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COUNTRY dog CANYON On “Heathe . rt to find Satu held a boorday, she and her Sand Can r was on her way fath yon k-si to work, driv er gning at Book stor Deanna Arm Road, when The ing Road at Whe on Soledad CanOpen Station, said bruster, spokeswshe found (Bella),on ” oman for “My dad ites Canyon Road. yon “She foll Monday. the Wa y said Monda is very humble, found a safeowed the dog and to see peo y. “He was so ” Kerr road,” she place to pull ove waited until she exc ple ran off a said. “She jum r to the side of “People at the book sign ited ped the bit. But, ‘Can I get just kept asking ing. she was able out and the dog la) down And, he my picture with him brought herand put her in the to calm her (Be lcar. And same ‘Th signed each boo you?’ , then she The dog, here.” Kerr said anks for the sup k the was desc found within 24 By Jim Holt . ribed as deh port hou ,’”Signal Senior Staff Writer rs was brou She said ydrated and of the crash, ght hungry whe “I was very of the book-si Rescue to safety. n it traffic com excited that thergning: David La Vau who in 2011 owner on rs at the Way Stat there was ing in and out ande was was found in a 200-foot-deep rapick up thesocial media and ion found the dog arranged ’s dog. This boo ) a buzz about our (that vine six days after crashing his car for them k has touc boo to lives. hed a lot k. off of Lake Hughes Road showed of people just how happy he was to “My mai By Jim Holt ways bee n purpose has A tow truc be alive Saturday as people lined k al- up for a copy of the book about his Signal Senior Staff Writer See FOU to forgiven to share with ter being operator watche ND, A6 peo s as lifted abo and, mos and also be forg ple, ordeal. utthe200 Castaic t of all, of a a Toyota Cor olla Signal file sidefeet iven rappelled When firefighters on Sepdown you lear phot by rea rsel n His daughter, Lisa A. Kerr, a o che t. to forgive crane 30, 201 f.” s the car whose 1. Dav steep embankment to rescue a driver id La Vau on to Lake Hughes surface afwrote a book called, “But Not ToRoad Canyon Sand on precipice a survived the Road nor th had gone over day: The story of David La Vau,” of crash. last week, they learned that one of the car’s occhronicling her father’s near death cupants had, until now, eluded them — a pup experience, the family’s desperBy Crystal See Duan named Bella. LA VAU, A6 ate search to find him and the long Signal Staff Writer The dog was plucked from the wild environs Santa Cla road to recovery. National Forest by the very peorita’ Angeles s rate ecli the state of the On Saturday, she and her father A nationa ave trained psesanimals. in helping two-bedroom of 2.1 as well asple rage held a book-signing at The Open week indi l study released percent,an employee the cate in Santa Heather nationaGraham, is $2,564, of Wildlife growth rate s Santa Clarita’s this of 1.4 percent, Book store on Soledad Canyon l average Clarita and a Road, Little Tujunga Station but 0.2 percent, is $1,995.Canyon one-bedroom has decon now at 4.1 from year to yearrent compared Way Road at Whites Canyon Road. reas sepThis mar mountains dow to last winds edthrough way creasethe month,itsonli ks a $4 in- cent, accordin n by 0.04 per“My dad is very humble,” Kerr from last percent, a slight decl is renting platwhich forfrom Sunland, two-bed Valley g to the site ne form month’s 4.9 Clarita Santa the ine reve Salv arating $3 Apa Onl room iati, an increase rtment List y 21 of said Monday. “He was so excited aled Monda . s and percent. the rough for terrain. by itself y. the puppy from in one-bedrooma ies in Americthe 100 largest cit- housing eco Apartment List The July spotted to see people at the book signing. June. efforta to nomist. find a hav median a frantic weekend-long afterrate This fall over Mu San “People just kept asking him the past e seen rents grow ch of the SCV for dog. a monthta Clarita’s mon the 3-month-old an addition year, thou th can be ’s rent ‘Can I get my picture with you?’ rent change gh onth-t al driving “Heather was on her way to work, for July is o- gains of less 24 saw modest general grow attributed to a he signed each book the And, th in in the Los Sand Canyon Road, when she found (Bella),” at such as San than 1.0 perc same ‘Thanks for the support,’” Angeles population ent, ta Clarita, Deanna Armbruster, spokeswoman for the Way metro area said Chris Kerr said. . Station, said Monday. She said of the book-signing: See RENT, “She followed the dog and waited until she “I was very excited that there was A6 the of side the to over pull to place safe a found traffic coming in and out and (that road,” she said. “She jumped out and the dog there was) a buzz about our book. ran off a bit. But, she was able to calm her (BelThis book has touched a lot of la) down and put her in the car. And, then she lives. brought her here.” “My main purpose has alThe dog, found within 24 hours of the crash, ways been to share with people, it when hungry and was described as dehydrated to forgive and also be forgiven By Brenno to safety. brought was n Dixs and, most of all, learn to forgive on Signal Staff Rescuers at the Way Station found the dog’s Writer yourself.” to them for arranged owner on social media and Signal file photo After hea pick up the dog. his fight ring about Carter operator watches as a Toyota Corolla reaches the surface afA tow truck By Dan with San ielle Korzhe and the rece filippo synSarkar, by a crane on to Lake Hughes Road north of feet about 200nya For lifted ter being See LA VAU, A6 The Signa k drome nt mill l ment to See FOUND, A6 Castaic on Sept. 30, 2011. David La Vau survived the crash. fund his ion-dollar moveHyatt Reg clinical trial The crow , the nounced ency Valencia d-pl easing Con returns to has anthat it will dollar from donate starting thisSanta Clarita for certs in the Park seri a viewing eve its upcoming fire every Concerts weekend at Centralmusic-filled sum es works nt to the you mer Castaic. in Park the , ng boy from on by the . Park are “Our enti from July city of Santa Cla free public eve nts put rita 7 moved by re staff was Get ready until Aug. 25. The every Saturday nigh down by 0.04 per- Salviati, an Apartment List Austin 0.2 percent, paper rega the article in Satudeeply In this May to break showsClarita in Santa t two-bedroom eclipses start at Santa Clarita’s ratekets /TheDuan out you , grab som housing economist. 2017 pho ByDave Signal (See Crystal p.m. according to the site. the fight to rding Carter Sark rday’s on Pon one-bedroom and ar law n chairs and7 cent, to, Jenn tasty snac percent, additiona of 2.1site and listenis e$2,564, Much of the SCV’s rent iferWriter l phot the state average ks from Sar Only 21 of the 100 largest citin- blan syndrome,”save him from San ar and a clin derosa Street in Signal Staff a $4 marksloca some ofThis signalsc banaverage them)national asv.co l vendorsies -in America have seen rents growth can be attributed to a Castaic. The kar carries her son osasat well ds comingisto$1,995. ical trial that you r a sales coo said Natasha Zamfilippo and onfavo to the Sau for two-bedrooms Carofter1.4topercent, but has decreased Sarkar fam rite genre might help Here’s a crease rdinator in population released gus a home ily raisthis A national tribfall park brea Car ter’s study at Hyatt brano, develop Valencia. ute over the past year, though general growth one-bedroom a for . ed increase kdo $3 online Con $97 month, last to wn figh compared Reg certs in 8,467 to get rent of t aga Clarita’s in the Los Angeles metro area. inst San to contrib “We at Hyatt wou ency seizures muscle pains, week indicates Santa Park:June. each band perform an additional 24 saw modest filippo platform Apartment List thefrom renting ute to this exp ld is year to and year from like percent, rate erie synd 1.0 growth than ing less of then gains nce our parking rom fight by , ultim their mid Santa Clarita’s month-to- at e. wouldafund Monday. revealed See RENT, A6 slightadecline y, die at 4.1 Julrate nity to wat structure to the offering Sarkar, -to late-teens, atelnow in percent, clinical trialThe July median y 7 for a month rent change for July is at such as Santa Clarita, said Chris give Car said from Carter’ percent. 4.9ter Jennifer that last month’s a ing Fourth ch fireworks this commuWanted, As a resu s mother. “Over the chance at life. could upcomof July.” a Bon lt, Jovi tribute the fam lineup of years Childre draiser in the past ily held a fun- been a gathering the structure has geles, the Concerts in the Park band, is first up Sanfilippon who are diagnos month with uno plac ban ed with goal to donate in the . Based out syndrome the (andbstructed view of e to have an a mill The rock d is made up of prof the of Los Anwill like the festiviti ’n’ essi ly Cur 501(c)(3) nonprof ion dollars to Zam fireworks) from roll grou playing to onal mus it e Sanfilip p icians. brano said Six Flag es po Foundaorganization views. Wa sold out venues had immense succ . s,” tion, whi requests nted was finally and garnering rave ess, ch from age with the nts and created after num reWeather band on othe See CARTER prom . . . . . . . erou INDEX . . . . . . . , A6 r projects oters who wor s Lottery . . . . . . . ked . . .

SignalSCV.

XX°/XX° 84°/59°

A tale of two rescues

Missing puppy found after having run away from scene of crash; animal was hungry, dehydrated when saved

7 years later, crash survivor glad to be alive at daughter’s book-signing

Faith City’s re nt growth Coupons rate abo ve state average Home Improvement Business News Hy It’s the Law Column Hotel plaansttot joins Carter’s donate event proc fight SCV’s child’s ba eeds to tr Right Here Right Now ttl Sanf ilipp e against to the g ibute o syndrome reats Concer ts Color Comics in th e set to retu Pa rk serie rn to Cent ra

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City’s rent growth rate above state average

19 9 1 d e h s i l b Esta

ewsCarter’s fight al njoins cHyatt The BEST lo ource in the tion s and informa rita Valley! Santa Cla Opinion

Hotel plans to donate event proceeds to child’s battle against Sanfilippo syndrome

. . . . A4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . USA TOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AY . . . . . . A6 Spo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7 . . A9 . . . . . . . Classifie . . . . . . . ds . . . . . B1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B3

By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

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

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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.

INDEX

Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4 Lottery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A6 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7

USA TODAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A9 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B3

SCV’s tribute to the greats

Concerts in the Park series set to return to Central Park By Danielle Korzhenyak For The Signal

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:

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. See CONCERTS, A8

See CARTER, A6

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 4 Veterans in Pain: a path to healing 5 Tips for the Black Friday shopping list 6 Living independently, with community support 7 Sharing, caring: SCV dishes out Turkey Day stories LOCAL NEWS 8 8 Helping the community cope with therapy dogs Events aim to aid shooting survivors 10 Student from Rancho Pico Jr. High airlifted to hospital 11 Hart District dedicates meeting to victims, community FROM THE CITY MAYOR 12 12 Santa Clarita will not be defined by this HOLIDAYS 13 13 How not to fowl up when buying turkey 24 Ready, Set, Give! Holiday boutiques and fairs SPORTS 14 14 Receivers catching on quickly at West Ranch TECHNOLOGY 15 15 Is it time to break up with Facebook DINING GUIDE 16 ENTERTAINMENT 19 19 A Flock of Seagulls to play Santa Clarita CALENDAR 20 KIDS & FAMILY 21 21 Top tips to transition back to work after baby Three tips for breastfeeding at work 22 Donna’s Day: Place-card puzzles add to Thanksgiving fun Five tips to help keep kids healthy during cold and flu season FOOD 23 23 A full menu for fun-filled Holiday festivities HEALTH 25 25 Understanding medical sharps, safe disposal options PROFILE 26 26 Big dreams in Sand Canyon HOME IMPROVEMENT 28 28 Water heater leaks and necessary permits Protect your home and family from flooding GARDENING 29 29 Relax … and make yourself at home TIME RANGER 30 SENIOR LIVING 31 31 Change my diaper to Motown INTERIOR DESIGN 32 32 Decorate with a nose toward inviting holiday aromas OPINION 35 VILLAGE IDIOT 38

Richard Budman Perry Smith Tim Whyte Doña Uhrig Karen Bennett

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N E W S F E AT U R E S

Veterans in Pain: a path to healing By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

gt. First Class Scott Adams was sitting in his Humvee, driving through the city of Bayji in northern Iraq on Jan. 26, 2007, when his whole life changed. His sixth tour came to an abrupt end when two anti-tank minds laced with white phosphorus exploded directly beneath his seat. “I ended going straight up into the turret ring where the .50 cal rotates,” Adams said. “I hit it right across my neck, and I fractured my C-5 vertebrate, and I shattered both my shoulders and my back.” When fellow soldiers attempting to save Adams’s life from a fire that had erupted in the vehicle following the explosion ripped open the Humvee door, oxygen rushed in. “I got lit up like a candle, fell out and did the fire dance until they put me out,” said Adams. “I’m 92% burn with 52% of being third degree.” In order to heal, Adams spent the next two years of his life in the Brooke Army Medical Center on Fort Sam Houston. Once discharged, the pain would never stop, and he would spend the next 10 years in pain, visiting his local Veterans Administration hospital, two to three days a week. He took up every type of therapy possible, from physical to acupuncture to swim, he said. He visited every doctor in every department. That was until two months ago, when Veterans in Pain, a Santa Clarita Valley-based organization was able to find Adams, a Minnesota resident, a way to receive stem cell injections for free. He simply had to apply, and Veterans in Pain, a nonprofit started by Valencia resident Micaela Benkso, would take care of the rest. “It was life-changing,” he said.

Veterans in Pain

Bensko has pain of her own. In 2011, an accident in her driveway resulted in her being confined to a wheelchair after more than 20 spine procedures, six years of spending 80-90% of her time in bed and an exhaustive search for answers. “I developed the clinically most painful conditions in the world,

and they’re both called the ‘suicide disease,’” said Bensko. “On a scale of 1 to 10 on the (pain scale), they’re a 1,000 … I knew one day I couldn’t go on anymore.” On a longshot after a donation from a family friend and living with complex regional pain syndrome, Bensko was able to receive a stem cell transplant that she had called a life-altering procedure June 28, 2017. “I haven’t had one spinal contraction since then, I was able to go back into physical therapy over the period of a year and learn to walk again to where I can walk short distances,” said Bensko. “So life is different, but when that happened to me, I’m thinking, ‘Oh my God, here’s the science, and there are methodologies within the science that are proven.’” Energized, and with a new lease on life, Bensko set out to give the gift she was given to others. And after helping her mother as vice president of Rebuilding America’s Warriors since 2007, providing free reconstructive surgery to troops returning to war, Bensko became increasingly aware of enduring pain conditions veterans undergo. And Veterans in Pain was born.

Work

Bensko said the work Veterans in Pain does takes on a two-pronged approach: helping veterans with chronic pain, and spreading awareness about chronic pain. Bensko said that while her company works actively with the Veteran’s Administration to help those veterans with chronic pain, it sometimes does not have all the services a civilian physician can supply. “Nobody comes to us unless they’ve been doing this for a long time trying to search for answers and they’ve shared their story 100 times … again and again and again,” said Benkso. The founder of the organization says in order for someone to receive Veterans in Pain’s help, they must fill out an application online. If they qualify for Veterans in Pain’s services, they are then brought into the network. Dennis Marcello, who served in the United States Army from 1983-87, and again from 1991-2007, dealt with chronic pain for over a decade.

