Sunday Signal April 21, 2019

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APRIL 21, 2019

H A P P Y

Safety for teens on social media Page 9 Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

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HOW TO LOOK UP CHILD CARE

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TIME FOR DADS AND SONS

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GROUNDBREAKER IN BROADCAST

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

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A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

MAY

4

2019 Come celebrate Water Awareness Month with us!

When: Saturday, May 4, 2019, 9 AM – 2 PM Where: Central Park – 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road NEW IN 2019!

Water Talks! Hear from SCV Water Board members and staff experts, and get your questions answered.

EDUCATION STATIONS 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Smart Gardening Workshop: Composting 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Water Talks! Hear from SCV Water Board members and staff experts, and get your questions answered.

Throughout the day, be sure to check out the working model of SCV’s water treatment process, learn about rebate programs, and talk conservation landscapes with local designers onsite to plan your spring water-wise gardens!

FAMILY FUN •

9:30 a.m. | 11 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. ”Waterology” Show

•

FREE face painting, frozen lemonade, fresh popcorn, caricature drawing, and live D.J.

•

Ranger Frank and his Wild Friends, and the beautiful Conservation Garden for Landscape inspiration

Visitors can take the trolley from the park up to our garden.

We can’t wait to see you there!

yourSCVwater.com #SCVWaterOpenHouse

4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 21, 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS FEATURES

5

THINGS TO DO

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Teaching teens safety on social media Checking up on your child’s care Family raises second puppy for Guide Dogs of America Organizers weigh in on how to get things in order

9 Celebrate Earth Day around Santa Clarita Think globally, but act locally

LOCAL NEWS

10

MAYOR

14

BUSINESS

15

SPORTS

16

TIME RANGER KIDS & FAMILY

17 18

DINING GUIDE FOOD

21 23

ENTERTAINMENT

24

CALENDAR HOME IMPROVEMENT

26 28

TRAVEL

29

HEALTH & FITNESS

31

PROFILE

32

SENIOR LIVING

35

GARDENING

36

ART

37

OPINION

38

BRAIN GAMES VILLAGE IDIOT

41 42

10 Father shares statement about crash that killed his daughter 11 City ranked ninth safest in state 12 Homeless playwright addresses task force Accused dog beater behind bars 13 SCV children visit COC to learn and play Local deputies rescue toddler, arrest father

14 Honoring those on this Memorial Day Community gardening with the SCV Water Agency 15 Choosing a new career in Santa Clarita 16 Higher learning at Long Beach State University 18 Turn those leftover Easter eggs into deviled eggs 19 Donna’s Day: Flying with your children 20 Family bonding: ‘Boys Day Out’ activities 23 Classic Mexican food, served with a smile

24 Sugarhill Gang to rock the rhythm at The Canyon 25 ‘The Best of Enemies’ and ‘Us’ 28 Leaky pipe repair, patio crack fix How to clear a clogged drain 29 Seven man-made wonders of California 31 To your good health 32 Bella Shaw: Famous news anchor lives in the moment 35 Come out and play 36 Spring & summer gardening tips for warmer weather 37 Art can manifest itself in many forms 38 Our View • David Hegg • Tim Whyte

100 YEARS

Richard Budman Perry Smith Tim Whyte Brad Lanfranco Doña Uhrig Karen Bennett • Abner Gutierrez

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Publisher Sunday Signal Editor Signal Editor Advertising Director Production Manager Graphic Designers

26330 Diamond Place, Suite 100 | Santa Clarita, CA 91350

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The entire contents of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2019 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.

A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

Teaching teens safety on social media

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

T

oday’s teens live in a world where technology is growing rapidly, and they are now almost always equipped with a cell phone or laptop to explore those changes.

Whether it’s via text message or social media apps like Snapchat or Twitter, sharing information and images is part of a teen’s daily life.

Parents are now faced with not only monitoring their child in the real world, but also figuring out how to do the same in the virtual realm.

It’s important for parents to understand social media and learn about the different apps their children are using to help keep them safe online.

What can parents do

Social media is constantly changing with new apps appearing all the time.

It can be hard for parents to keep up with what’s popular, but proper social

Tips for parents

T

here are various apps available to parents that can help monitor and regulate your child’s social media, according to Judd. The same exists for Internet usage through filtering software.

• Set parental controls within apps, Dedhia suggests. This can also be done on your child’s phone via the settings app. You should also check your child’s privacy settings on each app to ensure their information is not compromised.

• Reach out on social media and find out what other parents are doing and what successes they’ve had, Judd suggested.

• But most importantly, set your own rules and find your own path because every family’s situation is unique, according to Judd.

For more information, visit internetmatters.org/advice/socialmedia-guides-parents

media safety begins with understanding exactly which platforms your child uses, according to Chris Jones, licensed educational psychologist and owner of Dynamic Interventions.

Nowadays, technology is moving so quickly that it’s hard for parents to keep up, but it’s vital to learn the ins and outs of the apps your child is using so that you can understand if they are doing so safely, Jones said.

Talk to your kids

It’s so important that your children learn how to use social media wisely, and that starts with a conversation early on, said Monica Dedhia, licensed clinical social worker and program manager of access, crisis and community engagement at the Child & Family Center.

Dedhia suggests having these conversations when children are still in elementary school or maybe just starting middle school — before they are even introduced to social media.

“These early conversations should center around safety,” Dedhia said.

“Focus on telling them what’s appropriate to put online.”

Both Dedhia and Jones suggest talking to your child about the benefits, as well as the potential risk factors like cyberbullying and online predators.

Educating children to never give out personal information and not to give out passwords except to parents, not even to friends, is vital, said Jones.

“They need to understand that the consequences of those actions can be

very severe,” Jones said.

They should also understand that anyone can see what they put online, according to Jones, and if they wouldn’t show it to an adult, then it’s probably not a good idea to put it online.

Kids also may not know what cyberbullying is, so teaching them to know what those dangers look like can help them identify it when it’s happening, Dedhia said.

Recognizing cyberbullying

If your child is angry or distressed after they’ve been on their phone, they’re anxious while on their phone, or they’re trying to be secretive, these are signs that they’re being bullied, according to Dedhia.

“Watch for changes in your child’s behavior, diet, friends or grades,” Jones said. “Those are indicators that there’s something not right that’s going on that needs to be dealt with.”

Trust is also important

While it’s important to be aware of what your kids do online, snooping can foster distrustful relationships and lead to secretiveness, according to Dedhia.

The key is to stay involved in a way that allows your kids to understand that you respect their privacy, but want to make sure they’re safe, according to both Jones and Dedhia.

Create an environment of trust so that your child understands that it’s not about spying on them, it’s about making sure that appropriate com-

munication is occurring, Jones said.

They need also to know that it’s not going to be a punitive conversation and that they can come talk to you, according to Dedhia.

“This may be hard, but the payoff is tremendous,” Dedhia said.

Jones agrees, and believes kids sometimes won’t tell their parents when something is wrong for fear of losing access to social media.

“I’ve had so many kids tell me that they’ve been bullied online and they didn’t tell their mom or dad because they were doing something that they shouldn’t have been doing and they were more afraid of losing their technology than they were of the consequences of that negative social interaction,” Jones said.

What about limits

Kids don’t always make good choices when they post something, so it’s still important to set ground rules and monitor their social media use.

“Kids should have social media, but it just has to be monitored and regulated,” said Dr. David Judd, a clinical psychologist at Early Life Child Psychology & Education Center.

Although they probably won’t like it, becoming an administrator on your child’s social media account or following them can help you to be able to see what’s going on, according to Jones.

Judd suggests only allowing children to be on their phones for a maximum of three hours per day.

Dedhia believes knowing how kids are accessing social media is also important, and she suggests creating a house rule that only allows phone access in open areas, even for parents, with a centralized charging area that keeps phones away from bedrooms.

Cellphone usage in the evenings has been linked to sleep problems, so having your child turn off their devices one hour before bed and taking them away can help promote better sleep patterns, both Judd and Dedhia agree.

Regardless, parents need to be open about limitations, according to Judd, and with open communication and clear boundaries, children will be more willing to be honest with their parents.

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A P R I L 21, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E

Checking up on your child’s care run daycares should be aware that there are none.

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

D

espite recent controversy in the news involving daycare locations in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond, there are numerous safe local options.

Parents searching for a suitable daycare in the Santa Clarita Valley may find themselves operating under a cloud of doubt and apprehension given a couple of disturbing developments this past year.

Although no daycare kids were hurt, a murder-suicide in January 2018 left four family members dead inside a home on Startree Lane that housed a state-licensed child care center.

The daycare maintained a spotless track record since it opened its doors to the public, according to state licensing documents and a spokesman for the state’s Social Services Department.

“The home was licensed in 2010. It was last inspected in 2016,” Michael Weston, deputy director of public affairs and outreach programs for the California Department of Social Services, said in January 2018.

“There are no citations in the past five years,” he said at the time. A review of the file kept by state officials on the day care revealed an exemplary track record, void of complaints or problems.

State officials inspected the Startree Lane day care on three occasions in the last four years and found no problems.

A year after the murder-suicide, news emerged at a separate and unrelated daycare that a 3-year-old girl was allegedly recorded on video by a daycare staffer — no longer with the daycare business.

According to the lawyer presenting the girl’s mother in a lawsuit filed against the daycare, the staffer/ teacher videotaped the girl’s naked bottom as she napped at school and disseminated the video on the social media platform, Snapchat, with the caption, “She is ready for that threeday weekend.”

Sgt. Brian Hudson with the LASD Special Victims Bureau said in February: “The case was submitted to

City preschool program

The city of Santa Clarita does not operate licensed child care facilities or programs that fall under the state of California’s Educational Code.

The city does, however, offer several well-staffed — good student-to-teacher ratio — preschool programs.

The City’s Primetime Preschool programs — for kids 3 to 4 — operate by September 1 each year inside the community rooms of city parks including:

Layne Grace, 2, right, tries out magnetic building blocks at one of the more than 20 booths on hand at the Santa Clarita Valley sixth annual Preschool Fair. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

the district attorney’s office. We are waiting for a decision on whether criminal charges will be filed.”

Licensed daycare

For parents shopping for a daycare — home-based or a business — there are ways they can ascertain right off the bat if it’s legitimate.

“A licensed facility must post a copy of the license,” said Michael Weston, deputy director of public affairs and outreach programs for the California Department of Social Services.

If the daycare is home-based or a business, it must be licensed by the state. The state of California refers to these daycares as family child-care homes or child-care centers — regardless of which type of business, the entity must have a state license, Weston said.

Daycare seekers are likely to find child-care centers inside a commercial building, where kids of just about all ages — infant to school age — receive non-medical care and are supervised in a group setting.

Those looking specifically for daycare centers inside a home that reflect a home-like environment are likely to also find a place where supervised kids get non-medical care.

The state breaks down the homebased family child care homes into two groups: Small-Family Child Care Homes provide care to no more than eight children Large-Family Child Care Homes provide care to no more than 14 children.

But, large or small, home or busi-

ness, the important thing to remember is that they are all licensed.

If there is no posted license at the daycare — that should be a red flag to daycare seekers.

However, not finding a license on the door or window of the daycare doesn’t mean the facility isn’t legitimate, Weston said this past week, pointing out that the state also recognizes “license-exempt child care” facilities.

License-exempt daycares

There are four types of licenseexempt daycares, they include:

• Individuals who care for the children of a relative, or who care for the children of one other family in addition to their own children. Certain parent cooperatives, in which families rotate care on an unpaid basis are also exempt; • Public, as well as private nonprofit programs that offer recreational services. These programs include some community centers, as well as most parks and recreation programs; • Businesses that offer limited child care to their clients and customers.

These programs usually require that the parent or guardian remain on the premises, and that the parents or guardians remove their children within a specified amount of time; • Programs that are overseen by state agencies other than Community Care Licensing. For example, organized camps that are overseen by the Department of Public Health and heritage schools that are overseen by the Department of Education.

Daycare searchers looking for city-

Canyon Country Park 17615 W. Soledad Canyon Road Newhall Park 24933 Newhall Ave North Oaks Park 27824 N. Camp Plenty Road Santa Clarita Park 27285 Seco Canyon Road Valencia Glen Park 23750 Via Gavola Valencia Meadows Park 25671 Fedala Road

Child360

Daycare seekers wanting professional guidance before making a decision are invited to call daycare specialists working with the non-profit, Child360.

Child360 is a nonprofit that pursues a mandate of trying to ensure “every child has the educational opportunities they need to succeed in school and life.”

It serves nearly 600 locations across Southern California, including nine in the SCV. Working alongside trusted community partners, the group strives to improve the quality of early learning and elevates the early learning industry through program support, professional development, advocacy, research, and community engagement. ”Once a provider is assessed and rated, and provided with a coach,” Child360 spokeswoman Rachel Stoffel said.

“Programs are assessed and rated every two years,” she said.

“So, the coach is designed to work ongoing with the program, to continually elevate the quality of their See CHILDCARE, page 37

A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E

Family raises second puppy for Guide Dogs

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

R

aising a puppy for a year and a half then having to give it back is not easy for most, but the Ramirez family has done that not once, but twice.

Isabel Ramirez, now 15, was about to turn 8 at the time, and she wanted a dog.

“I figured this would be a nice experience to see what it’s like having a dog,” Isabel’s mother, Sara Ramirez said.

That’s what drew the family to Guide Dogs of America.

“But it’s not at all like having a pet dog,” Sara said.

Guide Dogs of America, or GDA, allows the blind or visually impaired to live independently by matching them with a fully trained guide dog partner.

Volunteer foster families, which GDA calls “puppy raisers,” have a big part in helping them accomplish that mission.

“A puppy raiser’s job is to provide a safe, loving environment for the puppy,” said Stephanie Colman, puppy program coordinator at Guide Dogs of America’s Sylmar campus.

The puppy raisers job is to not only teach the dog obedience, but also socialize it.

“We have to prepare the dog, so when it’s ready for formal training it’s not afraid and its accustomed to people and different environments,” dad Jeff Ramirez said.

The Ramirez family got their first GDA puppy, Nala, on Isabel’s eighth birthday.

“GDA gives you a lot of guidance,”

G

From puppy to guide dog Above: Sara Ramirez meeting her puppy, Tia, for the first time. PHOTO COURTESY RAMIREZ FAMILY. Right: Donna with her new guide dog, Tia. PHOTO COURTESY ROBERT STEGEMANN

Sara said. “They give you a binder that’s week-by-week, so you know exactly what to expect and what you should be teaching them at that age.”

Although it was their first time as puppy raisers, Nala made it through training and became a working guide dog.

A couple years ago, GDA had a lot of puppies so they reached out and asked if the Ramirez family was willing to do it again.

They got Tia, their second puppy, just a few days before Christmas in 2016.

“She slept through most of Christmas because she was so little,” Isabel said. “She was a very compassionate dog. She was really sweet and she really liked people.”

“We were much better the second time around,” Jeff said, chuckling.

“They really want us to take the dog everywhere, so we always took her to church. Everybody liked her there.”

Tia would join the Ramirez family at church every Sunday, and it didn’t take her long to realize that this was a prime napping opportunity. Tia got so comfortable that she would even begin snoring.

“She was a huge snorer,” Isabel said, laughing. Jeff agreed, “People would

A few good puppy handlers

DA is always looking for new puppy raisers.

“We can’t make guide dog teams without puppy raisers,” Colman said.

They accept people, “from all walks of life: families, single people, homeowners, apartment-dwellers, etc.,” according to Colman.

Applicants are required to complete an online application and attend a local meeting where they’ll

meet fellow raisers and get a better idea of what to expect. They will then go through the interview process and a home visit to ensure they’ll be a good fit for the program.

While puppy raisers are required to pay for food and toys, GDA pays for all medical expenses.

For more information about puppy raising, visit GuideDogsofAmerica. org or call (818) 833-6447.

always look back and smile because they knew it was her.”

The Ramirez family enjoyed exploring with Tia, and tried to take her everywhere; stores, restaurants, movies, buses, trains.

“I liked trying to think of new experiences for her,” Sara said. “The more experiences they have the better because whoever they’re matched up with you don’t know what they’re lifestyle is going to be like.”

Although they enjoyed being able to take her out in public, there were still challenges they faced — the movies and restaurants being the hardest.

“It’s the butter and the popcorn and all the smells,” Jeff said, “and restaurants where there were crumbs.”

Tia was only allowed to relieve on command and always on leash, rain or shine, she wasn’t allowed on the furniture, and she had to sleep in a crate.

“It’s tough,” Jeff said. “There’s a separation between the human and the animal, and it’s important that they’re accustomed to that kind of thing.”

GDA also requires puppy raisers to submit monthly reports, attend monthly puppy group meetings and take the dog to weekly training classes.

“You have a lot of support,” Sara said. “If you have any problems, the trainers can help you out and we can ask them questions,” Isabel added.

Tia did still get free time to be a puppy though.

“You do get to play with the dog and give her that release and fun,” Jeff said. “They’re allowed to be regular dogs when they’re at home and off leash,” Sara added. “It’s just when you’re out in public that they’re supposed to be working, so they get used to the idea of it when they’re older.”

The Ramirez family all agreed, their favorite thing about Tia was that she

always liked to be next to them, and whenever they would watch TV as a family, Isabel would get on the floor with Tia. “Even if she was asleep on the other side of the room, as soon as I put my pillows down, she would trot over and would lay down on my pillow on top of my head,” Isabel said. “When I think of her, that’s what I miss — her being right there with us,” Jeff added.

Before they knew it, it was time to return Tia to GDA for formal training.

“When we dropped her off, everybody cries,” Jeff said. “She doesn’t even know, and she’s all happy we’re dropping her off like any other day.

It’s not much different than dropping your kid off for college — or it sure feels that way.”

“You know from the beginning that its coming and you’re hoping for that, but it’s always mixed feelings,” Sara added. “They very quickly become part of your family, and after just a few weeks with a puppy you’re attached. But when you realize what it’s going to mean to a blind person and that it’s going to be very life changing for them it helps.”

During Tia’s six-month formal training, GDA would keep the Ramirez family in the loop with monthly emails, from the dog, complete with photos of Tia in her harness or out with other dogs.

“Guide dogs are considered the astronauts of the service dog world,” Colman said. “It’s a very complex job — only about half of the dogs will go on to become working guide dogs.”

There are many reasons that GDA will “career change” a dog, including things like medical issues, training difficulties, or even just because the dog doesn’t seem to enjoy the work.

“We care just as much about the dogs as we do the people,” Colman said. “Of the dogs who don’t make it as guides, many become candidates for other types of service dog work.”

“You’re always wondering if you’re going to get the call that she’s going to be career changed,” Sara said.

But Tia made it through training, and the Ramirez’s were “two for two,” as Jeff said.

“She’s not our dog but she certainly feels like our dog — we really loved her,” Jeff said.

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A P R I L 21, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E

Organizers weigh in on how to get things in order

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

M

any people choose the start of a new year as an opportunity to make changes in their lives, such as becoming more organized. The new year is well underway, but that doesn’t mean one has to wait until 2020 to turn things around.

The thought of being a more organized individual is easier than actually making it happen, but achieving this is not impossible. For those who consider themselves very disorganized people, there are healthy habits one can cultivate, said Bob Farkas, owner of The Clutter Wizard, a professional organizing company based in the Santa Clarita Valley. “(The) true key to clutter control is changing bad habits and replacing them with good ones,” said Farkas.

To be more organized may mean something different to everyone. It could mean knowing where to access the things that you need when you need them, not procrastinating, arriving at destinations on time and/ or feeling like you are in control of your day.

