Sunday Signal January 30, 2022

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JANUARY 30, 2022

2022 Vacation Planning Page 7

Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

5

SCV’S BEST COFFEES

6

THE YEAR OF THE TIGER

19

HOW TO STRETCH RETIREMENT SAVINGS

PLUS : CITY NEWS | OPINION | SCHOOL | ENTERTAINMENT | CALENDAR | HEALTH & FITNESS

J A N UA RY 30, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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NEWS FEATURES 5 5 SCV’s Best Coffee Houses 6 The Year of the Tiger 7 Plan Your 2022 Vacations Now! 8 Time to Rethink Heart Health 11 User-Friendly Goal Setting Strategies TRAVEL 9 9 Budgeting for Long Vacations Abroad FROM THE CITY MANAGER 10 10 35 Parks to Celebrate 35 Years as a City ENTERTAINMENT 12 12 ‘The Gilded Age’ has ‘Downton’s’ dramatic richness FOOD 13 13 Healthy Food Swaps to Manage Cholesterol Chicken Tortilla Soup Air Fryer Crispy (Un)Fried Chicken GARDENING 15 15 Garden and fruit care for February HEALTH & BEAUTY 16 16 Menopause Can Also Affect Your Skin HOME 17 17 Bathroom Safety Features SENIOR LIVING 19 19 Stretching Your Retirement Savings KIDS & FAMILY 21 21 Donna’s Day: Keep our mud with a cha-cha-cha doormat Junior Whirl PUZZLES 22 OPINION 23 David Hegg SPECIALIZING IN PRECISION ELECTRONIC TUNE-UPS, FUEL INJECTION, IGNITION, SMOG CHECK, GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

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J A N UA RY 30, 2022

SignalSCV. com

Publisher Sunday Signal Editor Signal Editor

Richard Budman Doña Uhrig Tim Whyte 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 141

| Valencia, CA 91355

661-259-1234 The entire content of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2022 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. If you would not like this delivered to your home, please call (661) 259-1000.

J A N UA RY 30, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

A flavored latte is decorated with “latee art” at Undergrounds Coffeehouse in Santa Clarita. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

By Victor Corral Martinez Signal Staff Writer

M

any Americans wake up to the smell of coffee, the rich aroma that enchants, alerting you to start your day. And those who aren’t ready to wake up rely on coffee to gain that caffeine boost to crush the day, and it’s no surprise that Americans drink 656 million cups of coffee a day.

Coffee has a long and storied past, originating in Ethiopia and spreading through the Islamic Middle East. Eventually, the coffee bean would travel into Europe and find its way into the Americas, becoming one of the first globalized commodities.

The 1600s would see Rome opening the first coffeehouse in Europe, and the Dutch and French would help spread the bean internationally into the Americas and Indonesia. The love for coffee in the United States can trace its origin to the various European colonial powers introducing and exporting the crop to the colonies.

A significant shift in caffeine preference occurred during the American Revolution. The story of the Boston Tea Party famously told for centuries in classrooms across the United States often fails to mention the colonists championing a national identity, which included becoming coffee drinkers over tea sippers.

The book “Coffee: A Comprehensive Guide to the Bean, the Beverage, and the Industry,” by Robert W. Thurston, details the long and storied connection with coffee.

“During the Civil War, Union troops considered coffee necessary for victory. Gen. William Sherman called it ‘the essential element of the ration,’ ordering that coffee and sugar be carried along, even at the expense of bread, for which there are many substitutes,” read the book.

Thurston also writes how the term “cup of joe”

refers to G.I. Joe troops and their rations of coffee that helped them control hunger and energize them as they fought in the many wars across the globe.

The storied relationship with coffee has evolved into culture and identity for many Americans. Today, there are thousands of coffee stands and houses across the nation, fueling America and communities like Santa Clarita.

The Santa Clarita Valley is home to many coffee shops and offers a variety of coffee, sourced locally and internationally, even offering new twists to a classic. It’s hard to drive anywhere in the SCV and not find a great place to recharge and conquer the day. Here is a look at a few of them:

Coffee Kiosk

The Coffee Kiosk offers excellent coffee in the SCV and has done so for more than 25 years. The small booths set up in high-traffic areas help the onthe-go consumer quickly drive up to the window, order a coffee and head to their destination while getting that delicious caffeine boost to own the day.

Sarah Del Rosario, general manager of Coffee Kiosk, leads a team of experienced baristas who can help you find the right drinks for any individual’s preference. Del Rosario hails from Seattle and says the routine to start your day — or get through it — with coffee appeals to the consumer on the move.

“We like to blast music here and we get people out pretty fast,” Del Rosario said. “We make and roast our own coffee so that there’s a little bit more love in our coffee.”

Some of the favorite drink options at Coffee Kiosk include an ube latte, which features a creamy base of ube-flavored milk and is topped with a shot of espresso. Additionally, ice-blended drinks, caramel macchiatos and other sweet drinks are trendy, according to Del Rosario.

Del Rosario said the dependency on caffeine, routine and the many combination options appeals to people in Santa Clarita. Additionally, Del

Rosario said the loyalty program rewards customers after a certain amount of visits and she advises signing up for the rewards.

“Even if you don’t sign up for the loyalty program, come try a cup of coffee from us,” Del Rosario added.

Coffee Kiosk is located at 23716 Lyons Ave., Newhall, 91321, and 26833 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus, 91350. www.facebook.com/SCVCoffeeKiosk.

Undergrounds Coffeehouse

Undergrounds Coffeehouse began 10 years ago to serve the Real Life Church community, according to Jill Jackson, manager of Undergrounds. Her team consists of eight baristas who create specialty coffee drinks and a unique experience. Jackson said the popularity of coffee in America is the culture of being on the go.

“We don’t really know how to just sit down and take a break,” Jackson said. “Everyone’s multitasking and moving, doing a million things at one time, and coffee is just the fuel that everybody needs.”

Jackson said she thinks Undergrounds has some of the best coffee because of the attention to detail and sourcing from a California roaster called Cat & Cloud.

“Cat & Cloud are really particular about where they source their coffee, and make sure that they pay their growers fair wages,” Jackson said.

Jackson added that those interested could visit and experience the coffee and atmosphere of the coffeehouse Sunday through Thursday.

Undergrounds Coffeehouse is located on the bottom floor of Real Life Church at 23841 Newhall Ranch Road, Santa Clarita, 91355. www.under grounds.coffee.

Trophy Coffee

Simon Ogg, manager of Trophy Coffee, says the coffee bar has been open for two years and offers See COFFEE, page 20

6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 30, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E

YEAR OF THE TIGER

E

ach year, millions of people across the globe celebrate a unique holiday that is rich in tradition, spectacle and pageantry.

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is celebrated around the world.

In China, Chinese New Year marks the end of the coldest days on the calendar and welcomes spring with new beginnings and the start of planting season. This spectacular holiday follows the lunar calendar, so there is no set date for the event.

This year, the celebration begins on Tuesday, February 1.

Fireworks are a large part of Chinese New Year festivals. According to Chinese mythology, a monster named “Nian” would come about every New Year’s Eve, forcing people to hide in their homes. A brave boy fought Nian off using fireworks, and the following day the public celebrated their survival by setting off even more pyrotechnics. Fireworks became a key component of celebrations from that point forward.

Some other traditions associated with the holiday include burning fake paper money and printed gold bars in honor of deceased ancestors. It is believed these offerings will bring fortune and good luck to ancestors in the afterlife.

Other customs include cleaning homes thoroughly prior to the dawn of the new year, welcoming family for a big reunion and avoiding activities deemed to be taboo. Such activities may include Money tucked inside of red envelopes is traditionally handed out to children as a token of good fortune.

hair cutting, using scissors and other sharp objects, arguing, saying unlucky words or breaking things.