Veterans in Pain founder Micaela Bensko and seven-year-old service dog Blue Belle. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

“I had basically full body damage just from 20 years of military service,” said Marcello. “Both my knees were shot from running and (marching); my shoulders are shot, after I dislocated one and pulled the other one pretty bad.” Marcello added he had a number of other injuries, as well. And then, after speaking with his friend Todd Rohr, who had both his knees done with stem cell injections, Marcello was introduced to Veterans in Pain. In July, he was flown out to the doctor’s office for free, provided a hotel room, given the injections and taken home. All the services were either provided or coordinated by Veterans in Pain and its network of providers. “I had almost instantaneous (results), it was great,” said Marcello. He added that before going up and down stairs was a daily exercise in pain and discomfort. Marcello now says he can work at a construction site and go up and down stairs 50 to 60 times a day. “I truly hate to run because it’s so painful. Fifteen minutes after I got my stem shot,

my knees felt so good my brain said, ‘Wow, you should go running.’” Benkso said these results are possible for more and more veterans should the organization, and the miracles of stem cell technology be more widely known by both the public and state/federal legislators. She hopes that Veterans in Pain can work to diminish some of the stigmas surrounding the science, and use her story to ensure it’s not just her story anymore. “We’re hoping to be a portal for all information that can somehow be used to raise awareness to the solutions that have viability for veterans, that are responsible for veterans, and I’m solely focusing on veterans,” said Benkso. “But no matter if it happened during training, during service or after they left the service, they still dedicated their lives to our country, and they deserve the newest, most productive scientific concept in the world. Bensko said Veterans in Pain has received a few dozen applications since they first soft launched a year ago. And now, as they’ve worked See BENSKO, page 10

N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Tips for the Black Friday shopping list By Vivianna Shields Signal Staff Writer

he madness that follows every Thanksgiving dinner is returning, and with that rush comes sales that cause customers nationwide to bust down store doors in hopes of catching some savings. While there are great deals on some products, there are even better deals later in the year on some items, for those who wait. Being able to navigate the sales through the holiday season is crucial in ensuring you get the best prices of the year. Black Friday may be a great time to purchase electronics, but probably not the best time to stock up on Christmas decorations. According to Katie Hernandez, creator of KouponingwithKatie.com, she finds the best deals for Black Friday by looking through different social media and deal sites. On her website, she provides readers with scans of advertisements from different stores and a section dedicated to Black Friday deals. In addition, she uses her Facebook group, Kouponing with Katie, as a forum for members to come together to share different deals and coupons with one another. “I share (deals and coupons) with the community because I wish there was a community to support me when I first started couponing, so I want to be that support,” said Hernandez. “Plus, there are so many deals that I do not know about, which in turn helps my family, as well.” A few shopping experts helped us create a Black Friday guide on what to buy and skip on this Black Friday, according to different local Black Friday and savings experts.

BUY: Game consoles

During the holiday season, rather than releasing a new console altogether, most gaming brands release a limited edition console along with the hottest game of the year. Most stores offer bundles during Black Friday that intrigue gaming fanatics to their core. This year, the new Nintendo Switch lite, which is a non-dockable version, is hitting stores and is predicted to be a hot sell, according to Anton Domingo, a local

Left: Shoppers hunt for bargains at the Westfield Valencia Town Center on Black Friday morning, November 23, 2018. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL. Right: Whether you’re the type who gets fired up for the seasonal shopping rush, or find the whole process somewhat daunting, knowing what to shop for can make things a bit easier. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

Black Friday expert. In addition, The Oculus Quest, which is a stand-alone VR headset with no wires, will also be available.

SKIP: Children toys

Unless the toys you want to buy are on sale during Black Friday, it’s better to wait until closer to Christmas to pick one up. “Some advertised toys will have low prices, but they will also have regular priced toys, too,” said Krystal Briscoe, who’s spent years looking Black Friday specials, “so just make sure you’re getting the best deals — typically, these are referred to as the ‘doorbusters.’” Even if toys are marked down 70%, be sure to check if their prices were inflated and check other outlets, Briscoe says. Local experts suggest looking into these doorbusters prior to coming into the store, so they are positive they’re getting the best deals.

BUY: TVs

Whether televisions are cheapest on Black Friday or not is an ongoing debate among the discount community. According to Briscoe, shoppers could see a discounts on TVs as high as 50% off; however, she offers

a warning. “Make sure you are not sacrificing quality for price,” said Briscoe. Televisions are well-priced during Black Friday, but it’s important to note that they are about the same price they will be during Super Bowl weekend, too, Domingo says. If you can’t wait until that weekend, grabbing one during Black Friday offers the same savings.

SKIP: Home Decor

Black Friday is primarily a shopping cycle that favors electronics and major appliances, not one that necessarily works to help furnish your home for a low price during the holidays. The best times to shop for this decor is during July, September and October, according to savings experts. These also happen to be the months that couples are most likely to say “I do.” Experts even expect to see deals as early as the beginning of the new year, so those who are itching to redecorate will not have to wait too long.

BUY: AirPods

Apple AirPods were the hottest purchase in 2018, an item that nearly

sold out during the holiday season. According to AppleInsider, more than 35 million AirPods were sold in 2018 and it’s currently the most popular “hearable” brand. Because of their popularity, these buds rarely go on sale, and since they are in such high demand, it’s best to get them while you still can. This year, Apple released their newest addition of AirPods which are expected to be a popular purchase this holiday season, according to technology officials.

SKIP: Christmas decorations

As tempting as Christmas decorations may seem on Black Friday, they will likely be marked down more than 50% less than a week after Christmas. Every store after the holiday season ends, has a dedicated clearance section with heavily marked down holiday decorations. It’s similar to the clearance chocolate sold at stores after Valentines Day. “Unless you absolutely need them before this holiday, or you must have a certain product, wait until after the holiday, and for the clearance section,” said Briscoe. 

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Living independently, with community support By Kaitlyn Nickerson For The Signal

t 6 feet, 4 inches tall, Dan Heldoorn is hard to miss. He walks like his dad, Sue Heldoorn, Dan’s mother, explained. They’re both tall, with a long “lope-along” gait, she said. A few days before Halloween, Dan was wearing a Batman t-shirt and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle hat. His mom asked him who he was going as for Halloween. A smile came across the 41-year-old Valencia resident’s face as he said, “Zorro.” “He has been Zorro for a million years. I’ve gone through two costumes. (Dan) is all about Halloween,” Sue said. At 2 years old, Dan was diagnosed with severe mental retardation and autism. Along with the diagnosis, the Heldoorns were told to put their son in an institution, as he would never talk, feed himself, dress himself or “have any quality of life.” “Instantly, the child that I had put into the car that morning was gone,” said Sue. As Sue and her husband, John, processed this life-changing diagnosis, Dan began treatment immediately. Dan enrolled in a therapeutic nursery program through the North Los Angeles County Regional Center, and Sue and John were both able to receive counseling and join support groups with other parents of children with autism. Through years of therapy, Dan began to improve, even gaining limited speech. But in 1985, the Heldoorn family was altered forever. Dan’s older brother Jeff Heldoorn was diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain stem glioma and died nine months, right before his 10th birthday. Dan was 6 years old. “Losing Jeff was the most catastrophic event that’s ever happened in our world,” Sue said. For Dan, it meant a major set back in his progress and a loss he was incapable of comprehending. “He would throw himself on the ground and wouldn’t get back up. He would scream if his teacher was out, he would scream for her name all day because if anybody disappeared now,

Dan Heldoorn lives with severe disabilities and is almost entirely nonverbal; however, he does tasks around the house with his roommate Eric Shepard. PHOTO BY GILBERT BERNAL / THE SIGNAL

they were gone forever,” Sue said. As a substitute teacher, Sue experienced special education classes on typical campuses. As John and Sue learned more about inclusion, they began to wonder about putting Dan in a typical school. In 1991, 11 years after Sue and John were told that Dan should be institutionalized, and would never live a “normal” life, the Heldoorns dropped their son off at a regular campus. Though not always easy, being at a typical school allowed Dan to learn important life skills, interact with typical peers and gain some independence. However, like any other kid, Dan couldn’t stay in high school forever. In October 1998, 18-year-old Dan moved to Santa Clarita, entered supported living services through Scott and Lori’s nonprofit Avenues SLS and began a Community Based Instruction (CBI) class through the William S. Hart Union High School District. Dan’s teacher Julie Patterson set out to be a screenwriter and got involved in the Special Olympics where she

discovered a passion for working with people with special needs. While getting a master’s degree in education at USC, a professor encouraged her to apply for a position in the Hart District. “I grew up with a brother who had special needs … during my teenage years, I came to appreciate the way he handled his challenges and became proud of him and his accomplishments,” Patterson said, regarding why she got involved with special education. Located on the College of the Canyons campus, Patterson’s students interact with typical peers. While largely nonverbal, Dan was even able to take a piano course and performed in the final recital. “Dan was a joy to teach. He was positive, eager to learn and charismatic. I was lucky to share so many entertaining experiences with him,” Patterson said. At 22, Dan graduated from CBI and began his adult life in the Santa Clarita Valley. He worked at establishments like OSH, Lowe’s and as a seasonal employee at a pumpkin patch. He also volunteers with

Placerita Nature Center, Soles for Souls, Operation Gratitude and is an active member of a church in Santa Clarita. In the 21 years that Dan has lived in Santa Clarita, he’s been apart of Avenues’ assisted living program, which means he lives independently, but with around-the-clock support staff from Avenues. Dan’s current roommate and overnight staff is Eric Shepard, Lori and Scott’s son, who’s also Sue’s godson. Even though it was difficult for Lori and John to part with their son, seeing the life he has in the community here brings them a lot of joy. “He has had many real-life experiences that probably helped his personality and his behavior in the community. I will walk along with him in the mall and some guy will say, ‘Hey, Dan!’ I’m shocked, but he may know somebody from church, he may know somebody from the bowling team, he may know somebody who he met at Lowe’s that saw him working. These are big deals to a kid who was supposed to be locked away,” Sue said. “To me, it’s a big deal as a parent.” 

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Sharing, caring: SCV dishes out Turkey Day stories Compiled by Matt Fernandez Signal Staff Writer

y parents didn’t grow up in America, but they still humor us and let us celebrate it. A couple of days before Thanksgiving, my family treks down to L.A. to Honeybaked and spends entirely too much money on turkey, ham, pie and side dishes. The kids don’t touch the food until the day of, and we don’t let our parents touch it either — which really confuses them. As soon as Thanksgiving hits, we pig out and watch the “Peanuts” Thanksgiving specials and “The Twilight Zone” marathon. And for the rest of the week, all we’ll eat is Thanksgiving food. For many, Thanksgiving means turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce, but in addition to culinary feats expected to dazzle dinner tables on Thursday, While much of the holiday is based around food traditions to a certain extent, we asked Santa Clarita Valley residents about their Turkey Day celebrations in their own words and ways — how they celebrate the time in between the crazy rush for costumes and candy and the time-honored traditions around the Christmas tree. Lori Gilmore Hernandez “I’m an emergency room nurse. I spend Thanksgiving working beside my amazing colleagues. We care for our patients and share a potluck-style meal. “Even though we don’t all sit down and eat at the same time, and sometimes we get our meal cold, we share all that we are thankful for — wouldn’t have it any other way.” Haley Sawyer “For years, my grandmother passed off KFC coleslaw as her own at Thanksgiving dinner. No one ever noticed until my aunt got married and my uncle began coming to Thanksgiving dinner. “My uncle ate some coleslaw and was like, ‘That’s weird, the only coleslaw I like is from KFC,’ thus outing my grandmother. After dinner, lo and behold, a small KFC bowl was nestled in the trash. We no longer serve

One popular Thanksgiving tradition each year is a free meal that’s provided to seniors at the Bella Vida senior center, which is organized by the Castaic Lions Club, in concert with local schools and other agencies. Santa Clarita Valley residents shared with us the various ways they enjoy food with their celebrations. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

coleslaw at my family’s Thanksgiving dinner.” Shauna Ann “I’m a single mom. Me and my kid bake about a dozen pumpkin pies and then give them away except for one, which we pig out on in bed watching Disney movies.” Laryssah M. Pizarro “We have two thanksgivings. The one on the day, and then a second one on (Dec. 22), when my active duty brother comes home for the holidays.” Cory Rubin “Not really a tradition, but my great grandmother, in her 90s, was baking the apple pie. Her eyesight wasn’t great so she grabbed what she thought was cinnamon and dusted the filling and crust with a generous amount of cayenne pepper.” Raychel Stewart “Every year my grandma makes this fruit dessert for Thanksgiving. It’s looks like a mash up of jello and cottage cheese with berries in it, and

it’s just awful. “My family has a run-on inside joke about the dessert that my grandma is unaware of. We call it ‘the facial,’ because it resembles a clay cucumber face mask. Picture Robin Williams in ‘Mrs. Doubtfire,’ but green. “We don’t enjoy the dessert, but we eat it every year because she thinks we all love it, since there’s always giggles and smiles when she brings it out. Bless my grandma’s innocent heart.” Yvette DiDomenico “Nothing exciting, but I would clean the house before I left with my children and we would go to the movies most of the day to get out of my husband’s way while he cooked the entire Thanksgiving feast by himself. “When we returned just before the food was ready and company would show up, I’d set up the table. To this day, I’ve never made a turkey or Thanksgiving meal. I just get out of the way!”

Jeannie Dyke Gomez “We go to Knott’s Berry Farm.” Julie Tavares “We always go camping with a large group of family and friends. Ever since I was a child, we would go, usually to the beach. The weather is almost always pleasant, maybe aside from a year or two.” Brendie Bandara Heter “We have an intense Spoons tournament. “We have trophies, plaques, specialized music and detailed rules. We sometimes broadcast it on Facebook live because it’s such a big deal in my family.” Kathy Herrera “Each year since 2004, my best friend Diana hosts her own ‘Friendsgiving’ for her friends a day or a few days before Thanksgiving day with her own family. “She started ‘Friendsgiving’ before it was actually a thing. It’s so much fun! Eating, drinking, mingling, creating memories!” 

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LOCALNEWS

Helping the community cope with therapy dogs By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

wagging tail and wet nose can often be the perfect cure for a bad day, which is why trained comfort dogs have deployed from all over to visit Santa Clarita in order to help the community heal after last week’s deadly shooting at Saugus High School. As soon as news of the incident began to spread, therapy dog handlers sprang into action. “I’ve been doing this for about 20 years, so I know it helps,” handler Sandy Dubin said. “When this tragic act happened, we decided we would do our best to get all the most appropriate dogs to go wherever and whenever we’re needed.” Dubin has taken her two pups, Reese and Duchess, to schools across Santa Clarita, including Saugus High, as well as to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, which they often go to. “Some it helps more than others, but when you’re faced with trauma, you don’t always want to talk about it,” she said. “Dogs pick up when people need them, and when they see someone withdrawn, will bury their heads in their laps or go over and try to cuddle them. We aren’t therapists, so we just sit back and allow our dogs to do the magic. It’s just really amazing.” After Pam English, an area leader and puppy raiser for Guide Dogs of America who also has a certified therapy dog herself, heard that many were going to the memorial Friday, she took the puppy in training she is currently raising as well as her therapy dog to see if they could cheer some people up. “It turned out to be a really nice day, and people were really grateful to hug a dog,” she said.

Coordinating visits

She then began working with the William S. Hart Union High School District to help coordinate therapy dogs’ visits at schools across the district. “That’s all I’ve been doing since. We’ve had dogs at four of the schools so far, but we’ve had a lot more requests,” she said as of Tuesday

A Guide Dogs of America puppy in training comforts Kaia Cruikshank at Central Park after last week’s deadly shooting at Saugus High School. PHOTO BY LAUREN BUDMAN / THE SIGNAL

morning. “Once the dogs get to the schools, personnel, staff and kids are all so thrilled.” Though there have been some tears, English said the experience has been pretty rewarding. “Some have wanted to talk while others have just wanted to sit and pet the dogs,” she added. “We’ve seen tears turn into smiles.” Roberta Rubin, a school-based therapist at the Hart District who has a therapy dog herself, has been helping to coordinate the efforts. “They are there to provide emotional support and to just be there for the kids to hold as a comforting presence when they are going through a hard time,” Rubin said.