Regardless of what each person is aiming to achieve with becoming more organized, there are a handful of essential steps one can take. Here are some tips as shared by SCV professional organizers:

Don’t procrastinate

The longer you wait to tackle something, the harder it may be to get it done. It’s important to just dive right into what you want to organize in your life, said Christie Johnson, an SCV-based professional organizer and owner of Vision to be Organized, which offers home, photo and virtual organizing services.

“It’s easy to stand in front of the clutter you see in your closet or garage and get shut down,” said Johnson. “You have to take it one step at a time and inspire and motivate yourself to keep going. The big thing is to get started.”

Tip: Think of something you want to organize in your life. Whether on a mobile device or on a handy notebook, jot down when that can get done and what is needed to get that completed. If you can do it right now, tackle the task.

Declutter and simplify

Whether it’s before the holiday season or for spring cleaning, clutter removal is helpful in keeping your life organized. More importantly, howhome or office space and recycle items ever, is doing so regularly to avoid such as unnecessary magazines, paperaccumulation. work and expired coupons.

To get started, Johnson suggests taking on a “quick start” project, Give everything a home where you focus on decluttering a Everyone knows about the “junk focus area under a timer. She said, drawer,” the one where you store so “When we start, many items that we start on a cordon’t have a logner and work our “THE LONGER YOU WAIT TO ical storage place way around the TACKLE SOMETHING, THE around the house room. You want HARDER IT MAY BE TO GET other than that to work slowly space. But there around the room IT DONE. IT’S IMPORTANT are solutions to and break it down TO JUST DIVE RIGHT INTO help prevent this. into smaller proj- WHAT YOU WANT TO ORWhether it’s the ects. Depending kitchen, a bedGANIZE IN YOUR LIFE …” on what you’re — Christie Johnson room closet or working on, give garage, Johnson yourself 15 minsuggests comutes or an hour and stick to that.” partmentalizing. In the office, for Farkas also suggests to establish a example, implement a sturdy system routine and spend a few minutes evon the computer or cloud service ery day picking up and putting away with a folder structure to file photos clutter, which will help “save you or documents you need to save. This loads of time in the long run.” will help remove physical paperwork Tip: Set a timer for 15 minutes. Grab from your workspace. a garbage bag and dispose of 10 items Tip: For your garage, Johnson said to you no longer need from around your install cabinets or add bins with labels to store what is necessary. The goal is to remove clutter and actually be able to park the car inside the garage.

Safe filing

Delegating tasks to a loved one is a great way to manage a chore load.

When clearing out spaces, you will most likely bump into important documents, financial account information and important contact numbers. It’s important to save this in an organized and safe manner.

While many opt for digital filing, there are important physical docu-

Removing clutter is key to getting organized. There are a number of ways to approach a challenging situation.

ments that most households will have stored. Consider making a copy of everything in your wallet, said Johnson.

Items such as driver’s license, credit and debit cars, and medical insurance cards can be scanned and easily accessed if stored in a safe or file folder labeled “emergency.”

“If your wallet is stolen, you won’t waste time trying to remember what was in your wallet,” she said. “You’ll be able to call the customer service numbers on the back of the cards to cancel and replace them quickly.”

Tip: Record and store a photo inventory of your home and its contents for easier insurance claims should you experience a theft or fire.

Delegate responsibilities

Someone who is well-organized has just the right amount of work on their plate, but that can be challenging to maintain. One way to keep your organizing momentum going is to delegate.

“Delegate some tasks to family, staff members or professional colleagues,” said Farkas. Johnson also recommends reaching out to professional organizers who can help condense your list of responsibilities and deadlines. This serves as a “therapy session,” she said, that you can follow continuously or as a one-time session.

Tip: Make a to-do list and go through each item listed. Find at least one that you can remove or assign to someone else for a more effective way to tackle the rest of your list.

A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

e t a r b e l Ce Earth Day around Southern California

THINGSTODO

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

E

ach year on April 22, communities across the country celebrate Earth Day. The first Earth Day, held in 1970, is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement and sparked passage of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and many other groundbreaking environmental laws.

Here are some things you can do to celebrate the day.

Earth Arbor Day SCV Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus Info http://greensantaclarita.com/ eartharborday With Earth Day on April 22 and Arbor Day falling on April 26, it was a natural that the City of Santa Clarita would merge the two events into the Earth Arbor Day Festival. Presented

by SCV Water, the eco-celebration will encourage environmental awareness and taking care of the planet.

The event will be a Zero Waste event, where there will be no waste receptacles. Instead, attendees will be guided as to which items belong in the recycle and which belong in the compost bins.

This year’s event will also offer 1,000 trees to the public and free bags of mulch, while supplies last. Ten new trees will be planted throughout the park and everyone is encouraged to participate.

Earth Day: Make a wormery Wednesday, April 27, 3:30-5 p.m.

Location Canyon Country Library CC meeting room, 18601 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country Info http://santaclaritalibrary. evanced.info/signup/calendar School age children can celebrate Earth Day by creating a wormery to take home. Worms are beneficial to the soil and eco-systems and they are fun to watch. Turn your kitchen scraps into nutritious compost for your garden. Program participation will be limited to the supplies on hand.

Around Southern California Earth Day LA Saturday, April 27 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location Woodley Park, 6350 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys Info www.calrecycle.ca.gov/pub liced/earthday LA Sanitation & Environment holds its fourth annual event with city vehicles for kids to explore, games to play, prizes to win, seeds to plant, 50 exhibitors, a tree and plant giveaway, conservation workshops and fun for all ages. Free beverages, hot meals, cold popsicles and giveaways.

Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest Saturday, April 27 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location Ventura Plaza Park, 651 E Thompson Blvd., Ventura Info https://visitventuraca.com/ events/ventura-earth-day-ecofest-2019

Ventura’s Earth Day Eco Fest offers free family-friendly entertainment, education and eco-friendly exhibitor booths. Live, family-fun entertainment and music on two stages, more than 80 eco-friendly exhibitors and vendors, a kid’s zone and scavenger hunt, free guided yoga on the hour, refreshments, raffles and a silent auction.

Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival Friday, April 26, 5-9 p.m., Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, April 28, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Location Alameda Park, 1400 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara Info http://sbearthday.org.

The free festival is themed “Educate.

Inspire. Act.” The festival commemo-

rates the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and the activism that arose from that disaster. One of the largest festivals on the West Coast, the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival is celebrating its 49th year and will include two full days of live music performances, speakers, one of the largest green car shows on the West Coast, family activities, 200-plus exhibitors and the presentation of the Environmental Hero Awards. Celebrity appearances, a food court, zero-waste zone, great outdoors zone, kid’s corner, eco-marketplace and a homegrown roots zone. A bonus, free evening concert, including a beer and wine garden, will be held on Friday.

Think globally, but act locally

By Matt Fernandez Signal Staff Writer

T

his year’s Earth Arbor Day celebration will be presented by SCV Water on Saturday, April 27.

While you can join in the numerous festivities at that event, there are several other activities you can do with family and friends as part of the celebration.

Local trash cleanup

One of the easiest ways to show an appreciation for nature and for the planet is to keep it looking beautiChildren prepare a garden box for their ful. Litter can be a major problem plants as part of Arbor Day festivities. throughout neighborhoods and SIGNAL PHOTO public spaces. A quick walkthrough The Lorax of your neighborhood to pick up Dr. Seuss’ popular children’s book trash is a great way to have a posi“The Lorax,” which was turned into tive environmental impact, or why a 2011 film starring Danny DeVito, not go a step further and have a Ed Helms, Zac Efron and Taylor park cleanup and picnic day with friends and family.

Swift, is a fun way to help teach You can also ohelp by reducing children the importance of trees and the amount of trash created. Plasof environmental stewardship. tics, styrofoam and other non-bioThe internet is full of resources degradable products may take a and activities to help reinforce some thousand years to break down of the book’s lessons. “The Lorax” and may never decompose at all, could make for a great day of family harming the environment and the learning and a movie night. animals that live there. Opting for Carpool eco-friendly options like paper Carbon emissions are a big constraws and reusable bags is one way tributor to pollution and climate to help transition away from these harmful materials. change. Arbor Day is an opportunity

to try walking, biking or carpooling.

For longer distances, public transportation like buses or the Metrolink trains are green options.

Local farmers market

Farmers markets provide a number of benefits. Since all the food is grown locally, less energy and time is spent transporting the food, which helps cut down on the carbon footprint and helps ensure freshness.

Farmers markets allow a more personal connection with your food and the people who grow and sell it to you, thus supporting local farms and small businesses. Luckily Santa Clarita has two farmers markets, one on Saturdays on Main Street in Old Town Newhall and another every Sunday at College of the Canyons’ Valencia Campus.

Planting native vegetation

Planting a tree might not be feasible for everyone due to space, finances or other resource constraints. Santa Clarita residents who still want to flex their green thumbs may instead want to try incorporating drought resistant or native California plants into their gardens.

Not only are lavender, lilacs and snap dragons hardy and beautiful flowering plants that can last up to 20 years, but they also attract bees and hummingbirds which help pollinate other plants.

10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 21, 2019

LOCALNEWS

Father shares statement about crash that killed his daughter “I said I forgive him,” Littlefield said. “But, just because I forgive doesn’t mean the pain is not there.”

Recapping what went on inside the emotionally charged courtroom Friday, Willy Littlefield had to pause a couple of times, especially when he mentioned his daughter by name.

“Seven of us got to speak,” he said.

“The district attorney read a letter from the Lewandowski family,” he said, noting it would bankrupt the world of words to list the amount of pain and sorrow endured.

“I was (speaker) No. 2 out of the chute,” Littlefield said.

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

J

ust before a Whittier man was sentenced to more than 22 years in prison for three counts of vehicular manslaughter, the father of one of those victims had a chance to describe the three years of pain he has endured.

On March 8, Dealio Lockhart, 38, pleaded guilty to causing a crash that killed three people on Feb. 27, 2016: Brian Lewandowski, 18; Michelle Littlefield, 19, both of Valencia; and 52-year-old UPS truck driver Scott Treadway, 52, of Mira Loma.

Lockhart’s car flew into the truck while racing another vehicle on Interstate 5 in Commerce.

“I called him out,” said Willy Littlefield, reflecting on the victim impact statement he shared with the court Friday when Lockhart was sentenced.

“I said, ‘You killed my baby.’”

But, when Lockhart turned around to face Littlefield, to face the court

Willy Littlefield shared a victim impact statement in court, after a 38-yearold man was sentenced to 22 years in prison for killing Michelle Littlefield, left, and two others in a February 2016 car crash. COURTESY PHOTOS

and the families whose lives he affected, he asked for forgiveness.

Forgiveness

On the question of forgiveness, he said he took his cue from God and from his daughter, noting, “She would not have wanted any ill will.

“Forgiving is something you do,” he said. “God wants us to forgive. You don’t poison your soul.”

Despite knowing what to do and

what had to be said, arriving at forgiveness wasn’t easy, he said.

“The devastation was unbelievable,” Littlefield said, thinking back to the crash that killed his daughter. ”It was a terrible day for all of us,” he said. “There are no winners here.”

There were hugs in the courtroom Friday. Lockhart said he was sorry.

“It’s hard for me, because I want to say so many things,” Littlefield said.

One of the things he wanted to share with the court Friday was a letter his daughter wrote to her future self, called “Tomorrow,” in which she imagines herself at age 34, married with children, successful.

It was all he could muster, her father said, not to cry.

Daughter’s letter

One of the most profound points made by Michelle Littlefield in her letter written as a school assignment reads, “(For) every second of this journey of life, you are learning.”

On the night of Feb. 27, 2016, her

A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 11

LOCALNEWS journey ended.

No marriage, no kids, no graduating from USC — as she envisioned.

She and Lewandowski were on their way home to Valencia from Disneyland. Two additional young people, who were passengers with them in their Nissan, were critically injured. The four friends were employees of Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Eight minutes after midnight, as Feb. 28 began, Willy Littlefield sent a text to his daughter that read: “Michelle you didn’t return any of my calls, your mom and I are very concerned about you.”

Littlefield and Lewandowski died as a result of injuries suffered in a crash just one minute after midnight Feb. 28 on Interstate 5 in Commerce.

Unanswered texts

At 1:55 a.m., on Feb. 28, 2016, the Valencia dad sent a follow-up text message.

“Hi Dinky, r u OK?” There was no reply, he said, shortly after the crash.

“That’s what I called her: Dinky.”

It would be near sunrise that day three years ago when the elder Littlefield learned he’d lost his only child in

a fiery multi-vehicle crash blamed on freeway racing.

At times, when the sadness ebbs inside him, he said, Littlefield becomes filled instead with anger, galvanized and directed at the “senseless” and “stupid” culture of street racing.

“I’m on a campaign,” he said, referring to a plan to end street racing.

Guilty plea

Lockhart, an admitted street racer, meanwhile, is about to begin his 22-year-plus prison sentence.

Last month, he pleaded guilty to 18 counts connected to the crash that killed three.

He was originally charged with three counts of second-degree murder and four counts of reckless driving causing injury, but the amended complaint he received as part of the plea arrangement included: Three counts of vehicular manslaughter.

Four counts of engaging in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway causing a specified injury.

Eleven counts of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury.

Michelle Littlefield’s letter to herself, which she wrote for a school assignment.

After his guilty plea was entered, Willy Littlefield said he found little solace in the plea.

“There is no equity, no redemption, no winners here,” he said after the plea hearing. “I can’t say I’m

happy. I can’t say I’m satisfied.”

Getting the chance Friday, however, to express his forgiveness — the way God and his daughter would have wanted, he said — was an important first step into his future.

City ranked ninth safest in state

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

S

anta Clarita was ranked the ninth-safest city in California by an online firm that crunched the latest crime statistics compiled by the FBI. On Tuesday, SafeHome.org released a study naming the 25 Safest Cities in California after having analyzed data collected by the FBI from 13,366 law enforcement agencies of cities with at least 50,000 residents.

Santa Clarita was in the top-10 safest California cities at No. 9.

The data — reflecting the most recent statistics collected by the FBI — is for calendar year 2015.

Analysts for SafeHome compared 2015 numbers to each city’s 2014 data to analyze whether violent crime and property crime are rising or declining.

The rankings were based on relevant categories of FBI data including: population, property crimes,

SIGNAL PHOTO

violent crime trend, violent crimes, citizen-to-officer ratio and property crime trend.

The top-five safest cities in California, according to the ranking, are Yorba Linda, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo and Lake Forest.

Santa Clarita scored behind San Clemente, Poway and Diamond Bar, which rated sixth, seventh and eighth, respectively, but ahead of Thousand Oaks, which ranked 10th.

The data used to identify the safest

cities was collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program which began in the 1920s, and is considered the most comprehensive source of crime statistics.

Every year, data on crime occurrences is collected from the nation’s law enforcement agencies.

Data is not included if a given city’s law enforcement agency does not follow UCR’s reporting guidelines, SafeHome points out in its methodology.

Crime is reported in two categories,

violent crime and property crime.

Violent crime includes murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, rape, robbery and aggravated assault.

Property crime includes burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft and arson.

SafeHome does not include arson data in its assessment.

Crimes are reported both as raw numbers and as occurrences for every 100,000 residents. The occurrences per 100,000 residents are used in SafeHome’s analysis. As it points out on its website, a large city — such as New York City — has more crime occurrences simply because it has a larger population.

The process of dividing for every 100,000 residents allows for fairer comparison among cities of different sizes, the organization says.

The FBI UCR data also includes, for many cities, a count of total law enforcement employees, both officers and civilians.

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A P R I L 21, 2019

LOCALNEWS

Homeless playwright addresses task force

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

Peachanda DuBose, a playwright who has been facing homelessness for the past eight months, met with the Santa Clarita Homeless Task Force on Wednesday at The Centre to share her story and change the stigma behind the issue. PHOTO

BY TAMMY MURGA / THE SIGNAL

B

y day, Peachanda DuBose sits behind the wheel of her car delivering goods for two food-carrier services across the Santa Clarita Valley. Once nightfall hits, she gets to what she’s truly passionate about: playwriting.

But the 45-year-old writer isn’t creating her next production in a modern studio or a coffee shop. DuBose writes in her vehicle, the same one she uses for her 12-hour work days and the one she and her son, Lamont, 20, call home.

“Late at night, when I’m done with work, I’ll write on my phone because I don’t have access to all my stuff right now,” said DuBose. “My specialty right now is theater, but I want to branch out into networks, film and television.”

On Monday, the playwright wrote something a little different. It was a letter to the Santa Clarita Homeless Task Force committee members, which she presented Wednesday during their monthly meeting, detailing her personal trajectory as a working, single mom who has been homeless for more than half a year.

In it, DuBose discussed how she made the bold move to relocate from North Carolina to Los Angeles with her two children to expose herself to better opportunities as a writer.

She had already produced bicoastally from the East Coast to L.A., having won more than 16 awards and accolades for her works and twice earning NAACP awards, but DuBose “knew that the opportunities that (she) needed were not there.”

Staying with friends

Due to hectic scheduling of her shows in L.A. and the urgency to find a home quickly, DuBose and her children settled in with a friend, with a plan to temporarily stay until she had enough to secure a home of their own.

“Two, maybe three weeks into my moving across the country with my children, my colleague informs me that they are being evicted,” said DuBose. “I was floored. Now, with nowhere to go, my children and I found ourselves living out of my car, till this day, eight months later.”

The situation caused her young

adult daughter to leave, she said, leaving only DuBose and Lamont in “survival mode” and “(mastering) how to be inconspicuous” about their homelessness. The pair maintain their hygiene as best they can in local hotels, public park and fast food restrooms and laundromats. Due to their situation, Lamont has not continued schooling and currently helps his mother. “(W)hen it’s time to sleep, we drive down to a popular location in Sylmar to sleep alongside other homeless people like me, who have cars, jobs and a family, but nowhere to live,” said DuBose.

While DuBose has two jobs, her ability to save up enough money for a deposit and first month’s rent for a home has been “nearly impossible when you’re out surviving.” The family would need about $5,000 to comfortably move into proper housing. She is currently waiting to hear back from a job with the U.S. Postal Service, with hopes it may help bring steadier income.

‘Life happens’

To her, being homeless means “when you do not have a place to go home to at the end of the night. It’s not always because people are addicts or irresponsible. It’s ‘life happens,’ and people see themselves in situations they never thought they’d be in.”

This definition was part of why DuBose felt motivated to share her story with the task force. She was introduced to the committee members

by Bradley Grose, CEO of Help the Children, after they met during one of DuBose’s food delivery runs.

Task force committee members were moved by the DuBose family’s story and shared some ways they could help. Among them were Ricardo Rivera, an outreach worker with the

L.A. Homeless Services Authority, and Jan Daisher with the William S. Hart Union High School District, who said they would help guide Lamont back to school and into boxing programs since his goal is to become a professional boxer, as well as other services that

could potentially lead to housing.

Mayor Marsha McLean, who is part of the task force, said, “Thank you so much for putting yourself out there.

This is something that just shouldn’t be allowed to happen in our society, someone working two jobs and needing to have a place to live and not being able to find one.”

DuBose and Lamont said they were thankful for the support they received Wednesday at the meeting.

“I think it’s beautiful when people know good soil,” she said. “Good soil is when you plant something and you know that something is going to grow.

Me and my son are good soil, and I think that Mr. Bradley saw that.”

Puppy, accused dog beater behind bars

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

A

puppy allegedly beaten by its owner waits behind bars, and so does the man accused of beating the dog.