Children receive money tucked inside of red envelopes to help transfer fortune from elders to younger generations. In addition to red envelopes, homes and decorations are adorned in red. The red color was purported to be instrumental in scaring away Nian and bringing about luck.

Another component of Chinese New Year is the Chinese zodiac. One animal represents the entire year, and there are 12 different animals. The animal a person is born under can help decide his or her career, health and relationship status.

2022 is the year of the Tiger. The tiger holds the third sign of the Chinese zodiac, based on the tenacity he showed in crossing the perilous river during the Chinese Zodiac Race. The Jade Emperor didn’t know which big cat to include in the race, with the mighty lion garnering consideration.

However, the lion’s raging temper repelled the Emperor, so the tiger was chosen instead.

The tiger has been a prominent symbol in Chinese culture. It is known as the king of all beasts, and is a symbol of strength, bravery and exorcising evils. People born during a tiger year may live to seek adventure and have an insatiable thirst for knowledge. They also may be a little reckless and restless. Tigers have big energies and are fiercely independent, according to Chinese astrologer Tiffany Lin. Enterprising and risk-takers, tigers may be natural born entrepreneurs.

The Year of the Tiger is cause for celebration.

The Chinese believe your ben ming nian, or the year of your zodiac animal, is the unluckiest for you because it is a rebirth year and a time when children can easily be taken by evil spirits.

Wearing red all year is a defense against this.

Those born in 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 and 2022 are all born under the Tiger.

If you are looking to join in the celebration, there are several events in the Los Angeles area. Unfortunately, the traditional Chinese New Year Festival and Golden Dragon Parade in Chinatown has been canceled this year.

Chinese New Year Festival at the Huntington

Feb. 5 and 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Families can enjoy lion dancers, a mask-changing

Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession that will travel from the Pixar Pier Gate to Paradise Gardens Obelisk.

PHOTO COURTESY DISNEYLAND

artist, martial arts demonstrations, music, art and craft demonstrations, and more. The festivities will take place in and around the Chinese Garden and other outdoor performance spaces.

Advanced tickers are required as there is a limit on capacity. Prices range from $13-$29. Free for members. Performances and demonstrations will be held outdoors.

For more information, visit bit.ly/3r26xOp.

Lunar New Year Festival, California Adventure Park

Through Feb. 13 Celebrate the new year with Mickey, Minnie, Tigger and all your favorite characters who will be dressed in colorful attire. Joining the celebration this year will be Raya from “Raya and the Last Dragon.”

There will be special menus celebrating Asian cuisine and live entertainment. There will also be kid-friendly crafts and activities.

For more information, visit disneyland.disney. go.com/events-tours/lunar-new-year.

Twilight Walking Tour of Chinatown

Thursday, Feb. 3, 5-7 p.m.

While the dragon parade has been canceled, a visit of Chinatown Los Angeles will still be an experience where you can be immersed in the culture. The cost is $35 (plus $2.40 Eventbrite fees) and reservations are required. For more information, visit bit.ly/3IGjUd9. (MC) 

J A N UA RY 30, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

It’s Wave Season

By Alicia Doyle Sunday Signal Staff Writer

W

hile the pandemic continues to cause a range of challenges, planning a vacation in 2022 shouldn’t be one of them, even if it means booking in advance to ensure your desired price range and dates are available this year and beyond.

“People think they can’t travel and that’s just not the case — travel has always been open and will always be open,” said Tiffany Grummer, owner of Travel with Tiffany in Santa Clarita.

However, “be smart about it,” Grummer advised.

“Read up on what that country’s guidelines are and read the information e-mails that your travel agent and airlines send you. Be patient — with guidelines changing all the time, there could be longer wait times.”

The constant changes in COVID-19 guidelines have created a lot of problems for the travel industry, and the uncertainty has caused a lot of people to choose domestic travel, said Shayna Anderson of the Anderson Girls’ Adventures Travel Agency in Santa Clarita.

Anderson conducted a survey in November to find out what people are doing in 2022. Out of 28 people who responded, 60% already had vacation plans for 2022 and 10% said they have plans for 2023; only 10% were waiting for restrictions to lift and an additional 18% said they couldn’t afford to travel. Of the 60% who planned to travel in 2022, 43% are traveling international, 32% said they didn’t have a problem booking international, and 3% said Hawaii and Mexico because of fewer restrictions.

“Out of all 28 people, 50% are fully vaccinated and plan to travel; nearly 18% said they are trav-

Local Agencies Travel with Tiffany travelwithtiffany000@gmail.com (661) 803-7196 Anderson Girls’ Adventures Travel Agency andersongirlstravel.com/ (661) 607-2164 Newhall-Valencia Travel 23550 Lyons Ave # 105, Newhall, 91321 (661) 255-7110 newhallvalenciatravel.com/ AAA Santa Clarita 23770 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita 91355 (661) 259-6222

N E W S F E AT U R E

Get your wanderlust on and plan your 2022 vacations now

eling domestically to avoid travel restrictions; only 14% are not vaccinated and hoping to wait things out; and only 7% were hesitant to travel due to uncertainty of how to do so,” Anderson said. Additionally, “40% said they would book a cruise, only 3% said they would wait for COVID restrictions to go away, and 30% said it just doesn’t appeal to them.”

As we head into 2022, “uncertainty has halted a lot of travelers,” Anderson said.

This uncertainty has put a big damper on travel, especially for international travel — uncertainty as to whether countries would be open, whether vaccination is required or simply testing, and how much testing, Anderson said.

“Travelers are concerned about the testing requirements to get into countries, as well as how to get home if they test positive while international,” said Anderson, adding that the constant changes in COVID guidelines have created a lot of problems for the travel industry, and the uncertainty has caused a lot of people to choose domestic travel.

The uncertainty has also caused people to plan last minute, instead of booking in advance, Anderson noted. “However, canceled trips are rescheduled into late 2022, 2023 and even 2024,” she said, adding that advance booking is recommended to ensure your desired price range and dates available.

Typically, January through March is “Wave Season” for the travel industry — the busy season when everyone books for the year.

“However, it’s been very quiet with not many bookings,” Anderson noted. “Travelers are hesitant to wade through the restrictions. Now more than ever, people need a travel advisor to navigate the guidelines for each destination.”

Local travel agents who can assist include Newhall-Valencia Travel in Newhall, which specializes in trips including family vacations, culinary adventures, cruises and European vacations. The AAA Santa Clarita branch offers a wide range of services, including booking hotels and car rentals, providing free maps and tour books for members, and offering information about popular things to see and do at destinations.

If you’re planning a vacation this year, “be flexible and use a travel advisor,” re-emphasized Anderson, adding that a travel advisor “is not someone

who just books a trip for you.”

“A travel advisor is going to have more knowledge of what is happening in travel right now,” explained Anderson, adding that COVID guidelines are constantly changing and can be very confusing.

“For instance, Hawaii has changed their COVID guidelines every three months,” Anderson said.

“Additionally, a lot of companies are offering great values — not discounts — which means that you may end up getting more for your money. Let a travel advisor do the research for you, so you can enjoy your vacation more.”

Above all, “have fun — don’t stress,” Grummer emphasized. For those thinking about traveling internationally, she added that “Americans support so many other countries … when we don’t travel, people in other countries don’t eat. Support them, go on vacation, support tourism, they need you.”

Don’t let the uncertainty keep you from traveling, Anderson said.

“This world is an amazing place with incredible locations to explore,” Anderson added. “This year is the best time to travel, especially as international travel will see fewer crowds. This means you can explore more with the time you have. Everyone is looking forward to the day when the restrictions are lifted. When that happens, we will see a huge increase in travel, as we saw in spring of 2021 with all its challenges. Go now, and enjoy the exploration of the destination so much more.” 