Helping kids, parents alike

Parents at many of the schools told Dubin how much the dogs were helping not just the kids, but the parents as well, she said. “The dogs actually reduce anxiety, stress and lower our blood pressure,” said Sharon Rendall, a therapy dog See DOGS, page 10

Events setup to aid shooting survivors By Raychel Stewart For the Signal

n the aftermath of the shooting that left three students dead and three wounded on Nov. 14 at Saugus High School, community members have shown their support in numerous ways for Saugus High, its students, the victims and their families. The following is a summary of some of those efforts:

GoFundMe accounts for families

Three GoFundMe accounts have been set up and have raised thousands of dollars for families of both the victims and the shooter. Gracie Muehlberger “Our vivacious, funny, loyal, light of our lives, Cinderella, the daughter we always dreamed to have, fiercely strong and lover of all

things fashionable — was our best friend. She is going to be missed more than words will ever be able to express,” Muehlberger’s parents said on her GoFundMe page. The account has raised more than $118,000 in donations. To donate, visit http://bit.ly/ GracieMuehlberger. Dominic Michael Blackwell “On Nov. 14, 2019, this world lost a bright, shining light … personified by a goofy laugh, cheesy smile, and a huge, caring heart. He was taken from his family and friends in the most senseless of ways. His three brothers will miss their big brother greatly, and his parents’ dreams for him will never be realized. Dominic’s family needs this time to pull together and mourn this unexpected loss,” Blackwell’s GoFundMe page says. The account See EVENTS, page 9

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Continued from page 8

has raised more than $97,000 in donations. To donate, visit http://bit.ly/ DominicBlackwell. Nathaniel Tennosuke Berhow “It is times like these that we must band together, not to support the shooter and his actions, but to support his family. If one day your own child came to school and did such horrible things, what would you do? How would you be able to process that?” said Tana Risley, a Saugus alum who is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Samantha Berhow, the shooter’s sister, on the GoFundMe page. The account has raised more than $28,000 in donations. To donate, visit http://bit.ly/ NahanialBerhow. Local businesses also aimed to raise funds for the victims’ families and show their support for the Saugus community. Among them:

Saugus Strong T-shirt campaign

A group of local business leaders joined together to raise funds and create the blue Saugus Strong T-shirts that were handed out at the vigil Sunday in Central Park, with the first shirt going to a survivor. The shirts were designed by Saugus students, and additional shirts are being printed to accommodate requests from a variety of groups and sports teams. Among them was The Master’s University women’s soccer team, which took the shirts to wear on their road trip to Florida to compete in the NAIA national tournament. Shirts were also distributed to Saugus staff, first responders and medical professionals at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. The campaign raised “tens of thousands of dollars,” according to John Shaffery of Poole Shaffery & Koegle, LLP, for a total of 12,000 shirts, with the goal being to help the community unite, and to help Saugus heal. The funds raised will be going back to the purchase of the shirts and the cost of printing. The fundraising effort was led by Shaffery, Chris Angelo of Stay Green, Fred Arnold of American Family Funding and Jill Mellady of Mellady Direct Marketing. “I saw the impact this had on Sun-

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LOCALNEWS day night during the vigil,” Shaffery said. “When these things happen, we don’t know what to do or say, but I saw a community get together and that’s really important during this time.”

Renovation Candle Co.

Local candlemaker Tyler Coe began making candles with his peers to memorialize Saugus High School. A few days after putting them up for sale on his website, Coe was back-ordered 600 candles and had raised more than $18,000 by Saturday. He said he’s donating the proceeds to the families of the victims. “I thought it would be a way to give back … and give people something tangible to have as a way to commemorate this community and pay honor to the tragedy and the victims,” said Coe in a phone conversation Saturday. “I didn’t expect it to take off the way it did.”

Longshot Cornhole and Wolf Creek Brewery

Wolf Creek Brewery hosted a cornhole tournament organized by Longshot Cornhole and the Saugus High baseball team on Sunday. All of the proceeds raised were donated to the victims’ families through the Santa Clarita Coalition. Nearly $8,000 was raised through ticket purchases, and raffle prizes were raised through donations from the community.

Zankou Chicken

A memorial fundraiser was hosted at the Valencia location of Zankou Chicken on Sunday. Business officials are in contact with Saugus High School administrators to donate 100% of the proceeds raised in sales that day to the families of the victims. The restaurant raised $16,000. “It was incredible because people came in and just wanted to donate,” said Tina Ovsepyan, learning and development manager of Zankou Chicken. “They came in with checks or just to buy gift cards, anything to help.”

Toppers Pizza

Helmers PTA hosted a family restaurant night at Toppers Pizza on Tuesday. The fundraiser raised more than $580, and will be donated to benefit the victims’ families, which is still being arranged, said Helmers PTA President Amy Brannon.

Saugus High School Principal Vince Ferry, wearing a “Saugus Strong” T-shirt, gives a tearful speech Sunday night during the Saugus Strong Vigil at Central Park. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

Runners Lane

A 5K run/walk will be hosted at Runners Lane Santa Clarita on Saturday. Opportunities to donate will be available for participants and they will also receive a #SaugusStrong decal while supplies last. #SaugusStrong T-shirts and tank tops will also be available for purchase, and all proceeds will be donated to the Saugus cross country team.

Vincenzo’s Pizza and Valencia High School Jazz

Valencia High School jazz musicians hosted a “Songs for Saugus: A Night of Jazz” concert at Vincenzo’s Pizza in Newhall on Wednesday evening. The concert was originally planned to raise funds for the school’s jazz program, but officials in the music program decided to donate the funds to help families affected by the Saugus shooting cover medical costs. “The Hart District is a family and the music directors all know each other and collaborate, so our hearts go out to Saugus and the families, so it wasn’t even a question for us to donate that money,” said Terry Mitchell Collier, marketing representative for the Valencia High School band. The musicians were to play classical jazz tunes, contemporary favorites and holiday songs.

Wine 661

A fundraiser is scheduled today at Wine 661 from 4-9 p.m. All sales gathered during that time will be

donated the Hart School District, according to Wine 661 owner Tanya Green. One hundred percent of proceeds will be given to the school district via the Santa Clarita Coalition for grief counseling and other materials needed to help students feel safe on campus.

Madison Rose Bakery

Twenty percent of every pie ordered at Madison Rose Bakery until Friday will be donated directly to the Blackwell and Muehlberger families. Pies can be ordered online and include gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options. “We hope, after everything is collected and organized, we can split the donations and give both families a check,” said bakery owner Kerry-Ann Miranda. “Pies are going to be sold anyways, so why not do something that can make a bigger difference.”

California Pizza Kitchen

Twenty percent of dine-in, carry-out, catering or delivery orders at California Pizza Kitchen’s Valencia location will be donated to support Saugus High School and the SCV community through the Santa Clarita Coalition. Customers should mention the fundraiser to the cashiers. The fundraiser will continue until Nov. 21.

Honu Coffee

Today, 25% of gross sales from Honu Coffee will be donated to the Santa Clarita Coalition in support of #SaugusStrong. 

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LOCALNEWS

Student from Rancho Pico Jr. High airlifted to hospital By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

irst responders airlifted a child to a hospital from Rancho Pico Junior High School in Stevenson Ranch in response to a medical call on Wednesday morning, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. “We received the call at 9:53 a.m., and on scene at 10 a.m., on the 26200 block of West Valencia Boulevard,” said Fire Department spokesman Marvin Lim. The call was initially for reports of a cardiac arrest but was later con-

DOGS

continued from page 8 instructor. “The dogs are a calming source for the children and help them tremendously.” Many of these dogs will often come home exhausted as they take in a lot of emotions throughout the day while helping others who are struggling, Dubin added. These efforts have been heard near and far, and GO Team Therapy/Crisis Dogs, a team based out of the San Gabriel Valley, has also responded, traveling with seven dogs to Santa Clarita for Sunday’s vigil. “We came out for anybody that wanted to have some extra loving,” said Lucinda Bersano, one of the group’s coordinators, adding that they ran out of cards to hand out. “Some people need that extra special love.”

Magical powers

Nicole Graham, a volunteer at the Castaic Animal Care Center and therapy dog handler, adopted her now-2-year-old pit bull puppy Atlas from Castaic with the goal of doing something to help others. “I wanted to show people that shelter dogs can give just as much love as any other dog,” she said, adding that Atlas has done a great job of making that happen. “Animals have a special way of reading people’s emotions without saying a word — it’s just what they do. They have magical powers.” That magic and impact they’ve

firmed to be for a seizure, said Lim. Deputies with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station also responded to the scene, according to Sgt. Chris Voda, who said there was no street closure as a result of the response. The condition, age and gender of the child were not known, said Lim.  An L.A. County Fire Department helicopter airlifts a child Wednesday from Ranch Pico Junior High School. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

made on the community can be seen through the constant belly rubs they receive and smiles they produce. Sherree Lois Packer has three sons, including one who was friends with Dominic Blackwell, the 14-year-old who died in the Saugus shooting. “It’s hitting at different moments really. Sometimes I think he’s fine, and other times I wonder if it’s some sort of delayed reaction,” she said. “We are fortunate that none of my sons were on campus, but as scary as it is, just knowing it happened is traumatic for them. Their fear is real and it’s theirs.” Though her oldest knew some of the survivors, he doesn’t want to talk about it.

Getting back to ‘new normal’

“In his words, he said he just wants to get back to the new normal,” Packer said, adding that he met Reese at

BENSKO

continued from page 4 to provide services for a handful of them, she wants to grow to grow the organization. To learn more about Veterans in Pain, visit their website at https:// veteransinpain.org/. To apply as a veteran, visit https://veteransinpain. org/veteran-application. To apply as a physician to work with Veterans in Pain, visit https://veteransinpain.org/ physician-application.  Veterans in Pain, a Santa Clarita Valleybased organization, is looking to help veterans heal with stem-cell therapy.

school this week. “He said the dog is the only person not asking how they are doing — they’re just present and there for them. After seeing the impact Reese made on her son, she took her younger sons to the memorial to meet up with other therapy dogs, which was where they met Lil Bit, who she said was amazing. “My sons both opened up to me last night after we visited the memorial,” she said. “And they both want to go back again tonight, so I would say those dogs have healing powers that most are unaware of.” Packer, who is deaf, said she struggled with the incident herself, and she was surprised to see how much of an impact the dogs made on herself as well. “For the first time in my life, I was

absolutely powerless to comfort or reach my kids during that event,” she said. “Meeting up with (therapy dog) Lil Bit last night actually did a lot of healing for me, as well. I didn’t realize how anxious and nervous I had been.” She believes the best thing she can do for her sons is to let them take the lead. “So far, all roads lead to anywhere there may be dogs. I’m just incredibly thankful there is an abundance of therapy dogs available. Their value and comfort is really understated.” A group of registered/certified therapy dogs are set to be at Central Park, near the flagpole, at 10 a.m. on Saturday for a “Saugus Strong Therapy Dog Sit-in” for anyone and everyone who needs them. Central Park is located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road. 

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LOCALNEWS

Hart District dedicates meeting to victims, community By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

illiam S. Hart Union High School District officials discussed healing during their first board meeting since the Saugus High School shooting left three students dead and injured three more last week. During the Wednesday night meeting, board President Bob Jensen opened with a statement from the board that not only honored the victims, but also spoke to how the district will move forward. “As we continue to process what has occurred and contemplate the harsh reality that the existence of unexplainable pain can provoke harm, even death, our focus now is on healing,” said Jensen. “You all know, as I do, that no words can adequately soothe or comfort the families whose children were injured. No words will ever take away the shock that riveted us to our core.” Shirts were handed out for before the meeting, with the word “Strong” written on the front, with the “S” from

Those in attendance at Wednesday night’s William S. Hart Union High School District school board meeting bow their heads in a moment of silence to honor those impacted by last week’s Saugus High shooting. PHOTO BY CALEB LUNETTA / THE SIGNAL

the Saugus High logo. Jensen then led the audience in a moment of silence. While the board members shared their thoughts, mostly through tears or attempting to hold them back, a number of those in the audience joined with them in crying. At the front of the room were four poster boards that read, “Saugus we love you.” “I fully believe that the love we’ve seen in the last few days is a demonstration of the culture we’ve devel-

oped in Santa Clarita and beyond,” said board member Steve Sturgeon. “We have roughly 23,000 students, and to lose three is too many. So we will move forward as the president said, and we will do it to the best of our ability.” “The way the community has come together in support of the schools, the staff, others and our first responders is just phenomenal,” said board member Joe Messina. “And I want to thank

Therapist offers tips to aid healing By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

lthough it may seem implausible at first, following a deadly campus shooting at Saugus High School on Thursday, healing is possible, according to therapist Jonathan Sandberg. More than 150 people, including local students affected by last week’s events that left three teenagers dead and three others injured, heard three tips on “Healing from Trauma and Loss” from the marriage and family therapist on Monday night at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Bouquet Canyon Road. “People can heal from really horrific, terrible things,” said Sandberg, who has worked as the marriage and family therapy program director at Syracuse and Brigham Young universities. While there are many ways to heal from a traumatic experience, Sand-

berg offered three tips:

Rely on each other At the start of the gathering, attendees were asked to hold hands during a prayer. Some stood up to say it made them feel “unified,” “connected” or “supported.” Talking and being there for one another is one of the most important things communities can do when experiencing loss and trauma, rather than isolation because it can bring additional struggles like hopelessness, according to Sandberg. “We can’t just go to our phones,” he said. “We need real human contact; we need human conversations.” Seek help Trauma is a violation and those suffering should seek help, said Sandberg. People should turn to trusted others, such as parents, teachers, clergy or counselors, he said. Books, podcasts or TED Talks on how to heal are also useful resources.

Therapy and witnessing are also vital in healing, he said, adding that “witnessing is believing that when we connect with another person, it releases the poison for both of us. Witnessing can be done really well by therapists.”

you all for doing that.” “I’ve learned the tragedy won’t break us,” said board member Cherise Moore. “It’s OK to cry, it’s OK to hurt, because that’s a part of healing, that’s a part of my healing.” Linda Storli, the board’s clerk, took time to commend the teachers who had acted upon their training and taken the correct action to save student lives. “I hope I never, ever, ever, ever have to make a speech like this again,” Storli said. Jensen said the district would be providing additional therapeutic and counseling services to students at Saugus High School. “These activities, as well as future instruction, will include a very important focus on the aspect of life, which is learning how to confront complex emotions,” said Jensen. “We all share the same goal of putting pain in its place so that we may move forward individually and collectively.” “We’ve all heard the saying that actions speak louder than words,” said Jensen. “Accordingly, we go forward with a focus on our actions.” 

session, Sandberg recommends “connecting with a higher power.” “There are lots of good practices out there and they come from all faiths,” he said. “But in the end, we have to get above ourselves if we’re going to get out of a moment like this. We’re just not capable or smart enough to do it alone.” 

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N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

How not to fowl up when buying a turkey

H O L I D AY S

By Beau Harper Signal Staff Writer

hether purchasing a fresh or frozen turkey, consumers can be confident they are buying a quality product. The decision of which to purchase is based on personal preference in price and convenience. Oven-ready fresh and frozen birds are tucked into snug, air and water resistant plastic wraps immediately following processing. Air is removed as bags are sealed and shrunk so they fit the turkey almost as tightly as its own skin. Frozen turkeys are flash-frozen immediately after processing to 0 degrees F or below and held at that temperature until packaged. The meat, once defrosted, is virtually at the same freshness as the day it was processed. Fresh turkeys are deep chilled after packaging. They have a shorter shelf life and are, therefore, usually more expensive. Whether you buy a fresh or frozen turkey, proper cooking and handling of the bird will ensure a delicious holiday meal.

Frozen Turkey

• Stored at O degrees F or below. • Purchase during special value sales and store the bird in the freezer until the thawing time begins. • Thaw under refrigeration, in cold water or the microwave. Refrigeration: Allow approximately 24 hours per five pounds to thaw in the refrigerator. Cold Water Allow approximate ly 30 minutes per pound to thaw in cold water , which is changed every 30 minutes. Do not use warm or hot water and be sure to change the water every 30 minutes. Microwave Follow the microwave manufacturer’s directions and begin to roast the turkey immediately following the microwave process.

