Sunday Signal Sept. 16, 2018 by Signal

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2018

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S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

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S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS [6]

NEWS FEATURES

[8]

NEWS OF THE WEEK

[6] Water officials to step up conservation message [7] Layers of public service protect citizens from mosquitoes

City sues Canyon View Estates over solar panels; COC to offer college courses at high schools; Community gathers for Parent Resource Symposium; Big rig sparks brushfire; Hart District group looks to reduce suicide; Edison unveils $582 million fire-safety program; Supervisors call for 3 percent rent freeze; Coroner identifies woman whose body was found

[14]

CITY MANAGER COLUMN

[15] [16] [20] [23] [24] [25] [27] [28]

SPORTS ‘Jiggy Izzy’ changes the game REAL ESTATE Home sales; HOA Living OPINION Our View, David Hegg, Tim Whyte SCV CALENDAR JOHN BOSTON’S TIME RANGER KIDS & FAMILY Staying organized; Donna’s Day THINGS TO DO Where to see the best fall colors ENTERTAINMENT Fall TV preview;

[31]

SCHOOLS

[32]

YOUR HOME

Learn to downsize before a move

[33] [36] [38]

FOOD Eat well on the go; Restaurant Profile: Gyromania PROFILE Classic auto racing enthusiast James Degnan

The importance of on-the-job learning.

Al Di Meola to play The Canyon Santa Clarita

School menus; ; District ratifies deal with workers

MOSQUITO PROTECTION

10-YEAR-OLD INSPIRES THE PROS

WHAT TO DO WITH WATERMELON

Create kid-friendly spaces at home;

HEALTH & FITNESS

Dr. Roach;

What alcohol does to your body

[39]

GARDENING How to tend to an herb garden

[40]

SENIORS New senior center to open in spring

[41] [45]

PEOPLE American Ninja Warrior contestant Westley Silvestri BRAIN GAMES Games, Crossword, Puzzles

SUNDAY SIGNAL STAFF

SignalSCV.com Richard Budman Jason Schaff Tim Whyte Perry Smith Brad Lanfranco Doña Uhrig Trish Galloway Joel Z. Rosario

Publisher Sunday Signal Editor Signal Editor Deputy Managing Editor Advertising Director Production Manager Graphic Designer Graphic Designer

26330 Diamond Place, Suite 100 | Santa Clarita, CA 91350 On the cover: Westley Silvestri at Venice Beach. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON

661-259-1234

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S C V F E AT U R E

A sprinkler waters a sidewalk in Valencia. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

WHETTING CONSERVATION SCV Water Agency officials say education is best tool to remind SCV residents about usage

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

ater officials reflecting on an upward trend in water usage plan to step up their conser-

vation efforts. A report on the supply and demand of water in the SCV was presented last week to the members of the SCV Water Agency board. It showed water production in July exceeded the amount SCV ratepayers required a year ago, and approached what we used in 2013, before the recent drought. The year-to-year trend did not go unnoticed at the water agency. “A lot of factors go into the yearover-year comparisons, and as we shift our focus from the drought to our 20 percent by 2020 mandated reductions, and then to the new 55-gallons per person per day for indoor use by 2022,” Matt Dickens, SCV Water resource conservation manager, said Tuesday. “We’ll increase our outreach on water efficiency,” he said. As Dickens pointed out when the water usage numbers were revealed last week: “Our customers are still

using less water than in 2013. He added, however: “We are seeing a rebound; some of which is expected, while some can be attributed to inefficiencies such as irrigation runoff.”

Water runoff

This past week, Dickens was asked about his concerns over runoff and whether there was any movement or initiative - perhaps fines - being considered to address this issue. “Our best tool is education and awareness, as we promote our conservation message in a post-drought environment,” he said. “The new state laws have revived that conversation and we will continue to develop a variety of tools to help our community reach the new water efficiency goals,” Dickens said. Educating ratepayers about water use efficiency is key to conservation. “We can still strive for water efficiency even as hotter weather and a rebounding economy have led to increased water usage. Eliminating irrigation run-off and checking for leaky toilets are two easy fixes,” Dickens said, pointing to tips and resources spelled out on the agency’s website: conserve.yourSCVwater.com.

Conservation programs

Dickens was also asked if the July upturn in water use implied that fewer ratepayers were participating in the various conservation programs offered by the agency such as the lawn swapping program and rebates for ratepayers switching to smart controllers. “We have actually seen an increase in use of our smart controller rebate from a recent marketing campaign,” he said this week. “As fall approaches, we encourage customers to take a minute to adjust their timers down as days become shorter and cooler and we will switch our messaging to lawn replacement and hope to see similar results.” The amount of water used by people in California in 2013 — before the drought — became the standard by which Gov. Jerry Brown set his conservation goals, demanding communities across the state use 20 percent — and then 25 percent — less water than they did at that time. And while the monthly conservation goals set during the drought have since been lifted, the longterm goal of reducing water usage

across the state by 20 percent in the next two years remains in place.

Water numbers

Before the recent drought, the annual retail demand for water in the SCV was, in 2013: 73,460 acre-feet that year. That amount dropped by more than 5,280 a year later after the drought was declared, and continued to drop as calls for conservation persisted. In 2015, after ratepayers responded to a battery of conservative incentives launched by the water agency — such as the turf-replacement program — just 54,491 acre-feet of water was used. However, water production rose in 2016, when the drought was officially over (57,966 acre-feet) and rose again last year (63,555 acre-feet). During March, April and May, ratepayers demanded less water than each of those months last year — but that changed two months ago. In July, SCV ratepayers used 8,012 acre-feet of water compared to 7,763 last year, nearing pre-drought levels of 8,524 acre-feet of water. An acre-foot of water is about the same as a football field flooded with 1 foot of water.

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MISCHIEVOUS MONSTROUS MALICIOUS

S C V F E AT U R E

MOSQUITOES

Several government agencies look to stop disease-spreading pests

(Left) The Aedes mosquito. (Above) Vector ecologist Gimena Ruedas sets a mosquito trap. COURTESY OF LEVY SUN, SAN GABRIEL VALLEY MOSQUITO & VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT

By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer

Ridding mosquitoes

osquitoes are a complicated business. The insect has been in the news lately because of a Los Angeles-area invasion of the Aedes mosquito. Understanding the problem is important. The mosquito population in the greater Los Angeles area is always being monitored and tested for diseases by the Vector Control District, which also educates residents on the dangers of mosquitoes and how to get rid of them.

Vector Control

The Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District is one of five districts working to prevent diseases that mosquitoes transmit. “We cover Santa Clarita all the way to Long Beach,” said Kelly Middleton, director of community affairs for Vector Control. “It is a very large area.” The district monitors and surveys the mosquito population within the district, along with providing education and outreach to residents about vectors in their area. The surveillance department puts traps in every city. The operations department surveys for infestations in public areas and takes service requests from private properties. “The departments work in conjunction to protect public health,” said Levy Sun, public information officer for the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District. The program is paid for by a

benefit assessment, collected on the property tax bill, Middleton said. Their ultimate goal is to work to suppress and reduce the risk of disease transmission in vectors. “A vector is any arthropod, insect, rodent or other animal of public health significance capable of harboring or transmitting the causative agents of human disease to humans,” according to the website of L.A. County Vector Control. The vectors they control are mosquitoes, midges and black flies. Culex mosquitoes, for example, are seen in the area every year, Middleton said. But the most recent type of mosquitoes the district is concerned about are Aedes. “Aedes mosquitoes are continuing to spread. They will make it to Santa Clarita within a year or so if they are not here already,” Middleton said.

Mosquito species

A combination of factors differentiate Culex mosquitoes from Aedes mosquitoes, but both types of insects can transmit deadly diseases to humans. The Culex can transmit West Nile virus, Sun said. “West Nile is really the biggest threat, because people have died from it in L.A. County.” The presence of Aedes mosquitoes increases risk of Zika virus and other diseases, Middleton said. “We do

not have indication they are transmitting diseases, but our concern is they could be transmitting Zika.” “Aedes mosquitoes can spread like wildfire in neighborhoods,” Sun said. “Before the Aedes, we were focusing on the large infestations of Culex and where they would lay their eggs, like swimming pools. With the Aedes coming into town, we are now searching through people’s yards, for stagnant water as small as a bottle cap.” “Aedes can stay viable for at least a year,” Sun said. “That is why they are spreading so quickly. Their egg-laying behavior follow where people go and many of them aren't even aware.” Aedes tend to bite below the adult waist down to the ankles, Sun said. Kids are generally bit more often, as they are shorter and don't know to swat them away.

The district offers free assistance to residents in their area, but there are also a few things they suggest you do to help out with keeping the population down. “Keep standing dirty water out of your property, keep your pools, fountains and ponds maintained,” Middleton said. When outside, using repellant will help keep mosquitoes away. “Repellents do the job,” Middleton said. They should be approved or recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are many repellants to choose from, and their goal is to make you invisible to the mosquitoes. Key ingredients to look for include: Deet, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535, Sun said. “Do not scratch the bite — it can get infected,” Middleton said. “If you do get sick within a week and believe it is related, go see your doctor.” For assistance or more information, go to www.glacvcd.org or www.sgvmosquito.org. 

PERSONAL PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES • Don’t raise your own mosquitoes. Get rid of containers that have or may hold standing water where mosquitoes can breed. • Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. • Wear light-colored, long, loose clothing when outdoors. Keep in mind that mosquitoes can bite

through thin or tight clothes. • Use mosquito netting when sleeping or camping. • Stay indoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. • Apply approved insect repellent whenever you are outdoors, even for a short period of time. Source: www.glacvcd.org/

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LOCALNEWS

City sues Canyon View Estates Lawsuit comes after attempt to clear solar panels By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

After an attempt to clear more than 2 acres of land occupied by solar panels, the city of Santa Clarita has filed a lawsuit against the owners of Canyon View Estates mobile home park. Filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday, the city’s lawsuit asks the court for “preliminary and permanent injunction” and to “abate a public nuisance.” The complaint notes the solar panels, located in and outside the park, are “exceptionally large.” The lawsuit specifies that the city believes the structures measure more than 120,000 square feet, or spread across more than 2.5 acres of land. This is equivalent to about 6,000 solar panels, the city alleges. The formal complaint stems from Canyon View installing the solar panels without city permits last year, violating the city’s municipal code. A city news release issued Wednesday also said the solar panel project failed to comply with the mobile home park’s conditions of approval, which state that 50 percent of the property must remain as open space.

A call to Kerry Seidenglanz, managing partner of Canyon View Estates, was not returned Wednesday. City officials said other complaints in the lawsuit include the owner’s failure to submit a hillside development plan or a geotechnical report, which determines whether the land can support the structure. Operating a power-generation business on the park property, which is not zoned for such activity, is also a violation of the city’s municipal code, the lawsuit alleges. Because all mobile home parks are generally under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Housing and Community Development, an inspection conducted by that agency revealed no violations with the installation, according to a spokesperson with the HCD. City Communications Manager Carrie Lujan said Wednesday, however, that though the project falls within park boundaries, the city can intervene when it comes to health and safety matters. The lawsuit says cities must regulate solar-energy systems through a permit process and require that projects meet

The solar panels are spread across more than 2.5 acres of land. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

applicable health and safety standards under the Solar Rights Act. According to the formal complaint, “...Health and Safety Code specifically states that such regulation by the HCD ‘shall not prevent local authorities... from regulating the construction and use of equipment and facilities located outside of a manufactured home or mobile home used to supply gas, water or electricity.’” The first attempt to have the solar panels removed started in July, when the city issued a notice of violation. Owners of the mobile home park have not publicly commented on the matter

since the installation of the solar project in July 2017. They were again unavailable for comment this week. On Tuesday, when contacted for a Signal news story that appeared in Wednesday’s edition, Lujan said an investigation on the matter remained open. City attorney Joe Montes declined comment on Tuesday and was unavailable for comment on Wednesday. The city issued its press release on Wednesday announcing the lawsuit had been filed on Monday. Lujan said Wednesday she had not been aware of the lawsuit until later on Tuesday. 

COC set to offer college courses at high schools By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

Santa Clarita Valley students will soon have additional opportunities to take college courses for credit following the approval of a dual-enrollment agreement between the William S. Hart Union High School District and College of the Canyons. In an effort to increase students’ access to college-level courses, the SCV’s junior high and high school district approved the College and Careers Access Pathways agreement with the Santa Clarita Community College District last week. The move allows COC to host classes on high school campuses during regular school hours. “It’s a very unique and special opportunity,” said COC Assistant Superintendent Jerry Buckley. “We’ve had the opportunity for high school students to take college courses in the

past, but they (were) required to drive to one of COC’s two campuses or participate in the College Now program,” which offers college-level courses at a high school campus after the regular school day has ended. The Hart district hosts 16 sections of dual-credit college courses at its campuses through the College Now program, but Buckley believes the new agreement will entice many more students to participate, since they won’t have to travel or wait until after school. “They can go as little or as much as they want,” and choose to do either program, Buckley said. “They both work and they’re both important, but one is after school and the other is on-campus during the day. It simply depends on a student’s preference and what’s happening in their life.” Assembly Bill 288, which made the partnership possible, says dual enrollment can be an effective strategy to

help students who struggle academically or who are at risk of dropping out. “But I’d take it a step further,” Buckley said. “We’re trying to touch a population who might not have considered ever going to college.” Those who take an advanced manufacturing class will be able to earn their state certification shortly after and they’ll have a high-paying career in front of them, Buckley said, but added that hopefully it proves to the student that they can do college-level work. “This is a program that could touch everybody,” and in order to participate, students simply need permission from their school site principal and counselor, Buckley said. There will be three or four pilot course offerings in the spring of 2019, including computer networking, administration of justice and manufacturing technology, Buckley said.

“The goal is to offer many other types of college courses that you might not find in a high school curriculum,” he said. Officials hope that, within three to five years, there will be three to five college classes at each high school campus. “We just finished running a survey with students across the valley to find their interest,” so there might be different courses at different campuses depending upon the need, Buckley said. “I think the people that designed (AB 288) had the intent that (COC) would encourage students to attempt and succeed in college-level work and find a new pathway that helps the student and their family achieve economic growth and social mobility that they would not have experienced otherwise,” Buckley said. “That’s what community colleges are about — social and economic mobility.” 

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LOCALNEWS

Starting a dialogue

Community gathers at City Hall for Parent Resource Symposium By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

La Mesa Junior High School principal and mother Michele Krantz receives two different phone calls from her teen daughter after trying alcohol for the first time at a sleepover. The first call, she yells and expresses fury over the decision. The second, Krantz congratulates her for reaching out and helps her get back home. This is a game, called “Scenarios,” Krantz plays with her children to practice how to tackle similar situations. “We make every decision for them. We need to get into the habit, as parents, and ask (our children), ‘What’s your plan?’ It’s about practicing and affirming the good stuff,” Krantz said to a crowd of parents, teens and community members at City Hall on Wednesday. The gathering was for the eighth annual Parent Resource Symposium, a free event held by the city of Santa Clarita to help educate the community on drug and alcohol trends and the dangers involved. The symposium is part of the city’s Heroin Kills program, established in 2011, in response to the crisis of the opioid drug use in the community. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a free resource fair for parents and their teens, followed by a panel discussion with health advocates, law enforcement and counseling professionals, including Krantz, who shared her take on how parents can have a fruitful conversation the topic with teens. Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station Capt. Robert Lewis said the fight to end addiction starts with participation at events like the symposium. With more than six overdose-related deaths in the SCV this year alone, “we need to grow this program as much as possible. We are doing everything we can, but we can’t do it alone. We need to do it with the community.”

Lucas, left, and Isabella Aguiar participate in an activity simulating drunkenness at the DFYinSCV booth Wednesday. PHOTO BY EDDY MARTINEZ.

Besides practicing conversation methods, other ways community members can help is by identifying key warning signs, panelists shared. Brenda Tumasone, a drug dependence and addiction counselor, said some signs parents or anyone concerned for someone could look for is a change in behavior. “A warning sign might be that they aren’t acting the same,” said Tumasone, whose son passed away due to drug addiction. “As parents, we need to be more involved. We should start looking, start asking.” While each panelist approached the topic from different perspectives, they all agreed the first step is to open a dialogue between parents and teens. Dawnel DeRubeis, of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, encouraged parents to tell teens what they expect from them, not to make alcohol accessible at home, if available, and to create a trigger word both the minor and parent know in case of an emergency. For students, they should know it’s OK to “say ‘No,’ and walk away” from a situation, she said. “We all have a role to play,” DeRubeis said, “when it comes to mental health.” For more tips on how to educate youth about living drug-free, visit HeroinKills.org. 

15541 Sierra Highway • Canyon Country, CA 91390 10 BEDS, 5 BATHS 4,676 HOME SIZE, 4.91 acres LOT SIZE $1,700,000 • Active Listing MLS# SR18159518

ABOUT THIS PROPERTY Excellent location for group-home setting, a non-profit, assisted living or a large/extended family. Newly enclosed iron rod fencing with gate. Two homes plus a Studio on a C-3 commercial zoned property, above Sierra Hwy with canyon views. Main home is 4676 sq.ft. with 10 bedrooms, 5 nicely ADA upgraded bathrooms, gorgeous over sized upgraded kitchen with island adjoining the great room. Secondary kitchen/nurses station in south side of home. Two separate laundry areas. Cozy Guest house is approx. 1300 sq.ft.; 3 + 2, living room with fireplace and dining room; wheel chair accessible. Studio is used as game room; with attached 1-car garage. Fully enclosed pool area with new decking, plumbing, and mountain views. Horse and dog facilities. Well is approx. 2.5 GPM re-drilled to 489 ft. with three water tanks and newer septic systems. A must see property. Room to park 12+ cars & ample room for RVs. Current owners are licensed as a Residential Care Facility for Elderly(RCFE). Many more upgrades.

