift bags to prepare and need the donations before Nov. 26. Written by Ellen Kippel and Karen Hasting California Chardonnay: The Golden State's Signature White. When it comes to white wine, no grape shines more brightly in California than Chardonnay. It is the state's most widely planted white varietal and one of the most beloved wines among consumers and winemakers alike. From the misty coastal vineyards of Sonoma to the sunbaked valleys of Paso Robles, Chardonnay thrives in California's diverse microclimates, producing a wide range of styles to please every palate. In the cooler coastal regions—such as Carneros, Russian River Valley, and Santa Barbara — Chardonnay grapes ripen slowly, developing crisp acidity and bright citrus or green apple flavors. These wines often feature subtle oak and mineral tones, creating an elegant, food-friendly balance reminiscent of the Chardonnays of Burgundy. In warmer inland areas, the same grape expresses an entirely different personality. Here, the fruit develops lush tropical flavors of pineapple, mango, and ripe pear. Winemakers often ferment or age these wines in oak barrels, giving them creamy textures and rich notes of vanilla, butter, and spice. This "California-style" Chardonnay became iconic in the 1980s and remains a favorite today. Chardonnay's versatility makes it an ideal companion for a wide variety of foods. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, seafood, and creamy pasta dishes, and the unoaked versions are refreshing alongside lighter fare such as salads or grilled vegetables. The grape's adaptability also allows winemakers to experiment with fermentation techniques, barrel aging, and malolactic fermentation to achieve their desired balance of fruit, oak, and texture. Whether crisp and refined or rich and buttery, California Chardonnay captures the essence of the state's winemaking spirit — creative, diverse, and approachable. Its enduring popularity is no accident; it reflects both the quality of California vineyards and the skill of those who craft these golden wines. So next time you pour a glass of Chardonnay, take a moment to savor the flavors of the Golden State — sunshine, craftsmanship, and a touch of California charm in every sip. If you join OH Wine Tasting Club from now until the end of the year, the $15 fee will cover membership for 2026. ChatGPT - Jody McDonough, 760-653-8198, jodyzm@gmail.com Wine Tasting Club Inspiration Hill As we walk the trail at Inspiration Hill, we are always impressed by the varied community inspirations as expressed on the Donor Bricks. The trail begins by honoring our pioneer OHCC Founders, and continues with those who so bravely served us. There are bricks honoring family members, beloved pets, and favorite universities. What is your inspiration? The HOA continues to take orders for your own personalized bricks. Fill out an order form at the HOA office, and include a check for $75. Your inspiration brick will help line the trail to the top of the hill!