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 30, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E

Time to Rethink Heart Health

O

n average, someone in the United States dies from cardiovascular disease (CVD) every 36 seconds, approximately 2,380 deaths each day, according to the American Heart Association.

Each day, 405 deaths occur in the U.S. as the result of strokes, an average of one death every 3:33.

More people die annually from CVD than from any other cause including cancer, COPD, diabetes, lung infections and the flu, according to the American Heart Association 2021 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics.

Consider these steps to #Rethink CVRisk to change the course of the disease and your life.

Understand Your Risk

COVID-19 has shown that those with underlying CVD face an especially high risk of serious COVID-19-related illness or even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Regardless of whether you’ve received your COVID-19 vaccination, now is a good time to discuss your risk for heart disease with your doctor.

How Cardiovascular Disease Develops

Risk factors for CVD include high cholesterol, high triglycerides, diabetes and high blood pressure. Other factors that contribute to risk are family history, prior cardiovascular events, smoking, being overweight or obese and unhealthy diet and exercise habits.

Over time, these risk factors can lead to injury of the blood vessel lining, causing inflammation, which can then trigger plaque growth.

Plaque grows at different rates and in different arteries in the body for everyone and is often a slow, gradual process without symptoms.

As plaque buildup continues, the risk of suffering a CV event — such as heart attack or stroke — increases.

If plaque ruptures, the body will

Truth and Falsehoods About Heart Disease Risks

Statins reduce your chance of experiencing a CV event by up to 90%.

False Statins, diet and exercise can lower your risk by about 25-35%, but for many patients, controlled cholesterol doesn’t eliminate CV risk.

This residual risk, or “persistent CV risk,” puts millions of patients at risk and has been the focus of therapeutic development for many years.

Managing high triglycerides along with taking statins is enough to reduce your risk.

False High triglycerides are a CV risk factor but lowering them won’t necessarily reduce your risk. For example, earlier generation medicines prescribed to lower triglycerides, like fenofibrates and niacin, failed to show clinical benefit when used with statins to reduce CV risk. In fact, the FDA withdrew approval for fenofibrates and niacin in combination with statins because they add potential risk with no proven benefit to heart health.

Fish oil supplements are a proven way to get protection from a CV event.

False Fish oil supplements are not FDA-approved medicines intended to treat or prevent a medical condition. Despite multiple clinical studies, these products have not been proven, to reduce CV risk on top of current medical therapies including statins.

Having a first CV event, such as a heart attack or stroke, puts you at greater risk to suffer another.

True Having a CV event makes you more likely to suffer another.

That’s why it’s important to protect against a first CV event or future events. To closely monitor your heart health, stay in close contact with your doctor and reduce your risk by keeping up with your medications, exercising and sticking to a healthy diet. (Family Features) 

try to repair the injury, potentially causing a blockage to form, and when an artery becomes fully blocked, blood flow is restricted.

Blocked blood flow to the heart causes a heart attack while blocked blood flow to the brain causes a stroke.

Managing Risk Factors

The most effective way to prevent CVD is to understand and address risk factors. Triglycerides play an important role in heart health.

They store unused calories to give your body energy and are the most common type of fat in the body. They come from foods you eat such as butter, oils and other fats, as well as carbohydrates, sugars and alcohol.

Your diet, lack of exercise, medical conditions, certain drugs and genetics can all cause high triglycerides.

In the past, medicines used to lower triglycerides, such as fenofibrates and niacin, were commonly prescribed to help manage CV risk along with statins.

However, clinical studies failed to show benefits and both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and American Diabetes Association discourage com­bining niacin and fenofibrates with statins.

Some turn to dietary supplement fish oil to help manage CV risk.

However, supplements contain only 30% of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA

and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) with the majority of the product consisting of non-omega-3 ingredients, including saturated fats.

Some data suggests certain ingredients in dietary supplement fish oils, such as DHA and saturated fats, may raise bad cholesterol.

While high triglycerides are an indicator of CV risk, low­ering them won’t necessarily reduce your risk.

However, addressing the underlying causes of high triglycerides can help, according to the AHA.

Treatment Options

With ongoing research, new standards-of-care are emerging.

High cholesterol is a key CV risk factor with statins currently the firstline therapy for lowering cholesterol.

Statins, diet and exercise can lower your CV risk by about 25-35%, but, for many people, controlled cholesterol doesn’t eliminate CV risk.

This residual risk, or “persistent CV risk,” puts millions of patients at risk and has been the focus of therapeutic development for many years.

Talk with your doctor about FDA-approved options that can help further reduce your heart risk if you already take statins.

For more information about CVD and what you can do, look for #RethinkCVRisk on social media or visit truetoyourheart.com. (Family Features) 

J A N UA RY 30, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

Budgeting for Long Vacations Abroad

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eniors typically have more time to travel than other groups. That freedom entices many to travel overseas, often for extended periods of time.

The cost comparison site CostAide indicates that the average two-week vacation for two to Amsterdam can run around $5,000 to $6,000. Lengthen that trip to a month, and a vacation of one’s dreams can set a couple back $12,000. Change the destination and costs could get even higher.

The last thing any traveler wants is to run out of money during a dream vacation. This makes figuring out costs and budgeting for such trips essential. Seniors planning the trip of a lifetime can consider these tips to budget effectively and maximize their vacation dollars.

Air Travel

Transportation abroad undoubtedly will be one of the largest expenses travelers incur. Check prices from multiple airports in your area for the best rates, even if it means having to drive a bit further.

If you have only one local airport, book a separate flight to a travel hub, such as Atlanta or New York, so you can comparison shop more affordable flights to your final destination.

Plan a year or two out for the trip and shop around for travel rewards credit cards that provide reward earnings in the way of airline miles; start accumulating them with everyday purchases.

If you use airline rewards wisely, you won’t need to budget for the

Explore a variety of valuable special offers, exclusive Member Benefits, and more on flight and may enjoy extra perks like priority boarding or free baggage check.

Calculate Pre-Trip Prices

Start shopping destinations to see which locales align with your budget. Compare and contrast estimates as to how much each destination may cost on a daily basis. Prices can vary widely depending on the destination, and this is a great way to some pretrip notion of what your dream trip will cost.

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Food

Food is a priority when traveling. If you can stay in accommodations with a kitchenette, you can reduce dining costs and make meals as desired.

Food plans are another consideration. Book destinations that offer an all-inclusive or a meal plan option. It may not be the cheapest alternative, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing food costs already are covered.

Budgeting for a long trip means understanding average costs, deciding on priorities and utilizing discounts at one’s disposal. (MC) 

CALL: (800) 741-1605 CLICK: AAA.com/TravelSale VISIT: YOUR LOCAL AUTO CLUB BRANCH 1 Offer of up to 15% off is valid on new retail bookings made only between January 22, 2022 – February 5, 2022. 10% off is valid for travel April 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 within the US, Canada and Europe. 15% off is valid on new retail bookings made for travel July 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022 to Europe. Offer code ACEWINT22 must be used at time of booking for savings. Offers can expire earlier due to space or inventory availability. Space is on a first come, first served basis. Offers are not valid on group or existing bookings. Offers are combinable with Member Benefits only. Offer is not combinable with Seasonal Offers, Hot Deals or Flash Sales. Other restrictions may apply. CST No. 2006766-20, UBI No. 601-220-855, Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST35613. 2AAA Travel Sale Gift Card offer (“Offer”) only valid on bookings made through Automobile Club of Southern California. Minimum purchase required to qualify for Gift Card offer. Maximum one (1) Gift Card offer per household. Offer is combinable with AAA Travel Sale offers only. Offer valid only on new bookings made on or after January 22, 2022 which are under full deposit no later than February 5, 2022, for travel commencing no later than December 31, 2022. Gift Card will be provided to lead client/trip payee following trip final payment. Bookings of $5,000 – $9,999 qualify to receive a $50 Gift Card; bookings of $10,000+ qualify to receive a $100 Gift Card. Valid only on cruise or tour bookings provided through one of AAA’s preferred travel providers; not valid on Fly/Drive packages. The program’s gift card merchants are subject to change at any time and are not endorsed by or affiliated with AAA, nor are such merchants considered sponsors or co-sponsors of this program, and AAA disclaims responsibility for any products or services purchased using a gift card provided under the program. Gift cards/certificates are subject to the issuing merchant’s terms and conditions. A U.S. address is required for delivery.