Bobbe Higby • 661-212-3771 16670 Soledad Cyn Rd Santa Clarita, 91387 Firefamily@earthlink.net DRE # 01357225

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LOCALNEWS

Edison unveils $582M fire-safety program By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

Southern California Edison unveiled a $582 million program Monday that would step up wildfire safety measures, including a plan to replace nearly 600 miles of its power lines with insulated wire. In complying with wildfire mitigation plans spelled out in Senate Bill 901, officials for the utility on Monday filed details of its Grid Safety and Resiliency Program with the California Public Utilities Commission. The bill was passed by the Legislature last month and is awaiting the governor’s signature. “The devastation caused by the 2017 and 2018 wildfires leaves no doubt that wildfire risk has increased to the point where California needs to reassess the way we collectively prepare for and prevent wildfires,” said Phil Herrington, SCE senior vice president of Transmission & Distribution. Herrington, speaking to reporters in a conference call, said: “This includes a role for utilities in going beyond existing state standards and traditional utility practices to incorporate leading mitigation measures from around the world, selected based on their effectiveness. “We are taking a holistic approach

and proposing to implement measures between now and the end of 2020 that will further harden our infrastructure, bolster our situational awareness capabilities and enhance our operational practices,” he said. Edison plans to replace nearly 600 miles of overhead power lines in high fire risk areas with insulated wire by the end of 2020. According to Herrington, the move would mark the first large-scale deployment of insulated wire in the U.S. designed to reduce wildfire risk. While up to 10 percent of wildfire ignitions in California are from power lines, within Edison’s service area more than half of ignitions associated with distribution lines are caused when objects such as metallic balloons, tree limbs and palm fronds come into contact with power lines. While bare, uninsulated wire meets California state standards and is widely used by utilities across the country, insulated wires can significantly reduce the potential for ignitions resulting from contact with foreign objects. In addition, insulated wires provide the greatest overall value compared to other mitigation measures such as undergrounding lines. The utility also wants to make its poles safer. The new poles would be made from “layers of strong glass fibers bonded with epoxy resins,”

Edison spokesman David Song said. Under the plan, where appropriate and whenever utility poles are to be replaced, they will be replaced with fire-resistant composite poles that would support the increased weight and diameter of the insulated wire. Edison also plans to replace about 3,400 miles of overhead line with in-

sulated wire between 2021 and 2025. Funding for that work would be included in future general rate case requests. The utility infrastructure would be further improved under the new plan with the installation of fuses and circuit-breaker type devices called remote-controlled automatic reclosers. Edison is installing 15,700 “current limiting fuses” which would interrupt current more quickly and avoid the potential creation of their own heat source during fuse operation when compared to traditional, industry standard fuses. The move promises to limit the number of customers affected by an outage. Use of “reclosers” would stop affected circuits from automatically re-energizing so that work crews can physically inspect the lines before they are re-energized.The extent and severity of last year’s wildfires across California, created a “new normal,” for people on the frontlines, Edison officials said. “It is clear to us and clear to the governor that we are now in a new normal situation after the fire activity seen in 2017,” Herrington said. “We are, frankly, in a different place right now,” he said. “These are practical steps taken to respond to a new and emerging situation.” 

Matters: Preventing Suicide in Teens and Children,” which will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at Rio Norte Junior High School. “The objective is to have four different events that are topical, every year,” Hart District spokesman Dave Caldwell said. In the past, experts have discussed subjects such as suicide, understanding social media, drugs and other topics of interest that are pertinent to what is happening in the community today. Pediatrician Susan Igdaloff will join Dawnel DeRubeis, coordinator for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the More than Sad Program, at next Thursday’s discussion.

Anybody with an interest in the topic is invited to attend because, “suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background,” according to NAMI’s website. “Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues,” NAMI’s website states. “It can be frightening and intimidating when a loved one reveals or shows signs of suicidal thoughts. However, not taking thoughts of suicide seriously can have a devastating outcome.”  For more information on PASE’s upcoming discussion, visit its website at hartdistrict.org/apps/pages/pase.

Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Blair Wein calls for a hose line in Newhall during the 2015 Calgrove fire. Southern California Edison has stepped up its wildfire safety measures with a $582 million program. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

Hart District group looks to reduce suicide By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and mental health officials are hosting multiple events in the coming weeks to educate about the signs and symptoms of suicide, as well as encourage people to reach out to those who might be in need. The feelings of shame and stigma often prevent people from talking openly about suicide, according to the website of the National Alliance of Mental Illness, or NAMI. “Each year, more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of loss.”

While the teen suicide rate has declined by over 25 percent since the early 1990s, suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24, according to data from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Suicide is a growing concern for parents across the nation, which is why schools in the Santa Clarita Valley are offering services and assisting the community’s youth. The William S. Hart Union High School District’s Parent and Student Empowerment, or PASE, intends to tackle the stigmas that surround suicide and depression during its community discussion, “Every Life

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Big rig catches fire Flames from truck spark fire near Pyramid Lake By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

A burning big rig on Interstate 5 just north of Pyramid Lake sparked a brush fire that burned at least 8 acres before noon Tuesday. A big rig with a trailer became fully engulfed in flames on northbound lanes of the freeway just north of Vista Del Lago Road shortly after 11:45 a.m. All “forward progress” of the fire was stopped at 1:06 p.m., Fire Department spokeswoman Vanessa Lozano said. Firefighters with the Los Angeles County Fire Department were dispatched at 11:50 a.m. and began fighting the fire at noon, she said. Water-dumping Super Scooper aircraft were dispatched to the firefight, she said. The fire was reported to be moving uphill through moderate brush. CHP shut down the slow lane and the lane next to it on the northbound I-5. It also closed the Vista Del Lago offramp. 

Firefighters work to extinguish a big rig that caught fire on Interstate 5 north of Pyramid Lake on Tuesday. PHOTO BY JEFF ZIMMERMAN

LOCALNEWS

Correction

In a story about Kalene Parker ("A struggle against cancer," Aug. 5) the status of Parker’s cancer was incorrectly described as in remission. The word “remission” was used after Parker mentioned that her tumors were “shrinking.” A partial response or partial remission is most often defined as at least a 50 percent reduction in a measurable tumor, according to the American Cancer Society’s definition of remission. Parker said her cancer was not in remission at this time.

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LOCALNEWS

Supervisors call for 3 percent rent freeze Kathryn Barger casts lone vote opposing county’s measure By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

After a morning of pleas, sometimes teary, made for and against a proposed interim rent freeze, Supervisor Kathryn Barger cast the lone vote opposing the measure. In the end, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved 4-1 a motion to come up with an interim rent-freeze ordinance that would limit rent increases to 3 percent annually. The ordinance — which the board expects to see defined in 60 days — would apply to all unincorporated areas of the county, including those in the Santa Clarita Valley, except for properties exempt from rent control. It would place a temporary limit on rent level increases and on evictions without just cause. But, the motion didn’t sit right for Barger, who represents District 5, which includes the SCV.

Lone voice

“I understand the concerns about high rents in Los Angeles County, but I’m also concerned about the impact of rent control on our local economy,” she said. “We have had minimal discussion regarding housing stock and the cost of burdensome regulations and zoning conditions that all affect housing affordability.

“I UNDERSTAND THE CONCERNS ABOUT HIGH RENTS IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY, BUT I’M ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE IMPAC T OF RENT CONTROL ON OUR LOCAL ECONOMY.”

KATHRYN BARGER LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUPERVISOR

SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

“The proposed rent control ordinance is not targeted, thus potentially benefiting high wage earners more than those whom the proponents claim to help, such as seniors and the chronically homeless. “Without further study and consideration of the unintended consequences of rent control on the economy of our local communities, I cannot support the ordinance.” And, while many of the more than 80 speakers who lined up at the podium Tuesday for a chance to share their views on the proposed rent freeze shared Barger’s view, many said

a rent freeze would keep them from being homeless. In explaining her motion, Supervisor Sheila Kuehl said: “The homeless are there because of economic issues. “People are looking to the county, saying ‘What are you doing about the homeless problem?’ With the county counted on to catch them as they jump — or are pushed — off the bridge. “This motion recognizes that there is something we can do on the bridge to keep them from falling off or being pushed off,” she said.

Elderly homeless

Kuehl cited an “alarming” statistic that ended up being quoted at least three times during Tuesday’s public discussion: a 22-percent increase in the number of seniors joining the ranks of the homeless between 201718. “Elderly people are on a fixed income, so if rents are raised, they’re stuck,” she said. “The more we see elderly people on the street, the more ashamed we should be,” she added. Many who took the podium agreed

with her. Maria Brenes, executive director of InnerCity Struggle representing residents in East L.A., said: “Our community is rich in culture. “And, our greatest asset is our young people,” she said. “And these young people are in families many of which are vulnerable to rising rents. “The residents of East L.A. are at risk, with many working more than one job just to pay the rent,” she said.

Proposed amendment

When Barger offered to amend the motion, none of her fellow supervisors supported the effort. Opposing the suggestion of a rent freeze were many “mom-and-pop landlords.” One such landlord, Amand Freeman, said: “This motion is going to disincentivize mom-and-pop landlords.” “The concerns you’re hearing today are real, but rent control is not the answer.” ”Rent control,” said Beverly Kenworthy, of the California Apartment Association, “is not the same as affordable housing.” 

S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

LOCALNEWS

Coroner IDs woman found dead By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

Coroner’s investigators have identified the woman found dead near the bridge at Whites Canyon Road in Canyon Country on Sept. 9 as Mercedes Martinez, 71, of Newhall. Investigators with the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner made the announcement Wednesday. Santa Clarita Valley sheriff ’s deputies received a call at 7:45 a.m. Sunday for a single-person rescue in the wash near Whites Canyon Road with assistance from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, according to Lt. Doug Mohrhoff. She was later pronounced dead at the scene, according to Mohrhoff. Officials with the Coroner’s Office were notified of the incident at 10 a.m., and were dispatched to the scene, according to coroner spokesman Jeffrey Guilmette.

Agency considers deal over Santa Clara River By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

Stewards of the Santa Clara River, both upstream and downstream, should get together to help plan the management of its watershed. That’s what board members of SCV Water are being asked to consider at their next meeting. On Wednesday night, members of the agency’s Water Resources and Watershed Committee agreed to recommend the board form a pact with downstream users of the water in Ventura County. SCV Water, representing one of the upstream users of the Santa Clara River, and the United Water Conservation District — downstream in Ventura County — are contemplating an agreement called a memorandum of understanding, thereby agreeing to work together in managing the river’s watershed. Such an agreement would put both agencies in better stead to

The Santa Clara River wash flows with muddy water during a storm. The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency is considering a deal with a Ventura County agency to manage the river’s watershed. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

receive funding through joint grant and loan applications, according to SCV Water agency staffers. The SCV Water board is expected to vote on the proposal Tuesday. Its counterpart in Ventura is expected to adopt the memorandum at its meeting next month. “Building on historic cooperation between our agencies, this MOU re-affirms our commitment to work

together for the mutual benefit of our customers,” Steve Cole, SCV Water assistant general manager, said Wednesday just prior to the committee meeting. “Watersheds are not contained by agency boundaries, so it’s important to partner with upstream and downstream neighbors to coordinate water management activities,” he said. 

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14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

The importance of on-the-job learning By Ken Striplin City Manager

here is no better way to discover the right career path, than through an internship. These valuable opportunities allow you to build professional connections, give you a chance to learn through on-the-job experience and help you find which position suits you best. While valuable to the intern, the internship process is just as beneficial to the employer. As a city, Santa Clarita is the third largest in Los Angeles County. Our organization faces a tremendous need for highly skilled public servants who act in the public’s best interest and uphold our core values.

One of the ways we ensure that our organization continues to have a pool of talented, professional and motivated staff is by investing in our College Internship Program. Unlike some internship programs, City of Santa Clarita interns are paid and are also carefully matched with the department that best aligns with their career goals. The result is two-fold. First, our interns receive realworld, practical experience that puts them a step ahead of their peers when they are ready to begin their career. Second, interns bring fresh perspectives to city programs and initiatives, which contributes to the success of the organization and Santa Clarita as a whole.

Developing staff One of the things I constantly keep in mind as city manager is succession planning for all of our divisions and departments. This is a main reason why we commit to developing staff at every level in the organization and prepare them for the next step in their career. The internship program not only helps the city identify potential employees for job openings, it also gives current staff members experience in collaboration and managing teams.

Various internships We offer three types of college internships designed to support professional development and learning objectives for students: undergraduate student internships, graduate student internships and career-technical education internships. Each program not only supports the academic goals of the student’s coursework, they also provide employment feedback from experienced supervisors, allowing the intern to develop transferable skills to other job settings. Our interns have ownership over meaningful projects while they

Tyler Pledger gets experience with the city. COURTESY PHOTO

are working for the city, yet their flexible schedules allow for the accommodation of their college commitments.

The process Intern candidates must apply, meet minimum qualifications, participate in a traditional interview process screened by hosting divisions and successfully complete a background check. Supervisors provide guidebooks or learning syllabi that include training information on work assignments and a roadmap for their program. Along with on-the-job experience, the City of Santa Clarita Human Resources division also offers our interns one-on-one resume writing and interview coaching. For more information on our City internship program please visit santa-clarita.com/internships. Ken Striplin is the Santa Clarita city manager and can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. 

S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

Ready to take her shot Canyon Country girl’s skills are drawing eyes on the court, Instagram By Dan Lovi Signal Staff Writer

It’s a Thursday evening in late August and the basketball court at the local LA Fitness is starting to get crowded. While a few men around the age of 30 are playing 3-on-3 on one side of the court, they begin to get distracted by 10-year-old Isabella Escribano from Canyon Country, who is running intense shooting and dribbling drills on the other side of the court. Isabella crosses over while receiving constant pressure from her two coaches acting as defenders, each of which are at least 3 feet taller than her. One onlooker turns to another and says, “Have you ever seen anything like her?” It’s a normal reaction when you first meet Isabella in person, or when you watch her videos on social media, where she has more than 11,000 followers on her Instagram page. She goes by Jiggy Izzy, a moniker her brother Marco Escribano gave her because he defines jiggy as “dancing with the ball and shaking people up.” Izzy definitely knows how to handle the basketball and dribble in style, a skill she’s improved on since she first picked up a basketball in January of 2017. During summer, her training schedule starts at 5 a.m. at the gym, where she works out with her brother and Skye Isles, a former teammate of Marco’s who helps coach and mentor Izzy. During school, Izzy practices after she finishes her homework, an hour of shooting and an hour of dribbling in the gym. Then she hits the park to work on defensive slides, jumps and sprints. When she’s not working on her craft in the gym or at the park, she’s studying film that her brother stayed up the night before putting together for her. “Sometimes I’m up until 3 a.m. I write notes, game plans and workouts for the next day,” Marco said.

“I’m looking at videos and the next morning I’ll have her look at the notebook and videos so she’ll know how to watch film when she gets to high school.” Isabella has gotten so good so quickly that she’s already playing and working out with college and professional players. She also plays frequently against boys. “I try to play for the best team that fits for me,” Isabella said. “Sometimes I play with boys to get used to girls because it’s going to be easier when I go against girls after.” This fall she will be training with Julius V Elite, who trains some of the top boys in the country. He has a laundry list of players he trained who are now in the NBA including threetime NBA champion Klay Thompson. “I want to challenge her every single week, not get comfortable playing with girls,” Marco said. “Playing with the boys, that’s what will make her better. She’ll even run games with Skye and I in here.” In addition to training with Julius V Elite, Isabella will commute to the Inland Empire for the next few months to play for the West Coast Premier Basketball Academy, a club team with WNBA alumni that competes nationwide. Her Instagram account @_jiggy izzy is already followed by several WNBA and NBA players, who send her messages frequently. “We’re showing that girls can go this hard, that girls can dribble this way and girls can play this way, just the same as guys,” Marco said. “College players and WNBA players reach out saying they want to go as hard as Izzy.” Marco described his sister as a “miracle baby,” because their father Marco Escribano Sr. had battled cancer and was told he wouldn’t be able to have any more children. “I always make it a point to tell her, you’re on this Earth for a reason,” Marco said. “I think we’re figuring out that reason now. That’s why I think she’s so blessed in everything she does.” Isabella’s motto is “I want to change the game of women’s basketball.” At only 10 years old, she’s already beginning to accomplish that feat.

SPORTS

Isabella Escribano, 10, has gotten so good so quickly with a basketball that she’s already playing and working out with college and players. PHOTO BY DAN LOVI

16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

The Week in Real Estate By Ray Kutylo Signal Contributing Writer

ome prices went up in the past year in California at a 7% rate, and in the local area at just under 8%. This is well above the historical average of a 3.6% annual home appreciation rate. There are indications that price appreciation is slowing, but absent a major national or regional economic event, there is no expectation of a price decline. Demand remains steady, paired with gently rising interest rates. Sellers who don’t go overboard on pricing can expect a healthy sale proceeds check when escrow closes. ‘Buyers’ become actual buyers when they overcome their fear

and doubt. For most people, buying a home is the largest purchase an investment they will ever make. The fear is they will make a mistake. Is it the right time to buy? What if home prices go down? People wonder if they have enough money and income for the down payment and purchase costs, to pay the PITI (principle, interest, taxes, insurance) and still have money to eat and enjoy life. At any given moment, the time is not right for everybody, but for those who overcome fear and doubt and take that leap of faith knowing that homeownership is a solid path to future financial security, the rewards are many. Talk with a real estate professional for a no-obligation assessment of what you need to do to become an actual home buyer.

