Sunday Signal November 1, 2020 by Signal

NOVEMBER 1, 2020

Spice Up Your Fall Get Together Page 5 Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

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N O V E M B E R 1, 2020

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

N O V E M B E R 1, 2020

NEWS FEATURES 5 6 7 8

Seasonal drinks to spice up a fall get-together Spooky times in the SCV through the ages How to spot the flu during the COVID-19 pandemic Looking back on the first draft of SCV history

FALL 9 9 Plan an adventure to explore the big trees

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

10 Make your plan to vote in the upcoming election

SENIOR LIVING

11 Choices for long-term care

ENTERTAINMENT 12 12 ‘The Witches’ is trapped between scary and funny

FOOD 13 1 3 Combat cool days with these comforting dishes Cheesy German Potato Soup Mini Chocolate-Beet Cheesecakes

HEALTH & BEAUTY

15 Streamline your makeup routine with these hacks

GARDENING 16 16 A Santa Clarita gardening guide for November

PETS 17 17 Signs you dog may have vision problems

KIDS & FAMILY

1 8 Donna’s Day: Apple Pecan Granola is a seasonal specialty Junior Whirl 19 Basic safety when riding your bikes Fun games to play to make your kid a financial genius

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661-259-1234 The entire content 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. If you would not like this delivered to your home, please call (661) 259-1000.

N O V E M B E R 1, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

Seasonal drinks to spice up a fall get-together

Tisdell and his fellow Pocock brewers developed what they call their Trade Secrets Tart Smoothies. The names of the two beers are the Saskatoon Berry and Lingenberry, and they’re both in the tart smoothies. “The Trade Secrets are pretty popular and people really like those,” said Tisdell. They also released their own West Coast IPA called “Checkerboard Slipons,” which they say has a “high flavor profile.” The Pockcock Brewing Company is located at 24907 Avenue Tibbitts Suite No. B. For more information about the menu visit pocockbrewing.com.

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

t’s that time of year again. The leaves are either changing color or falling off their branches. The nights are getting cooler and there’s a more prevalent smoke emitting from chimneys. The orange, yellow and red colors are becoming more prevalent, and the talk of pumpkin spice in nearly everything one can buy drink-wise in a drive-thru is overtaking social media. But if you’re not a coffee lover, or maybe you’re trying to have a night out but want to keep in the spirit of fall, what options are available to you? The Santa Clarita Valley is known for going all-out on holidays, and our local bartenders are now different. Once the summer drinks and seltzers are shelved, out comes a variety of spirits and alcoholic beverages that exemplify the season. From cinnamon on the rim, to the taste of apples and pears warming you up, all can be enjoyed on a casual Friday night. All these flavors and more are available here in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The Social

Salt Creek Grille bartender Bennett Miller offers a cocktail from the bar’s custom menu, which changes periodically to take seasonal tastes into account, as well. PHOTO BY SHAE HAMMOND / THE SIGNAL

Salt Creek Grille

Salt Creek Grille is not only known as the restaurant with some of the best catering and food that the SCV has to offer, but for years their bartending crew has put a large amount of effort and creativity into their seasonal drink menus. “I just think about the season and what people like, what do they want to feel?” said Salt Creek’s Bar Manager Kenneth Speed, when asked what goes into his thought process when creating the specialty fall drinks. “You know, for me, during the wintertime, or when it starts hitting the fall, and the start of the cooler time, I really start thinking about whiskeys.” “But before that and to be preemptive, I want to get into the transition from summer to fall so I want to still have vodka,” he added. The big seller this fall for Salt Creek Grille, according to Speed, has been the restaurant’s Harvest Pear Martini. Combining their special recipe of

pear vodka along with a few other ingredients, along with a cinnamon-sugar rim, to get a drink that makes people surprised when they first sip it. “They’re afraid it’s going to be a little bit too sweet, but because we put a little bit of lemon inside, it kind of cuts that edge of that sweetness to it and really brings out the flavor,” said Speed. “Most of the time they’re really surprised with the first one, and then, almost all the time, they’re like, ‘Yeah, I want a second one.’” In addition to the Harvest Pear Martini, Salt Creek is doing an Apple Cinnamon Martini which includes another secret recipe mixed with Fireball and Angry Orchard. Salt Creek Grille is located at 24415 Town Center Drive. For more information about the menu visit saltcreek grille.com.

Pocock Brewing Company

Beer and October have always had a special bond, from the advent of Oktoberfest to the creation of small breweries trying their hand at variety packs that embrace the flavors of the season. In Santa Clarita, Pocock Brewery relishes this relationship. Every year, the brewery, in celebration of the German festival, releases its German-style dunkel, which is a brown lager. “You get the roasty sort of toasty flavors as you would expect out of brown beer,” said Todd Tisdell, the co-owner of Pocock. “But because it’s a lager, it finishes really clean.” Tisdell said the drink is on tap and in six packs to go. In addition to the annual Oktoberfest beer they release, this year

The Social, located in Valencia, said they don’t create drinks for seasons per se, but they do have the ability to make anything someone can think of. And they have a long list of cocktails they offer year round that remain perfect for the autumn weather. “On our menu we have 84 different martinis, and some of those have more fall flavors, if you will,” said bartender Brett Brody. One of the popular items they offer is their own take on an apple martini called the Apple Jack. “It’s kind of a Jack Daniels Apple Martini, a lot of people tend to drink more than one to be honest,” said Brody. “It goes really well with the filet mignon or top sirloin, or something a little more heavy like the chicken parm. Light on the pasta, light on the sauce but a breaded piece of chicken.” In addition to the Applejack, Brody also creates a Pear Martini and a Spicy Mango one that is quite popular because, “Fruits are in at the moment.” “We use a pear vodka, but then I use a couple other ingredients like Triple Sec and pineapple juice to take away from the acidity of the alcohol itself,” said Brody. “While still bringing out the flavor of the pear.” The Social is located at 23329 Lyons Avenue. More information and the menu can be found at www.thesocial restaurant.com. 

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N O V E M B E R 1, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

Spooky times in the SCV through the ages By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

anta Clarita Valley celebrations for Halloween, or Hallowe’en as we used to spell it, are mentioned going back to the earliest pages of The Signal. The spelling derives from the original name, All Hallows Even, which took place the night before All Hallows Day, now known as All Saints Day, according to Merriam-Webster. But regardless of what you call it, throughout the ages, it’s been a time of fun and mischief in the SCV for kids of all ages.

Halloween of 1939

A number of organizations and churches decided to make things less spooky for business and property owners on Halloween 1939 by hosting wouldbe ruffians at a dance at Newhall school. The program, put on by the school’s PTA, featured the famous “jitney” dinner at 5:30, which included salmon loaf, escalloped potatoes, green beans, chile beans, cole slaw, hot rolls and pumpkin pie. Following dinner, the kids were invited to participate in various games and activities that caused quite a few screams and a whole lot of fun. There was a lavish spreading of soap on windows and a considerable amount of other malicious mischief throughout Newhall, according to sheriff ’s deputies. Officers appeared to have a sense of humor about it; however, likely “remembering their own boyhood days,” wrote a Signal reporter at the time, while the deputies kept the “gangs” of youngsters on the move throughout the night, no arrests were made. The newspaper noted A handful of boys and girls who were out past the 9:30 p.m. curfew were brought into the station for a lecture. On Spruce Street, nearly every window appeared to have been given a “first-class smearing,” according to law enforcement at the time. As they had done last year and the year before, the kids burned kitchen soap wax candles throughout the street, making it difficult to clean up the hardened wax deposits. Additionally, throughout Newhall, street signs were uprooted, a temporary barricade thrown across Newhall Avenue and several fences were pushed over. Two young ladies were also picked up, taken to the station and allowed to think on their actions for some time after being caught letting air out of car tires. Some rocks had also been thrown through some windows and nearby street lights.