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J A N UA RY 30, 2022

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

35 Parks to Celebrate 35 Years as a City

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

T

he parks system in Santa Clarita is one of the City’s crown jewels, providing relaxation, enjoyment and recreational opportunities for each and every resident. Since incorporating in 1987, the City of Santa Clarita has both inherited parks from the County of Los Angeles and created new spaces entirely, where individuals and families can be active, unwind, play together and just have fun.

From the first built by the City — Canyon Country Park — to the recently completed Plum Canyon Park, the parks in Santa Clarita are strategically planned to provide first-class amenities for residents at convenient locations.

No matter where you live in Santa Clarita, you are likely to find a City park within walking distance or just a short drive away.

The construction of new parks is done strategically to fill a need in the community and ensure residents can continue to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Some areas, like Valencia Summit Park,

boast open fields and tennis courts, while others, such as Todd Longshore Park, offer unparalleled views of the Santa Clarita Valley.

Canyon Country Park is also the site of the first Inclusive Play Area in the City. This unique play structure brings together sensory and accessible elements to ensure the park can be enjoyed by children of all ages and abilities.

In the near future, a second Inclusive Play Area will be constructed at West Creek Park so that families on the westside of the Santa Clarita Valley have a closer option for their children.

Over the years, the City has assumed control of a number of County parks. In addition to bringing these parks up to City standards in terms of appearance and maintenance, the City has also constructed new facilities and play areas to give nearby

residents even more reason to explore.

Some examples of former County parks that now belong to the City and have been enhanced are Copper Hill Park, Old Orchard Park and Santa Clarita Park.

Central Park is the City’s largest and is home to marquee events like the annual Concerts in the Park series.

With four softball fields, basketball courts, a number of sports fields, an outdoor fitness zone, a community garden, hiking trails and more, Central Park offers a wide variety of activities for every member of the family.

Crews are hard at work on the Central Park Buildout Project as well, which will result in four new sports fields, an exercise staircase and additional amenities. Updates on the buildout will be shared every step of the way.

As the City celebrates its 35th year in 2022, I invite you and your family to discover each of the 35 parks that make Santa Clarita a wonderful place to live, work and play.

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

J A N UA RY 30, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

N E W S F E AT U R E

User-Friendly Goal Setting Strategies for 2022

By Jim Walker Sunday Signal Staff Writer

L

inkedIn was kind enough to send me these motivational thoughts recently. Maybe you received them, as well:

“With the start of the new year, goal setting is top of mind for many. While it is important to set goals and figure out how to accomplish them, many experts also recommend dedicating time to practicing mindfulness and self-care to avoid burnout.”

And then they wanted me to start posting my thoughts on the subject.

Now, I am probably not the ideal candidate to post such thoughts. I have failed on so many New Year’s resolutions over my lifetime that I have pretty much stopped making them — at least in the concrete, focused sense, such as “I’m going to lose 20 pounds,” or “Learn to Riverdance.”

I’m now more in the category of “Do a little better this year.” While this kind of goal really doesn’t move you along, it precludes any regrets after failure. I mean, who’s to say I didn’t “do a little better”?

And, in recent years, goal-setting recommendations from the experts have gotten a little more in line with my style. They tend to lean toward self-affirmation and treating yourself well, rather than self-flagellation for hardline failures.

Herein we will massage the three most often expert-recommended goal setting/achieving methods into a user-friendly audit of the course. Take away what works for you. There will not be an exam.

Mindfulness

Merriam-Webster defines mindfulness as “the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis.”

Mindfulness is the umbrella over modern goal setting, and a technique that calls to me because it’s vague and touchy-feely, though I’m only thinking about getting on that wagon — and mostly motivated because my daughter rolls it by me regularly.

While old-school goal setting often had us selecting a defined goal because we thought that it was what we were supposed to do, and so would make us happy, mindful goal setting is all about understanding what you are trying to accomplish, and why you even give a fig in the first place.

Set goals that are in line with your beliefs and values. Set goals out of self-love, not self-loathing.

Will making more money really make you happy?

Have intention, not just a target. The point is not the arrival, but the progress along the way. In this way you will enjoy the journey, and the result will be fulfilling.

Let’s look at an example:

PLANNING

Mindfulness

An old-school goal might have been “to lose 20 pounds by June.” What’s your motivation? Well, some chart categorized you as mildly obese, and that made you feel bad. Your goal is out there in the future and is pass/fail. There is nothing to look forward to along the way, only a painful grind to a win or a loss. And the good feeling from the win could be fleeting.

On the other hand, a mindful reason for weight loss might be “because I feel crappy every day and losing weight will make me feel better.” And a mindful approach to that might be to set small, measurable, daily or weekly goals … say 1 pound a week for 20 weeks.

Twenty weeks is only 4.6 months. And the method might be to replace some of the food that is killing you with healthy alternatives, and, most important, to focus on your food each time you eat.

Put away distractions. Breathe, take your time. Enjoy the smells, tastes and sensations – and the good feelings good food brings. You might also hike to the top of that hill at dawn three days a week, as well. You just might feel wonderful and successful each time.

Define and Plan

Once you understand why reaching a certain goal will be supremely meaningful to you, the next step is to map it out. Make your goal reasonable and attainable, and plot out regular and measurable success points along the way. In the weight loss example above, it was a pound a week.

If you are writing a novel, it might be 10 pages a week. Don’t make it 5 pounds a week or 50 pages a

mu lt goa iple ls week. You might make your goal the first week, but will soon fall off and give up. Each small success point you reach will make you feel good and motivate you to continue your program.

Oh, and write your meaningful goal down, where it will look you in the eye every day. Maybe in more than one such place — maybe taped to the bathroom mirror, refrigerator or your car’s dashboard.

Without reminders, it’s very easy to get sidetracked and, eventually, convince yourself you only intended to “do a little better.”

More Goals, More Progress

Have you ever felt that you were far more productive when you were busy than when you were not? Well, the experts seem to agree that having various goals in the different areas of your life expands progress all around.

Not only are you “busy” with little successes all week that regularly affirm your progress, but progress in one area seems to beget progress in others.

Small victories can set off a chain reaction of more and better changes.

So, there you have it. Simple enough, right?

While you can certainly expand on the above with much more detailed advice, gleaned from numerous sources, aligning your goals with these three modern techniques — mindfulness, planning and multiple goals — should make things much more productive and fulfilling. 

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J A N UA RY 30, 2022

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

‘The Gilded Age’ brims with ‘Downton’s’ dramatic richness

Gilded Age,” an instantly addictive, beautifully appointed and well-acted period-piece soaper set during the ‘The Gilded Age’ explosion of wealth and growth in 1/2 (out of four) New York City in 1882. This series is Episodes air Mondays on HBO and brimming with an ensemble equal to stream afterward on HBO Max. “Downton” in numbers and potentially matching the dramatic richness rom January of 2011 through of that unforgettable group.

March of 2016, legions of As for the obvious “Downton” simifaithful American fans of larities, are you ready?