The fate of both is expected to be determined soon, but in the meantime, the dog remains at the Castaic Animal Shelter and the man arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty remains in custody just down the road at the Pitchess Detention Center.

“The dog is not available for adoption at this time,” said Don Barre, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.

Zachary Matthew Burnette, 25, of Nolensville, Tennessee, about 16 miles south of Nashville, remains in custody with bail set at $35,000.

On April 5, Burnette was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty, a felony, after witnesses phoned the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station to say they saw a man beating a dog in a parking lot.

Court records showed Tuesday that he is now expected to appear on a misdemeanor charge in relation to the same incident at the Santa Clarita Courthouse April 23.

On the day of the arrest, the dog, believed to be about 9 months old,

This puppy, removed from a man accused of striking it, remains at the Castaic Animal Shelter. The man was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty.

County officials say the puppy is not available for adoption at this time.

SIGNAL PHOTO

was taken by deputies of the SCV Sheriff ’s Station to the Castaic Animal Shelter.

The alleged incident happened mid-afternoon in the parking lot near the Smart & Final Extra store and the Valencia Lanes bowling alley.

“Somebody at a business near Smart & Final on Lyons Avenue saw a person hitting and being rough with a puppy,” Shirley Miller, spokeswoman for the SCV Sheriff ’s Station, said last week.

“Deputies arrived and arrested the man on (suspicion of) animal cruelty,” she said, noting April is considered Animal Cruelty Prevention Month. “Allegedly, he was striking the puppy because it had peed in his vehicle.”

A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

SCV children visit COC to learn and play

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

S

anta Clarita families came together for a day of play on Saturday as the College of the Canyons Center for Early Childhood Education hosted its 16th annual Children’s Play Day in celebration of Week of the Young Child.

“This is our fourth year coming — we never miss it,” local mother Lily Nguyen said. “We look forward to it all year. If we have to plan a vacation, we plan it around this event.”

The Center for Early Childhood Education teamed up with the Southern California Valley Committee to provide children of all ages — from infant through school age — a variety of interactive and engaging play experiences.

“This event shows how important family is in our community,” said Clara Van Woerkom, an ECE student at COC. “Events like this are the reason families come together, and they give families an excuse to go out and

do something together.”

More than 35 local organizations and nonprofits gathered at the COC Honor Grove on the college’s Valencia campus for this free event, allowing Santa Clarita families the opportunity to go out and play with their children while also learning about the resources available to them through the college and the community.

“There’s so many activities for the kids, and I just love seeing them gather around and play together,” said Ana Rodriguez, a volunteer and kinesiology student at COC. Van Woerkom and Rodriguez, along with other COC students, were using pipe cleaners, string and beads to help kids make bracelets, necklaces or rings.

“It teaches children how to use their fine motor skills, which, over time, will strengthen their hands for writing,” Van Woerkom said. “Really, it’s just fun for them, but it’s doing a lot more than they know.”

The event featured play areas, obstacle courses, face painting, water

Local deputies rescue toddler, arrest father

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

D

eputies who found a toddler left in a car at Granary Square on Sunday broke one of the car windows and freed the child, arresting the child’s father a short time later on suspicion of child endangerment.

About 4:30 p.m., deputies with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station responded to reports of a child left in a vehicle on the 25900 block of McBean Parkway, in the parking lot of Granary Square.

“Deputies arrived and located a 3-year-old left in a car seat, in a locked vehicle, with a window slightly cracked open,” said Lt. Ignacio Somoano, who heads the SCV Sheriff ’s Station Detective Section.

“After several minutes on scene, a deputy shattered a window and entered the vehicle,” he said.

Paramedics with the Los Angeles County Fire Department also

responded to the distress call.

The person who placed the 911 call was not at the scene of the incident near the Ralphs grocery store, said Scott Elliott, spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, on Monday.

“A short time later, the child’s father exited a store and contacted deputies,” Somoano said.

“Based on the investigation, it’s believed the child was left alone in the vehicle for approximately one hour,” he said.

Barry Vanstone, 51, of Valencia, was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment, a felony.

The rescued toddler was left with a family member, Somoano said.

Social workers at the Los Angeles County Department of Child and Family Services were notified about the alleged incident.

Vanstone was taken into custody with bail set at $50,000.

LOCALNEWS

Denzel Cameron, 4, practices self-defense Saturday with Rich Dolan, an instructor at Z Ultimate Self-Defense Studios, at Children’s Play Day at COC. PHOTO BY EMILY ALVARENGA / THE SIGNAL

play, sensory tables, self-defense training, a drum circle, an also animal meet and greet.

“I got into teaching martial arts to work with kids — that’s my heart and my soul,” said Bryce Chrisakis, instructor at Z Ultimate Self-Defense Studios. “Getting to have so many kids want to punch and kick and have fun is so great. This is such a great community event, and I love that

there are a lot of people here and that we’re all just trying to do the same thing.”

Wendy Ruiz, event coordinator and faculty member at ECE, hoped the event not only gave families the chance to spend some time outdoors in the sunny weather but also inspired new ideas for play time.

“The whole goal is for families to see the importance of play,” Ruiz said.

14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 21, 2019

F R O M T H E M AY O R

Honoring those on this Memorial Day

By Marsha McLean Santa Clarita Mayor

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his Memorial Day, as we fire up the barbecue with family and friends, I invite everyone to take a moment to remember those who have defended our country, protected our values and upheld our way of life.

In Santa Clarita, we know how important it is to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by our soldiers and their families.

The City of Santa Clarita is proud to honor those who have served, and those who are currently serving. One way we are able to do this is through our Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program. Each year around Memorial Day, The Fourth of July and Veterans Day, residents can drive through City streets and be greeted by the faces of local heroes on banners displayed on street poles.

Families of active duty members have the opportunity to purchase one of these banners to honor and celebrate their hero. The banners include the service member’s picture, name, branch and rank, and are hung at one of four locations in the City.

Assistance in the form of sponsorships is available for families who may need some help purchasing a banner. The two eligibility requirements to receive a banner include being

• an active duty member in the United States Armed Forces, and • a resident of the Santa Clarita Valley, including Castaic and Stevenson Ranch.

Immediate family members of Santa Clarita Valley residents are also eligible to receive a banner. The deadline for those who wish to order a banner and have it hung in time for Memorial Day is April 23.

Another special way for families and friends to recognize their loved

one is through a free digital banner that is featured on the City’s Hometown Heroes website. For more information on the City’s Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program, visit santa-clarita.com/heroes.

Looking for a way to celebrate Memorial Day this year? Join fellow community members at Eternal Valley Memorial Park’s Memorial Day ceremony. This annual event brings Santa Clarita together to honor and remember our service members. The event will take place on Monday, May 27, and will include patriotic music performed by the Santa Clarita Valley Concert Band.

Residents may also consider taking a stroll through the Veterans Historical Plaza, located at 24275 Walnut Street in Old Town Newhall. The Plaza features a bronze statue of William J. Johnston Jr., or “Willie,” at its center. Willie was a 10 year old drummer boy in the Union Army who played his drums valiantly while never giving up his post. Even at such a young age, Willie showed courage

and commitment to his cause which is an inspiration to many. With its historical elements, serene water fountains and proudly displayed flags, the Plaza is a great place to pay tribute to our active and fallen soldiers.

Interested in leaving your own mark on the Plaza? Community members have the opportunity to purchase an engraved brick to be installed in the Plaza. Engravings on the bricks can commemorate a service member, or serve as a way for people to show their support for our veterans. Bricks ordered by April 29 will be installed during the week prior to Memorial Day. For more information visit santa-clarita.com/veterans.

Our City Council hopes Santa Clarita residents will enjoy this time with family and friends, while honoring those who have bravely served our country.

Mayor Marsha McLean is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at mmclean@santaclarita.com

Community gardening with the SCV Water Agency

By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

S

anta Clarita Valley residents drive by dozens of different wildflowers on their way to work, shop and play, but did you know there are plenty of ways to have those flowers in your backyard, thanks to the SCV Water Agency.

Central Park is well-known for having a community garden ripe with fruit trees, herbs and other delectable goodies, and right next to Santa Clarita’s largest park lies SCV Water, which has its own garden that some residents have described as the most beautiful in the city.

Instead of turning right to enter Central Park via Bouquet Canyon Road, residents are invited turn left at the big brown sign and drive up to the guard tower, where a friendly face will give you a parking pass and send you on the way up the steep driveway.

Once at the top of the hill, spectators will be treated to views of a 6-acre conservation garden.

“Most people don’t know about it,”

Mahnaz Hassanvan of Valencia prepares to plant more vegitables in her garden at the Community Garden of Santa Clarita located at Central Park in Saugus.

PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

said event coordinator Karen Denkinger. “It’s pretty stunning and it’s a working garden, (meaning) we plant things, try them out and if they don’t work, then we pull them out and start over.”

The garden is free to to the public seven days a week and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during Saturday and Sunday, Denkinger said, mentioning a great time to come view the garden would be during the agency’s Open House event, which is

set to occur the first weekend of May from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4.

“We have Open House every May to celebrate California’s Water Awareness Month,” the event’s coordinator said. “We’re going to have a vendor area down in Central Park that day, so some landscapes and gardeners will have booths set up. We’ll also have the sanitation district there along with vector control and the Placerita Nature Center and their critters.”

Attendees will also enjoy a DJ on the patio so they can dance while overlooking the garden, or head back down to the park for a children’s water show.

“There will also be a company doing cararactictures — again for free — and we will have a lot of other activities on the patio,” Denkinger said, highlighting the “Water Talks” discussion that will feature SCV Water Board members and staff experts who will answer questions from the public. “It’s just a really nice day.”

Those who are interested can participate in a tour of the treatment plant where they will learn how the city treats the water residents use, according to Denkinger, who’s been participating in the event since 1994.

“We also have composting class that day. It’ll be 9:30-11:30 a.m.,” Denkinder said. The agency will also continue hosting its two free gardening classes every month throughout the summer. For a complete list of classes, visit yourscvwater.com/ gardening-classes/.

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

Choosing a new career in Santa Clarita

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

F

or whatever reason you’re seeking a way out of your current job, you’re not alone.

About 6.2 million workers (4 percent of the total workforce), changed jobs from 2015 to 2016, according to Department of Labor Statistics data.

The good news is, locally, there are plenty of resources available if you’re thinking about a change of pace, or a new career altogether.

SteamWork Center

Tania Mulry, founder of the SteamWork Center here in Santa Clarita — a workspace and community for startup companies, freelancers and entrepreneurs offering flexible office space, coworking, workshops, and events — said she herself changed her career paths, and it’s something she tells people when she’s advising them on how they can

reinvent themselves and their career.

“The days of the 30-year-long career at a single company are over, and you’ll always need to reinvent your skills or find the next opportunity, receive reeducation, or work on new personal development skills to keep up with new technology and a change in pace,” said Mulry. “And employers actually like it when they see people volunteering for new challenges.

“There’s more courses known to man in training and online programs,” said Mulry, referring to internet resources. “It’s usually out there, you just need to search for what you need.”

Second Career Center

While a new job path can be daunting at any time, the SCV Senior Center recently opened a Second Career Center with additional resources for those seeking new opportunities.

It’s not just about job fairs, there

are also seminars that can inform job-seekers and help address concerns and common issues.

“We do workshops every month that deal with different questions that seniors have in reference to job leads, putting together resumes, putting together profiles,” said Nikki Cervantes, executive assistant for the Senior Center, in a previous interview with The Signal.

Get more information on the Senior Center online at myscvcoa.org; in Newhall, at 22900 Market St.; or by calling (661) 259-4444.

College of the Canyons

There are two pathways when trying to find fresh career: entrepeneurialship and finding a new field, according to career training and job finding specialists at College of the Canyons.

“As an entrepreneur, you’d be looking to start a business based on your passions and gifts and abilities based on your ability to delivering

BUSINESS

a product or service to customers,” said Jeffrey Forrest, vice president of economic and workforce development at College of the Canyons.

“For those who are looking for a new career, we have a career services department where individuals can explore a variety of different opportunities for their next career move.”

Forrest said that College of the Canyons offers services such as a small business development center, as well as questionnaires and surveys that can help people decide which commitment they want to make. He also offered a stat that some might find encouraging.

“Over 60 percent of our participants are between the ages of 25 and 64,” he said. “So, it’s never too late.”

To learn more SBDC, contact Catherine Grooms at catherine.grooms@ canyons.edu.

*Must be present May 4th or 5th for Membership Discount

MAY 4TH AND 5TH

WWW.OAKTREEGUNCLUB.COM

16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 21, 2019

SPORTS

Higher learning at Long Beach State University

By Haley Sawyer Signal Sports Editor

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or Kyle Ensing, volleyball almost never stops. Since earning a scholarship to Long Beach State University after a prep career at Valencia, he’s consistently been taking his game to new heights, and this year has been no exception.

Ensing spent the summer playing around the world with the U.S. National Team. The match against Russia, in particular, stands out to him.

“There’s some 7-footers in college, but they’re not as developed and built into the body like these guys were,” Ensing said. “And going against the guys was pretty awesome to see what the best level of the world was, and how I did against it, and ended up doing really well.”

After touring the world with the country’s best men’s volleyball players, Ensing returned to Long Beach State, where he’s currently in his

PHOTO COURTESY LBSU ATHLETICS

senior year with the NCAA Division 1 volleyball team.

Coming off an NCAA championship title, Ensing and the 49ers had a reputation to live up to. They did so by winning the first 19 games of the season, dropping the first contest of the year to USC on March 23.

The 49ers didn’t take the sweep lightly.

“A minor setback was losing against USC, but I think that woke us up and got us on the right track again,” Ensing said.

The team, which ranks second in the country, went on to win the next five matches, including a contest that went to five sets against previously undefeated and No. 1-ranked University of Hawaii.

Ensing tied for a team-high 18 kills and added seven blocks and five digs.

“Every game is going to be important, but this one happens to be a team that’s undefeated and it’s a No. 1 vs.

No. 2, and its it’s two of the biggest schools going at it, and it’s going to be a fun game to play,” Ensing said before the match. “We’re going to have to hand it to them because we’re the defending national champions.”

Ensing is one of five seniors on a Long Beach roster that’s determined to not just get back to the national championships, but win an NCAA title for the second straight year.

It would be the perfect ending to a college volleyball career. Although Ensing didn’t always see himself playing the sport in college. After

playing football and volleyball for most of his life, he decided to try out volleyball after watching his brother, who currently plays professionally in Macedonia, play.

“I saw my brother get s scholarship to play volleyball for Long Beach State, I saw some of the games, I thought, ‘Man, I could do more with volleyball,’ and that inspired me because my brother did it,” Ensing said.

After college, Ensing will pursue a pro career in Europe, and turn his attention back to Team USA, with the goal of earning a spot on the roster for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

He’s already learned a lot from his time with USA Volleyball, especially playing overseas with the program over the summer.

“The best part would be just being able to play with the best players in the world and get to learn from all of them and really improve my game,” Ensing said. “And just get to travel all over the world.”

A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

Bisected Bum & Two Presidents Visit SCV

O

K, dear saddlepals.

Time to arise from last night’s wretched excesses. C’mon. Hop into the saddle, which, you’ll note, has a fine horsey tucked nicely underneath.

On this week’s trail ride through SCV history, we’ll inspect a bona fide U.S. president eating at the Saugus Café, an Asian-hating official and our first junior high — in 1939.

There’s crooks, heroes and gee-whiz vistas ahead, amigos and amigo-ettes.

Shall we ride together into the SCV mystic?

WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• And there isn’t even a photo of him in the Saugus Cafe Back on April 25, 1891, President Benjamin Harrison’s train with him in it stopped briefly at the Saugus Train depot to take on water. Ben, grandson of our 9th president, William Henry Harrison, hurt his hand earlier changing cars and sported a bandage. He actually ATE at the Saugus Café. Benny had the distinction of losing the popular vote in 1888 by nearly 100,000 votes, but winning the electoral college. Hmmm. Whatever president recently lost the popular vote but took the electoral college?

Let me see …

• The town with two names Same day of April 25, but 15 years later in 1906, the Bercaw General Store opened up in Surrey. Around the turn of the 20th century, there was a backand-forth argument about whether to call the place where the Saugus Café sits today Saugus, or, Surrey. Some wag even painted a white line in the middle of the wooden sidewalk with a sign on each side, “Welcome to Saugus” and “Welcome to Surrey.”

APRIL 21, 1919

• Yup. Jimbo was a Democrat. And, from Berkeley. The hue and cry over immigration into California isn’t new.

Our senator and former San Francisco mayor, James D. Phelan, lamented the “dangerous immigrants” and referred to the Japanese here as “suffering the menace.” Quoth the orator: “They (the Japanese) operate their farms without the assistance of the white man; they are quite capable of taking care of themselves, and that is why they are a dangerous immigrant.”

APRIL 21, 1929

ver, passed through Saugus on this date and after which, could no longer use the phrase, “undivided attention.”

Kelley was hitching a ride on the old Owl No. 25 when he fell off a baggage platform and under the train. He was bisected at the waist. This type of accident actually happened frequently from the 1920s to 1950s here.

APRIL 21, 1949

• It ain’t hay There was little alfalfa grown in the valley this year. The Newhall Land and Farming Co. was still cleaning up fields after the previous year’s St. Francis Dam disaster and others were left fallow. NL&F and the city of Los Angeles were still wrangling over how much NL&F was owed. They would eventually settle on a check of $750,000 — coincidentally, or perhaps not, the exact same price that Newhall Land was asking for all their acreage in the valley.

There were no takers.

• Needless to say, there was no champagne Henry Clay Needham, the valley’s only serious presidential candidate, celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary.

• Pays to advertise in The Signal This reminds me of Gary and Kathee’s Anal Retentive Ranch in Placerita, back before they moved the operation to Texas a few years back.

Anywho. In 1929 this week, the owner of the Sunshine Ranch placed an ad in this paper, offering a $10 reward for information leading to the return of his stock. The Sunshiner listed precise descriptions of every horse or mule stolen, down to their exact weight and age.

APRIL 21, 1939

• The early days of Placerita Junior High It took about 25 years, but the seeds were sown in 1939 to build the valley’s first junior high school. The matter was first brought up at a Los Angeles City school board meeting.

The district agreed to buy 12 acres in Newhall. Of course, World War II sort of postponed things …

• Another bisected hobo If you’re the local sheriff or ambulance driver, this isn’t exactly the call you like taking. Dennis Kelley, hobo out of Den-

• Sorry. Farm talk. Newhall Elementary’s new water well came in as a gusher. The well was considered one of the deepest in town, with a bottom of 852 feet. It pumped out 500 gallons a minute and the water was just 25 feet from the surface.

APRIL 21, 1959

• Make sure you ask Greg Amsler at Salt Creek The old Stage Coach Inn, 2 miles south of Newhall on Sierra Highway, was the place to go for red meat in 1959. Check out these prices: “Chicken dinner — $1.45.

Jumbo Shrimp dinner — $1.35; Big Juicy Steaks — $1.65 or $1.95; Deluxe Cheeseburgers — 35 cents.” Wonder how much read meat you could buy at Salt Creek Grille for 35 cents today …

• Where streets get their names It was on this date when the Hart School District voted to name a new street separating the soon-to-be-built Placerita Junior High and Newhall Park. The handle “Dalbey Drive” was unanimously agreed upon. The street was named after Lester Dalbey, who had given 31 years of service to SCV as a teacher, the district’s first superintendent and principal at Hart.

