Sunday Signal June 16, 2019 by Signal

JUNE 16, 2019

BEAT the HEAT! Page 5

Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

OFF ROAD IN THE SCV

STOP THOSE ROBOCALLS

A TRIP TO CALIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S 7 WONDERS

DR HOWARD HU Winner of the Ultimate Medical Pros award: 2018 Ultimate Cosmetic Surgeon 2019 Ultimate Plastic Surgeon 1st Annual Gentlemen in Business Award for Ultimate Plastic Surgeon by Elite Magazine

Breast Specialist

Fat Reduction

Body Procedures

Facial Surgery

Non-Surgical

Breast Augmentation

Liposuction

Arm Lift

Eyelid

Botox

Breast Lift

Smart-Lipo

Body Lift

Face

Fillers

Breast Reduction

CoolSculpt

Thigh Lift

Neck

Laser Skin Care

Tummy Tuck

Nose

Micro-Needling

Vaginal Rejuvenation

Ears

PRP

(male & female)

Dr. Howard Hu founded Valencia Plastic Surgery to provide for both the aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery needs of Santa Clarita and the surrounding region. He is committed to excellence in comprehensive healthcare for women and men in a partnership that honors patient individuality and dignity.

661-222-1122 // www.valenciasurgery.com

We take the road by storm. For those who drive without compromise the MercedesAMG C-Class family is calling.

Drive Off in a New 2019 Mercedes-Benz for As Low As $349/Month. Visit Us Today! Hurry & Take Advantage Of Our Limited Time Savings On a 2019 Mercedes-Benz!

4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Locally Owned and Operated

NEWS FEATURES

THINGS TO DO

5 6 7 8

Glass, Door & Window replacement specialists for over 25 years

WINDOWS and PATIO DOORS designed for EVERYDAY LIVING. • VINYL• WOOD • ALUMINUM • FIBERGLASS WINDOWS • SLIDING • FRENCH • STANDARD & CUSTOM ENTRY DOORS

J U N E 16, 2019

How to survive the sweltering, summer heat Off the SCV’s beaten paths Card skimmers at the gas pump: how to spot and avoid scams Vaping — a growing national epidemic

9 Visit The Broad museum for free

LOCAL NEWS

TECHNOLOGY

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

FROM THE MAYOR

SPORTS

DINING GUIDE ENTERTAINMENT

20 24

CALENDAR KIDS & FAMILY

26 27

TRAVEL

HEALTH & BEAUTY

HOME IMPROVEMENT

ART

SENIOR LIVING

PROFILE

GARDENING

TIMERANGER OPINION

39 42

PUZZLES VILLAGE IDIOT

45 46

10 Flames, smoke prompt evacuation at Master’s High-speed pursuit ends in Canyon Country 11 Authorities investigate grand theft Students watch as their egss fall from six stories up 12 Art Commission to discuss new film fest 13 Therapist, actor discuss how to cope with rejection 14 Resident finishes as a finalist on ‘MasterChef Junior’ City seeks feedback on Parks, Recreation opportunities Beach bus service returns 15 Why robocalls are a pain — and what can be done 16 Special Needs Registry, location system ensure residents’ safety 16 Get social with the City of Santa Clarita 17 SCV represented in recent Major League Baseball draft

CUSTOM MADE

PATIO DOORS

24 Blind Melon is back and at the Canyon 25 ‘Rocketman’ and ‘The Souvenir’

ENERGY SAVING

WINDOWS

27 School’s out for Summer 28 Why Dads should get involved in playtime How parents can create time together 29 Donna’s Day: A Father’s Day portrait of pop 30 Visit the natural wonders of California 32 Reset, realign and repeat for a healthy beach-ready body 33 Compression couplings to halt leak, termite troubles 34 ARTree founder brings love of art to Santa Clarita 35 Multigenerational living is making a comeback 36 Carrie and Manuel Lujan 38 Container gardening for beginners 42 Our View • David Hegg • Tim Whyte

Energy Saving Low-E Dual Pane Glass No Stucco, Plaster or Drywall Damage 1 Day Installation in Most Cases All Labor Guaranteed Custom Manufactured for Home or Office Reduce Unwanted Noise up to 50% Milgard has a lifetime warranty including Glass Breakage

100 YEARS

“Service Connected Disabled Veteran Owned Business”

NO SUBCONTRACTORS

ALL LABOR GUARANTEED Free Estimates

(661)

295-0001

ST.LIC# 1054080 C-17 FULLY INSURED

Visit Our Showroom! Ask for Details

26330 Diamond Place Ste 140. Santa Clarita CA 91350 Serving the Santa Clarita Valley Since 1999

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

SignalSCV. com

Publisher Sunday Signal Editor Signal Editor Director of Business Development Production Manager Graphic Designers

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

661-259-1234 The entire contents of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2019 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. COVER PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E S

How to survive the sweltering, summer heat By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

chool’s out for much of the Santa Clarita Valley and that means that summer’s almost here. Temperatures have already reached the triple digits, sparking multiple brush fires in the area. Keeping cool when temperatures reach their typical summer highs isn’t just about being comfortable, as dangerously high heat can result in heat-related illnesses, ranging from simple heat cramps to more serious heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Despite the fact that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year, almost every heat-related death and illness is preventable, according to the CDC. “Heat is even more dangerous when it lingers for days at a time, especially when the temperatures aren’t dropping enough at night to give your body a chance to cool down,” said Dr. Wendy Ibarra. “It’s extremely important to take proper precautions.” “We talk about this often,” said Dr. Bud Lawrence, medical director of Henry Mayo’s emergency department. “We live in a hot and dry environment, so it’s super important to be aware of it if you’re going to be outside.” Those who are most are risk are older people, the really young and those with chronic illnesses as they may be more susceptible to heat-related issues and are typically the ones who can’t properly care for themselves, Lawrence added. Regardless of your age, here are some tips and tricks to keeping cool all summer long.

worse than (heat exhaustion).” Lawrence suggests drinking water, Gatorade, Powerade or other sports drinks with electrolytes to stay hydrated during the hottest hours of the day. “Do not wait until you’re thirsty to drink water,” Ibarra said. “Instead, drink at least two to four glasses of water every hour in times of excess heat.”

according to Dr. Cindy Uypitching, from the department of family medicine at Kaiser Permanente’s Canyon Country Medical Offices. If you cannot change the time of your activities, scale whatever you’re doing down to decrease your level of exertion or seek shady areas, Uypitching added.

Plan outdoor activities at the coolest hours.

When you get your breaks or downtime, try to take them in the air conditioning where you can cool off and rest your body, Lawrence suggested. “And if you don’t have AC, consider a portable device,” Lawrence added. “Fans will bring down temperatures indoors.” Make sure to point portable fans out the windows, so they push hot air out, and ceiling fans should be set to run counter-clockwise, pulling hot air up and out instead of just twirling it around the room.

“It’s important to be aware of what time of day you’re outside,” Lawrence said. “We’re a very active community here in Santa Clarita, and lots of people are doing lots outside, so they should try to do activities in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.” The sun’s peak hours are generally between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so altering your pattern of outdoor exercise to avoid those times can help you avoid as much direct sunlight as possible,

Use the air conditioning or fans.

Stay hydrated.

Although this may seem obvious, Lawrence said drinking water can prevent almost every heat-related illness. Sweat is the body’s way of self-cooling, so drinking water is the only way it can properly do that, Ibarra said. “I don’t think we drink enough water,” Lawrence added. “What we see a lot in the emergency room is heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which is

Zack Williams, 18 months, opens the valve to spray a stream of water on swimmers around him at the City of Santa Clarita Aquatics Center in Santa Clarita. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

If you don’t have access to air conditioning or fans, plan to spend the hottest hours of the day in public spaces, like malls, libraries or movie theaters, Uypitching said, or try storing some cooling things, like spray bottles with water or ice packs, in the refrigerator, Ibarra added. “You can try storing sunscreen or lotion in the fridge,” Ibarra added. “Taking frequent showers with cool water can also do wonders to cooling you down, or applying wet towels to your hottest areas — both can help bring down your core body temperature and rinses off sweat.”

Wear weather-appropriate clothing.

Wearing lightweight, loose or light-colored clothing can significantly reduce the heat you’re feeling, both Lawrence and Ibarra said. Cotton will also keep you cooler than many other fabrics (this goes for bedding as well). A hat can also protect you from See HEAT, page 18

6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Off the SCV’s beaten paths By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

he true motorbike and off-road riders understand why most bikes and gear shops tend to be closed on Sundays on Mondays. “Our industry has always been closed Sundays and Mondays, because Sunday is race day,” said David Medlen, owner of Pit Pro Cycle MX in Newhall. And whether you’re like Medlen, who’s been riding local race tracks since he’s been old enough to be able to, or you’ve never stepped foot on a motorbike — it’s never too late to learn to ride, according to local experts. “We’ve have a lot places, just here in Santa Clarita (to go off-roading),” said David Denman, sales manager and Ken and Joe’s, an off-road vehicle dealership on Golden Triangle Road.

Beginners!

No matter who you ask in the world of motocross and off-roading, it all starts with picking your ride. “Well, first you need a bike,” said Medlen. “Then, you need to get the gear and get out there and start riding.” However, the many areas where an expert can assist first-time riders on their path is by getting them on the right track, literally, and understanding what type of bike, what size of bike and and what kind of riding you’re prepared to do. The size of bike makes a lot of difference, in a number of ways, according to the experts. The higher the cubic centimeters, or CCs, generally the more powerful the bike is going to be. Engine displacement, which is measured in CCs are also known as, are a good indicator of where to start with a bike, but after determining with an expert the right size for you, it’s important than to understanding what type of bike you need for what you want to do. “It’s all in the type of motorcycle, there’s more to it than engine displacement,” said Denman. “They even have small bikes for the kids.” “It all starts with your height and weight and your skill level,” Medlen said. “Pick a bike that fits your body

Left: The Santa Clarita Valley has a number of areas where people can ride around in an off-road vehicle like this Honda Talon UTV, or Utility Task Vehicles.

Right: Rider Travis Taylor, right, gets instruction on his new KTM 1290 Super-Adventure motorcycle from Jim Rodriquez, Ken & Joe’s Motorcycle Dealership in Santa Clarita. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

dynamic and the skill you got to give. Pick a smaller bike and get used to it.” In terms of gear, it’s important for kids to have every protection they can when riding, from the gloves, to the helmet, to the boots, elbow/knee pads. Adults need to think about purchasing protective chest and back gear, Deman said. “It’s a way longer fall for an adult,” Denman said.

Safety

The concern over safety is a makeor-break factor for a number of people considering pursuing the sport, and newbie riders should understand that, especially when you’re first starting out, the occasional spill is a way of life, according to the experts. “It’s inevitable that you’re going to crash, but there’s risk with everything in life,” said Medlen. “It’s all about calculated risk and not riding above your head.” One of the ways beginning riders should do that is to do that is to make sure they don’t feel like they need to keep up with everyone, Medlen said.

There’s a strong community among riders who look to help out new riders, according to Denman. “As long as you’re wearing the proper safety gear — most of the time — like a car, if you’re seatbelted in and doing things properly, you walk away from the accident,” said Denman. “If you do things stupid, you ride over your head, go too fast for conditions and you don’t wear the proper safety gear, you’re going to get hurt.” “Find your happy fun zone and stick with it and you’ll love it,” said Medlen. “Just cause your buddy is fast doesn’t mean you should go fast. If you’re uncomfortable, you can slow down.”

Cost and local rides

Both Medlen and Denman said the SCV is the unique home to a number of unique opportunities for dirt bike riding and racing, and the sport is cheap enough for everyday people with jobs, families and bills to get involved in. “There’s hundreds of bikes out there that you can buy cheap,” said

Medlen. “And races aren’t that expensive.” Medlen said that races come at $40 per entry, and they offer a cheap form of escapism. People are cheering,” said Medlen, describing the atmosphere of a race. “Life becomes about family and paying bills, and it’s cool to escape for a minute to the race day track.” A few tracks and spots to use your offroading bike include Texas Canyon Rowher Flats, Drinkwater Flats, Azusa Canyon, Los Angeles County Raceway and Gorman, which offers 19,000 acres and more than 130 miles of scenic trails for motorcycle, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), dune buggies and 4x4 recreational vehicles. “People always want to help. It’s a sport where, like any sport, people who are already involved get excited to bringing someone else into the sport,” said Denman. “So as far getting help advice everyone is going to want to offer you advice, but the caveat to that is be careful who you listen to.”

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Card skimmers at the gas pump: how to spot and avoid scams

Top: Before insterting your card make sure the gas pump has not been tampered with. Above: Covering the pin pad with your hand can help to prevent thieves from getting the necessary information to use your card for fraudulent transactions. PHOTOS BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

he number of credit card skimmers at gas pumps, ATMs and other points of sale has risen dramatically over the last few years, hitting various major cities across the nation. Skimming is a form of credit card theft where a small device is used to capture your card information during a normal card transaction. When a card is swiped through a skimmer, the device captures and stores the details, which are either stored on a USB or on the skimmer itself, according to Greg Mahnken, a credit industry analyst at Credit Card Insider. Thieves have to return to retrieve the devices to collect the data, so they usually leave skimmers on the points of sale through the weekend, Mahnken said. “More advanced ones will work with Bluetooth and transmit to someone sitting nearby,” Mahnken said. Victims of card skimming typically only notice when fraudulent charges begin appearing on their accounts days later. There are various types of skim-

mers, including ones that can flip right over a card reader and others that can be plugged in inside a gas pump, Mahnken said. Although it’s almost impossible to clone a chip card, thieves can still get enough information they need just from a card’s magnetic stripe, according to Mahnken. If it’s a debit card, they’ll still need your pin or zip code, which means they also will try to put a pinhole camera on gas pump or even have one built right into a skimmer if the right size, Mahnken said. Mahnken and Peggy Williams, a financial analyst, both suggest covering the pin pad with your hand, especially when using a debit card. “I always thought that was a silly piece of advice, but the skimmer information is a lot less useful if they don’t have pin or zip,” Mahnken said. The first step to keeping your card safe is to avoid putting yourself in a situation where you are confronting a card skimmer, Mahnken said. “When picking a gas station, well-maintained and well-lit stations tend to inspect equipment pretty frequently,” Mahnken said. “But the safest place to use your card is in the

store, as it is a very hard target for someone to hit.” Pick a pump that’s well-lit and ideally in view of register, which can also be true of any ATM or car wash. “Police tend to notice pumps on outer edge tend to be hit more frequently,” Mahnken said. “And if you do have a regular station, ask the cashier how often they check for skimmers to make sure they’re doing their due diligence.” “There’s not a lot of data if any brand is getting hit more often than others,” Mahnken continued. “They don’t seem to discriminate between any brands, it really just depends on where the opportunity is.” There are devices to scan the pump to find skimmers and most gas stations require employees to check pumps and ATMs weekly, sometimes even daily, according to Mahnken. Chevron Corp. takes the prevention of fraud very seriously and places a high priority on security at service stations, according to Braden Reddall, senior external affairs adviser for the company. Chevron not only places reinforced locks on pumps, but also adds seals, which are unique to the brand, on

pump-access doors, so trained station operators can spot signs of tampering, Reddall said. “While our efforts have led to increased prevention efforts, we remain highly focused on the issue and work closely with law enforcement to address any cases,” Reddall said. If someone were to open the gas pump, the seal will read “void” or will be stretched out, Mahnken said. Mahnken also suggests looking at the color of the seal. If it looks different from the pump next to you, something is wrong, he said. Unfortunately, it’s quite easy to purchase fake seals online though. Another way to prevent theft is to pay with Apple Pay or Google — as those are safer methods of purchase right now, according to Mahnken. “They take your credit card number and give you a one-time use number, and that’s what gets transmitted from your phone,” he added. That number is useless to thieves. Williams also suggests paying with cash, which eliminates the need to use your card. When making a transaction, both Williams and Mahnken suggest looking See SKIMMERS, page 18

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Vaping — a growing national epidemic By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

ore and more teenagers across the nation are beginning to experiment with tobacco and marijuana products through the use of vape pens and devices like JUUL, which are becoming less difficult to conceal from parents and easier to access. It’s becoming more and more a problem in the Santa Clarita Valley, too. Last month, after school officials encountered a number of cords with exposed wires and cut ends, Valencia High officials warned parents of a new “vaping” technique that allows teenagers to inhale flavored nicotine with the help of charger cables or mobile devices that have a USB port. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control estimates vaping use among high school students has been on the rise since 2011. Last year, the estimated number of high school vapers increased by an estimated 1.5 million over the year before. But the problem is now starting even younger — thanks to the use of vape pens and similar products, nearly one out of every 20 middle school students in 2018 reported they used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, according to a CDC study. “I believe there’s an epidemic of youth use,” Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in a statement discussing the agency’s efforts to combat the growing problem. “E-cigs have become an almost ubiquitous — and dangerous — trend among teens.” Castaic Middle School Principal Bob Brauneisen previously agreed with this sentiment while speaking at a Castaic Union School District school board meeting. “All middle schools see it — not just us,” Brauneisen said, adding, “the biggest problem we have here in middle school is kids are hugely impressionable, and they will do things that make them seem cool or older.” The principal recalled a time long ago when the cool kids were considered smokers and students would hang around in bathrooms. “Today, vapes have basically re-

placed smoking,” Brauneisen said. “They used to be this big device that fit in your hand, and they still make those, but, usually, they’re easy to conceal because they’re the size of a thumb drive.” Parents might have also noted that the smoke can smell more like candy, and Brauneisen said students can conceal the huge clouds by blowing into their shirt or backpack, which absorbs the cloud. “It’s finding it — that’s the hard part,” Brauneisen said, mentioning he probably gets about five or six suspensions a year as a result of vapes found on campus. “It’s a huge problem though, because it’s a game of cat and mouse. I’d say if you were to check kids with random searches, then you’d probably find five or six a day, but that’s not reasonable. I do think the percentages would be a lot higher than people think.” Brauneisen added in an interview with The Signal that administrators are doing everything in their power to prevent vaping on campus, “but anyone who tells you it’s not a problem in school is not telling you the truth or isn’t aware of what’s going on with their students.” When curious teens experiment with tobacco, they’re most likely to start with vape pens and other ecigarettes, which dramatically increases kids’ odds of moving on to traditional cigarettes, according to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital officials. As a result of statistics like these and similar health trends, there has been an increased crackdown on shops who sell tobacco products to teenagers, both locally and beyond. In December, Sgt. Tim Vander Leek said sheriff ’s deputies set up a firstof-its-kind enforcement operation targeting vape shops in the SCV, and 60 percent of the shops visited had employees cited for allegedly selling vaping products to minors illegally. However, it’s not just tobacco that children are able to access through the use of vape pens. Dt. William Velek, who was part of the December vape shop crackdowns, spoke at last month’s Parent Resource Symposium about the consumption of THC, the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s

SCV school officials recently warned parents about how kids can use cut USB cables like the one shown here as a vaping device. National data and local evidence indicates it’s a growing health concern. PHOTOS BY CORY RUBIN THE/ SIGNAL

psychological effects, with a vape pen. It’s coming in vapes, not just marijuana, and in some cases, the packaging of vaping products is made to look very appealing to kids, Velek previously said. “They look like juice boxes or candy,” which is why

deputies are also in the community attempting to educate parents about the potential dangers of vaping. “We’ve taught (children) not to smoke but vapes are out there,” the detective added. “It’s becoming more popular among kids. It’s not harmless fun.”

Not just blowing smoke

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control, doctors are still trying to determine what are all the health risks associated with long-term vape use, as widespread use of vaping is a relatively modern trend. What we do know is:

• Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s. • E-cigarettes can contain other harmful substances besides nicotine. • Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning,

mood, and impulse control. • Each time a new memory is created or a new skill is learned, stronger connections — or synapses — are built between brain cells. Young people’s brains build synapses faster than adult brains. Nicotine changes the way these synapses are formed. • Using nicotine in adolescence may also increase risk for future addiction to other drugs. • Some of the ingredients in e-cigarette aerosol could also be harmful to the lungs in the longterm. For example, some e-cigarette flavorings may be safe to eat but not to inhale because the gut can process more substances than the lungs.