The ‘SCV’ in the SCV Home Team stands for Service, Commitment, and Value, and these are the qualities my team of professionals and I bring to every real estate transaction. Contact me at 661-312-9461 or Ray@SCVhometeam.com My Facebook pages ‘Ray the Realtor’ and ‘SCV Home Team at Keller Williams VIP Properties’ have regular commentary on the real estate market. Please join me on Facebook! Ray the Realtor Kutylo grew up in the Santa Clarita Valley and was first licensed for real estate practice in 1986. California DRE# 00918855 

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY CLOSED SALES 8/31/18 to 9/7/18 AREA/St#

St Name

Sold Price

Br/Ba

Sqft/Source

Price/SqFt

ACTON/AGUA DULCE 33105 35433 33750

Santiago RD #71 Trenmar DR Desert RD

$335,000 $560,000 $695,000

3/2 3/2 3/3

1610/A 2010/A 3203/B

$208.07 $278.61 $216.98

$284,000 $317,500 $350,000 $365,000 $365,000 $387,500 $467,000 $480,000 $485,000 $520,000 $520,000 $532,500 $555,000 $569,000 $609,000 $616,000 $821,100 $910,000

2/2 3/2 3/2 2/2 3/2 2/2 3/3 4/2 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/3 3/3 4/2 3/3 4/3 3/5 5/3

850/A 1001/A 1003/A 1106/A 1281/A 1216/A 1276/A 1317/A 1675/A 1248/A 1436/A 1733/A 1712/A 1738/A 2335/A 2198/A 3178/A 3477/B

$334.12 $317.18 $348.95 $330.02 $284.93 $318.67 $365.99 $364.46 $289.55 $416.67 $362.12 $307.27 $324.18 $327.39 $260.81 $280.25 $258.37 $261.72

$270,000 $425,000 $475,000 $519,900 $540,000 $564,000 $580,000 $725,000

3/1 4/3 3/3 4/3 3/2 4/2 4/3 4/3

1101/A 1636/S 1503/A 1994/A 1319/A 1736/A 2272/A 2800/A

$245.23 $259.78 $316.03 $260.73 $409.40 $324.88 $255.28 $258.93

Peachland AVE #115 Highland Glen DR

$228,000 $815,000

1/1 5/2

656/A 2766/A

$347.56 $294.65

Plum Canyon RD #202 Susan Beth WAY #I Santa Rosa LN Banyan PL #317 Seco Canyon RD #79 Calcutta Pass LN Calcutta Pass LN Opal LN Alaminos DR

$285,000 $300,000 $380,000 $412,000 $415,000 $435,000 $435,000 $460,000 $503,000

2/1 2/1 2/2 3/2 3/3 3/2 4/3 3/3 3/2

834/A 870/A 1121/A 1040/A 1195/A 1684/A 1790/A 1710/A 1500/A

$341.73 $344.83 $338.98 $396.15 $347.28 $258.31 $243.02 $269.01 $335.33

CANYON COUNTRY 18804 26965 26950 27951 18031 17981 20022 17928 29226 27920 29242 19713 29638 14616 27093 17913 15315 25124

Mandan ST #806 Flo LN #145 Rainbow Glen DR #114 Avalon DR River CIR #6 Lost Canyon RD #110 Tanager CT Stillmore ST Gary DR Camp Plenty RD Abelia RD Terri DR Grandifloras RD Dahlia Ridge DR Mountain Willow LN Maplehurst PL Baker Canyon RD Cypress Bluff DR

CASTAIC / VAL VERDE 30536 29817 30366 30304 28114 29867 29048 30437

San Martinez RD San Martinez RD Cedar Oak LN Spring Meadow CT Windy WAY Muledeer LN San Remo PL Star Canyon PL

AREA/St#

22015 25415 21215 20222 28348 28740 22506 27631

St Name

Propello DR Hampton PL Georgetown DR Adriene WAY Rodgers DR Darrow AVE Barbacoa DR Camellia DR

Sold Price

Br/Ba

Sqft/Source

Price/SqFt

$530,000 $535,000 $625,000 $625,000 $635,000 $664,000 $703,000 $808,000

4/3 3/2 4/3 4/3 4/3 4/3 4/3 6/6

1790/A 1158/A 2372/A 1824/A 2130/A 2497/A 2441/A 3930/A

$296.09 $462.00 $263.49 $342.65 $298.12 $265.92 $288.00 $205.60

$455,000 $900,000

3/2 5/3

1395/A 3208/A

$326.16 $280.55

$325,000 $352,200 $360,000 $435,000 $495,000 $550,000 $550,000 $555,000 $580,000 $582,000 $583,900 $590,000 $605,000 $635,000 $645,000 $675,000 $705,000 $740,000 $764,900 $792,000

1/1 2/2 2/2 2/2 2/3 3/2 2/2 4/3 3/2 4/2 4/2 3/2 3/3 4/3 3/2 3/3 3/3 4/3 5/3 5/4

693/A 925/A 1000/A 1192/B 1581/A 1442/A 1374/A 1936/A 1548/A 1747/A 1817/A 1529/A 1796/A 3397/A 1571/A 2074/A 2499/ 2979/A 2836/A 3747/A

$468.98 $380.76 $360.00 $364.93 $313.09 $381.41 $400.29 $286.67 $374.68 $333.14 $321.35 $385.87 $336.86 $186.93 $410.57 $325.46 $282.11 $248.41 $269.71 $211.37

STEVENSON RANCH 25148 25747

Steinbeck AVE #B Hawthorne PL

VALENCIA 24155 24133 24117 24595 24446 25460 26206 27951 23347 22720 23242 27167 26923 27603 24403 27010 23430 23216 27732 28633

Del Monte DR #377 Del Monte DR #200 Del Monte DR #77 Town Center DR #3211 Hampton DR #B Langston ST Benito CT Mandera CT Preston WAY Rio Bueno CT Via Calisero Sena CT Cape Cod DR Maple Ridge CIR Firenze PL Carmelita DR Kingston PL Sorrel CT Briarcliff PL Farrier DR

NEWHALL 25003 23518

SAUGUS 20811 27641 28467 22940 28113 25411 25419 19315 21515

Based on information from the Southland Regional Association of REALTORS®/Multiple Listing Service for the week ending on 9/7/18. All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.

S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

HOALIVING

The McKean Team Real Estate System

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So, you want to be on the board? By Gary Choppé Signal Contributing Writer

am called me and asked if she could run for the board of directors of a large HOA, she explained that she had been a resident for the past eighteen years and thought that it was her time to participate in the community. Great, I said, and why do you want to get on the board? Well, the dues are always going up, the landscapers never pull weeds in front of my house, and I can’t find a parking space when I get home. … Maybe I can get a little “preferential treatment” and get a reserved spot. It has been my experience that you have all kinds of people that think they want to be on the board of directors at their HOA. Sometimes it’s because they are retired, and they constantly walk around and see things that are not to their liking, or then you have the ones that want to enforce the rules and the ones that want to come on board and turn the whole place upside-down and remove all the rules. Trying to get a good balance on a board is a challenge as it’s really out of the hands of the property manager. Sometimes these elections are as out of control as the national ones are and often they are mean-spirited, pitting neighbor versus neighbor, and once someone gets on the board, matters can get worse. One of my presidents said that her

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car has been keyed numerous times and another board member has had bags of dog poop thrown in his front yard.

SOMETIMES THESE ELECTIONS ARE AS OUT OF CONTROL AS THE NATIONAL ONES ARE AND OFTEN THEY ARE MEANSPIRITED, PIT TING NEIGHBOR VERSUS NEIGHBOR.

Doing the right thing

In their defense most board members try to do the right thing. They take lots of time out of their schedules to attend meetings, meet with vendors and work on community improvement projects. Remember, they are volunteers, and are members of the community, just like you. Before applying for a board position here are a few of the responsibilities and commitments that come with the job and fiduciary duty towards the association and its members. Your duties will include: maintenance of common areas, insurance to protect the association, assessments, reserve studies, financial See HOA, page 18

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18 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

HOALIVING

HOA

Continued from page 17

reviews, disciplinary procedures and governing document enforcement. Don’t get me wrong, being a board member has a lot of rewards in the fact that they are governing a community and (hopefully) steering it in the right direction for the future, which is really what it should all be about from my perspective. The best boards leave the manager to do the day-to-day operations of collecting assessments, handing out violations, answering homeowner questions and dealing with sometimes irate people that will never be happy.

Do your homework

If you are thinking of being a board member, then I suggest you read all the rules and regulations, bylaws and CC&Rs completely, talk to your community manager and other members of the board. Think about how you can best fit in and what you can bring to the plate. Look at your background and interest as each board has projects that you can help with and committees that might need assistance. Areas of support might be landscaping, finance, communications, security or special projects like re-roofing or painting. Remember that you are now taking on a different position and represent not just yourself but the entire community and need to look at more global issues and not just what’s in your backyard. From my days as an Eagle Scout, I am reminded of the qualities of a good leader: A good leader has an exemplary character. It is of utmost importance that a

gogladly.com/comics

leader is trustworthy to lead others. A good leader is enthusiastic about their work or cause and also about their role as leader. A good leader is confident. In order to lead and set direction a leader needs to appear confident as a person and in the leadership role. A leader also needs to function in an orderly and purposeful manner in situations of uncertainty. Good leaders are tolerant of ambiguity and remain calm, composed and steadfast to the main purpose. A good leader keeps the main goal in focus and should be able to think analytically. A good leader is committed to excellence; second best does not lead to success.

Your news. Online. All the time.

Do you have these qualities? Pam ended up getting on the board and because of guidance and training became an excellent asset to the community. She is very enthusiastic and now

understands that what “preferential treatment” really means, not getting that parking spot but working hard to build a better community. Gary Choppé is community liaison with HOA Management of Santa Clarita. Hoamanagementsc@yahoo.com

Who governs your homeowners association? Homeowners associations are not only governed by the California Corporations Code, they are also governed by other state laws and codes. These include the State of California Business and Professions Code, the California Civil Code and other codes and laws, such as federal laws pertaining to satellite dishes, health and safety laws and parking regulations. These codes and laws are ranked in order of their governing power as follows: Federal ranks over state and state has precedence over association’s Covenants, Conditions and

Restrictions (CC&Rs) and Bylaws or Rules and Regulations. CC&Rs and bylaws differ in two major ways. First, the CC&Rs define the way in which the association will be governed and provide for solutions in the event of certain events, such as fire or disaster. The bylaws give greater definition to the items that are mentioned in the CC&Rs. And second, the CC&Rs are the only document that is recorded (with the county recorder) with the title when the property is sold and the document that binds the homeowners together SOURCE: The California Association of Homeowners Associations

S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 19

LOCALNEWS Deputies cordon off a bank in Valencia on Wednesday. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN

Deputies examine ‘suspicious package’ at bank, deem it safe By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

A report of a suspicious package found inside a bank on Wednesday, across the street from the Westfield Valencia Town Center mall has prompted a precautionary response by local sheriff ’s deputies. “As of now, it is an anonymous unsubstantiated report,” Sgt. Mike Pokorny said about 4:30 p.m. By 5:45 p.m., deputies determined the package was not a threat and began clearing from the area. For more than an hour, however, precautions were taken as if the threat was real. Shortly before 4:30 p.m., deputies with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station received a report from someone at the Wells Fargo bank on Magic Mountain Parkway, just east

of McBean Parkway, about a suspicious package. “The Arson and Explosives Detail (of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department) has not been called out,” he said. “Right now, the response is at a (sheriff) station level.” About 4:45 p.m., deputies stopped all traffic around the bank, shutting down Magic Mountain Parkway, in both directions, between McBean and Auto Center Drive. The bank was vacated and yellow tape stretched around its perimeter. An off-duty bomb technician who happened to be in the area, suited up into his specialized gear and checked out the package, according to deputies at the scene. A final check of the bank was done with the help of the bank manager, they said. 

Man rescued after falling into missile silo By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

A man who fell 40 feet down an abandoned missile silo in a rugged area between Stevenson Ranch and Chatsworth on Sunday morning was taken to the hospital. The incident happened at 3:43 a.m. Sunday, when officials at the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department received reports of a person falling 40 feet below ground at the abandoned LA-88 Nike Missile Base. “The initial report was of one injured person 40 feet below grade and 100 feet lateral from access point,” Brian Humphrey, spokesman

for the Los Angeles Fire Department, wrote in a report of the incident. Humphrey noted the response was jointly handled by the city and county fire departments. Responding firefighters were directed to go to Oat Mountain Way near Browns Canyon Road and, specifically, to a “confined space rescue at abandoned military facility” there. Several rescue teams were dispatched to the site including a county rescue helicopter and the county’s Urban Search and Rescue team. “This was a man reported to be trespassing who fell down a silo,” Vanessa Lozano, spokeswoman for the L.A. County Fire Department, said Monday. 

2 0 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

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

OURVIEW

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

Solar Panels: City Takes a Stand for Community

The Discipline of Delay in the 'Want it Now' Era

By The Signal Editorial Board

By David Hegg

his is what local government is supposed to do. Taking a stand on behalf of the community, the city of Santa Clarita this past week filed a lawsuit against the owner of the Canyon View Estates mobile home park, which installed a massive array of solar panels on a hillside in Canyon Country without seeking proper city permits. Many residents have complained about the solar panels, citing the unsightly installation’s massive size — estimated by city officials at more than 2.5 acres — on a hillside that’s visible throughout much of Canyon Country. The panels appear as if they were haphazardly installed, prompting one grandmother of two children who live in Canyon View Estates to dub it “the puzzle on the hill.” She contends that the panels have increased the heat levels in her granchildren’s home, where she often babysits them. The property owners, through Managing Partner Kerry Seidenglanz, have essentially thumbed their noses at the city and the community since the solar panels were installed last year. Obviously, solar power has its

benefits — and it may even be reducing electric bills for some of the residents of Canyon View Estates. But other issues should come into play as well, including community aesthetics and city zoning requirements. The city issued a notice of violation in July, informing the Canyon View Estates owners that the solar panels were installed without the required city permits, and in fact violate the original conditions of approval for the mobile home park, which stipulate that half of the property is to remain as open space. The property owners have not responded to recent requests for comment, but by all appearances they seem to believe they are above the city’s laws. The “puzzle on the hill” remains in place. In general, California mobile home parks are under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Housing See OUR VIEW, page 22

n occasion, an off-the-cuff statement catches my ear and sticks in my brain. Not long ago, a friend remarked, as part of a funny story, that “just because you can, doesn't mean you should.” It was a great punch line, but even more, it set me to thinking just how many different situations could be tempered in their negative consequences if we took the saying to heart. Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should. Ethically, what this boils down to is what we used to call self-discipline. But somewhere along the line this concept got minimized. Today we are called to go for it, to seize the day, to live life to the fullest. And, in the right context, these all have merit. But it seems to me that, over time, our society has re-defined the beneficial ethic of discipline as equal to the negative-sounding idea of restraint, and turned restraint into a weakness rather than a strength. Perhaps it is a consequence of our democratic preoccupation with rights. We have become a society intent on

our individual rights. If you want it, you should have it. If you need it, you deserve it. This has, in turn, made us consider as enemies anything and anyone who would temper those rights, or suggest self-restraint as often the higher virtue. But we are finding that the fulfillment of rights without a corresponding discipline of restraint has caused us to become a society with out-of-control spending on the governmental level, out-of-control morality on the ethical level, out of control ranting on the communication level, and out-of-control heartache on the relational level. While our Congress battles to see a way out of our nation's massive tribalism, our families are trying to cope with the tragic results of selfish, rights-oriented living that destroys marriages and children, and ultimately, the community. So much of the problem can be traced back to an attitude of personal and corporate entitlement driven by the simple fact that we all See HEGG, page 21

READERLETTERS

A Visit to the Detention Center I visited the men’s facility at the Adelanto Detention Center, along with 10 volunteers from Ventura and Pasadena, some who were visiting the detainees in the women’s facility. There are approximately 2,000 people from many countries currently housed at this center. When we arrived, we were given locker keys for our belongings — we were not allowed to take anything into the area past the metal detector … not even a pencil and paper (disappointing, since I had planned to take notes… which I guess is just why it

wasn’t permitted.) Pockets were emptied and metal objects, such as belts and jewelry, removed. I was able to speak with prisoners (detainees, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement likes to call them) from three countries: Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of Chad and Mexico. The man from Mexico’s $4,000 bond was paid with donated funds. He was due to be released in a week. On the drive home, I was told that this man had told the volunteer last month the same story; I don’t know what to make of that! (Legal representation can cost as much as $3,500.) The two men from Africa, one from Somalia

(near the Horn of Africa) and one from Chad (Central Africa) had entered the United States in the hopes of continuing their educations. Mr. A. described the sleeping arrangements at the center: bunk beds in sets of four and two such groups in one area. The toilet is open to the entire sleeping area and attempts to use bed sheets to gain some privacy result in the sheets being taken away by guards and not returned to the person attempting privacy, leaving them without sheets for their beds. We talked about meals: fine the first month or so, See LETTERS, page 22

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S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

Opinion

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

L E G I S L AT I V E V O I C E S

D R AW I N G C O N C LU S I O N S J E F F S TA H L E R

Sacramento Elites Chase Unicorns, Not Solutions By Scott Wilk State Senator 21st District

s the two-year legislative session came to a close, Californians were left scratching their heads wondering why the Legislature continues to ignore our state’s challenges while pursuing policy objectives as mythical and unreachable as the unicorn. While I respect my colleagues across the aisle, they missed the mark on what’s important to the millions of Californians trying to raise their kids in safe neighborhoods, commute quickly to work and put a roof over their heads. High electricity rates, ever higher gas prices and unaffordable housing occupy most headlines in the Golden State. Democrats in Sacramento cater to coastal elites and treat ordinary Californians as guinea pigs in a laboratory for social engineering experiments. Take for example the new, much ballyhooed law that mandates California produce 100 percent of our electricity from renewable sources. The aspirations behind the law are completely supportable, but the technology simply does not exist to implement it, leaving our homeowners and businesses to shoulder the cost. California is already paying Arizona nearly $2 billion a year to accept our excess solar energy. When the government sets mandates, it needs to have a plan to pay for them. We should be looking at policies that reach this goal without crushing the middle class and preventing millions of Californians from climbing the economic ladder in the process — not “feel good” policies that please the political elite.