APRIL 21, 1969

• Trouble in telephone land Folks were shaking their head how fast the area was growing. For about 10 years, we just had two telephone prefixes — 259 for Newhall and 252 for the rest of the valley. On this date, they attached a new prefix to the SCV — 251. Me? I’m still missing my cell flip phone …

• And today, it’s legal On this date, the SCV opened its first “head shop.”

Called The Tape Den, it sold psychedelic posters with well-endowed naked hippie ladies, roach clips, water pipes and, bonus — 8 TRACKS!!

APRIL 21, 1979

• Don’t mess with the SCV “I think I know how General Custer felt,” was the quote David Bauer offered. Dave was

TIMERANGER

the PR flak for the IT Corp. IT held a “Meet the community” night at the Arroyo Seco gym and Bauer and the company were soundly booed by the 400 visitors. IT wanted to build a 720acre hazardous waste dump near Sand Canyon. Their own environmental impact report offered damning evidence that the ground water would be threatened. The dump was never built.

• Nixon in the spring Two telephone company workers lent a hand to help pull a late-model black Cadillac off a soft shoulder on the outskirts of Santa Clarita. The workers were rather amazed when the driver identified himself as a Secret Service agent. They were more amazed when the smoky glass window rolled down and a man in the back seat offered thanks and a couple of his personally signed autobiographies. The passenger? Richard Milhous Nixon. He said he had wanted to take a drive to see the area’s wildflowers.

• Tim Whyte still wears his Howard & Phil’s Western Wear was having a sale on this date, 40 years ago. They were selling bellbottoms for $9.98.

Aren’t those things in a museum now?

• And wash them afterwards Several local sheriff ’s deputies were giggling out of control as they read over a new handbook from HQ. The directive was a series of Spanish phrases to help officers deal with Spanish-speaking people. One of the phrases was “con sus manos, separe sus nalgas.” In the English, that means: With your hands, separate your buttocks.” Here.

That’s worth at least one more try: “con sus manos, separe sus nalgas.”

Thanks for the company this wonderful spring day, saddlepals. I’ll see you in seven with another exciting Time Ranger adventure. Until then — Te deseo una Hermosa semana y vayan con Dios … (Wishing you a beautiful week and ride with God …)

John Boston has been writing about SCV history for more than 40 years.

Read his historical tome, “Images of America: The Santa Clarita Valley” on Amazon.com. Check out his History of The Mighty Signal series on Saturdays on A1.

18 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 21, 2019

K I D S & FA M I LY

Turn those leftover Easter eggs into deviled eggs

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

W

hen Easter is over and all the eggs have been found, what DO you do with all those hardboiled eggs? Egg salad is a natural, but how many egg salad sandwiches can you realistically eat?

Deviled eggs are delicious and can be a great use of all those eggs.

Trendy restaurants are now offering deviled egg appetizers featuring ingredients like caviar and smoked

salmon. Deep fried deviled eggs are another popular modern twist.

If you fondly remember your mom’s deviled eggs and would like some simple updated recipes, read on!

All recipes will start with a dozen hard boiled eggs.

Peel the eggs (my least favorite part) and slice lengthwise.

Scoop out the egg yolk and mash in a mixing bowl. (Hint: A potato masher is a great way to smash the egg yolks to achieve a smooth and silky deviled egg mix.)

Recipes Basically Bacon (and some cheese) Deviled Eggs 12 1/4 1/4 2 1 1 1/3 1/4 2

hard-boiled eggs, peeled cup of mayonnaise cup sour cream tbsp. Dijon Mustard tsp. fresh lemon juice tsp. Morton’s Nature Seasoning cup crumbled cooked bacon cup finely shredded cheddar cheese (1 oz.) tbsp. chopped fresh chives

Stir mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, lemon juice and pepper; mix until smooth add bacon, cheese and chives.

Fill egg white halves and garnish with chives, bacon and cheese.

I Love Olive Deviled Eggs

12 hard-boiled eggs, peeled 9-10 medium-sized green olives, coarsely chopped, plus more for garnish 1/2 cup of mayonnaise 1 tbsp. chopped capers 2 tsp. green olive “juice” from the jar

Coarsely chop the green olives and slice enough pieces to make 12 green olive slices to garnish the eggs. Finely chop the capers.

Mix the mayo, Dijon, green olive “juice”, chopped green olives and chopped capers into the mashed egg yolk and season with salt and pepper.

Garnish eggs with a slice of green olive, and maybe a caper, or two.

Add remaining ingredients. Mix, fill the egg whites and decorate as outlined below. If you are adept with using a pastry bag, pipe the mashed egg yolk mixture into the egg white halves using a star, or other decorative tip.

Personally, I just spoon it in. Pastry bags and I don’t get along.

Note: These recipes all call for the use of real mayonnaise, if you use a mayo substitute, or Miracle Whip, it will change the taste of the recipe

Clip and Sa ve

Michele’s Classic Deviled Eggs

12 hard-boiled eggs, peeled 1/2 cup of mayonnaise 2 tbsps. prepared yellow mustard (that’s the kind found in the yellow bottle in the condiment aisle at the grocery store) 1/4 tsp. Morton’s Nature Seasoning 1/2 tsp. paprika

Add mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper and paprika to smashed yolks and mix until smooth.

Garnish each egg with a sprinkling of paprika. Refrigerate covered until ready to serve.

Blast from the Past Deviled Eggs 12 1 1 1/2 3 3 1

hard-boiled eggs, peeled tbsp. sweet relish tbsp. ketchup cup of mayonnaise tbsp. sweet relish (be sure to squeeze out excess moisture) tbsp. ketchup tbsp. prepared mustard salt and pepper for taste

Fill egg white halves, dust with paprika and a dollop of relish.

Curried Deviled Eggs 12 1/2 1 1 1/2 1 1/2

hard-boiled eggs, peeled cup of mayonnaise tbsp. stone-ground mustard tsp. curry powder tsp. dried parsley tsp. sweet pickle relish tsp. ground black pepper

Stir the mayonnaise, mustard, curry powder, parsley, pickle relish and pepper into the egg yolks until smooth.

Fill egg white halves, garnish with curry powder. Chill before serving.

A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 19

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

The challenge of flying with your children

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

I

was one of the last to board a spring-break flight from snowy Minnesota to sunny Florida.

As I stepped from the Jetway into the galley and turned right, I couldn’t help but smile when I saw a cabin filled to the max with families.

Children of all ages were dressed in bright spring clothes, some wearing Mickey Mouse ears, and others waving Harry Potter wands, eager to visit theme parks and beaches. This was not the typical business-as-usual flight of coffee-carrying commuters preoccupied with their cellphones and computers.

This could be a long trip, I thought, as kids became fidgety in the second hour of the three-hour flight. Then, like magic, I looked up and our own onboard “Mary Poppins” appeared.

She interacted with preschoolers in row 18, then pivoted and engaged school-age kids in 22 with a word game she created. Before long she assisted a mom by carrying her restless son down the aisle announcing it was his first birthday. Spontaneously passengers and flight attendants joined in a rousing “Happy Birthday to Kyle.”

“When kids get a little antsy, that’s when I swing into action,” said our Mary Poppins, aka Cindy Skrien, mom, educator and track coach.

“There are so many things to challenge kids’ minds and keep them entertained on a flight.

“New voices, faces, sounds, sights.

Look at all the lights, buttons and latches that are fascinating and pure entertainment to a young child. Read numbers and letters for the seats, and match them up. Guess how many rows there are, then count on the way to the rear restrooms.

“And always remember to slide the window shade up and watch the miles fly by. Discover fascinating sites on the ground. Even when it’s dark outside.”

Planning a summer trip by plane?

Take tips and inspiration from Cindy, and consider these two pre-flight practical strategies to set the stage for keeping kids calm and engaged

“WHEN KIDS GET A LITTLE ANTSY, THAT’S WHEN I SWING INTO ACTION,” SAID OUR MARY POPPINS, AKA CINDY SKRIEN, MOM, EDUCATION AND TRACK COACH from takeoff to landing.

• When two adults fly with kids and it’s time to preboard, don’t all jump in line together. Instead, one adult should board with all the gear and get settled for the flight while the other adult remains in the waiting area to let out kids’ wiggles. Then board last.

• Always bring a wide assortment of

healthy snacks and beverages. You’ll never know if you’ll be delayed in the plane prior to takeoff, or what the airline provides for in-flight food and drink.

Flying from Minnesota to Florida, traveler Cindy Skrien assists a mom she met onboard in entertaining her 1-yearold son.

CLIP N SAVE Elementary School Menus Menus courtesy of Santa Clarita Valley School Food Services which serves these school districts: Castaic USD • Newhall USD • Saugus USD • Sulphur Springs USD

(choice of one entree, seasonal fruit and milk)

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

Yogurt & Crackers Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

Chicken Enchilada Cheesy Stix & Marinara Chicken Sandwich Spicy Chicken Sandwich Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar

Tuesday, April 23

Breakfast Bagel Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Turkey Taco Chicken Nuggets PBJ Sandwich & String Cheese Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar

Wednesday, April 24

Maple Burst’n Mini Pancakes Breakfast Bun Cereal Fresh Fruit Fruit Juice

BBQ Chicken Sandwich Dippin’ Chicken & Sauce Corn Dog Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Celebration Cookie

Thursday, April 25

Breakfast Pizza Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Meatballs & Marinara Sub Dippin’ Chicken & Sauce ‘Lil Kahuna Double Dog Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar

Cherry Muffin & String Cheese Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

Macaroni & Cheese Chicken Nuggets Cheeseburger Smart Choice Pizza Manager’s Choice Seasonal Salad Bar

Monday, April 22

Friday, April 26

20 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 21, 2019

K I D S & FA M I LY

Family bonding: ‘Boys Day Out’ activities

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

F

athers and sons. The bond that fathers and sons create during childhood will have far-reaching consequences for both.

An article in “Developmental Psychology” suggests that a strong father-son bond that is forged during childhood, may help men deal with everyday stress later in life. Spending time with your children is not only important for healthy children, mental and physically, but also to create cherished and lasting memories.

Typical “father-son” experiences — working on cars together, fishing, hunting and playing sports — may not be as relevant as in years past.

Modern-day fathers and sons might want to create their own experiences by participating in adventures meaningful to their aptitudes and interests.

Know your child, what they like and what they don’t like. But, don’t be afraid to push them to experience new and different activities. Just make sure that all activities are age and skill appropriate.

Special father-son outings should be on the monthly family calendar.

Here are a few ideas for fathers and sons to enjoy on a “Boys Day Out.”

Explore rocks

High-energy, adventurous boys might have found their perfect place to explore at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area in Aqua Dulce.

Vasquez Rocks offers numerous spectacular rock formations from tilted slabs to steep overhangs and caves.

The rock, a coarse grained sandstone

Family bonding Part 2 of a 2-part series

Info www.bishopvisitor.com/ volcanic-tableland-loop-trail-running and www.mountainproject.com/ area/106094717/volcanic-tablelandshappysad-boulders Joshua Tree National Park Address 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, 92277 Info www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm

Find the dinosaurs

When exploring tide pools, use caution. But, take lots of pictures that you can share with the rest of the family. PHOTO COURTESY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

conglomerate, can be flaky in places, but usually provides solid footing for climbing and clambering over.

If you are looking for a sport, “bouldering” is a great way to build strength and agility. In addition, most climbs in bouldering are less than 15 feet off the ground. For more information visit www.99boulders.com/ what-is-bouldering.

Southern California has many places for outdoor climbing adventures.

Here are a few locations.

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Address 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Road, Aqua Dulce, 91390 Info http://parks.lacounty.gov/ vasquez-rocks-natural-area-andnature-center

Malibu Creek State Park Address 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, 91302 Info http://www.malibucreekstate park.org Stoney Point Park Address Topanga Canyon Boulevard, between Chatsworth Street and Simi Valley (118) Freeway, Chatsworth, 91311 Info https://www.laparks.org/park/ stoney-point Volcanic Tablelands, Bishop Address From the town of Bishop, head north on State Highway 6 until you reach 5 Bridges Road. Take a left and drive for five miles until it turns into a dirt road. Stop at the BLM kiosk for a detailed map and useful route info on the Tablelands.

The Museum of Natural History, Los Angeles Address 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, 90007 Info https://nhm.org/site/plan-yourvisit The Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles offers “Dinosaur Encounters,” where dinosaurs come to life. The realistic T. rex and Triceratops large-scale puppets can help guests experience how these prehistoric animals lived. On weekends and holidays, it is recommended you arrive early to this popular show.

Most seating is on the floor and is first-come, first-served. Presentations depict realistic dinosaurs and may be frightening for very small children.

New to the museum, and running through Jan. 5, 2020, is “Antarctic Dinosaurs.” Travel to frigid Antarctica to discover the world of Antarctic dinosaurs.

The exhibition tells the story of modern-day paleontologists and their expedition to excavate fossils beneath the ice and stone. Visitors can experience the adventure themselves, as they choose protective gear and supplies, drop in on Snow School training and set up a remote Antarctic field site. Hands-on excavation activities, touchable specimens, and media touchscreens take visitors behind-the-scenes.

After you experience the modern Antarctic, you’ll also step through a portal and be transported back millions of years. You’ll see the habitat where exotic dinosaurs lived, including the 25-foot-long, cold-crested killer, Cryolophosaurus; the elephant-sized herbivore Glacialisaurus; and two recently discovered dinosaurs that have yet to be named.

Don’t miss the new Dinosaur Hall at the museum. The 14,000-squareSee DAY OUT, page 34

A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 21

Salt Creek Grille 24415 Town Center Drive, Valencia 661-222-9999

Iconic Eats 23460 Cinema Dr, Valencia 661-481-9404 Islands 24180 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-284-5903

Sizzler 19013 Golden Valley Rd, Santa Clarita 661-250-7300

Lazy Dog Cafe 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia 661-253-9996 Brookyln Bar & Grill 25860 McBean Parkway, Valencia 661-284-6057

AMERICAN Backwoods Inn 17846 W. Sierra Highway, Canyon Country 661-252-5522 The Backyard Grub n’ Brews 26509 Golden Valley Rd, Santa Clarita 661-286-1165 Bergie’s 16404 Delone Street, Canyon Country 661-251-3133 Black Angus 27007 McBean Parkway, Valencia 661-288-2000 Boston Market 26543 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (Saugus) 661-297-4447

The Cheesecake Factory 24250 Town Center Dr #110, Valencia, CA 91355 661-286-1232 Claim Jumper 25740 The Old Road, Valencia 661-254-2628 The Daily Harvest Cafe & Juicery 22722 Lyons Ave #6, Newhall 661-383-9387

Souplantation 24303 Town Center Drive, Valencia 661-286-1260

Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita 661-284-5988

Thelma’s Cafe 22876 Copperhill Drive, Saugus 661-263-8283

Newhall Refinery 24258 Main St, Newhall 661-388-4477

Eat Real Cafe 23414 Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-254-2237

Red Robin 27063 McBean Parkway, Valencia 661-260-2411

27530 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia 661-254-2237

Saddle Ranch Chop House 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia 661-383-0173

Q&Q Hawaiian BBQ 27530 Newhall Ranch Rd #101, Santa Clarita 661-383-9098

The Old Town Junction 24275 Main Street Newhall (661) 702-4888

Nealie’s Skillet 25858 Tournament Rd, Valencia 661-678-0031

Wing Stop 18547 Soledad Canyon Rd, Canyon Country 661-251-9700

BBQ Black Bear Diner 23626 Valencia Blvd, Valencia 661-799-4820

L&L Hawaiian BBQ 18727 Via Princessa, Canyon Country 661-251-8333 Lucille’s Bar-B-Que 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia 661-255-1227

Stonefire Grill 23300 Cinema Drive, Valencia 661-799-8282

Marston’s Restaurant 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-253-9910

Dickeys Barbecue Pit 18742 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-251-0840

Rattler’s BBQ 26495 Golden Valley Road, Canyon Country 661-251-4195 Smokehouse on Main 24255 Main St, Old Town Newhall 661-888-4585 Wood Ranch Bar-B-Que & Grill 25580 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch 661-222-9494 See DINING GUIDE, next page

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22 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 21, 2019

DINING GUIDE

Continued from previous page

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH Casa Canela 27647 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-523-7282 Crazy Otto’s Diner 19132 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-299-6886 Egg Plantation 24415 Walnut Street, Newhall 661-255-8222 Eggs N Things 27560 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-702-8664 Halfway House 15564 W. Sierra Highway, Saugus 661-251-0102 Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita 661-284-5988 Marston’s Restaurant 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-253-9910 Mimi’s Cafe 24201 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia 661-255-5520 The Old Town Junction 24257 Main Street, Newhall 661-702-4888 Saugus Cafe 25861 Railroad Avenue, Saugus 661-259-7886 Way Station Coffee Shop 24377 Main Street, Newhall 661-255-0222

BREWERIES BJ’s Restaurant 24320 Town Center Drive, Valencia 661-288-1299 Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co. 18810 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-252-7883 Pocock Brewing Company 24907 Avenue Tibbits, Valencia 661-775-4899 Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co. 27746 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia 661-263-9653

BURGERS / SANDWICHES Bricks 23820 Lyons Ave, Newhall 661-286-1091

Brother’s Burgers 20655 Soledad Canyon 661-299-9278 Corner Bakery 24290 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-259-2813 Cousins Burgers 19318 Soledad Canyon Rd, Canyon Country 661-298-4200 Everest Burgers 18645 Soledad Canyon Rd Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 252-3412 Firehouse Subs 23630 Valencia Blvd. Valencia 661-255-3473 Five Guys 24201 W, Valencia Blvd #3672, Valencia 661-255-0981 Grilled Cheese Factory 24201 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-888-1508 The Habit 25948 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia 661-291-1575 Jimmy Dean’s 22941 Lyons Ave, Newhall 661-255-6315 JJ’s Bar and Grill 25848 Tournament Road, Valencia 661-799-7557 Panini Palace 23120 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita 661-678-0552 Pita Pit 28253 Newhall Ranch Road 661-702-9977 Route 66 Classic Grill 18730 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-298-1494 Rustic Burger 24025 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia 661-254-1300 Rustic Eatery 25343 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia 661-254-8100

CHINESE China Express 19417 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-251-8783 Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-254-0351 Golden Wok Restaurant 16668 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-424-0888 Grand Panda 23802 Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-253-1898 27924 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus 661-297-9868 Mandarin Wong Chinese Restaurant 23758 Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-259-5823 Moon Wok 23460 Cinema Drive Suite H, Valencia 661-288-1898 New Moon 28281 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-257-4321 Pei Wei Asian Diner 24250 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-600-0132 Pick Up Stix 25960 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch 661-288-2090 WaBa Grill 19120 Soledad Canyon Rd, Canyon Country 661-367-7297 31739 Castaic Road, Castaic 661-295 9222 Wok’s Cookin’ Chinese Restaurant 31565 Castaic Road, Castaic 661-257-2890

CUBAN Hidden Havana Cuban Cafe 23548 Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-254-4460

DELICATESSEN

Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-259-6261

Presto Pasta 24375 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia 661-284-7737

Mariciano’s Chicago Style Deli 18635 Soledad Canyon Road 661-299-1100

Spumoni Restaurant 24917 W. Pico Canyon Road, Stevenson Ranch 661-799-0360

Piccola Trattoria Italian Deli 18302 W. Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country 661-299-6952 The Sandwich Shop 25530 W. Avenue Stanford, Valencia 661-257-4811

FRENCH Le Chene French Cuisine 12625 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce 661-251-4315

GREEK Gyromania 20655 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-252-4976

INDIAN

JAPANESE & SUSHI Achita Sushi 22913 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-476-5522 Asako Sushi 27540 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country 661-251-6010 Bonsai Garden 19358 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-251-9008 Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Dining 27025 McBean Pkwy, Valencia 661-254-2355 Hibiki Restaurant 27625 Shangri La Dr., Canyon Country 661-298-0273

An Indian Affaire 23360 W. Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-288-1200

Kabuki 24045 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia 661-799-8655

Karma Restaurant, Bar & Lounge 23460 Cinema Drive, Valencia 661-288-0080

Kisho Japanese Teppan Grill & Revolving Sushi Bar 23430 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-284-3856

Royal Tandoor 26532 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-263-7100

ITALIAN Bella Cucina Ristorante Italiano 27911 Seco Canyon Rd, Saugus 661-263-1414 Buca di Beppo 26940 Theater Drive, Valencia 661-253-1900 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia 661-294-9069 Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-259-6261 Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita 661-252-5011

Submarina California Subs 26517 Carl Boyer Drive, Canyon Country 661-259-4782

Bob’s Country Meats 19012 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-251-5995

Olive Garden 27003 McBean Parkway, Valencia 661-799-8161

Tiny’s Submarine Sandwiches 27251 Camp Plenty Road, Canyon Country 661-251-5885

Cathy’s Delicatessen 23120 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-288-2217

Piccola Trattoria 18302 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country 661-299-6952

Love Sushi 18521 Soledad Canyon Rd, Canyon Country 661-299-6526 My Hot Pot 26238 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita 661-288-1998 Sushi Song Japanese Restaurant 22896 Copper Hill Dr, Santa Clarita 661-297-5659 Xevichez Sushi Bar 24250 Town Center Dr #180, Santa Clarita 661-288-1477 Yamato Restaurant 24947 Pico Canyon Road, Stevenson Ranch 661-799-0707

KOREAN & MONGOLIAN

Charcoal Korean BBQ Restaurant 19158 Soledad Canyon Rd, Canyon Country 661-251-9292

Flame Broiler 18519 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita 661-252-5918 See DINING GUIDE, page 27

A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 23

FOOD

Classic Mexican food, served with a smile

By Michelle Sathe Signal Staff Writer

A

lready a mainstay in the Antelope Valley, where it has operated three restaurants for several decades, Medrano’s Mexican Restaurant headed south nine months ago to open a new location in Canyon Country.