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

THINGSTODO

VISIT THE

BROAD

MUSEUM FOR FREE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT CALIFORNIA

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

li and Edythe Broad have been involved in the Los Angeles art community since they arrived in Southern California in 1963. Eli Broad is the founding chairman of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) and served in that position from 1979 to 1984. He also is the only person to have

PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

built two Fortune 500 companies in different industries — homebuilding and insurance. In August 2010, the Broads announced plans to finance their own contemporary art museum, located on Grand Avenue, across the street from MoCA and one block away from the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall. They wanted access to their museum to be free, “so that affordability isn’t a criterion to see the art,” said Eli Broad. “Edye and

I have been deeply moved by contemporary art and believe it inspires creativity and provokes lively conversations.” What began as one couple’s small collection of postwar and contemporary art is now a treasure trove of more than 2,000 pieces, housed in an architectural wonder in downtown Los Angeles. The museum exterior is a work of art in, and of, itself. The façade of the building dubbed “The Veil and The

Above: The Broad museum’s “Veil” is an airy, honeycomb-like structure that spans across the block-long gallery and provides filtered natural daylight. Left: The lobby consists of the “Vault” where its concrete underside plays a critical role in shaping the public’s experience.

Vault” by architect Elizabeth Diller of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, features a porous, honeycomb-like exterior known as the “veil.” The “vault” is the concrete body of the building that houses the artwork. The firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro is known for designing Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art and renovating New York City’s Lincoln Center. While some museums are dimly lit or bathed in artificial light, the high-ceilinged Broad lets sunlight come in from all sides, creating a clean, crisp ambiance. When it opened in September 2015, the Broad was so popular the museum now requires a timed and dated free admission ticket for entry. Tickets must be ordered in advance online at The Broad’s website. If the timed tickets “sell” out on the day you want to go, you can still wait in the standby line. That typically takes at least 30 minutes during the week and an hour or more on weekends. Note that there are some special event exhibits that require guests to purchase a ticket, which also includes general admission to the main museum. Tickets are currently on sale, through June for “Soul of a Nation: See BROAD, page 19

10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

LOCALNEWS

Flames, smoke prompt evacuation at Master’s By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

ire suspected to have originated from a homeless camp moved too close to homes and The Master’s University Wednesday, sparking an evacuation of the entire campus. By the end of the day, only 5 acres of brush burned with no one hurt and no structures affected. The fire, officially dubbed the “2nd Street Incident,” began at 12:55 p.m., when firefighters responded to reports of flames and smoke seen coming from the Santa Clara River wash in Newhall. Firefighters with the Los Angeles County Fire Department raced to an area by the wash, near 2nd Street and Race Street. “The fire was reported in the wash, with smoke and flames,” Fire Department spokeswoman Vanessa Lozano said. “It’s a half-acre moving through light to medium fuel.” A steady wind pushed that fire toward The Master’s University and, by 1:22 p.m., was 5 acres and threatening homes near the campus. At 1:30 p.m. the threat of structures being affected by the fire prompted a call to evacuate the campus. Campus security personnel began evacuating dorms, according to one security official at the scene. The fire never moved beyond the 5 acres burned early in its development. At 1:40 p.m., Fire Department spokesman Sky Cornell said: “Seems like we’re getting a handle on it.” “The structures are far enough away,” Cornell said. “We did have evacuations at the Master’s (University) as a precaution.” And, although firefighters had effectively stopped all forward advance of the fire, concern for university buildings and nearby homes convinced fire officials to maintain a healthy complement of fire resources at the scene. From 2 p.m. on, campus officials simply waited for word from fire officials to lift the evacuation order and allow people back into their dorms and offices. “We’re still here, waiting for word

Hand crews battle flames from the Newhall Fire on Wednesday near 2nd and Race streets, in a day marked by at least three small fires in the SCV. The fire was suspected to have started from a homeless camp. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

from the Fire Department,” university spokeswoman Keylin Portillo said.

Shortly after 2:30 p.m., the fire was officially contained to 90%. “We’re going to be monitoring the

site throughout the night,” Fire Department Supervisor Cheryl Sims said at 6 p.m.

High-speed pursuit ends in Canyon Country By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

alifornia Highway Patrol officers apprehended a suspect late Tuesday night on Sierra Highway, near Dolan Way, after being led on a high-speed pursuit that originated in the Antelope Valley. Shortly after 10 p.m., Lancaster sheriff ’s deputies responded to reports of a burglary alarm and located a possible suspect in a red Scion, according to Sgt. Frank Arcidiacono of the Lancaster Sheriff ’s Station. “The suspect then began to drive away toward deputies, where one deputy had to move out of the way to avoid being hit,” Arcidiacono said. The suspect was able to evade deputies, but they got a good description of the suspect and vehicle, and around 10:45 p.m., were able to relocate the vehicle, according to Arcidiacono. Sheriff ’s deputies initiated a highspeed pursuit that traveled through west Lancaster, Palmdale then southbound down Highway 14 before the pursuit was canceled in Acton due to

California Highway Patrol officers take a man into custody on the 18300 block of Sierra Highway in Canyon Country following a high-speed pursuit that originated in the Antelope Valley. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

high speeds, Arcidiacono said. CHP officers then located the vehicle heading southbound on Sierra Highway and continued the pursuit, reaching speeds of over 100 mph, said CHP officer Peter Nicholson.

The pursuit ended after the suspect ditched the car and fled on foot to a nearby chapel parking lot on the 18300 block of Sierra Highway, where he was quickly found and apprehended.

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

Authorities investigate grand theft

LOCALNEWS

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

t least one person was detained and others interviewed in connection with a grand theft investigation carried out Wednesday morning. Shortly after 11:30 a.m., deputies with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station responded in at least half-dozen patrol cars to the Harley-Davidson of Santa Clarita business on Centre Pointe Parkway, just west of Golden Valley Road. “It is a grand theft investigation,” said Shirley Miller, spokeswoman for the SCV Sheriff ’s Station. Additional details were not yet available as of Wednesday afternoon.

SCV Sheriff’s Station deputies detain a suspect in connection with a grand theft investigation at the Harley-Davidson of Santa Clarita business on Centre Pointe Parkway. PHOTO BY LORENA MEJIA / THE SIGNAL

Students watch as their eggs fall from six stories up By Lorena Mejia Signal Staff Writer

fter a week of building and testing their forces and momentum project, sixth-grade Mountainview Elementary School students put their experiment through the final test: delivering an unharmed egg, dropped from high above the ground, by using items to secure a successful landing. When teacher Camryn Arnold told her students they would be testing their experiments at the front of the school, they didn’t expect to see their local firefighters. Firefighters from Station 150 in Canyon Country waited for the students to come out as they stood by their engine, with the ladder 85 feet high. “The kids thought that we were dropping them from a second-story building, so this was a complete surprise to them that we are six stories up,” said Arnold, a sixth-grade teacher at Mountainview. The students were encouraged to use recycled materials instead of buying items for “The Great Egg Drop,” according to Arnold. They used empty bags of chips, containers, shipping boxes, shopping

Left: A firefighter from Station 150 in Canyon Country drop eggs from 85 feet high during a science experiment at Mountainview Elementary School. Below: Camryn Arnold’s sixth-grade class reacts to an egg breaking as part of their science experiment Tuesday morning. PHOTOS BY LORENA MEJIA / THE SIGNAL

bags, latex balloons, and even straws. “When it kind of clicked, it was just awesome for them to go, ‘Oh, no, we should’ve planned better,’” added Arnold. “They were still trying to logistically plan as they were walking out and I said, ‘Sorry, we’re done.”

And although some eggs withstood the fall, others didn’t have the same fate. “My egg didn’t survive, and I even put it in a box and inside a pillow,” said Colby McKelvey, a student who participated in the experiment.

Arnold says the STEM project was a great opportunity for students to work on their building and problem-solving skills while also working within a group setting. “This project was to make school fun while learning,” she added.

12 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

LOCALNEWS

Art Commission to discuss new film fest

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

he Santa Clarita Arts Commission is set to discuss a new film festival scheduled to be held in February 2020, celebrating the SCV’s history in the movie industry. The “Newhallywood Silent Film Festival ... is intended to celebrate the rich cinema history of the Santa Clarita Valley and to highlight the origins of the movie industry,” according to a city staff report on the commission’s agenda for Thursday’s regularly scheduled meeting. The goal is to expand the festival and draw cinema lovers from across the U.S., the report noted. The film festival is designed to feature multiple film screenings at various locations, such as William S. Hart Park, Heritage Junction, the Newhall Family Theatre for the Performing Arts, Rancho Camulos Museum and The MAIN. Book signings, lectures,

film historians and collections from District recommends to “(e)xplore the Natural History Museum are also development of a film festival drawexpected to be a ing on Santa part of the event. Clarita’s heritage “THE NEWHALLYWOOD The focus of and ongoing the very first SILENT FILM FESTIVAL … IS relationship with festival in 2020 INTENDED TO CELEBRATE the film induswill be Mary try, and utilizing THE RICH CINEMA HISTO- the collection Pickford and Douglas FairRY OF THE SANTA CLARITA of small venues banks, actors in and near Old VALLEY AND TO HIGHand producers in LIGHT THE ORIGINS OF THE Town Newhall.” the early 1900s, Planning has MOVIE INDUSTRY” who married in been in the 1920. The event works for the will celebrate the past year and a 100th anniversary of their personal half among city staff, the Los Angeles and professional partnership. County Natural History Museum and local film historian E.J. Stephens, Grew from Master Plan The creation of this inaugural event whom will also produce the festival, according to the staff report. Other stems from one of 41 recommendapartners include the SCV Historical tions under the Santa Clarita Arts Society, Friends of Hart Park, CaliforMaster Plan, which the City Council approved on March 9, 2016. A section nia Institute of the Arts and the L.A. County Parks and Recreation Departof the plan under the Old Town ment. Newhall Arts and Entertainment

With a goal of growing the event, future potential partners include the local film industry, UCLA Film Archive and Laemmle Theaters, which has a new location under construction in Newhall. Also on Thursday, commissioners will consider approving Miguel A. Del Real as the selected artist for the Santa Clarita Skate Park art project, which is proposed as a “focal point mural on the main entrance building and transforms it as a unique backdrop for the skate park,” the project description reads. The budget for the project is set at $8,000 and the City Council would become aware of the selected artist via a project memo should commissioners approve the recommendation.

Become a part of a Santa Clarita Valley

TRADITION!

Celebrating America’s Independence Join Chris & Richard Budman of The Signal, Grand Marshals

SCV July 4th Parade! The Signal Century “Celebrating Our Press Freedom” FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

SCVParade.com

SPONSORS: 100 YEARS

SignalSCV. com

Panorama Towing Service • Santa Clarita Amateur Radio Club • Hart District ROTC • Global Protective Services • American Legion Riders Post 507 • County of Los Angeles • Greater SCV Optimist Club • AV Party Rentals • AV Equipment Rental • AMR American Medical Response

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

LOCALNEWS

Therapist, actor discuss how to cope with rejection By Matt Fernandez Signal Staff Writer

bout 50 children packed into one of the meeting rooms at the Boys & Girls Club’s Sierra Vista Clubhouse in Canyon Country on Monday afternoon to hear local therapist Tanyika Moore and actor Issac Ryan Brown discuss mental health during the #NoStigmasAllowed event. This is the second year that the Boys & Girls Club has hosted the #NoStigmasAllowed discussion, which was created by Billy Johnson last year with a grant from the California Mental Health Services Authority and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. This year’s topic focused on rejection and anxiety, and how to overcome them. “I wanted to try to destigmatize mental health by normalizing it, and I thought that it would be good to involve a celebrity because kids look up to celebrities, and if a celebrity can talk

about anxiety and depression then kids might understand that it is normal to go through these things,” Johnson said. “I relate to this personally and I had never been to therapy until a few years ago and really enjoyed the ability to talk to someone who is unbiased.” Breana Rabbach, team coordinator and director at the Boys & Girls Club, said she feels it is important to start teaching kids about mental health while they are young, especially in the context of the modern challenges they may face. “Last month was mental health awareness month so we’re tying this event to that,” Rabbach said. “Our kids and teens are dealing with so much more due to social media technology, and it’s becoming more acceptable to openly talk about these issues. We’re getting to the point where bullying and bullying on social media has become so prevalent, and kids don’t always have an opportunity to talk about these things so we think

it’s important to have events and safe spaces like this.” Rabbach added that the topic of rejection is particularly apt for the children and teens she works with many of them are coming to the age when they will start receiving rejections, for example from sports teams or when trying to make friends, and she feels that it’s important to teach kids that rejection is a normal part of life. Brown, who is 13 years old and stars in the Disney Channel show “Raven’s Home” alongside Raven Simone, spoke with Moore about his experiences being rejected from roles and the anxiety of being so far away from his family in their hometown of Detroit. He said that by talking about mental health in a positive environment, people create an awareness of mental health resources and help remove some of the social taboos that has often accompanied mental health issues. “I used to do five auditions every day for five days a week and some-

Therapist Tanyika Moore and actor Issac Ryan Brown, 13, discuss how to cope with rejection and anxiety at the second #NoStigmasAllowed event at the Boys & Girls Club Sierra Vista Clubhouse. PHOTO BY MATT FERNANDEZ / THE SIGNAL.

times on weekends, and, out of all of those, I would maybe only get two or three roles, so I’m very familiar with rejection. What actor isn’t?” Brown said. “Just because these are kids doesn’t mean that they don’t have experiences with mental health issues. I feel overjoyed that I get to come and talk to people my own age about this topic and help make them aware.”

14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

LOCALNEWS

Resident finishes as a finalist on ‘MasterChef Junior’ By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

alia Brauer is no ordinary 12-year-old — she’s been cooking since she was 4 years old, and this year, was chosen to compete on “MasterChef Junior” season seven. The Signal last caught up with the Newhall resident in February as the show was just beginning. Now, as the season comes to a close, Brauer was not only able to make one of her dreams come true, but was also able to make it to the finals of the competition. And though she wasn’t crowned the winner, she said she has no regrets. “It feels like a dream come true,” she said. “I never thought I’d make it to the finals, and I’m very proud of myself for trying. It felt amazing just to make it to the finale.” Overall, Brauer said the show was a great experience and way better than she expected. “I feel like it was a roller coaster of emotions,” she said. “I really enjoyed it and did everything I could.”

One of her favorite parts of the competition was how close she got with her fellow contestants. “I made some great friendships and had great fun that I will keep forever,” Brauer said. “I’m super happy for Che (Spiotta), he worked so hard and he deserves it.” Earlier this week, Brauer and her friends got together for a viewing party to watch the finale. The next day, she told everyone to wear bandanas to school, which is her signature hair accessory that is not only stylish, but also keeps her hair out of her face while she cooks. And regardless of the outcome, Brauer said she’s proud of herself. “I’m very happy because it’s kind of like I got the whole ‘MasterChef ’ experience,” she said. “I was in all the challenges, and I got to do a lot of cooking, so it’s like I got the whole package.” Brauer said she plans to continue cooking after the show and someday hopes to compete in the adult version of “MasterChef ” or even “MasterChef All Stars.” “I love to create and experiment

City seeks feedback on Parks, Recreation opportunities By Signal Staff

ome Santa Claritans are set to have the chance to provide the city with feedback about its parks and recreation opportunities in a recently launched community survey. The survey, which the city is conducting in partnership with True North Research Inc., is scheduled to measure residents’ “satisfaction, priorities and concerns” about the local government’s programs and services, according to a city news release Wednesday. Results are set to help update Santa Clarita’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan to a “fluid work plan” for its next comprehensive strategic plan. A random sample of residents will be invited to participate in the survey via mailed information, email invitation (santaclarita@surveynetwork.com) or

telephone call. Residents who may be selected to participate are asked to complete the survey at their earliest convenience, the news release said. For more information about the city’s Parks and Recreation Work Plan or the ongoing community survey, call (661) 284-1407.

The city of Santa Clarita recently launched a community survey soliciting feedback and information about the programs and services for its Parks and Recreation Work Plan.

Malia Brauer, 12, competes in the season seven finale of “MasterChef Junior,” which aired June 4 on Fox. The young cook finished as a finalist, landing in the top three. “I made some great friendships and had great fun that I will keep forever. I’m super happy for Che (Spiotta), he worked so hard and he deserves it,” said Brauer, who is a Newhall resident. COURTESY PHOTO

with putting different things (in a recipe),” she said. “It’s a good way to express yourself sometimes.” Her favorite things to cook? Pesto salmon wrapped in phyllo dough, spicy tuna cut rolls and cupcakes —

lots and lots of cupcakes. Brauer’s goal? To one day cater for weddings. “I might not be invited to the wedding, but I can still enjoy the fun,” she said.

Beach Bus service returns By Signal Staff

esidents can once again visit the beach with the return of Santa Clarita Transit’s Summer Beach Bus service. With service to Santa Monica, beachgoers can travel Saturdays and Sundays in an air-conditioned city bus through Sunday, Sept. 1, the city announced in a news release. Summer Beach Bus fares are $3 each way for children and adults, and $1.50 each way for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Riders may pay using the Token Transit mobile app, stored value on their TAP card or exact cash. Monthly passes will not be accepted, the news release read. Buses will depart at approximately

8:40 a.m. and return at 4:30 p.m., ensuring a full day of beach activities without the stress of driving on the freeway and finding parking. Two bus routes will depart each Saturday and Sunday from various stops in Santa Clarita and take residents to the Santa Monica Pier. Shuttle departure stops include Canyon Country Park, Soledad Canyon Road and Solamint Drive, Via Princessa Metrolink Station, McBean Regional Transit Center and Newhall Avenue and Sierra Highway. Travelers may bring their beach chairs, coolers and surfboards. For more information on Summer Beach Bus routes and times, visit SantaClaritaTransit.com.

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

TECHNOLOGY

Why robocalls are a pain — and what can be done By Kim Komando Signal Contributing Writer

obocalls can feel like a constant battle: on one side are people behind these annoying telemarketing calls who continue to outsmart the people on the other side — government agencies, cellular carriers, technology companies and you and me. If robocalls are so universally disliked, why do they continue to exist? Obviously, robocalls work, and someone out there is gaining from them. But hasn’t someone found a way to drop them by now? Are they really effective enough to merit billions of cold calls every year? Well, the debate gets fiercer by the day. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai described the public as “fed up” with robocalls, and he wants to make blocking these calls easier. Meanwhile, FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly recently stated that “‘robocall’ is not a bad word,” and there should be leniency for robocalls from debt collectors. Here are three reasons robocalls keep working, followed by five things you can do to stop them. Answering the phone triggers more calls The phone rings, you answer it. What could be more natural, right? The problem is, answering the phone can signal robocallers that you are “alive.” This number works, and someone will respond. Imagine some stranger putting a check mark by your name. Now you’ve been added to the “call-all-the-time” list. Robocallers adapt, spoof numbers and mimic voices A skilled human telemarketer uses sales tactics to coax strangers into spending money. This kind of sales requires persistence, and sometimes a telemarketer will call a prospect back, over and over, using new tactics. Because robocallers are basically just computers, they don’t have this human ability. However, they use artificial intelligence to adapt: Robocalls can “spoof ” phone numbers,

tricking your caller ID into thinking it’s a local area code or even a known number. Worse, robocallers have started to collect voice recordings of the people they call. Culled together, these recordings can be used to imitate a familiar friend or family member. Such limitations can make you think that an emergency or time-sensitive opportunity is coming from a trusted source. The technology is still new, but scammers are testing this ability … well, as we speak. The details of this particular scam sound like science fiction, so it’s vital to know what they’ll be capable of in coming years. Most robocalls are perfectly legal Telemarketers have avoided serious penalties for decades because all they’re doing is making a phone call. Unless they threaten you or misrepresent themselves, telemarketers have a lot of legal leeway. The Do-Not-Call Implementation Act helped consumers cut down on telemarketers in 2003, and there have been basic rules in place since the early 1990s, but calls still get through — especially from predatory callers whose operations aren’t exactly legal. The real quagmire is when robocalls come from overseas; such international calls can be hard to track and nearly impossible to litigate. So even if a robocall isn’t “legal,” you may never know its origins.