I was pleased that Gov. Jerry Brown signed my legislation, Senate Bill 1199, which will require released sexual predators to return to their community of origin, rather than being dumped into rural areas like the Victor and Antelope valleys. That’s definitely a step in the right direction, but communities in California are still reeling from the fallout of recent public safety experiments, which include shorter jail sentences and releasing more inmates from prison. While crime rates continue to increase in many areas of the state, the in-crowd running the show in Sacramento focused on helping the criminal. Earlier this year, a measure blasted by district attorneys throughout the state was pushed through, allowing defendants to use any treatable mental disorder as an excuse to have charges put on hold or outright dismissed. And let’s not forget Sacramento also eliminated California’s bail system and legalized heroin injection centers. While the middle class in the rest of the country is prospering, California’s middle class is begging for relief from high taxes and runaway housing costs. In response, the majority party passed a 12-cent hike in the gas tax, along with “affordable housing” legislation that actually increases fees for folks buying homes. And despite our expensive glut of solar power, the Legislature simply stood by when Gov. Brown-appointed bureaucrats mandated all new homes in California include solar panels, a policy that is estimated to drive up the cost of a new home by at See WILK, page 22

HEGG

Continued from page 20

want what we want, and we want it now. We intend to do what we want to do, live the way we want to live, and we defy anyone to say that we should curb our desires or our rights. But the scoreboard tells the terrible story that, while we are amassing moments of personal pleasure, we are piling up days, years and lifetimes of regret over broken health, broken finances, broken promises and, most of all, broken relationships. Again, it is time to remember that just because we can do something, or think we deserve something, doesn't mean we should do it if, ultimately, it isn’t best in the long run. And so, we come to the point: The reason self-discipline in so many areas is quickly becoming seen as the enemy of “really living” is that we have largely lost the ability to prize the virtue of delayed gratification. We are quickly becoming a society that can’t look beyond the next few hours. If it feels good, let’s do it. And let’s do it now. It’s our right, and immediate satisfaction is the stuff of authentic living. But, sadly, we’re reaping the consequences, and we all know it. Just because we can doesn’t mean we should. Every strong society and every

strong moral leader have had to overcome the primal urge for immediate satisfaction through the virtue of delayed gratification. It is only when we take the time to see the long-term consequences of our actions that we build the fortitude to say “no” to what we can do in order to say “yes” to what we should do. When our desires are understood to be lethal to our destiny, they must be disciplined away from being our masters. And when our desires become our slaves rather than our masters, we are more able to see the future clearly, to deal with problems honestly and to muster up the courage necessary to tackle them effectively. Saying “no” to self builds moral muscle, and it will take all the moral muscle we can find to salvage our nation from its profligate ways, and our homes from the tragedy of broken promises and financial ruin. Just because we can doesn’t mean we should. And doing what we should do will mean identifying what is best, what is most virtuous, not only for ourselves, but also for those we love and lead, and the children to whom we will leave this great nation in the years to come. David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church and a Santa Clarita resident.“Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

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Opinion

LETTERS

Continued from page 20

but after that, the repetition experienced by having the same meal every week, the same dishes served on the same day, resulted in lack of appetite. Many of those in the center spend the day in their bed: no reason to get up. There is opportunity for supervised outdoor exercise but I don’t know if this attracts a person who is depressed. I was told about one detainee who planned to commit suicide since he was told he would be detained at the center for at least five years. Mr. B. persuaded him not to end his life because he would still have many years ahead of him once he was released. This was an example to me of the camaraderie among the prisoners — perhaps the only positive thing I can relate. It is my understanding that for-profit detention centers receive $50 per detainee, per day. At one time, the cost was $111 per detainee, and when this information was publicized, the corporations involved were required to reduce their daily fee. They added more prisoners to make up the difference. (You are encouraged to research this yourself. “Immigration Detention 101” is a good place to start.) Karla Edwards, Santa Clarita

Russia: A Tale of Two Presidents Let’s examine how two presidents reacted to Russia.

WILK

Continued from page 21

least $9,000. Common-sense reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) would go a long way to cutting the prices of new homes, but CEQA reform was pushed aside — unless of course a professional sports arena or stadium was needed. Once again, major sporting venues were given the green light to be built without adherence to the stringent environmental hoops homebuilders, businesses and average citizens have to jump through for even the smallest projects. Those of us living in the Santa Clarita Valley are no strangers to long wait times at the Department of Motor Vehicles, but this year the irritating wait grew by hours and hours. The public outcry was loud – deservedly so – but when Republicans requested an audit to find out where the millions of dollars sent to DMV to extend office hours and hire personnel had gone,

One president did nothing when Russia invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea. One president sent his secretary of state to Russia to present a reset button indicating the desire for better relations. One president, when told by Mitt Romney that Russia was our greatest geopolitical threat, mockingly said that the ’80s were calling and that they wanted their foreign policy back. One president not only ignored his own intelligence community in the summer of 2016 that the Russians were meddling in our election, but also told them to stand down. One president told Russian President Medvedev that he would have more flexibility after his next election. One president had his administration use Russian agents to compile a dossier smearing a political opponent and later used that dossier to spy on his opponent's campaign. Two years later not one item in the dossier has been confirmed. One president also did nothing about Russian interference in Syria, despite threats of red lines. Let us now look at another president. One president expelled 35 diplomats in response to Russian meddling in our election. One president closed two Russian consulates. One president signed a law imposing sanctions against Russia and certain oligarchs, including Putin’s son-in-law. He also signed into law a bill limiting his ability to ease said sanctions. One president recently achieved a $40 billion increase in NATO defense spending. It seems to me one president was soft on Russia and one is not. Short of war, I’m not understanding what critics of President Trump want. We had eight years of a feckless policy that resulted in Russia

legislative Democrats said, “No!” They also blocked an effort that would have offered relief to residents having to wait six hours or longer at the DMV, preferring instead to give the behemoth bureaucracy a blank check with no accountability. People pay their taxes in the hopes that government will deliver a great education to their children, protect their neighborhoods and provide necessary infrastructure like good roads and water delivery systems. They get frustrated when their hard-earned dollars are wasted on unicorn projects and experiments that fail to fulfill the utopian vision Sacramento political elites dream about. I share that frustration. We need better balance in the Legislature so we can develop bipartisan policies that will lead to common sense and longer-lasting solutions. Scott Wilk represents the 21st Senate District, which encompasses the Antelope, Santa Clarita and Victor valleys. 

meddling in our election and causing chaos among our citizens, but which president is more responsible? I’ll leave it to you to decide. Brian Richards, Stevenson Ranch

Props to Knight on LWCF Response to article: “Funding for California conservation, including in SCV, unknown until Sept. 30.” I had never heard of the Land and Water Conservation Fund before reading Crystal Duan’s article in The Signal. What a fantastic program. No taxpayer funds and a contribution toward local landmarks like Castaic Lake is a great fund we should all get behind. Access to clean and beautiful outdoor spaces is vital to our community and I’m glad to hear that Rep. Steve Knight is in support of the reauthorization before the Sept. 30 deadline. So many things in Washington don’t affect our everyday lives, but not receiving funds from LWCF can have a real negative impact on our community and impact the lives of our kids and families. It’s infuriating Congress is even debating this topic, but of course I’m not at all surprised. Congress should get its act together and work in our best interests to permanently reauthorize LWCF. Cindy Marnoch, Valencia 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.

OUR VIEW

Continued from page 20

and Community Development. An inspection conducted by that agency revealed no violations of state regulations. However, the city contends that this does not preclude the local government from enforcing its own municipal codes and planning rules. It’s kind of like a “states’ rights” issue, but on a more local level. We agree with the city, and we applaud Santa Clarita for standing up for its residents and its own right to enforce reasonable permitting requirements. This is one of those enforcement issues that make a legitimate difference in the aesthetics of the community, and indeed the quality of life for the residents of the mobile home park and surrounding areas. Hopefully, Santa Clarita will prevail in its attempt to force the removal of the solar panels through litigation. After all: Asking nicely and being patient clearly has not worked. 

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THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

ONGOING Santa Clarita City Council Meetings second and fourth Tuesday of every month (except summer hiatus second meeting in July and the first meeting in August) 6 p.m. Council meetings are also broadcast live on SCV TV channel 20 and on the city's website. Santa Clarita City Hall, City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita. Next meeting Aug. 28. Info: City Clerk's office Clerk's office: (661) 255-4391. Sundays 7:30 a.m. Dragon Boat Paddling. Experience a long Dragon boat with the Castaic Lake Dragon Boat team and a two-hour physical workout. Free, no experience necessary. Paddle and PFD personal flotation device provided. Info: https://teamdragoneyes.my-free.website (213) 447-5707. Saturdays and Sundays 1-4 p.m. The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society invites guests to visit Heritage Junction Historic Park inside William S. Hart Park in Newhall. Tours are held every Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. 24101 Newhall Ave, Newhall. Info: https://scvhs.org. Tuesdays 7:30-8:30 p.m. Remo Community Drumming Experience is an hour of fun entry-level experiential music making with drums and percussion that is accessible to everyone. Family-friendly environment with facilitator. All ages and levels of ability are welcome and no prior musical experience is necessary. Drums and percussion instruments provided at no cost. Free. Info: santaclaritaarts.com. Saturdays thru Dec. 8 8 a.m.-noon. Trails & Open Space Beautification Projects. Join a group of dedicated volunteers and help clean up and maintain City trails. Interested volunteers must pre-register at SantaClaritaVolunteers.com. Saturdays 11 a.m. Family Nature Walk and a Native Live Animal Presentation at 1 p.m. Free. Placerita Nature Center, 19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall. Info: www.placerita.org. Second Saturday of the month 8 a.m. a docent led Bird Walk for beginning to advanced birders. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and water. 19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall. Info: www.placerita.org. First, second and third Thursdays of each month 6-9 p.m. ARTree Figure Drawing. Visit ARTree Community Arts Center for a chance to really explore your creative potential using a

live model. Just drop in and bring a pencil and paper. $10 donation. ARTree Community Arts Center, 22508 6th St., Newhall. Info: http:// theartree.org. Saturdays and Sundays (except rainy days and holidays) 9:30 a.m.-noon. The Gibbon Conservation Center is open to the public. A tour is given at 10 a.m. and self-guided tours are available at all times. Admission: $15 (adults); $12 (teens and students); $10 (seniors); $5 (children 6-12); $0 (Children under 5). Gibbon Conservation Center, 19100 Esguerra Road Saugus. Info: http:// www.gibboncenter.org Now thru Oct. 1. “Pettable Paintings,” is animal-themed artwork by Santa Clarita artist, Janine Cooper Ayres where guests are encouraged to touch the artwork. Newhall Community Center, 22421 Market St., Newhall. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Info: jbarber@santa-clarita.com or www.SantaClaritaArts.com.

EVENTS BY DATE Thursday Sept 20, 4:30-6 p.m. Canyon Country Book Club Canyon Country Library CC Meeting Room. A lively discussion with fellow book lovers. This month’s book: “The President is Missing by Bill Clinton, James Patterson.” Thursday, Sept. 20 7-10 p.m. SENSES Block Party – Coney Island. Live music, food trucks, themed activities and adult beverages. Snap a photo at the lounge, grab a drink from the onstreet bar (hosted by 8th and Rail, El Trocadero, or Newhall Refinery), dance the night away to performers, and order a bite from the food trucks or local restaurants. Fun and festive adult setting. Main Street in Old Town Newhall, Main Street and Market Street, Newhall. Info: http:// thursdaysatnewhall.com/senses/ Thursday, Sept. 20 7-10 p.m. You Did What to my Comics?! Artist Reception. Free art reception. Exhibit comprises works in paper made from cut-up comic books, in which local artist Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik explores the dreams, prophecies and visions of traditional cultural narratives. Exhibit on display Sept. 18 to Oct. 12. The MAIN, 24266 Main St., Newhall, 91321. Info: atthemain.org Friday, Sept. 21 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Human Trafficking and How to Make A Difference. College of the Canyons Center for Civic Engagement, Student Health and Wellness Center, the Body Mind Wellness Committee, the

= Family Friendly Event MyGenMyFight Club and the SCV Committee on Human Trafficking present: “It Happens Right Here!” Free admission, includes a light breakfast. RSVP: email CivicEngagement@canyons.edu. Keynote speaker Harmony Dust, resource tables, law enforcement presentation and a panel discussion. College of the Canyons, East PE Gym, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Valencia. Friday-Sunday, Sept. 21-23 Santa Clarita Chalk Festival 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Santa Clarita Chalk Festival is presented by the Old Town Newhall Association. Over the course of three days, artists from all over the area, professional, amateur, students and the public, will take to the pavement armed with pastel chalks to create masterpieces. The theme of the event is “Wit, Wonder and Whimsy.”This is a family-friendly event. Main Street, between 6th and the Roundabout. Info: http://otna.org. Friday, Sept. 21, Friday Night Movies at College of the Canyons. Now you can see unique films that you might have missed. Your host and moderator Gary Peterson will discuss details of the films. All films are free and open to the public. Sept. 21 6 p.m. “First Reformed,” 8 p.m. “The Ride;” Friday, Oct. 5 6

p.m. “American Animals,” 8 p.m. “Thoroughbreds;” Friday, Oct. 19 6 p.m. “RBG,” 8 p.m. “Beast;” Friday, Nov. 9 6 p.m. “Autism in Love,” 8 p.m. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor;” Friday, Nov. 30, 6 p.m. “Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool,” 8 p.m. “Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story;” Friday, Dec. 14 6 p.m. “Three Identical Strangers,” 8 p.m. “Disobedience.” College of the Canyons, Hasley Hall, Room 101, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Valencia. Saturday, Sept. 22 5:30 p.m. Michael Hoefflin Foundation 25th Annual Evening Under the Stars to benefit the fight against children’s cancer is an elegant evening featuring dinner, drinks, a live auction and entertainment. Tickets: $200 to $375. Valencia Country Club, 27330 Tourney Road, Valencia. Info: (661) 250-4100 or https://www.mhf.org/events/silver/ Saturday, Sept. 22, 8-11 a.m. 24th Annual River Rally. Come help clean a portion of the Santa Clara River. Pre-registration will be required. Visit GreenSantaClarita.com for information and to volunteer. Wiley Canyon Road, off the Via Princessa Bridge (East of Orchard Village Road). Info: GreenSantaClarita.com.

N!IN! IN! WIW W CONGRATULATIONS to Bianca Echenard of Valencia — the winner of $100 for correctly identifying the artwork as being from the Bedder Mattress advertisement on page 29 of our Sept. 2 issue. Identify this piece of artwork and the page number that it is on in one of the advertisements in this week’s issue, and you will be entered to win $100. One game and one winner each week.

Mail your entry to: The Signal – Contest 26330 Diamond Place | Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Or email to: contest@signalscv.com Advertiser: Page # Name: Address:

Phone:

This week’s entries are due Wed. Sept. 26. Winner to be announced in 2 weeks.

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S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

Crime stories —

Grand, grand theft and the millionaire’s murder

ou can almost smell autumn in the air. It’s still warm, but there’s just that magic something, teasing us that soon, the heat will be gone. We’ve a most interesting trail ride through Santa Clarita history ahead. There’s millionaire murders, street gang wars, a couple of train thefts and all you ever needed to know about potatoes. C’mon. Left foot in the stirrup, swing the leg around, wiggle until you’re comfortable and what say a few thousand of us mosey into simpler times?

The Time Ranger A weekly trailride through Santa Clarita Valley History by John Boston

WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• That haunting date, “9/11,” has another significance. It’s the birthday (1855) of William Mulholland, builder of the ill-fated St. Francis Dam. The giant 184-foot concrete edifice burst in 1928, killing nearly 500 people and was one of the worst man-made disasters in American history. • The third-oldest (Los Angeles and Acton/Agua Dulce being Nos. 1 & 2) school district was founded. Sulphur Springs was founded in the kitchen of Tom Mitchell’s home on Sept. 16, 1872. Tom met his future wife, Martha, on a wagon train en route to California. She was about 11 at the time and, as was a custom, Tom reportedly chatted with her father about marriage when she would become of age — at 15.

grades: PeeWee; Egg; No. 2; Bakers Commercial; Bakers No. 1; Commercial; and U.S. No.1. Back in ’38, it cost a farmer about $100 an acre to raise taters. • My old compadre on many a backcountry trek, Christian Merot, called hunting: “Hiking with rifles.” George Vrabenburg had a worst-case scenario of the pastime when his gun discharged in heavy brush, hit the butt of his friend’s rifle, then ricocheted back, sending a bullet through the fleshy part of BOTH of George’s thighs. Worse? The poor guy had to hike back through unforgiving climes to the car, in the September heat — eight miles away. SEPT. 16, 1948

• Though unrequested, I’m giving him the nickname, “9 Toes Paul.” The L.A. 15-year-old hitched a ride on a freight train, fell asleep coming down the Railroad Canyon downgrade and rolled off the flatbed. Rescuers noted “…he was lucky to be in one piece.” Er — clarification. Two. A train wheel sliced his big toe clean off. • Oh dear me heavens it was hot on Sept. 12. The William S. Hart High School campus was dedicated on that date and absolutely no one wanted to be there. It was 106. In the shade. And there wasn’t any. Hart was originally a six-year institution, holding classes for grades 7-12.