Fresh Turkey

• Stored at 26 degrees F and above. • Purchase for convenience because thawing is not required. Cost may be slightly more due to special handling required by the store.

What do you do to make sure that your fresh or frozen turkey turns out perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner table? (MC)

• Order in advance to be assured of availability. • Place fresh, raw poultry in a refrigerator that maintains 40 degrees F and use it within the time frame on the package label, or freeze the poultry at O degrees F.

Hard chilled/previously hardchilled turkey

• Stored at temperatures between O and 26 degrees F. In late 1997, new regulations created a separate category for turkeys in this temperature range, which had previously been labeled fresh. Cooks should treat this bird with the same care as a fresh bird and recognize this product has a shorter shelf life than a frozen product.

Other tips for purchasing and preparing turkey

• Processors may add convenience or value-added features to whole turkeys, including pop-up timers, net bags for easy carrying and self-basting solutions injected into the bird for added flavor. Consumers can choose which of these options best suit their needs. • Purchase one pound of turkey per person to be served. This formula allows for the holiday meal plus a little left over for the prized turkey sandwich. • Ensure that the packaging is intact and avoid purchasing a bird with packaging that has rips or tears.

• Save on supermarket specials by purchasing more than one turkey. A whole frozen turkey may be stored in your freezer for up to 12 months. • Select the size of turkey based on number of servings needed. There is no appreciable difference between female (hen) and male (tom) turkeys in tenderness, white/dark meat ratio or other eating qualities. Hens typically weigh between 14 to 16 pounds and toms 15 pounds on

up, so choose the size which best fits the number of dinner guests you expect. Select alternative turkey cuts if you are having a small gathering for the holiday. Other turkey products that are readily available include a turkey breast, tenderloins, cutlets, drumsticks or thighs. Or, ask your butcher to cut a whole fresh bird in two halves, roast one half and freeze the other half for a later occasion. 

Cranberry-infused cocktail Besides the ubiquitous “pumpkin spice,” nothing says “autumn” more than tart cranberries. Cranberries are a major component of Thanksgiving feasts, turning up alongside and atop turkey as well as in quick breads and desserts. Cranberries are loaded with health benefits, which include reducing the risk for ulcers and preventing gum disease. Also, just eight ounces of cranberry juice cocktail contains 137 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C. Cranberries can even be used to craft great cocktails. Move over mulled ciders, this crisp “Cranberry Margarita” from The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association makes a great autumn-inspired beverage.

Cranberry Margarita Serves 1 1-1/2 shots of tequila 1 shot of cranberry juice cocktail 1/4 cup of whole berry cranberry sauce 1/2 shot of triple sec 10 ice cubes Sweetened dried cranberries, for garnish Lime, for garnish Combine all ingredients except garnish in a blender. Blend on high until smooth and frosty. Serve in a margarita glass. Garnish with dried cranberries and a lime wheel. (MC) 

1 4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

SPORTS

Receivers catching on quickly at West Ranch By Haley Sawyer Signal Sports Editor

est Ranch High School football set a new precedent last season, reaching the second round of the CIF-Southern Section postseason for the first time in program history. They did so using the talent of players like quarterback Weston Eget and utility players Jovan Camacho and Ryan Camacho. All three were seniors and when summer camp started for the Wildcats,so questions abound as to whether the team could repeat its playoff performance. Just as ambiguous was which players would step up to fill the vacant roles left by the seniors. But thanks to a new, quick-thinking quarterback and a flock of capable receivers to compliment him, West Ranch has been able to replicate last season’s success. Walker Eget, the younger brother of Weston, has taken the helm at quarterback. Nick Kohl, Brandon Wyre and Zach Van Bennekum have become his primary targets. “I would say if we have four receivers out there, he’s got four options,” said Wildcats coach Chris Varner of Eget, a junior. “And he’s very good at getting rid of the ball before that size disadvantage that we have comes into play. When he’s on, he’s really on and our receivers are really on.” In terms of receiving yards, Wyre leads the team with 913 on 46 catches to go along with nine touchdowns. Kohl, the underclassman of the group as a junior, follows with 692 yards on 32 receptions with eight touchdowns and Van Bennekum ranks third with 557 yards and nine touchdowns on 44 catches. Those numbers are particularly gratifying for Kohl, who was moved down to JV last season after failing to secure a starting position on the varsity team. “It motivated me a lot because I wanted to show the coaches what I was made of and I was worth being a starting receiver,” Kohl said. “This past offseason, I was going and training with a receiver coach every week

West Ranch’s Brandon Wyre (left) and Canyon’s Reno Sifuentes fight for a pass. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

and working on getting better.” While Kohl has focused specifically on football, Wyre and Van Bennekum have spread their athletic talents to other sports. Wyre is an outfielder on the baseball team and Van Bennekum was named the All-SCV Lacrosse Player of the Year last season. “I like for them to succeed in other sports,” Varner said. “It just shows how well-rounded and both the kids … are fantastic students, so you couldn’t ask for two better kids from that standpoint.” Although all three have different athletic backgrounds, they all have worked together to form chemistry with Eget and help him amass 2,725 yards and 32 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He’s thrown 175-of302 this season as well, according to MaxPreps.com. “Forming chemistry just starts at the beginning, how you greet them and meet them and when you first talk to them,” Eget said. “It’s just how they are like, eager to learn and stuff. If they really want to win, they’ll come and we’ll create a quick chemistry. “It just depends on the attitude and I know that all three of our four of our receivers have a great attitude.” 

N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

TECHNOLOGY

Is it time to break up with Facebook?

acebook isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, even though we have enough reasons to dump it: privacy issues, privacy issues and — more privacy issues. Last year was one of the roughest for the social media giant, but at 2.2 billion average monthly users, it doesn’t appear to be losing any ground. Should you break up with Facebook? We’ve got 5 reasons you might want to consider it:

Reason 1 Facebook’s privacy issues

In early 2018, we found out that Facebook app-makers were violating usage agreements — for years — by turning a blind eye and accessing data users’ contacts. Oh, and Facebook knew about it. If you agreed to let this app access your data, you were also unknowingly granting them access to access your contacts’ information. Then in the fall of 2018, there was the big hack that affected an estimated 50 million Facebook accounts. Not only did this breach potentially affect your Facebook account, but it gave hackers access to any apps that you connected to Facebook.

Reason 2 Cambridge Analytica

We felt this one deserved a reason of its own; it’s not just another Facebook privacy issue. The whole deal with Cambridge Analytica was that not only did the company access

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Facebook user data, but it allegedly used it to influence the outcome of a huge political election.

Reason 3 Facebook’s API

OK, we admit that maybe we’re harping on this point too much, but, again, our beef isn’t just with Facebook’s privacy issues and what happened with Cambridge Analytica — it’s about the loosey-goosey attitude Facebook had with its API that set us up for these breaches in the first place. API stands for application program interface, which is kind of like a door that lets software applications talk to each other and share information. It’s not nefarious — it’s how companies like Google and Facebook grow their products; they allow developers to write programs that essentially plug into their products. For example, the company Zynga created Words With Friends, which plugs into Facebook through an API, making Facebook even more valuable to word nerds around the globe. Facebook has tightened its API policies, which you can read about in an official statement Facebook released in July 2018. Too little too late? We’ll see.

Reason 4 Facebook listens to your private conversations

We talked back in November about theories that Facebook listens to your private conversations and, yes Facebook denies eavesdropping. A handful of media outlets have tested listening conspiracies of Facebook, Google, and others and come up empty-handed (New Statesman, CBS News and Gizmodo, to name a few).

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OK, so maybe Facebook is not recording your conversations — that would, after all create huge data files that would be impossible to store for 2.2 billion users — but it is monitoring what you do on the website (and beyond; see reason 6 below) so it can serve up advertisements that are relevant to you. Some people find the targeted ads helpful, while others find them downright creepy.

Reason 5 Facebook tracks you around the web

Remember, Facebook is a for-profit business. As much as it likes us to think it’s a community-service-oriented business that connects people and enriches our lives, it is #initforFacebook. Big data = big bucks. For information on Kim Komando on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks, visit her at Komando. com.

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N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

The Local Pub & Grill 26876 The Old Road Stevenson Ranch Ca 91381 661.495.9192 Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 284-5988 Newhall Refinery 24258 Main St, Newhall (661) 388-4477 Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co 18810 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 252-7883

AMERICAN

Backwoods Inn 17846 W. Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 252-5522 The Backyard Grub n’ Brews 26509 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 286-1165 Black Bear Diner 23626 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 799-4820 Brooklyn Bar & Grill 25860 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 284-6057 Claim Jumper 25740 The Old Road, Valencia (661) 254-2628

Crazy Otto’s Diner 25373 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 291-1733 The Daily Harvest Cafe & Juicery 22722 Lyons Ave #6, Newhall (661) 383-9387 Eat Real Cafe 23414 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-2237 27530 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 254-2237 Islands 24180 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 284-5903 Lazy Dog Cafe 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 253-9996

Route 66 Classic Grill 18730 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 298-1494 Saddle Ranch Chop House 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 383-0173 Salt Creek Grille 24415 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 222-9999 Souplantation 24303 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 286-1260 Stonefire Grill 23300 Cinema Drive, Valencia (661)799-8282 The Old Town Junction 24275 Main Street, Newhall (661) 702-4888

The Social 23329 Lyons Ave, Ste A, Valencia (661) 799-9155 Thelma’s Cafe 22876 Copperhill Drive, Saugus (661) 263-8283

BBQ Dickeys Barbecue Pit 18742 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 251-0840 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 Q&Q Hawaiian BBQ 27530 Newhall Ranch Road #101, Santa Clarita (661) 383-9098 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

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N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH Casa Canela 27647 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 523-7282 Crazy Otto’s Diner 25373 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 291-1733 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 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

Corner Bakery 24290 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 259-2813

Rustic Burger 24025 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 254-1300

Cousins Burgers 19318 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 298-4200

Rustic Eatery 25343 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 254-8100

Everest Burgers 18645 Soledad Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 252-3412 Final Score 23754 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 254-6557 Firehouse Subs 23630 Valencia Blvd. Valencia (661) 255-3473 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Jimmy Dean’s 22941 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 255-6315

Brother’s Burgers 20655 Soledad Canyon (661) 299-9278

JJ’s Bar and Grill 25848 Tournament Road, Valencia (661) 799-7557

Burgerim 23740 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 670-8939

Route 66 Classic Grill 18730 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 298-1494

Submarina California Subs 26517 Carl Boyer Drive, Canyon Country (661) 259-4782 Tiny’s Submarine Sandwiches 27251 Camp Plenty Rd, Canyon Country (661) 251-5885

CHINESE China Express 19417 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-8783 Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-254-0351 Golden Wok Restaurant 16668 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 424-0888 Grand Panda 23802 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 253-1898 27924 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 297-9868 Continued next page

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N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

DININGGUIDE Continued from previous page

CHINESE 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

FRENCH

Kisho Japanese Teppan Grill & Revolving Sushi Bar 23430 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 284-3856

GREEK

My Hot Pot 26238 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 288-1998

Le Chene French Cuisine 12625 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce (661) 251-4315 Gyromania 20655 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 252-4976

INDIAN

Pei Wei Asian Diner 24250 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-600-0132

An Indian Affaire 23360 W. Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 288-1200

Pick Up Stix 25960 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 288-2090

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

WaBa Grill 19120 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 367-7297 31739 Castaic Road, Castaic (661) 295 9222

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

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 Bob’s Country Meats 19012 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 251-5995 Cathy’s Delicatessen 23120 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 288-2217 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-6261 The Sandwich Shop 25530 W. Avenue Stanford, Valencia (661) 257-4811

NOW OPEN Pierogi, Sausages, Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, Chicken, Beef Stew, Hunter Stew and more!

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 Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 259-6261 Piccola Trattoria 18302 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 299-6952

JAPANESE & SUSHI Achita Sushi 22913 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 476-5522 Hibiki Restaurant 27625 Shangri La Dr., Canyon Country (661) 298-0273 I Love Sushi 26526 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-673-5200

Sushi Song Japanese Restaurant 22896 Copper Hill Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 297-5659

KOREAN & MONGOLIAN Charcoal Korean BBQ Restaurant 19158 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-9292 Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-0351 Gogi House 26524 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 263-0048 Kogiya 2 Korean BBQ 23410 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 678-0999 Lee’s Korean BBQ & Tofu House 23360 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 254-2307 ZingGa Grill 26910 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita (661) 250-7592

MEDITERRANEAN

Cafe O 20655 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 424-0401 Flame & Skewers 25870 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 799-7538 Sam’s Flaming Grill 24802 Orchard Village, Santa Clarita (661) 222-9060 19433 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 298-0115 25347 Wayne Mills Pl, Valencia (661) 254-2154 23874 Copper Hill Dr, Valencia (661) 294-1100

CATERING for any occasion

La Charrita Restaurant 24225 Main St, Newhall (661) 288-1204 La Cocina Bar & Grill 28022 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 297-4546 Las Rocas Mexican Grill 27923 Sloan Canyon Road Castaic (661) 257-6905 Medrano’s Mexican Restaurant 19319 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 367-4945

PIZZA Ameci Pizza & Pasta 28013 Seco Canyon, Santa Clarita (661) 296-6131 Chi Chi’s Pizza 27117 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 252-4405 23043 Soledad Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-4040 Mama Mia Pizza 25708 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 286-9183 Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-3895 Pieology Pizzeria 28295 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661)678-0234 Pizza Di Marco 27674 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia 661-295-8769

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N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

A Flock of Seagulls to play Santa Clarita By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

anyon Santa Clarita is once again over residents a taste of nostalgia with one of the biggest British stars of 80s new wave pop. A Flock of Seagulls is flying into the Santa Clarita Valley on Dec. 7 for a perfect follow-up act to anyone

planning to enjoy the Friday, Nov. 29 set by Naked Eyes. In addition to their signature hairstyles, A Flock of Seagulls is remembered for hits like “I Ran (So Far Away),” “Space Age Love Song” and “Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You),” and are currently promoting a record that has “all four original members; Mike Score, Ali Score, Paul Reynolds and Frank Maudsley, on

record for the first time since 1984,” according to the band’s website. After first bursting onto the scene thanks in large part to a heavy rotation on the MTV playlist (as well as on the radio) in the 1980s with the music video for “I Ran (So Far Away),” A Flock of Seagulls also earned critical acclaim and a Grammy for the instrumental “D.N.A.” “The band has been recognized as

E N T E R TA I N M E N T a pioneering act truly capturing the spirit of their time,” according to the Canyon Santa Clarita website. 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 – Saturday, by phone at (888) 645-5006, or via Ticket Master.com. For more info, visit Where musicmeetstheSoul.com. 