Halloween of 1961

It might be fair to say, based on media reports, that Halloween 1961 was more akin to Halloween of the 1930s vs. the 2000s. A Signal reporter wrote on Oct. 26, 1961, the “inevitable army of pint-size trick ’r treaters” would

This Halloween scene from a 1939 edition of The Signal shares the type of timeless familyfriendly memories the holiday can help create as two kids pose with a couple of carved-out pumpkins.

be flooding onto the streets before the next issue of the paper would be released. Whether the PTA’s wanted to do more on Halloween than they had in previous years, or the school districts thought more monitored activities would keep more kids from doing Halloween vandalism, a number of local schools held parties. A costume dance was scheduled at Hart High School, a Halloween party and costume parade was set up for the students of Placerita Junior High School, and, just down the street, a family-friendly freak show and dinner was scheduled to take place at Newhall Elementary school. Meanwhile Sulphur Springs School, Castaic School, Saugus School and Santa Clarita School (the “elementary” and “community” school titles had not yet been adopted) held family-friendly carnivals of their own. Sulphur Springs’ event even included a “cleverly conceived spookhouse.” The following week’s publication of The Signal did not include a Halloween damage report from law enforcement, however, it does appear that Santa Clarita was starting to figure out how to make the holiday more treat than trick.

Halloween of 1970

If the lack of an article about the destruction in the SCV during Halloween 1961 was an indicator that not enough damage happened for it to be newsworthy, than 1970 was a return to a more “mischievous” time in the SCV’s history of trick or treating. “A pumpkin about 8inches in diameter was

thrown through the kitchen window of the home of Sherilyn B. Bathgate, 23228 8th St. in Newhall Saturday night by a group of unknown juveniles,” read a Signal story published on Nov. 2, 1970. “The three by foot window was valued at $25.” In another, unrelated instance of Halloween hijinks, an unknown group of pranksters used a BB gun to shatter a large window at a home of Chadway Street in Saugus, causing $20 in damage. The BB gun user then turned the air rifle toward a Chadway Street neighbor’s home, and shot out their sliding door, as well. A car was also egged in Newhall, on what was then known as San Fernando Road but is now Main Street, causing $40 worth of damage to the vehicle’s paint and radio antenna. Although the owner of the sliding glass door did not disclose a financial cost for the damage, both windows combined plus the damage to the car would have cost $570.20 in today’s dollars. Damage and vandalism aside, however, the Santa Clarita Valley still came out in force on Halloween. Dr. Harold Slavkin, a local dentist, said that he would be going against the professional judgement of some of his colleagues, and handing out tooth-decay-causing-candy alongside his neighbors to everyone that came to his door. And when asked what he and his neighbors had done in previous years, Slavin said they always planned to give out “hot dogs, raisins, fruit and candy” but “toothbrushes, toothpaste, and stern lectures” would not be given out at his door. 

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How to spot the flu during the COVID-19 pandemic

where we have to just take care of each other in times like this, and that’s what it’s really about.”

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

s flu season approaches in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, now there’s an extra concern for the public and health officials — the possibility of a “twindemic.” Now, add in the fact that symptoms of both illnesses are quite similar, and it makes it harder to know which patients may have — influenza, otherwise known as the flu, or COVID-19. While Santa Clarita Valley health experts have noted the symptoms are similar, there are some differences, also.

What about the flu shot?

What are the symptoms for both?

“COVID has symptoms that seem to get more severe than a regular flu and, obviously, created a pandemic that we don’t get every year when we get the flu,” said Dr. Stephen De Vita, a Kaiser Permanente of Southern California Santa Clarita Family Medicine physician and assistant area medical director. Even so, symptoms for both illnesses are often described by doctors, including De Vita, as “flu-like.” “Everybody knows what that means,” De Vita added. “It means fever, it means body aches and COVID does have those symptoms, as does influenza. I think that’s why a lot of people say it just feels like the flu, and I think that’s where it gets confusing for people.” Dr. Cory Spurlock, Exer Urgent Care’s chief medical officer, agreed, adding these similarities occur due to the fact that they are both respiratory viruses. “COVID we think tends to spread easier, and can cause more serious illness quicker in some older patients or other subsets of patients that are at higher risk,” Spurlock added. “COVID can also often take longer to show symptoms.” Dr. Jordan Michelena of Henry Mayo Newhall Urgent Care Center said while it’s very hard to just look at the symptoms and distinguish one from the other, there is one notable addition to the COVID-19 symptoms.

Medical assistant Hugo Vela gives a flu shot at Henry Mayo Newhall Urgent Care in Valencia. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

“The one that really distinguishes COVID-19 from really any other virus that we know is the loss of taste and smell,” Michelena added. “Sometimes that happens when you have congestion just because those are very interrelated symptoms, but with COVID-19, that’s really the unique symptom.” If De Vita has a patient with flu-like symptoms, or even just a sore throat, and they said they lost their sense of taste or smell, immediately he said he’d be concerned about COVID-19. “It’s really going to be difficult to distinguish without a test, and we’ll certainly be testing most patients with symptoms for COVID and flu in order to try to distinguish the two so we can give people guidance that’s correct,” De Vita added.

Take preventative measures so you don’t get either “The steps we are all taking to prevent transmission of COVID-19 also help prevent transmission of influenza,” L.A. County Department of Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said in a prepared statement. “We all have tools that work to limit the

spread of COVID-19 and flu: wearing face coverings, keeping physical distance of at least 6 feet whenever you are out of your home and around others, frequent handwashing, and avoiding large crowds.” In addition, Spurlock highlighted the importance of good self care — plenty of fluids, vitamins, etc. “It’s good practice when you’re sick with anything not to go to work, not to go to social events, not to go out and spread whatever you’re sick with,” Michelena added. “People appreciate not catching the cold, just as much as they appreciate not getting COVID. Now, the life-threatening mortality risk between the two of those is a little bit different, of course.” De Vita and Spurlock also agreed, adding that this can help to protect your loved ones or friends from catching these illnesses, as though you may be able to tolerate it, they may not. “With COVID, everybody knows, ‘If I catch COVID, I have to worry about grandma,’ and that’s the same with the flu, but COVID takes that to a different level,” De Vita said. “That’s

Because both the flu and COVID-19 are present in L.A. County this year, it’s vital we protect ourselves to prevent a serious flu season coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s why doctors are saying it’s more important than ever this year to get the flu shot. Getting the flu shot can help medical professionals to make a diagnosis if you do end up getting sick later on, Michelena and De Vita agreed. “The flu vaccine is key because if you vaccinate yourself against the flu, you’re gonna decrease your chance of getting the flu, so if you get those symptoms, it’s going to be more likely it’s COVID, and you’ll know what to do,” De Vita said. With COVID-19 and the flu spreading at the same time, doctors warn that contracting both illnesses at the same time — which has been found to be possible — could lead to more serious complications. “If you’re vaccinated for the flu, and then you also get COVID-19, you’ll probably have an easier time during that infection period than if you didn’t get vaccinated for the flu and had both,” Michelena said. “So if you have two diseases, it’s easier if your body is already able and set up to fight one of the diseases.” Everyone 6 months and older should be immunized against the flu, and anyone can get flu, even healthy people, but people at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications include: those 65 years and older, pregnant women, children younger than 5 years old and people with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or HIV. For more information on the flu versus COVID-19, visit cdc.gov/flu/ symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm or publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/ FluSeason. To get your flu shot, visit your doctor, a pharmacy or a flu immunization clinic, where both walk-up and drive-thru service is available. To find a low-cost, or free, immunization, call 2-1-1 or go to PreventFluLA.com. 