5 things you can do Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers The vast majority of robocalls come from random-seeming area codes. If you don’t know anyone in Nebraska and you weren’t expecting a call from someone traveling there, don’t pick up. You can also ignore “Unknown” or “Unlisted” numbers. These days, if someone wants to get a hold of you, they can leave a voicemail or just text. There are so many ways to get in touch, you have no obligation to pick up the phone if you feel uncertain about the caller. Join the National Do Not Call Registry In theory, signing up for the Do Not Call Registry should protect you from telemarketers and robocalls. In a perfect and respectful world, adding your name to this free government index should be enough to stop those telephonic solicitations for as long as you live. It’s an imperfect solution, of course; calls still go through, mostly from dubious or international sources. But it should radically cut down on your intake. The process is simple, and long-suffering targets will be grateful to know that this service exists. Use the blocking services provided by your carrier Telephone companies have generally treated telemarketers and robocalls with kid gloves. But each cell carrier also provides tools that can help you block known fraud and spam.

Each carrier calls this something different, and some services cost a little extra, but if you’re serious about ending robocalls, this is a handy defense. AT&T’s “Call Protect,” Verizon’s “Call Filter Free” and Sprint’s “Premium Caller ID” are all examples of anti-spam services. Block individual phone numbers Most smartphones make it easy to block a number. Once that call comes in, you can press a button that says “Block this Caller” (iPhone) or “Block/Report Spam” (Android). You can go through your call log and block the number retroactively as well, or unblock it if you realize you actually want to receive calls from that number. You can also set “Do Not Disturb” on both iPhone and Android phones, which will prevent people from calling you at certain times. Use an app Okay, downloading an app is probably the last resort, especially if you have to pay for it. Nobody wants to subscribe to something that prevents ongoing harassment that shouldn’t be happening in the first place. But many of these apps are also very useful, such as the well-reviewed Nomorobo app. Kim Komando is a nationally syndicated columnist who writes about technology and related fields. For information on Kim Komando on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks, visit her at Komando.com.

16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Special Needs Registry, locating system ensure residents’ safety By Ken Striplin City Manager

he City of Santa Clarita is always working to improve the lives of our residents, and ensuring public safety is a top priority for the City Council and the mission of our Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station. We are constantly looking for innovative ways to enhance safety measures. This can be seen in the recent installation of an Emergency Locating System along our City trail system. A total of 658 markers have been posted to provide a quick and easy way to convey a location during an emergency situation. Each marker displays a specific number, which designates its location. These numbers correspond to a GIS map.

When a hiker or cyclist provides an emergency operator with the designated number, the operator will be able to pinpoint the location and know where to dispatch emergency personnel, allowing for a quicker response. Another program that helps save valuable time during emergencies is our Special Needs Registry. The registry was launched in 2014 and is a free safety tool for residents maintained by the City of Santa Clarita, the Community and Law Enforcement Aware Response (CLEAR) initiative and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station. It is a database where caretakers and loved ones can submit information on community members who have autism, Alzheimer’s, Down syndrome, epilepsy or bipolar disorder. These conditions can result in significant impairments affecting an individual’s ability to communicate and interact socially. These individuals also have a higher risk of

wandering off. The Special Needs Registry provides sheriff ’s deputies with essential information in advance of an emergency. During a critical rescue search, seconds count. Santa Clarita’s Special Needs Registry streamlines the search process by helping public safety personnel mobilize and save precious time. The tool allows guardians to upload vital information to the registry, including the family member’s name, photograph, address, emergency contact, medical diagnosis and suggestions on how to approach the individual, which can help a sheriff ’s deputy during a search. When a resident registers a loved one, they will receive two laminated registry identification cards at no charge — one for the caretaker and one for the registered person. These cards include important information such as behavioral descriptions and emergency contacts. On average, the Special Needs Registry saves sheriff ’s deputies

3 hours of internal administrative work typically required to obtain a photo from the family, gather the information and then distribute it to search units. Having this information readily available alleviates the challenge of coordinating with individuals while they are dealing with the stress of a missing family member. The City of Santa Clarita is one of the first cities to design a program like the Special Needs Registry. In 2016, the registry was recognized by the League of California Cities with a prestigious 2016 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in Public Safety. To find out more information or to register a loved one, please visit santa-clarita.com/SNR. Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the city and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.

F R O M T H E M AY O R

Get social with the City of Santa Clarita By Mayor Marsha McLean

he City of Santa Clarita is constantly buzzing with community programs, exciting events and innovative projects. These efforts are all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for our residents. With all of these exciting activities going on, people often ask … what’s the best way to stay up-to-date with everything that is happening in Santa Clarita? While our website holds a plethora of information, I always note the City’s social media accounts as being an accessible and timely way to receive information about upcoming events, programs and more. From road construction updates to volunteer opportunities and special events, to safety tips, the City’s social media pages touch on every aspect of our City. By clicking the “follow” button on any of our various pages,

residents will gain access to the City in a new, all-inclusive way. Through our social media pages, the City aims to inform residents about what is going on in Santa Clarita, but also offer an everyday, behind-the-scenes perspective of what it takes to run our amazing City. Want to know how the construction is progressing on the new Canyon Country Community Center? Just check our social media pages. Maybe you are curious about which acts will be at Concerts in the Park this year? We share information on that as well. Whatever you want to know about the City, chances are, you will find it on one of our websites or social media pages.

With today’s ever-changing media landscape, we want to take advantage of all the ways we can connect with our community. Being able to reply to direct messages and respond to comments on our social media pages have become another way for the City to engage with our residents. If you have questions about specific content on the City’s pages, City staff members are happy to provide a reply. By participating in this two-way form of communication, the City is able to learn about and address the needs of our residents in a way that is unprecedented. With summer quickly approaching, now is a good a time to start following the City’s social media (if you are not already). We will be sharing updates on all of the exciting ways you and your family can stay busy this summer. These activities include Santa

Clarita Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, the annual Summer Bash event, the City’s Beach Bus program, Concerts in the Park and so much more! Now that you know all about what the City’s social media pages have to offer, I invite you to hit that “follow” button and connect with us! The City is active across multiple platforms including Facebook (@cityofsantaclarita), Twitter (@santaclarita), Instagram (@cityofsantaclarita) and YouTube (@santaclarita), among others! For a full list of all City social media pages, please visit santa-clarita.com/ Social. Mayor Marsha McLean is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at mmclean@ santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in her column are those of the city and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

SPORTS

SCV represented in recent Major League Baseball draft By Dan Lovi Signal Staff Writer

hen the dust settled after the 2019 MLB First-Year Player Draft, six players with Santa Clarita Valley ties were selected. Former Hart pitcher and current UCLA Bruin Jack Ralston was the first to be drafted, going in the seventh round to the St. Louis Cardinals with the No. 215 pick. Ralston helped UCLA get the No. 1 seed in the NCAA baseball tournament, going 11-1 with 107 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.55 in 16 starts during the current season. University of Hawaii pitcher and Valencia alum Dylan Thomas was selected by the Minnesota Twins with the No. 389 pick in the 13th round. Over the last three seasons, Thomas made 63 appearances with an overall record of 8-6 and a 1.96 ERA.

He collected 27 saves, 14 of which came in 2018, and totaled 122 strikeouts in 115 innings pitched. A pair of Mustangs were drafted next, with Aaron Shackelford heading to the Pittsburgh Pirates after they selected him with the No. 424 pick in the 14th round. His Master’s University teammate and former Viking Anthony Lepre was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 28th round with the No. 846 pick. Shackelford was recently named the 2019 NAIA Player of the Year after a season in which he led the NAIA in multiple categories including slugging percentage (1.096) runs scored (83), RBIs (99), home runs (36) and total bases (206). Serving as the Mustangs’ starting catcher, Lepre hit 28 home runs in 2019 and also broke the single-season record for hits with 91 total. A third Valencia alumnus was picked next, as Cole Kleszcz was drafted by the New York Mets with

Open Evenings & Weekends

the No. 988 pick in the 33rd round. After playing at Valencia, College of the Canyons and the University of California, Santa Barbara, Kleszcz ended up at Azusa Pacific University, where he led the team in RBIs (63) and home runs (27) in his junior year. The last SCV alumnus to be drafted was Saugus grad and former COC pitcher Chase Wheatcroft, who went to the Oakland Athletics with the No. 1,124 pick in the 37th round. The right-handed pitcher transferred to California State University Stanislaus after two years at Canyons, where he started 28 total games, going 14-3 in 156 innings of action. In his two-year career at Stanislaus, Wheatcroft went 6-4 with an ERA of 2.64. He also was utilized as a closer, racking up 11 saves this past season. Overall, Wheatcraft pitched a total of 75.7 innings with 55 strikeouts.

Former Hart and current UCLA pitcher Jack Ralston was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals on the second day of the 2019 MLB First-Year Player Draft. PHOTO COURTESY SCOTT CHANDLER

SMILE CITY DENTAL

Complete Family & Cosmetic Dentistry At Smile City Dental, we are passionate about giving our patients a healthy, beautiful smile with the highest level of caring dental expertise. With 2 locations to serve you and 21 years in the SCV, we are the premier dentists that your neighbors have come to depend on for healthy, dazzling smiles.

SmileCityDental.com MOST INSURANCE, CREDIT CARDS, & CARE CREDIT ACCEPTED

VALENCIA

SMILE FOR HEALTH SMILE FOR LIFE * Se Habla Espanol

661.702.9595 23884 Copper Hill Drive

(Tesoro Village Plaza by Albertsons)

❊ Gentle, Caring Dentists ❊ Implant Crowns ❊ Zoom 1 Hour Teeth Whitening ❊ Aesthetic Porcelain & Zirconia Crowns ❊ Invisalign ❊ Root Canals ❊ Digital Xrays ❊ Extractions ❊ Periodontal Gum Treatments ❊ Natural Color Fillings

- Easy Financing Available OAC / Same day Emergency Appointments Dr.Alexi Kossi Dr.Laila-Christine Assaad Dr.Robert Lim

CANYON COUNTRY

661.252.8888 19366 Soledad Canyon

Dr. Alexi Kossi Dr. Madeha Salahuddin

(Corner of Whites Canyon in Ralphs Center)

18 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E S

HEAT

Continued from page 5

direct sun and can keep you especially cool, if you pour some ice-cold water into it before placing it onto your head, according to Ibarra. Uypitching also suggests wearing sunglasses that block out ultraviolet rays. Sunburns can affect your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated, so make sure to avoid direct sun exposure without proper clothing or sunscreen and wear sunscreen every day, all year, even when it is cloudy, as ultraviolet rays can still penetrate, Uypitching added. A sunscreen should block both UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays and have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, according to Uypitching, and you should apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out into the sun and reapply every two hours as well as after swimming.

Don’t leave anyone or anything in a car.

Lawrence, Uypitching and Ibarra all advise not to leave children, pets or anyone else in a closed car as temperatures can quickly rise to unsafe levels. Temperatures of the trapped air inside a car can reach more than 200 degrees, which can then quickly result in a heat-related illness.

Learn the signs of heat-related illnesses.

Dizziness, rapid pulse, nausea, headache and fainting are some of the common symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, according to the CDC. Symptoms can still vary, so anyone feeling any type of symptom should immediately move to a cooler place, start drinking water and apply cool clothes to their bodies, but make sure to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Use common sense.

“The most important thing is awareness,” Lawrence said. “We need to be aware that the heat is serious

Seven-year-old Jeanna Cerera, center, cheers as she rushes into the water at the Waterslide Pool at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

and have a healthy respect for it.” If the heat is intolerable, stay indoors when you can and avoid activities in direct sunlight or on hot

asphalt surfaces, Ibarra said. Also, don’t forget that pets need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses, too.

SKIMMERS

pump, it may be a skimmer,” Mahnken said. “This is pretty unreliable though because you could get a lot of false positives; like if the car next to you has a Bluetooth transmitter, it could pick it up. But if you’re the only one there, and you see a strange string of numbers and a really strong signal, it could be a skimmer.” Williams said you should also set up fraud alerts on your credit cards. “Nearly every issuer offers these, and many will email and/or text you when your card is used at a gas station,” Williams said. You should be checking your card transactions frequently to make sure no fraudulent activity has occurred, she added. “If you do notice a strange charge on your card, you can always call the number on the back of your card, go into a branch or call your bank,” Mahnken said. “I tend to forget when I make small purchases, so I ask where and when it was made. This can determine if it’s something you forgot about or actually fraudulent.”

Continued from page 7

at the card reader itself for other signs of skimmers. “The more primitive skimmers will be on the outside of the pump covering the real card reader,” Williams said. “If your card reader is a different color or shape than the one next to you that should be a huge red flag,” Mahnken continued. Both suggest grabbing the card reader and giving it a wiggle. A lot of times, thieves will simply glue the skimmer right to the pump, so if it moves, go in and tell someone. You should also look at the pump itself. Part of the pump can usually be opened, so, along with the seals, if the keyhole looks damaged or there are pry marks, it should be a red flag, Mahnken said. “If it looks like someone has tried to force their way in there, that’s something you definitely want to avoid,” Mahnken said. If a skimmer is Bluetooth, it should show up on your phone, he continued. “If you see a strange looking Bluetooth signal on your phone near a

For more information on how to dispute a fraudulent charge, visit creditcardinsider.com/blog/disputefraudulent-credit-card-charge/

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

THINGSTODO

BROAD

Left: Robert Therrien’s “Under the Table.” Below: Jeff Koons’ “Balloon Dog.” It is mirror-polished stainless steel with a transparent color coating.

Continued from page 9

Art in the Age of Black Power.” The exhibit shines a bright light on the vital contribution of black artists made over two decades, 1963-83, at the height of the civil rights movement. The following are some “must-see” works at The Broad. But, first take the escalator upstairs to the third floor, so that you can navigate the museum in chronological order. Begin with the major artists who came to prominence in the 1950s, including Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg and Cy Twombly. Then, move into the 1960s and the pop art of Roy Lichtenstein, Ed Ruscha and Andy Warhol followed by the 1980s and ’90s with Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. You’ll see many works of modern art that you’ve seen in magazines and in popular culture. Two of Yayoi Kusama’s “Infinity Mirror” rooms are currently on view at The Broad. Each room can be seen at no additional charge. However, note that a separate reservation is required for “Infinity Mirrored Room: The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away (2013).” The Infinity Mirror rooms cannot be described, only experienced. It is art of the highest, most visceral magnitude. Robert Therrien’s untitled piece (1993) greets you at the entrance of the museum and it’s impossible to miss. It’s a stack of larger-than-life plates. Takashi Murakami’s “In the Land of the Dead, Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow.” This is a massive 82-footlong painting that reflects on the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan. Mark Tansey’s “Forward Retreat.” Tansey’s 1986 work describes the slipperiness of perception and questions the validity of innovation in art. The central image of horseback riders is painted as a reflection on water. The riders, all outfitted in uniforms of Western powers — American, French, German and British — represent the nationalities of artists who came to dominate 20th-century art history. They are seated backward on their horses, focused on a distant receding horizon, and are oblivious to

the fact that their steeds trample on the crushed ruins of myriad pottery and objets d’art. Robert Therrien’s “Under the Table.” Therrien’s investigations of form, perception and subjectivity often isolate recognizable elements and objects from everyday life, as in this massive 1994 work. Jeff Koons’ “Balloon Dog.” Koons is known for working with popular culture subjects and his reproductions of banal objects, such as balloon animals produced in stainless steel with mirror-finish surfaces. Andy Warhol’s “Two Marilyns.” A few weeks following the death of Marilyn Monroe in August 1962, Warhol began silk-screening Monroe’s face onto canvases. Although he only learned to silkscreen a few months earlier, Warhol used a portrait of the famed celebrity to create the multi-colored, fading piece. The “Two Marilyns” currently housed at The Broad is the 27th version that Warhol completed. Roy Lichtenstein’s “Non-Objective I.” During the 1960s, along with Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns and James Rosenquist among others, Lichtenstein became a leading figure in the new art movement. His work defined the premise of pop art through parody. Jasper Johns’ “Watchman.” This work was made while Jasper Johns was living abroad in Tokyo. The seminal work features a wax cast of his friend’s leg, two canvas panels and half of a standard dining table chair.

The Broad is located at 221 S. Grand Ave. in Los Angeles. It is open Tuesday-Wednesday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday-Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays. Info www.thebroad.org

SUMMER SALE

Bring in this ad for

20% OFF

all orders or 36 months SAC Financing Does not apply to previous orders. One offer per family. Expires 06-30-19

FEATURING:

CONSUMERS FURNITURE G A L L E R Y • Sat - SunDiscount 11am to 7pm

10am to 8pm MajorMon-Fri Brands

Prices

21048 W. Golden Triangle Road consumersfurniture.com (661) 259-9609

20 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

The Daily Harvest Cafe & Juicery 22722 Lyons Ave #6, Newhall (661) 383-9387 Eat Real Cafe 23414 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-2237 27530 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 254-2237 Iconic Eats 23460 Cinema Dr, Valencia (661) 481-9404

AMERICAN Backwoods Inn 17846 W. Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 252-5522 The Backyard Grub n’ Brews 26509 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 286-1165 Bergie’s 16404 Delone Street, Canyon Country (661)251-3133 Black Angus 27007 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 288-2000 Black Bear Diner 23626 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 799-4820

Boston Market 26543 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (Saugus) (661) 297-4447 Brooklyn Bar & Grill 25860 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 284-6057 The Cheesecake Factory 24250 Town Center Dr #110, Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 286-1232 Claim Jumper 25740 The Old Road, Valencia (661) 254-2628 Crazy Otto’s Diner 25373 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 291-1733

Delicious Sushi Prepared from the freshest seafood

Islands 24180 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 284-5903 Lazy Dog Cafe 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 253-9996 Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 284-5988 Marston’s Restaurant 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 253-9910 Nealie’s Skillet 25858 Tournament Road, Valencia (661) 678-0031 Newhall Refinery 24258 Main St, Newhall (661) 388-4477 Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co 18810 Soledad Canyon Rd, Canyon Country (661) 252-7883 Red Robin 27063 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 260-2411 Route 66 Classic Grill 18730 Soledad Canyon Rd, Canyon Country (661) 298-1494 Saddle Ranch Chop House 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 383-0173 Salt Creek Grille 24415 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 222-9999 Sizzler 19013 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 250-7300

dig in!

% 0 2

! off all food

. Beverages ol & other Exp. 7/31/19 h o lc A es d l.

Exclu

el s tax as w . udes sale used once 20% excl ay only be m on up Co

Under New Management

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

I LOVE SUSHI 661-673-5200

26526 Bouquet Canyon Rd. Santa Clarita, CA 91350

Sunday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.