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N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

= Family Friendly Event

ONGOING Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. California farmers and specialty food purveyors come together rain or shine, to bring you a farmers’ market with the finest in fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, including organic, baked goods, flowers, herbs, cheeses and prepared foods. Old Town Newhall, 24500 Main St., Newhall. Info: oldtownnewhall. com/old-town-newhall-farmers-market Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Stroll, shop and enjoy the sounds of Northpark Village Square evenings through Nov. 21 for the Autumn Nights Music Series. Great shops, restaurants and free concerts full of family-friendly music to ease into those relaxing autumn evenings. 27756 McBean Parkway, Valencia. Info: facebook. com/events/2415899645364304/?event_ time_id=2415899655364303 Saturdays, 10:30-11:45 a.m. Come and enjoy group drumming with your family at our Kids Rhythm Club. Our 45 minute drumming session helps build self-confidence, self-esteem, expands the musical imagination and nurtures creative thinking. All ages and levels of ability are welcome and no prior musical experience is necessary. Drums and percussion instruments provided at no extra cost and reservations are not required. Adults $5, kids 12 and under free. Remo Music Center, 28101 Industry Drive, Valencia. Info: remo.com/experience/post/kids-rhythm-club-remomusic-center-2 First Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Flutterby is a no-charge open art studio for kids

! N I W

and their parents to stop by and make their own artwork to display. All art materials are provided and no prior registration necessary, as it’s free to the whole community. ARTree Community Arts Center, 22508 6th St., Newhall. Info: (661) 673-7500, http://theartree. org/events/ Third Saturday of the Month, 6-10 p.m. Join the monthly Deaf Social. Come and eat, play games and socialize. Starbucks, 25918 McBean Parkway, Valencia. Info: face book.com/events/2307889265908176/?event_ time_id=2307889295908173 Fourth Thursday of the Month, 7-9 p.m. Part of the Thursdays@ Newhall event series, Note by Note is a music night presenting audiences with a variety of genres at this free evening of fun. Music from bands, duos and soloists’ will play their blend of music for your listening pleasure. Come enjoy a wide range of music styles, including rock, folk, Celtic, Americana, blues, jazz, country, experimental, western and more! The MAIN, 24266 Main St., Santa Clarita. Info: thursdaysatnewhall.com/ notebynote/

EVENTS BY DATE Sunday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come to the free 28th annual Fine Art Craft Show featuring unique gifts and a shopping experience unlike any other! With over 50 artists’ booths showcasing high-quality, original arts and crafts, you are sure to find the perfect gift. Delicious food trucks and live music will kick off the holiday season. Old Orchard Park, 25023 Ave Rotella, Santa Clarita. Info: calendar.santa-clarita. com/event/28th_annual_fine_craft_show#

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CONGRATULATIONS to Mary Trinidad for correctly identifying Remasters Kitchen on page 29. 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 Or email contest@signalscv.com Advertiser:______________________________ Page #_______ Name:______________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________ Phone:______________________________________________ This week’s entries are due Wed. December Since4 1988 Winner to be announcedLunch in 2 weeks. ~ Dinner ~ Food to Go

Catering ~ Party room

Saturday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The annual Festival of Trees holiday fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley offers many beautifully designed and elaborately decorated large trees, tabletop trees and charming one-of-akind gingerbread houses. Large trees range in height from six to nine feet and many come with gifts including event tickets, wine, furniture, jewelry and more. $8. Westfield Town Center. 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia. Info: https://www.scvbgc.org/ festival-of-trees-santa-clarita Wednesday, Nov. 27, 3:30-4:30 p.m. The Valencia Library will host a puppet theater workshop! Join us for a fun puppet show! You will then have an opportunity to make your very own puppet to take home with you! Info: Lauren Frazier, (661) 799-6129, lfrazier@santa-clarita.com, santaclaritalibrary.evanced.info/signup/ Calendar Thursday, Nov. 28, 8:15-10 a.m. Make room for your upcoming feast by running (or walking) in The Paseo Club Turkey Trot! This is a fun Thanksgiving 5K, just bring a new unwrapped gift or a gift card for a child to support JCI Santa Clarita’s Santa’s Helpers! 27650 Dickason Drive. Valencia. Info: facebook.com/events/526927308139949/ Thursday, Nov. 28, 3-7 p.m. Join The Gentle Barn for our 20th annual GentleThanksgiving! Come feed turkeys, enjoy a delicious, gourmet, vegan meal and take part in a Native American drum circle. Come celebrate gentleness with us! 15825 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita. Info: gentlebarn.org/events/upcoming-events/ a-gentle-thanksgiving-california-2019

cut Series for the month of December. During this first session, participants will acquire knowledge on the different Cricut products available, get started, and practice using Cricut Design Space. 18601 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: santaclaritalibrary. evanced.info/signup/Calendar Friday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. Get you in the mood for the holiday season with College of the Canyons’ Holiday Concert and Sing Along. Vocalist Katherine Lench-Meyering joins the band as they perform favorites from the holiday season. “Rudolph” flies in and “Santa Is In The House.” “Christmas Time Is Here” and “Hanukkah Swings.” Come along with “Frosty” and the band and usher in the holidays. General admission $12, seniors and children $6. Info: www3.canyons.edu/Offices/PIO/Canyons PAC/holiday.html Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Placerita Canyon Nature Center will host its holiday craft fair fundraiser! Create and decorate your own holiday wreaths, centerpieces, and ornaments using a large assortment of fresh cut greenery, pine cones and other beautiful natural treasures. Children’s crafts will also be available. For those with allergy concerns, please note that peanut butter is used on some craft items. No finished craft items will be on sale--you must make your own at this event. 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ events/386959011996346/?event_time_ id=386959015329679

Saturday, Dec. 7, 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The So Cal Monster Truck RC racing Wednesday, Dec. 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The series will be back at Hot Rod Hobbies for the College of the Canyons Institute for Culinary winter finals with two awesome racing tracks Education will host the 2nd Annual Gin- Voted and freestyle to follow. Hot Rod Hobbies, gerbread House Display and Competition. All are invited to attend and participate! Best25845 Railroad Ave, Santa Clarita. Info: face Last year, we had over 20 amazing gingerbook.com/events/462247031276946/ Oriental serv bread house entries and over 175 people e d 1 30their Saturday, Dec. 7, 1 p.m. Join Pocock -3pvotes came1to:cast m on their favorites.Cuisine Brewing for their 4th Anniversary Beer Who will take home bragging rights and Festival with 20 other breweries, live bands, trophies this year? 26455 Rockwell Canyon Dinner Special and food trucks. All net proceeds from ticket Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: docs.google.com/ sales benefit the Castaic Education Foundaforms/d/e/1FAIpQLScBVlp1vV5rLrKJWthtion and the Santa Clarita Valley Education J8V6mDddae3-Wyy-UDtfe6kqzGUarQg/ viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&usp=mail_ Foundation. General admission $40, VIP form_link $50, designated driver $10. 24907 Avenue Tibbitts, Santa Clarita. Info: pocock.brown Thursday, Dec. 5, 4-6 p.m. The Canyon with purchase of $30 & up Country Library will host a free three part Cri- papertickets.com

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N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

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K I D S & FA M I LY

Top tips to transition back to work after baby

any new parents spend hours preparing for the arrival of a new baby — reading books, seeking professional advice and consulting friends and family. However, in focusing on birth, they may not get to prepare for other big milestones, like the transition back to work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more women are returning to work than ever before — more than 70% of women with children under 18 are in the labor force. However, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest new mothers may not be getting the support they need from health care providers, family members and employers to meet their breastfeeding goals. “Parenthood is complicated on its own,” said Melissa Gonzales, executive vice president of the Americas for Medela LLC. “Adding in a full workload is something that many new mothers take on within weeks after birth. With nearly two-thirds of moms going back to work after baby, there is a clear need to better the return-to-work transition for mothers in workplaces across America.

There are easy ways for employers to simplify that process so parents don’t have to choose between returning to work and continuing to provide breast milk to their babies.” Whether you are preparing for maternity leave, about to return to work after a baby or have already made the transition, the experts at Medela recommend considering these important workplace qualities:

Time and space

Employers are required to provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for one year after the child’s birth. Employers are also required to provide a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public which may be used by an employee to express breast milk. If you are planning to pump, check to see if your office has a private space to do so, and ensure there are accommodations to allow you to properly clean and sanitize your breast pump.

Travel considerations

If you are required to travel for work, look into your company’s existing policy on breast milk shipping and storage. With more women in

the workforce, some companies include breast milk shipping as a benefit for women who have recently given birth who may need to travel.

consultant. See if your employer can connect you to another mom or parent who can help you or offer advice as you make the transition.

Supportive resources

Other accommodations

Some companies provide educational resources about continuing to breastfeed while working fulltime. Ask if your employer provides resources to help you navigate the demands of breastfeeding, or if it provides access to virtual on-demand support such as a lactation

Three tips for breastfeeding at work

eturning to work after the birth of a baby demands organization and prioritization. This is especially true for parents who want to continue breastfeeding. Consider these tips when planning the transition: 1. Know your legal rights. Educate yourself on your federally protected rights so you can take a stand if your rights aren’t respected. Employers in the U.S. are required to provide breastfeeding moms with a private place and reasonable break time to pump.

2. Bring a backup. Consider keeping a spare breast pump kit in your car or

at your office, just in case you find yourself without the parts you need to pump, like storage bags. You may even consider an extra breast pump to eliminate the hassle of carrying one back and forth. 3. Reduce unnecessary stressors. Stress can affect your milk supply and make pumping more difficult. It can be a challenge to manage all the stressors, but finding a space at work that feels calm and peaceful can make a difference. Make signs so you’re not interrupted, and schedule time on your calendar so colleagues know you’re not available. (Family Features) 

As breast milk feeding becomes increasingly commonplace, companies are implementing policies to better accommodate working parents. Examples include extended parental leave, flexible hours, on-site child care and access to programs such as March of Dimes’ Healthy Babies Healthy Business program and New Moms’ Healthy Returns, a resource for employers created by Medela and Mamava.  Learn more at NewMomsHealthy Returns.com. (Family Features)

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K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Place-card puzzles add to Thanksgiving fun By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

lace cards are an indispensable addition to a Thanksgiving meal. They’re a little like croutons on a favorite soup, because they add style and pizzazz. They can even be whimsical! This year, let the kids’ inspirations for artful place cards enhance your Thanksgiving table decor. Long after you’ve ladled the gravy over the mashed potatoes for seconds and then thirds, your kids will remember the special contribution they made to the festivities. Here are two ideas:

Simple place cards

Homemade place cards can be as easy as cutting strips of nice paper or cardstock into 1-1/2-by-1-inch strips

and writing out each person’s name with a special pen. Decorate by drawing a simple portrait of the person to the side of the name, or add Thanksgiving-themed stickers. Set them on each plate over a folded napkin, or insert them in standard place-card stands. (Tip: Larger index cards give young children more space to write and draw.)

Puzzle place cards

Make each puzzle place card out of cardboard, construction paper or craft foam sheets. Draw and cut out the shape of an object with a Thanksgiving theme, such as a pilgrim hat, an ear of corn or a pumpkin pie. Paint or color the shape with markers if you wish. Make a different Thanksgiving design or symbol for each place setting. Cut out a portion of the shape,

which will be a puzzle piece. The cutout could be obvious, such as a feather on a turkey, or more complicated, like a random wavy shape typical of a traditional puzzle. Set the Thanksgiving table with a place card at each setting, minus the cutout. When guests arrive, put children in charge of giving a missing place-card piece to each guest. When they meet grandfather at the door, they’ll be bursting with excitement.

Will he find his place at the table? Kids love to know a special secret that grown-ups have to figure out! At mealtime, it’s a fun and memorable moment for all when each person finds the place card that completes the puzzle to discover who they will sit beside. Don’t be surprised if your kids ask to play the place-card puzzle game with new creations for December holiday gatherings. 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 NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”  ©2019 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

Five tips to help keep kids healthy during cold and flu season

t’s here again — that time of year when everyone seems to unwittingly pass colds and other illnesses around. As every parent knows, kids can bring germs home from school and share them with the entire family, spreading illness at warp speed. In fact, 60 million school days are missed every year by children nationwide due to preventable illnesses like cold and flu. What can you do to fight the spread of illness and help keep your kids — and you — healthier during cold and flu season this year? It’s all about practicing healthy habits and making sure you have the right tools. Lysol’s Here for Healthy Schools campaign is working with schools, educators and parents to help reinforce healthy practices and curb the spread of illnesses in the classroom. As part of the program, spokesperson, actress and parent Sarah Michelle Gellar shared five tips for keeping your kids healthy during cold and flu season, and beyond:

Model healthy habits

“Your children pay closer attention to smaller things than you’d expect,” says Gellar. She advises modeling

memories take place in the kitchen.” By making her children part of the process of planning, preparing and serving meals, she stresses, they are constantly learning not only how to eat healthy, balanced meals, but also how to create one for themselves.

Get a flu shot

Gellar insists that everyone in her household get a flu shot each year to help her family stay flu-free throughout the year. This also helps prevent spreading the flu to anyone else who might be vulnerable.

the habits you want your children to follow. Demonstrate how you use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze. And be sure that they see you washing your hands often, especially before eating a meal. Actions do speak louder than words, so practicing what you preach can go a long way to instilling these healthy habits in your kids.

Reinforce healthy habits with caregivers

Gellar explains how important it is that caregivers and others who spend time with her children follow the same healthy habits she wants to

teach her children. “I truly rely on my village to help me,” says Gellar. “This means my children interact with many different people within their day-to-day activities, and inevitably come in contact with even more germs.” She makes sure everyone who spends time with her children understands the vital role these healthy habits play in helping to avoid preventable illnesses.

Involve kids in preparing healthy meals “Food is so important in our family,” says Gellar. “Most of our fondest

Keep kids home when they’re sick

“While we want to limit the number of days out of school for children to ensure they’re thriving and growing,” Gellar explains, “it’s important as parents to understand when to keep them home.” Because colds, flu and other illnesses are easily spread, sending children to school when they’re clearly under the weather will likely lead to more children in the classroom getting sick and missing school. Following these healthy habits will help keep everyone’s sick days to a minimum this year, so children can learn, grow and thrive at school. (BPT) 

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FOOD

hen holiday gatherings turn into all-day events, having meals ready from morning to night becomes an important part of seasonal hosting. Starting with breakfast through the main course followed by a savory dessert, a full day of celebration calls for a variety of dishes. To help keep your crowd fueled for a wide range of activities, consider these recipes for Hot Cocoa Pancakes to get your morning started, Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash to pair with a holiday ham and Black Forest Cake to end the festivities on a high note. Find more holiday recipe inspiration at Culinary.net.

Begin the Holiday with a Family Breakfast

With so many activities scheduled and places to be during the holidays, starting the morning with a filling breakfast can help set your family on the path to enjoyable moments with loved ones. These Hot Cocoa Pancakes require little time in the kitchen, leaving you more time to spend with the family before hitting the road or working on decorations for seasonal gatherings. Made with Aunt Jemima pancake mix, containing no artificial coloring or flavors, this recipe makes it simple to put breakfast on the table quickly while still achieving a meal full of flavor. Visit auntjemima.com for more family-friendly recipes.

Hot Cocoa Pancakes

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 2 minutes per pancake Yield: 12 pancakes (3 per serving) 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

1 pound (3 medium) Wisconsin yellow-flesh potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch chunks 1 small butternut squash (about 1 pound), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks water 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 3 tablespoons butter, divided 8-10 fresh (2-3-inch) sage leaves, stacked and cut into 1/4-inch strips 1/2 cup 1% milk freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup 2% or non-fat milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups Aunt Jemima Original Complete or Buttermilk Complete Pancake & Waffle Mix 1/4 cup water marshmallow spread (optional) chocolate syrup (optional) Aunt Jemima Syrup (optional)

Heat skillet over medium-low heat or electric griddle to 375 F. In microwave-safe bowl, mix cocoa powder, sugar, milk and vanilla until well combined. Heat in microwave 30 seconds, or until warm. Stir again to ensure mixture is combined. Combine cocoa mixture, pancake mix and water. Stir until large lumps disappear (do not beat or overmix). If batter is too thick, add additional 1-2 tablespoons water. Pour slightly less than 1/4 cup

batter onto lightly greased skillet or griddle. Cook 90 seconds, or until bubbles appear on surface. Turn and cook additional 30 seconds. Repeat with remaining batter. Top pancakes with marshmallow spread and drizzle chocolate syrup, or top with syrup.

In 3-quart saucepan, cover potatoes and squash with water; add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat, cover and cook until tender, 1215 minutes.

Party-Perfect Potatoes

Almost every holiday meal calls for side dishes to complement the main course, and as one of the most versatile base ingredients available, potatoes often provide home chefs with a multitude of options. Served mashed, fried, scalloped, sliced, diced, boiled, roasted or just about any style in-between, potatoes are ideal for matching with the centerpiece of your family meal. These Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash call for Wisconsin yellow-flesh potatoes to achieve a dense, creamy texture with their just-buttered appearance. Find more dishes for your holiday gatherings at eatwisconsinpotatoes. com.

Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

In small saucepan over medium heat, mix 2 tablespoons butter and sage. Tilting pan and watching closely, cook about 3 minutes, until butter foams and begins to brown; keep warm. Thoroughly drain potatoes and squash, return to pan and shake 1-2 minutes over low heat. Using hand masher, roughly mash to create chunky mixture. Over low heat, gently mix in remaining butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon into serving bowl and drizzle with brown butter and sage. (Family Features) 

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N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

H O L I D AY S

Holiday Boutiques and Craft Fairs By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

‘T

is the season for gifting and gift buying. The Santa Clarita Valley (and beyond) offers some exceptional chances to snap up that “perfect” gift you didn’t even know you needed. Boutiques and craft fairs are the best places to find unusual and unique gifts.

The 25th Dudley House Victorian Holiday Boutique

Nov. 29-Dec. 1 and Dec. 6-8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 197 N. Ashwood Ventura 93003 Info www.conejo valleyguide.com/do somethingblog/historicdudley-house-museumin-ventura.htm The Dudley House is an 1892 Victorian farm house, one of 35 Ventura County properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The House is beautifully decorated by dozens of crafters who will be selling handmade items.

Patchwork Show Santa Ana

Dec. 1, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Artists’ Village, Second Street at Sycamore Santa Ana 92725 Shop for holiday gifts from more than 200 makers at this huge open-air marketplace. Showcases local artists, crafters and designers alongside artisan food, DIY crafting, food trucks and music. All patchwork shows are family friendly and free to attend.

After enjoying the 39th annual Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital’s 39th annual Holiday Home Tour, be sure to visit the free boutique, which will be offering a wide selection of gifts for sale. PHOTO BY SUE SPRINGER / THE SIGNAL

Holiday Home Tour Boutique

Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Henry Mayo Center (located on the hospital campus), 23803 McBean Parkway, Valencia, 91355 Info: www.henrymayo.com/news-updates/2019/ september/henry-mayo-newhall-hospitalannounces-39th-annua/ Wide selection of holiday gifts for sale.

Placerita Canyon Nature Center Holiday Craft Fair Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 19152 Placerita Canyon Road Newhall 91321 Info www.placerita.org/event-calendar/ Create and decorate your own holiday wreaths, centerpieces, and ornaments using a large assortment of fresh-cut greenery, pine cones and other beautiful natural treasures. Fundraising event for the Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates and that there is a charge for all activities (cash and checks only, no credit and debit cards accepted.) Make your own wreath, yule log, or other craft. Children’s crafts available. For those with allergy concerns be aware peanut butter is used on some craft items.

VHS Choir 16th Annual Holiday Boutique

Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Valencia High School 27801 Dickason Drive Valencia 91354 Info http://www.valenciachoir.com Valencia High School’s award-winning choir is hosting its annual holiday boutique fundraiser featuring more than 30 vendors. This fundraiser helps pay for uniforms, theory books, performances, competitions and travel. 

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H E A LT H

Understanding medical sharps, safe disposal options

f you’re among the millions of people in the United States who suffer from a chronic illness, you may use “sharps” to manage your medical condition at home or on the go. For example, many people with diabetes self-inject at least two insulin shots every day, and conditions including allergies, arthritis, cancer, infertility, migraines and psoriasis, among others, may also require the use of a sharp to administer medication. A medical term for devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin, sharps may be used at home, at work and while traveling to manage medical conditions. Examples of sharps include: Needles fine, slender, hollow pieces of metal used to inject medication under the skin Syringes devices to which needles are attached in order to inject medication into or withdraw fluid from the body

Lancets, also called “fingersticks” instruments with a short, two-edged blade used to get drops of blood for testing Auto injectors, including epinephrine pens syringes pre-filled with fluid medication designed to be self-injected into the body Infusion sets tubing system with a needle used to deliver drugs to the body Connection needles needles that connect to a tube used to transfer fluids in and out of the body However, disposing of those medical sharps safely may be a concern. In fact, in interviews conducted by SafeNeedleDisposal.org with sharps users, people who use needles and lancets to manage their medical conditions believe it is their responsibility to dispose of sharps safely, but lack clear, factual information on how to do so. Existing information does not always personalize disposal guidelines

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for people in every state or locality. “SafeNeedleDisposal.org helps people in the United States make sense of safe sharps disposal options nearest to their home, work or wherever is convenient,” said Larry Ellingson, vice president of the National Diabetes Volunteer Leadership Council. “This resource is much needed for people who regularly use needles to manage health conditions like diabetes and want to do the right thing with their used sharps.” According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, sharps not disposed of properly may cause injury. Consider these three steps for safe and proper sharps disposal: 1. Place used sharps in an FDAcleared sharps disposal container or a strong plastic container such as an empty laundry detergent or bleach bottle. 2. Seal the container with duct tape and label it “do not recycle.” 3. For most sharps users, place the

sealed container in the household trash, never the recycling. A resource like SafeNeedleDisposal.org can be used to look up local disposal guidelines by zip code. For more information on safe disposal of sharps, visit SafeNeedleDisposal. org. (Family Features)

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PROFILE

Big dreams in Sand Canyon By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

ith the formation of successful startup companies, foundations and leadership centers throughout his career, Steve Kim is no stranger to business ventures. Now, after taking over the Robinson Ranch Golf Course in 2016, converting it into a 27-hole desert course and renaming it the Sand Canyon Country Club, Kim has a dream to expand that vision. “When I try to get away with the kids, there’s no place to go,” Kim said, adding that very few nearby resorts are family-friendly. If approved, Kim plans to transform the country club into a resort and spa with hotel rooms and villas, restaurants, a spa and gym, ballrooms, outdoor recreation, a kid’s center and a new nine-hole golf course. Kim hopes that the resort can become a family-friendly destination, known for its natural setting, architecture and five-star service.

Early life

Kim was born in Seoul, Korea, in 1949, during a hard time in the country’s history, as it had just been liberated from Japanese colonial rule a few years prior. Much of his early childhood revolved around the Korean War and he grew up with very little, yet he studied hard, which he believed was the only way to help his family. “We didn’t have many jobs out there in Korea, and the country was still very underdeveloped,” he said, adding that he hoped he would find more job opportunities in this country. “I didn’t know what my life (in America) was going to be like, but it

was almost something like a destiny.” In 1976, he went back to school and began working at an auto parts warehouse, making only $2.50 an hour. “When I got here, I really started at the bottom. It was not easy doing both (school and work) while adjusting to life in the U.S.” After working at numerous larger companies, he took a position at a smaller company. “There was a paradigm shift, so I had the opportunity to learn something new every day.”

Business ventures

Kim continued to want to do something more, and though startups were uncommon at the time, he had a strong desire to start his own company, gathering engineering friends to create Fibermux Corp. in 1984. “I didn’t think about the consequences and just went for it,” he said, adding that the company began in a garage as they worked to grow it through trial and error. “These ventures were very rare, but I made it through. I think I was born with this fighting mentality.” By 1990, Fibermux had grown to a net profit of $10 million, making $50 million in annual sales, and he later was able to sell the company for $54 million. “By doing this, I learned from it,” he said, adding that he was constantly trying to understand how he could do better. It didn’t take Kim long to start dreaming up a new challenge, and he attributes the success of his second venture, Xylan Corporation, to good timing. “I had a lot more experience, and I was able to visualize and look through to the future (of the company).” Learning from his mistakes, he realized the importance of hiring good people and utilizing them properly.

In the last few years, Kim, shown here with thenboard President Michael Berger of the SCV Child & Family Center and CFC CEO Joan Aschoff, has become a major supporter of nonprofit organizations in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Steve Kim, who built himself up from a hardscrabble start in post-war Korea to a billionaire entrepreneur in Sand Canyon, is looking to bring a family-friendly fivestar resort to the Santa Clarita Valley. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

His goal was not only to become a market leader but also be listed on the NASDAQ within three years. Not only did he accomplish that goal, but Xylan was recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in California in 1996, eventually selling for $2 billion in 1999. After the sale of Xylan, Kim became a venture capitalist, making time to provide management advice for other companies hoping to grow.

Giving back

While in search of a new passion, Kim created a number of foundations, including the Steve Y. Kim Foundation and Korea International Music Foundation. “If I can help someone who is financially struggling, why not?” he asked rhetorically, adding that his life changed because of it. “It really made me feel good to be able to do that and be able to help … I think it’s the best part of your life. You concentrate on accomplishing your goals, but the money and material possessions really don’t mean much at all. So, to be able to do something good and be recognized is really what’s important.” Over the years, Kim has used these foundations to help many organizations in need, including many in the Santa Clarita Valley, such as the SCV Senior Center, Child & Family Center, Bridge to Home and College of the Canyons Foundation. “Mr. Kim recently became a great supporter of Bridge to Home,” Executive Director Michael Foley said.

“Last year, he made a tremendous difference through a massive countywide backpack donation for those experiencing homelessness across the County. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership.” Last year, Kim donated $25,000 to the Child & Family Center’s Crisis Aftercare Response & Education Team, or CARE, which allows trained professionals to assist the community’s emotional needs immediately following a traumatic event. “It was a two-year commitment to getting the CARE team developed, getting it off the ground and implementing it,” said Cheryl Jones, V.P. of marketing and community outreach. “Thanks to Mr. Kim, we have that resource available to the community … which the whole community benefits from.” In 2001, he established the Dream Hope Future Foundation, dedicated to helping young, aspiring entrepreneurs in Korea, and in 2007, he decided to move back to focus more on working with the foundation. At that time, Kim authored his first book and began traveling the country holding lectures at schools for youth. Soon, he had opened Dream Hope Future Leadership Centers, where they found innovative, new ways to educate youth through camps held at the centers.

Sand Canyon Country Club In 2016, Kim received a call informing him that the Robinson Ranch Golf Course, which he had

N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

invested in back in 2005, was up for sale. “I saw this is another opportunity,” Kim said. “This course is just really beautiful and this property is unbelievable. It’s a golden gem out here.” The 2016 Sand Fire devastated the Santa Clarita community, and though the fire only damaged a few holes, Kim used the shut down for repairs as a chance to remodel the course and clubhouse. Soon, Kim had moved back to America to fully take over operations, and after nine months of renovations and delays caused by mudslides, the course was reopened. In recent years, Santa Clarita has received some much-needed rain, which has helped to regrow quite a bit of the landscape surrounding the golf course. “I met Mr. Kim soon after he acquired what was the Robinson Ranch (Golf Course),” Councilman Bob Kellar said. “I’ve met with him on a number of occasions, and all … have been very positive. I have found him to be a very reputable and hardworking individual. He has been very gener-

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ous and supportive in the community in various ways.” Since then, Kim has begun his newest venture: the Sand Canyon Resort. With high-quality furniture, prefab buildings and state-of-the-art technology, Kim hopes to create a resort with a certain “wow” factor. “I’m experimenting right now. Everything has to be something special,” he said, adding that he feels it’s important to add his own personal touch. “We are so much involved in all the little things and every bit of detail to make sure everything has that ‘wow’ effect.” Kim’s been enjoying the process of designing the resort. “It’s a lot of fun because I get exposed to and get to learn new things every day.” Kim plans to preserve a majority of the property’s natural space, only using 77 of the 200-acre space while keeping buildings “low-profile” and away from the main roads. While Kim hopes to create hundreds of new jobs and boost the local economy, he remains committed to addressing the concerns of residents regarding the resort.

PROFILE

Kim took over Sand Canyon Country Club not long after the area was devastated by the Sand Fire, but he’s rebuilt the course and added a number of amenities to the club.

“I think we can do very well … and I want these people to be happy.” he said. “This is a good thing for the legacy of the community and to build the community up for the next generation.” 

Sand Canyon Country Club is located at 27734 Sand Canyon Road. For more information, call 661-252-8484 or visit sandcanyoncc.com. To download Steve Kim’s new book, “American Dream,” visit bit.ly/KimAmerican Dream.

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2 8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Water heater leaks and necessary permits By Robert Lamoureux Signal Contributing Writer

Water heater leak I live in Canyon Country and read your article religiously. I wish I had listened to some of your advice, because we came home from vacation to find that our entire living room, family room, dining room and small bedroom downstairs had completely flooded. The water made its way out the back door, which was unfortunate because out the front perhaps a neighbor may have seen it. We don’t know how long the water sat, but we had remediation people here and we have the biggest mess on our hands. Ultimately, it was our water heater that went bad and my husband being handy, changed this himself. He is of the mindset that because we are the owners doing the work, we are exempt from getting permits for this change. Are we bound by law to get permits even though we are the property owners? — Gina P. Gina, Absolutely you are required to permit such a thing. I’ve said it 100 times and I’ll keep saying it: The city is there for safety. The reason permits are required is because they go handin-hand with inspections, ensuring that work is done properly and safely ensuring the safety and well-being of all concerned. A water heater deals with gas —

meaning it’s a potentially explosive situation in an earthquake if the installation isn’t done properly — so a water heater needs to be properly strapped. In the event of an earthquake, you don’t want to budge, which could cause gas lines to become disconnected. Ventilation is also an important safety factor. The inspector is there to verify that all concerns are tended to, not only for your sake, but for those around you also. A water heater explosion can cause catastrophic damage for quite a distance. So yes, Gina, call the city and get them out to inspect this work, for everyone’s sake. Hope the advice helps and remember: the city is there for safety. Good 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. 

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Protect your home and family from flooding

Flooding is a natural disaster that often strikes with little, if any, warning. Floods can occur day or night and any time of the year. Flooding can also occur in all different terrains. Flooding can cause considerable distress, uproot families and damage structures. But even people who live in flood zones can take steps to be flood-safe. • Have a “go bag” ready. This is a great idea in preparation for any type of emergency situation. Go bags can include a few changes of clothes, important documents and phone numbers, essential toiletries, extra cash, and non-perishable foods. You may want to stock go bags with flashlights, batteries and waterproof shoes as well. Evacuate if a flood is predicted to be severe. 1. Know your flood level. Check flood maps at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website or your local building department.

This will help you know just how high the water might rise in certain scenarios so you can plan accordingly. • Safeguard key home systems. Protect sockets, switches, breakers, and wiring in a home by placing them at least one foot above the expected flood level in your area, offers the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. Move the furnace, water heater and any other key appliances so they sit above the property’s flood level. • Vent the water. Foundation vents, sump pumps, drains, and more can help keep water from accumulating in or around the foundation of a home. • Prepare for the worst. Home piers or columns can lift the lowest floor of a home above flood level. ItÕs an expensive undertaking but can be worth it in high-flood areas. Flooding is no joke. Homeowners can safeguard their homes with some protective steps. (MC) 

N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 9

GARDENING

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

n the middle of the holiday season our human desire to organize and control everything can add a lot of stress to our lives. Then throw in all the traffic, the guests, the up and down weather and the wildfire dramas we have been experiencing. A nice quiet vacation certainly would be in order. But this is not an easy time to get away. …Or is it? It is easy to look at your landscape as an area of “have-tos;” a place where the grass needs mowing, gardens need weeding, trees and shrubs need pruning and hardscapes (permanent features) need constant repair. But it’s important to take the time and let your garden pay back for all the efforts and expense you put into it. Here is a short list of just some other ways of looking at your outdoor property space. Think of it as: A place of mental and emotional calm A little private space you can go where you can be yourself.