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N O V E M B E R 1, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

Looking back on the first draft of SCV history

street signs and landmarks, as well as the interesting similarities and differences with today’s SCV. ooking back through the For example, while increasing the pages of The Signal, you can role of women in the Los Angeles Fire learn a lot about the history Department was a cited goal of the The Signal (Santa Clarita, California) · Fri, Nov 17, 1939 · Page 1 of the Santa Clarita Valley — mayor of Los Angeles this year, it cerwspapers.com/image/333329361 Downloaded on Oct 28, 2020 https://www.n ewspapers.c om/image/33 tainly wasn’t an issue for women in progress made, the names from our 3305094 By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

Nov. 17, 1939

erans Day, as it’s more commonly 1944 — although the headline from the day’s paper would be changed for known today, Armistice Day, which modern times. dates back to the end of World War Unsurprisingly, with even more of I, was well-celebrated by the SCV, a natural setting back then, wildfires were a big concern for the Santa Clar- which has always honored the value and service of its members of the serita Valley. The Signal (Santa Clarita, California) · Fri, Jul 21, 1944 · Page 1 And while we still celebrate Vetvice. The Signal (Santa Clarita, California) Downloaded on

July 21, 1944

https://www.newspapers.com/image/333291722

Fear not residents of Newhall, because if there’s Once again providing our next generation with information about what came before them, local a fire, the all-women U.S. Firefighters brigade will schools held their annual recognition of Armistice have your back. Day. On Monday, citizens on Spruce Street saw the Held once every year, Armistice Day commemo- members of the Newhall Suppression Crew No. 1 rates the end of the Great War, which concluded on fly by on their big green U.S. Forestry pumper barNov. 11, 1918 at the 11th hour. reling through. The events, which were sponsored by the AmerThe three women that make up the crew, Zoe ican Legion Post 507, had started in the patriotic Willis, Mary Jane Brunton and Dawn Rourke, have programs in most schools in the Newhall area a 20 Newspapers.com. All Rights Reserved. all said that regardless of fire, smoke, barked shins, few years back. Copyright © 2020 Newspapers .com. All Rights Reserved. poison oak, or any other hazards, they’ll be ready Instead of the gallantry you may find at the local 4th of July parade, the quiet ceremonie were led by to fight to protect our community. This type of sighting is not uncommon nowathe lead speaker, Vice Commander Horace E. Kesdays, with U.S. Forestry, along with other instisler. The topic of discussion for Kessler to the stututions and businesses, needing women to fill in dents was the need for peace and preparedness. for the roles that have been left empty by our boys The first stop of the day for the vice commander fighting overseas. was Sulphur Springs at 9:30 a.m. Friday morning. Willis is the foreman and has been training with The children then sang the Star Spangled Banner the U.S. Forestry service since October of last before returning to class. year. She said at the Ranger station they work out The next stop was Honby followed by Newhall of, near Newhall, they can get their fire engine where the children gathered in the open and sang through any winding or switchback filled road. patriotic songs to keep with the occasion. There is only one thing wrong with the crew: Additionally, some businesses decided to close there’s not enough women in it. in commemoration of the holiday, the post office The rolls are open for any strong, active and and the bank were also closed. The Legion Dance, nervy girl to join, and the Ranger forces are anxwhich is scheduled to occur Saturday, will be staged as the Armistice Dance. ious to have some recruits.

Oct 28, 2020

· Thu, Nov 3, 1949 · Page 1

Nov. 3, 1949

Downloaded on Oct 28, 2020

Fire officials are attempting to quell rumors about an arsonist being on the loose after a handful of large fires started within days of each other in and around the Santa Clarita Valley. The first of which was started on Oct. 28, between Bouquet and San Francisquito Canyons, after a small plane crashed in the dry hillsides. The pilot of the plane had to make a choice between staying in his plane and being burned alive, or he could bale out without a parachute. According to law enforcement officials, the young pilot, who has not yet been identified, leaped to his death on a stony ridge. Bob Lombardi, a well known rancher of Bouquet Canyon, was an eyewitness to the start of what has now been named the Haskell canyon fire. Lombardi reported seeing a small yellow plane circling above the fire. He saw the plane than burst into flames and drop from the sky. As of Tuesday, the Haskell Fire -- which has now been officially stated to have been started by the plane crash, and not an arsonist -- has burned a total of 7,110 acres over a 91 hour period. Best reassured Santa Clarita, the blackened, exhausted firefighters dotting our hillsides are no ordinary smokejumpers. These men are Navy men from Long Beach, and if there’s anything a Navy man knows about, it’s water and winning battles. 

N O V E M B E R 1, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

Plan an adventure to explore the big trees

more than 500 mature giant sequoias. A variety of trails, from easy to strenuous, are within the grove. The Mariposa Grove is home to some of the oldest sequoias in existence. Yosemite is under a phased reopening. Effective, Nov. 1, day-use reservations will not be required. For the latest information, visit www.nps.gov/ yose/planyourvisit/mg.htm. Reservations are quired for camping, for information visit www.nps. gov/yose/planyourvisit/camping.htm.

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

e used to go camping every year in our 1963 Wheelcamper, inherited from my husband’s parents. We wanted to show our daughter the natural wonders of California and beyond. Among my favorite memories are the times we camped among the majestic redwoods and sequoias in Northern and Central California. I’ll never forget the morning a California Scrub Jay flew off with my daughter’s breakfast pastry, picking it up from the picnic table and flying off into the trees. While the availability of campsites may still be fluid, here are some places you may want to plan on visiting as areas reopen. Now, is a good time to plan your escape to see California’s majestic “big trees.” Memories await. Here are a few places to visit and special to trees to see.

California’s big trees

There are two distinct type of redwood trees. Coast redwoods are considered the “true” redwood. Coastal redwoods grow only within a foggy 500mile belt along the Pacific, from Big Sur to southwestern Oregon. These sky-scraping conifers approach 400 feet in height, and may live as long as 2,000 years. Giant sequoias have a more limited range and number than the Coast redwoods. Only about 70 groves exist, sprinkled along the western Sierra Nevada range, from Placer County south to Tulare County. Unlike redwoods, which commonly form pure

FA L L

stands, sequoia groves are typically scattered throughout the mixed-conifer forest alongside trees such as white fir, sugar pine and incense-cedar. The world’s “tallest tree” designation changes frequently because the “crowns,” or tops, of many trees frequently fall off, changing the tree’s height. To check on the availability of campsites and reservations, visit Reserve California at reserve.california. com. The latest information will be available there. Here are some popular parks and their must-see trees.

Redwood National and State Parks

There are four developed campgrounds and seven back-country sites to camp in this 131,983-acre park. In the 1920s, three state parks were created in the area, Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks. In 1968, the discovery of the world’s tallest tree (at that time) in a hidden old growth forest led to the creation of Redwood National Park. A unique federal-state partnership was born to manage the parks. There are five visitor centers: HiouCalifornia fire fighters saved the 1,400-year-old Colonel Armstrong tree this summer from the Walbridge Fire. ©2018 AFAR MEDIA LLC

chi Visitor Center, Jedediah Smith Visitor Center, Crescent City Information Center, Prairie Creek Visitor Center and Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center. Some of the visitor centers are open with modifications. For the latest information, visit www.nps.gov/redw/ planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm Big Tree This old growth giant has a circumference of 68 feet. Located on the Newton Drury Scenic Parkway near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center, the tree is an estimated 1,500 years old. Tall Trees Grove Pick up a free permit to hike to the grove, considered by some the most beautiful in the park, at the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center. The current record-holder for “Tallest Tree” remains hidden in an undisclosed location, to prevent vandalism.