It’s a big, beautiful space, whether you’re in the main dining room or the massive bar. Both are outfitted with huge, comfortable booths and a few tables. The dining room has clean white walls with a few festive murals, while the bar is primarily dark blue tile amidst a backdrop of 16 largescreen TVs playing sports, and a glittering array of glassware and bottles.

Speaking of the bar, margaritas are very popular at Medrano’s and are half price every Tuesday. Like just about everything at Medrano’s, the margarita mix is made daily on the premises. So are the chips, which come out warm with just the right amount of salt, as well the salsas and bean dip.

The red salsa is a classically delicious mix of tomatoes, onion and cilantro, while the chile verde is made with tomatillos and peppers for a little extra kick. (If you really like it hot, ask for the habanero salsa). That bean dip is something special, too, with a smoky hint of chorizo nestled within its creamy depths.

Don’t fill up on chips and dips, though. There’s lots of dishes to try at Medrano’s, which features recipes

Home Made Flavor, Home Made Desserts

Weekend Breakfast Special Fri, Sat + Sun

8 oz. New York Steak and Eggs $13.99 8 oz. Rib Eye Steak and Eggs $16.99

Server Cristina Gutierrez poses with a chile relleno and enchilada combo.

from the Guanajuato region of Mexico, where the family hails from.

It’s all served up with a smile, which Jose Medrano believes has been the key to their success.

“My family worked in restaurants for years, so my parents decided 24 years ago to open up our own place,” said Medrano, who manages the Canyon Country location. “We believe it’s the service and the feeling of family that sets us apart. If you don’t have good staff and service, it doesn’t matter how good the food is.”

Thankfully, Medrano’s has both.

Take the Chili Colorado ($13.95).

It’s a rustic dish with large chunks of tender beef swimming in a beautifully rich, red broth redolent of chili. It’s fabulous on its own, rolled up into the warm tortillas or paired with fluffy See MEDRANO’S, page 27

Homemade Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Made with Mama’s Love!

Homemade Cooking!

4 Homemade Soups Served Daily Sweet Apple & Carrot, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Clam Chowder, Taco Tortilla

Homemade 1 Senior S 5 % pecial Jelly Bar! OFF Mo

ndaW/Co y- F upo ri n Bev day 7 Must era am be ges -9 ov not pm er 5 incl exp 5 ude 5/ d 3/

19

Strawberry, Blueberry, Orange Marmalade, Green Tomato

661.284.5988

23340 Cinema Dr Valencia CA 91355 www.himamastable.com

The chile relleno and beef enchilada combo features a whole lot of good food on one plate. PHOTOS BY MICHELLE SATHE / THE SIGNAL

online order by Postmates • DoorDash • Uber Eats

24 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 21, 2019

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

Sugarhill Gang to rock the rhythm at The Canyon

By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

W

hen it comes to mainstream hip hop success, the members of an upcoming act at Canyon Santa Clarita are unquestioned pioneers.

And now you’ll have a chance to see them in your own backyard.

Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scor-

pio are going to “hippie to the hippie/ The hip, hip a hop, and you don’t stop, a rock it out,” to quote the lyrics from their ever popular “Rapper’s Delight” on April 26 at Canyon, right here in the SCV. This year, the group is celebrating the 40th anniversary of their smash hit that was certified 2x Platinum-selling record.

“We are very excited to celebrate the

40th anniversary of “Rapper’s Delight.”

As an iconic and global success, it stands as a true testament of the power of hip hop music,” Hen Dogg said in a statement on Canyon Santa Clarita website. “To see the crowds of people, generation after generation sing this song and to be able to perform this song all over the world is a blessing.”

The group, which sold more than 8 million records, with a list of songs

that also includes “Apache,” “Eighth Wonder” and “Living in the Fast Lane” are expected to celebrate their catalogue of hits.

Find the Canyon Santa Clarita on the ground floor of the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Get tickets at the box office 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, by phone at (888) 645-5006, or via TicketMaster.com. For more info, visit WheremusicmeetstheSoul.com.

A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

‘The Best of Enemies’ and ‘Us’

By Dianne White Crawford Signal Contributing Writer

The Best of Enemies (General Release)

Sam Rockwell in “The Best of Enemies.”

PHOTOS COURTESY IMDB

It’s easy to complain (and many do) about how Hollywood usually explores racism. Sometimes the stories seem a bit over simplistic, as with “The Help,” “Green Book” and “Hidden Figures.” However, rather than criticize, perhaps we should be thankful for any effort to prod. That’s really the message from Robin Bissell’s directorial debut of a script he adapted from Osha Gray Davidson’s 1996 book, “The Best of Enemies: Race and Redemption in the New South.”

Based on a true story that took place in 1971 Durham, North Carolina, the film portrays the remarkable events that led to the integration of public schools, and a stranger-than-fiction friendship. Taraji P. Henson stars as Ann Atwater, an African-American activist and community organizer, while Oscar-winner Sam Rockwell co-stars as Claiborne “CP” Ellis, the Exalted Cyclops of the Ku Klux Klan. It seems the previous stranger-than-fiction description is aptly applied here, when an aggressive black woman known as “Roughhouse Annie” can effectively sway the long, ingrained beliefs of a KKK leader, and forge a friendship that would last three decades.

A school fire that partially gutted the elementary school attended by the black children in the community, was the proverbial spark that kicked off the chain of events. When

the white folks refused to share their school, the black children were forced to hold classes in the areas least affected by the fire, while demolition and renovation was being carried out. This led to the NAACP getting involved, which resulted in a judge ordering a “charrette” — a blend of a committee and a civic debate — to determine how the community would move forward. Atwater and Ellis are named co-chairs.

Keep in mind this was 17 years after Brown v. Board of Education ruled in favor of school desegregation, but many pockets of the South were slow to come around.

The story structure offers synchronicity between the lives of Atwater and Ellis, as they each struggle with poverty and family challenges. It’s just one of the ways of trying to show they were more alike than different, and much more of the time is devoted to how the transition slowly occurs for Ellis. Of course, it’s Ellis whose eyes must be opened as he clings to the only way of life he’s known. Because of this, Sam Rockwell has the meatier role, but it is Taraji P. Henson (and her fat suit), who draws the most laughs and nods of approval from the audience.

Rockwell and Henson are most entertaining (though a bit lightweight) when we look at an historic chain of events, and it’s right up there with a black cop infiltrating the Klan in Spike Lee’s 2018 film “BLACKkKLANSMAN” believe-itor-not points. In 1980, Studs Terkel conducted an interview with the real Ellis, and it’s worth a read to gain a bit more insight into a man that truly changed his evil ways. The ending of this film leans heavily on the “feelgood” and “can’t we all just get along” approach, and maybe that’s not such a bad thing. The end credit sequence features some tremendous clips of the real Ann Atwater, who died in 2016, and Ellis, who died in 2005, making it a bit easier to understand how the two opposites connected for the greater good.

Us (General Release)

Jordan Peele first got noticed on “MADtv.” His career got a boost with “Key and Peele,” and then it simply exploded in 2017 with “Get Out.”

Lupita Nyong’o, Evan Alex and Shahadi Wright Joseph in “Us.”

With his follow-up to that breakout film, Peele has squashed any talk of being a one-hit wonder, and has actually elevated his work with this latest.

The film opens in 1986 with the Wilson family on vacation in Santa Cruz, California. While taking in the amusement park along the boardwalk, their young daughter, Adelaide, wanders off into a house of mirrors where she comes face to face with her doppelgänger — her exact look alike.

It’s the film’s first creepy moment, but certainly not the last. The story then jumps forward to present day, where Adelaide (Lupita Nyong’o, Oscar winner for “12 Years a Slave”); her husband, Gabe Wilson (Winston Duke); their teenage daughter, Zora (Shahadi Wright Joseph); and young son, Jason (Evan Alex), are on a getaway to a lake house … one located near their friends Josh and Kitty Tyler, and their in-sync twin daughters. Adelaide is not thrilled when husband, Gabe, suggests they head over to Santa Cruz beach.

Part of the brilliance of the film is that it works as a straightforward horror film with some very funny moments (often thanks to Duke), but its real purpose is to inspire multiple theories along with the corresponding debate. Alternate meanings, metaphors and clues are dropped in most every scene. A toy ambulance, a “Jaws” shirt, a “Thriller” shirt, a TV commercial for the “Hands across America” event and the correspond-

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

ing VHS tapes next to the family TV, only hint at the numerous nods Peele serves up to other films, especially some horror classics. Also present (in a couple of scenes,) is the reference to Bible verse Jeremiah 11:11, and sharp-eyed viewers will spot other references to the double 11.

While the Wilson and Tyler families are visiting on the sandy beach, young Jason wanders off sending mother Adelaide into a near frenzy with recollections of her night on that same beach so many years ago.

Later that evening, the true horror begins. A terrific shot of four figures all clad in red at the end of the Wilson’s driveway kicks the film into high gear. More doppelgängers appear and lead us to a subterranean community living in tunnels, and sharing the space with bunnies. We learn of “the tethered,” those who are (mostly) identical to those living above. Those of identical likeness square off in the ongoing battle for survival, and that’s really all you should know before seeing for yourself.

The cast is terrific, especially Nyong’o, who, like the other actors, seems to relish playing the dual roles. She also nails the final shot with a smile that will chill you to the marrow. Madison Curry makes a strong impression as young Adelaide, and as much fun as we have with the characters, the true joy lies in trying to “catch” all that filmmaker Peele throws at us. That final wall of folks in red is pretty easy to decipher, but some of the little clues and prods require a second viewing. It’s fascinating and historic that Jordan Peele’s follow-up movie could possibly make this yet another horror movie contending at Oscar time. One site currently places the odds at 19/1 to win Best Picture at the 2020 Oscars.

If you are up for a fun little horror movie that’s also a mind-bending societal commentary on those who are born into privilege and those who aren’t, then Peele has just the flick for you.

26 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 21, 2019

= Family Friendly Event

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

ONGOING Mondays, 10 a.m. Join Barnes & Noble for a special Toddler Storytime at the Children’s Stage. Barnes & Noble, 23630 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita.

Info: stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2642 Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m.-noon The Gibbon Center is open to the public and a tour is given at roughly 10 a.m., no reservations are required. $15 Adults, $12 Teens & Students, $10 Seniors, $5 Children 6-12, Children under 5 are free. 19100 Esguerra Road, Santa Clarita.

Info: gibboncenter.org First Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Flutterby is a no-charge open art studio for kids and their parents to come in and make art! All art materials provided, no prior registration necessary.

22508 6th St., Newhall. Info: (661) 673-7500, http://theartree.org/events/ Saturdays, 5-8 p.m. Every Saturday night, we find a great group of Gourmet Food Trucks to get together and create community fun in the Santa Clarita Valley. The food trucks rotate so that each week, there are different options of food. Tables, chairs provided; handicapaccessible. There is a grassy knoll to picnic on, fly kites or Frisbee. 26573 Carl Boyer Drive, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ foodtrucksaturday/ Sundays, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop and save every Sunday at the Santa Clarita Swap Meet! Hundreds of vendors selling new merchandise, collectibles, plants, home decor, clothing, tools and so much more!

Live entertainment, food trucks and good cheer every week! $2 admission. 22500 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: saugusspeedway.com/content/Meet-ourSwap-Meets.aspx Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Come hug the cows, give the pig’s tummy rubs, cuddle the turkeys and enjoy a beautiful day at the Gentle Barn.

Donation: Adults $22, Kids $12. Tickets are nonrefundable but rain checks are available.

The Gentle Barn, 15825 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita. Info: gentlebarn.org/california/

EVENTS BY DATE Sunday, April 21, 9:30 a.m.noon Join His Way Church for our annual Easter in the Park event.

Free food, games, Easter egg hunt and pictures with an Easter bunny! Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Richard Rioux Park 26233 W Faulk-

ner Dr. Stevenson Ranch. Info: julie@ehisway. org, ehisway.org/easter-in-the-park-2 Sunday, April 21, 2-3 p.m. Hummingbirds are among the smallest of birds, but are some of the most colorful and fun to watch. Six species of hummingbirds have been observed at Placerita Canyon Nature Center. Come for a fascinating presentation by Judy Bass and get a look at these creatures known for vigor and energy in myth and culture. 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: placerita.org Wednesday, April 24, 7 p.m. Drop in to Pocock Brewery weekly trivia night with Trivia with Budds. Trivia night. The weekly night also includes a rotating selection of food trucks. Pocock Brewing Company, 24907 Ave. Tibbitts, Ste B, Santa Clarita Info: triviawith budds.com Thursday, April 25, 6 p.m. Come to the Canyon Club every Thursday for an 18+ night of line dancing lessons and county music presented by Borderline Bar & Grill. Canyon Club, 24201 Valencia Blvd., #No. 1351, Santa Clarita. Info: wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/ canyon-santa-clarita/# Friday, April 26, 5:45 -8:15 p.m. High school and COC students looking for career options within health care are invited to a free informative evening of panel speakers from various health care backgrounds. You may learn about a profession that you haven’t considered as a career option. College of the Canyons, East Gym, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: cynthia. madia@canyons.edu, facebook.com/ events/405440046935518/ Saturday, April 27, 6 a.m. to noon. Celebrate the arts at the SCV Arts, a creative and fun run/walk with art performances, activities and displays while fundraising and supporting local arts. Live music, singing, painting, dancing, acting and more while running/walking the 10K, 5K or Kids Dash at Valencia Heritage Park. 24155 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia, Santa Clarita. Info: scvartsrun.org Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley’s inaugural Amateur Golf Tournament.

Open to all golfers wanting to compete for the title of Best Amateur Golfer in Santa Clarita.

36-holes of scratch play golf. Entry fee includes two rounds of golf, a golf cart, green fees, snacks, water and tee prizes. And, it includes the awards banquet dinner on Sunday following completion of the tournament. Prizes will

be given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Spectators are welcome both days. Sand Canyon Country Club, 27734 Sand Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita Info: (661) 254-2582, scvbgc.org/golf Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come to the Wheelchair Sports Festival, hosted by The Triumph Foundation.

The free festival introduces wheelchair sports to those who are newly injured, children, Veterans and others with disabilities. It provides learning opportunities to the general public and showcases those living with physical impairment. We will have an extra 30+ sports wheelchairs for people to use, plus coaches and instructors to teach you how to play the games. Just register and show up! Santa Clarita Sports Complex, 20880 Centre Pointe Pkwy, Santa Clarita. Info: triumph-foundation.org/wsffaq Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Annual Day at the Rocks at Vasquez Rocks. This free event is great for families, with interactive booths, crafts and activities for kids of all ages, including: two education animal presentations, mini archaeological dig, Native California crafts, bird feeder making, rock painting and much more! Food will be available for purchase. 10700 Escondido Canyon Road, Santa Clarita Info: Sarah at sbrewer@parks. lacounty.gov, or call Susan at (661) 433-4743 Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join Temple Beth Ami for a Mother’s Day Boutique full of shopping, pampering and more fun.

23023 Hilse Ln, Newhall. Info: Kim Fogle, kim. fogel@templebethami.org, (661) 255-6410 Sunday April 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The members of the Santa Clarita Artists Association will be holding a “Spring Art Festival.”

Some 45 artists will be displaying their orig-

inal artwork. All art will be offered for sale to fund high school scholarships for promising art students and to fund other art opportunities in the SCV. Le Chene, 12625 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce. Info: (661) 252-7639 Sunday, April 28, noon to 6 p.m. MFA art students from California Institute of the Arts will open their studios to the general public. The MFA Open Studios will feature exhibited works, performances, and video art screenings. MFA students from the programs of Art, Art & Technology, and Photography & Media will share insights into their work and current art practices. Food and drink will be available. 24700 McBean Parkway, Valencia.

Info: openstudios.calarts.edu/2019/ Wednesday, May 1, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Supervisor Kathryn Barger gives an exclusive update on vital county issues, ranging from business and economic development to homelessness. She will share her vision for SCV and the 5th Supervisorial District.

24500 Town Center Drive, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/events/262720037939607 Saturday, May 4, noon-9 p.m. Santa Clarita’s first-ever Veg Fest celebrating the vegan movement. You do not need to be vegan to enjoy the festival. Eat delicious vegan food and drinks, relax, dance, yoga, play and vibe together in celebration of peace, love and compassion.

Unlimited pours of more than 50 different locally crafted beers and wines. And, food from more than 50 restaurants and food vendors.

Enjoy a plant-powered marketplace that showcases everything from clothes to essential oils. Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: scvvegfest.com

! !

IN! WIN Huge selection WIN W of pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and sala

CONGRATULATIONS to Tim Davis of Saugus for correctly identifying Animal Medical on page 4.

Identify this advertiser and the page number in this week’s issue, and you will be entered to win a $100 gift certificate for a local restaurant.

One game and one winner each week.

Mail your entry to The Signal – Contest 26330 Diamond Place | Santa Clarita, CA 91350 ES Or email contest@signalscv.com DODGER GaAtM are on

aps!

Advertiser: _____________________________ Pizza & T Page # ______ Name: _____________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________

This week’s entries are due Wed. May 1 Winner to be announced in 2 weeks.