“Downton Abbey” tuned in “The Gilded Age” features a Dowato PBS every Sunday night to revel ger Countess-esque socialite who sits in the upstairs-downstairs advenin dry judgment of everything she tures of the Earl and Countess of witnesses; a scheming, double-crossGrantham, their immediate atres • Santa Clarita Signal and adsource@exhibitorads.com ing staffer a la Mister Barrow; upextended family and friends, and, per-crust women involved in charp. 888.737.2812 f. 203.438.1206 5.9” of course, the equally compelling itable endeavors, including the Red staffers at the great Yorkshire counJanuary 30-FebruaryPHOTO 3, COURTESY IMDB Cross; a veteran, all-knowing butler date: Sunday-Thursday, try estate. We enjoyed the 2019 film, who frowns upon gossip in the kitchdelivery date: Januaryto25, 2022 atand 12:30:30 and we’reTuesday, looking forward another sets. PM CASCS_LEM0130-0203.qxp en; wealthy characters donning for“Downton” movie later this year — Says Julian Fellowes: Hold my malwear for each and every dinner; but if only we could somehow get a chandelier. seemingly well-off individuals who new historical drama brimming with It’ll be Monday nights instead of are actually facing possible financial colorful characters, juicy melodrama Sunday nights, and HBO instead of ruin; a mother-daughter-type dynamand lavish production values includ- PBS, but the man behind “Downton ic between two kitchen staffers, reming amazing period-piece costumes Abbey” has now gifted us with “The iniscent of Mrs. Patmore and Daisy — and we could go on, but you get the idea. “The Gilded Age” has no diTM rect connection to “Downton Abbey,” but it feels like a kind of American cousin, and given it is set in the early 1880s, maybe a 40ish Violet Crawley will make the trip across the pond at 22500 Lyons Ave. info Line 310.478.3836 some point! (Probably not, but why not?)

I’ve seen the first five (of nine) New worlds: The Cradle of CivilizaTioN Wed: 7:30 PM episodes of “The Gilded Age,” and On a glorious Greek evening, screen legend Bill Murray and world renowned cellist Jan Vogler rock the Acropolis with a timeless mix of music, literature and poetry. while some characters are introduced luNaNa: a Yak iN The Classroom 1:20 7:30 in indelible fashion and instantly Struggling with his chosen profession, Ugyen is disappointed to learn that in his final year of training he’ll be sent to Lunana, in recognizable thereafter, I was at least northern Bhutan. They don’t have long as he must decide whether to stay or go before the punishing winter reaches this glacial part of the Himalayas. a couple of chapters in before I had sCream E 1:20 4:20 7:30 everyone sorted out, as there’s a wide Twenty-five years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, a new killer has donned the Ghostface array of central players and supportmask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets from the town’s deadly past. ing contributors from Manhattan to Parallel moThers E 1:10 4:15 7:10 Two women coincide in a hospital room where they are going to give birth where both are single and became pregnant by accident.

Brooklyn and beyond. Our saga kicks Janis, middle-aged, doesn’t regret it and she is exultant and Ana, an adolescent who is scared, repentant, and traumatized. off with the smart and warmheartsPider-maN: No waY home C 1:00 4:00 7:00 ed but unsophisticated and suddenSpider-Man can no longer separate his normal life from being a Super Hero. When he asks for help from Doctor Strange the stakes become even more dangerous, forcing him to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man. ly destitute Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson, daughter of Meryl Streep) drive mY Car 4:00 PM A renowned stage actor and director struggles to put together a festival production of Uncle Vanya while dealing with painful truths taking the train from Pennsylvania to involving his late wife.

New York to live with her old-money wesT side sTorY C 1:00 4:10 aunts: Agnes van Rhijn (Christine BaDirected by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, “West Side Story” tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. ranski), a rigid, wealthy widow who flee C 1:30 7:45 greets everything new and different Flee tells the story of Amin Nawabi as he grapples with a painful secret he has kept hidden for 20 years, one that threatens to derail with suspicion, and Ada Brook (Cynthe life he has built for himself and his soon to be husband thia Nixon), a kindly spinster whose seCreT imPressioNisTs Mon: 7:30 PM; Tue: 1:00 PM best friend is her loyal pup, Pumpkin, SECRET IMPRESSIONISTS tells the story of the art revolution at the core of the Impressionist movement, through an exploration of fifty legendary paintings - hidden treasures previously inaccessible to the general public. aw. Marian has made a new friend on FOR 1/30/20222/3/2022 ONLY WWW.LAEMMLE.COM the journey: Peggy (Denee Benton),

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

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an aspiring writer who is offered a job as Agnes’ secretary and gladly takes it, as she is estranged from her upper-class, Brooklyn-based parents.

Agnes and Ada and now Marian and Peggy and the relatively small staff live in a tastefully decorated, expansive home on Fifth Avenue — but it’s a tiny dwelling compared to the massive and garish and brand-new mansion across the way, where the obscenely wealthy “new money” Russells live, with railroad robber baron George (Morgan Spector) almost gleefully ruining lives as he schemes his next venture, while his wife, Bertha (Carrie Coon), desperately tries to claw her way into society.

Carrie Coon is a scene-stealing treasure as the nakedly ambitious Bertha, who wears one over-the-top gown after another and seethes with resentment whenever she feels slighted by high society, which is virtually every day.

Early episodes bring in a wealth of interesting characters, including the snooty upper-crust Mrs. Fane and Mrs. Morris, played by Kelli O’Hara and Katie Finneran, respectively, and the gatekeeper for all things social, one Ward McAllister, played with hammy verve by the great Nathan Lane. Meanwhile, in the kitchen and in the hallways, Simon Jones is a standout as the Carson-like butler, Bannister; Kristine Nielsen is memorable as Mrs. Bauer, a German immigrant and cook with a kindly heart, and Taylor Richardson is heartbreaking as a housemaid with a tragic past.

(We could name at least a half-dozen equally interesting characters.)

Each episode pops with eye-catching practical sets combined with seamless CGI and crackles with crisp exchanges, as when Agnes discloses how her money will be dispersed after she is gone and her sister Ada frets, “What will happen to me?” and Agnes dryly retorts, “Oh, don’t worry about that, I will outlive you.”

Oooh, that Agnes. She’s the worst.

Except for when she’s the best. Hardly anybody in “The Gilded Age” is as pure, or as dark, as they initially appear to be. That’s what makes them all so intriguing. 

Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun-Times

J A N UA RY 30, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

FOOD

Healthy Food Swaps to Manage Cholesterol

W

hen cooking, keep in mind small changes that can make a big impact on heart

health.

High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease and stroke, with about 38% of American adults diagnosed with high cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. It can be managed by getting levels regularly tested and making lifestyle changes like eating a heart-healthy diet.

Reduce saturated fat Select lean cuts of meat or opt for plant protein, limit processed meats, broil or bake rather than pan-fry meats and remove skin from poultry before cooking.

Eat more fish Fish can be fatty or lean, but it’s still low in saturated fat.

Choose oily fish like salmon or trout, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Lower dairy fats Low-fat, fat-free or non-dairy milk can be used in many recipes instead of whole milk or half-and-half.

Increase fiber and whole grains Add high-fiber vegetables to meals, serve fruit instead of juice and try brown rice instead of white.

Find tips for managing cholesterol and other risk factors at heart.org/cholesterol. (Family Features) 

1 2-4 1/4 1/4

1/4-inch-wide strips corn tortilla (6 inches), torn into pieces tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro cup finely chopped avocado medium red bell pepper, cut into matchstick-size strips

In slow cooker, stir chicken, corn, broth, tomatoes, onion, sugar, ancho powder, garlic and salt. Cook, covered, on low, 6-8 hours, or on high, 3-4 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 F. On baking sheet, arrange tortilla strips in single layer. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until crisp. Transfer baking sheet to cooling rack. Let strips stand 15 minutes, or until cool. Transfer to airtight container and set aside.