Stonefire Grill 23300 Cinema Drive, Valencia (661)799-8282 The Old Town Junction 24275 Main Street Newhall (661) 702-4888 The Social 23329 Lyons Ave, Ste A, Valencia (661) 799-9155 Thelma’s Cafe 22876 Copperhill Drive, Saugus (661) 263-8283

Wing Stop 18547 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 251-9700 Wood Ranch Bar-B-Que & Grill 25580 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 222-9494

BBQ Black Bear Diner 23626 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 799-4820 Dickeys Barbecue Pit 18742 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 251-0840 L&L Hawaiian BBQ 18727 Via Princessa, Canyon Country (661) 251-8333 Lucille’s Bar-B-Que 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 255-1227 Q&Q Hawaiian BBQ 27530 Newhall Ranch Road #101, Santa Clarita (661) 383-9098 Rattler’s BBQ 26495 Golden Valley Road, Canyon Country (661) 251-4195 Smokehouse on Main 24255 Main St, Old Town Newhall (661) 888-4585 Wood Ranch Bar-B-Que & Grill 25580 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 222-9494

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH Casa Canela 27647 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 523-7282 Crazy Otto’s Diner 25373 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 291-1733 Egg Plantation 24415 Walnut Street, Newhall (661) 255-8222 Eggs N Things 27560 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 702-8664 Halfway House 15564 W. Sierra Highway, Saugus (661) 251-0102 Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 284-5988 Marston’s Restaurant 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 253-9910 Mimi’s Cafe 24201 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia (661) 255-5520 The Old Town Junction 24257 Main Street, Newhall (661) 702-4888

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

Saugus Cafe 25861 Railroad Avenue, Saugus (661) 259-7886

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

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

Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-0351

Way Station Coffee Shop 24377 Main Street, Newhall (661) 255-0222

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

Panini Palace 23120 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 678-0552

Golden Wok Restaurant 16668 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 424-0888

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

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

Five Guys 24201 W, Valencia Blvd #3672, Valencia (661) 255-0981

Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069

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

Jimmy Dean’s 22941 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 255-6315

Mandarin Wong Chinese Restaurant 23758 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-5823

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

Firehouse Subs 23630 Valencia Blvd. Valencia (661) 255-3473

Grilled Cheese Factory 24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 888-1508

Grand Panda 23802 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 253-1898 27924 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 297-9868

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

Final Score 23754 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 254-6557

The Habit 25948 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 291-1575

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

Pita Pit 28253 Newhall Ranch Road (661) 702-9977

Everest Burgers 18645 Soledad Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 252-3412

Moon Wok 23460 Cinema Drive Suite H, Valencia (661) 288-1898

Rustic Eatery 25343 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 254-8100 Submarina California Subs 26517 Carl Boyer Drive, Canyon Country (661) 259-4782 Tiny’s Submarine Sandwiches 27251 Camp Plenty Road, Canyon Country (661) 251-5885

China Express 19417 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 251-8783

with us all weekend long!

with mouth watering dinner & brunch specials

Pei Wei Asian Diner 24250 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 600-0132 Pick Up Stix 25960 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 288-2090

CHINESE

e t a r b e l e C Father’s Day

New Moon 28281 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 257-4321

See DINING GUIDE, on next page

2019

Father’s Da y L

UMBERJACK MENU! Brunch Spec ial: $19 Saturday an d Sunday Lumbe

rjack: Fr Brunch bacon, sunny ied chicken breast, waf fle, crispy side up egg, and pepperco gravy, crispy potatoes rn whisky sy rup

Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3:30-5:30

Brunch: 8am-2pm Saturday and Sunday (lunch menu starts at 11am)

the OLD TOWN

JUNCTION theoldtownjunction.com

24275 Main St, Santa Clarita 661-702-4888

Featuring: Chef

Daniel Otto Santa Clarita’s BEST CHEF of 2018!

Dinner Spec ial: $93

40 oz bone Friday- Sunday in to topped with mahawk ribeye, pepper garlic, fingerl sea salt. Served with ro crusted ing potatoes as , creamed sp ted inach, & demi jus

Drink Specia ls Friday- S unday

22 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

CHINESE WaBa Grill 19120 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 367-7297 31739 Castaic Road, Castaic (661) 295 9222 Wok’s Cookin’ Chinese Restaurant 31565 Castaic Road, Castaic (661) 257-2890

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

DELICATESSEN Bob’s Country Meats 19012 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 251-5995 Cathy’s Delicatessen 23120 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 288-2217 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069

J U N E 16, 2019

Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-6261 Mariciano’s Chicago Style Deli 18635 Soledad Canyon Road (661) 299-1100 Piccola Trattoria Italian Deli 18302 W. Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country (661) 299-6952 The Sandwich Shop 25530 W. Avenue Stanford, Valencia (661) 257-4811

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

GREEK Gyromania 20655 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 252-4976

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

HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY! BEST SERVICE IN TOWN! Celebrate

Father’s Day AT Mexican MEDRANO’S Restaurant

COMPLIMENTARY BEER FOR DAD With the purchase of any entre.

Dad will love our SPORTS BAR with lots of TVs

Karma Restaurant, Bar & Lounge 23460 Cinema Drive, Valencia (661) 288-0080 Royal Tandoor 26532 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 263-7100

ITALIAN Bella Cucina Ristorante Italiano 27911 Seco Canyon Rd, Saugus (661) 263-1414 Buca di Beppo 26940 Theater Drive, Valencia (661) 253-1900 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-6261 Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 252-5011 Olive Garden 27003 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 799-8161 Piccola Trattoria 18302 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 299-6952 Presto Pasta 24375 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia (661) 284-7737 Spumoni Restaurant 24917 W. Pico Canyon Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 799-0360

JAPANESE & SUSHI Achita Sushi 22913 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 476-5522 Asako Sushi 27540 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country (661) 251-6010 Bonsai Garden 19358 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 251-9008 Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Dining 27025 McBean Pkwy, Valencia (661) 254-2355 Hibiki Restaurant 27625 Shangri La Dr., Canyon Country (661) 298-0273 I Love Sushi 18521 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 299-6526

19319 Soledad Canyon Road • (661) 367-4945 medranosmexicanfood.com

Kabuki 24045 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 799-8655

Kisho Japanese Teppan Grill & Revolving Sushi Bar 23430 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 284-3856 Masa Ramen 27051 McBean Pkwy, #101, Valencia (661) 254-4229 My Hot Pot 26238 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 288-1998 Shogun Sushi Japanese Restaurant 26807 Seco Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 513-0015 Sushi 661 26850 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita (661) 252-9831 Sushi Song Japanese Restaurant 22896 Copper Hill Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 297-5659 Xevichez Sushi Bar 24250 Town Center Dr #180, Santa Clarita (661) 288-1477 Yamato Restaurant 24947 Pico Canyon Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 799-0707

KOREAN & MONGOLIAN Charcoal Korean BBQ Restaurant 19158 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 251-9292 Gogi House 26524 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 263-0048 Kogiya 2 Korean BBQ 23410 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 678-0999 Lee’s Korean BBQ & Tofu House 23360 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 254-2307 Sam’s Flaming Grill 24802 Orchard Village, Santa Clarita (661) 222-9060 19433 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 298-0115 25347 Wayne Mills Pl, Valencia (661) 254-2154 23874 Copper Hill Dr, Valencia (661) 294-1100 ZingGa Grill 26910 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita (661) 250-7592

MEDITERRANEAN Cafe O 20655 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 424-0401 Flame & Skewers 25870 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 799-7538 Grill Kabob 27653 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 263-7445

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 3

Kebab House 24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 799-5844

Magic Pizza SCV 26870 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 291-1921

Manoushee Mediterranean Restaurant 27131 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country (661) 251-6666

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

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

MEXICAN Azul Tequila 25387 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 254-5500 Cabo Cabana Restaurant 25710 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 222-7022 Casa Pasilla 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 295-1989 Dario’s Mexican Restaurant 24523 Newhall Avenue, Newhall (661) 255-6868 El Trocadero Mesquite Grill & Cantina 24274 Main Street, Newhall (661) 284-6615 La Cocina Bar & Grill 28022 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 297-4546 La Charrita Restaurant 24225 Main St, Newhall (661) 288-1204 Las Rocas Mexican Grill 27923 Sloan Canyon Road Castaic, CA 91384 (661) 257-6905 Medrano’s Mexican Restaurant 19319 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 367-4945 Rosarito Grill 19425 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 251-2732 Solita Tacos & Margaritas 24201 Valencia Blvd., Suite 3470, Santa Clarita (661) 291-1399

PERSIAN

Persia Lounge & Restaurant 24328 Main Street, Newhall (661) 259-4100

PIZZA Ameci Pizza & Pasta 28013 Seco Canyon, Santa Clarita (661) 296-6131 Chi Chi’s Pizza 27117 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 252-4405 23043 Soledad Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-4040

Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-3895 Pizza Di Marco 27674 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia 661-295-8769 Pizza Rev 24341 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia (661) 260-1257 Tomato Joes Pizza & Taps 19167 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 250-7550 Tomato Joes Pizza Express 27732 McBean Pkwy. Valencia (661) 263-8646 Toppers Pizza 23710 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita (805) 385-4444

Home Made Flavor, Home Made Desserts

Weekend Breakfast Special Fri, Sat + Sun

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

Homemade Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Made with Mama’s Love!

POLISH

Pierogi Spot 26511 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 254-4850

THAI

Homemade Cooking!

Life Thai Fusion 22911 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 259-9226 Mom Can Cook Thai Kitchen 18358 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 251-8103 Original Thai BBQ Restaurant 27530 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 257-6421 Siam Rice II 25845 Railroad Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 287-0099

FAST DELIVERY At Our Valencia LOCATION ONLY

4 Homemade Soups Served Daily Corned Beef & Cabbage, Creamy Mushroom Clam Chowder, Taco Tortilla nior Spec Homemade 15e% ial OFF Jelly Bar! S

Mond W/Cou ay- F pon M rida ust Beve y, 7am- be over rages 9 5 not inpm exp 5 clude 6/28 /1 d

pizzadimarco.com

Strawberry, Blueberry, Orange Marmalade, Green Tomato Family Owned Since 1985

Pizza • Pasta • Sandwiches • Salads

Dine In - TakeOut - Delivery

661.295.8769 661.295.5605

Fax: (661) 295-9533 Min. Order $12.00

661.284.5988

23340 Cinema Dr Valencia CA 91355 www.himamastable.com

online order by Postmates • DoorDash • Uber Eats

24 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

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

Blind Melon is back and at the Canyon By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

“I

n sum, Blind Melon is back.” The statement on the group’s website is a significant oversimplification of the journey that the band’s been through. Within a handful of years after the group was founded in L.A. in 1990, Blind Melon was playing perhaps the

biggest concert in the world at the time, the reboot of Woodstock in 1994. Then, not long after the band’s follow-up album to its self-titled first effort, the band lost its lead singer, Shannon Hoon, to a drug overdose. The band then disbanded in 1999, its run seemingly over. Eventually, the band found Travis Warren, someone they felt who had the chops to be able to keep going

with the four remaining original members, and have since been on a creative tear, working a new album that doesn’t have a release date, yet. The band will be coming to the Canyon Santa Clarita on Saturday, June 29. Opening for Blind Melon is Antehero, which describes itself as a blend of soulful vocals with sophisticated arrangements for a contemporary sound. To hear the band that brought us

“Rain” and “No Change” while they tour and work on their latest album, check them out at the Canyon Santa Clarita later this month. 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 WheremusicmeetstheSoul.com.

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 5

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

‘Rocketman’ and ‘The Souvenir’ By Dianne White Crawford Signal Contributing Writer

“Rocketman”

General Release It’s billed as a musical fantasy. If you are familiar with Elton John’s music and history, you’ll want to keep that in mind as the film unfolds. The reward is a colorful spectacle worthy of one of pop music’s most successful songwriters and greatest showmen. Director Dexter Fletcher and writer Lee Hall make frequent use of Elton’s music within the fabric of the storytelling. It’s no traditional biopic, nor should it be, given the wild ride of the man whose story is being told. Taron Egerton tears into playing Elton John like it’s the role of a lifetime. And he succeeds in a way that makes it seem that could be true. Most of us first recognized Egerton’s talent as Eggsy in “Kingsman: The Secret Service” (2014), though I’m not sure we expected such a dynamic step up so soon. This is not some actor merely mimicking the movements of a celebrity. This is an actor taking possession of a role. Without the costumes, Egerton doesn’t look much like Elton John. He certainly doesn’t sound like Elton John … though his voice does justice to the classic songs. Despite those things, he is captivating on screen, both in the dramatic moments and the musical mania. John’s childhood and the strained relationship he had with his parents (played here by Bryce Dallas Howard and Steven Macintosh) are given much attention, as is the support and love of his grandmother (Gemma Jones). With two self-centered parents wishing he didn’t exist, the child piano prodigy might never have attended the Royal Academy of Music if not for grandmother Ivy. Of course, the professional relationship that meant the most to John’s career was his songwriting collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), and much of the film is devoted to this dynamic. Elton John in rehab is used as a framing device for the film. This allows him to walk us through his life … after admitting to having issues with drugs, alcohol, sex, shopping and anger. In other words, one of the

Right: Honor Swinton Byrne and Tom Burke in “The Souvenir,” a grand jury prize winner at Sundance. PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

most successful musicians of all time was a mess. And we get to sit front row as he details his early sexual confusion, his desire to be loved, his early professional frustration and finally a career that exploded — covering him with money, adoration, stress and more frustration. We see the warts and all. Supporting roles are filled by Richard Madden as John Reid, John’s lover and manager; Tate Donovan as Doug Weston, owner of Sunset Boulevard’s the Troubadour; Rachel Muldoon as Kiki Dee, John’s collaborator on their big hit “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart;” and Stephen Graham as Dick James, the famous music publisher who first signed Elton John. It’s easy for me to appreciate the time period covered here (roughly 1970-1983), and also to recognize the ‘artistic license’ taken with the timelines and events. His 1970 gig at the Troubadour features a rowdy version of “Crocodile Rock,” which hadn’t even been written yet … although the scene makes for great cinema. Many of the songs that advance the story are used out of sequence, but it’s quite effective to see and hear them in context. His marriage to Renate Blauel and the rehab stint both occurred after 1983, which we can assume is the story’s stopping point given the use of the “I’m Still Standing” video as a finale. This is all about the spectacle, and for spectacle, you’ve likely never seen costumes (including eyeglasses and headdresses) used to such startling effect. The baseball “uniform” Elton

John wore during his 1975 Dodger Stadium gig has always made me a bit uncomfortable, but it’s recreated beautifully for the film. Given that comparisons to the recent “Bohemian Rhapsody” are inevitable, it should be noted that Director Dexter Fletcher rescued the final production of that film before finishing this one. Freddie Mercury and Elton John are two of the most fascinating figures in music history, and while both films are enjoyable, it’s “Rocketman” that is willing to take the riskier path by highlighting the flaws of a creative genius. So criticize if you must, but you’ll probably still be singing in your seat.

“The Souvenir”

Limited Release Viewers of writer-director Joanna Hogg’s semi-autobiographical feature will likely be divided into two distinct groups: those who find it to be a beautifully artistic psychological study and those who find it to be a painfully slow watch. Fortunately, most who would fall into the latter group will likely skip it altogether, and we can only hope those in the first group will seek it out and encourage similar-minded film fans to attend. Surely both groups can agree that it features a terrific breakout lead performance from Honor Swinton Byrne (daughter of Tilda Swinton). Swinton-Byrne stars as Julie, a young London film school student. She’s soon drawn to Anthony (Tom Burke), an odd man who is somehow simultaneously laid back and conde-

scending. Their relationship builds as he works some vague job at the foreign office, and giving every indication that somethings not quite right. Many moments of normal life are shown, however we soon learn that Anthony is a master manipulator, and his off-handed requests for ‘a tenner’ (ten-pound note) or sticking Julie with a restaurant tab, go deeper than being a simple jerk. We know heartbreak is coming for her, we just don’t know how, when or how hard. Tilda Swinton (a long-time friend of director Hogg) appears in a few scenes as Julie’s mom, and as you would expect, she perfectly captures the mother-daughter dynamics. Jean-Honore Fragonard’s 18th century painting gives the film its title, and provides a terrific scene with Julie and Anthony. Later, when Anthony tells Julie, “You’re inviting me to do this to you,” we recognize this is an abusive relationship similar to those that many women have endured. Set in the 1980s, a doomed relationship looks eerily similar regardless of the era. The film serves as an example of how we sit in judgment of the love lives of others, while often remaining blind (or is it hopelessly optimistic) to our own relationship issues. There are some memorable shots throughout, especially within Julie’s apartment. There is a recurring split-screen shot where a wall divides what we see in the kitchen with what’s happening in the living area — we see characters on each side. This is the anti-Marvel movie. No special effects. No superheroes. And the only worlds in peril are those of average, flawed people like us. Alfonso Cuaron scored big with “Roma,” a very intimate look at his personal life, and filmmaker Hogg’s film is in that same vein. It’s extremely well made and beautiful to look at, and is likely to be quite challenging for viewers. The payoff comes after much patience, effort and investment into figuring out the characters. It’s an arthouse film with improvised dialogue. This was a grand jury prize winner at Sundance, and the sequel is already in production … good news for some of us, while inexplicable to others.

26 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

ONGOING Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Drop in to Pocock Brewery weekly trivia night with Trivia with Budds. Trivia night.The event also includes a rotating selection of food trucks. Pocock Brewing Company, 24907 Ave. Tibbitts, Ste. B, Santa Clarita. Info: triviawith budds.com/trivia-locations Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Enjoy Latin music and dancing. Doors open at 6 p.m., Beginner Salsa Lessons at 7 p.m., Intermediate Salsa Lessons at 8 p.m., Social Dancing at 9 p.m. $10. The Canyon — Santa Clarita, 24201 Valencia Blvd., Suite 1351 Santa Clarita. Info: wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com Thursdays, 6 p.m. Come to the Canyon Club for an 18+ night of line dancing lessons and county music presented by Borderline Bar & Grill. Canyon Club, 24201 Valencia Blvd., No. 1351, Santa Clarita. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia. Info: where musicmeetsthesoul.com/canyon-santaclarita Fridays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. The Valencia Jazz & Blues Concert Series returns for its 20th year, featuring regional, national and international entertainers in a family-friendly, street party setting, offering activities for adults and children. The scheduled series will bring a variety of activities for the entire family, as well as a variety of food and beverages, including wine and beer for the adults. No pets or outside food or beverages are allowed. Admission is free. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grab the young’uns and mosey on up the hill in William S. Hart

! WIN

= Family Friendly Event

Park to the glorious hilltop mansion, where you can not only take a free guided tour, but your young ones can have some free craftin’ fun! Set up right outside the Mansion’s back door, on the covered back patio, is the new weekly Crafterday Saturday craft table! The young ones can try their hands at simple crafts like making their own totem poles, designing their own rope art, making their own dreamcatchers and much more. The event is free. 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall. Info: (661) 254-4584, hartmuseum.org

EVENTS BY DATE Sunday June 16, 2-3 p.m. The Placerita Canyon Nature Center will host a seminar about search and rescue.19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall. Info: Frank Hoffman (661) 259-7721 Monday, June 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Kids Say the Darndest Things” casting is coming to House of Bounce. If your kid is a funny, smart, know-it-all with a big personality, bring them over for a chance to appear on ABC’s hilarious family-friendly comedy show! All applicants must apply in advance fill out the online application ahead of time and be accompanied by a parent! 24201 W. Valencia Blvd No. 2312, Valencia. Info: kidssaythedarndestthingsapplication sherrycarlos.castingcrane.com Monday, June 17, 6:30 p.m. Artist Julie Crouch will hold a watercolor demonstration in a meeting of the Santa Clarita Artists Association. This event is free and open to the public. Barnes & Noble Valencia, 23630 Valencia Blvd. Info: Contact Olga Kaczmar at (661) 254-5267.

WIN

! WIN

CONGRATULATIONS to Joy Wilson for correctly identifying Document People on page 12. Identify this advertiser and the page number in this week’s issue, and you will be entered to win a $100 gift certificate for Since 1985 Family Owned a local restaurant. One game and one winner each week.