Yosemite National Park

The Mariposa Grove, which closed in the spring of 2015 for the largest restoration project in the park’s history, re-opened to the public June 15, 2018. The habitat for sequoias was improved by removing parking lots and roads and restoring the natural flow of water. Parking was relocated two miles from the grove, and is connected by shuttle buses. Located near the South Entrance, the Mariposa Grove is the largest grove in the park and is home to

The Grizzly Giant The oldest tree in the grove. It is believed to be between 1,900 and 2,400 years old. The tree stands 210 feet tall and 30 feet in diameter. It is the 25th largest tree in the world. The California Tunnel Tree Only a few living trees still stand with tunnels. The California Tunnel Tree was created in 1895 to allow coaches to pass through the tree. Today, people can walk or bike through it. The California Tunnel Tree and the Grizzly Giant can be reached by a hike of less than a mile from the Mariposa Grove parking lot. The most famous “tunnel tree” in the Mariposa Grove, was the Wawona Tunnel Tree (created in 1881). It crashed to earth in February 1969. Telescope Tree One of the most fascinating trees in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a living tree that has become completely hollowed out as the result of withstanding countless forest fires over the centuries. Visitors can stand inside the base of the tree and see all the way through its trunk to the sky above. Other Famous Sequoias The Washington Tree, the largest tree in the grove at 35,950 cubic feet; the Faithful Couple, a pair of trees who grew so close to each other that their bases fused together; and the Fallen Monarch, a tree that fell over more than 300 years ago. Giant sequoias are extremely resistant to decay and it is unknown how long the remains of a fallen tree can last if left undisturbed.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Located in the tiny town of

See REDWOODS, page 14

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N O V E M B E R 1, 2020

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Make your plan to vote in the upcoming election By Ken Striplin City Manager

e are fortunate to live in a community where diverse interests, beliefs, backgrounds and more are celebrated and welcomed. As the upcoming election draws near, I encourage each of you to make your voice and beliefs heard by voting. The City of Santa Clarita’s next General Municipal Election will occur on Tuesday, Nov. 3. As you prepare to vote, if you haven’t done so already, please remember that there are different safe voting options available to you throughout our community. As a registered voter in Los Angeles County, you should have received a Vote by Mail ballot. If you prefer to Vote by Mail, you are asked to complete your ballot and have it post-

marked by Election Day. Your Vote by Mail ballot may be returned in one of three ways, including by postage-free mail, at any Drop Box location or at any Vote Center in LA County. Santa Clarita Drop Boxes can be found at: • Bouquet Canyon Park • Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library • Santa Clarita Metrolink Station • Old Town Newhall Library • Santa Clarita Park • Todd Longshore Park • Valencia Public Library • Pico Canyon Park • LA County Fire Station 132 • LA County Fire Station 143 • LA County Fire Station 76 • West Creek Park. Each of these options are safe and secure, so please choose what best fits your wants or needs. Additionally, LA County’s website has an excellent resource for locat-

ing secure Drop Boxes near you at Locator.LAvote.net/Locations/VBM. Once you have returned your Vote by Mail ballot, you can also track your ballot by text, email or call, and ensure it was received by subscribing to LA County’s free service “Where’s My Ballot.” Another safe voting option available in our community is voting in-person at a Vote Center. Each Vote Center is set up to adhere to coronavirus (COVID-19) safety guidelines. If this is your preferred method of voting, please wear a face covering and remember to practice social distancing to protect yourself and others. Thank you to our Vote Center volunteers for allowing for this safe method of voting. Election volunteers are working diligently to keep all surfaces and devices sanitized for your comfort and safety while voting. Countless Vote Centers are available across Santa Clarita,including at

the Caravalho Santa Clarita Sports Complex, CalArts and many others. Official Vote Centers can be located on the County’s website at Locator.LAvote.net/Locations-List/ vc?id=4193. If you are registered and able to vote, please make a plan to do so. Whether you prefer voting in-person or feel safer voting by mail, each option is available to you within Santa Clarita. If you need more information to help you decide your best option for voting, please visit VoteSanta Clarita.com. Voting should not be a stressful process, but an easy way to make your voice heard within our community and nation. Exercise your right to vote safely this week!

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

N O V E M B E R 1, 2020

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Choices for long-term care

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eing able to care for oneself independently can be a source of pride. However, illness or age can affect people in ways that require them to seek assistance with medical needs or daily activities for an extended period of time. In such instances, long-term care services can fill a need. Long-term care assists people in their homes, in the community or in various types of facilities with various daily and medical requirements. According to WebMD, research shows that many people are unaware of long-term care options or may be misinformed about what’s out there.

services. Here’s a look at the care facilities.

Home care

• Assisted living These homes provide 24-hour supervision, meals, healthcare services, and other forms of assistance in a home-like setting. Types of services include laundry, housekeeping, medication dispersal, and dressing.

Various services can be used in the comfort of home. According to the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee Office on Aging, services can include home-delivered meals, pest control, minor home modifications or visiting nurses and health aides. Other benefits may include shopping or physical therapy.

Community care

Community services can include adult day care centers, meal programs, senior centers, community transportation and others. Community services enable people to continue to live in the community with some support. They also may help family or friends serving as caregivers enjoy a break from the assistance they have been providing.

Care facilities

Long-term care may be mistaken as strictly nursing homes, but facilities extend to places that provide other

• Independent senior living Independent living facilities may provide assistance only when needed. Amenities are designed to make things easier and more convenient for residents. Fitness centers, pools, dining venues, and transportation may be included. These facilities tend to provide the most independent form of senior living. Some independent living facilities are part of larger continuing care retirement communities that have staged care that goes from independent to skilled nursing.

• Skilled nursing homes Nursing homes provide care for those who cannot care for themselves at home or in the community. These facilities offer many services all under one roof, like rehabilitative services, meals, activities, and aroundthe-clock care. Some skilled nursing homes offer temporary care after an injury or illness and are used in lieu of an extended hospital stay. It is never too early to begin planning for elder care that may include long-term care possibilities. Individuals are urged to work with an elder care lawyer to help navigate the complexities of planning for medical care and their potential financial needs. (MC) 

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N O V E M B E R 1, 2020

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

‘The Witches’ is trapped between scary and funny By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

Roald Dahl’s The Witches’

(out of four)

Warner Bros. presents a film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Zemeckis, Kenya Barris and Guillermo del Toro, based on the novel by Roald Dahl. Rated PG (for scary images/moments, language and thematic elements). Running time: 104 minutes. Available on HBO Max.

he credentials are unassailable. “The Witches” is based on a book by the legendary Roald Dahl (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Matilda,” “James and the Giant Peach”), is directed by the wonderful Robert Zemeckis (“Back to the Future,” “Forrest Gump,” “The Polar Express”) and features a cast led by Academy Award winners Octavia Spencer and Anne Hathaway and featuring Chris Rock, Kristin Chenoweth and Stanley Tucci. What could possibly go sideways? (Clears throat.) Let us count the ways. Whereas the 1990 adaptation by Nicholas Roeg (featuring the puppetry of Jim Henson) successfully captured the dark fantasy spirit of the source material — though Dahl reportedly was incensed that Roeg changed the ending — this new version is trapped somewhere between scary and funny, between chilling and zany, and never quite finds its identity. The special effects are first-rate and the performances are way over the top yet entertaining, but “The Witches” is far too disturbing for young children and not edgy enough to captivate adults. Chris Rock, punching up every line as if he’s doing an imitation of Chris Rock, serves as our narrator, telling a fantastical tale from when he was a kid identified only as the Boy (Jahzir Bruno), who comes to live with Grandmother (Octavia Spencer) after his parents are killed in a car crash. “A note about witches,” says the narrator. “They’re as real as a rock in your shoe. The second thing you need to know is, they’re here!” With songs such as “I’ll Be There” by the Four Tops and “The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding establishing the period-piece setting, we’re transported to the late 1960s, as the Boy moves into Grandmother’s tidy home, with the living room furniture covered in plastic and the kitchen a model of Corningware colors. At first, the Boy is mired in a deep depression over the loss of his parents, but eventually Grandma gets him to perk up, with the help of a pet she buys for him: a mouse he dubs Daisy. But darkness is lurking just around the corner in the form of a witch who is waiting for the right moment to snatch up the Boy and turn HIM into a mouse, because that’s what witches do. They hate children, and their mission in life is to turn them into mice or chickens. Come on witches, find a better hobby!