SEPT. 16, 1938

• The Haddad-Butler combine was one of the largest potato growers in California. The 1938 harvest yielded 12 million pounds — which ’tweren’t much. By the way. This will be on the final for you yuppies and millennials. Potatoes come in seven

SEPT. 16, 1968

• Well here’s one way to fight crime. Hugh Dennis chased four burglars from his home then down the street on foot, throwing firewood at the crooks. If one’s trying to reconstruct the scene, one wonders. Did Hugh have a really big pile of logs he was carrying during the chase? Or did he chuck a log, run 10 yards, pick it up and throw it again. Footnote? Hugh was 15. • Hart football coach Dennis Wendt drove up to Oakland to visit one of his former players. John Granville, class of 1967, had been discharged from the Army. He had lost both legs in Vietnam. • Know who was the top real estate salesman in the SCV for most of 1968? Patrick Wayne. Son of John … SEPT. 16, 1978

• Sgt. Leroy Anderson gets this Sunday’s prized Time Ranger Comedy Award. He arrested Henry Wendell not for grand theft, but Grand, Grand Theft. Seems Henry hot-wired a Southern Pacific diesel engine at the Saugus Station and gunned it 11 miles before voluntarily stopping. Bonus? Henry had stolen ANOTHER diesel the night before in San Fernando. Sporting a completely straight face, Sgt. Anderson addressed a pool of reporters and said he had tried to question the train thief, BUT, “Wendell just seemed to have a one-track mind.”

SEPT. 16, 1928

• Life is filled with lows and highs. Millionaire banker C. LaHuis and his wife were murdered on the old Ridge Route. Returning from Bakersfield after completing a big oil deal, police speculate the couple was kidnapped, killed and robbed. The crooks ran their car off a 700-foot cliff to make it look like an accident. Their partially eaten remains were discovered a month later. • September was “Every Member Canvass” (yup; two S’s) month. That’s when the Presbyterians passed the hat to pay for Pastor Wolcott Evans’ yearly salary, which wasn’t much. They named a street after the good reverend. It’s in Happy Valley.

displays in recorded history. During a monsoon and 100-plus heat, the skies lit up with violent lightning storms. Local fire stations responded to more than 100 fires caused by lightning strikes. All the SCV’s electricity was knocked out by a direct hit to the big Edison substation. It was a Wagnerian and planet-ending storm. • Local sheriff ’s deputies acted quickly to stop a potentially epic gang fight at Saxonia Park in Placerita Canyon. A party hosted by the Progressive Mexican Association was crashed by the Lobos and Mott Street gangs of San Fernando. Dozens were thrown in the pokey on the strength of one open beer can being spotted in a car.

Sixty years back this week in 1958, Wm. S. Hart Park was dedicated. This followed a decade-long dramatic court battle. One of the most important film icons in world history, the silent screen legend Bill Hart left all of his millions in holdings to L.A. County after his death in 1946. His son, Bill Hart Jr., sued unsuccessfully in one of the wildest, wackiest and longest proceedings in county history. Adding insult to injury, the park dedication was pert darn smack dab on Bill Jr.’s birthday of Sept. 22. Today, this is a rough estimate, but the land alone would be worth probably a half-billion. Second insult to injury? After losing a fortune in real estate alone, Hart Jr. became a local real estate appraiser and had to drive past the castle and park daily. SEPT. 16, 1958

• Speaking of heat, a decade later, we had one of the most uncomfortable and spectacular weather

Darn it. Wish we could stay in the less complicated climes of yesteryear, dear saddlepals. I don’t know about you, but I’d start craving processed sugar and Netflix. Looking forward to meeting all you old friends and new neighbors next week in your Sunday Signal with another exciting Time Ranger adventure. Until then, juevos rancheros y vayan con Dios, amigos! John Boston, aka, Mr. Santa Clarita Valley, has been writing about and teaching the history of the SCV for more than 40 years. Recipient of The Will Rogers Lifetime Achievement Award and 119 major journalism honors, he is also author of the historical tome, “Images of America: The Santa Clarita Valley.” 

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K I D S & FA M I LY

The secrets to being an organized family

odern families seem to be juggling more than ever before. When time seems to be a luxury, an ability to stay organized can help families manage the hustle and bustle of daily life more effectively. An online survey conducted by an internal research team on behalf of The Huffington Post polled more than 1,000 American adults in 2013, revealing 84 percent of recently stressed Americans say they worry that their home isn't clean or organized enough. Within that group, 55 percent cited disorganization at home as a source of recent stress. Disorganization does not occur overnight, and neither will getting re-organized. But with some motivation, all families can become more orderly.

Each member of the household should have a designated area where they keep the items they will need for the next morning. Backpacks and briefcases should be prepacked, and lunches made the night before. In addition, sort the next day's clothes before going to bed. Such efforts should make it easier to get out of the house on time each morning.

Manage mornings

Embrace the purge

Families can usually use more help getting out of the house each morning in a timely manner.

Sort the entryway

Home entryways are usually hubs of traffic. Such areas are the first and last place family members go when entering or leaving the house. As a result, these areas are in need of some routine organizational attention. Use sorting bins for shoes, hooks for coats, trays for mail or homework, and other sorting equipment to keep things tidy and orderly. Take a hard look at what you use and what you don't use around the house. Holding on to items you rarely

use can contribute to clutter and create a disorganized home. Save only a few sentimental items, donating, recycling or discarding the others. Many organizational experts suGgest going through items one by one and asking oneself if this is something that has been used recently. If it's been collecting dust for a year or more, it can go.

Sensible storage

Analyze what you have and then find sensible storage solutions. Store belongings in the same place each day so items are easy to find when needed. Frequently used items should be easily accessible. Seldom used items, such as holiday decorations, can be stored out of the way. It takes commitment and time to get organized. However, life tends to move along much more smoothly in organized homes than homes marked by clutter.  — Metro Connection

When messes start to creep up, it is probably time to commit to getting more organized. METRO CREATIVE

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S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

K I D S & FA M I LY

After-school downtime By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

fter-school time is prime time for school-age kids. Like that commute when adults switch gears from the end of their workday to home life, it’s a transition period in a busy day. Even if it’s just a 30-minute break between getting off the school bus and leaving for a piano lesson, kids can recharge with a healthy snack (they are notoriously famished) and an impromptu game or two. Many of the day’s special learning opportunities happen in relaxed after-school downtime. “Parents, grandparents and caregivers are important teachers,” says retired nurse Rachel Olson, who spends several afternoons a week with granddaughter Kassidy Palmberg, 8, and her 7-year-old brother Kaleb. “We have so much fun together!” adds Kassidy, as she licks a giant smoothie pop that Rachel prepared that morning in a blender with fresh fruit, yogurt, ice and coconut milk. (Poured into plastic drinking glasses, she inserts spoons for handles and freezes them. When the kids arrive, they remove them from the cup and enjoy licking them on a hot afternoon. As the smoothie pop begins

to melt, the kids can insert it back in the cup, smoosh it around and eat the remaining slushy goodness with the spoon.) As they enjoy the cool treat, Rachel says, “Let's play ‘guess the animal!’” “I’m thinking of one,” says Kaleb, to get the word game going. Everyone tosses out questions and he responds. “Is it furry?” “Yes.” “Is it a caterpillar?” “No.” “Is it alive, or a fantasy animal like a unicorn?” “Alive.” “Is it a pet, like a cat or a hamster?” “No.” “Does it live on a farm?” “No.” “In Africa?” “Yes.” “Is it a lion?” “YES!” 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.”

Kassidy Palmberg, 8, right, and her 7-year-old brother Kaleb lick giant smoothie pops prepared by their grandmother Rachel Olson, a retired nurse. KING FEATURES

More downtime ideas

Snacks: Have a variety of healthy choices on hand, such as popcorn, nuts or pretzel sticks for edible kabob skewers. Kids can poke bite-size chunks of cheese and fresh fruit onto each stick.

Talk time: Chat about their day as well as your own. Relaxed, shared time with caring adults is important for building trust and reinforcing values.

Exercise: There’s really no excuse not to exercise at home with a few quick playground games. Play catch or hide-and-seek. Making fitness a daily priority not only improves health, it also helps build happy relationships.

S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

A TIME FOR Where to go when the fall season starts to show its colors

leaves

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THINGS TO DO

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

hen one thinks of traveling to see the autumn leaves, places like New England or maybe Colorado come to mind. However, the glorious splash of fall color from trees shedding their summer green can be found in many parts of the Golden State. From Oak Glen, just outside Los Angeles, to the Napa Valley wine country, the reds, yellows and oranges of autumn are just a car trip away.

Fall foliage in Mammoth, June lakes

On the eastern side of the Sierra mountains you’ll find showy autumn finery from mid-September until the last leaf falls from quaking aspens and willows. Drive any road heading west off U.S. 395 near June Lake and Mammoth Lakes to find groves of autumnal color. The best fall foliage drive is the June Lake Loop (Highway 158). Glowing leaves in a riot of color at peak season can be found as you drive past Silver Lake and past 10,909-foot Carson Peak. Head toward Gull Lake and the village at June Lake. When you reach June Lake take a break from the road and walk the 4-mile round-trip Parker Lake Trail to view the emerald-blue lake framed by quaking aspens and craggy peaks. Mammoth Lakes offers a treasure trove of fall beauty. Near downtown, walk or drive past Sherwin Creek Campground where aspen groves will delight with a heady mix of leaves in reds, oranges, yellows and lime greens. Head south of town to drive aspen-lined McGee Creek Road or Rock Creek Road. In this high country at or near 10,000 feet, fall colors often peak in late September, but in

Autumn at Amador Cellars. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

the lower canyons, colors can linger until mid-October.

activities to entertain everyone in the family.

Fall color in Oak Glen

Lake Tahoe and Hope Valley

Oak Glen is known for its apples, but with an elevation that’s nearly a mile high, this town, 80 miles east of Los Angeles, is home to extensive oak groves, in addition to apple farms, berry ranches and plenty of old-fashioned fun. An autumn trip to this quaint countryside will give visitors a chance to stop and view the brilliant oaks dotting the hillsides. If you visit Oak Glen’s historic schoolhouse museum at just the right time you’ll find it surrounded by bright red maple trees. For more fall color take a hike at the Wildlands Conservancy’s Oak Glen Preserve. A 2.4mile family-friendly loop leads from the preserve headquarters downhill through the apple orchards and into Oak Knoll Park. There’s plenty of harvest-time fun to be found in Oak Glen. You can find a corn maze, horse-drawn wagon rides, hayrides and a bevy of other

Willows and aspens light up both sides of this high-country lake when fall takes center stage as early as mid-September. The hillsides and meadows around Lake Tahoe’s meadows and hillsides you’ll see willows are the first to turn, followed by aspens. Shades of gold, yellow, amber mixed with touches of ruby and scarlet can take your breath away when nature and timing work together. Hike 1.5 miles north on the Tahoe Rim Trail from Ward Creek Boulevard to see a beautiful autumn vista on the lake’s northwest shore at Page Meadows. You’ll also see Twin Peaks, Grouse Rock and Ward Peak soar above the trees. In South Lake Tahoe, drive the Fallen Leaf Lake Road to Fredrick’s Meadow, a short distance from Fallen Leaf Lake Campground, where the view of Mount Tallac is perfectly

framed by a foreground of quaking aspens. For more leafy color, continue along the road to the Glen Alpine trailhead and walk a colorful mile along the cobbled trail to Glen Alpine Springs. South of Lake Tahoe, Hope Valley’s dense aspen groves offer an intense display of yellows and oranges. Drive south through Meyers on Highway 89 to its junction with Highway 88, where you can turn left or right.

Napa Valley

Wine country might not be your first go-to thought of autumn splendor, but starting in mid- to late-October, the grape harvest crush winds down and a pageant of vineyard leaf color begins. Fall color in the Napa Valley isn’t limited to trees as grape leaves transform into colorful fall foliage in vivid coppers and ruby reds. For a stunning fall trip drive the Silverado Trail from Napa to Calistoga. Take your pick from dozens of wineries, including Frog’s Leap, See FALL, page 30

ENTERTAINMENT

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S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

Remakes on repeat

The fall TV season returns a fortune of familiar faces

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

eople are increasingly “unplugging” from cable, from satellite, from “conventional” television viewership. The fall television premiere season used to be an eagerly awaited event, a respite from a summer dominated with reruns. Now, television premieres are a year-round event with streaming services offering entire seasons of a program in one fell swoop. The major national television networks continue promoting the “new” fall viewing season as a special time to sample new series. Let’s play along and see what looks promising (or not) this fall. If you feel a strange sense of “déjà vu” don’t be surprised. Much of this you’ve seen before. Reboots are this season’s hot trend.

ABC

‘Single Parents’

Premieres Sept. 26 at 9:30 p.m. Predictable ensemble comedy about single parents trying to have lives while raising their 7-year-olds. Stars Taran Killam, Leighton Meester, Brad Garrett, Kimrie Lewis, Jake Choi, Marlow Barkley, Tyler Wladis, Devin Trey Campbell, Mia Allan and Ella Allan.

‘A Million Little Things’

Premieres Sept. 26 at 10 p.m. The success of NBC’s “This Is Us” was bound to spawn imitators, and this is ABC’s entry of the “This Is Us Clone Sweepstakes.” This drama is about a group of Boston friends reunited when one of them dies suddenly. Stars David Giuntoli, Ron Livingston, Romany Malco, Allison Miller, Christina Moses, Christina Ochoa, James Roday, Stephanie Szostak and Lizzy Greene.

‘The Alec Baldwin Show’

Premieres Oct. 14 at 10 p.m. A weekly talk show hosted by actor Alec Baldwin.

‘The Connors’

Premieres Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. The much-heralded spin-off of “Roseanne” without Roseanne Barr. It follows the Conners, a working-class family, struggling to get by.

Jay Hernandez, right, stars as Thomas Magnum in “Magnum P.I.,” which premieres Monday, Sept. 24, on CBS. From left: Stephen Hill, Zachary Knighton and Hernandez. PHOTO BY KAREN NEAL, CBS

Stars John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, Lecy Goranson, Michael Fishman, Emma Kenney, Ames McNamara and Jayden Rey, reprising their roles from “Roseanne.”

‘The Rookie’

Premieres Oct. 16 at 10 p.m. This year’s fun cop show is “The Rookie” starring “Castle” lead Nathan Fillion as 40-year-old John Nolan, the oldest rookie at the Los Angeles Police Department.

‘The Kids Are Alright’

Premieres Oct. 16 at 8:30 p.m. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before … this is a sitcom about a working-class family in the 1970s. Stars Michael Cudlitz and Mary McCormack.

CBS

‘Magnum P.I.’

Premieres Sept. 24 at 9 p.m. Much anticipated remake of Tom Selleck’s military veteran-turned-private investigator “Magnum P.I.,” which was a long running hit in the 1980s. Stars Jay Hernandez, Zachary Knighton, Perdita Weeks and Stephen Hill.

‘FBI’

Premieres Sept. 25 at 10 p.m. Creator Dick Wolf offers up a drama about the inner workings of the New York branch of the FBI. Stars Missy Peregrym, Jeremy Sisto,

Zeeko Zaki and Ebonée Noel.

‘Murphy Brown’

Premieres Sept. 27 at 9:30 p.m. I really don’t understand how you can remake “Murphy Brown” without Eldin, the painter, played by the late Robert Pastorelli. For those who don’t remember the original “Murphy Brown” it tackled many hot button cultural and political issues of the day (1988-1998). Stars Candice Bergen, Joe Regalbuto, Faith Ford, Grant Shaud, Nik Bergen Dodani, Jake McDorman and Tyne Daly.

‘God Friended Me’

Premieres Sept. 30 at 8:30 p.m. An outspoken atheist has a crisis of faith when God friends him on Facebook. Stars Brandon Micheal Hall, Violett Beane, Javicia Leslie, Suraj Sharma and Joe Morton.

‘Happy Together’

Premieres Oct. 1 at 8:30 p.m. Comedy with a messed-up pop star moving in with his accountant. Stars Damon Wayans Jr., Amber Stevens West, Felix Mallard and Chris Parnell.

See TELEVISION, page 29

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

Al Di Meola unplugs for ‘Opus’ set at Canyon Santa Clarita on Sept. 21 By Stephen K. Peeples Signal Staff Writer

enre-busting jazz, world fusion and flamenco guitar virtuoso Al Di Meola will bring his acclaimed “Opus Tour 2018” to the Canyon Santa Clarita for a headlining set on Friday, Sept. 21. And while Di Meola’s most recent West Coast swings have presented his plugged-in prowess, he will perform (mostly) unplugged this time out, focusing on his latest album, the (mostly) acoustic “Opus.” “The last two or three (tours) we resurrected the electric thing, but the acoustic thing really has me more motivated artistically now, and the new music fits my motivation,” Di Meola said on a call from his New Jersey home. “My newest compositions are based around the acoustic guitar, so ‘Opus’ is heavily acoustic,” he said. As his many fans worldwide can

TELEVISION

Continued from page 28

‘The Neighborhood’

Premieres Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. A comedy about a white guy and his family moving to a neighborhood where people are not white. Stars Cedric the Entertainer, Tichina Arnold, Sheaun McKinney, Marcel Spears, Max Greenfield and Beth Behrs.

NBC

‘Manifest’

Premieres Sept. 24 at 10 p.m. I am guessing that the inspiration for this show comes from the successful six-season run of “Lost.” An airplane has a bumpy flight but when it lands the passengers and crew are told their flight’s arrival has been delayed by five years. Stars Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas, Athena Karkanis, JR Ramirez, Parveen Kaur and Luna Blaise.

‘New Amsterdam’

Premieres Sept. 25 at 10 p.m. Who doesn’t love a crusading doctor

attest, Di Meola, now 64, first earned fame in the mid-1970s playing electric guitar with jazz-fusion pioneers Return to Forever, then broke out as a solo artist. His catalog include more than 20 albums as a leader from 1976 to present and another dozen-plus classics as a collaborator. Not surprisingly, Di Meola played all the guitar parts on “Opus,” a musical tour de force with Mediterranean overtones. For this leg of his “Opus” tour, the guitarist is backed by Roig, his newest collaborator, from Cuba, and his longtime accordion player Flavio Beccalossi, from Italy. They produce a richly textured, beautifully nuanced sound some of his electric fans may not have heard from him. “I’m really happy, because I think this trio is the strongest I’ve presented in the United States,” Di Meola said. “As a composer and player, I’ve evolved,” he said. “I think a lot of the trying his best to buck the money-grubbing establishment and save his patients’ lives? Stars Ryan Eggold, Freema Agyeman, Janet Montgomery, Jocko Sims, Anupam Kher and Tyler Labine.