Pizza • Pasta • Sandwiches • Salads

Mail your entry to The Signal – Contest Dine InCA- 91350 TakeOut 26330 Diamond Place | Santa Clarita, Or email contest@signalscv.com

- Delivery

661.295.8769

Advertiser: _____________________________ Page # ______ Name: _____________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________

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

Thursday, June 20, 7-10 p.m. Come to the latest art exhibit reception for “Feminine Harmony” by Fahimeh Shamsapour. Guests attending this free reception will have an opportunity to meet the artist. The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Newhall. Info: santaclaritaarts. com/2019/05/22/feminine-harmony/. Friday, June 21, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Trivia Crawl will host a “Friends”-themed trivia bar crawl. Crawl multiple bars with exclusive drinks specials, while competing against hundreds of other crawlers to determine the trivia champ. Must have a smart phone with a data plan to play trivia. $20. Saddle Ranch, 24201 Valencia Blvd Suite 102, Santa Clarita. Info: inkarn8.ticketspice. com/the-one-where-they-play-trivia-santaclarita Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck returns to Westfield Valencia Town Center by the roundabout near the food court entrance. Treats and merchandise, while supplies last. Westfield Valencia Town Center, 24201 W. Valencia Blvd, Valencia, Info: facebook.com/events/301457180743943/?active_tab=about Saturday, June 22, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Santa Clarita Amateur Radio Club is participating in the national Amateur Radio Field Day. This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. Castaic Water Agency, 27234 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: w6jw.org. Saturday, June 22, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Shepherds are coming! Special adoption event at Petco by the German Shepherd Rescue of OC. No puppies are available. Home visit and adoption donation required. Visit website to preview available dogs. Petco, 26501 Bouquet Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita. Info: www.gsroc.org. Saturday, June 22, 2-4 p.m. In this twopart show presented by The Dumas Players, “The Grieving Widows’ Auxiliary; Parts I and II” looks at the lives of aging, but spunky widows who meet monthly to help one another through the grieving process while also plotting to snag their next husband by any means necessary. Part I shown Saturday, Part II premieres Sunday, June 23 at 2 p.m. $20, $15 for students and seniors. The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Newhall. Info: (661) 2902255, atthemain.org/tickets/the-grievingwidows-auxiliary-i-and-ii-56676785792/. Saturday, June 22, 6:30-10 p.m. Le Chene French Cuisine hosts a murder

mystery dinner and theater experience. $80 per person, all-inclusive, prepaid and space reserved in advance. 12625 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita. Info: https://lechene. com/?s=murder+mystery Sunday, June 23, 7 p.m. Saxtravaganza, Santa Clarita’s all-saxophone ensemble, will be playing a free concert for its 20th anniversary event. The program offers listeners a wide variety of musical styles, including classical and movie themes, marches, tangos, rags and jigs William S. Hart Hall, 24151 Newhall Avenue, Newhall. Info: friendsofhartpark.com Monday, June 24, 6:30-9 p.m. Come to Pinot’s Palette and learn how to measure your brows, define your arch and what products are best for you. Learn how and why to use pomade, powder and brow pencils to make a natural or bold brow. Bring your current brow products or send an email for a product consultation to get what you need. Ages 12 and up welcome. Those age 12-18 must be accompanied by an adult. 25850 McBean Parkway, Valencia, Santa Clarita Info: wondermelbeauty@gmail.com Friday June 28, 8-11 p.m. Come to Hart Park for a free movie under the stars “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” AvenuesSLS.org will be selling snowcones, popcorn, candy and drinks. Bring your chairs, blankets, towels, etc. 24151 Newhall Ave., Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ events/701290216981539/ Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A free SCV Summer Art Fair Invest in your local Santa Clarita Valley artists and crafters this summer. There will be amazing original art and crafts, Instagram art walls, art installations, face painting, henna tattoos, caricatures, live painting, games, family fun & more. Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: tinyurl.com/scvsummerartfair Saturday, June 29, 3-10 p.m. Join Harley Davidson of Santa Clarita for a free special screening of “Being Evel”, the real story behind the myth of American icon Robert ‘Evel’ Knievel and his legacy. Experience the film on the big screen under the beautiful Santa Clarita sky. Enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers, 805 beer and a pre-show of vintage footage and clips 8:00pm. Movie starts 8:30pm. Harley-Davidson of Santa Clarita, 21130 Centre Pointe Pkwy, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ events/550862258772186/

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 7

K I D S & FA M I LY

School’s out for By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

or many Santa Clarita Valley parents, the end of the school year is a time of dread. What are you going to do to keep the kids entertained and out of trouble? Every parent wants their child to enjoy summer vacation. Activities don’t have to be educational, they can just be “fun.” Although, it is surprising how many “fun” activities can teach children new skills, or expose them to a wider world than their own backyard. Use summer vacation as a time to engage and encourage your children to have active fun, away from homework, social media and the “same old routine.” Now is the time to make super summer memories. Here’s a few ideas for enjoying your summer “kid” time.

Swim lessons

Swim lessons are a typical summertime activity. Swimming is fun, and many children find the highlight of their summers is the annual chance to improve their breaststroke or backstroke. In addition to the City of Santa Clarita Parks and Recreation swim lesson programs, which can be found in the Seasons magazine, there are also private swim schools to consider. Academy Swim Club, 28079 Smyth Drive, Valencia Info www.swim4life.com The only year-round, child-friendly aquatic safety program in the SCV. For more than 30 years they have provided an internationally recognized “Learn-to-Swim Program” to thousands of young children. Water Wings Swim School, 8917 Reseda Blvd., Northridge Info www.waterwingsswimschool. com My Little Swimmer, 5654 Oakdale Ave., Woodland Hills Info www.mylittleswimmer.com Revolution Swim School, 6454 Hesperia Ave., Lake Balboa Info www.revolutionswimming.com

Pick your own fruit

Teach children where their food

Above: Enjoy a night sleeping with the fishes in a teen-only Aquarium of the Pacific sleepover event. PHOTO COURTESY AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC. Right: Experience a bugs and butterflies sleepover at the Natural History Museum. PHOTO COURTESY NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM.

comes from. Take them to a nearby farm where they can pick their fruit. Depending on the season, there are “U Pick” cherry orchards and strawberry fields not far from the SCV. In the fall, seek out stone fruit and apples orchards to pluck your fruit. McGrath Family Farm, 1012 W. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo Info www.mcgrathfamilyfarm.com A certified organic farm that grows its strawberries without the use of pesticides the farm also grows variety of flowers to encourage bee pollination. Murray Family Farms, 6700 General Beale Road, Bakersfield Info www.murrayfamilyfarms.com A great place for young children to explore the strawberry fields, pick some tasty fruit and visit the farm’s petting zoo. Take a peek at the peacock hutch and aviary to observe hundreds of tropical birds. There are also chickens. Underwood Family Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark Info https://underwoodfamilyfarms. com In addition to strawberries kids can visit the animal center, chicken house, climb the haystack and play in the sandbox.

Library reading programs

Santa Clarita Library reading programs are a great way to expose your child to reading as a “fun” activity. Too many children associate reading with school work and don’t realize the worlds of adventure that await inside the pages of a book.

Are they interested in magic? Space travel? Animals? Kids like themselves? There are books for nearly every interest. The Santa Clarita Library Summer Reading Program, “A Universe of Stories,” runs June 10-July 27. To register, visit http://scvsummerreading.com.

Complete the 5 Book Summer Challenge. Participate in programs at your library. Earn digital badges by completing missions online and reading books from age specific lists. Pick up prizes in your library or be entered into online raffles. See SCHOOL, page 29

Can your child swim?

FEATURES

BENEFITS

Water Safety Program Open Swim Parent-n-Me Lessons 92˚ Indoor Pool 30+ Years Experience

Reassurance & Preparedness Practice & Play Bonding Comfort & Focus Lesson Guarantee

28 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

K I D S & FA M I LY

Why Dads should get involved in playtime

xperts say that it’s just as important for dads to provide emotional comfort to their kids as moms, and that playing is one of the best ways for dads to serve as role models and strengthen bonds. It all starts with finding the time. “There are so many distractions taking us away from playing with our kids — from technology to work commitments to household chores,” says Dr. Erik Fisher, psychologist and expert contributor to TheGeniusof Play.org. “But unstructured play is crucial. No matter what the age, kids learn valuable lessons from this time spent together.” What’s more, studies suggest that playtime with dads may also be beneficial to children’s health. Those families where fathers had increased involvement with childcare — particularly with such physical tasks as playing with kids, taking them for walks outside, bathing or dressing them — experienced a decreased likelihood of childhood obesity from age 2 to 4, according to a 2017 study published in the

research journal “Obesity.” The good news is that incorporating play into your family schedule does not need to be a daunting task. Check out these fun ideas for dads from The Genius of Play, a national movement providing families with information, inspiration and handson ideas to make play an important part of their child’s day. Quicksand Lay two even trails of pillows on the floor. These are the “stepping stones” players need to land on to avoid falling into the quicksand! The pillows should be at least a foot apart from each other. Take turns jumping from stepping stone to stepping stone. Anyone who touches the floor must start from the beginning. Whoever makes it to the end first wins! Dolls Experts say that it’s important for fathers to play with their kids in gentle ways beyond roughhousing. Not all dads played with dolls as children, but this is an example of play that offers an opportunity to teach children about love, as well as model healthy emotions and desirable social behaviors.

Scavenger Hunt Write a list of items kids should look for and see how many of those things they find. Indoor objects can be a book, a blue sock, etc.; outdoor objects can be a green leaf, a rock, a feather, etc. Building Together Whether you use simple blocks to create a tower or interlocking pieces to form a race track or maze, construction toys offer opportunities to collaborate and problem solve together, while helping the child develop spatial reasoning

and explore science concepts like gravity. Homemade Map Before setting off on a trip, talk with your kids about where the family is headed. Together, draw a map, including your starting point, destination, and major stops and landmarks along your route, complete with illustrations. For more play ideas, expert advice and other play resources, visit TheGeniusOfPlay.org. — Statepoint

How parents can create time together

tarting a family often requires changing routines. Very often homes become child-centric as activities revolve around the kids. While it is important to be supportive of youth, it’s also essential for parents to stake out some alone time so they can enjoy life together. Marital therapists often state that the first year after a first child is born is the biggest threat to a couple’s relationship. Therapists often point out the need for parents to work hard to balance their priorities in order to maintain the family unit, and that means making more time for themselves apart from the kids. Parents need time now and then to remember that they’re not just parents but also husband, wife, friend, coworkers and more. Here are some ways that parents can accomplish just that.

Draw a line

There is a fine line between being an engaged parent and being too heavily involved. Be supportive of kids without doing all the work for them or feeling the need to consistently be involved in every detail of their lives. This will free up time and brain power to engage in things with a spouse.

Perform activities together Date night is just one way parents can spend more time together.

Embrace the date night

Schedule times to be alone with your spouse. The problem with parents not getting enough “me” time is profound enough that the government in Norway, in response to rising divorce rates, issued a plea for parents to embrace “date nights” more frequently. Spontaneous nights away are nice, but even

scheduled dates can fit the bill.

Spend time at home

Enforce bed times and routines so you can enjoy unencumbered time together. If the kids are bound to sabotage these efforts, call in a favor from a friend or relative to distract the kids elsewhere in the home while you can recharge together.

If date night doesn’t fit in the budget, find less expensive ways to spend time away from the kids. Adolescents may be able to stay home for an hour alone, and you can take a walk around the neighborhood, go for a scenic car ride or even just make a trip to the supermarket together. Making a conscious effort to enjoy adult time can improve relationships with spouses, which can have positive, trickle-down effects on family life. — Metro Connection

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 9

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

A Father’s Day portrait of pop By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

o many family photos hide in our computers, scrapbooks and photo albums. Some make it into frames on a dresser or piano. But how about taking a step beyond photos and display an original portrait on a wall in your home? This Father’s Day, surprise Dad with a present he’ll love — a portrait drawn by your child. OK, so, it sounds like a unique gift idea, but how do you draw Dad? I asked Cynthia McGovern, art specialist at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, for a few portrait-drawing tips she uses with her students. She suggests that you encourage your child to feel their face and head contours, nose, cheekbones, eyebrows and ears with their fingers. Together, talk about the location of these features. Combining the tactile, the visual and a little discussion builds on understanding of shape and position. Plus, there is the added benefit and fun of sharing time to look — really look — at one another. Now transfer that knowledge of “face basics” to your own drawing of Dad. Here is how.

• Take a photo of Dad from the waist up to use as inspiration for the portrait. • On the matte side of an 8-inchby-12-inch sheet of poster board, sketch Dad’s portrait with a pencil. Be sure to include his neck and shoulders so that it doesn’t look like a floating balloon head! Also, add pupils looking in a particular direction when drawing the eyes. For fun, add Dad’s favorite pet, or put a hat on his head of a favorite team or past-time. • Go over the pencil lines with a color crayon. Press heavily. • Use a standard Crayola water-color paint kit to paint the portrait. Be sure the paint is very watery so that it appears transparent on the poster board. Don’t worry if the paint goes

over the crayon lines, as it adds to the natural look of the portrait. Let dry. (Or, simply color with crayons and use watercolors for the background).

Frame it up!

Make and decorate a frame made from a cereal box:

• Cut a large cereal box into two squares or rectangular shapes larger than the portrait you are framing with one piece slightly larger than the other. • The larger of the two pieces is the frame and the small piece is the

SCHOOL

Continued from page 27

Learn a new skill

Ask your child. What is the one thing they’d like to learn? What is their passion? It should be an activity in which they are currently not participating. This is an opportunity for your child to expand their world and their skillset. They might discover an unknown talent, or they might discover they aren’t as interested in the activity as they thought. Both outcomes will teach your child something about themselves. Do they want to learn how to draw? Archery? Gymnastics? How to throw a fastball? Cooking skills? Play the guitar? Maybe they want to learn how to surf? You might be surprised to learn something you didn’t know about your child. Whatever their interests, or passions, there is usually a summer day-camp or class available somewhere in the southland. It should be an annual exercise to try something new at least once a year. A great place to check out available classes and programs is the City of Santa Clarita Seasons brochure. It can be found online at www.santa-clarita.com/ city-hall/departments/recreationcommunity-services-and-open-space/ recreation/seasons

Spectacular sleepovers

Museums and other educational

backing. Cut out the center of the frame to leave an opening for the art to show. • Put a few globs of glue randomly on the frame front, and affix pieces of pasta shells, wheels, rotini, elbows, etc. For a jazzy look, an adult may spray it with gold paint outside. Let dry, then attach the portrait to the backing with tape. Place the frame on top. Tape in place. 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 facilities throughout Southern California host annual summer sleepover experiences for children. Natural History Museum, Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., L.A. Info https://nhm.org/sleepoversnatural-history-museum Bugs and Butterflies sleepover is June 21, 6:30 p.m. Get exclusive access to the Butterfly Pavilion before the museum opens, explore exhibits after-hours, special bug-themed performance, enjoy touch specimens and more. Antarctic Dinosaurs sleepover is July 19, 6:30 p.m. Explore the Antarctic Dinosaurs exhibit after hours and meet with a Natural History Museum scientist who has traveled to Antarctica. See a dinosaur encounters show, enjoy dinosaur touch specimens and more. Sleepovers include access to museum exhibits after hours, 3D movies, themed crafts, activities, a scavenger hunt and special performances. It also includes an evening snack and continental breakfast the next day. Children 5-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult with no more than two adults per one child and at least one adult per four children. Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, L.A. Info www.lazoo.org/education/

to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.” ©2019 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd. sleepovers Creature Camp Outs: June 22, June 29, July 6, July 20, July 27, Aug. 3. Aug. 10, Aug. 17, Saturday 6:30 p.m. to Sunday 10 a.m. Sleep in a tent under the stars and listen to the nighttime sounds of the zoo. This outdoor experience includes guided evening and morning tours of the zoo, interactive programs for the young and old, a nighttime snack and live animal presentations. Continental breakfast is included. Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach Info www.aquariumofpacific.org/ education/info/teen_overnight Teen Overnight: Wednesday, Aug. 7, 5 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Dive deep and enjoy a night sleeping with the fishes in this teen-only event. Start the night with a pizza party before becoming an ocean explorer to discover the mysteries of the deep sea. This overnight camp program includes aquarium exploration, hands-on activities, pizza party, light snack, cereal breakfast and a souvenir T-shirt. Pilot your very own remote-operated vehicle (ROV) through an obstacle course, feed the stingrays at the aquarium, witness real bioluminescence in the aquarium classroom and sleep in front of one of the most popular exhibits, the Tropical Reef or the Sea Otter Habitat.

30 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

T R AV E L

Left: Highway 1 through Big Sur is recognized as one of the crown jewels of the American National Scenic Byway program.

Visit the natural wonders of California By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

hy does anyone travel? To learn about our world? To experience places and people different from our usual day-to-day life? To see something new? To revel in the unique and beautiful? It turns out you don’t have to travel all that far from home to experience amazing natural beauty and unique natural marvels. California is blessed with so many natural landmarks that a list of the seven best is arguable. Let’s just agree that these are seven, of many, captivating natural wonders you can visit in California. Mother Nature does smile upon California time and time again. See her in action at these incredible natural sights:

Big Sur

Highway 1 through Big Sur is located along the Central Coast and is recognized as one of the crown jewels of the American National Scenic Byway program. Best of all, it is only a 6-hour drive from the Santa Clarita Valley. Along this beautiful stretch of coastal highway, it is not unusual to see soaring California condors;

migrating gray, humpback and blue whales; and elephant seals. The area is renowned for windswept Monterey cypress trees, brilliant sunsets, giant redwoods, crashing surf and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. It is almost a rite of passage for a true Californian to drive Highway 1. Landslides are a persistent problem along Highway 1. It is currently open, but it is a good idea to check current conditions at www.dot.ca.gov/hq/ roadinfo/display.php?page=sr1. Once you have arrived in Big Sur, earning your “I Survived Highway 1” bumper sticker, be sure to see: The ocean It’s important to keep your eyes on the road while driving so seek out places to pull over so you can marvel at the magnificence of the waves crashing against the rocky coastline. The forests and the parks Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (hike through the redwoods near the Big Sur River), Andrew Molera State Park (where you can visit the California Condor Discovery Center) and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (where you can see stunning McWay Falls). Info http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org

Castle Crags

Castle Crags is a dramatic and wellknown rock formation in Northern California. Elevations range from 2,000 feet along the Sacramento River near the base of the crags, to more than 6,500 feet at the summit of the tallest crag. Located just west of Interstate 5, between the towns of Castella and Dunsmuir, Castle Crags is today a popular tourist stop along the highway. Majestic Castle Crags has inspired enduring myths and legends. More than 170 million years old, these 6,000feet tall granite spires in the Castle Crags Wilderness border the northwestern edge of Castle Crags State Park. Picnic sites are located along the Sacramento River and at the awe-inspiring Vista Point. Castle Crags State Park offers 28 miles of hiking trails. There is a hike suitable for all abilities. From the Vista Point parking area, a quarter-mile accessible trail leads visitors to Vista Point, where there are dramatic views of Castle Crags, Mount Shasta and nearby Grays Rocks. Gentle and shaded, the mile-long Root Creek Trail guides hikers along an accessible path to a year-round flowing creek.

Above: Natural Bridges in Angel’s Camp. PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

The most popular and challenging route is the Crags Trail, which leads adventures to the base of Castle Dome to experience breathtaking views. The Pacific Crest Trail winds through the park as well. Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=454

Crystal Cave, Sequoia National Park

Underneath Sequoia National Park lies a little-known wonder. Crystal Cave, a marble karst cave with more than 3 miles of passages, is a treasure of ornate marble polished by subterranean streams and decorated with curtains of icicle-like stalactites and mounds of stalagmite. It is a secret underground world, a landscape of glittering mineralogical features. And, it is one of 240 known caves in Sequoia National Park. Located about a 40-minute drive south of Wuksachi Lodge near Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park, Crystal Cave is available for exploration during the summer months only. It’s about 50 degrees inside Crystal Cave no matter what the temperature is outside. Tours now through Sept. 29 include:

• Family Tour: 50-minute tour for all ages.

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 1

T R AV E L • Thirteen and Older Tour: 50-minute tour. • Discovery Tour: 1 1/2 hours for ages 13 and up. • Wild Cave Tour: 4-6 hours for ages 10 and up, participants must be in good physical condition to participate. • Family Caver Tour: 2.5-hours for ages 10 and up, and expect to get dirty. Crystal Cave is run by the Sequoia Parks Conservancy. Info www.visitsequoia.com/explore/ tours/crystal-cave

Lava Beds National Monument

Located in northeastern California, in Siskiyou and Modoc counties, the monument lies on the northeastern flank of the Medicine Lake volcano. For the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. More than 700 caves, Native American rock art sites and a high desert wilderness experience await visitors. Perhaps the most exciting part of this expansive and “wild” park are the lava tubes. The lava tube caves were created by flows of smooth lava 10,500

to 65,000 years ago. As the lava flowed, it began to cool and solidify on the top and sides. Once the eruption ceased, the tube emptied and drained and a new lava tube cave was left behind. The Lava Beds Monument was established as a United States National Monument on Nov. 21, 1925. Info www.nps.gov/labe/index.htm

Natural Bridges Trail

The Natural Bridges trail in the Vallecito area of Calaveras County is a beautiful 2-mile round-trip hike that leads you to spectacular limestone caverns. Maintained by the US Bureau of Reclamation the trail can be accessed by visiting the Natural Bridges Day Use Area off Parrotts Ferry Road. This scenic tunnel was carved out by Coyote Creek as it flowed to New Melones Lake. Walk through a forest of oak trees on your way to the caverns which feature oddly shaped formations hanging from its roof. Best of all, this beautiful, natural cave, is free to visit. It is 250 feet from one end of Natural Bridges to the other. Once inside, the cave opens up into a huge vaulted ceiling. Water flows through the cave year-round and even in summer it is cold, so come prepared. The lower entrance to the cave is the most family friendly with plenty of

places to enjoy a picnic. Bring a change of clothes and shoes for walking in water.