SCV’s First

A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 27

DINING GUIDE

Continued from page 22

KOREAN & MONGOLIAN Gogi House 26524 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus 661-263-0048 Kogiya 2 Korean BBQ 23410 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita 661-678-0999

Olive Terrace Cafe 28261 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-257-7860 Zankou Chicken 24463 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia 661-705-7265

MEXICAN

Lee’s Korean BBQ & Tofu House 23360 West Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-254-2307

Betito’s Mexican 18902 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-251-0557

ZingGa Grill 26910 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita 661-250-7592

Burrito Factory 23029 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-288-0222

MEDITERRANEAN Cafe O 20655 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-424-0401 Flame & Skewers 25870 McBean Parkway, Valencia 661- 661-799-7538 Grill Kabob 27653 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus 661-263-7445 Kebab House 24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia 661-799-5844 Manoushee Mediterranean Restaurant 27131 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country 661-251-6666

FOOD La Charrita Restaurant 24225 Main St, Newhall 661-288-1204 Medrano’s Mexican Restaurant 19319 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-367-4945

Solita Tacos & Margaritas 24201 Valencia Blvd., Suite 3470, Santa Clarita 661-291-1399

PERSIAN PIZZA

Chi Chi’s Pizza 27117 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country 661-252-4405

Dario’s Mexican Restaurant 24523 Newhall Avenue, Newhall 661-255-6868

23043 Soledad Canyon Road, Saugus 661-259-4040

La Cocina Bar & Grill 28022 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus 661-297-4546

Spanish rice and yummy refried beans on the side.

Those beans, which are thicker than the dip, are addicting for a reason.

“We use lard. It makes it hard to stop eating them,” Medrano noted.

Classics like a beef enchilada and chili relleno combo ($11.95) are elevated with meat that delivers a burst of savory juiciness with each bite and a fresh Anaheim chili that holds a river of molten cheese inside its lightly battered shell.

There’s something for everyone here. For example, the super refreshing ceviche tostadas ($12.95) feature generous amounts of halibut, which marinates in lemon juice for something of a salsa meets sushi type dish.

Looking for something a bit heartier?

There are burritos, quesadillas, and seafood and meat specialties galore.

On Sundays, Medrano’s offers menudo and pozole with all the accoutrements — such as rice, tortillas, cabbage, radishes and more — at $12.95 for a huge bowl.

Medrano’s is happy to cater to vegan, vegetarians and other dietary needs, as well.

“Just ask our servers and they can have the chef make something,” Medrano said.

Medrano’s Mexican Restaurant is located at 19319 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country. Open Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Banquet seating for up to 50. Catering available. For more info, visit www. medranosmexicanfood.com or call (661) 367-4945.

Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus 661-259-3895

Pieology Pizzeria 28295 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-678-0234

Casa Pasilla 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-295-1989

El Trocadero Steak House 24274 Main Street, Newhall (661) 284-6615

Mama Mia Pizza 25708 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch 661-286-9183

Pizza Rev 24341 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia 661-260-1257

Persia Lounge & Restaurant 24328 Main Street, Newhall 661-259-4100 Ameci Pizza & Pasta 28013 Seco Canyon, Santa Clarita 661-296-6131

Continued from page 23

Magic Pizza SCV 26870 The Old Rd, Stevenson Ranch 661-291-1921

Rosarito Grill 19425 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-251-2732

Cabo Cabana Restaurant 25710 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch 661-222-7022

MEDRANO’S

Guido’s Pizza & Pasta 26322 N. Friendly Valley Parkway, Newhall 661-252-4111

Tomato Joes Pizza & Taps 19167 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita 661-250-7550 Tomato Joes Pizza Express 27732 McBean Pkwy.Valencia 661-263-8646

Toppers Pizza 23710 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita 805-385-4444

THAI Life Thai Fusion 22911 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-259-9226 Mom Can Cook Thai Kitchen 18358 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-251-8103 Original Thai BBQ Restaurant 27530 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-257-6421 Siam Rice II 25845 Railroad Ave, Santa Clarita 661-287-0099 Sister House Thai Fusion 26879 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-263-9911

VIETNAMESE Pho Sure 23876 Copper Hill Drive, Valencia 661-257-3888

Are you one of the few in Santa Clarita that hasn’t been to our wonderful café?

Please come see for yourself, why so many say it’s their favorite!

29641 The Old Road - Castaic, CA. 91384 Phone orders or catering: 661-702-9636 Follow us on Instagram @ itsagrindcastaic for information about specials and entertainment events!

28 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 21, 2019

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Leaky pipe repair, patio crack fix

By Robert Lamoureux Signal Contributing Writer

Leaky pipe repair Robert, I live in Canyon Country and, recently, we had some plumbing issues where a pipe ruptured and we couldn’t get the water to stop flooding.

So, plumbers A homeowner with a patio crack this large will need to backfill it with sand, then brought in a device apply a product called Sika flex, a urethane-based product that has elasticity. that pressed a fitting over the two COURTESY PHOTOS pieces of pipe. It looked like a gun of each pipe are put into this fitting the Signal on Saturdays. I look forwith a jaw on it and it squished down before it is clamped. ward to reading them. onto the area. It stopped the leak This is the very critical step in using I need your advice/recommendabut the area is very bent and kind of a pro press gun, to make sure that there tion on two things: 1) What kind hokey looking, is this something that is enough pipe on each side put into it, is standard, should I be concerned at of do-it-yourself repair(s) can I do that the fitting will adequately clamp all? on the cracks (pics attached) on down onto enough pipe and hold.

The plumbers told me that this is As long as this was done properly, my patio? 2) What kind of product what they do when they have a wet you should be just fine, this is a very should I use to treat the grout on situation like this but with the way good system. Best of luck. my shower floor tile? it looks, it certainly doesn’t look like — Robert anything that will hold for a long It hasn’t been treated since the time. floor was installed six years ago.

Patio crack fix They pretty much replied to me Thanks.

Robert, as though I am crazy, so I’m asking — Don G. Hi. Thanks for your column in you to clarify if this is something to worry about or if I am to trust this contractor.

— Larry R. Meet Scully Larry, Sweet Scully has been at the shelter ome plumbing systems Larry, this sounds like a pro-press longer than any are designed to handle gun that they used and, as long as other dog and we heavy usage. When evthat compression coupling is centered can’t figure out why! erything is working as it between the two pieces of pipe and He’s an 8-year-old should, toilets flush, showers drain pressed on properly, this is a good German Shepherd/ properly, and sink basins empty of and safe fitting.

Lab mix with great water in a snap. But when a clog There should be marks on both is present in a system, water can sides of the pipe where they measured manners. Scully is housetrained, walks great on leash quickly back up. and marked so that equal amounts and loves to play fetch. He’s got a There are various techniques to great, mellow low-to-medium energy clear clogged drains. Minor clogs and would make a fabulous companSHOWER DOOR SPECIALIST may be cleared without the help of ion for anyone looking for a gentle, a plumber or even any tools. More Sliding Tub Enclosure Chrome with 1/4” loving soul to spend quality time with significant blockages will require Clear Glass (preferably an adult-only home or more elbow grease.

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Castaic Animal Care Center is FREE In-Home Clogs that are present throughout located at 31044 North Charlie CanConsultation the house may be indicative of a yon Road, Castaic. Open Monday to Over 25 years in business larger problem in the plumbing that Thursday, noon to 7 p.m., and Friday 661.298.0261 to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more is directing waste away from the 26858 Ruether Ave, Unit A, Saugus, CA 91351 information, call (661) 257-3191 or house and into the sewer system. www.ValenciaCustomShowerDoors.com visit http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/.

Sometimes a clog can be freed Lic #852216

Don, This is a pretty big crack.

The only thing you can do is remove the debris and backfill it with sand to about a half-inch below the surface and apply a product called Sika flex that you can get at a big box store.

You’ll obviously want it in gray.

The Sika is a urethane-based product that has a lot of elasticity.

As far as the tile grout, any sealer from the big box store will do. Just be sure you clean the grout very well and allow it to dry thoroughly, then follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Best of Luck.

— Robert Robert Lamoureux has 38 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia.

His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at robert@imsconstruction.com.

How to clear a clogged drain

H

525

by pouring boiling hot water or a combination of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. If that doesn’t help, move on to a plunger, advise the experts at This Old House. By creating pressure within the pipes, a plunger can dislodge whatever is causing the backup. If the clog seems to be further down the drain, hair or grime may have become trapped. An auger, often referred to as a “plumber’s snake,” can be inserted into the drain to remove the grime and free up the water flow. Homeowners without access to an auger can try to fish the clog out of the drain with a wire hanger.

If clogs cannot be alleviated, drain traps may need to be accessed.

Those who do not know their way around pipes and wrenches should hire a professional.

—Metro Connection

A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 29

T R AV E L

Seven man-made wonders of California

Battery Point Lighthouse

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

W

hy do you travel? To see something new?

To broaden your knowledge of the world? To expose your children to new adventures?

From architectural marvels like the Painted Ladies in San Francisco to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, travelers can find exciting destinations in California that are a testament to human ingenuity.

San Francisco

From the cable cars to Alcatraz and the Transamerica Pyramid, San Francisco teems with man-made marvels. I’ve listed San Francisco as a man-made marvel in, and of, itself.

Here are a few “must sees” in the City by the Bay.

Coit Tower

Address Telegraph Hill Blvd., San Francisco, 94133: At the summit of the historic Telegraph Hill in San Francisco sits the 210-foot Coit Tower. The elegant tapering column was built in 1933 at the request of San Francisco’s colorful Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who left a $125,000 bequest “for the purpose of adding beauty to the city which she had always loved.” The ground floor lobby is adorned with fresco murals by some 30 local artists. Depicting life in 1930s San Francisco, they are a colorful, insightful look at The Great Depression. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (until 6 p.m. summer hours). Fee applies for tours and elevator.

Info https://sfrecpark.org/destina tion/telegraph-hill-pioneer-park/ coit-tower

One of the best-known groups of “Painted Ladies” is the row of Victorian houses at 710-720 Steiner Street, across from Alamo Square. PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA.COM

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco to California’s northern counties. Constructed in 19 the bridge features 746-foot tall towers, sweeping main cables, signature International Orange color and Art Deco styling. Visitor experiences are centered around an all new Bridge Plaza at the southeast end. Tolls apply to drive across the bridge. Pedestrians are allowed access only on the East Sidewalk (side facing San Francisco).

The hours vary seasonally: Pacific Standard Time 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Daylight Savings Time 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Info http://goldengatebridge.org/ visitors (My favorite way to see the Golden Gate Bridge is to take a boat tour that travels under the bridge. Info: www. city-sightseeing.us/products/sanfrancisco-bay-cruise).

Painted Ladies

Address 710 to 720 Steiner St., San Francisco, 94117 About 48,000 houses in the Victorian and Edwardian styles were built in San Francisco between 1849 and 1915 and many were painted in bright colors. Many Nob Hill mansions were destroyed by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, but thousands of the mass-produced, more modest houses survived in the western and southern neighborhoods of the city. One of the best-known groups of “Painted Ladies” is the row of Victorian houses

at 710-720 Steiner Street, across from Alamo Square park. The houses were built between 1892 and 1896 by developer Matthew Kavanaugh, who lived next door in the 1892 mansion at 722 Steiner St.

Address Lighthouse Way, Crescent City, 95531 For more than 150 years, the Battery Point Lighthouse has aided coastal navigation in. It is registered as a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In May 1855, Congress appropriated $15,000 for the construction of the lighthouse.

Unlike many historic lighthouses, it is still active with a lightkeeper in residence. Legends abound about its Native American ties as well as the resident ghost said to haunt the building. Crossing during low tide to get there affords stunning views of the California coast.

Del Norte Historical Society operates the Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum. The lighthouse is open to the public only when low tide permits access, daily from April through September with tours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Info http://lighthousefriends.com/ light.asp?ID=58

Los Angeles Aqueduct

Camera Obscura

Address 1096 Point Lobos Ave., San Francisco, 94121 The Camera Obscura in San Francisco was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

It is a large-scale camera obscura located near the Cliff House restaurant perched on the headlands on the cliffs just north of Ocean Beach on the western side of San Francisco. The Camera and restaurant are currently owned by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Cameras obscura, devices which project an image of the surroundings onto a surface using only existing exterior light sources, usually sunlight, have a long history in San Francisco. The Camera was installed in 1946 and has been in continuous operation since.

Info https://www.nps.gov/goga/plan yourvisit/cliff-house-sutro-baths.htm

Address 17001 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar, 91342 Los Angeles has many important and iconic structures; however, nothing compares with the significance of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in the history of L.A. The aqueduct project began in 1905 when the voters of Los Angeles approved a bond to purchase lands and water and start the planning of the aqueduct. Construction began in 1908 and the first phase was completed in 1913. When completed in 1913, the Los See WONDERS, next page

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A P R I L 21, 2019

T R AV E L

WONDERS

Continued from previous page

Angeles Aqueduct was considered to be a great engineering accomplishment only second to the Panama Canal.

The aqueduct uses gravity alone to move the water and also uses the water to generate electricity.

The best place to view the historic aqueduct, which still moves massive amounts of water to L.A., at the junction of Balboa Boulevard and Foothill Road in the San Fernando Valley (From the 5 Freeway, exit Roxford Street and head east to Foothill Boulevard, turn left. Park on the second Balboa Boulevard, near County Assessor’s Office and walk to Cascades).

The location of the Los Angeles Aqueduct Cascades in Sylmar is the most visible part of the L.A. Aqueduct to Angelenos.

It features the century-old L.A. Aqueduct (the shorter, zig-zagging channel on the left as you face the aqueduct) and the 43-year-old Second L.A. Aqueduct, built in 1965 (the long

channel on the right).

The Aqueduct also runs literally through people’s backyards in the Santa Clarita Valley. It is most visible as that giant pipe seen at Saugus High School (21900 Centurion Way, Saugus, 91350) and adjacent to the Walmart-anchored shopping center in Golden Valley (26471 Carl Boyer Drive, Saugus, 91350). Sit on the bench at the edge of the parking lot for a good view.

Info www.ladwp.com/ladwp/faces/ ladwp/aboutus/a-water/a-w-losangel esaqueduct

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Address Tram Way, Palm Springs, 92262 Hop on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car, to experience 360-degree desert vistas of Chino Canyon and Mt. San Jacinto Park. After ascending to 8,500 feet, travelers can enjoy more than 50 miles of hiking trails, a natural history museum and observation platforms that offer breathtaking views and unlimited photo opportunities.

The tramway was completed in

Hearst Castle

Address 750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, 93452 Few buildings on earth are as elaborate as Hearst Castle, both a National Historic Landmark and California Historical Landmark. The 165-room estate of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst is located high above the village of San Simeon atop a hill he called La Cuesta Encantada (“the Enchanted Hill”).

One of the last great estates of America’s Gilded Age, it’s an over-the-top monument to wealth. Construction began in 1919 and continued until 1947.

Hearst Castle has a total of 42 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms and 19 sitting rooms. The estate contains 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways perched 1,600 feet above sea level (and often above the fog level). It can only be seen by guided tours. Tours sell out so it is important to reserve your tickets before you go.

Info http://hearstcastle.org

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Winchester Mystery House

1963 after it was first conceived in 1935. Hours: Variable. Fees apply.

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Address 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, 95128 Convinced that the evil spirits of those killed with Winchester guns would only be appeased by perpetual construction on her mansion, heiress Sarah L. Winchester used much of her $20-million inheritance to finance the construction of the Winchester Mystery House, which started in 1884 and went on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, for 38 years.

With 160 rooms, the home sprawls across a half-dozen acres and is full of disturbing features: a staircase leading nowhere, a Tiffany window with a spider-web design, and doors that open onto blank walls. Such schemes were designed to confound the spirits that allegedly plagued the heiress.

Hours: Open daily at 9 a.m., closing times vary. Fees apply for tours.

Info https://winchestermysteryhouse. com

California State Capitol

Address 10th and L Streets, Sacramento, 95814 If you’ve never been to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., California has a very close replica in Sacramento.

Serving as both a museum and the state’s working seat of government, the California State Capitol building was constructed in 1869 and underwent an extensive renovation in 1976. It was returned to its turn-of-the-century décor.

Free admission and hourly tours. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit your State Senator and Assemblyperson when you visit. State Senator Scott Wilk (https:// wilk.cssrc.us) and Assembly Member Christy Smith (https://a38.asmdc.org).

Info www.assembly.ca.gov/ statecapitol

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A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 31

H E A LT H & F I T N E S S

To Your Good Health

By Keith Roach, M.D. Signal Contributing Editor

MEDICATION DOESN’T STOP VERTIGO’S SPINNING

I have a terrible case of vertigo. I’m not sure what causes it or what I can do to prevent it from happening to me again.

I was given two medications, promethazine for nausea and meclizine for vertigo, but still the problem persists.

Can you offer some kind of help?

— J.G. ANSWER: Vertigo is the sensation of movement when not moving. Although it is classically described as a spinning sensation, some people feel as if they, or the world, is moving in other ways. There are many causes of vertigo, but we generally break them down into two groups. One is peripheral causes, from the vestibular nerve, which connects your brain with the organ of balance in the inner ear. The other is central causes, from the brain itself.

Peripheral causes are much more common and generally are labelled “benign,” even though they can be quite severe.

Central causes are most commonly attributed to vestibular migraine and poor blood flow to the brainstem.

Only a careful exam and, occasionally more sophisticated test, can reveal the underlying cause of the vertigo.

The most common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and I suspect that is what you were being treated for, having received a nonspecific treatment for vertigo. Although it is commonplace, I disagree with this treatment if it is used for more than a day or two, and then only in people whose symptoms are severe.

Most people get relief from an office treatment called the Epley maneuver. They can continue at home with other exercises. I would suggest that you ask your doctor

about these procedures, and if he or she isn’t familiar with them, it might be wise to consult with an expert. In any event, vertigo is a symptom that can arise from several distinct medical conditions. You should find out what your diagnosis is.

Valencia Allergy and Asthma Center

I would like your opinion of taking a vitamin B complex capsule. A friend recommended it, but the dose of one to two capsules a day makes my urine turn bright yellow. The daily values are from 3,000 to 8,000 percent, and that seems pretty high to me. I don’t enjoy taking it, because it smells and tastes unpleasant, but I’m mostly concerned about getting too much of a “good” thing.

— R.W.

ANSWER: Here’s the good news: B vitamins are necessary, and your body is able to get rid of any excess. In fact, the yellow color of your urine is exactly that, your body spilling off the B vitamins you don’t need. There are a few medical conditions that benefit from B vitamins. Here’s the not-so-good news: You almost certainly don’t need so much, and most people don’t benefit from taking vitamins at all. A healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables gives you most of the B vitamins your body needs. (Vitamin B-12, by contrast, is found only in animal products, which is why vegans require supplementary B-12.)

If you choose to keep taking a vitamin just for general health, I would change to a brand that has lower doses and isn’t unpleasant to take.

I don’t recommend stopping megadose multivitamins suddenly. This is particularly important for vitamin C, where symptoms of deficiency can show up temporarily in people who suddenly stop high doses.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible.

Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. To view and order health pamphlets, visit www.rb mamall.com, or write to Good Health, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. ©2019 North America Synd., Inc.

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A P R I L 21, 2019

PROFILE

Bella Shaw: Famous news anchor lives in the moment years when Soroko died suddenly in March 2010. He was 56.