“I’m not gonna be playing ‘Race with Devil on Spanish Highway’ the rest of my life.” – Al Di Meola

fusion stuff from the ’70s sounds like fusion stuff from the ’70s. I’m still trying to do new things. Even though we pull out some older stuff, I’m not doing that kick-ass metal-meets-jazzrock thing. I just don’t have the same thrill for it I once did. “My audience is a bit older now, too, and I think they’re going to like ‘Opus’

‘Last Man Standing’

Eggold

‘I Feel Bad’

Premieres Oct. 4 at 9:30 p.m. This Amy Poehler-produced sitcom stars Sarayu Blue who I thought was the best thing on Netflix’s “No Tomorrow.” Also stars Paul Adelstein, Zach Cherry, James Buckley, Aisling Bea and Johnny Pemberton.

‘Rel’

as much or more,” he said, “because, well – how many more years can you take listening to ‘Race with Devil on Spanish Highway’?” Visit Di Meola’s website, aldimeola. com, for more. Di Meola’s opening act on several “Opus” dates including the Canyon Santa Clarita gig is Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater renown, jordanrudess. com.

FOX

Premieres Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. Lil Rel Howery stars in a comedy about starting over. He discovers his wife cheated on him with his own barber. He moves to the south side of Chicago to find a new life and find a new barber. Also stars Jess “Hilarious” Moore, Jordan L. Jones and Sinbad.

Premieres Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. On ABC for six seasons, the comedy “Last Man Standing,” starring Tim Allen, comes to FOX. Allan is a married father of three girls, who tries to maintain his manliness in a world increasingly dominated by women. Also stars Nancy Travis, Jonathan Adams, Amanda Fuller, Christoph Sanders and Jordan Masterson.

‘The Cool Kids’

Premieres Sept. 28 at 8:30 p.m. It’s like high school, but for the AARP set. A comedy set in a retirement community. Stars Vicki Lawrence, David Alan Grier, Leslie Jordan, and Martin Mull.

THE CW

‘All American’

Premieres Oct. 10 at 9 p.m. Inspired by the life of NFL player Spencer Paysinger “All American” is about Spencer James, a rising high school football player in Compton. When Beverly High School’s football coach recruits him, he must navigate two worlds, the south side neighbor-

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 TicketMaster.com. For more info, visit Wheremusicmeets theSoul.com. Stephen K. Peeples is a Grammy-nominated record producer and award-winning radio producer and journalist based in the Santa Clarita Valley. He has covered the SCV music scene for local media since 2004. Contact him via stephenkpeeples.com.  hood that he knows and the affluent Beverly Hills world that has offered him an opportunity for something bigger. Stars Daniel Ezra, Taye Diggs, Karimah Westbrook, Bre-Z, Michael Evans Behling, Samantha Logan, Greta Onieogou and Cody Christian.

‘Charmed’

Premieres Oct. 14 at 9 p.m. “Charmed” ran eight seasons on The WB (the forerunner of The CW). This remake stars Madeleine Mantock, Melonie Diaz, and Sarah Jeffrey as three young sisters who discover they are The Charmed Ones, the most powerful witches, and together they possess the Power of Three. Their powers are used to protect innocents and vanquish demons.

‘Legacies’

Premieres Oct. 25 at 9 p.m. A new drama that tells the story of the next generation of supernatural beings at The Salvatore Boarding School for the Young and Gifted. Stars Danielle Rose Russell, Matthew Davis, Jenny Boyd, Kaylee Bryant, Quincy Fouse, Peyton Alex Smith and Aria Shahghasemi. 

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FALL

Continued from page 27

Rombauer Vineyards, and Reynolds Family Winery, all worth a stop for fall scenery and wine tasting.

Fall in state parks

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park (San Diego County) is northeast of San Diego, located on Highway 79, five miles north of I-8. Here autumn

S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

enthralls with the beautiful golden yellow leaves of the black oak. Camp amongst the colorful splendor of this woodland oak forest. Info: https://www.parks.ca.gov /?page_id=667 Mount San Jacinto State Park (Riverside County), in Idyllwild offers spectacular fall foliage mixed with high altitude wilderness. Info: https:// www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=636 Palomar Mountain State Park (San Diego County), off Highway 76, up Highway S6, left on Highway S7, at

the junction near the peak. The park features something different, a fall vista of bracken fern in the meadows turning a rich golden brown against the dark green of adjacent forests. Info: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_ id=637 Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area (San Bernardino County), off Interstate 15, east Highway 138, past Highway 143 out of Hesperia, features an autumn vista of black oaks nestled in pines. Info: http://www. parks.ca.gov/?page_id=650.

Yorba Regional Park in Orange County. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

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SCVSCHOOLS

CLIP N SAVE

SCV school districts

(choice of one entree, seasonal fruit and milk)

Menus courtesy of Santa Clarita Valley School • Castaic USD Food Services which • Newhall USD serves: • Saugus USD • Sulphur Springs USD

Elementary School Menus

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

Monday, Sept. 17

Triple Berry Blast Mini French Toast Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

Kickin' Chicken Drumstick & Mashed Potatoes Dippin' Chicken & Sauce Cheeseburger Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Frozen Fruit Cup

Tuesday, Sept. 18

Breakfast Pizza Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

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

Wednesday, Sept. 19

Scrambled Slider Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Sweet n' Sour Chicken over Rice Popcorn Chicken Cheeseburger Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Chocolate Chip Cookie

Thursday, Sept. 20

Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Cheeseburger Sliders Chicken Sandwich Spicy Chicken Sandwich Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar

Friday, Sept. 21

Buttermilk Bar Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

Chicken Quesadilla Cheesy Quesadilla Chicken Nuggets Deli Sandwich Smart Choice Pizza Manager's Choice Seasonal Salad Bar

Board OKs bargaining agreement with classified employees By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

he William S. Hart Union High School District ratified a collective bargaining agreement with the local chapter of the California School Employees Association Sept. 5 and approved compensation adjustments for unrepresented employees. “Negotiations have been ongoing since July of last year,” Board Presi-

dent Steve Sturgeon said. “Benefits and salary were two areas focused on by the negotiating groups.” In May, custodians, office workers and other stakeholders in the community filled every available seat in the Hart District’s board meeting, forcing many members of the district’s custodial staff to line the walls as they waited their turn to address members of the board. In addition to changes in the contract’s language, the agreement pro-

vides for a 2 percent one-time bonus that will be based on an employee’s salary rate on July 1, 2017, according to the agenda. Benefits caps will also increase to $14,500 for all CSEA members, which is equivalent to a one percent increase in bargaining unit costs on an ongoing basis. Employee groups outside of the California School Employees and Hart District Teachers associations will also receive compensation

increases after the board approved a separate agreement at the district meeting. “The governing board shall increase the salary of each unrepresented district employees by 1 percent effective July 1, 2018,” according to the agenda. “Additionally, each employee in the unrepresented group will receive a one-time, off salary schedule payment equal to 2 percent of the employee’s 2017/18 annual base salary.” 

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YOURHOME

Learn to downsize before a move

ging men and women often take inventory of their lives in an effort to focus on activities or lifestyle changes that can ensure happy retirements. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows there are some 76 million baby boomers — those people born between 1946 nnd 1964 — across the country. With the youngest of the boomers in their mid-50s and the majority having already reached retirement age, many boomers are trying to decide if it’s time to move out of their family homes and into smaller, more manageable abodes. Many older adults find they do not need the same amount of space as they did when they had children living at home. Retirees and those on the cusp of retirement may find that downsizing is a smart financial move that frees up more time for recreation. However, it can be challenging to cut down on living space and then deal with figuring out how to make furniture, belongings and stored items fit in more condensed areas. Moving can be stressful even without having to cut down on prized items. Taking an inventory of belongings can help the process go smoothly. Before moving, men and women can go room by room making piles of items that will be kept, donated, sold or discarded. This can be a tedious task, but it is necessary to avoid clutter in a new home. People downsizing can attempt to sell items they do not need via newspaper classified sections or online classified sites. Appliances and furniture in excellent shape may fetch good prices. Any extra cash can

Being organized about what you can sell or discard is important when moving. METRO CREATIVE

be put toward buying new items that are size-appropriate for the smaller home. Another way to clear out clutter is to sort duplicates from the stock of items. A person may no longer need multiple sets of dishes or silverware. If the move involves switching from a king-sized to a queensized bed, donate or trash bed linens that will no longer fit. Pay close attention to kitchen and bathroom items, which tend to accumulate over time but might not be discarded when clearing a home of clutter. People moving from a detached home to a condominium or a townhouse may learn that homeowner's association fees cover everything from snow removal to lawn maintenance to pool upkeep. If so, it’s unnecessary to bring lawn and garden supplies. Homeowners are advised to look at the floor plan of their new dwellings and pay attention to storage space. This can make it easier to plan ahead for what may fit, what will need to be purchased new and which storage solutions may be needed. Having a plan in place can make unpacking and settling in go smoothly. The organizing company Organize Me says that homeowners should consider how cabinets and closets will be used before moving in. Downsizing can free up time and money. When done right, downsizing can make retirement easier and create more leisure time for retirees. — Metro Connection

Create kid-friendly spaces at home

aintaining a home that is welcoming and kid friendly can be challenging. Kids are full of energy and oftentimes put fun ahead of tidiness. But no matter how energetic their youngsters are, parents can still employ several strategies to ensure their homes are both sophisticated and child-friendly. Consider an open floor plan. Rooms that flow into one another make it easier to keep tabs on children. Such rooms also allow residents and guests to mingle in separate rooms but not be too far away from one another. Choose washable fabrics. Upholstery will need to stand up to the abuse kids can dish out. Sofas and chairs with slipcovers can be advantageous because many slipcovers can be easily removed and laundered. Patterned fabrics will hide some stains, while treated fabrics may resist liquid spills for easier cleanup. Create a catch-all spot. Special bins or other organizational tools in the entryway can help to cull clutter when children come in the house from school or play. Be sure the keep cubbies, containers and coat hooks at a child-friendly height. Look for high-traffic rugs. Rugs designed for high-traffic areas will be more forgiving when children march across them several times per day. There are no rules that say you can't bring an outdoor rug inside, and these rugs tend to be easier to clean. Ensure there is plenty of seating. Sectionals give children ample room to spread out. And ample seating ensures there is enough room for kids to invite their friends over to hang out. Think outside pink and blue. For children's rooms, make sure they're colorful, but consider other hues to give the rooms some personality. Focus on a hobby or activity and borrow the color scheme from the accessories used for decorating. Hang whimsical artwork. Employ framing and lighting to make kids' artwork look like professional pieces. Routinely change the pictures when a new look is desired. Designate a place for play. Devote an entire room or a nook in a house for imaginative play. Store toys here so these items will not create clutter in individual bedrooms. — Metro Connection

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FOOD

A SLICE INTO EVERY COURSE Watermelon can be used in numerous ways

packed schedule often leads to fewer meals around the table. Between balancing family, friends, work and activities, it can be easy to reach for a pre-packaged snack onthe-go that lacks important vitamins and nutrients. Instead, when looking for portable, grab-and-go foods, think about a multipurpose treat like watermelon. Not only can watermelon be diced, sliced, balled or blended, it also provides numerous health benefits. Watermelon contains higher levels of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable and is a source of vitamins A and C, as well as vitamin B6 and potassium. Thinking beyond traditional slices, chunks or balls, there are many ways to incorporate watermelon into some of your favorite to-go meals, whether as a side dish or a key ingredient in beverages, salads or wraps. For example, these recipes for watermelon and bulgur wheat salad and watermelon collagen creamsicle from the National Watermelon Promotion Board can help satisfy your sweet tooth and provide necessary nutrients while tackling the next task on your to-do list. Find more watermelon recipes perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle at watermelon.org.

Watermelon and bulgur wheat salad Servings: 4

4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed 2 cups cooked bulgur wheat 2 cups arugula 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup chopped mint shaved pecorino romano cheese, to taste Dressing: 1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tablespoon honey salt black pepper In large serving bowl, combine watermelon, bulgur wheat, arugula, grape tomatoes and chopped mint. To make dressing: In liquid measuring cup, whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, honey, salt and pepper until well combined. Just before serving, pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Top with shaved pecorino and season, to taste. Serve immediately.

Watermelon collagen creamsicle Servings: 1

2 cups cubed watermelon 2 rounded tablespoons collagen 2 tablespoons heavy cream In blender, combine watermelon, collagen and heavy cream; blend. Pour into glass to serve.

Wrap it up

Wraps are a perfect on-the-go snack and are easily customizable. Get started with one of these varieties from the National Watermelon Promotion Board or create your own combination. Start with a spread to help the fillings stick together. Place toppings in the center of a tortilla and a watermelon spear on top. Roll the tortilla over the watermelon spear to tuck in all ingredients. Fasten with a toothpick, if needed.

Watermelon sandwich wraps

1 wheat, flour, corn, spinach or sun-dried tomato tortilla 2-4 teaspoons chive cream cheese, hummus, guacamole or Greek yogurt

A watermelon spear can be rolled into a tortilla with a variety of ingredients for a easily customizable, on-the-go snack. PHOTO BY FAMILY FEATURES

5-8 slices of turkey, ham, chicken breast, roast beef or pepperoni 1 watermelon spear, about 1/2-inch thick, 1-inch wide 2-4 teaspoons barbecue sauce, ranch, pesto, Thai peanut sauce, teriyaki, salsa or sweet chili and ginger 2-4 slices feta, pepper jack, swiss or mozzarella cheese Toppings: watercress, olives, scallions, cilantro, romaine lettuce, Bibb lettuce, jalapenos, fresh mint, basil, shredded carrots, Brussels sprouts, cucumber slices, bacon, pine nuts English tea sandwich wrap: Flour tortilla, chive cream cheese, ham, watermelon, watercress Greek wrap: Tortilla, plain Greek yogurt, feta cheese, watermelon, black olives Latin watermelon wrap: Flour tortilla, guacamole, ham, watermelon, pepper jack cheese, cilantro, scallions, jalapenos

Southwest chicken wrap: Corn or flour tortilla, guacamole, chicken, watermelon, salsa, bacon ranch dressing, pepper jack cheese, romaine lettuce Watermelon caprese wrap: Flour tortilla, pepperoni, watermelon, pesto, mozzarella cheese, basil Thai peanut chicken wrap: Corn tortilla, chicken, watermelon, Thai peanut sauce, Bibb lettuce, carrots, cilantro Southwest veggie wrap: Spinach tortilla, guacamole, watermelon, barbecue ranch dressing, swiss cheese, cucumber, cilantro Mid-Eastern veggie wrap: Corn tortilla, Hummus with pine nuts, watermelon, mint, cucumber slices Ginger chicken wrap: Wheat wrap, chicken, watermelon, teriyaki ginger sauce, sweet chili and ginger sauce, Bibb lettuce, Brussels sprouts Hawaiian wrap: Spinach wrap, pineapple cream cheese, ham, watermelon, sweet chili and ginger sauce, cilantro — Family Features

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R E S TA U R A N T P R O F I L E

GYROMANIA: Greek delights driven by the American dream By Michelle Sathe Signal Staff Writer

“Opa!” With that joyful greeting, a sea of blue walls, and the tantalizing smell of grilled meat in the air, walking into Gyromania Authentic Greek Kitchen is like teleporting to a modern Greek neighborhood restaurant. Most likely you’ll be met at the counter by owner Kyriakos Champi, who opened Gyromania in Saugus five months ago. He’ll answer any questions you have about the menu of classic Greek dishes with a big smile. Choices range from the namesake gyro, plus souvlaki and falafel, all available as wraps, plates, salads, or served atop a huge mound of fries with feta. Much of the food you’ll eat comes from recipes in the Champi family for decades or even centuries,

whether it’s the scratch-made dressings, marinades, and soups, to the gyros and souvlaki Champi learned to make while working at his uncle’s restaurant in Cyprus. “Cooking is my passion. Some people like football or acting, but my talent has always been in the kitchen,” Champi said. If you’re in the mood for something a little unique, ask Champi or his staff and they’ll most likely oblige you, whether it’s substituting lettuce for a pita in a wrap or creating a vegetarian gyro with feta-stuffed portabella mushrooms. “We have to make sure each customer leaves happy,” Champi said. With food this good and service this gracious, Gyromania does just that. The Greek salad ($6.99) bursts with freshness from the bright green

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Gyros are the specialty at Gyromania Authentic Greek Kitchen at 20655 Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. PHOTO BY MICHELLE SATHE

romaine and crunchy rounds of cucumber and peppers. There’s lots of crumbly, creamy feta cheese and briny kalamata olives, all showered with fresh herbs and served with your

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 35

R E S TA U R A N T P R O F I L E Heartier options include gyro plates ($11.99) with your choice of chicken, lamb, beef, or pork, marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices for 24 hours. That means even white meat chicken turns out flavorful, moist and juicy, while the lamb is fork tender. The meat is served atop a bed of fluffy, dill and olive oil infused rice that soaks up all the savory juices. Add some luscious garlic sauce to the mix to really take the whole dish over the top. Or you could try the doulmas plate ($12.59), a generous helping of delightful little bundles served hot, stuffed full of fragrant ground beef and just a little bit of rice, wrapped in tender grape leaves, bathed in a tangy tomato and olive oil sauce. This is a rustic, comforting, satisfying dish, especially as the weather gets cooler. The tzatziki served with every plate is something else - a creamy yet refreshing blend of yogurt, dill, and thin slices of cucumber to dip your four triangles of soft, puffy, perfect pita bread into. It’s positively

Gyromania Authentic Greek Kitchen employee Dafnee Cuervo, left, and owner Kyriakos Champi hold a Greek salad and chicken gyro plate at the restaurant, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. PHOTO BY MICHELLE SATHE

swoon-worthy. If you have any room left for dessert, the Greek style donuts are fun, freeform spheres of crispy dough slicked with honey and dusted with

cinnamon. Breakfast is served all day at Gyromania and, in the near future, Champi would like to add spanakopita, moussaka, and more soups to the