When soup is ready, transfer 1 cup to food processor or blender. Stir in tortilla pieces. Let mixture stand 1 minute. Process until smooth. Stir mixture into soup. Stir in cilantro.

Chicken Tortilla Soup Servings: 4 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, visible fat discarded, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 2 cups frozen whole-kernel corn, thawed 2 cups fat-free, no-salt-added chicken broth

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) no-salt-added, diced tomatoes, undrained 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon ancho powder 2 medium garlic cloves, minced 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 corn tortillas (6 inches each), cut into

Air Fryer Crispy (Un) Fried Chicken

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association Servings: 4 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1/2-1 cup low-fat buttermilk 1/2 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (optional) 1/3 cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs 1/3 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 ounces each), visible fat discarded, flattened to 1/4-inch thickness, patted dry with paper towels

nonstick cooking spray Preheat air fryer to 390 F. In shallow dish or pie pan, whisk flour, parsley, oregano, pepper and cayenne.

Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with avocado, bell pepper and reserved tortilla strips.

This recipe is reprinted with permission from “Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook, 2nd Edition.” Copyright 2018 by the American Heart Association. Published by Harmony Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC.  In separate shallow dish or pie pan, whisk buttermilk and hot sauce.

In third shallow dish or pie pan, stir panko and Parmesan.

Place dishes and large plate in row.

Dip chicken in flour mixture then buttermilk mixture then panko mixture, turning to coat at each step and gently shaking off excess. Using fingertips, gently press panko mixture so it adheres. Place chicken on plate.

Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.

Lightly spray chicken with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange chicken in single layer in air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Cook 10-15 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in center and coating is golden brown, turning once halfway through and lightly spraying with nonstick cooking spray. (Family Features) 

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J A N UA RY 30, 2022

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

An Intimate Evening with David Nail

H

ailing from Southeast Missouri, David Nail has spent a decade making his unique mark on modern country music. With enduring hits including “Whatever She’s Got,” “Let It Rain,” “Red Light” and more, Nail has solidified his place in country music with multiple No. 1 and Top 10 songs.

There’s more to Nail than just his stellar voice and he is often described as the best Nashville has to offer. He’s got rock-solid credentials, and he

earned them despite a refusal to present himself in a false light.

His songs pull no punches in evoking the demons with which he has wrestled through much of his life. As Nail explains, it’s not so much an act of courage to write about depression and its effects.

Rather, it is simply who he is; he says, in conversation and through music, what he must say.

David Nail is ready to connect back with his fans as a solo artist on his current tour and is just

getting started.

See David Nail live at The Canyon Santa Clarita on Feb.11. Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster.com or by calling (888) 645-5006. For more information, visit www.wheremusicmeetsthe soul.com. 

J A N UA RY 30, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

GARDENING

Garden and fruit tree care for February

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

A

lthough we are prone to occasional frosty nights in the winter months, this time of the year can offer some of the most productive and comfortable conditions to work outdoors. There are few insects to bother you and the sun is milder, so you are less likely to have skin damage or overheat while doing strenuous work.

General tips for February

Do keep in mind that the soil structure is also impacted by rain. Avoid working wet soil since it will compact and the helpful air pockets between particles will be compressed. Gooey mud-prints tracked indoors are not much appreciated, either.

The clay soil that is dominant in most of Santa Clarita is particularly sticky.

Use the cool weather to clear, clean and prune.

Chop trimmings small for composting. But expect the speed of composting to slow down or even stop when the thermometer falls under 55 degrees F. Wear layers so you can stay comfortable as your body heats up or cools down depending on how much effort you are expending. In our area air temperatures can heat up and cool down in minutes when the sun shines or ducks under a cloud. It is easier to have your clothes in layers than to keep stopping your work to go change.

Wear gloves. Hands become chapped and damaged even easier in cool tem­per­atures.

Factor in the abrasion of work and occasional garden cuts and scratches and you’ll save a lot of discomfort with little effort by wearing gardening gloves.

Use cold, windy or rainy days to garden inside.

Look through books for garden ideas. Surf paper and internet catalogs for the most recently introduced items or to find old favorites.

Focus on fruit trees

We’re coming to the last chance for major pruning of woody shrubs and trees. By the end of February, most of these plants will already be sprouting into active growth — meaning they can be more easily damaged with active sap flowing.

If you are planting new trees, do it soon before they start to bud out. Fruit and nut tree varieties should be selected for your micro-climate. They all have different needs.

Equally, fungal infections and insect pests have favorite areas and favorite host trees. For example, in warmer coastal parts of Los Angeles, citrus trees fall easy prey to scale, whitefly and mealybug. In others areas, black rot can eat into the limbs of stone fruit trees (plum, apricot, nectarine, etc.).

Fire blight can turn branches of fruiting and ornamental pears black just about everywhere.

A healthy Santa Clarita peach tree. PHOTOS BY JANE GATES / THE SIGNAL

And leaf-rollers and aphids can attack a whole assortment of fruit trees in warm winter climates where they are not killed off by frosts. Our area is now vulnerable to all of these since the climate has changed and our temperatures in winter are mostly 5 to 8 degrees warmer at night than they used to be a little over a decade ago. The warming has allowed many of these pests to overwinter and start infesting more and more fruit trees.

Just as you have a lot of choices with tree cultivars, you also have a wide range of tree protecting winter sprays. There are plenty of commercial products for sale, but I prefer to use the organic or old fashioned remedies that are less toxic and work as well – if not better. The best sprays to use in the winter are the dormant oil sprays, usually lime-sulfur or copper-sulfate. These sprays will help suffocate over-wintering insects and discourage fungal infections. Try to spray trees as soon as you can after leaf drop and, ideally, spray every three to four weeks until the flower buds swell.

Sprays can harm pollinating insects, so avoid any treatments while trees are in bloom. Do not use lime in any form on apricot trees — especially after they bud up — since they are lime sensitive. For more sensitive and evergreen fruit trees growing in the milder regions, try using a lighter fine oil spray made for leaf contact. Most of these treatments are all-natural and organically acceptable.

It is best to spray when winds are not blowing.

Coat the whole tree from branch tips to base. Some fruit or nut trees can also be sprayed after bud drop. Do a little research into the needs of your specific kind of fruit tree(s). Always read all spray labels and follow directions carefully.

Weather and timing are critical for fruit spraying to be most effective. Proper winter spraying of fruit trees can make the difference between beautiful, fruitful trees and struggling, nonproductive trees.

Sometimes these treatments can even save a tree’s life.

So, February is a good month to work in the garden. And, it’s an important month to tend to fruit and nut trees. Many of these trees are highly decorative in spring when blooming and in autumn when leaves can color up. They come in a convenient range of sizes from small shade trees to little miniatures, — some can even be clipped to cover walls as an espalier. Not only are they colorful, versatile and adaptable to our weather conditions, but they offer fresh, healthy edibles.

For more information about gardening in the Santa Clarita Valley, visit Jane Gates on YouTube at https://youtube.com/user/Janieg8s. 

Fruit trees are as decorative in bloom as any ornamental flowering tree, but they offer delicious fruit, too!

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J A N UA RY 30, 2022

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

Menopause Can Also Affect Your Skin

B

y 2025, there will be more than one billion women experiencing menopause in the world. This represents 12% of the entire world’s population.

Most women hit menopause by their 50s. However, changes in the body start to appear earlier than you might think, often many years before a woman officially hits menopause.

This time in a woman’s life can bring bothersome and debilitating symptoms which can significantly affect a woman’s health and daily routines.