A place for thoughts As the season transitions, nature shows her colors in many ways, from late berries, fruits and foliage to migrating birds. Take the time to forget your personal list of to-dos and see the larger transitions that are going on around you. A place for exercise Exercise is probably the most healthy way to burn off stress. You can prune, rake and weed to use chores for exercise. Or, you can build exercise into your landscape. Exercise can be fun for adults and the kids can keep busy for many hours in outdoor sunshine taking in healthy vitamin D.

feel proud of. And, the garden teaches us many lessons about acceptance (when our plans go awry and turn out better than we planned), humor (watching comical antics of wildlife), the circle of life, and so much more about the larger existence in which we live. When we bring those fundamental lessons into our everyday lives we find a more balanced syncronicity in all our relationships. A place to regenerate Gardening can be a major contributor to your good health. It will provide fresh air, vitamin D, exercise and a different view of the world rather than all the doom and gloom of the news reports of human behavior across the globe. Science has shown that when you stop and allow your mind to empty while looking at flowers or insects, the theta waves in your brain get a chance to take over and rest your mind. This isn’t much different from meditation or biofeedback and can refresh you better than a good nap. After a short period of resting your mind, you can return to the day’s demands regenerated, more creative, and more productive. Make sure you design in a space to enjoy your garden. Seating can

come in the form of formal furniture, a cozy hammock, a decorative tree stump or tree trunk on its side, a shaded bench or a built-in retaining wall topped with comfortable cushions. If you find a hidden space surrounded by walls or, better, living trees or shrubs you can feel as though you are on a vacation elsewhere. Or, take your garden one step further by designing a theme garden that reminds you of somewhere you’d like to escape to, whether real or fantasy. Holidays are times when family and friends get together. They can be fun and uplifting. But there is also plenty of work involved organizing, cleaning, cooking, decorating and planning. Not all friends and family events go smoothly and personalities can occasionally clash. Time restraints can cause pressure. And holiday times can stir up anxiety and depression. After guests go, there can be a sense of overwhelm with clean up and backlogged chores left undone. Enjoy the gifts of the holidays, but let the garden gift you respite, too. Even the best planned events have periods of stress. Look to your garden for a little rest and relaxation. It’s

great, instant form of therapy (without the office bill). And if you take the time to watch the events unfurling in the garden – the growth of various plants, the interaction of insects, a bee pollinating, a butterfly sunning itself – you might even get a peek into the bigger flow of life that can put many daily stressors into perspective. We are all a part of something way bigger…. However you relax in your garden, you are likely to return to your everyday list of to-dos refreshed and energized. And that›s a good way to make your holidays truly happy. 

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A place where you can make a difference Living in the working world can become frustrating when you feel run over by events you can’t control. A garden will often grow in unexpected ways, but you can choose plants, sculpt areas to design them to your taste and generally guide your landscape to grow in a way you can

Top: Creating a garden for wildlife can soothe the spirit. It’s easy to be enthralled by the beauty of this Swallowtail butterfly lighting on the flowers of a Jupiter’s Beard plant. Right: Comfortable seating can become a centerpiece of the garden when it is artistic. PHOTOS BY JANE GATES

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3 0 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

TIMERANGER

Happy Birthday to Tom Frew! He’s 29,006…! Good darn thing these few hundred thousand ponies are trained to stay in place with but a mere clearing of the throat. Think my hand would get tired holding all those reins. We’ve a most interesting preThanksgiving trail ride ahead into SCV history, as the French say: dear pals de saddle. There’s turkey hijacks, a bisected bad man, the day they poisoned every single fish in Lake Hughes and a Signal editorial on “Sex Morons.” By golly. We were against them then. We’re against them now. Share these suggestions, in this exact order, with your noble steeds: “Giddy” followed by “up …” WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• Happy birthday to the first person in the SCV On Nov. 28, oh, say, a million years ago when volcanoes were cooling and great dinosaurs paused in their grazing to stare at a distant roar, longtime saddlepal, SCV history expert and really, really, really, really longtime resident Tom Frew was born. Actually, he was born so long ago, it was before there was language and Tom was just called, “Ug.” And no. It’s not short for anything. If you happen to bump into Tom this week, give him some carrion or berries. It’ll bring back fond memories of his Cro-Magnon childhood growing up in Newhall. Happy birthday, amigo! NOV. 24, 1919

• Yup. We used to have a 7th Street W.F. Erwin finished grading what was once 7th Street. The new link between Happy Valley and downtown Newhall had been originally cut earlier, but was far too steep for the cars of the day to handle. Making matters worse, the first day they oiled it, cars coming down the decline slid right through the intersection. Erwin and his road crew went back to make the grade less steep and 7th Street was renamed, “Market” an exact century ago. How ‘bout them apples? • And we don’t mean hand buzzers Southern California Edison was asking locals to “… give the gift of electricity.” SCE thought that giving the missus electric wiring to her cabin was just the perfect gift that keeps on

became incinerated and started the 12-acre blaze. • Another bozo hunter story Rancher John Witt chased five young trespassing deer hunters from his ranch. The five came back and shot up his hog pen, killing a valuable boar. NOV. 24, 1949

giving. How do you wrap something like that? • Milch. Milk. Whatever it takes. Before phonetics, we had The Mighty Signal. Check out this classified ad from 1919: “FOR SALE — Good young milch cow.” Wonder if it went, “Muuuuuuw …” NOV. 24, 1929

• The answer to the question is: ‘Very carefully.’ The question? How do you chloroform a 120-pound German shepherd? On this date, 90 years ago, Mrs. G.H. Mistler and her very large police dog were beset by crooks. They ran her truck, filled with chickens and turkeys, off the road, drugged her and used a chloroform-soaked rag to subdue her alleged watchdog. Then, they swiped all the poultry. • Not exactly attracting a flock The Mighty Signal got a letter from local pastor, the Rev. H.G.C. Hallock. Hallock was taking a year to be a missionary in China, seeking converts. If anything, Hallock had zeal. In his note back to Newhall, he felt confident he could convert even the “most hardened idolaters” of the old Chinese priesthood. Hallock noted that “the idolaters” weren’t “much impressed with my Message.” NOV. 24, 1939

• Wonder who the heck was Clifton? Back on this date, the Saugus Union School District went back to its original name. For about a year, Saugus, for reasons unknown to me, was named, Clifton. • There’s a well-done Thanksgiving bird joke here somewhere … A crowd estimated at about 1,000 stopped along Weldon Canyon to watch a brush fire. Seems a large owl flew into some high-tension lines,

• Fishing on a grand scale Lake Hughes was teeming with, well, if not fishermen, people who scoop fish. Seems Fish & Game introduced some rogue species that destroyed the regular fauna. F&G went in, poisoned every fish in the lake and all the creatures were floating on the top, d-e-a-d. The chemical Fish & Game used wasn’t poisonous to humans — much — and folks were crowding the waters, scooping up fish right off the top of the lake. The state game department then replenished Lake Hughes with indigenous fish. • Tim Whyte assures us he didn’t write this The Signal editorial for Thanksgiving week? It was entitled: “SEX MORONS BELONG IN ASYLUMS.” Guess the traditional topic, “ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY BIRD” was too pedestrian. NOV. 24, 1959

• Will we ever stop growing? Ed Holden, a visiting dignitary from the Regional Planning Commission, told mucky-mucks at a luncheon that the population for the SCV was estimated at about 16,000 — with 20% of that incarcerated in prisons. Interesting note: According to the Newhall Water Co., Newhall had never failed to gain in population every single year since 1920. Holden chillingly predicted that the population of the valley would hit 160,000 by 1980 and that our saturation point would be 250,000. All those who would like the valley to return to 16,000, raise your hands... • Almost sounds Tahitian On this date, the Native Daughters of the Golden West and the state of California officially dedicated a bronze plaque for the old Lyon’s Station at the base of Fremont Pass. In 2019 directions, that would be at Eternal Valley, today. NOV. 24, 1969

• And while you’re at it, fix the darn valleys!! Homeowners at Princess Homes protested their developer for

shoddy construction. One picketer carried the sign: “WE WANT THESE DAMN HILLS FIXED!!!” Seems many of the homes started heading south after the torrential rains of 1969. Some of the brand-new homes had to be bulldozed. • And a quarter-pound of Brussels sprouts A guestimation by TMS found that local residents ate 45 tons of turkey over Thanksgiving. The calculation was based on an estimated 6,000 turkeys sold at about 15 pounds each. NOV. 24, 1979

• Early out-of-control government Scott Newhall penned one of his famous front-page editorials, this one entitled: “Send the WLACRCD Maharajahs to Jail.” The lads at the West Los Angeles County Resource Conservation District had been indulging in a lengthy clown show, traveling to unnecessary junkets (like a fact-finding mission to Catalina Island) and traveling first cabin. Every meeting was a pie fight with one member a certified insane person (and on parole for theft) and another openly drinking malt liquor from a can and paper bag during meetings. Mostly, the five men argued about how to spend the $185,000 in their coffers. They drew heat when they decided to buy themselves cars, two bicycles and a $15,000 color Xerox machine. It got even stranger when the group, which did essentially nothing, voted to move their offices to something larger and more comfortable and to hire an interior decorator to design the place. Well. I can see from the rush of light up ahead we’re back at our particular time warp station. If I don’t see you before Thursday, all y’all have a most wonderful, peaceful and rewarding Thanksgiving. Sure appreciate you SCVianites. Whatdya say? See you first Sunday of December with another exciting Time Ranger adventure? Until then ¡Vayan con Dios, amigos! 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. 

N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

GETTIN’ UP THERE

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 1

SENIORLIVING

Change my diaper to Motown

By Diana Sevanian Signal Staff Writer

y first awareness of music’s magical ability to cast spells upon my feet and feelings occurred in 1957. Only five-years old, and merrily cocooned within the living room of our post-WWII North Hollywood tract home, I repeatedly played two of my parents’ 45s on the record player — catchy tunes that made me smile and spin: Rosemary Clooney’s “Botch-A-Me” and The Ames Brothers’ “The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane.” The melodies, rhythms, palpable joy, even words I didn’t understand, they all resonated within me. How I’d dance and skip and sing. Although I barely knew my fanny from my fibulas, I knew this treat was right up there with the Good Humor Man arriving and me having a quarter in my pocket. Throughout my years, music has been my memory siren call and melancholy muse. On a DNA level, I associate many songs with the most pivotal times of my life: Youth. Love. Adventures. Motherhood. Vitality. Heartbreak. Pensive realizations. Summer fun, etc. It remains my aural daily mega-vitamin. On a more subdued note, I admit that like many Boomers I’m contemplating my own mortality. It comes with the territory. If my deepest wish comes true though, I shall peacefully drop off as an 80-something, apron-wearing Granny who just removed her last tray of baked sweets from the oven. My snickerdoodles will be done, and so will I. Appropriately, I’ll have been listening to my beloved Moody Blues singing “Go Now.” Knowing that Murphy’s Law and other maladies often cause far less easy passages, I also realize that I may wind up in a skilled nursing

facility. Meh. Yes, I understand that for many people they are necessary 24/7 care centers. And some aren’t even awful. Speaking for myself, though, and my g-g-g-g-generation, if we do land in nursing homes, they’d better be enlightened ones that play our kind of music — those endorphin-eliciting selections from the songbooks of our lives. None of that overhead “Strangers in the Night” instrumental doodoo. I’m talking original recordings from the Four Tops, Doors, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Kinks, Stones, Marvin Gaye, Beatles, Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Beau Brummels, Byrds, Joanie Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, Beach Boys, Elvis, Simon and Garfunkel, Earth, Wind and Fire, Cream, Miles Davis, Santana, Carly Simon, Tom Petty, and legions more. Some folks may have forgotten their address or what they just ate for dinner, but they probably haven’t lost their golden oldie synapses. Like acoustic mood enhancers, music does wonders for the brain and body. Research shows it can reduce anxiety, pain, and blood pressure, brighten one’s outlook, and boost alertness, memory and sleep quality. These positive effects can also help people afflicted by dementia/ Alzheimer’s, and speed recovery of stroke patients. That’s one “efficacious” drug with amazing side effects. If the professionals can’t restore us to our better days, at least help summon our most tender, powerful, and meaningful memories. BTW: Should the nursing home admins really want to be good to me, throw in some Rosemary Clooney and Ames Brothers. I may not have the moves by then, but the five-year-old will gladly come out to play.  Diana Sevanian is a retired registered nurse and longtime Signal features writer and columnist.

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N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

INTERIORDESIGN

Decorate with a nose toward inviting holiday aromas

sential oils, which can be diluted and sprayed on surfaces or into the air. Exercise caution around upholstery, or test for staining before use.

oliday decor is as much about the sights and sounds as it is about the scents of the season. Few things evoke the holiday spirit as much as the aroma of fresh evergreen or spicy cinnamon and cloves. Incorporating inviting aromas into holiday decor can make homes feel even more special. Filling a home with fragrant decor takes a little ingenuity and planning. Here are some ideas to incorporate the scents of the holiday season into your decor.

• Use a real Christmas tree. An easy way to create a pine-like scent indoors is to select a real Christmas tree. Ask the tree farm which varieties are the most fragrant. If a fresh tree is not possible, fill a decorative basket with pine cones and evergreen boughs for that woodsy appeal. • Create a seasonal scented simmer. Take to the stove to make a homemade air infusion from ingredients in

• Make beeswax ornaments. Add scented oils to melted beeswax and pour into molds. Hang these creations as ornaments on trees or in other areas of the home. • Craft some “gingerbread” ornaments. A mixture of cinnamon, applesauce and glue can be used to make ornaments or gift tags that resemble gingerbread cookies, and these ornaments have more staying power than actual cookies. and around the house. Simmer pine branches, citrus peels, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and whatever else can be placed in a pot or slow cooker with water. The scents will permeate the house for hours if enough water is added to the mixture. • Make holiday sachets. Some of

the same ingredients for the holiday simmer can be dried and sewn into sachets. Add ribbon and hang on real or artificial trees. Or tuck the pouches into various areas around the house. • Use essential oils. Natural food stores and other retailers may sell es-

• Design a pretty pomander. Stud an orange with cloves. Cut off the top of the orange and hollow out a place for a small tea light. The warmth of the flame will produce more scent. Rich and inviting aromas can fill a home with the holiday spirit. (MC) 

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N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 33

19614 Green Mountain, Santa Clarita

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N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

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Happy Valley Single Story Home

ID#9401

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5+3 – 2,950 sq ft, single story, classic California ranch style pool home in Happy Valley. Lot is 11,822 sq ft and there is tons of RV/Boat/Toy parking. $825,000

Dean Cox 23322 Maple St., Newhall, 91321

PREMIER SENIOR COMMUNITY Age Restricted- 55+ Senior Community

19409 Oak Crossing Road

Manya Prybyla DRE #01920105

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RE/MAX of Valencia CalBRE #01331788

661-644-6120

Condominium Built:1969

2 Total Bedrooms, 1 3/4 Baths Approx.1332 sq. ft. Forced Air Conditioning /Heat 1 Car Garage Composition Roof End Unit - Enclosed Patio Smooth Ceilings Laminate, Carpet & Tile Flooring, Tile Entry GreenBelt & Mountain View Front Mini Patio Extra Windows Extra Storage Long Driveway Wide Street…….and more!

26710 Oak Branch Circle, Newhall, CA 91321

ElliE lacy - (661) 341-6226 CalBRE # 0040871 - EllieCLacy@yahoo.com

DRE 01819459

Newly refurbished two bedroom, two bath condo in sought after Friendly Valley Senior Country Club Community. UP grades include a brand new kitchen including range and dishwasher, new Pergo style flooring thru-out, freshly painted and smoothed ceilings, lovely atrium with art work done by renowned artist Miguel Ramirez. Nice sense of elevation with roof top and mountain view. This thriving Senior community offers so much to do including two golf courses, card rooms little theater group, trips to casinos, RV parking and so much more.....$393,000

Lake View Home in Valencia Bridgeport! www.realtyexecutives-scv.com/agent/mary-ruiz

4 + 3.5 with 3,255sq. ft, Fantastic Location/ Community, Includes Spacious Loft and Office! Move-In-Ready! $864,000 Large Private Patio!!! Realty Executives Homes

24106 Lyons Ave, Newhall CA

Mary Ruiz, DRE #01325024 661-714-5356

Exceptional Friendly Valley Country Club Location

Annetta Kauzor DRE #01899575

$389,900

Just minutes from SCV. Enjoy all 4 seasons on this 20+ acre ranch Home is 6247 sq. ft. with incredible VIEWS

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661-998-9792

Beautiful Property ~ Beautiful Home Country Estate on easily one of the most beautiful pieces of property in all of Agua Dulce! Single story, Hacienda style ranch house, 4,080 sf, 5 Bedrooms/4 bathrooms. Spacious kitchen with Center Island. Formal Dining room. Family-room with raised hearth fireplace and wet bar. The Master suite has a fireplace & giant walk-in closet. Absolutely stunning park like 7.2 flat and usable acres is completely fenced and private. 3 car garage. Incredible views from everywhere on the property. This property will not disappoint.