Stanley Tucci, Anne Hathaway and Octavia Spencer star in HBOMax’ “The Witches.” PHOTO CREDIT HBOMAX

Turns out Grandma is a healer who has a closet filled with magic potions, and she’s been on the lookout to do battle with witches ever since she was a little girl and her best friend Alice was snatched up by a witch and turned into a chicken. “Alice was chicken-ified!” Grandma tells the Boy. Most of “The Witches” takes place in a luxury hotel in Alabama, where The Grand High Witch (Anne Hathaway, doing a cartoon Transylvania accent) has convened with her coven (say that three times fast) to conspire to turn all the world’s children into mice. The scenes where the witches doff their wigs and bare their teeth and claws are grotesque and disturbing, at odds with the cutesy, chattering mice-kids who do battle with the witches. And though this version of “The Witches” is faithful to the ending of the book, that ending is odd and dark and filled with gloom.

‘Synchronic’



Well Go USA presents a film directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead and written by Benson. Rated R (for drug content and language throughout, and for some violent/bloody images). Running time: 103 minutes.

or the second time in the movies this year, the city of New Orleans is reeling from the introduction of a powerful synthetic drug with supernatural sci-fi side effects. First there was “Project Power,” in which a mysterious pill granted you a superpower for five minutes — but you wouldn’t know the nature of that superpower until you took the drug, and it might result in your violent death. Now comes “Synchronic,” and this time around, the synthetic drug will give you a high that goes beyond heroin and even alter the space-time continuum — but there’s also a strong chance you’ll wind up on a paramedic’s gurney on the way to the hospital, or murdered at the hands of someone from another century. Talk about a trip. Even before we learn about the dangerous and mysterious drug in “Synchronic,” something about New Orleans feels ... off. The skies above the city swirl and glow in strange ways, and it always feels as if it’s 2 a.m. and there’s nobody on the streets,

and bad things are happening in and around the dilapidated houses in the city’s worst neighborhoods. The camerawork adds to the feeling of disconnect and impending despair; we weave this way and that as we follow veteran EMTs and best friends Steve (Anthony Mackie) and Dennis (Jamie Dornan), who find themselves responding to increasingly bizarre emergencies. They find drug overdose victims who are babbling incoherently and often suffering from grotesque injuries, sometimes with fatal results. A bite from a snake that hasn’t been seen in this region for decades. A compound fracture suffered by a victim speaking in tongues. A spontaneous combustion. A stab wound — from a centuries-old sword. The only thing the victims have in common is they’ve all ingested a lab-produced drug known as Synchronic. Co-directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (“Resolution,” “V/H/S: Viral”) do a brilliant job of giving us a visceral ride through the experiences of a Synchronic trip, in which you’ll find yourself on your sofa but suddenly your sofa is in the middle of a swamp a century ago, or you wake up in the Ice Age, with a woolly mammoth trudging by in the background. Mackie’s Steve, who once dreamed of becoming a scientist (his beloved dog is named Hawking) and has a passionate interest in quantum physics and unexplained phenomena, manages to track down the last several packets of Synchronic. (The chemist who created the drug has had a crisis of conscience and is no longer making it.) When Dennis’ teenage daughter Brianna (Ally Ioannides) goes missing, Steve makes it his mission to take one dangerous and potentially life-sapping Synchronic trip after another in an effort to find out where and WHEN she is and bring her home safe. “Synchronic” is filled with big ideas played out on a relatively small canvas. It’s about best friends who envy each other’s lives and don’t appreciate what they have. Dennis found the love of his life (the always terrific Katie Aselton) and is still married to her, but he’s allowed the relationship to stagnate, and he tells Steve the problem with finding the love of your life is you’ll never again have that feeling of first discovering her. Steve rightfully calls bull — and laments being alone, especially when he finds out he’s sick. Really sick. Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan both have been parts of blockbuster Hollywood franchises — “The Avengers” and “Fifty Shades of Grey,” respectively — but they comfortably slip into this gritty indie vehicle and deliver some of their best performances working together. Through the psychedelic journeys and the blood-spattered crime scenes and the brooding atmosphere, “Synchronic” is at heart a good old-fashioned buddy movie about two friends who will risk all for each other.  Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun-Times

N O V E M B E R 1, 2020

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Combat cool days with these comforting dishes

rom filling dinners to favorite desserts, comfort foods can bring smiles to friendly faces. As temperatures drop, lean on recipes that add flavor and bring warming scents to your kitchen. Loaded with comforting ingredients like READ German Potato Salad, this Cheesy German Potato Soup can appease appetites with tantaliz-

ing taste. Ideal at dinner parties or festivities throughout winter, Mini Chocolate-Beet Cheesecakes with Maple-Orange Glaze combine Aunt Nellie’s Sliced Beets with familiar cheesecake flavor for a tempting treat. Visit readsalads.com and auntnellies.com for more comforting inspiration. (Family Features) 

Cheesy German Potato Soup Recipe courtesy of “Today’s Creative Life” Servings: 8 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 8 slices bacon, chopped 3 large carrots, chopped 1 medium onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon dried parsley 2 cans (15 ounces each) READ German Potato Salad 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup whole milk chopped parsley or chives (optional) Place cheeses and flour in gallon-size zip-top bag.

Mini Chocolate-Beet Cheesecakes with Maple-Orange Glaze Servings: 12

Crust

1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup chopped walnuts 3 tablespoons salted butter, softened

Cheesecake

1 jar (15 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Sliced Beets 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1 large egg 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

Topping

2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon whipped cream (optional) Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 12 medium muffin cups with foil liners. To make crust: In medium bowl, combine flour and walnuts. Using fork or pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Place about 1 tablespoon mixture into each lined muffin cup. Lightly press crumbs into bottom. Bake 5-6 minutes, or until crust begins to brown.

FOOD

To make cheesecake Drain beets, reserving 2 tablespoons liquid. In blender, puree 1/2 cup beets and reserved liquid until smooth; set aside. Dice remaining beets; set aside. In large bowl, combine cream cheese and syrup. Beat until smooth. Add egg; mix until blended. Stir in reserved pureed beets. Add melted chocolate; mix well. Spoon about 3 tablespoons cream cheese mixture into muffin cups over warm crusts. Bake 15 minutes, or until filling is set. Let cool to room temperature. Place cheesecakes in refrigerator at least 30 minutes. To make topping In small saucepan, combine reserved diced beets, orange juice concentrate, syrup and cinnamon. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to boil, stirring frequently. Continue cooking and stirring until mixture thickens and appears glossy, 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool to room temperature. Remove cheesecakes from muffin liners. Top evenly with glazed beets. Serve with whipped cream, if desired. 