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

B

ella Shaw became one of the early stars of the cable news revolution when she moved, in 1983, from an NBCaffiliate station in Oklahoma City to CNN in Atlanta.

Shaw, who lives in Valencia, stepped out of the national news spotlight in 1993 to raise her two sons, who are now grown.

However, she never really stopped working. Shaw served for years as the host of Time Warner Cable’s “Local Edition,” and has numerous infomercials, a feature film and television appearances on her resume.

She likes to tell the story of sitting on the bleachers, watching her son pitch in a high school baseball game, when a woman approached her with the statement, “I have money riding on this, my husband says you used to be someone…”

Shaw told her, “Not only did I used to be someone, I still am. In fact, I am better now than I was back then.”

Oklahoma

Shaw was born in Austria, the daughter of a colonel in the U.S. Army and an Austrian mother. The family moved to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, when Shaw was 2.

After high school, Shaw attended the University of Oklahoma where she became the voice of OU radio.

She found journalism fit her curious personality.

In her senior year of college, Shaw found her first professional job in journalism at WKY radio, the oldest radio station in Oklahoma.

Shaw worked overnight shifts. “It was not glamorous at all,” she said.

When the station converted to an FM format she was laid off. However, the local television station had studios in the same building and Shaw transitioned to TV. “I convinced the head photographer I could shoot a story, and I did,” she said. “I was there seven years.”

Shaw hosted the farm show, and was also the state capitol correspondent.

In 1983, Shaw left the station when she realized there was little chance for advancement from her weekend anchor duties.

New love

Shaw is now engaged to television producer and indie filmmaker David Jeffery. “We met on Facebook in 2015, we’ve been together four years,” she said. They are looking to set a wedding date, but find scheduling their nuptials to be a challenge.

“Life keeps getting in the way,” Shaw said.

Jeffery and Shaw have traveled to Houston, New York, Orlando, San Jose and other cities to attend film festivals, where Jeffery’s short “Girl #2” has been well received.

Bella Shaw became one of the early stars of the cable news revolution after she was hired by CNN in Atalnta. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

CNN

Shaw sent an audition tape to CNN, located in Atlanta, after hearing Ted Turner was launching a 24-hour cable news station.

“I sent the tape in on a lark,” she said. “They flew me out to Atlanta and I got the job. The bad news was that they put me on the overnight shift.”

On her first day at CNN, she was scheduled to observe. But a breaking news story (presidential candidate Walter Mondale’s choice of Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate) found Shaw in the anchor chair informing the nation of Mondale’s historic choice.

Shaw’s talent was quickly recognized and she became the anchor of “Newsday” with two broadcasts, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Among the stories she covered were the Challenger disaster, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the rescue of little Jessica McClure from a well.

When Shaw first started working at CNN, she was advised not to call security if I saw a “homeless looking man in a bathrobe” roaming the halls of CNN at night. “It was Ted Turner.

He practically lived in the studio during those early days of CNN,” said Shaw.

Her popularity soared, not only in the United States, but internationally, as well. When a Japanese news crew visited Georgia, they did three feature stories on the state, said Shaw.

“They did a story about ‘Gone with the Wind,’ and two interviews, one with me and one with former President Jimmy Carter.”

In June 2015, Shaw co-hosted a star-studded CNN reunion, held in Atlanta, with former CNN science, technology and aerospace correspondent Miles O’Brian.

She was reunited with former “CNN Headline News” anchor (19832001) Lynne Russell, the first woman to solo anchor a prime-time network nightly newscast and Washington D.C. anchor Bernard Shaw (no relation).

“I remember Bernard frequently used to receive some of my emails by mistake, saying he ‘looked great in pearls,’” she said.

‘Showbiz Today’

Shaw moved to Los Angeles in 1989 to anchor “Showbiz Today,” where she was known for her cutting-edge fashion wardrobe. It was in LA where Shaw met her husband, Mark Soroko.

“I had just moved to LA and needed to open a bank account,” she said. “He was the CFO of the Bank of Hollywood. I kept finding excuses to go into the bank.”

Shaw left “Showbiz Today” in 1993 after the birth of their first child.

“I didn’t know how I could do both, work and be a mother,” she said. “The news business is not 9 to 5. It was hard to go to preschool events and to Little League games.”

The couple were married nearly 20

Familiar Face

Because of Shaw’s signature anchor style and familiar face, she is in high demand to portray a reporter or news anchor in film and television. Her television credits include playing a reporter on “Brothers & Sisters,” a reporter on “Home Front,” a CNN reporter on “Commander in Chief,” a news anchor on “ER,” a newscaster on “Roswell,” herself on “The Larry Sanders Show” and, most recently, as a CNN anchor on “Veep.”

Shaw will also appear as a reporter in Selma Blair’s new film “The Great Illusion.” The film, currently in post-production, does not yet have a release date.

Reinvention

Shaw refuses to be defined just by her work at CNN. “I’ve taken everything I’ve learned from CNN, which includes 10,000 hours or more of live broadcasts, and I’m using my experience to assist small and large businesses succeed,” she said.

Shaw said much has changed in the information business since she started.

“The news business has changed tremendously,” said Shaw. “And I’ve evolved with it. I’m still in the information business. I’ve always kept up with the times.”

In addition to consulting with Women Media Pros (WomenMedia Pros.com) and her infomercials for Cebria, Shaw has partnered with Sue Berry and Phil Ramuno to form BzS. “We’re making our clients the stars

A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 33

PROFILE of their own business,” she said. BzS (Bzspotlight.com) offers professional quality videos for business owners.

“You have to stay up with the times to be successful,” she said. “You have to stay relevant.”

The demand for a professional social media presence has skyrocketed, said Shaw. In a world with constant “noise” from social media and the decline of traditional outlets to reach customers, Shaw said BzS helps businesses focus their message.

“It’s not as expensive as people think,” she said. “It also gives a business instant credibility. We’ve expanded BzS to include professional videos to post on social media.”

Voice overs

Shaw is also starting a new career as a voice-over performer.

“When you see a news broadcast, you’ll hear the news anchor read a script over video that shows images relating to the story. That’s a ‘voiceover’ and as a news anchor it made me a natural for voice-over work in Hollywood,” she said.

$ 100

Shaw has been working with Dan Balestrero, a professional voice-over coach of MasteringVoiceOver.com, at his Agua Dulce studio.

“The great thing about technology today is that you can do voice-over work from anywhere,” Shaw said.

“I have a home studio where I can record and then send the finished product anywhere in the world.”

However, Shaw said she doesn’t want to be limited to portraying newscasters. “I’ve been working on new character voices and doing ADR work,” she said. ADR, also known as looping, is a post-production process where actors re-record or add dialogue to existing footage.

Shaw’s voice has been heard on “The Passage,” “House of Cards,” “Queen of the South” and “The Punisher.”

Shaw’s ‘free time’

Shaw makes the most of any down time. She is currently studying German at College of the Canyons, where she is a straight-A student. “I think learning a language is good for the

$100

brain,” she said.

“It’s important to keep your brain active.”

She also plays tennis several times a week.

“Now that the weather is warming up, I will be paddle boarding out at Lake Castaic,” she said. She also has signed up for Pilates. “I try to keep very, very active,” she said.

Shaw said there is so much to explore in the world, there is no excuse to be bored. She is planning a trip to Austria in the fall to practice her new German language skills.

“Don’t worry about the future, forget the past, just try to live in the moment,” she said.

Bella Shaw with career mementos. She has never really stopped working from her CNN days to voice-overs to her video-production business.

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A P R I L 21, 2019

K I D S & FA M I LY

DAY OUT

life you find inside a tide pool. Take lots and lots of photos so you can share your finds with mom and sisters.

Continued from page 20

Leo Carrillo State Park Address 35000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265 Info http://www.parks.ca.gov/ ?page_id=616

foot Jane G. Pisano Dinosaur Hall is twice the size of the museum’s old dinosaur galleries. It rivals the world’s leading dinosaur halls for the number of individual fossils displayed, and the size and spectacular character of the major mounts. The centerpiece of the gallery features a baby, juvenile and sub-adult T. rex. It’s the only series of its kind in the world.

Find a tide pool

Abalone Cove Shoreline Park Address 5970 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, 90275 Info www.rpvca.gov/Facilities/ Facility/Details/Abalone-CoveShoreline-Park-1

There’s lots of cool stuff to find in tide pools. In southern California, you can find sea stars, hermit crabs, anemones and small fish.

Most tide pools are only accessible during low tide, so make sure you check out the tide tables at www.californiabeaches.com/ california-tide-tables.

Tide pools are fragile ecosystems, so it is important to carefully walk around the pools. Don’t splash through a tide pool and don’t remove any of the sea

Golden Cove Beach (some call it Neptune Cove) Address 19 Calle Entradero, Rancho Palos Verdes, 90275 Info www.californiabeaches.com/ beach/golden-cove White Point Beach Address W Paseo Del Mar and Kay Fiorentino Drive San Pedro, 90731 Info www.californiabeaches.com/ beach/white-point-beach Point Fermin Park Address 807 West Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro 90731

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Available at most bookstores and from Amazon.com, the book is a fun look at “traditional” activities for fathers and sons to share.

Other items of interest include constructing a periscope, finding true North, making a water bomb, skipping stones, making cloth fireproof, secret inks, teaching your dog tricks and juggling.

There are plenty of topics of conversation available in the book as inspirational starting points where sons can learn about their dads and dads can learn about their sons.

From “The Declaration of Independence” to “Girls,” the book offers

Get up close and personal with dinosaurs. PHOTO COURTESY NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES

information and insight for fathers and sons to discuss.

Don’t forget to collect the “essential gear” that all boys should have: Swiss Army knife, compass, matches, fishhook, small flashlight, magnifying glass and, of course, bandages.

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A P R I L 21, 2019

A SECOND WIND

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 35

SENIORLIVING

Come out and play pumping my legs, wind in my face. It was liberating to be floating through air (until my dog leaped up onto me hen was the last time and nearly strangled herself with her someone told you to leash). But I wonder whether I would go outside and play? have sat on that swing had there been people around. Probably not.

If you’re as old as Maybe that’s one reason we stop I am, the phrase playing.

We feel embarrassed or fear evokes images of that others will roll their eyes at us. your harried mother trying to vacuum That’s regrettable. Dr. Bowen with you under White, physician and founding memher feet while she’s ber of the National Institute for Play, simultaneously simmering dinner on says that play matters, no matter how the stove. old we are. He explains, “We all come Although my into the world mother may have knowing how to been just trying to “WE ALL COME INTO THE play. As adults, get me out of her WORLD KNOWING HOW we shouldn’t feel hair, her advice TO PLAY. AS ADULTS, WE like we have to was good. Go play. grow out of it.”

And in those days, SHOULDN’T FEEL LIKE WE Playing can inHAVE TO GROW OUT OF IT.” neighborhood clude trying new kids gathered on — Christie Johnson experiences like someone’s front tasting sushi for lawn in summer the first time or going up in a hot air and played hide and seek until the balloon. It involves a willingness to sun went down.

Not to digress, but this was the be vulnerable or even silly. Dr. White era before rigorous kindergarten encourages us to think of play as curriculum in preparation for colmore of a mental approach to activilege entrance exams and bi-weekly ties rather than the specific activities appointments with pitching coachthemselves. Adopting a playful mindes. Unstructured playtime has been set about any endeavor will promote on the decline for decades, and is fun regardless of what it is. correlated with a rise in anxiety and Play makes us happy. Whether its depression in children. stamp collecting, gardening, trying a Kids need creative free time, espenew recipe, or reading a good book, cially outdoor playtime, unencumwe are transported to another world bered by constant adult supervision. and lose track of time. It lightens the During the unstructured playtime heart, and is one of the best stress of imagining, story-telling and prerelief tools we have. tending, children figure out how to Laughter enriches our relationnegotiate challenges in life. They face ships.

Getting together with friends imaginary fears, assert their bravery to cook a meal or having a family and try on different roles.

Play is essential for normal emogame night reminds us how importtional and social development and for ant our loved ones are. Play is essena life of joy, purpose and satisfaction. tial for the mind and body.

But these benefits don’t end with So the next time someone tells childhood. you to go jump in a lake, do it! Like If kids have been on a playtime George Bernard Shaw says, “We don’t diet, adults are in starvation mode. stop playing because we grow old; There is an inverse relationship we grow old because we stop playbetween growing up and playing. The ing.” older we get, the less we play.

Mary Petersen is a retired COC EnA few months back, while taking glish Instructor, 30 year SCV resident, my dog for a walk in the park, I decided to hop on a swing. There I was, and two-time breast cancer survivor.

By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

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36 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 21, 2019

GARDENING

Spring & summer gardening tips for warmer weather

and melons in the second; carrots, radishes, and beets in the third; and legumes in the fourth.

If you don’t have room for such a large garden, there are other options, such as a 4’ x 4’ square (there are a few premade at Green Thumb Nursery) that only requires 15 cubic feet of soil.

By Michelle Sathe Signal Staff Writer

A

re you feeling a need to get your hands dirty and grow something beautiful (or tasty)? You’re not

alone!

“Spring has sprung. When people see flowers blooming everywhere, they want to start gardening,” said John Windsor, chief horticulturist at Green Thumb Nursery in Newhall.

“April will be the busiest month of the year here.”

Annual flower such as petunias, vincas, zinneas and marigolds are ideal for spring and summer, as they only require water and sunshine to thrive. They are available in eye-popping jewel tones of purple, pink and yellow. There are also some varieties with spectacular patterns, like the Red Star Petunias, which resemble flowery candy canes, in six packs.

According to Windsor, these flowers are easy enough to plant for novice gardeners. “Basically, loosen

Chief horticulturist Jon Windsor with a display of warm season flowers at Green Thumb Nursery in Newhall. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

up your soil, add amendments, your flowers, and water occasionally,” he said. “They love the sun and can take the heat we all know is coming.”

Color bowls are a convenient way to add beautiful bright hues to your landscape, combining several spring and

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summer annuals in a 16” plastic dish.

This season is also ripe to plant bountiful produce. The most favored vegetables including tomatoes, zucchinis, peppers, eggplants and cucumbers, while a variety of melons are the perfect fruits to include in your garden.

It’s a trend that Windsor has seen grow over the years.

“Growing your own produce is extraordinary popular. People are more in tune with wanting to know what goes into their food. There’s a distrust of corporate farming. This way, they know what they’re eating,” he said.

So, if you had a fall/winter garden, it’s time to take out those plants and replace with seeds or starter plants more suited for spring and summer.

“Those plants may still look good, but each crop is meant to live and die in six months,” Windsor explained.

Here’s the recipe: • One large bale of peat moss or coconut coir • Two bags of organic compost • One large bag of vermiculite • Three bags of sand • Three bags of pumice • 5 pounds of pelletized gypsum • 5 pounds of sul-po-mag • 5 pounds of dolomite lime • 5 pounds of soft rock phosphate • 5 pounds of organic fertilizer

• 12 cubic feet of organic material • 4 pounds of all-purpose organic fertilizer • 5 pounds pelletized gypsum • 5 pounds dolomite lime • 2 pounds of Epsom salts and Azomite • 5 pounds rock phosphate or bone meal • 5 pounds greensand and/or sul-pomag

Whether to use seeds or plants that have already been started depends on how much time and space you have.

For example, a 100-square-foot garden could generate enough produce for a family of four throughout the season.

“With seeds, everyone in the packet could eventually become a plant,” Windsor said. “Most households wouldn’t know what to do with that.”

In addition to fruits and vegetables, consider planting some herbs, which tend to do very well during the spring and summer.

“They smell so good,” Windsor said.

“Who doesn’t love the smell of herbs?”

Apparently, insects and rodents do.

That smell and an opportunity for a free meal tends to attract everything from snails and slugs to rabbits and even raccoons.

“There are a number of organic, food grade sprays for edible crops that will help deter insects,” Windsor said. “For rodents, there are traps, repellants, screening and fencing.”

Even with those potential challenges, gardening is a worthwhile endeavor for the whole family.

“After all the rain and cold we’ve had, it’s a great time to get outside,” Windsor said. “Get your hard work done before the heat comes and then it’s just a matter of watering and weeding.”

Break the garden into quadrants, planting tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant in the first; cucumbers, squash,

Green Thumb is located at 23734 Newhall Ave., Newhall. The phone number is (661) 259-1071.

For a 100-square-foot garden, you’ll need:

A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 37

Art can manifest itself in many forms

ART

By Patti Rasmussen Signal Staff Writer

W

e all know art comes in many forms and from many inspirations. Last year there was something about springtime that made me want to do something I’d never tried before and to me, it was artistic.

I planted a sunflower garden.

Just to let you know right off the bat — I am not a gardener and don’t pretend to be. I don’t like bugs or worms or even dirt. I have always let my neighbors grow their beautiful gardens and willingly take the fruit of their labors off their hands — literally. I’ve enjoyed all the lemons, tomatoes, apricots and just about anything they want to give me.

But sunflowers make me happy and I was going through a particularly hard time last year. I thought, why not throw myself into trying

CHILDCARE

Continued from page 6

program,” Stoffel said.

“Essentially, it’s a partnership to help them establish their goals, meet their goals, and continually elevate the quality of care they provide,” she said.

Student-teacher ratio

If daycare seekers have a just a couple of checkpoints on their list of possible daycares, one concern should be placed high in that list, said Stoffel — the student to teacher ratio.

“It’s important that each child gets seen and that their unique needs are met,” she said this past week.

For example, she said, if there was a fire drill, the best scenario a parent could hope for is to see that “for each child there was an adult hand to hold.”

Details on teacher-student ratio that should prove helpful to parents, she said, include: Small Family Child Care Center 1 teacher: 8 children

Left: Once all the planting flats were filled with seeds, we covered them and waited until the seedlings started to sprout.

Center: The grandkids would come over and they would measure their growth by the sunflowers. Right: The sunflowers turned my year into a joyous one. It’s going to be a beautiful year.

something I’ve never done before and know that whatever happens, I’m going to be happy if even just one flower blooms.

I thought I’d better get some ex-

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pert advice first, so I made a trip to Green Thumb Nursery in Newhall.

The ladies were more than excited to help me. I spoke in detail with Sandy Cudmore, who happens to be a neighbor, so she knew the challenges of our canyon soil. She also helped me select a wide variety of sunflower seeds (did you know there were chocolate sunflowers?)

I also had long talks with Janet Kane. She had grown sunflowers through the years and walked me through the seedling stage. I bought some planting flats, a lot of good soil and found a perfect nesting place with plenty of sunshine in my husband’s garage (Yes, it’s his. He takes care of all the cars).

I started the process in early March. I even let the grandkids help.

It was hit and miss as we put little seeds in finger size holes. Once all the planting flats were filled with seeds, we covered them with saran wrap and placed them on top of the freezer in the window. I would water them and carefully cover them back up as the seedlings started to sprout.

Once they were about 3 inches, I started the process of planting them in my carefully selected garden area (which previously held rose bushes that were getting pretty old).

Here’s where more help came in handy. I had a detailed map, thanks to Sara, the take-off person at my husband’s company. I used this map to lay out the sunflowers according to color and height.

My gardener helped me prepare the soil with enrichments and cultivation, and even helped me with the backbreaking job of planting the little seedlings.

We watered and waited.

I can’t tell you the excitement of watching those first stems grow. My grandkids would come over and we’d measure their growth with the flowers. And when that very first sunflower opened — well, it was pure bliss.

By Easter, I had a pretty good crop and by May it was an amazing sight.

I decided to invite my girlfriends over for a May Day/Sunflower tea and we all enjoyed the afternoon eating little sandwiches and marveling at Mother Nature’s wonderfulness.