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lineup. He’d also like to expand with a second location, eventually leading to many more. “One day, I’d like to have 200 of these restaurants,” Champi said. “I’m putting it out to the universe.” It’s a big dream, one that compelled Champi, now a Saugus resident, to leave his home country of Cyprus to come to America 8 years ago with just $500 in his pocket and a desire to bring Greek hospitality to a brand-new audience. Champi is willing to work hard for that dream, working long hours every day at his restaurant to make sure the level of quality, consistency, and customer service always hits the mark. “I want to make people feel like they’re on vacation in Greece when they come here,” he said. “When people smile and tell me they love my food, it’s like they’re giving me the whole world.”  Gyromania, 20655 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Catering available. For more information call 252-4976 or visit www.gyromaniacatering.com

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S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

PERSONALITYPROFILE

JAMES DEGNAN: Racing into history

Rare cars have been both a sport and a hobby By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

attended a Porsche gathering held in conjunction with the historic car races. “We drove into Laguna Seca and they were driving warm up and my heart rate went crazy,” he said. “I thought, ‘I’m going to do this one day.’” It was at the 1982 race an Allard race car caught his eye. In 1984 Degnan organized a group of friends to attend the Jim Russell Racing School held at the Laguna Seca Raceway. “You drive for three days in Formula Fords and learn how to drive a race car and learn about safety,” he said. Soon after he purchased a 1952 Allard K2.

is racing days may be history, but Castaic resident, James Degnan, 86, still has a passion for the cars that fueled his longtime hobby. “I have cars now that I’m fussing around with. I used to have more,” he said. “I’ve had some interesting, exotic cars.” In Degnan’s current automobile inventory are a 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado, a 1964 Sunbeam Tiger and a 1964 Renault Gordini. Degnan said he has always had an “affinity” for Toronados and has owned three throughout the years. He describes the Sunbeam Tiger as “a nice, collectible car” and the Renault Gordini as a “rare French car.” Degnan owned a one-of-a-kind 1961 Cheetah Car Transporter for many years before selling the vehicle and receiving the Renault Gordini in trade. “There are probably less than 20 of those cars in the United States,” he said. All three cars still run, despite a few hiccups. “The car I got started in “The Sunbeam Tiger is in good shape, but it’s with the historic racing was hot. It’s hard to drive on a normal day like today the 1952 Allard K2, a rare (with temperatures in the 90s),” Degnan said find,” Degnan said. Degnan has driven the car to Valencia twice on Between 1950 and 1952 there were a total of 119 Saturday mornings for the Coffee N Cars show K2 Roadsters created. held weekly near the Western Bagel on Valencia Degnan bought the car sight unseen and fixed Boulevard. up the bright red, two-door “The Oldsmobile I’m working on roadster. it, it’s kind of a brute. It’s powerful He used coffee cans to trace No. and drives like big boat,” he said. I LIKED THE 88, in white, on the car’s door. “I’ve got air conditioning issues NUMBER 88, “I liked the number 88, I figured with that car, too.” I FIGURED the number would read the same Degnan said he has trailered the THE NUMBER way if the car was right side up, or Renault Gordini to a British car upside down,” he said. show in the San Fernando Valley. WOULD READ “People know that it’s a rare car Degnan said he raced the AlT H E S A M E WAY and enjoying seeing it,” he said. lard “probably 25 times at Laguna I F T H E C A R WA S Seca.” “It’s drivable and I can drive it up RIGHT SIDE and down the street, but it’s got “I had a lot of fun and I never hit a glitch. It doesn’t go into reverse anybody,” he said. U P, O R U P S I D E very well.” The first race for Degnan and his D O W N ." Allard occurred in 1986 at Riverside Raceway. “We had three or four races at Riverside before For more than a quarter of a century Degnan they closed and demolished the racetrack,” he said. collected, worked on, showed and raced unique In addition to Laguna Seca and Riverside, Deand rare autos. “I participated until my good sense got the better gnan has raced in San Diego; Del Mar; Portland, Ore.; and Seattle. “We went to Willow Springs of me and I decided to quit,” he said. Race Track north of Lancaster, too,” he said. Degnan was already a car collector when he Degnan said he enjoyed car racing not only for caught the racing bug at the annual Monterey Histhe competition but because of the people he met toric Automobile Race held at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey County. at the track. In August of 1982 Degnan and his wife, Karen, “We met very nice people. Very nice families. I

Number 88

Finding the race

James Degnan with his 1964 Sunbeam Tiger. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON think I enjoyed both being on the track, wheel-towheel with others, and also just being part of the event,” he said. “I liked to walk around the pits, talk to people, I enjoyed the camaraderie.”

Monterey Historic Races

Each year the Monterey Historic Automobile Race would feature a different car or auto manufacturer. In 1990 the annual event featured the Allard. Degnan said the event attracted more than 90 Allards from across the United States, as well as Australia and New Zealand. “There were two separate race events and 30 of the cars raced,” he said. “In my race event a Jaguar finished ahead of me, but I was second in the race and the first Allard to cross the finish line.” Degnan said the Monterey Historic races often feature cars of different makes and models on the same track. “You’ll see an all Porsche race, but then you have Corvettes, Mustangs, Ramblers, any number or kind of car that raced in the 1950s will compete on the same track at the same time,” he said. “Even a Hudson.” Degnan said he added a 1967 Lotus Formula Ford to his collection when he found the car at the Pomona Swap Meet in 1989.

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 37

PERSONALITYPROFILE

The open wheel race car was another rare find for Degnan who estimated that only about 120 of the cars were made. “I had the Lotus for 25 years and raced it extensively at local tracks and we went to Portland and Seattle once, too,” he said. Degnan said racing in Monterey was not so much an effort to win a car race, but rather to “show off the car in a racing venue.” “It was designed to show the car as it was meant to be driven,” he said. “A lot of these historic racing cars are Ferraris and Maseratis. Expensive cars.” Degnan said competition was frowned upon, because if drivers become too aggressive cars can end up damaged or destroyed. “In Monterey if you bang a fender, you’re out of the race and you probably won’t get in the race the next year, either,” he said. “I had some nice finishes, some checkered flags.” In his entire racing career Degnan said he spun out a few times, but only crashed once, when he mangled the front end of his Lotus Formula Ford. “I think I knew the limits and capabilities of the car and driver both,” he said. “But I did run into a barrier in Fontana. I had the Formula Ford and couldn’t make the turn and hit a water barrier and kind of mangled the front end.” Often referred to as the “Monterey Historics” the vintage car races began in 1974 and were called The Monterey Historic Automobile Races. In 2010 the name was changed to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. The race is held annually in August at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey County. The annual Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is described on its website as “a celebration of motorsport history that brings approximately 550 race cars together in one open paddock for everyone to enjoy. Each accepted car, from more than 1,000 entry applications received, is scrutinized and accepted based on the car’s authenticity, race provenance and period correctness.”

From Iowa to Castaic

Degnan and his wife of 56 years, Karen moved to Hasley Canyon in Castaic in 1994 to be closer to family. The couple had previously lived in Glendale for 30 years. Degnan was born in Iowa and moved to California in 1960. He served a stint in the Army during the Korean War where he was stationed in Germany. Degnan grew up on a farm near Curlew, Iowa

(population 58 in the 2010 Census) where his parents farmed. “I worked on the farm with my dad, and with my Irish background I would get very sunburned,” he said. Degnan credits his father with encouraging him to “get off the farm” and attend college. After a false start at Iowa State University and an attempt at an engineering degree Degnan earned a degree in commerce at the University of Iowa. He went into banking when he found his first job as a bank examiner working for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation after graduating from college. After being transferred to San Francisco Degnan met his wife who worked at a bank in Los Angeles. He described his transition from the Midwest to San Francisco as “mind-boggling.” “It was a world of difference,” he said. The couple have two daughters, Katie, of Saugus and Kimberly of Orange County. They have three surviving grandchildren, having lost a grandson in an accident.

The family farm

Degnan said 600 acres of his family farm in Iowa is now in a trust created by Degnan, his sister and late brother. “We grow corn and soybeans,” he said. They lease the farm to a tenant who serves as a steward of the land. Degnan said it is interesting to note that while his brother didn’t race, he did collect tractors. “I’ve always had an interest in cars,” said Degnan. Prompted by a friend he recently made a list of all the cars he has owned throughout the years. “It was interesting for me to see all the cars I’ve had in my life, early on, in college, race cars, family cars,” he said. “I must have spent a small fortune on DMV fees.” In his lifetime so far Degnan has owned more than 40 cars. The first car Degnan purchased was a 1932 Chevrolet Coupe. “I drove that to high school,” he said. “Then I got a 47 Ford I drove in college.”

Reflections

“I didn’t like to play golf and I didn’t fish,” said Degnan. “But we traveled and we did stuff without the cars.” Degnan said his wife didn’t enjoy the car

Degnan looks under the hood. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON racing as much as he did, but that she “indulged” him in his hobby. “It was a unique activity,” he said “Being on the track and the thrill of going at speed and being competitive.” Degnan said they often would attend 30 races a year. “I probably got over enthused about doing it,” he said. “We sometimes went two or three times a month.” Of all the cars he’s owned he wishes he had kept the 1959 Porsche Carrera. “But I had to sell it,” he said. “I had some stock options at the bank and I needed the money for that. I did the right thing, I came out all right.” After he stopped racing Degnan has attended a few historic car races where a friend got him admitted to the pits. “That made it worth it,” he said. However, Degnan’s wife has said she is finished with car racing. “So, I’m done, too,” he said. He currently spends his mornings at the YMCA and won’t be acquiring any new cars. “I probably need to get rid of some, but I hate to do that,” he said. When the opportunity arises, he might still (on occasion) take a car or two down to Valencia Coffee N Cars, 23222 Valencia Blvd.,Valencia (old Kmart shopping center). 6:30-8:30 a.m. Saturdays. 

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S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

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

To Your Good Health By Keith Roach, M.D. Signal Contributing Editor

Shingles vaccine can prevent complications DEAR DR. ROACH: My boyfriend, who is in his 60s, got the recommended shingles shot a couple of years ago. Three weeks ago, he got a very bad case of shingles. It went from the front of his stomach, along the left side, to the middle of his spine. He has huge blisters, a red rash, pain and no appetite, and he constantly sleeps. The doctor put him on a regimen of valacyclovir. He was told to keep the area moist to avoid cracking and pulling of the blisters and rash. I thought that if you got the shingles shot, you wouldn't get the shingles, or at least you'd get only a mild case. His has not been a mild case. The doctor told him that the shot just gives a false sense of security. If so, why get the shot? — D.H.

ANSWER: I disagree with his doctor; it isn't a false sense of security so much as it's an incomplete sense of security. No medical treatment is 100 percent effective, and that includes vaccines. Even the best vaccines don't work on some people, or can't be used, which is why having a large proportion of the population vaccinated is so critical for a really infectious disease, like measles. In the case of shingles, the vaccine prevents about 50 percent of shingles episodes from ever occurring, and it might keep others from being worse. (As an aside, it's possible that your boyfriend's case would have been even worse without the vaccine, but there's no way of ever knowing for sure.) What might be the most important reason of all to get the vaccine is to prevent the dreaded complication of shingles — post-herpetic neuralgia. The rate of post-herpetic neuralgia in vaccinated people who still get shingles is 67 percent lower than in nonvaccinated people. It's not a perfect vaccine, but it's a lot better than no vaccine. Its downside is seldom more than a redness at the injection site or a sore arm, and it has

never been shown to transmit the virus. Post-herpetic neuralgia, on the other hand, can be exquisitely, disablingly painful and can last for months. DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a twitching of my left eye. My face draws up when it happens. I went to a doctor and he gave me 15 Botox shots around my eye and said I will need them every three months. They help some. Can you tell me what it could be? — F.G.

ANSWER: This is a special type of dystonia, a movement disorder, called blepharospasm (blef-a-row-spasm). It's an involuntary contracture of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which goes around the eye. Other muscles may be involved, giving your face the "drawn up" appearance. The botulinum toxin the doctor injects you with partially paralyzes the muscle, preventing the spasms, but the toxin wears off. The condition is common, but in most cases is mild enough or intermittent enough that such powerful treatments aren't needed. In a few cases, surgery is required. You can get more information about blepharospasm and other dystonias at www.dystonia-foundation.org. Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med. cornell.edu. To view and order health pamphlets, visit www.rbmamall.com or write to Good Health, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. ©2018 North America Synd., Inc.

What alcohol does to the body

ccording to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 56 percent of adults age 18 and over reported drinking alcohol in the past month. The prevalence of alcohol is undeniable, and many drinkers seem unfazed by the short- and long-term effects of alcohol consumption. While drinking in moderation may not necessarily prove harmful, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that excessive alcohol consumption, whether it's on a single occasion or over time, can take a serious toll on various areas of the body. Brain Alcohol can affect how the brain looks and works, interfering with its communication pathways and potentially disrupting one's mood and behavior. In addition, alcohol can affect a person's ability to think clearly and adversely affect coordination. Heart Heart problems associated with longtime excessive alcohol consumption or even too much alcohol on a single occasion include cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that compromises its ability to pump blood to the rest of the body. Irregular heartbeat, stroke and high blood pressure are some additional heart conditions that can result from excessive alcohol consumption. Pancreas The pancreas is a gland located in the abdomen that, among other things, aids in the digestive process. The NIAAA notes that alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can lead to pancreatitis. An inflammation and swelling of blood vessels in the pancreas, pancreatitis can prevent proper digestion and produce pain in the upper abdomen that can spread to the back as well. Liver Cirrhosis, a chronic disease

of the liver that's often linked to alcoholism, may be the most widely known liver disease associated with alcohol. However, additional diseases, including alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis and steatosis also may result from heavy drinking. Roughly 35 percent of long-term drinkers develop alcoholic hepatitis, the presence of which may require liver transplants if other courses of treatment, such as dietary changes and quitting alcohol, are ineffective. Fibrosis refers to scar tissue in the liver, while the Cleveland Clinic notes that steatosis, or fatty liver, that occurs after acute alcohol ingestion is generally reversible with abstinence. Immune System Excessive alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, leaving acute and chronic heavy drinkers vulnerable to disease. Single occasion heavy drinkers may find their ability to defend themselves against infection is weakened for up to 24 hours after getting drunk. Chronic heavy drinkers are more susceptible to diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis than people who drink in moderation or not at all. Cancer Excessive alcohol consumption also has been linked to a host of cancers, including cancers of the mouth, esophagus, throat, liver, and breast. More information is available at www.niaaa.org. — Metro Connection

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GARDENING

How to tend to an indoor herb garden

resh herbs and recently picked ingredients can add flavor to any meal. A home chef can even improve the flavor of store-bought or prepared foods with an herb garnish that can transform otherwise bland dishes into something you'll want to eat again and again. Harvesting fresh herbs is easy for homeowners who have gardens right in their backyards. However, everyone does not have a backyard, and even those that do might find their gardens threatened by changing seasons or unwanted critters. When gardens are moved indoors, the bounty of fresh ingredients continues no matter the date on the calendar. Herb gardens are perhaps some of the easiest gardens to cultivate indoors because they don't require large pots or much space. The plants themselves are relatively compact, and it only takes a pinch of herbs to give a meal some extra flavor. When growing herbs indoors, your indoor growing area must have adequate light to simulate the longer days of summer; otherwise, the plants may go dormant. It's ideal to have a southern exposure on the herbs, with at least eight hours of sunlight per day. If your house does not have a lot of sun, consider supplementing the plants with grow lights, which will provide the full spectrum of light the plants need to thrive. Indoor air can become too dry for herbs, so you will need to compen-

sate by providing humidity. While there may be added humidity in a kitchen greenhouse window, it still may not be enough to keep the plants healthy. Think about misting the plants daily to create some extra humidity, or place herb pots on top of a water-filled tray with pebbles so the evaporating water will add moisture without making the roots soggy. Insects are another threat to indoor gardens because there is no cold weather to inhibit the hatching of insect eggs. Soil from outdoors may be more susceptible to insects that are already living in the dirt. Instead of soil from outside, use packaged soil or a non-soil alternative that will hold moisture without the added risk of bugs. If small insects appear, use a mist of soapy water to kill the bugs without harming the plants or making the herbs unfit for eating. Group herbs together according to their watering needs to make maintenance that much easier. New sprouts generally need more water than established plants. Prune the herbs as needed for recipes. If the herbs experience a growth spurt, trim some of the plants and freeze the herbs for later use. Many indoor herb gardeners begin by growing parsley, chives, oregano, and basil, but you can experiment with just about any herb.  — Metro Connection

A sunny location is necessary when cultivating an indoor herb garden. METRO CREATIVE

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S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

SENIORLIVING

New Senior Center slated to open in spring 2019 By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

he new SCV Senior Center building on Golden Valley Road is expected to be completed in spring 2019, center staff announced Wednesday. Executive Director Kevin MacDonald told the crowd gathered in the multi-purpose room at the existing Senior Center, on Market Street, that they’d be upgrading to seven rooms in the new state-of-the-art facility, among other changes. The new center is planned as a two-story, 30,000-square-foot building built on 2.5 acres of donated land on Golden Valley Road, MacDonald said. “We’re planning this center because it’s important to meet the needs of our growing Santa Clarita Valley,” he said. “The senior population is growing so much, and it is the right time and place to build a hub for senior services, and it can also be a place for

social gatherings and recreation.” The recreation MacDonald referred to is planned to be found in new services, such as a health and wellness center in partnership with Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Additionally, the new center is slated to include a second-career center, a technology center, an education center in partnership with College of the Canyons, a financial information center in partnership with AARP and a center for senior rights. The community campaign to raise an additional $1 million will run until December, and the estimated completion date for construction is February. The Senior Center programs will move to the new facility in March or April, and the center will be officially open by that spring, MacDonald said. So far, the city of Santa Clarita donated $3.5 million and Los Angeles County donated $3 million, with community support contributing $2.6 million, according to a presentation at the event.