Close bag. Shake until cheese is covered with flour; set aside. In large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp, stirring occasionally. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate; set aside. Pour off all but 2-3 tablespoons bacon drippings. Return Dutch oven to medium heat. Add carrots, onion and garlic. Cook until onions are translucent and carrots are softened, 3-4 minutes. Add chicken broth, black pepper, red pepper flakes, thyme and parsley. Stir in potato salad. Continue cooking over medium heat 5 minutes, or until potatoes are heated through, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in cream and milk. Cook 5-8 minutes until blended and heated through, stirring frequently. Slowly add cheeses, stirring until melted. Top with bacon. Garnish with parsley or chives, if desired. 

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N O V E M B E R 1, 2020

FA L L

REDWOODS

Continued from page 9

Guerneville along the Russian River the area predates logging in the northern part of the state, so the preserve is home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in Sonoma County. Parson Jones Tree More than 310 feet tall this tree can be found on a hike along the self-guided nature trail behind the visitor center. On foggy summer mornings, the damp pathways inside Armstrong are great places to spot banana slugs, a kid-friendly park benefit. The park features more than 30 miles of trails to explore. For information, visit www.parks. ca.gov/?page_id=450.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

The Save the Redwoods League acquired a single grove of redwoods in 1921. Through the years the League has raised millions of dollars to build and expand the park. Today Hum-

boldt Redwoods spans 53,000 acres. About one third, or 17,000 acres, of the park is old-growth redwood forest, the largest expanse of ancient redwoods left on the planet. Avenue of the Giants The 32-milelong Avenue of the Giants is a great drive that allows you to see the trees by car. Tour brochures are available at either end of the Avenue of the Giants, and at the Humboldt Redwoods Visitor Center. For information, visit www.parks. ca.gov/?page_id=425. Giant Tree Designated as the National Champion Coast Redwood for having the best combination of height, diameter and crown spread. Located in the park’s Rockefeller Forest, the world’s largest stand of old growth redwoods at 10,000 acres. Dyerville Giant Once perhaps 400 feet high, this champion tree fell in 1991, creating a thunderous roar heard for miles around. It’s still impressive as it sports a huge uprooted root cluster and an enormous crater

where it once stood, off the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park’s Founders Grove.

The Giant Forest also includes the President Tree (the 3rd largest tree) and the 2-mile Congress Trail.

Albino Redwood Only a handful of these rare forest ghosts exist, including the most picturesque of them all, the so-called Christmas Tree in the Women’s Federation Grove on the Avenue of the Giants. It’s near the grove entrance, but there’s no marked trail.

General Grant Tree The second-largest tree in the world is located in Grant Grove. An easy trail will walk you past a settler’s cabin and the Fallen Giant Tree. There is also a fallen Tunnel Log you can drive under (as long as your vehicle is less than 8-ft tall.

Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks

There are 14 campgrounds in this 768,000-acre wilderness complex. It is one of my favorite places to camp in California. For information, visit www.nps. gov/seki/learn/nature/bigtrees.htm. There is some lodging open. For information, visit www.nps.gov/seki/ planyourvisit/eatingsleeping.htm. General Sherman Tree Perhaps the most “famous” of the “big trees” in California. By volume, it is the largest known living single-stem tree on Earth.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Big Basin Redwoods State Park was founded in 1902, and is California’s oldest state park, as well as the first park in the world to protect the coastal redwood tree. Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it’s home to ancient coast redwoods, some as old as 1,800 years old. The park also offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and a trio of lush waterfalls. For information, visit http://www. parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540. 

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

Streamline your makeup routine with these hacks

et’s face it, makeup can be expensive. We are living in a time like no other, with the pandemic and social distancing affecting every aspect of our lives — from our daily lifestyles, budgets, diets — to our beauty regimens. But in this economy, splurging on makeup isn’t a practical option. Yet these affordable luxuries can be an excellent way to practice self-care when we need a little extra positivity in our lives. In fact, studies show that in challenging times women tend to treat themselves to personal care items as a way to feel better. We connected with dermatologist Michelle Henry to talk about affordable and accessible ways to fuel up your beauty look in this new normal.

Items with multiple benefits

“We are living in the age of loweffort beauty, now more than ever. Layering on multiple makeup products at once is not a great idea ..., especially if you’re going to wear a

ing makeup brushes has always been important, but during the pandemic, worries about avoiding exposure to germs and preventing cross-contamination are at an all-time high, so always clean your brushes.

mask. It can result in breakouts and clogged pores,” says dermatologist Dr. Henry. “It’s important to look for multi-benefit beauty products that help keep skin healthy and simplify your regimen; products with sunscreen and additional vitamins and antioxidants are great options.” Here are some ways you might pamper yourself with drugstore products — without overwhelming your budget.

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Save money by finding specially formulated products that help you look good and feel better. Look for makeup dupes for value; dupes are a great way to feel out colors and formulas without having to let go of hard-earned dollars, while still getting effective, high-end products and benefits. Turns out most luxury brand makeup has the same ingredients in it and provides the same multi-benefits as the drugstore ones!

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Once you find the drug chains that carry your favorite makeup brands, sign up for their rewards cards so you can accrue points toward future purchases and learn about special promotions. You can often rack up points picking up groceries, pharmaceuticals, and other items on offer, then use the discounts on your choice of cosmetics. Neutrogena’s portfolio of makeup fueled by skincare can make you feel pampered, help you look radiant and empower you to present your best possible self, no matter the challenges you’re facing from day to day. Try Neutrogena today, available nationwide at any mass drugstore. (BPT) 

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N O V E M B E R 1, 2020

GARDENING

A Santa Clarita gardening guide for November By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

ere comes cooler weather and the holiday season. November landscapes not only offer plenty of gardening jobs to do, but this is a perfect month to take a little time out to relax in the garden. But first, I will repeat myself about how your landscape can help defend your home. As we have once again experienced, you can never be too prepared for wildfires. Keep your landscape pruned back and clean of blowing refuse to avoid breeding pests and building up material that could ignite in a wildfire. After decades living in Santa Clarita I just had my first chance to experience the stress of running before a wildfire — even in a built-up area. No one is immune!

Designing and maintaining a fire-conscious landscape can make your home more beautiful, more fun and productive — and safer! If you haven’t already done so, make sure you set back your irrigation controllers. The days are short, most plants are going dormant or semi-dormant and temperatures are cooling. Your garden needs much less water than it did in the summer. Check out all the fun new introductions in the growing world and consider experimenting with some plant varieties you’ve never grown. Try FlowerKisser™ After Midnight English Lavender or a new variety of the California Monardella villosa: Coyote Mint ‘Russian River’. Check out lots more at your favorite garden center and page through the new seed and plant catalogs online or in print. Consider developing an unused piece of your property or renovating an existing part of the garden. November is a perfect time of the

year to plan and build in your landscape design. The weather is cooler for working and professional help is more readily available than during the spring rush. Start planting hardy plants and fill bare areas with native flower seed. Scatter wildflower seeds just before predicted rains so they will get a good start before the wildlife gobbles them up. Continue to plant onion and garlic sets and other cool season crops like peas, cabbage, broccoli, Swiss chard and Chinese greens. Root crops like beets, radishes and carrots can be seeded now, too. Feed fish in ponds with winter food when water reaches 60 degrees and stop feeding them altogether when water temperatures fall below 50. Remove delicate water plants to a frostfree location. We haven’t had any real icy cold nights for the last few years, but they have been normal to our area in the past, so don’t get lulled by recent warmth.