$1,499,000 8072 Cuddy Valley Road in Frazier Park

Marilyn Garner State Lic: 01484482

$1,099,000

35356 Sierra Vista Dr, Agua Dulce 91390

Office: 661-904-1323

www.MarilynMerlotinSCV.com MarilynMerlot@sbcglobal.net

N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 3 5

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

OURVIEWS

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

What Defines Us: The Spirit of a Community

An Exercise in Gratitude, Restraint — and Hope

By The Signal Editorial Board

By David Hegg

hen an earthquake wreaked destruction upon the Santa Clarita Valley in 1994, the biggest takeaway was how the community pulled together in a time of crisis. Strangers supported and comforted each other, neighbors helped each other, and the entire community came together in a spirit of mutual recovery. The earthquake didn’t define us 25 years ago. The spirit of the community did. That spirit remains today. In the wake of the tragic Nov. 14 shooting that left three Saugus High School students dead, three more wounded and many thousands of hearts broken, we have seen this community pull together once more. From the vigil that packed Central Park a week ago, to the shows of support from other high schools that would normally consider Saugus a crosstown rival, to the many individuals, businesses and even support dogs that helped provide comfort — we have seen what this

community is made of. Hugs. Shoulders to cry on. Tributes. Well-thought-out distractions. Fundraising drives to help families torn by the loss of a child. Carefully planned campus events to help students heal and recover because, at some point, in the aftermath of every trauma, everyone has to roll up their sleeves and go back to doing what they do. Since Nov. 14, this community has been focused on taking care of loved ones, friends, colleagues — anyone affected by what happened in the quad at Saugus High School. It affected different people to different degrees. Those most devastated are of course the families, friends and loved ones of those who died. Our hearts go out to all of them. This shooting also affected so many thousands of others — from the kids who were wounded, or See OUR VIEW, page 37

s we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, the cloud of anger and despair brought on by the Saugus shooting still lingers over us. For some, a time of thanksgiving will be difficult, even unwanted, as they worry that returning to normal is to forget what happened. And yet, I believe gratitude is our best opportunity to restore the spirit of hope that is essential to perseverance in a broken world. In the immediate aftermath of the Nov. 14 tragedy, I was interviewed by several media outlets. Eventually, each reporter asked this question: What should we do to keep these terrible events from happening? I replied that discussions on safety, protocols, guns and other subjects will always have a place, but that it is more important to ask what we’ve stopped doing. I put it this way: What has been taken out of society that used to provide restraint? Regardless of how you see the question of prevention, we all must

agree that there has been a slow but steady erosion in our society of the kinds of restraints that once kept these events from becoming the norm. At some point, we lost the truth that no life is independent. Today society champions individual independence to the degree that many feel no responsibility for others, or how their actions affect the world. Parents once raised their children to understand they were accountable, not just to those in authority, but to everyone around them. By accountable I simply mean knowing that every action impacts others, and we are accountable for the way our lives affect those around us. Further, integrity was once understood to demand that we strive to help rather than hurt, to build up rather than tear down. We once agreed that love of neighbor and care for one another were essential societal practices. But today’s ethic is much different. It is now standard practice to insist no See HEGG, page 36

READERLETTERS

On the Holidays and DUI Both ends of California have had an unpleasant welcome to the holiday season. Northern California dealt with the wind-whipped Kincade Fire in Sonoma County while blowtorch-like winds in Southern California fueled the Maria Fire in Ventura County. I thank all first responders, like the Los Angeles Fire Department, for fighting on the front lines. Holiday gatherings will happen, nevertheless. Some drink for fun or interact socially. Whatever the reason is, you must take caution. Drinking has dug up many social evils. One vile act

is driving drunk. A drunken driver hit me when I was 16 in 1992. My hearing, talking and walking were damaged. Alcohol rapidly moves throughout the body once swallowed. You are not to the point where you are falling off the earth, but feel warm and bubbly. If you feel different, you drive different. A drink may be one too many. Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Show appreciation to the first responders’ service by following laws. If you are “a little tipsy,” do not drive! Taking roads like Highway 14, or secret pathways to get home after drinking, is foolish. If you drive drunk, your reputation will go foul.

People will be taken aback and possibly avoid rides from you. Who wants a ride from a drunk? Avoid dreadful consequences and impress people by having a sober person drive you. Do not end the year with an arrest or death. Be the drinker who follows my words and saves lives. Happy holidays. Lori Martin, Tracy, California 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.

3 6 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

Opinion

Contact: Tim Whyte, Signal Editor Phone: 661-287-5591 | Email: letters@signalscv.com Mail: 26330 Diamond Place, Suite 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

BLACK&WHYTE

D R AW I N G CO N C LU S I O N S R I C K M C K E E

Why I Just Needed to Hug My Daughter Last Friday By Tim Whyte Signal Editor

here are parents in the state of Washington and right here in Santa Clarita who have had to deal with the worst thing any parent can imagine the past week and a half. I’ve never met any of them, nor can I really fathom what they’ve gone through. But I still relate to them, on some level. My daughter Brooke attends Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, a great college town amidst the Palouse of eastern Washington. She’s a freshman, and she’s thriving there. I’m so damn proud of her. Excellent student. Participated in sorority rush week right after her mom and I tearfully dropped her off in Pullman, and made a new home and many new friends, too. Greek life has been great for her, socially. But when news broke that a freshman boy had died at a WSU fraternity Nov. 12, in an apparently alcohol-related incident, my heart jumped. I know my daughter has a good head on her shoulders, yet it was unsettling. How can it not be? Some other dad and mom were getting the worst phone call they can get — their child had died, a child who was going through many of the same experiences and changes that ours was. They, too, had dropped him off for his college experience, and it had ended in tragedy just a few months later. The death made national news, and sent shock waves through the WSU Greek community. All fraternity and sorority social events were canceled for the remainder of the semester, and there may yet be more consequences to come. Then there was Saugus High School. It’s my alma mater. Class of ’84. My

sister graduated from there in 1988. My niece and nephew are Saugus grads. And my daughter — the WSU freshman — graduated from there just last June. When Nathaniel Berhow pulled out a gun and started shooting in the Saugus quad on the morning of Nov. 14, killing two classmates and wounding several others before turning the gun on himself, I found myself struggling to balance roles. On the one hand, I was the local newspaper editor, needing to coordinate and edit the coverage of one of the most tragic days in the history of the Santa Clarita Valley. And on the other hand, I was a dad, who continuously throughout that day and since, has been thinking: “That’s so close to home. I walked that quad. My kid walked that quad. And damn, I’m grateful she graduated last year.” I’ve been experiencing a weird sort of survivor’s guilt for feeling that way. There are three families here in town who got the worst news that day, and others whose kids survived, but experienced a life-changing trauma that can’t help but scar them forever. My heart ached for those kids and their parents, and at the same time I was relieved that I wasn’t in their shoes. I’ll be honest. While I was editing and proofing the multiple excellent stories, photos and videos produced by our news team that day, I literally cried in my office. That’s of course not what you want to see from a grizzled newspaper veteran in the midst of a major breaking story, one that made news not just nationally, but internationally. Yet this grizzled newspaper veteran couldn’t See WHYTE, page 37

HEGG

Continued from page 35

one judge me. My identity is up to me. I am who I am and you just need to allow me to be me. And if you in any way attempt to judge me, or change me, or shame me, be aware that I will destroy you! Sound familiar? We are losing a societal ethic that has long restrained individual animosity. In our quest for individual freedom we are hacking apart the bonds of mutual care by labeling as evil the reality that you and I are responsible for one another and not just ourselves. I would assert that those who take guns onto school campuses and carry out pre-planned shooting sprees take no thought of the effects their actions will have on their parents, their victims, their friends, the school community, their neighborhood, their city, or their world. Somehow, they have grown so ethically independent that they no longer see themselves as accountable to the world around them. In reality this boils down to gratitude. We must be grateful for lives other than our own, even those with whom we have differences. Tolerance

is gratitude that another human being exists, regardless of the circumstances. Compassion is gratitude that life has meaning and must be cared for. Courage is gratitude that something can be done to help others. Forgiveness is gratitude that relationship can still be possible. And restraint is gratitude that violence is never the answer to our problems while empathy and rational thinking might be. So, as we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, can we agree that no man is an island? Can we agree that the only way to preserve our lives is to accept responsibility for one another’s well-being? And can we agree to reach back and re-acquire a commitment to loving our neighbors, and even our enemies, in order to teach and model before our children an ethic that provides the only way to live well in a broken, dangerous world? And can we be thankful we are still here, and the sun still rises on a new day that we’ve been given as another opportunity to do the right thing? I hope so. I pray so. Have a gratitude-filled Thanksgiving holiday! David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church and a local resident.“Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 3 7

Opinion

OUR VIEW

D R AW I N G CO N C LU S I O N S J I M MA D S E N

Continued from page 35

witnessed it, to the first responders to the faculty members and students who spent a seeming eternity on lockdown, not knowing whether an active shooter was still on campus. Through it all, we saw these things reinforced: We are a great community of caring and giving people. Everyone should be proud of the response from the community after the tragic events of last week — from the William S. Hart Union High School District to the students and staff, the first responders and the Sheriff ’s Department and Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. The city of Santa Clarita, too, stepped up to the plate and helped the community in numerous ways, from helping with parent-student reunification at Central Park in the hours after the shooting to taking the lead role in coordinating the powerful vigil attended by thousands at the park three days later. And, the local residents and businesses who banded together to donate and offer aid and comfort wherever needed. We should all be proud of the way this city responded to this tragic challenge. This community acted and reacted with class and dignity in a daunting situation. But we must not allow the events of last week to define our city. The shooting is not who we are. How this community of nearly 300,000 people reacted to it —that’s who we are. We must remain positive. We must continue to do great things and help our neighbors. Yes, we will have some crime, as will any community with a population this size. Yes, we will have some homelessness, and yes, we will have those among us who face mental health issues.

WHYTE

Continued from page 36

stop thinking of the other moms and dads out there who were experiencing the worst thing any of us can imagine, the loss of a child. As the scheduling gods would have it, the very next day was the beginning of “Dads Weekend” at Washington State University. My dad and I proceeded with our plans to travel together to Pullman on Friday the 15th, where we would go to a concert and a college football game with my daughter, the Saugus grad. It was surreal to be waiting for our connecting flight in

Editor’s note: Jim Madsen is a Saugus resident and parent of a Saugus High School graduate.

But again, that is not who we are. None of this means we forget the victims or the tragic events of last week. We will never forget. We will learn lessons from this tragedy and get even better. We must continue to work as a community and build a safe, strong Santa Clarita. The community support this past week has been remarkable, as the entire valley cared for our own, and united behind #SaugusStrong. That’s what we want to take away from this. A shooting doesn’t define our community. Our community’s spirit does. 

None of this means we forget the victims or the tragic events of last week. We will never forget. We will learn lessons from this tragedy and get even better. We must continue to work as a community and build a safe, strong Santa Clarita.

I’ll be honest. While I was editing and proofing the multiple excellent stories, photos and videos produced by our news team that day, I literally cried in my office. the Oakland airport, and to see Saugus High School all over the news on the TV’s as we ate breakfast. I felt a bit of professional guilt that day, too, because I was going to be on the road while the news team put together the second-day followups on the shooting, but I also felt like I really needed to see my girl, who I’d last seen in August when we dropped her off

in a strange new town on a university campus where she knew no one. She’s cured that. As I would see over the course of Dads Weekend, she’s made many great new friends and she’s squeezing everything out of the college experience that she can. But after that long week, after hearing the news of the student death at WSU, and then experiencing the

emotions of the Saugus High shooting, and running on three hours of sleep, as we pulled up to her WSU dorm in Pullman on a cold Friday afternoon, I illegally parked the rental car rather than hunting for a parking spot. I just needed to see my girl. She came out of her dorm to greet us, with a big, winning smile on her pretty face. I hopped out of the car and gave her a great big hug. I never wanted to let her go. I got a parking ticket. And that’s the best $40 I’ve ever spent. Tim Whyte is editor of The Signal. His column appears Sundays. On Twitter: @TimWhyte. 

38 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

CROSSWORD TIME

N O V E M B E R 24, 2019

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

Babes in Toyland By Jim Mullen Signal Contributing Writer

f you know anything about children and cats, you know they are one thing: fastidious. When you put a child in the ball pit at the local fast-food restaurant, you can bet that every ball will be licked clean and ready for the next child to play with. And the next, and the next, and the next. So there is really no reason for the restaurant to clean those balls more than once every 18 months or so. Talk about a win-win situation! Sure, some children may lose a shoe or a diaper in there, but who’s counting? At least you get to spend some quality time with your children before they start throwing up in the car on the way home. But some children need more stimulation than a boring old ball pit or bouncy house. They need room to run, jump, scream and yell. That’s why so many people take them shopping. What better way to let them run off some steam? It was a children’s festival last week at my local big-box store. The shelves were packed with Christmas toys and candy, and the aisles with holiday shoppers. Talk about fun for the whole family! Sure, let little Billy push the shopping cart he can barely reach. Why not? Nobody’s ever died of having their heels rammed by a shopping cart, have they? And it’s so cute to see his little sister screaming that she’s not a baby, and that she can do anything Billy can do — at least until she gets bored and starts playing Jenga with a corner display of soda bottles. Over on aisle 67, the sound of heart-piercing shrieks sends a slew of Good Samaritans running to the scene of what must be a horrific accident — surely some poor child is bleeding from the head — but when they arrive to help, it turns out that Mrs. Jones had just said “no” to her 4-year-old. Turns out, the child had never heard that word before. Where are all these children coming from? It’s a Wednesday. Don’t they go to school anymore?

And didn’t I just read somewhere that American families were getting smaller and smaller? I know many parents who complain about how exhausting it is raising their one and only child — with the help of a nanny, four grandparents and several on-call psychotherapists. How my parents raised eight children with no help at all still staggers me. As a child, I knew a family down the street with 11 children. The last one was named Junior. Then it hit me: Of course, big-box stores are going to be full of large families. Very few single people, I imagine, need to buy the 48-pack of toilet paper or the crushed tomatoes in the 10-gallon can. For me, buying in bulk is convenient, because then I don’t have to go shopping as often. But for big families, it’s almost a necessity. There is also a strange social thing going on in the store. For every shopper who is there trying to save money on necessities, there is an equal-and-opposite shopper just trying to get a bargain, no matter the cost or the item. One family is trying to save a few pennies on peanut butter while the guy across the aisle is thinking of buying a $1,200, trickedout grill — only because it’s selling for $999. “It’s a deal, Martha!” he informs his wife. “It has a bun warmer!” Martha asks what he plans to do with the $500 grill they already have at home. She is not impressed by the fact that this one is very shiny. That will surely make his hamburgers taste better. “It’s not on the list,” Martha counters, sensing that he only wants it to impress their neighbors, the Fergusons. “And we only used our grill twice last year.” The man is not listening. He is already looking at car-battery chargers. “This could come in handy one day,” he says. “Bill,” the woman says, “could you push the cart for me? And watch where you’re going.” Contact Jim Mullen at mullen.jim@ gmail.com. 

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