Soaring to 14,179 feet, Mt. Shasta is a magnificent dormant volcano that seems to scrape the sky north of Redding. The mountain last erupted in 1786. Visible through much of Northern California, the mountain is a vision of beauty when clad in its coat of winter white. It rises from surrounding flatlands in such perfect, cone-shaped, snow-capped majesty that it seems almost unreal. The best way to get up close and person with Mt. Shasta’s beauty is to take the Everett Memorial Highway up to Bunny Flats. You can explore wildflower covered meadows and short, easy hikes during the summer months. In the winter, it is a snow activity area. The Mount Shasta Wilderness is a 38,200-acre federally designated wilderness area located 5 miles east of Mt. Shasta City. The wilderness was created by Congress when it passed the 1984 California Wilderness Act.

Last, but not least, is Vasquez Rocks Natural Area. The park, located so close to home you don’t need to get a hotel room, features 932 acres of spectacular rock formations and a seasonal stream. Vasquez Rocks was formed in prehistoric times when the sandstone rocks were uplifted at a picturesque angle, showing their jagged red features. In 1874, Tiburcio Vasquez, one of California’s most notorious bandits, used this area as a hideout to elude capture by the law. Besides that claim to fame, the uniqueness of this geologic formation brings geologists from across the globe to study these unusual “rocks.” The beauty and “alien” look of Vasquez Rocks has made the area a favorite for television, movies and commercials. Most notably, the area was the scene of the battle between Captain Kirk and the Gorn in the original “Star Trek” series and the location used in the live-action “The Flintstones” film, among hundreds of others. Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center is located at 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce.

Info www.fs.usda.gov/stnf/ or www. fs.usda.gov/recarea/stnf/recarea/?recid=6575

Info http://parks.lacounty.gov/ vasquez-rocks-natural-area-andnature-center/#

Info www.gocalaveras.com/traveldirectory/natural-bridges/

Mt. Shasta

Hot summer travel trends & tips By Michelle Sathe Signal Staff Writer

lanning a summer getaway? You’re not alone. According to American Automobile Association (AAA), about two-thirds of families embark on vacation once summer hits and the vast majority will drive to their destination. “Places that are within a couple of days drive tend to be the most popular,” said Jeffery Spring, AAA corporate communications manager. “The Grand Canyon or national parks in Utah are big draws, as are parks in Northern California and the Sierras.” For those that wish to fly, Hawaii remains a favorite and thanks to more competition from the airlines, can be more cost-effective than usual. “Airfares have dropped about 17 percent because Southwest started flying to Hawaii. At the moment,

they’re just flying out of Oakland and San Diego, but plan on expanding,” Spring said. Singles tend to gravitate to beach communities such as San Diego or urban hotspots like downtown Los Angeles or San Francisco. Couples are drawn to similar locations, though they tend to take more sightseeing trips, and are also fond of hiking, which lends itself toward more mountainous locations. Theme Parks are a tremendous draw for families and there are plenty to choose from in Southern California alone — Disneyland, Universal, Six Flags and Knotts Berry Farm. “Orange County and San Diego are particularly popular, as they have beaches and theme parks nearby. It’s very family oriented,” Spring said. Activity level is the primary driver for where seniors tend to summer, Spring said, and their open schedule grants them particular perks.

Vasquez Rocks

“They’re a wide-ranging bunch. Some like museums, others like hiking. The thing for them is that they can go places midweek, when it’s much less crowded and less expensive.” Cruises can appeal to all ages and right now, Alaska is a great option. “Cruising in the Caribbean and Mexico can be pretty warm, so Alaska is a top choice for anyone looking for a fair-weather vacation,” Spring said. “Some cruise lines overbuilt their number of ships 5 or 6 years ago and are having to compete more on price, so passengers are benefitting.” Once you’ve decided on a destination, Spring had some tips on how to maximize your vacation enjoyment:

• Driving? Make sure your vehicle is in good shape. Get your tires inflated to recommended pressure levels for safety and fuel economy. Have your brakes inspected and if your battery is more than three years old, also have that tested.

• Try to find hidden gems to make your memories a little more special. Dine at unique restaurants, rather than a big chains. “Eating locally gives you the literal flavor of destination,” Spring said. • Be flexible. Don’t be so rigid that if you miss one thing, it ruins your trip (and everyone else’s). • If you’re going to a national park, consider investing in an annual pass for $80. Seniors can get a lifetime pass for the same price. • Staying in a metropolitan area like San Francisco or Portland? Look into buying a local transit pass and keep your car parked.Souvenir lovers, try looking for local items in a grocery or drug store, which you can buy half the price of tourist gift shops. “In Hawaii, macadamia nuts are half-price at Costco,” Spring noted.

32 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

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

Reset, realign and repeat for a healthy beach-ready body

Research Center, makes it easy to integrate smarter, healthier lifestyle choices into your everyday routine. The program provides continual personalized feedback and support without the pressure of calorie counting. “Weight-loss solutions are not ‘onesize-fits-all,’ so to achieve and sustain your weight-loss goals, it is important to use strategies that best fit into your everyday lifestyle,” said Kerry Grann, principal research scientist, Amway Research & Development.

ummer is coming — and swimsuit season will be here before you know it. Now is the time to do a quick assessment and create a routine to get your body ready for sun and fun. By following three easy steps — reset, realign and repeat — you can commit to making changes to create a healthier you in time for summer.

Reset

Do a self-health assessment. Take time to reevaluate your goals and set new milestones. Achieving desired health goals requires you to be honest with yourself in regard to where you are at and what you want to achieve. Once you’ve identified your goals, find a program that aligns with your everyday routine and empowers you to make healthier lifestyle choices. Keep in mind that you don’t have to go at it alone. Find a program that uses technology to provide support and encouragement that helps you maintain healthy habits and routines.

Realign

Now that you’ve identified your goals, hold yourself accountable. It’s easier to keep up with a routine that aligns with your lifestyle and doesn’t require drastic modifications. Using the right tools and technologies can also help in achieving your health goals. Amway’s BodyKey SmartLoss program, developed in collaboration with Louisiana State University’s Pennington Biomedical

Repeat

Once you’ve found the right solution, then what? Consistency is the key to achieving and maintaining your goals. Keep track of your progress on a daily or weekly basis to see how much you accomplish in shorter spans of time. BodyKey’s program has a free mobile app to help you track your journey and offers advice and guidance to keep you motivated to hit your daily goals. The app is available for anyone to download.

The program helps users develop daily habits throughout their entire weight-loss journey. It offers a personalized eating plan that tracks weight loss and provides customized recommendations to help you every step of the way. With the convenience and accessibility of this program it’s easier to keep up your routine beyond the summer months. “Accessibility and convenience are important when it comes to programs that assist with weight-loss management,” said Grann. “Having a digital program that tracks your progress can help you maintain daily habits beyond your desired summer goals.” This summer take your health into your own hands by resetting, realigning and repeating healthy habits throughout the season and beyond. Proper weight management and discipline, supported by educational tools, will help you transform your everyday routine and help achieve a healthier you. — Brandpoint

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 3

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Compression couplings to halt leak, termite troubles By Robert Lamoureux Signal Contributing Writer

Compression coupling Robert, I live in Canyon Country and am pretty handy, I’ve done a lot around my house. I’m a single mom, trying to get through, save money and have had to learn a lot to get it done on my own. I have a leak at my sink shut off. As long as I leave it in the shut position it’s not leaking, but as soon as I put it in the “on” position, it begins to leak right from where the little thing comes out, so I’m not able to use it. I see that they welded the shutoff on, so I went to the hardware store and they told me that there is something called a compression angle stop that I can use. They say that it looks the same but you don’t have to weld it, what you have to do is to cinch it down really tight. This looks weak to me so I have concerns about cutting the old one off and using this one, is this something that is dependable and should I use it? Is this as good as welding and is it safe? I wonder if I need a plumber to come and weld this on. — Kelly R. Kelly, This is called a compression coupling, and yes they are perfectly fine to use. You sound handy so I’ll tell you how to do this, and if you have any further questions just reach back out. While you’re doing one you should do both, as these things tend to wear out at about the same time. First, shut the water to the house down and have some rags handy under your work area, as there will be residual water from the line. Wear safety glasses in case anything unexpected happens and use gloves as there will be sharp edges on the newly cut pipe. Use a tubing cutter to cut off the copper piece, making sure that there is enough length coming out of the wall first, that you’ll use to attach the new coupling to. Attach the new cou-

Left: The steps to take before starting work on a leak are to shut the water to the house down, have rags handy for under the work area and wear safety glasses, in case something happens during the cutting of pipe. Above: Sometimes when you open up drywall, you can find serious termite damage as one reader found.

pling then cinch it down tight with two wrenches so you have a good, tight seal. Replace the flex lines that go to this new coupling to the fixture. Check for leaks once you turn the water back on. If you have a leak, it’s because you need to tighten the new coupling more. Good luck and let me know if you have additional questions. Good for you, being able to do this type of work. — Robert Termites Robert, I live in Canyon Country, have opened up some drywall and found a significant size (approximately 4-x-6 post) of termite infestation that looks like it needs to be redone. This literally looks like it is disintegrated and it needs to come out. I have submitted photos for you, and you’ll note that the header above this post is also affected. I know that this is a big deal and needs to be done but I’d like to attempt it myself, just need some guidance on the support while I’m making the repairs. I am familiar with framing and will simply replace like for like, but the safety/support is my main question with regard to replacing the header, if that is needed. The opening to this doorway is about 12 feet long, can you help guide me with the photos I’ve submitted, please? Can I cut it where the other 4-x-4 post is and replace that area only? — Mikael R.

Mikael, Yes you can make your cut at this point where you’re referring to for replacement of the header, that’s not a problem. First shore up the area by opening the drywall and installing 4x6 between your joists. Never shore with drywall in place, the drywall will compress and it won’t be nearly as safe as if you open it up and install timber to timber. You’ll then put in (2) 4x4 posts vertically for adequate support, one on each end, prior to your cuts. Add blocking in at the bottom, never use posts directly onto concrete. Make sure this load is spread out so use another board such as a 2-x-6 or 2-x-10, set your posts onto this. Be sure that these are wedged in good and tight, so you have adequate support. Now make your cut so the old and new transition centered on the other

4x4 post. The one that is damaged, you can put two 4x4 butted together and put them up using a “T” strap on both sides with Tico nails. Once this header and vertical 2-x-4s are replaced and secured, you can then remove your shoring without worry. You sound handy so if you follow these instructions, you’ll be safe, as will your home. Good luck, — Robert Robert Lamoureux has 38 years of experience as a general contractor, with licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to robert@imsconstruction.com.

SHOWER DOOR SPECIALIST Sliding Tub Enclosure Chrome with 1/4” Clear Glass Standard Sizes only

525

installation included

FREE In-Home Consultation Over 25 years in business

661.298.0261 26858 Ruether Ave, Unit A, Saugus, CA 91351

www.ValenciaCustomShowerDoors.com Lic #852216

34 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

ART

ARTree founder brings love of art to Santa Clarita By Patricia Rasmussen Signal Staff Writer

ob Hernandez always likes a good challenge. As a young boy growing up, first in East Los Angeles then in the San Fernando Valley, he found several good role models among his family and community that made sure he could stand up to each test. His father trekked from Mexico to the United States with a young family in tow, eventually finding a job as a welder at General Motors and buying a house in which the family settled. Education was important to both of his parents and they wanted their four sons to learn English while always being proud of their heritage. “I remember as a child, I really didn’t know the language and had to learn by assimilation,” Hernandez said. “It was tough. It led to me being very shy.” He attended school at San Fernando High, in the shadow of his older brother who had great artistic talent. “He was unbelievably talented,” Hernandez said. “I saw his drawings and try to be like him. His art teacher was instrumental in shaping me and working with me.” Only 17 years old and never far from family, Hernandez was accepted at Chouinard Art Institute, which is now part of California Institute of the Arts. He talks about those days with wonder, being around so many talented people and learning from them. “They were as creative as you would imagine,” Hernandez said about his small class located in the MacArthur Park area of Los Angeles.

661-298-1800 MollyMaid.com

The school “was very concentrated, but I had a lot of freedom. I was pretty shy and didn’t have a lot of friends, so on my free time I would go to the park and sketch. I was very dedicated to my art.” Hernandez earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with honors and found employment in television. He worked as a design director for KCBS, Fox Sports Network and Telemundo, where his talents were recognized with a local Emmy award. Hernandez also served on the executive board of the Broadcast Designers Association and at California State University, Northridge, where he taught design and experimental film. With the onset of computers and multi-media, Hernandez had to keep up with the times. He loved learning. “I took a lot of chances in my own career,” Hernandez said. “I always try to push myself. The world was changing and I changed with it.” About 10 years ago, the City of Santa Clarita was looking for input regarding arts in the community. Hernandez decided he wanted to get involved and went to that meeting. He believed he could bring a love for the arts to Santa Clarita, starting with young children and watching it grow from there. Hernandez sat down with Jeff Barber, arts supervisor for the City of Santa Clarita, who offered to help. From there, ARTree was formed. There was a humbleness to ARTree, Hernandez said. “It was community based and we worked with merchants in the area to try to bring more recognition to

Don’t Sweat the Summer Cleaning

$25 OFF $10.00 off your 1st cleaning! $15.00 off your 4th cleaning!

NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY! OFFER VALID ONE TIME PER HOUSEHOLD.

Molly Maid of Santa Clarita, Voted BEST Cleaning Company in the Santa Clarita Valley!

From his humble beginnings in East L.A. to his involvement with the Santa Clarita community, Bob Hernandez has transformed his love for art to the children here with ARTree. PHOTO BY LORENA MAJIA / THE SIGNAL

the arts and entertainment district in Newhall,” he stated. “We got involved right away with city staff, who were a great asset.” He said he learned to be patient and that things didn’t happen overnight. “It was important to come out of my shyness and make connections with people in Santa Clarita,” Hernandez said. Things did happen, however. Just cruising around town, residents can see the beautiful murals that adorn areas of Santa Clarita including an ARTree wall on Railroad Avenue, a tile mural at Newhall Elementary School and a mosaic piece on the Santa Clarita trail by Auto Center Drive. ARTree also holds classes at their studios off Main Street in downtown Newhall. Most of the classes are free or the cost covers the supplies used. After more than 10 years, Hernandez is giving up the reins of ARTree to pursue his own art interests. He plans to spend a lot more time with Diane, his wife of 46 years, and his family, along with “painting his heart out.” He admits that Diane keeps him grounded. He is very proud of his twin boys: Zack a senior vice president at Sony; and Matt, vice president of CBS network computer graphics and advertising; as well as his four young granddaughters. He is enjoying the irony of being a man with no sisters or daughters who is now enjoying a little female companionship.

Family means everything to Hernandez, and he said it was his childhood that gave him the drive to help the underserved and young children in his community. “As a kid, back in those days in East Los Angeles, we didn’t have much,” Hernandez reminisced. “My parents provided for us, but they didn’t have a lot of money. We made the best with what we had.” For Hernandez, that meant making go-carts and games out of nothing, trusting and enjoying the company of his neighbors and taking some real chances. “You don’t see that much with the younger generation these days,” Hernandez said. “It was a pleasure to bring that to the ARTree.” Today he is working on some new styles. “I want to paint what I want to paint and if it makes it to galleries, great.” Hernandez said. The art community has been well served by Hernandez but he is the first to point out he has also benefited from his involvement with the community. The ARTree “presence was important and we had to be constant,” Hernandez said of the organization. “We said we were going to do something, and I think we have. I know there will be a lot more to come.” ARTree Community Arts Center is located at 22508 6th Street, Newhall. For more information, visit www. theartree.org.

J U N E 16, 2019

GETTIN’ UP THERE

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 5

SENIORLIVING

Multigenerational living is making a comeback By Diana Sevanian Signal Staff Writer

everal generations living under one roof has long been the norm for many cultures around the world. In its best outcome, everyone looks after each other. Finances are consolidated. Children are enriched by the in-house nurturing of their grandparents — elders who are far less likely to experience loneliness and spend their remaining years in a facility with strangers. Within these United States, that multigenerational dynamic — once a righteously accepted and expected way of life — fell out of fashion many years ago. But it’s making a comeback. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, record numbers of Americans are becoming three- (some even four-) generation households. Between 2000 and 2016, such layered households increased from 42.4 million to 64 million. One in five households are now multigenerational, and the bureau cites key factors for the trend:

• The boomer generation — once chomping at the bit to escape its parents — are now choosing to care for them in their own winter years. This is especially so for financially stable sons and daughters. • Many young adults are marrying later and/or residing with their parents by choice or economic need. • Financial adversities and job loss, particularly for adults and families whacked by the 2008 recession, have made the centralizing of family resources both beneficial and logical. • The large number of immigrants here generally preserve the multigenerational way of life common in their nations of origin. Caregiving needs, brought about by increasing numbers of Americans (young and old) with diseases or disabilities, necessitate it. Additionally, many grandparents are becoming

caregivers to their grandchildren, owing to their own adult kids being unable or unfit to care for them. (These are referred to as grandfamilies.) A 2018 AARP report sheds further light, stating that regular income from Social Security, increased longevity and the growing number of single parent families, also lend to the rise in multigenerational households. While there are many advantages to generations sharing daily life and resources, there are also challenges. Stress, caregiver burnout, loss of intimacy and personal time for “sandwiched” couples/singles and space constraints are among them. To address these issues, policy makers, mental health experts and builders are focusing in on ways to help. Personally, I love the idea of generations residing together, when it works for all. I’ve felt this way since I was a child listening to dear old stories of how my mother’s three-tiered tribe resided as one in Boyle Heights. The matriarch — my Romanian great-grandmother whom I never met— lived and laughed among her pack into her 90s. Despite her frailties, she was a source of love and sweetness, until a fall at home ended her life. Ironically, 60 years later, her daughter (my grandmother) became a woman in her 90s who died as a result of a fall sustained while living alone in a senior facility. I was very close with my grandmother and have long wished she had accepted my request that she come live with my own little family back in the 80s. But she declined, saying she didn’t want the noise of my boys. I still wonder what might have been had she said “Yes.” Perhaps she didn’t want to “be a burden.” Yet to me, such responsibility, and the joy of having her near, would have been my multigenerational honor. Information from Generations United and AARP contributed to this column. This is also the first of a twopart series on multigenerational living. Diana Sevanian is a retired R.N. and longtime Signal features writer and columnist.

HEAR DAD’S words of wisdom this Father’s Day!

Lead by example. Show your children the importance of caring for their hearing. Take the first step … Schedule a hearing screening

Call 661.200.9470 to set up a free Hearing Screening.

Today’s hearing aids are extremely small, yet offer BIG benefits, functionality and convenience with many options to meet your budget.

We Love To Help You Hear

36 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

PROFILE

Carrie and Manuel Lujan By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

anta Clarita Public Information Officer Carrie Lujan recently had an interesting day at work. Lujan was called to the scene of a wayward bear in a Valencia neighborhood and watched as California Fish and Wildlife officers tranquilized the bear and removed it from the city. “Every day on the job is different and you never know where it’s going to go,” Lujan said. Several bears in the Santa Clarita Valley were spotted this past spring. However, when officials received a report of a bear in a tree near Mill Valley Road and Avenida Frasca in Valencia, they felt it was necessary for public safety to relocate the bear to its natural habitat. “I am constantly amazed by the skill, dedication and care of our first responders,” she said. “The Fire Department, Fish and Wildlife and the Sheriff ’s Department all worked together. The firefighters were able to perfectly maneuver their ladder to catch the bear and gently lower it down to safety.”