Spread a layer of mulch over gardens to protect roots from cold nights and to hold in moisture from rain and irrigation. Start pruning and trimming woody plants and roses so they are in good shape to start new growth by the end of the winter. This is a good time of year to design replacements for water-thirsty lawns with more decorative, easier-care drought-resistant gardens. You could also add vegetable or herb gardens, permeable paving for play, sports or pets, or useful areas like patios, or sport courts. Have fun decorating your landscape for the holidays, but keep safety in mind at all times. The holidays can be ideal times to put the garden to work for outdoor barbecues, visiting family or just a place to sneak out for a little rest and relaxation when stress starts to build up. Let your garden pay you back for all the work you’ve put into it over the year. 

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

Signs that your dog may have vision problems

og owners take their furry friends’ health very seriously. Like their human companions, dogs can experience health problems that seemingly come out of nowhere. But unlike the men and women who take care of them, dogs cannot call the doctor when something is bothering them. That responsibility rests on the shoulders of their owners. A dog’s eyes can be a window into the animal’s overall health. According to the pet care professionals at Memphis Veterinary Specialists & Emergency, serious conditions such as liver disease, diabetes and autoimmune diseases can all present indicators in a dog’s eyes. The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation¨ says that dogs can experience physical and/or behavioral problems when they’re experiencing eye trouble. A host of factors can contribute to vision problems in dogs. Age is one such factor, but diseases such as

couch but now stick to the floor may be doing so due to impaired vision and the fear of not being able to see where they’re jumping. Clinginess The AKC notes that some dogs cling to their owners as they experience vision loss.

diabetes and hereditary conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy, also can lead to visual impairment. Before dog owners can work with veterinarians to determine the cause of their furry friends’ vision loss, they must first learn to recognize signs of impairment. The AKC notes that some of these signs may be obvious while others are more subtle. Bumping into walls or furniture This is a clear indicator that a dog is experiencing vision problems. Dog owners who notice this is happening

even when there’s nothing to obstruct their dogs’ path should book a vet appointment immediately. Trouble locating food or toys Most dogs love to eat and drink and play with their toys. So a sudden inability to find food or water bowls or a favorite toy could indicate the dog is having vision problems. Reluctance to jump on or off a couch This symptom can be less noticeable than bumping into furniture or having trouble finding food. Dogs that once loved to jump on or off a

Dog supplies that come in handy

og owners may realize there are certain musthave supplies to keep their four-legged friends healthy and happy. The American Pet Products Association reports that about two-thirds of American households own pets, and spending on pets is increasing. Apart from bowls, food, toys and treats, consider these custom-tailored products that can help address particular behaviors and needs.

Interactive dog bowls Similar

to a lick mat, interactive bowls (also called “busy bowls”) can be a source of entertainment for dogs. The primary purpose of these bowls is to slow down eating for dogs who are prone to inhaling their food, which can lead to digestive issues. The bowls have channels and posts where the dog food goes so dogs cannot gulp down food. Head collar Pulling on the leash is a common complaint from pet parents. There are many different collars and harnesses designed to alleviate the problem. One such product is a head collar known as a Gentle Leader¨. According to Gentle Leader¨ Canada, the product is a non-punishing collar that fits around the muzzle. The attachment point of the lead to the head collar is beneath the muzzle. It provides the handler maximum control over the dog and gets the dog to focus on the handler. It is important to note that, for most breeds, the head collar is not a muzzle and does not impede on breathing or the dog’s ability to open its mouth. A few extra supplies can make life more comfortable for dogs. (MC) 

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Lick mats Dogs who suffer from anxiety, nervous behavior or just need a little distraction from destructive behaviors may benefit from a lick mat. Lick mats are small, flat mats that can be spread with peanut butter or another treat. According to the pet resource DogLab, because of the flat design of the mat, dogs cannot lift the food with their teeth. It can take quite a while to get every last bit, entertaining dogs for up to 30 minutes. It can also be a calming activity and a point of redirection for dogs who are anxiety-ridden..

PETS

Aggressiveness Dogs may begin to show aggression as they experience vision loss. That’s because the loss of their eyesight can make them feel vulnerable, leading some to act offensively as a defense mechanism. Physical indicators/behaviors Dog owners should be on the lookout for red, puffy or swollen eyes. In addition, Memphis Veterinary Specialists & Emergency notes that some dogs may paw at their face in response to vision loss. Vision loss in dogs can be caused by many things. The first step to helping dogs overcome diminished vision is recognizing its symptoms. (MC) 

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N O V E M B E R 1, 2020

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Apple Pecan Granola is a seasonal specialty

3. Stir together the oil, syrup, egg whites and vanilla in a small bowl. Add to dry ingredients and toss well until fully coated.

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

lthough my taste buds aren’t necessarily craving a popular pumpkin spice latte at local coffee shops, I’m eager to prepare traditional harvest foods, like roasted acorn squash soup or a loaf of pumpkin bread. Wherever the spirit and tastes of fall take your family — whether to an apple orchard, pumpkin patch or nature center — check out this granola recipe when you get back home. Packed with dried apples, pecans, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon and lots of healthy oats, it captures the tastes and crisp feel of the season. Prepare it with your kids and store in a big, clear jar with a scoop inside for easy access on school days. Combined with milk and yogurt, it makes a convenient and healthy breakfast staple to keep the living easy during the morning rush out the door. Make shopping for the healthy ingredients part of the cooking adventure with your kids. Discover how you can economize by purchasing most of the ingredients in bulk.

Apple Pecan Granola

4 cups rolled oats (not quick cooking) 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans 1 cup hulled raw pumpkin seeds 1 cup hulled raw sunflower seeds 1/3 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup olive or melted coconut oil 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 2 egg whites, slightly beaten

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4. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake, stirring every 10 minutes, until lightly golden and toasted, about 25-30 minutes. Stir in apples in last 10 minutes. 5. Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container up to a week. Makes about 7 cups. NOTE Substitute brown sugar with honey or agave syrup, and combine with liquid ingredients before tossing with dry ingredients.

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup dried apples, chopped into bite-size pieces 1. Heat the oven to 350 F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment

paper, or spray with nonstick spray. 2. Combine the oats, pecans, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”  © 2020 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

N O V E M B E R 1, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

K I D S & FA M I LY

Remember basic safety when riding your bikes

here are plenty of areas around Santa Clarita where you can safely ride your bike. Not only can you enjoy being outside with your family, you can get in some good exercise. According to Harvard University, biking at a moderate speed of 12 to 13.9 miles per hour will cause a 155-pound person to burn 298 calories in 30 minutes. At a faster rate of 14 to 15.9 miles per hour, a person of the same weight will burn 372 calories. People can ride bikes at any time of year, but cycling is most popular when temperatures are moderate and precipitation is low. Bike riding has always been in fashion, but it experienced a boost in popularity when people were asked to remain socially distant for COVID-19. Walks and bike rides at a safe distance from others became popular and accessible ways to get fresh air and exercise. Anyone who rides a bike needs to take certain precautions. Cyclists often share the roads with large

and powerful cars and trucks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns there were 857 cyclists killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2018. Safety is a two-way street, requiring diligence by drivers and bike riders. • Bike riders should be dressed in bright clothing so they can be seen. A well-fitting bicycle helmet is a must, and should be worn every time a bike is ridden. • Equip your bike with a horn, bell and bright headlight. • Cyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic on the far righthand side. • Ride a bike that fits you well. If the bike is too big, it can be difficult to control. • Carry items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike so belongings do not become obstacles.

• Vehicle drivers should look in their side mirrors and around them before opening car doors so they do not accidentally knock a cyclist passing by off the bike.