Women may notice physical changes in their skin as one of the first symptoms as they age. “When you’re young, your body produces an abundance of collagen, the main skin-supporting protein that keeps your face supple and hydrated, ” said nationally renowned natural health physician and author, Dr. Fred Pescatore.

“Studies show that women lose about 30% of their skin’s collagen during the first five years of menopause due to hormonal shifts.”

With collagen loss, skin becomes thinner and prone to wrinkles. It also loses the ability to protect itself, maintain hydration, and produce strong collagen the way it once could. Many women see these changes reflected in increased bags under the eyes, sagging neck skin, and increased hyperpigmentation in the face and hands.

There are several ways for women to minimize and manage skin health concerns that appear during this period.

Minimize Sun Exposure

Try to avoid direct sun exposure.

Some women experience increased hyperpigmentation on their face and hands, often referred to as dark spots, leading up to and during menopause.

This is caused by a combination of hormonal changes and sun exposure.

“You can help minimize your skin’s exposure to the sun by wearing SPF, hats and gloves when outdoors,” said Dr. Pescatore.

Take Shorter Showers

Keep showers short and not too hot. “Spending too much time in water, especially hot water, strips natural

oils from your skin, leaving it dry,” said Dr. Pescatore.

In the time leading up to and during menopause, your skin is at increased risk for dryness, so try to take short, lukewarm showers to keep skin optimally hydrated.

Add a Proven Supplement

Look for ingredients that can stimulate collagen production and help improve the health of your skin from inside and out. Numerous clinical studies have shown that daily supplementation with the super-antioxidant Pycnogenol (Pic-noj-en-all) French maritime pine bark extract can help minimize various skin concerns middle-aged women experience.

Pycnogenol binds with existing skin proteins, collagen and elastin, stimulates the genesis of new collagen and hyaluronic acid, and protects skin from various harmful enzymes, helping to rebuild elasticity for a smooth, younger look.

Pycnogenol has also been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation for a more even complexion. A recent study, published in 2021, found that those who supplemented with 100mg of Pycnogenol for 12 weeks during dry winter months experienced a 13% improvement in both skin elasticity and skin firmness.

“Pycnogenol is one of the most studied ingredients on the market, with decades of research showing the benefits of this natural extract for a variety of health applications,” said Dr. Pescatore.

“In fact, the extract has specifically been studied on menopausal women, so the skin benefits complement its additional women’s health benefits nicely.”

Available in more than 1,000 dietary supplements, topical creams, and health products worldwide, more information about Pycnogenol can be found by visiting pycnogenol.com.

As women enter the middle phase of life, a host of new skin concerns can appear. Evolving one’s skin care routine and making natural lifestyle changes can help women meet the challenges of menopause. (BPT) 

J A N UA RY 30, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

HOME

Bathroom safety features

B

athrooms can benefit from updates that improve their form and function. While styles and color patterns may inspire bathroom renovations, improvements to safety also should be considered.

Bathrooms can be one of the most dangerous rooms in a house. Bath and shower areas account for about two-thirds of accidental injuries in these spaces. Many other injuries involve the toilet. In 2008, a thorough investigation of bathroom dangers conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that mishaps near the bathtub, shower, toilet and sink caused an estimated 234,094 nonfatal injuries among people aged 15 years and older.

Seniors are particularly vulnerable in the bathroom due to reduced mobility and flexibility, visual impairment and other factors. However, some key modifications can make bathrooms much safer for aging populations.

Raised toilet seat Install an ADA-compliant raised toilet seat.

Standard toilet seats are roughly 15 inches high, but elevated seats can raise the bowl an additional two to four inches. Another option is to invest in risers that can be attached to an existing toilet.

Grab bars Seniors may use towel holders as grab bars, which don’t have stability and can dislodge from the wall. Install secured side grip bars by the toilet and inside the shower to make maneuvering easier.

Water temperature Seniors may be vulnerable to hot water temperatures.

Lower the water temperature setting on the hot water heater. StaySafe.org recommends 120 F.

Faucets Change faucet handles to paddle-style handles rather than knobs. Knobs can be challenging to grip for those with arthritis in their hands. Also, handles that are easier for seniors to use can reduce the risk of the elderly losing their balance as they attempt to gain leverage to turn the water on and off.

Nonslip mats Nonslip mats or tape strips can be used in showers and tub bottoms, as well as outside of the shower to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Rugs should have rubberized, slip-resistant backing.

Rounded corners Choose counters and fixtures with rounded corners.

Should a senior fall against something, the rounded corner may prevent serious injury.

Shower benches and transfer seats Benches and transfer seats make it easier getting in and out of the shower. Also, sitting while showering reduces the risk of becoming light-headed or losing balance.

Walk-in tubs/showers Minimizing the threshold to the shower or bathtub is an important safety feature.

Some manufacturers make walk-in tubs with doors that secure and make watertight seals. Showers that don’t have a lip or tub to scale also are better for seniors.

Lighting Eyesight weakens over time, so improve lighting with combinations of overhead lighting and softer side lighting. Night lights or soft-glowing toilet lights can make it easier to get around the bathroom in the middle of the night.

These are just some improvements that can create safer bathroom environments for seniors.(MC) 

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

SENIORLIVING

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Strategies to stretch retirement savings

R

unning out of money is a common concern among retirees. And that anxiety is not necessarily unfounded, as a recent study from the Society of Actuaries found that people routinely underestimate just how much money they will need in retirement.

Similarly, a 2019 model created by the employee benefit experts at EBRI found that nearly 41% of households in which the head of household is between the ages of 35 and 64 are projected to run short of money in retirement.

Such figures underscore how important it is for younger professionals to save for retirement, but what about current retirees or those on the cusp of retiring?

Individuals who fit those descriptions may need to embrace these strategies designed to stretch their retirement savings.

Downsize your home

Homes are many individuals’ greatest expense, and that does not necessarily change in retirement.

Downsizing to a smaller residence allows homeowners to pad their savings with money earned in the sale of their homes and also reduce their monthly overhead, as utilities, property taxes and maintenance expenditures are typically much lower in smaller homes than larger homes.

Other ways to downsize

Individuals also can stretch their retirement savings by downsizing in other areas. Lower monthly expenses by shopping around for less expensive auto insurance policies, downgrading cable television packages or cutting the cord entirely.

And though individual streaming services may not be too costly, these

expenses can add up for individuals who have five or more subscriptions.

Downsizing streaming services to one or two packages at a time can help individuals keep more money in their retirement savings accounts each month.

Be flexible with withdrawals

The “set it and forget it” model of retirement investing helps professionals avoid the tricky process of trying to predict the markets.

Retirees may take the same approach when it comes to withdrawing their money, following the industry standard and automatically withdrawing 4% from their accounts each year. But individuals who want to stretch their savings should remain flexible with their annual withdrawals and routinely examine their spending habits.

An individualized approach to retirement withdrawals can help retirees avoid taking more than they need out of their accounts each year.

The 4% rule has its merits, but retirees should recognize that they may not need to take that much out every year.

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J A N UA RY 30, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E

COFFEE

Continued from page 5

many coffee options and alternatives to classics.

He said some popular drinks include chagaccino, a drink sourced from the chaga mushroom, which is high in antioxidants and tastes like a mocha with cinnamon.

Additionally, Ogg takes pride in a community favorite cold brew because of its smooth aromatic flavor that lacks the bitterness you usually get from a hot brewed coffee.

Ogg said Trophy pays great attention to detail in the coffee by lightly roasting to provide the full flavor palette of the bean. Even the training of baristas and the offerings of specialty drinks are unique for Los Angeles County.

“We’ve started branching out and going international with some of our roasters,” Ogg said. “So for this next season, we actually have a roaster from Finland, and a coffee roaster from Sweden, that we’ll be featuring at our bar.”