From print to TV

Lujan was born in Orange County, but attended elementary and high school in the east Bay Area. She graduated with a degree in speech communications from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and took her first journalism job at the Roseville Press Tribune, in the Sacramento area. Lujan started at the small threeday-a-week newspaper covering the

local news, but soon was doing page design, as well. “I came in as a news reporter and when they found out I was good with the computer…I ended up laying out the entire paper. It was a great experience,” she said. After nine months Lujan began seeking other challenges. In 2000, she was offered a job at KCBS-TV as a production assistant and moved to the Los Angeles area. “I’ve been all over the state,” Lujan said. While at KCBS she worked on a feature-heavy talk show. “It was like the L.A. version of ‘The View,’” Lujan said. “We had celebrity guests and cooking segments.” Then the terrorist attack of Sept. 11, 2001 occurred. “I went from celebrity interviews to going through file footage of Ground Zero for weeks afterwards,” she said. “Everything was news, 24/7 after that for months.” Lujan decided to return to her roots of local reporting and moved to Palm Springs as a producer and reporter for the ABC-TV affiliate station KESQ. “I did that for four or five years,” she said. “I really enjoyed reporting. I covered everything from crime to local government, to events at the zoo and children’s stories, pretty much everything.”

Public relations

From Palm Springs, Lujan made the jump to a public relations firm in West Hollywood where she worked for seven years. “It was really fun. We represented a

The Shepherds Are Coming! The Shepherds Are Coming! German Shepherd Rescue of OC invites you to join us for a

SPECIAL ADOPTION EVENT When: Sat. June 22, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Where: Petco, Santa Clarita 26501 Bouquet Canyon Rd.,

Visit Our Website at www.GSROC.ORG to preview some of the Available dogs. So sorry, but no puppies will be attending this event. *Home Visit and Adoption Donation Required.

Carrie and Manuel Lujan. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

lot of lifestyle clients. I was the entire television department,” she said. “I would do appearances on morning television shows across the country.” She would do segments featuring back-to-school supplies, fashion shows and cooking demos. “It was really fun to see different parts of the country,” Lujan said. However, the lure of finding work with more meaning, something more “substantial” took Lujan in a new direction. “Coming from a news background, I missed doing work that made a difference or helped people in some way,” she said. After looking at different career paths Lujan became interested in the position of Public Information Officer. “I had worked with a lot of PIOs as a news reporter and I thought that might be a good next step for me,” she said. Lujan was hired as the PIO in Santa Monica where she worked for three years. She met Gail Morgan, the former PIO of Santa Clarita, at area conferences and came to Santa Clarita on one occasion to have lunch with Morgan to learn how she did things. “I talked to her at the time she was retiring and she told me that if I was interested in the job I should apply,” Lujan said. After Morgan retired, Lujan was hired as the new Santa Clarita PIO in November of 2016.

Manuel Lujan

Carrie met Manuel Lujan while working at KCBS. After dating for four years they were married Sept. 17, 2005. The couple have two sons, Benjamin, 12 and Andrew, 9. Dodger great Dusty Baker is Manuel’s cousin. Baker helped the Dodgers win pennants in 1977 and 1978, and to win the World Series in 1981. Manuel Lujan is a director for the Dodger Network. He directs the preand post-game Dodger broadcasts seen on Spectrum SportsNet LA. Born and raised in San Diego, Manuel left in high school to live with an uncle in Fresno. “He lived near a powerhouse school and he told me, ‘If you are going to play ball you should come here.’ So, I went there to play football and baseball.” Manuel’s uncle worked in the television industry for the local NBC affiliate. “I spent a lot of my nights at the station just soaking it all up,” he said. When he graduated from high school, he was offered a summer job at the TV station, which turned into a full-time job. “It was an entry level job as a camera operator,” Manuel said. “I ran the studio cameras for the news. Then I became a stage manager, learned graphics, tape, became a technical director and then in a couple of years I was directing in Fresno.” Manuel said knowing what he wanted to do early in life helped him focus on the correct career path. “It

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 7

PROFILE

gave me a leg up over a lot of people,” he said. At age 20 he was directing in Fresno, at age 23 he was offered a job at CNN in Atlanta. “I was directing the Spanish news,” he said. “It was a great experience. It was a smaller shop among their networks, but it was fast paced and I learned a lot.” From CNN Manuel moved to KCBS in Los Angeles at age 25. He worked at KCBS for 15 years. When the Dodgers decided to launch their own TV network, they called Manuel. “They said, ‘We’d like you to help us get this thing going,’” he said. “I was there from day one. Before there was anything in the studio, it was just all bare concrete. So, I helped set up everything, and now we are in season six.” In addition to his work with SportsNet LA, Manuel caught the acting bug after appearing in the film “Nightcrawler” with Jake Gyllenhaal. He also appeared on an episode of the ABC drama “Scandal” and was cast in the movie “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” starring Denzel Washington. “My part was cut out of the film, but I got the experience of doing a nice scene with him, one on one. It was great to see him up close and watch him work. The one good thing is that they put my scene on the DVD extras so I have it for my reel. My kids can see it and that is nice.”

Loving the SCV

The couple moved to the SCV after Carrie was hired by the city. “My husband and I love this area.

The Lujan Family — Andrew, 9, Carrie and Manuel and Ben, 12.

We had looked at buying a house here when we both were working in Hollywood, but it didn’t make sense at the time because of the commute,” she said. “Working for the city of Santa Clarita gave us a chance to come here and be in a much more family-friendly environment for our boys and that was very appealing.” The couple moved to Valencia in June, 2017. The couple said their quality of life has improved tremendously since moving to Santa Clarita. “Our boys are able to walk to school now,” Carrie said. “When I worked in Santa Monica we couldn’t afford to

live there. My kids went to a fantastic school, but it took 30 to 45 minutes to get there every day, even though it was only 3 miles away.” For the Lujans everyday life in Santa Clarita is just “easier.” “My husband and I joke that if we wanted to run one errand (on the Westside), it was an entire afternoon commitment. Here, I can get five things done on my lunch break,” Carrie said. “And there’s free parking. You don’t have to park in a parking garage to go to the grocery store.” For Manuel, who started playing golf five years ago, the Santa Clarita

golf courses, were a big plus. “When we moved to Santa Clarita, which has so many beautiful courses, I realized I had a chance to really improve my game. You can find me (on the course) practically every day,” he said. Manuel said the couple have been on the move nearly every two years since they’ve been together. “We’ve moved quite a bit,” he said. “But for both of us, the minute we moved to Santa Clarita we said, ‘Hey, we’re home.’ We found the place we want to plant roots.”

DADS & GRADS SALE! % 072APR MOS.

SPECIAL EDITION!

Plush Super Pillow Top Queen Mattress

399 COMPARE AT $899

Includes: Mattress - Upholstered Headboard - Mattress Protection - White Sheets Gel Pillow - Dual Side Comforter

or NO CREDIT NEEDED** With 60 equal payments until Dec. and a min. purchase of $2,999

Seista Firm Full or Queen

199

$ Mattress Twin $139 King $299

Cannot Be Combined With Any Other Offer.

Pillow Top

Seista PillowTop Full or Queen

249

$ Mattress Twin $179 King $399

Full or Queen

599

$ Mattress Twin $399 King $699

FREE Local Delivery! or FREE Set-up or FREE Removal or FREE Bedframe! SANTA CLARITA • (661) 430-8660 26537 Bouquet Cyn Rd. #G, 91350

(Next to Trader Joe’s and Best Buy)

We Finan Everybodce It’s Easy y, Qualify To

SPECIALIZING IN PRECISION ELECTRONIC TUNE-UPS, FUEL INJECTION, IGNITION, SMOG CHECK, GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

FOREIGN & DOMESTIC

CHECK US OUT ON NEW TIRE PRICES!

A/C SERVICE

SMOG CHECK

BRAKE JOB

OIL CHANGE

44.95 $36.75 $164.95 $26.99

+ FREON Most Cars & Light Trucks *Must have coupon* Exp. 6/30/19

+ certificate 2000 or Newer Model *Must have coupon* Exp. 6/30/19

661-259-4150

enginedynamics@sbcglobal.net

MOST CARS & LIGHT TRUCKS Includes: Resurface Rotors or Drums. Pack Bearings No Extra Charge for Semi-Metallic Pads Exp. 6/30/19

Non Synthetic Up to 5 Qts. Most Cars Exp. 6/30/19

24135 Railroad Ave. Newhall (Newhall Ave. Across from William Hart Park)

38 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

GARDENING

Planning ahead is simple.

the benefits are immense. W WHEN HE N YOU YOU PL PLAN AN A AHEAD, HEA D, you can design every detail detail of of your your own own final final tribute and provide your loved ones ones with with true true peace peace of mind. When you’re ready to get started, started, help. your your Dignity Dignity Memorial Memorial®® professionals are here to help.

>>100% 100% Service Service Guarantee Guarantee >>National National Plan Plan Transferability* Transferability* >>Family Family Protection Protection Plan* Plan*

> Personal Planning Planning Guide Guide > Compassion Helpline® Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Travel Assistance Assistance

GATES, KINGSLEY & GATES GATES PRAISWATER Mortuary CANOGA PARK

GatesKingsleyGates.com GatesKingsleyGates.com 818-348-3354

Container gardening for beginners

ardening is a rewarding activity that gardening enthusiasts can’t wait to get back to once the weather warms up. Many gardeners find getting their hands dirty while tending to a garden can be a great form of escapism. In addition, growing one’s own fruits and vegetables can be great for the environment. Though it’s easy to assume gardening is an activity exclusive to homeowners with their own yards, that’s not the case at all. Container gardening can make it possible for anyone to garden regardless of where they live. The benefits of container gardening go beyond making gardening accessible to everyone. Many plants grown in containers are less susceptible to disease than plants grown in the soil, which can reduce reliance on potentially harmful pesticides. Container gardens also tend to be easier to maintain than traditional gardens, making gardening more doable for people with especially hectic schedules. Container gardening can be simple, and novices can consider these tips when planning and ultimately tending to their first gardens.

Conduct a light audit

*Certain *Certain restrictions apply. FD 1066

Walk around your home to determine where your plant can be placed so it gets as much light as it needs to thrive. Some plants need a lot of light, while others can thrive with a lot less. By conducting a light audit before choosing plants, you can determine if your home is most conducive to

plants that require a lot of a light or those that need little light to get by.

Make sure containers have ample drainage

The gardening experts at Good Housekeeping note that drainage holes are essential when choosing containers. Waterlogged soil can be fatal for plants, so there must be ample drainage in the container. Don’t focus too much on the size of the holes, just make sure that they allow excess water to drain out from the pot.

Don’t forget to feed your plants

Potting soil won’t necessarily have nutrients that plants can access, so many container gardeners must fertilize the soil so plants can thrive. Good Housekeeping notes that watering with diluted fish emulsion, seaweed extract or compost tea can help plants thrive. Feed once every two weeks to start, adjusting the schedule thereafter depending on how the plants respond.

Seek advice

Local gardening centers can be great resources for novice container gardeners. Such centers can recommend plants with a history of thriving in the area as well as plants that might be more compatible when containers are placed next to one another. Container gardening can bring gardening to any home, whether it’s a light-filled private home or an apartment where sunlight is sparse. — Metro Connection

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 9

Tragedy, Poetry, Boxers & Bad Cops trying hard when a long right to the button rolled him outside the ropes.”

Well howdy, dear sleepy eyed saddlepals. C’mon. Sun’s peeking up in the — I think that part of the sky is called, “… east.” We’ve an interesting trek ahead into the back historical trails of Santa Clarita yesteryear. There’s mayhem and humor, and we’ll take a look at the first-ever high school graduating class. Give you a hint? It’s Hart. C’mon. Let’s mosey into the mystic … WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• Happy birthday, Tony! Had he lived, Antonio del Valle would have been 178 years old this week. Alas, he died on June 21, 1841. Antonio was deeded the entire Santa Clarita Valley and then some by the governor of California. • And happy birthday to Owen June 10, 1910, baby Owen Harlan Mickel came into this world up in Wolf Point, Montana. Owen would eventually become one of the most famous cowboys in the world, noted for his trick roping. You might know the former Agua Dulce resident (he died in 1998) as Monty Montana. JUNE 16, 1919

• The ups & downs of farming William Mayhue finished cutting 350 acres of prime barley and oat. Over his life, Mayhue would farm most of the flatland of the SCV and become a millionaire. He would later die in a pauper’s home in the San Fernando Valley. • Maybe he saw of Harry’s pictures On this date a century ago, 17-yearold John Brown, a cowpoke on the Harry Carry Ranch up San Francisquito Canyon, found an unopened bottle of wine. He opened it. He drank it. Johnny got a little more than tipsy. Seems the teen cowboy walked into the ranch house and shot Harry’s portrait, right in the eye. The legendary movie star Carry grabbed Brown by the scruff of the neck and marched him into town where he was arrested and sent to juvenile court. JUNE 16, 1929

• There are people from Friendly Valley who don’t know of the recent change The state speed limit in California in 1929 was 40 mph.

JUNE 16, 1949

• Now thats a postal worker! That old phrase of, “neither sleet, nor rain,” yada yada, might have been invented in Newhall. Postman Dick Bowman had to parachute twice out of crashing U.S. Mail planes north of Newhall. On this date, the old biplane was caught in an updraft north of Castaic. Bowman parachuted out at 9,000 feet, landed a mile north of Castaic and walked to the gas station. A month earlier, his other plane crashed just outside of Newhall. But he made sure he had his large sack of mail with him both times. • Same thing with drug dealers today A Signal columnist pondered: “Bootlegging seems to be the most interesting subject in the world just now. Every time an honest man gets a new car, his neighbors eye him with suspicion.” JUNE 16, 1939

• When romance goes bad An illtimed kiss in a speeding auto down the Grapevine ended in mayhem. The driver/kisser tried to steal a smooch, lost control around a curve, took out five guard rails and went over a 200-foot embankment. Miss Barbara Hope, 21, the kissee, suffered two broken ankles. Claude Mott, 32 and the kisser, broke his spine. Making matters worse, CHP officer Bob Gollings rushed down the cliff to rescue them and severely sprained his knee falling off a boulder and had to be hospitalized. • Pugilistic poetry We used to have regular Wednesday night boxing and wrestling at a place called Baron’s. Here’s a sample of some old-time sports writing in your Mighty Signal: “But the deepest sleep of the evening was the lot of Dick Senef, pitted against Bill McLean of Fillmore. Senef was outweighed and outreached, but was

• Our first High School class They were called the ’49ers and 71 of them were the first class to graduate from any high school in the SCV. (Gwen and Dean Gallion of Castaic are ’49ers.) Tom Izuhara was the first ASB president at Hart — an interesting feat considering he was of Japanese heritage and World War II had ended just four years earlier. They planted a tree for him between the office buildings and library. Speaking of, Hart’s class of 1949 will be having their 70th reunion coming up. • Air tragedy Two Air Force F-86 jets collided in mid-air above Castaic. One pilot was killed. The other bailed out safely. • Nine cents? Really? Peter McBean and a slew of Newhall family members were on hand to cut the ribbon at a new swimming hole. This week a halfcentury back, Newhall Park’s pool was dedicated. Children under 12 could swim for 9 cents. You’d think they would have made it an even dime … • Black eye for the Sheriff Not so glorious in recollection was the firing of three local sheriff ’s deputies, all dismissed on the same day for theft. Two were caught stealing 30 bales of hay from Alex Romero’s field and officer was discharged for taking an abandoned trailer on the Ridge Route back to his home in Pacoima. JUNE 16, 1959

• And who said the folds at The Signal can’t write? Val Verde Signal columnist Lyllian Harris had a nail-biting paragraph 40 years back. It read: “Had a nice chat with Mrs. Wm. Nickerson by phone.” That was it. Complete. • Hydration notes Newhall County Water District built themselves a new reservoir and holding tank. The tank held 300,000 gallons. JUNE 16, 1969

• Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em Dillenbeck’s Market up in Canyon Country worked with some veterans for a special fundraiser for troops over in Vietnam. Locals worked with the R.J. Reynolds Co. to raise money to buy cigarettes for the boys fighting overseas.

TIMERANGER

• Happy 50th, RHI We just might have been the only community our size to not have a hotel or motel. That was changed when Newhall Land announced they would build something called the Ranch House Inn on this date. • Bud biz On this date, Hart High baseball coach Larry Keontopp called it quits and went to Gonzaga University to lead the horsehiders there. His replacement? A young butch-headed rascal from the Midwest named Bud Murray. Didn’t that guy just win a CIF title 20 years ago? JUNE 16, 1979

• CHiPS flu We had a two-day sickout hit the local CHP ranks. The highway patrolmen had asked for a 20.6% pay raise, which would bring their salaries in line with other law enforcement officers. Gov. Jerry Brown countered with a 10.6% REDUCTION, hence the mini-strike. • Remember Rivendale? For a very short while, it was a major western destination, hosting everything from country concerts to rodeos. Today it’s part of Ed Davis/Towsley Canyon State Park. Back in 1979, it was the home to Jerry Arnett’s ranch. It was also one of the few official and licensed jockey schools in America. • Throwing it out just to irritate her Mrs. Ellen Wayman-Cieplik was the Boys Club Auction coordinator 20 years ago this week. She helped raise around $78,000 gross. Recent years’ events bring in that amount by the first item. Just kidding, EWC … Well don’t you know. That spinning vortex up ahead? That’s our particular Metrolink time portal back to the present. As always, appreciate the good company and conversation. See you back here in seven with another exciting Time Ranger adventure. Until then, tengan un Verano muy deslumbrante y vayan con Dios, amigos! (Have a vainglorious summer and ride with God, my friends!) John Boston has been writing about SCV history for more than 40 years. Read his historical tome, “Images of America: The Santa Clarita Valley” on Amazon.com. Check out his History of The Mighty Signal series on Saturdays on A1.

40 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

Gorgeous Executive Home

Build Your Custom Dream Home Unique opportunity to build your custom dream home in Sand Canyon’s most private and exclusive subdivision,

4+5 – 2942 sq ft, Gorgeous executive home behind the gates in West Hills. Loft room with private bath could be 5th bedroom. Downstairs bed and bath with private entrance. $759,000

Oak Creek Ranch.

6 lots on 40 acres. Most development fees already paid. Ready to build. Lots are reasonably priced.

Bob Kellar

661.510.0987

Dean Cox

RE/MAX of Valencia CalBRE #01331788

28657 Farrier Dr. Valencia, 91354

16670 Soledad Cyn Rd kellar@earthlink.net

661-644-6120

CalBRE#01030351

25711 Shady Oak Ln is a true masterpiece in the most prestigious guarded & gated community in Valencia, Westridge Estates. Custom built home was meticulously designed with comfort and luxury in mind. Massive 12car underground garage and entertainment space, gourmet kitchen is equip with top grade appliances, open breakfast and living area. Large patio with outdoor kitchen and amazing views of private pool and city lights. This is truly a one-of-a-kind home

Just minutes from SCV. Enjoy all 4 seasons on this 20+ acre ranch Home is 6247 sq. ft. with incredible VIEWS $1,750,000 8072 Cuddy Valley Road in Frazier Park

Gary Wat THEAGENCY

Cell: 626.236.2709 www.25711Shadyoak.com - $3,999,000

gary.wat@theagencyre.com CalBRE##01968039

Manufactured Home Affordable 3 bedroom 2 bath manufactured home in gate guarded Community. Open Floor plan, updated kitchen with large living area. Common Area amenities include pool, spa, tennis court, play area, clubhouse. Financing is available -$181,500

STARR JAMES DRE #02082408

(818) 517-3318 (661) 705-3200

Ask about a CASH BACK REBATE!

20087 Northcliff Drive Santa Clarita, CA

starrjamesrealtor@gmail.com

PINNACLE ESTATE PROPERTIES INC

6 beds 5 baths 3,674 sq ft 4 car garage Beautifully upgraded Hasley Canyon Estate. Travertine flooring, crown moldings, plantation shutters, mirrored closets, surround sound and recessed lighting! Tons of upgrades throughout this spacious open floor plan. Beautiful views looking down on the valley from every room. Private serene country setting with perfect backyard for entertaining. $1,250,000

T H E S A N TA C L A R I TA V A L L E Y ’ S

#1 MOST VIEWED LOCAL MEDIA WEBSITE

Happy Valley Single Story Home 5+3 – 2,950 sq ft, single story, classic California ranch style pool home in Happy Valley. Lot is 11,822 sq ft and there is tons of RV/Boat/Toy parking. $875,000

Your best source for local and breaking news, engaging video and interactive contests. Follow us all over the web: facebook.com/SignalSCV @SCVSignal – @SignalSports

Dean Cox

@SignalSCV – @SignalSports youtube.com/StudioSantaClarita

23322 Maple St., Newhall, 91321

RE/MAX of Valencia CalBRE #01331788

661-644-6120

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L Î&#x2021; 4 1

GOLF...GATED...VIEW...