• Drivers should remain alert of cyclists sharing the road and give wide clearance when possible.

• Safe Kids suggest using hand signals to alert others to your plans. Cyclists can extend the left arm out for a

left turn; make a 90-degree angle with the left arm to indicate a right turn. Putting the left arm down with the palm facing backward indicates stopping or slowing. Cycling safety is important as temperatures rise and more cyclists are on the road. (MC) 

Fun games to play to make your kid a financial genius

inancial literacy is an important component of STEAM learning and a building block of a comfortable future. Unfortunately, many schools have limited programs. But there’s good news — not only can parents impart money-smarts at home — they can make it so fun kids won’t even realize they’re learning! “Games and toys have the power to get kids of all ages involved and passionate about any subject, leading the way to joyful, healthy relationships with different areas of learning,” says Anna Yudina, spokesperson for The Genius of Play. “Math and financial literacy are no exceptions.” Parents agree: 67% believe STEAMfocused toys are the primary way to encourage development of science, technology, engineering and math in their child, according to a recent survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of The Toy Association. To turn your child into a math and money whiz, consider these tips from The Genius of Play, a national movement to educate parents and caregivers about play’s vital role in child development:

Play store Playing store is easy. First, create the inventory using toy foods or pantry supplies, setting a price for each item. Alternatively, build a fashion store by hanging clothing on a rack for

Get tactile Toys promoting hands-on exploration can strengthen numerical processing that’s necessary for financial literacy. Try games providing a fast-paced mental workout, such as Jacks, Connect 4 and Backgammon. Have a game night Board games offer the opportunity to develop a variety of fundamental skills, including arithmetic and risk management. The next time family game night rolls around, consider breaking out a money management classic, such as Monopoly, to practice counting, saving and budgeting.

“customers” to browse through. This can also be played using dolls or action figures as characters, and tokens from a board game as the merchandise. Have your child be the customer by handing them a set amount of money (real or play bills) to start with, so that they must budget accordingly to buy only what they can afford. Then, swap roles so that your child has a turn tallying the cost of items you bring to the counter. Many toy cash registers even feature functional calculators, giving kids some practice with a vital learning tool.

Make saving a game Saving may not automatically appeal to kids at first, so create challenges and games offering rewards. For example, propose a one-time doubled allowance after successfully completing a “No Spending Week Challenge.” Or, demonstrate how quickly money can add up by having kids put all the change they receive in their piggy bank (versus spending it). Then, at the end of the month, have them open the piggy bank and count up their savings! For more games that teach real life skills, head over to TheGeniusofPlay.org. With so many fun games available to kids — from preschool through preteens — adding math and money into the STEAM-learning mix can be as easy as 1-2-3. (SPT) 

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N O V E M B E R 1, 2020

MAKE YOUR PLAN TO VOTE TODAY! LA County has made it easy to vote with safe and socially distanced voting options. Vote by mail or drop off your ballot at one of 400 Official Ballot Drop Boxes. If you prefer to vote in-person you can go to any select Vote Center opening October 24th.

Make your plan to vote today: plan.lavote.net

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Opinion

N O V E M B E R 1, 2020

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

READERLETTERS

More than Just a Boogeyman I just read Jim Horton's Oct. 23 rant, “The Climate Change Boogeyman,” and I must say there's no question of where he's coming from. But, I question a few of his statements. He says that the California state oversight agency finds that California’s forests suffer from neglect and mismanagement. California state oversight agency? Who is that and when did they say what? The Golden State Awareness Foundation said as early as 2014 that global warming poses a great threat to California’s forests, but of course Mr. Horton wishes to find fault elsewhere while calling global warming a “Boogeyman.” I agree with Mr. Horton on much of what he complains about and some of his suggestions, but to fail to make the connection between climate change, “global warming,” and increased fire danger seems unreasonable. By the way, the Golden State Awareness Foundation doesn’t exist. I made it up to make the point that misrepresentation is so very easy without fact checks. Richard Myers Valencia Editor’s note: Thanks for clarifying, Mr. Myers. I was just about to Google that...

Are COVID-19 Deaths Preventable? Do you think 2020’s COVID deaths were widely preventable? If so, think again, because the average age of a COVID death is 79. And if death is widely preventable at an average age of 79, then the problem has been around a lot longer than this year, because the average age of death in 2019 and prior was also 79. Rob Kerchner Valencia

Kraut Makes Giant Leap in Logic The supposition that Jonathan Kraut tries to draw in his recent opinion piece (Oct. 27) that thin blue line flags that honor law enforcement are a “symbol of repression,” equivalent to flags of the Confederacy, is absurd. That’s like saying anyone who proudly flies the stars and stripes is a covert supporter of white militias. He also makes a huge, unsubstantiated leap, that anyone who supports law enforcement by flying the flag, “condones aggressive suppression of our rights.” I guess by Kraut’s standard, we can extrapolate that anyone who supports Black Lives Matter condones rioting, looting and attacks on the police. Max Morgan Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters are not printed; Email: letters@signalscv.com. Mail to: Letters, The Signal, 26330 Diamond Place, Ste. 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.

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

On Nov. 4, Now What? By David Hegg

n two days, America will begin the chore of finalizing Election 2020. With early voting, vote-by-mail, and election day in-person voting, chances are good we won’t know the outcome by sunrise on Wednesday, and maybe longer. And then what? For over 200 years our republic has prided itself in peaceful transitions of power as incumbents give way to those chosen by the people to replace them. For centuries it has been customary for those on the short end of the ballot count to show maturity and class while congratulating their opponent’s victory. We’ve always been a country that prized collegiality, knowing that e pluribus unum was not just a slogan, but the very fiber of our national strength. But I greatly fear things have changed. I recently read that 56% of the population believe there will be violence after a winner is confirmed in the race for president. Sadly, this comes as no surprise. After all, we’ve watched riots and violent protests, arson and looting, and even the attempted murder of law enforcement officers in the last six months on a scale largely unseen before. Scenes from Seattle and Portland make us think we’re watching some Third World country battling on the streets. Is this the America we all want? Are we so immature that we believe violence is the best way to bring about change? Here’s the deal: Injustice is wrong even if those perpetrating it are doing so in order to bring about justice. Seems to me this is just plain obvious on its face. At issue is this great ethical question: Is it ever right to do wrong in order to do right? Of course, this question actually sits atop a mountain of ethical questions that we don’t have the time to list, much less answer.

But, if we turn to just one facet of this ethical dilemma, I hope we can agree to this: It is always unjust to do in the name of justice what we call injustice when others do it. If you were unjust to burn down my house, then it is not just for me to burn yours down. Two evils do not justice make. And that brings us to the issue of what will transpire in our country, in our states, in our cities, streets and neighborhoods after the election. Will our political leaders continue the tradition of a peaceful transition of power? I pray they will since the stability of the country is much more important than any candidate or party. And will those whose candidates win celebrate with humility, decorum and class? I pray they will, and in so doing show why those who put them in power were right to do so. And will those whose candidates lose congratulate the winners and pledge to pray for, and honor them in a sincere attempt to heal the divisiveness that now plagues us? I pray they will, but my fears persist. And if my fears are fulfilled, we will watch those who loudly crowed about their love of country and their desire to serve and heal our land prove, by their selfish actions, who they really are, and — perhaps — why they lost the race. So, friends, after enduring a long political season, and having voted our consciences, we still have work ahead of us. Let us pray for our nation regardless of who wins. Let us serve our neighbors regardless of our differences. And let us strive to be the best examples of ourselves, despite the circumstances, lest the promise of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” become just a dream in our collective rear-view mirror. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

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