The location is currently at the entrance of The Master’s University and helps to create a central hub and community for the students. Additionally, many neighborhood residents have begun to discover the location and have become regular patrons.

“A lot of the local people living here in the canyon, when they were working from home, would come to visit us on their daily walks,” Ogg said. “So we’ve kind of been able to grow with the local community as well.”

Ogg encourages all community neighbors to come and try the coffee and reminds all that Trophy serves the students as well as those who aren’t and just want a delicious caffeinated drink.

“Our main vision and goal is to serve our students and our community, and because we’re kind of tucked back here in the canyon, we want to serve our community better,” Ogg said.

Trophy Coffee is located by the entrance of The Master’s University at 21726 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall, 91321. www.trophycoffee.co.

Honu Coffee

Honu Coffee is one of those establishments that takes pride in its mission to provide quality drinks made with high-quality ingredients and excellent customer service. Hot or iced, they offer an array of options with many seasonal options.

“Come into Honu Coffee in Old Town Newhall and be welcomed, sit back, relax, and slow down for a bit. Read a book, play a game, or share a story. We can’t wait to see you,” reads a post on Honu Coffee’s website.

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Honu Coffee is located at 22722 Lyons Ave., Newhall, 91321. www.honucoffee.com. 

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J A N UA RY 30, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Keep Out Mud With a Cha-Cha-Cha Doormat 1. Draw a pattern of the sole of a large boot or shoe on a sheet of newspaper. Cut out the paper shape. Make four.

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

D

ance away mud, grit and grime from your shoes and boots with a whimsical doormat. Your family can paint it together and then use it every time you walk through the door during this wet and muddy season.

Why is it so much fun? The design is actually a set of four painted footprints arranged in such a way that your kids can follow them to do basic “cha-cha-cha” dance steps. Once they get the hang of the moves, you won’t have to nag them the next time they walk through the door. Instead of asking “Did you wipe your feet?” for the umpteenth time, simply ask, “Did you do the cha-cha-cha?”

Here’s the stuff you’ll need to make your own cha-cha-cha doormat in 3 easy steps:

2. Tape the patterns onto the doormat in a “cha-cha-cha” step pattern. Two patterns should be next to each other at the top half of the doormat and the other two directly underneath.

3.

Dance cares (and muddy shoes) away with a cha-cha-cha doormat.

1 sturdy plain colored fiber doormat or large carpet sample

Scissor Acrylic paint in two colors

A sheet of newspaper

Sponge brush

Marker

Here’s the fun:

Outline each shape with a marker, remove the patterns and fill in the outline with paint. Let dry.

Set it at your front or back door.

Teach your kids the basic “cha-chacha” steps, and practice using the “footprints” as a guide. This might be a good time to ask a grandparent, aunt or uncle to step in and share their dancing skills with the kids.

Who knows? Your child may be just baby steps away from “Dancing with the Stars” — and your floors will stay relatively clean to boot!

Extra tip If your kids have plain, solid color rubber rain boots, personalize and brighten them with a few dabs of paint. Apply acrylic paint in squeeze bottles directly on the outside of clean, dry boots to make designs and patterns.

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the Donna’s Day Facebook fan page.

Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”  © 2022 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

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SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

J A N UA RY 30, 2022

CROSSWORD TIME

J A N UA RY 30, 2022

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 2 3

Unless otherwise stated, the views and opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Signal.

READERLETTERS

Biden Fiascoes Piling Up After watching President Joe Biden’s foreign policy for the last year — the fiasco failure in Afghanistan, insulting the French with the submarine deal in Australia, leaving the door open for the Chinese to attack Taiwan, the stupid decision to allow the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and now a completely incoherent reaction to Russian threats in Ukraine — I am reminded of an often-used quote regarding management from my pre-retirement days.

To wit: “When confused or in doubt, run around, scream and shout.”

Seems to fit the Biden State Department perfectly.

Remember that Secretary of State Tony Blinken was a chief deputy to Hillary Clinton for her Libya policy, which traded bad but quiet Muammar Gaddafi for a much worse Islamic extremist who now runs a burgeoning slave trade in the country.

Blinken was also a chief architect of the Barack Obama “run away quickly” policy in Iraq, which led to the rise of ISIS. Can anyone imagine a more seemingly anti-American but probably just incompetent set of clowns to run America’s foreign policy. God help us!

John Weaver Valencia

Time to Abandon Fight Over Districts The main reason City Council members want “at large” voting is because they want to keep their seat on the City Council until they retire, including the mayor who, has been on the council for (24) years.

So let’s change and obey the state law and put in (by-district voting) and stop wasting taxpayers’ money fighting this and having meetings behind closed doors.

Richard Smykle Valencia

Another Way to Look at COVID-19 Re: Thomas Oatway letters to the editor, Jan. 18.

Please consider another idea: Instead of blaming 830,000 deaths on COVID-19, substitute COVID-19 with most who died were over 80 years of age and had other deadly diseases and happened to have COVID-19 as well.

Bob Comer Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@signalscv.com. Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 141, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

E T H I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

Thoughts on Leading Change

By David Hegg

I

f you’re like me, you’re absolutely exhausted keeping track of all the changes being dropped on us, proposed around us, and rejected by us.

By my count, we have suffered enough at the hands of those who worship at the altar of change but quite clearly have little knowledge of how to bring it about in a way that actually makes things better. I say it’s time we ask our leaders to re-enroll in a master class on how to manage and lead change. Here are some of my suggestions for the curriculum for that class.

Leaders are responsible to be out in front of the group, sizing up opportunities as well as recognizing challenges and avoiding obstacles. They are in the business of making decisions concerning the right way to go and the right things to do.

But deciding the right thing to do is the easy part. The challenge comes in doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, and for the right reasons.

This is especially true when leading change. Most people fear change because it either takes away something they like or asks them to do something they don’t.

As a leader I’ve paid the “idiot tax” several times, but along the way I’ve also learned some things: 1. Change must always be the servant of mission: Change is never good when it stands alone. Change for change sake, or for reasons other than true enhancement of the group’s mission, will almost always be seen as the enemy. But if the group is united in what it is trying to accomplish, and change is seen as facilitating that mission, it will be understood as a benefit rather than a problem by those who matter most. If you want to lead change, make sure your mission is specific, and powerful enough to unite the group.

2. Change is made palatable through communication: Nobody likes surprises.

No matter how much authority you have, you can’t just announce change and expect folks to get on board. We actually like changes we’ve had a hand in formulating.

Communication that promotes under-

standing, invites dialogue, offers some level of participation in the whole process, and creates proper expectations is key to building acceptance of change.

3. Change is adopted emotionally first and then operationally: Every great organization is so because its members own the group mission emotionally. Change threatens that and makes emotional ownership of change an absolute necessity if the change is to become a catalyst to improvement rather than a roadblock. But emotional ownership depends on questions being accepted and answered, perceived personal risks alleviated, and time allowed for people to mull it all over. Some of the best people in the organization may at first seem hardened to any suggestion of change simply because they are intensely loyal to the organizational mission as they understand it.

Here again the importance of mission is an absolute. If they can be shown just how the mission will be enhanced, their loyalty will move them to accept, emotionally own, and champion the change itself.

4. Change is never going to be appreciated by everyone: Don’t kid yourself. Some folks aren’t going to like the change no matter what you do because they haven’t ever owned your mission. Chances are they have their own agenda, and the possibility of change is bringing it to the surface. They are at odds with the change because they are at odds with the mission. And at some point you’ll have to show them how much better off they’ll be with an organization that shares their viewpoint.

Do people really hate change? Only if they see it as a withdrawal rather than a deposit in their lives. As leaders we can do some things to make change beneficial, but it will take patience, and most of all, integrity. It starts with deciding to do the right thing, and then making sure we do it in the right way, at the right time, and for the right reasons.

Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 