SCV Senior Center Executive Director Kevin MacDonald shares the latest updates concerning construction of the new center. PHOTO BY AUSTIN DAVE

Before the center is complete, monthly updates will be given to the center’s clients each month, starting with a presentation by Senior Center Board President Peggy Rasmussen in October, MacDonald said. “We met with seniors to listen to

what programs they need and what’s most popular when we were considering what services to add,” he said. “We’ve been in this building for 40 years, and we’ve definitely outgrown it… We’re grateful for the community support.” 

S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 41 Westley Silvestri, 32, of Santa Clarita, created Ninja Beach in Santa Monica as part of his training for the TV show “American Ninja Warrior.” PHOTO BY DAN WATSON

Santa Clarita’s ‘Ninja Warrior’ dedicates life to comedy, real estate, fitness and going for ...

THE EXTRA SMILE

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

n the Santa Clarita Valley, Westley Silvestri, 32, was honored as one of the elite members of the 2016 class of 40 Under 40, named by JCI Santa Clarita to recognize outstanding young professionals. Professionally Silvestri is a real estate agent for HomeSmart NCG in Santa Clarita. He was honored as the Rookie of the Year and is a four-time Diamond Award winning agent. In his three years in real estate, Silvestri has closed more than $35 million in real estate transactions. Recently, viewers of the NBC TV program “American Ninja Warrior” watched as Silvestri competed in the 10th season of the show. He took on the obstacle

course in the Los Angeles qualifiers and the Los Angeles City Finals as he tried to earn a ticket to the Las Vegas finals and chance to win $1 million. “American Ninja Warrior” follows competitors as they tackle a series of challenging obstacle courses in city qualifying and city finals rounds across the country. Those who earn a spot in the national finals in Las Vegas face a four-stage course modeled after the famed Mt. Midoriyama course in Japan. “American Ninja Warrior” is based on “Sasuke,” from the Tokyo Broadcasting System Television, the original series is now in its 35th season in Japan. This year, only his second year competing on “American Ninja Warrior,” Silvestri failed in his bid to earn a trip to Las Vegas after he fell on the third obsta-

cle, a balance obstacle called the Spinning Bridge, an obstacle he had easily handled in the city qualifier.

Life-changing moment

Silvestri’s journey to “American Ninja Warrior” began with tragedy. While working at Lazy Dog Café in Valencia, Silvestri bonded with co-worker Ian Long after they both found themselves victims of “love gone wrong.” “We became friends after working at Lazy Dog together, bartending and serving together,” Silvestri said. “He was a singer-songwriter and I was a standup comedian. He was going through a horrible breakup, and his horrible breakup was similar to my horrible breakup years before.” Continued on next page.

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S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

Continued from previous page.

said. “I looked into it, but I didn’t get on.”

Long ended up renting a room in Silvestri’s home in Valencia. Silvestri had, at the time, been working toward a comedy career. Long knew people in Hollywood so he and Silvestri wrote a 19-episode sitcom based on Silvestri’s life. However, three days before an important television series pitch meeting Silvestri walked into Long’s room and found him dead, at age 35, of cardiomyopathy. “He died in is sleep. After his death I stopped doing comedy,” he said. “Ian was like the older brother I never had.” Silvestri said he has always been an advocate of a sober lifestyle. “I don’t drink and I don’t do drugs and I never have,” he said. “When Ian moved into our house, with two sober people, he didn’t want to be the one person drinking in the house.” Long embarked on a course of self-improvement. He stopped drinking and set a goal of running in the Los Angeles Marathon on his 100th day of sobriety.

Becoming a ‘Ninja’

Running ‘Spartan’

“When I walked in and found Ian dead that was my life-changing moment,” said Silvestri. To reach his goal of running the L.A. Marathon Long signed up to run in various obstacle course races like the Tough Mudder, Spartan and others. Silvestri knew that Long had signed up to run in a Spartan race in Castaic. “I had never run that kind of race. I’m not a runner, but I took his registration and put his name on my back and said, ‘I’m going to run for Ian, in his honor,’” said Silvestri. Long had signed up with a group to participate in the Spartan race, which offered two courses, a 5K and a 10K. “When I arrived Ian’s group told me they were running the 5K, but that Ian had signed up for the 10K,” said Silvestri. “I thought to myself, ‘of course he would do that, of course he would.’ So not only do I have to run this thing, I have to run it by myself.” Typically, obstacle course races are run by teams, or groups, of participants who help each other through the obstacles. “When I’m in the first mud pit and I come up for air I look up to the heavens and I start crying because he’s not there with me,” said Silvestri. “I’m not normally an emotional person, but I was upset.” Silvestri eventually made it through the entire 10K course. “I come to the finish line, exhausted, beaten, bloody, because there’s all this barbed wire and other stuff,” said Silvestri. “I’ve never done anything like this before in my life.” Physically and emotionally exhausted Silvestri crossed the finish line and received his finisher’s medal. “As I was handed my medal I said, ‘thank you’ and I start to walk away from the finish line,” he said. “I look up to the heavens again and say, ‘We did it buddy, we did it.’ I look down into my hand and realize that I was given two finisher’s medals. I should only

Ninja Beach creator Westley Silvestri reaches out to Mason Yo, 15, as he balances on the slack line of Ninja Beach at Venice Beach. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON

have received one medal. It was weird.” Silvestri said looking at the two medals was an extremely emotional moment. “I really started crying,” he said. The entire experience affected Silvestri deeply. “After I crossed the finish line I stood there for a while and took it all in,” he said. “There are 5,000 sober people at one location all having a great time and I thought this is the community that I need to be a part of. I said I have to do more of these. I signed up for all of them.” To date Silvestri has run in more than 25 obstacle course events such as Tough Mudder, Spartan, Gladiator Run and Warrior Dash.

Finding the beach

One day Silvestri listened to a speech given by motivational speaker Eric Thomas. The speech, which is a metaphorical encounter with a man looking for success, has a “guru” telling the man to meet him on a beach. “The speech is very metaphorical, but I took it literally,” said Silvestri. “The guru said, ‘Meet me down at the beach,’ so I took it literally and went down to Santa Monica Beach. It’s the original Muscle Beach.” Silvestri found rings, ropes and a bar grab where he could work out. “I thought, this is awesome,” he said. At the time Silvestri had a goal to meet three new people a day. Down on Muscle Beach it was easy to accomplish his goal. It was on Muscle Beach where Silvestri first heard of “American Ninja Warrior.” “A guy suggested I should go on the show,” he

Despite failing to land a competitor slot on the show Silvestri was invited to test the “American Ninja Warrior” course at Universal Studios. “The first year I test the course, I passed the whole thing. At that point I realize, I have to do this. The next year it was full force.” For Season 9 of “American Ninja Warrior” he submitted an “audition” tape, again was not chosen and decided to wait in the walk-on line for 15 days. “I was No. 8 in line. I watched the first seven people in front of me fall,” he said. “Then a producer walks up to me and says, ‘Hey, why don’t you go be the first (to finish).’ I had no friends or family members there to cheer me on because from the time they told me I was running to the time I stepped on the starting line, it was only 25 minutes.” Silvestri said as soon as he got up to the course everything started to go in slow motion. “When people talk about ‘American Ninja Warrior’ not being about the money I can tell you first hand that it is not about the money,” he said. “The million dollars if you win would be great, but it is not about that. It is about the experience. You have one shot and that’s it. My run lasted three minutes. I waited all year for three minutes. But it is totally worth it.” Silvestri was the first contestant to hit the buzzer at the top of the Warped Wall in the 2017 Los Angeles City qualifiers. He went on to compete in the Los Angeles City Finals. He fell on the second obstacle, Cannonball Drop. This year, Season 10, Silvestri made it to the fifth obstacle, the Doorknob Drop before falling. He advanced to the Los Angeles City Finals where he fell on the third obstacle, the Spinning Bridge. “Ninjas will tell you, confidence kills,” he said. “It’s one thing to be confident, another thing to be over-confident.” Silvestri said the easiest part of “American Ninja Warrior” is running the course. “Mentally, it’s 90 percent above the shoulders. You can’t let the moment overwhelm you because if you do that’s it. If you have failed to mentally prepare you’ve lost before you’ve even started,” he said.

‘Ninja’ training

Silvestri said “Ninja” training makes you look at action/adventure movies in a totally different way. “You look at someone climb a rope and they make it look so easy. Go do it, try it,” he said. “It’s not easy.” Silvestri now sets up a “Ninja” training course on Sundays for his friends and all-comers at Muscle Beach in Santa Monica. “Nothing is easy in ‘Ninja’ training. I have failed so many times,” he said. “When people make it look easy it’s only because they have failed at it so many times.”

Saugus High graduate

Silvestri was born in Glendale. His parents divorced See NINJA, page 46

S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 43

LOCALNEWS

LGBTQ+ group builds vets homes By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer

Members of the LGBTQ+ community and veterans came together Saturday for the Homes 4 Families second annual Rainbow Build, located at the veterans housing tract off Centre Pointe Parkway. “The Rainbow Build is to show our support of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Donna Deutchman, president and CEO of Homes 4 Families. More than 70 volunteers focused on building driveways and completing the finished carpentry in nine houses that will close escrow in December. “It means a lot to know I am contributing towards the building of my own home,” said Julio Mares, U.S. Marine Corps veteran. “It is great engaging with the people who come out here and gave up so much of their time to help us build these communities.” Mares has been attending building

Resident Megan Young-Bryden and her mother, Nicole Young-Bryden, work together to mix concrete at the Rainbow Build. PHOTO BY MICHELE LUTES

events with Homes 4 Families for the past year. His first build was the Rainbow Build last year, he said. “When we first started, this was all

just dirt, then it was a slab of cement and now it is an actual home,” Mares said. “I can’t even explain it. It is still kind of surreal.”

Homes 4 Families is about celebrating the diversity of the veteran community, Deutchman said. Rainbow Build Co-Chairs John Musella and his husband Ivan Volschenk worked on the finishing touches on the first floor of the nine homes. “They are almost ready for the veterans to move into,” Musella said. The Rainbow Build is a way for LGBTQ+ community to give back to veterans, Deutchman said. “(They) protect our freedoms abroad, the freedoms that we fought so hard for here at home, and those civil liberties,” Musella said. “It is important to give back to veterans that have done so much for us as a community.” Volunteers were able to work alongside the veterans who will call their hard work home. “We’re so used to serving in the service,” Mares said. “When we are out here it feels great to see others serving us. It is pretty humbling.” 

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A teen girl detained at the local sheriff ’s station for a “school-related” issue bolted from her captors Tuesday afternoon, prompting a brief foot chase to the mall. Sgt. Eric Caplinger with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station said the girl was initially detained on a “school” matter and noted she was not handcuffed when she ran from the station. At about 4 p.m., deputies were alerted to an escapee from the Sheriff ’s Station on Valencia Boulevard at

Magic Mountain Parkway. The teen took off running from the station to the nearby parking lot of the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Deputies giving chase learned from their dispatcher that the teen entered the mall at the Sears entrance near Citrus Street and Valencia Boulevard. The teen kept running and was soon spotted in JC Penny and then Margie Shaffer on the escalators to the store’s second floor. REAL ESTATE PRO FESSI ONAL #01234227 Deputies caught CalBRE up with the girl in the towel section of JC Penny. margieshaffer5@gmail.com She was handcuffed and returned 661.755.4001 to the Sheriff ’s Station. 

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S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

LOCALNEWS

Honoring the fallen Student organizes tribute to the 2,977 lives lost during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

As citizens across the country mourned the attacks that rocked the nation 17 years ago on Sept. 11, one Hart High School senior organized an early-morning tribute to honor the 2,977 lives that were lost during the terrorist attacks. Nearly 50 students joined staff, faculty, elected representatives and local families on the front lawn of Hart High School on Tuesday for the “9/11 Never Forget Project,” which was organized by Annie Niednagel and the Young Americans for Freedom club. Members of the recently founded club arrived at 5 a.m. to set up the 2,977 flags that represented every life lost in the 9/11 attacks. Fueled by doughnuts, a patriotic playlist and using the headlights of their cars to see, Niednagel said it took an hour and a half for the club to complete the remembrance project. “For it being that early in the

Members of the Hart Regiment Marching Band play the national anthem Tuesday in front of 2,977 flags. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN

morning, everybody was so happy and upbeat,” Niednagel said. “It became more than a club event,” and it wasn’t hard to arrange thanks to the support of the administrators, community and student body. “I was only 6 months old when 9/11 happened, and none of those kids who were setting up flags have any memory of it,” Niednagel said. “It was such a monumental day, but I had no firsthand experience,” she added. “You can read a num-

ber on the page and learn about it through documentaries, but it has a whole new meaning when you see all of the flags and think that’s only one person.” The country can’t forget the families and friends who were affected by their loss, “as well as the thousands of troops who have died since then,” Niednagel said. After growing up in a very patriotic family and hearing stories about how the day has affected others,

Niednagel hopes the event educates Santa Clarita’s youth and increases their political awareness. “I want this to be a new tradition at Hart High. With the success we had, I want this to be the very beginning of something special for the Santa Clarita Valley,” Niednagel said. “Maybe one day I can bring my kids back to school and see those same flags in the grass, because we can truly never forget what happened that day.” 

Opponents of bail bill get green light for signatures By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

When Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill that made California the first state to abolish its cash bail system, bail agencies weren’t pleased. Now they’re racing against the clock to try to overturn the bill that would put them out of jobs. Secretary of State Alex Padilla announced Monday that supporters of a referendum to repeal the bill have been authorized to collect petition signatures until November, putting the bill’s fate in the hands of California’s voters. Before the law can take effect, opponents have until Nov. 26 to overturn it. If 365,880 registered voters

sign the petition, the referendum will qualify for the 2020 ballot, according to the Secretary of State’s office. The cash bail law Brown signed into law Aug. 28 replaces the money bail system with a system for pretrial release from jail. It would put a stronger burden on probation agencies to keep track of criminal court appearances, and it’s expected to put local bail bond agencies, like SCV Bail Bonds, out of business. SCV Bail Bonds operators Robin Sandoval-March and Nuri March said the bill would rob the system of the accountability clients have to show up to court, enforced by bondsmen they’ve paid. ”Private citizens of California don’t even know what’s going on with this

system,” Sandoval-March said Tuesday. “They know after the fact, after Brown signed this law, so we’re anxious as the bail industry to get signatures to make sure it’s voted on for the 2020 election.” Under the new rules, criminals would not be favored based on their ability to pay bail. Instead, the state would replace bail with “risk assessments” of individuals and nonmonetary conditions of release. Counties would establish local agencies to evaluate any individual arrested on felony charges on their likelihood of returning for court hearings and their chances of re-arrest. Kerri Webb, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County Probation Department, said the passage of the newly signed Senate Bill 10 would lead

to a dramatic increase in the number of defendants requiring a pretrial risk assessment and pretrial supervision services. According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, the law could cost anywhere from $100 million to $200 million annually. “We feel confident that people will want to sign, once they are educated on how the bail system works,” Sandoval-March said. “We work on trying to educate people all the time and we’ve released some blogs and articles.” In a statement, Brown declared the new law, when it goes into effect October 2019, would ensure that the poor and rich would be treated equally when accused of crimes. 

S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

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46 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 16, 2018

CROSSWORD TIME Answer to Sunday 8/19 Crossword

NINJA

Continued from page 42

when he was in sixth grade. After his mother, a Glendale police officer, remarried, the family moved to Saugus. “My mom was super strict. If I wasn’t in the classroom I was on the golf course until the wee hours,” Silvestri said. Silvestri was a high school sophomore when the family, including his younger brother Tyler, moved to Saugus. He joined the Saugus High School golf team and was written up in The Signal newspaper after winning a few tournaments. After high school, Silvestri attended COC for one semester and then transferred to New Mexico. At 18 he bought his first home while working full time and carrying 18 units of college courses. Silvestri returned to California and continued his college studies as a communications major at California State University, Bakersfield. He met his wife, Rebecca Quan, while working at Buca di Beppo. The couple have been married three years and live in Valencia. Silvestri enjoys hiking, cliff jumping, snowboarding, surfing, rock climbing, scuba diving, and wake boarding, in addition to his “Ninja” training. “I feel younger than ever,” he said. “I watch all my friends get married and have babies and I’m jumping off of things.” Giving back has also become important to Silvestri. He believes in paying it forward and helping those in need. Silvestri is a sobriety coach and helps others deal with their alcohol addiction through exercise. In 2015, he produced and participated in stand-up comedy

Ninja Beach creator Westley Silvestri encourages Sarah Durdum, 29, of Canoga Park as she finishes the slack line of the Ninja Beach obstacle course at Venice Beach. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON

events which raised more than $55,000 dollars for Santa Clarita Valley nonprofits including New Leash on Life Animal Rescue, Bridge to Home Homeless Shelter and Feed the Children.

Life lessons

Silvestri believes that “American Ninja Warrior” happened because of everything that he went through. “It literally was because Ian died and had signed up for the Spartan race at Castaic,” he said. Silvestri said he suffered a deep depression in the year after Long died. “It made me take stock of my life,” he said. “I had this ‘Fight Club’ moment. I was in my 20s and I thought, ‘This could be me, I could go to sleep some night and never wake up.’” Silvestri said he was always driven. “I’ve been working since I was 14,” he said. “I have three passions: comedy, real estate and fitness. Put in the work and the accomplishments will follow you.” Silvestri believes in setting goals and achieving results. “I know I only have one life and I’m going to do as much as I can. You can look at my social media you will see that I try to cram as much as I can into one day,” he said. “It’s so cliché to say that you’re not given tomorrow but I have seen how true that saying is.” Silvestri has also updated a personal goal. “My new goal is to make a random person smile every day.” 

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