Yup, those sunflowers turned what could have been a bad year into a joyous one. And I’m doing it again this year. I’m running a little behind schedule because of all the rain, but I’m thinking it might be for the better because I want this new crop to last into the summer.

As far as the garage area is concerned, I’m investing in a little greenhouse that will have enough room to hold all my gardening tools and soils, and give me a space to sit back, sip some wine and watch the flowers grow.

It’s going to be another beautiful year.

3 8 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

A P R I L 21, 2019

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

OURVIEW

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

This Resurrection Sunday: New SCV Senior Center Officially Ready to Launch Celebrating the Emptiness

By The Signal Editorial Board

I

t's weird sometimes how something can be both long-awaited and seem sudden at the same time.

Take, for example, the new Santa that is scheduled to be announced at Clarita Valley senior center. It’s been the dedication ceremony this week. under construction since late 2017, Just. Like. That. so for the past year and a half it’s been Right? Well, not really. This has been on our radar as something that is “out a long time in the there” on the horizon making, and there are and, when it finally numerous volunteers, arrives, it will be a The new senior government leaders great benefit to the center has been built and financial donors community. who deserve so much Guess what? “Finalwith those growing credit for making ly” is now.

The nonprofit Santa and changing needs the dream of a new senior center become Clarita Valley Senior a reality.

Center announced in mind.

A few years ago, this past week that a community leaders dedication ceremony agreed: Our valley will be held Wedneshas grown, and so has our senior day at the new $11.4 million facility, at population.

And, today's seniors are 27180 Golden Valley Road. more active, for more years, than ever On Friday, the final events will be held and the final meals will be served before. The needs of the SCV senior population had outgrown the facility at the "old" SCV Senior Center, which on Market Street in Newhall. has served this valley's seniors very The new 30,000-square-foot senior well for approximately 40 years. center has been built with those growThen, on Monday, April 29, operations will shift to the "new" senior See OUR VIEW, page 40 center, which will bear a new name

By David Hegg

F

or nearly 2,000 years Christians have celebrated the emptiness of a tomb outside the old city of Jerusalem. Whether it is known as Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, today around the world churches are full, restaurants are humming, children are gobbling down sugar, and the fashion world declares we can finally wear pastels.

Sadly, few understand the significance of that emptiness. Come tomorrow, most will find themselves once again mired in the same way of thinking and living, even those who may have dressed up and made the trek to church.

So, at the risk of setting off a firestorm of mocking comments, let me give you a theologian’s perspective on the whole empty tomb story.

And, in full transparency, please note I consider the biblical record to be historically true.

First, the resurrection story is supernatural. That is, it is a miracle story. Yes, Virginia, God is in the miracle business, and Jesus actually

was — and is —- the only true superhero. By the time the Gospel writers — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — get to the end of their biographies, they have described miracle after miracle without needing to give any other explanation than Jesus did — and does — what only Almighty God can do.

And, if the grave was empty for any other reason than a miraculous coming back to life of a dead man, surely the Roman government would have used its massive resources and power to produce the body, or at least find scores of witnesses to set the record straight that some massive deception had taken place.

Second, the resurrection story is re-generational. Yep, that’s a big theological word but all it means is that the actual resurrection of Jesus was a symbolic picture of what happens spiritually when you and I choose to align our lives and eternal future with the commands and promises of God, extended to us in Jesus. The Bible tells us we move from death to See HEGG, page 40

READERLETTERS

The Secret to Success: Be Honest, Work Hard Gerald Staack’s letter (“Poverty: Nemesis of American Dream,” April, 6) runs a bit counter to my life experience. I’m 75 years old and a minority. I grew up in a moderate-income household. When I started school, my mother told me that I would probably meet racism one day, but to ignore it, get an education, be honest and work hard and never feel sorry for myself.

While I generally vote Republican, I never blame the poor for their condition. I’ve found that being “Lucky” isn’t a sure thing. I’ve seen “Lucky” people go broke and minorities succeed in business. Blaming President Trump for economic inequality is ludicrous. Under his economic growth plan, the U.S. has a higher year-over-year GDP and stronger stock market than the last eight-plus years, and lower unemployment, especially for minorities and

women, than anytime in the last 50 years (and real wage growth of 3 to 11 percent).

As for making wealthy Republicans richer, anyone paying higher taxes gets a bigger break as a straight percentage of tax relief. And some of Trump’s harshest critics are on the right, because his renegotiated trade deals with Europe, Asia and NAFTA have made doing business in those areas more expensive, so many a manufacturer has moved BACK into the U.S., which, when combined with tax cuts for business and a cutting of Obama-era regulations, have stimulated a resurgence in American productivity and employment, but cut into many a rich business investor’s bottom line, which was based on shipping jobs overseas.

Also, for the first time in history, the U.S. is a net exporter of energy and See LETTERS, page 39

A P R I L 21, 2019

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 3 9

Opinion

Contact: Tim Whyte, Signal Editor Phone: 661-287-5591 | Email: letters@signalscv.com Mail: 26330 Diamond Place, Suite 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

D R AW I N G CO N C LU S I O N S D R E W L I T TO N

BLACK&WHYTE

Why Do We Love Tiger?

It's All About the Story

By Tim Whyte Signal Editor Why do we like Tiger Woods? t was a question posed by one of my favorite sports talk hosts, Colin Cowherd of Fox Sports, the morning after Tiger’s thrilling victory last Sunday in The Masters, arguably golf ’s most prestigious tournament.

Cowherd’s answer was a thoughtful one and I found myself nodding in agreement.

I’d already thought about it while watching the final round on Sunday, playing back the recording of the round in between chores and errands.

What struck me then was that I like Tiger because, in a weird way, he plays the game like so many of us.

I swear there was a run of four or five holes where all of his drives went wide into the trees. I could relate to that. I can’t hit the ball as far as Tiger can, but I can sure as hell hit it into the trees.

It’s what he does next that makes him different. Tiger finds a way out of the trees. When I hit it in the trees, I usually hit more trees on the way out.

So there’s this blend of humanity and superiority that’s somehow appealing.

Tiger has that, and it manifests itself on the course and off. I think that’s why so many have forgiven his offthe-course troubles. Americans love a good redemption story.

There’s been plenty NOT to like about Tiger through the course of his life. In his peak years, he wasn’t exactly a charmer with the media, the fans or his colleagues on the PGA Tour. Did his fellow golfers like him?

By most accounts, no. But they feared him, especially on Sundays.

And he gave casual fans a reason to watch. People who rarely ever watch

I

or play golf tune in when Tiger, wearing his signature Sunday red shirt, is making a charge through the field on Sunday afternoon. You could love him, or love to hate him, but either way, you were watching.

Then there were the personal troubles.

Sure, a lot of it’s not really any of our business. But the cheating on his now ex-wife, the self-destructive behavior that caused his family life to implode, the addiction to pain medication — those are things that can diminish the public’s respect of a high-profile person.

Add to all that the injuries — the knee, the leg fractures, the achilles, the four, count ’em, four back surgeries... This guy is Evel Knievel without a motorcycle. As recently as a couple of years ago there was doubt whether he would ever play golf again, much less win a major. At one point he even expressed doubt that he could go for a ride in a golf cart, never mind walk a course.

He had a mountain to climb, and if there’s one thing America likes, it’s a story of someone who has a mountain to climb, and climbs it.

Tiger did that. And it had all the ingredients of a great story.

When we teach journalism students to write feature stories, we tell them to look for certain common ingredients — there needs to be some kind of tension in the plot. It’s like taking a literary approach to the story, but unlike the work of a novelist, it all has to be true. Will he or won’t he? What forces are working against him? What forks in the road will the protagonist face?

It’s an unfortunate reality that people who have an easy path to everySee WHYTE, page 40

LETTERS

Continued from page 38

not dependent on foreign oil resulting in more jobs there.

As for helping the wealthy political aristocracy, not so much, as I’m sure many on the left would agree, including: George Soros, Michael Bloomberg, Tom Steyer, Jeff Bezos, the Clinton family and even Nancy Pelosi who’s worth in excess of $75 million.

Comparing the U.S. to a country like Norway seems uneven. Norway’s population is the size of a medium U.S. state and it doesn’t support half the world with foreign aid or maintain a military to protect itself from international nuclear threats.

Society will never be poverty-free for a variety of reasons: Some people make bad life decisions, some make life-altering mistakes, some suffer from a lack of education (some of that self-imposed), addiction, single-parent households, or being raised in a culture that promotes “victimhood” as an excuse for indolence and failure. Even the idea of a $15-an-hour wage has depressed the lower end of the job market, forcing small business to decide between paying more than a job is worth or not hiring. (That $15 results in about $20-plus when you pay “employer's share” of FICA and taxes). Having owned a couple of businesses in California, I have experienced the state-mandated rigors of: taxes, licenses and compliance fees, which dictate a narrower margin of investment return over a longer period, resulting in many a dream going bankrupt.

P.S. I have traveled and worked all around the world for 50 years and this country IS the greatest. Funny how people who think someplace else is better never move there. My summary: Quit wishing life were different and follow my mom’s advice.

Richard La Motte, Santa Clarita Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone number; Anonymous letters are not printed; Email: letters@signalscv.com; Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 26330 Diamond Place, Ste. 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.

4 0 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

A P R I L 21, 2019

Opinion

WHYTE

Continued from page 39

thing are boring. We like tension, we like doubt, we like drama, we like people who face obstacles and overcome them, we like people who are flawed and work to correct those flaws, or at least become a better person.

There are common plot lines that make for a good story. I pulled these out of an old feature writing textbook I used to use. Not every great story has one of them, but most do: • Failure to success (i.e., rags to riches).

• Victim to survivor.

• Chaos to meaning.

• Danger to safety.

• Saving the world.

• And, “love conquers all.”

The Tiger story may not have ALL

of these. But it sure has a healthy mix of them. And they all blended together when he fended off a hard-charging field to win his fifth Masters, and

OUR VIEW

Continued from page 38

ing and changing needs in mind. It's been built on a 2.5-acre site near the intersection of Golden Valley and Newhall Ranch Road, making it more centrally located relative to the valley's population.

Amenities of the new center include a banquet hall that seats more than 250, a fitness and dance studio, an outdoor cabana with concert seating, six multipurpose rooms and a library. Yes, the new senior center is

HEGG

Continued from page 38

life, from darkness to light, and from judgment to unconditional love as children of God. Lastly — big finish here! — the resurrection story is eschatological. This Greek-based theological term simply means “what happens in the future.”

The New Testament writers take turns exhorting us not to place our hope in the things of this broken world but to fix our hope completely on the promise of eternal life extended to us in Jesus. And that’s where Jesus’ resurrection comes in. When he conquered death, he made the down payment on the promise that physical death would not — could not — derail the eternal life promised to all who entrust themselves to him.

OK, so now I’ve gone and done it. I’ve dared to give my opinion on what is arguably the most essential plank in the Christian platform. And, in

his 15th major. People of all stripes, around the globe, were rooting for him, a testament to the power of sport at a time when there are so few things

going to be a hub of activity.

The new center will also continue its programs and services that benefit seniors in need, such as the home delivered meals program for homebound seniors.

The new, modern facility has been built thanks to numerous contributions, including major allocations from Los Angeles County and the city of Santa Clarita, as well as a six-figure contribution from developer FivePoint that was designed to offset the developer fees required for the project.

But, some needs still remain to completely outfit the new center and the organization still hopes to raise

We live in a pluralistic country where religious ideas and ideals are meant to be published, read, examined, and allowed even when there is disagreement. That’s what tolerance means, and also what being good neighbors looks like. so doing, I’ve splintered my reading audience into at least three groups. Some of you are thankful that, on Easter Sunday, someone has published a defense of historical orthodoxy. Others of you are spitting mad that someone has been allowed to publish a defense of historical orthodoxy simply because you find it not only radical but also dangerous. Still

that unite us.

As he walked off the course to embrace his mom and his kids, in that moment, he wasn’t Tiger the legend, Tiger the intimidator, Tiger the wayward soul.

He was a son and a dad, a human being who had faced a mountain of challenges — some of them, of his own creation — and finally conquered them, and was able to share his victory with those he cares about most.

Congratulations to Tiger Woods, and thanks to him for giving us all a great story.

He found his way out of the trees.

Tim Whyte is editor of The Signal. His column appears Sundays. On Twitter: @ TimWhyte.

$1 million. Contributions can be made by visiting scv-seniorcenter.org.

If you think about it, donating to a facility like this one is not just a contribution to benefit a small segment of the population. It's something that benefits us all, since every Santa Clarita Valley resident is a potential participant in a senior center program or a recipient of the center's services at one time or another as we reach our golden years.

We sincerely thank everyone who has made this long-sought community addition become a reality. others of you are in the middle and are thinking of humorous ways to drop “re-generational” and “eschatological” into the conversation around the Easter dinner table.

And so, think about it. We live in a pluralistic country where religious ideas and ideals are meant to be published, read, examined, and allowed even when there is disagreement. That’s what tolerance means, and also what being good neighbors looks like.

Whatever your religious or philosophical viewpoint, let’s at least agree to disagree in a way that builds up our mutual respect and plays out the best form of tolerance. After all, we’re in this together, and if you want to talk, I’ll buy the coffee as long as you put up with me saying, “He is risen … He is risen indeed!”

David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church and a Santa Clarita resident.“Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.

A P R I L 21, 2019

Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

BRAINGAMES

Relax

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 41

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CROSSWORD TIME

A P R I L 21, 2019

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

What is bleeping, beeping at me?

By Jim Mullen Signal Contributing Writer

T

he refrigerator beeps if I accidentally leave the door open, which I do a lot, but it’s a different beep than the one the dishwasher makes to tell me it has finished putting spots on my glasses.

Do I really have to know when the dishwasher is finished with its spotting cycle? Besides, when the dishwasher beeps, I always think it’s my phone telling me I have a new message. I keep forgetting my message alert is a chime, not a beep.

The phone is chiming right now.

It’s my credit card company messaging me to tell me my credit card statement is now ready for viewing.

It’s odd that it will chime for that message, but it didn’t make a sound when Charlie texted “Meet us at the golf course at 1.” I didn’t get that message until 3.

The phone makes another beep (or maybe it’s a trill or a swoosh or a chord or a crystal arpeggio) if I get a notification that there is a “Today Only!” sale at a store that only sells things on clearance — all the time.

The name of the store is something like “Stuff On Sale All the Time.”

They really don’t have to send anyone any alerts.

My stupid smartwatch beeped last night at 11:30 to tell me that if I would take a brisk half-hour run, I would meet my exercise goal for the day. It’s not smart enough to beep when the battery needs charging; it just dies without saying a word. It doesn’t beep at the airport to tell me I’m in a different time zone now and that I don’t have two hours and 10 minutes to make my connection, but

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rather, only 10 minutes. It will not automatically update to the new time zone, no matter how many times I set it to do just that.

It does, however, tap me on the wrist every now and then to remind me that it is time to breathe. I don’t know what it thinks I’ve been doing all day, but breathing has been a large part of it.

I have the little gadget on my keychain that will let me find my keys if I ever lose them. It beeps every time I touch my key ring. The day I actually do lose my keys, I have a feeling that the device’s battery will be dead from all the unnecessary beeping.

My car beeps at me when I drift into oncoming traffic or start backing up into something or someone, and no doubt countless lives have been saved, including my own. That doesn’t mean it’s not annoying. It’s as if they invented a robo-backseat driver. If it ever says “No, your other left,” I’ll just hit the accelerator and drive into a bridge abutment.

Hold on, my watch just pulsed to remind me to breathe. And the washing machine just coughed to tell me that it’s finished shredding my underwear.

My desktop computer beeps and chimes and trills, too. It just chirped to tell me it’s the birthday of a person I barely know. I don’t know how to tell it to stop doing that. And if I ever figure out how to make it stop, it will also stop reminding me of the birthdays of people I do care about.

A lot of people customize the alerts on their phones — and I have, too — but I still can’t remember what a chime means, as opposed to a trill, as opposed to dripping water, as opposed to waves hitting the shore.

If the phone is so smart, why can’t it just say, “Answer the phone, idiot!” when a call comes through? If they can teach it to trill, why can’t they teach it to say, “You have a new text message”?

While they’re at it, they should program the dishwasher to say, “I’m finished with putting a soapy film on your dishes you’ll never get off.”

Contact Jim Mullen at mullen.jim@ gmail.com.

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FOURTH PARADE OF JULY ROUTE

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A tale of two rescues

7 years later, crash survivor glad to be alive at daughter’s book-signing

Missing puppy found after having run away from scene of crash; animal was hungry, dehydrated when saved

City’s re nt gro

wth rate Faith above sta te avera ge Coupons Home Improvement Hya tt joins Carter’s Hotel pla Business News ns event proc to donate fight SCV’s ee child’s ba ds to tr ttle again It’s the Law Column Sanfilippo syndromest to the g ibute reats Concer ts set to retuin the Pa rk serie Right Here Right Now rn to Ce s nt ral Pa rk Color Comics

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Hotel plans to donate event proceeds to child’s battle against Sanfilippo syndrome

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Concerts in the Park series set to return to Central Park

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By Brennon Dixson Louis Ga Signal Staff Writer of Canyo rasi n Count ry After hearing about Carter Sarkar, his fight with Sanfilippo syndrome and the recent million-dollar movement to fund his clinical trial, the Hyatt Regency Valencia has announced that it will donate every dollar from its upcoming fireworks viewing event to the young boy from Castaic.

“Our entire staff was deeply moved by the article in Saturday’s paper regarding Carter Sarkar and the fight to save him from Sanfilippo syndrome,” said Natasha Zambrano, sales coordinator at Hyatt Regency Valencia. “We at Hyatt would like to contribute to this fight by offering our parking structure to the community to watch fireworks this upcoming Fourth of July.”

Children who are diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome will likely

6

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By Danielle Korzhenyak For The Signal

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Austin Dave/The Signal (See additional photos at signalscv.com)

home In this May 2017 photo, Jennifer Sarkar carries her son Carter to a to get on Ponderosa Street in Castaic. The Sarkar family raised $978,467 a clinical trial that might help Carter’s fight against Sanfilippo syndrome. develop muscle pains, experience seizures and then, ultimately, die in their mid-to late-teens, said Jennifer Sarkar, Carter’s mother.

As a result, the family held a fundraiser in the past month with the goal to donate a million dollars to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Cure Sanfilippo Foundation, which

would fund a clinical trial that could give Carter a chance at life.

“Over the years the structure has been a gathering place to have an unobstructed view of the festivities (and fireworks) from Six Flags,” Zambrano said.

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July 7

Wanted, a Bon Jovi tribute band, is first up in the lineup of Concerts in the Park. Based out of Los Angeles, the band is made up of professional musicians.

The rock ’n’ roll group had immense success, playing to sold out venues and garnering rave reviews. Wanted was finally created after numerous requests from agents and promoters who worked with the band on other projects.

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S H T N O SIX M INDEX

The crowd-pleasing Concerts in the Park series returns to Santa Clarita for a music-filled summer, starting this weekend at Central Park.

Concerts in the Park are free public events put on by the city of Santa Clarita every Saturday night from July 7 until Aug. 25. The shows start at 7 p.m.

Get ready to break out your lawn chairs and blankets, grab some tasty snacks from local vendors onsite and listen to some of your favorite genre tribute bands coming to the Saugus park.

Here’s a breakdown of each band performing at Concerts in the Park:

Good morning to Signal subscriber Louis Garasi of Canyon Country

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