Making Dreams Come True!

This Newhall Friendly Valley 2 bd/2 bath +Den ~ Stand-alone home has approx. 1561 sq. ft. Incredible view, great floor plan, 2 golf courses, gated/guard community,many activities, pool, much more! Come Home Today $565,000

Beautiful turn key mobile home in senior park, lowest rent space in Santa Clarita, 3 bedroom +2 bathroom, 1120 sqft. Double wide built in 2016, open floor plan, high ceilings, dual pane windows, ceiling fans in all rooms upgraded appliances, backyard pavers and gravel with separate grass area automatic sprinklers, completely fenced refrigerator/washer/dryer are included all this and more for $ 174,999

SARA P. SEELEY CalBRE # 01241142

JUDY JENSEN

Sara@SaraSeeley.com

Realtor DRE #01008448

(661) 609-6200 23914 Summerhill Lane, Valencia, CA 91354

Each office independently owned and operated.

55+ ONLY! PRICE REDUCED $425,000

(661)713-0554 Judyleejensen@yahoo.com

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Make A Deal 4 beds 3 full baths~ 3,194 sqft ~11,217 sqft lot. Built in 1987 Single Family Residence. Magnificent VICTORIAN one of a kind home with studio above garage could be yours. Exquisite detail from the moment you enter...

1452 sq ft Spacious 2 bedroom 2 bath condo home, addition off living room, 2 car garage in guard gated community of Friendly Valley 26377 Oak Plain Dr, Santa Clarita

Office (661) 252-9000 Fax (661) 252-9003 19310 Ave. of the Oaks, Newhall, Ca 91321

Suzie Wing Wood

ELLIE LACY

DRE# 01826800

CalBRE # 0040871

661-609-6666

(661) 341-6226

EllieCLacy@yahoo.com

20501 Blairmoore St., Chatsworth, CA 91311

SPECTACULAR BRIDGEPORT HOME!! MOVE-IN READY 4 bedroom 3 bath in heart of Valencia~ spacious living areas with custom crown molding and original hardwood floors. The Kitchen opens to the family room. Master Suite offers large walk-in closet and balcony. In-ground spa, built-in barbecue and patio bar complete the yard. No Mello Roos!!!

$829,900

Anthony Bedgood

DRE# 02006273

661-523-2564

23929 Windward Lane, Valencia

Anthonybedgood@gmail.com

4 Beds 3 baths 3275 sq ft. custom Placerita Cyn home on 2.5 acres. Formal dining&sitting room w/ fireplace. Large kitchen, granite counters, Viking stove, walk-in pantry. Master with walk-in closet, Jacuzzi tub, fireplace and balcony. Big back yard w/covered patio, BBQ, pool & spa. Recently remodeled 800 sqft. recreation building. Next to open space & trails NO MELLO ROOS OR HOA.

Bob Kellar

$1,275,000 21243 Oak Orchard Rd Newhall 91321

661.510.0987 16670 Soledad Cyn Rd kellar@earthlink.net CalBRE#01030351

#1 Sales 2018

REALTY ONE GROUP SUCCESS

csjwood@aol.com

42 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

J U N E 16, 2019

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

OURVIEWS

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

Who Will Pay the Tab for Illegal Residents’ Care?

Daddy, I Need You: Ideas on How We Can Meet the Need

By The Signal Editorial Board

By David Hegg

uppose you have a choice to help two children in need. One of them is a perfect stranger, and the other is your own flesh and blood, your child, your son or daughter. Assume their needs are roughly equal and they would face similar consequences without your help. Who are you helping first? Would you protect the stranger at the expense of your own kid? Of course not. That’s not to say you have no compassion for the stranger, and it’s not to say you wouldn’t help the stranger if you could help both kids. But if you had to choose one, who’s your top priority? It’s your kid. That’s a no-brainer. You wouldn’t dream of helping the stranger if it meant jeopardizing one of your own. Yet, in California’s fervor to do anything and everything to help those living in the United States illegally, that’s exactly what will happen under the budget approved Thursday by the state Legislature. Assuming Gov. Gavin Newsom approves the $214.8 million budget — which was expected but had not yet happened as of press time for this writing — California will become the

first state to provide taxpayer-funded health insurance for some of those who are in the United States illegally. And how are our hyper-compassionate Democratic legislative supermajority and Gov. Newsom planning to pay for it? By taxing legal residents, our own citizens, who can’t afford health insurance. Of course. That’s how twisted this state’s priorities have become. It’s like California has fallen into Alice’s rabbit hole and Gov. Newsom is our own Mad Hatter. California won’t even consider helping the federal government enforce immigration law, even if it means protecting violent criminals from deportation. Californians pay tens of millions of dollars every year to help pay for illegal immigrants to go to college while our own children face a lifetime burden of student loan debt. And now, we tax our citizens who can’t afford health care so we can provide health insurance for illegal See OUR VIEW, page 44

write today as a son, a father, and a grandfather, and never in my life have I sensed the need for father power in our country. So many of the challenges we face as a people can be overcome if we recover a strong culture of father power. Dads … our kids need us in lots of ways, but here are a few that stand out. 1. Daddy, love Mommy: The greatest gift any Dad can give his kids is to love their Mom. All across our nation we are watching as families decay due to a lack of perseverance in marriage. And what’s behind it? Primarily it is a commitment to personal comfort over marital commitment. We are watching men who would rather walk out than work through. Among the challenges our modern, fast-paced, technologically flooded, and consumer-driven society throws at us, nothing is more pervasive than the selfishness that quickly chooses flight over fighting fairly and lovingly for marriage, family, and most of all, our children. 2. Daddy, don’t raise me with a sense of entitlement: Dad, we are

awash in generation after generation that were raised to believe, “You can have it your way!” Ask any hiring manager and they will tell you finding good people willing to work hard, learn the business, and “pay their dues” is extremely difficult. Dad, teach your kids that working hard comes before achievement, and achievement always precedes recognition and reward. 3. Daddy, teach me to think logically, and have discernment: We’ve all noticed what social media has done to the idea of reliability when it comes to assertions, reports, declarations, and reviews. We are experiencing a famine of truthfulness and our kids need to be prepared to analyze what they are told, and logically and fairly discern what is actually aligned with reality. This will not only help them understand what to believe, but also guide them away from irrational life choices that can cause their lives to spiral downward. 4. Daddy, show me how to love, show compassion and forgive: Dad, look around and you’ll see we’re See HEGG, page 43

READERLETTERS

Trump Thinking Outside the Box President Trump’s move to counter Mexican illegal immigration by having Mexico stop it is another example of his thinking “outside the box.” If it works, all of us benefit, including Mexico. We ought to be thankful that he is where he is. Bob Comer, Valencia

Stay Off Wrinkles or STAVE Them Off? I really enjoy reading the weekly edition of the Sunday Signal. Thank you for a great weekly read. Everything is well written and informative. However, I discovered a glaring typo on page 32 of the June 2 edition, the

headline regarding hydrating. I think if you read it you will see the error. I would like to stay off wrinkles myself but I think the intention of the article is how to stave them off! Ann M. Ochoa, Castaic Editor's note: Yes! We stand corrected and, for the most part, wrinkle-free. Thanks for reading! 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.

J U N E 16, 2019

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 43

Opinion

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

BLACK&WHYTE

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

Father's Day Present for Me: A Tape-to-Tape Pass By Tim Whyte Signal Editor

hen our son Luc was little, just learning to play hockey, my wife and I told him there was one thing most important about hockey: To have fun. Regardless of the score, or whether he scored a goal, and so on. And in those early years, he was almost militant about having fun. The kid took it to heart. One weekend, when Luc was 4 or 5, I was helping out as a “dad coach” in a clinic at the old Ice-O-Plex in North Hills, which was the L.A. Kings’ training facility at the time. The coach running the clinic was Igor, who played professionally in Russia. He was really good at hockey. He was an old-school Russian who grew up behind the Iron Curtain. Thick accent, broken English, no-nonsense guy. The 4- and 5-year-olds in this clinic had gotten a little… distracted. They were being kids, goofing off and not following along with Igor’s drills. So he blew the whistle and gathered the kids. Once they all took a knee to listen, Igor posed a question. “Who can tell me,” he said, in a booming voice that sounded like it emanated from the Kremlin itself, “when you are trying to be better hockey player, what is most important thing?” Uh-oh. I tried telepathy to my kid: “Don’t raise your hand. Don’t raise your hand. Don’t raise your hand…” I hadn’t warned Luc about the Russians’ philosophy on hockey. Damn. Telepathy sucks. The kid raised his hand. Igor pointed to Luc, and my boy answered, in his high-pitched, sweet, American kindergartener voice, summoning all the innocence of youth:

“To have fun!!!” There was no pause. No condescending pat on the back of the head. Igor responded with a swipe of his arm, almost as if to dismiss the sickening running-dog capitalist thought my little boy had dared express. “NO!” Igor said. “Most important thing is DISCIPLINE!” Then, on the way home, in the car, from the back seat: “Dad, what’s ‘discipline’?” It was just one step on my son’s hockey journey. Soon, I would be coaching him in youth leagues at Ice Station Valencia and then, for a couple of seasons, in travel hockey. Around the time he turned 10, my shelf life as a “dad coach” expired. Once the kids get to a certain point, “dad the coach” faces almost insurmountable challenges. First, you get accused of favoring your kid. Second, you overcompensate by actually NOT favoring your kid, even if he’s one of the best players. And third, once the kid reaches a certain level of proficiency, there’s not much you can teach him anymore. So the kid went on his journey through youth hockey, playing a few years under professional coaches for the L.A. Junior Kings in El Segundo and then a few more years back up here in Valencia. Through most of those years, I continued to play in the beer leagues. Luc was playing high-level travel hockey — about 50 to 55 games a year, with a heavy road schedule to far-off destinations in the Midwest, Canada and the East Coast — and all it took for me to “take a season off ” from the beer league was one minor elbow injury. There was just so much going on, and I was banged up… One season off turned into two… See WHYTE, page 44

HEGG

Continued from page 42

becoming a harsh, critical, and bitter society. We’re losing what it means to be a good friend, good neighbors, and compassionate, forgiving people. It is clear that we are now known, not only for who we love, but even more for who we hate. And that hate is a poison that eats away at its container. Dad, love your kids, teach them the strength of compassion, and the blessedness of true forgiveness. 5. Daddy, be there for me when life gets hard: What we need today is a revolution in nobility among men. Dad, your kids need a hero who is courageous and compassionate. They need a champion with unassailable integrity, who is trustworthy and faithful no matter what. And they need you to be there for them when life comes in packages they can’t handle. Yes, this will mean giving up what you may enjoy in order to be there for kids. The sentiment that “quality time” makes up for a lack of “quantity time” simply isn’t true. Your kids need you to be present, to read a story, throw a ball, watch a recital, cheer their race, or just hear you say, “Love you, and am so proud of you!” Over the years I have generally achieved some level of what this world would call success. But, far and away

So many of the challenges we face as a people can be overcome if we recover a strong culture of father power. the success that I truly care about is my family. God has been so gracious to my wife and me as we look to celebrate 42 years of a marriage that is healthy, fun and truly satisfying, and has been graced with three children. All three of them have grown to be incredible adults, have married well, are active in serving their church and community, and – incredibly – love their parents. On this Father’s Day I salute my children, and yours. I salute the Dads who hold the greatest power to influence the next generation. And I challenge you to do your Dad work with great intentionality. And if God works through you to raise great kids, he may reward you with grandchildren, which, I have to tell you, are so great you’ll wonder why you didn’t have them first. David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church and a Santa Clarita resident.“Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.

44 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

J U N E 16, 2019

Opinion

WHYTE

Continued from page 43

and so on… next thing you know, I haven’t skated in eight years. When Luc finished youth hockey, it was on to junior hockey — which is kind of a semi- semi- semipro experience, for players through age 20. They play with full NHL-style rules (yes, there’s an occasional fight) and most of the guys aspire to play either in the pros or U.S. colleges, or both. For three years after high school, we watched Luc play in the Western States Hockey League, which has about 30 teams in the Midwest, Southwest, the Rockies and the Northwest. We were fortunate because Luc, unlike most juniors, got to play for his hometown team, the Flyers right here in Valencia. He had a few teammates from Southern California, but most were from elsewhere — the U.S., Canada, Russia, Norway, Sweden. It’s entertaining hockey, and in his years with the Valencia Flyers they were a contending team, even compiling the league’s best regular-season record in his final season. Once juniors ended, it was time for the boy to go off to college. Now, he’s playing for the University of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooner!), which competes in the top division of the American Collegiate Hockey Association. He’s going into his senior year this fall, and I consider his hockey adventure a success: He’s not headed to the NHL, but after all these years, he never burned out, he used hockey to help leverage a great education, and he still loves the game. But, until a few weeks ago, there was one thing that had never happened: Luc and I had never played together, on the same team.

OUR VIEW

Continued from page 42

immigrants. In California, that’s what passes for making sense. Yes, the illegal immigrants who will benefit, in the 19 to 25 age group, are largely comprised of people who were brought here as children by their parents. So a large percentage of them did not willfully break the law when they immigrated. They deserve compassion. Yet, it’s still wrong for California to put them in line for health insurance on the backs of our own citizens in need. Here’s how the $98 million illegal immigrant Medi-Cal health care tab will be picked up not only by you, the taxpayer, but specifically by taxpayers who themselves have difficulty affording health care: Remember the Obamacare

Right about the time Luc was taking final exams at OU this spring, my phone rang, and it was an old friend, Dan Melnick, who played hockey with my dad way back in the early-1970s. I had played in Dan’s leagues at a couple of different rinks over the years, and he asked if I’d be interested in playing in a new old-timers’ league he was putting together in Valencia. The clincher? Dan said I could bring Luc, too. After all these years, we would have a chance to play together. I hadn’t been on the ice in eight years. I’d gotten woefully out of shape. But this was too good to pass up. So, about three weeks ago, Luc and I played our very first game together. Being perfectly honest, I can’t skate even 50 percent as well as I could eight years ago. I’m doing well if I can get up and down the ice twice before I have to get off and suck wind for a couple minutes. But I’m working on it. The reactions I’ve gotten from family and coworkers have been amusing. When I told my dad I was going to get back on the ice (Happy Father’s Day, Dad!) he said something along the lines of, “What position are you going to play? Pylon?” Comedians run rampant in my family. Similarly, Signal Sports Editor Haley Sawyer said, with incredulity, “What position do you play? Goalie? I don’t know, you just LOOK like a goalie...” Uh-huh. I’m sort of a forward. Can’t skate well enough to play defense. I’d told my son that if he waits long enough, I will get open for a pass in front of the net. Fortunately, he’s really good at hockey, so he can hang onto the puck for a LONG time while I make my way down the ice and get into position. By our second game, it happened: Luc had the puck on the right wing, held onto it long enough to make a nice pass to

provision that imposed a tax on those who don’t have health care? Thankfully, that provision was ditched under the 2017 Republican-led tax code overhaul. But California is bringing it back at the state level, because in Sacramento, no idea is a bad idea if it benefits illegal immigrants at the expense of taxpaying citizens. So, under the new budget, those who do not have health care will be taxed, and the proceeds will be used to insure illegal immigrants ages 19-25. And don’t kid yourself into thinking this will be the last of it. This is the kind of thing California’s Legislature will expand upon in the future. As the Associated Press reported, “The proposal has angered Republican lawmakers, who argue it’s not fair to tax people in the country legally for not buying health insurance while making people living in the country illegally

me, through traffic, right onto my tape, and I managed a one-timer right into the net. Score. The next week, he set me up again. And one of our other teammates set me up for a second one. And then, as far as I can tell, I got credit for a third goal that bounced into the net off my foot, leg, butt, or other random body part. A hat trick. Three goals in one game. Hey, they don’t ask, “How?” They ask, “How many?” The next night, we were at dinner to celebrate my daughter’s and nephew’s graduation from Saugus High. I was across from my mom (belated Happy Mothers’ Day, Mom!) and told her about my hat trick. My mom, like my dad, grew up in Canada. She knows hockey, and she knows how tough it is, at any level, to get a hat trick. And when I told her, she responded: “YOU got a hat trick???” Yes. My mom said it with “YOU” in all caps and three question marks at the end. And yes, I teased her about it. What’s really funny is, she wasn’t trying to give me a hard time. It was just her involuntary natural reaction. Good times. Whatever happens the rest of this summer, I already have memories I’ll cherish, because after all these years, I finally got the chance to play hockey with my boy, and there’s nothing like that feeling — even in the beer league — of having your kid put the puck right on your tape for an easy tap-in. But it wouldn’t matter if I scored or not, because of all the laughs we’re having from the beginning of the game to the end, and beyond. Yep. It’s fun. And that’s the most important thing about hockey. No matter what Igor says. Tim Whyte is editor of The Signal. His column appears Sundays. On Twitter: @TimWhyte.

eligible for taxpayer-funded health insurance. ‘I just don’t get the prioritization,’ Republican Sen. John Moorlach of Costa Mesa said ahead of the vote. He noted he legally immigrated to the U.S. from the Netherlands in 1960.” That’s it in a nutshell. And, this isn’t about refusing emergency care to anyone, regardless of immigration status. Of course, no one should be denied real emergency medical care. When anyone with an emergency medical situation visits an emergency room seeking treatment, they should receive it, whether they are here legally or not. Rather, this is about priorities, and taxing citizens to pay to insure non-citizens. Guess which segments of our population are the ones most likely to be hit with that tax? Certainly not the most affluent

among us. The affluent can afford insurance. It’ll be the low- to middle-income people living paycheck to paycheck, the people who choose food and rent over health insurance, who shoulder the burden. Our own citizens. The ones who need help. If we have $98 million of their money to spend on health insurance, we should be spending it to help California’s citizens who can’t afford health care, or food, or rent, or an education. And yes, while subsidized insurance for middle-income Californians is also part of the Newsom-Democrats’ plan, the fact remains they intend to take money out of the pockets of Californians who can’t afford insurance and funnel it toward insurance for illegal residents. Compassion is one thing. But California’s priorities are upside down.

J U N E 16, 2019

Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

BRAINGAMES

Relax

S U N D AYS I G N A L Î&#x2021; 4 5

46 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

CROSSWORD TIME

J U N E 16, 2019

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

A game you can’t win By Jim Mullen Signal Contributing Writer

f you live in a big city, the newspapers are full of things to do: plays, musicals, movies, new restaurants, professional sporting events, conventions, you name it. But if you asked people who live in New York, Chicago and L.A. what they did last night, 85 percent of them will say, “We watched television.” Watching TV is our national sport. You may say, “Well, what’s the difference between watching a movie on TV or watching it in a theater?” or, “What’s the difference in going to the ballgame or watching it at home?” Price, for one. Even considering the expenses in watching things from home — paying for a premium cable channel or streaming service, having food delivered from a local restaurant, drinking beer from the liquor outlet — it’s still way less expensive than going to a stadium or a concert. And you can wear your pajamas. But there’s a hidden cost to watching TV, and I don’t mean money. It’s doing something to our brains. I just read a story about a psychiatrist who was helping people who were having trouble coping because “Game of Thrones” has ended. Real people are dying in wars and natural disasters, and this is what is bothering you? You should see a shrink — not because “Game of Thrones” has ended, but because you have no sense of perspective. It’s like not being able to tell the difference between a brook trout and a great white shark. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve all heard stories about people who think that what they see on soap operas is really happening somewhere in real life. As if there’s an epidemic of evil twins and people being buried alive all around the country. There is a strange disconnect between real life and TV life, and many people can’t seem to tell the difference. I keep seeing a commer-

cial for a company called Poshmark. Apparently, it’s a way for you to resell your designer clothes to other fashion-conscious people. Fine. After all, if you’re into fashion, how often are you going to wear last year’s dress? Pass it on; that’s a smart thing to do. But the commercial has a woman saying, “I made enough on Poshmark to pay for my wedding!” It doesn’t say what she paid to get the stuff she was selling in the first place. Were the items free? If not, she’s probably losing money on every sale. Selling those items makes more sense than letting them hang in the closet until they’re too moth-eaten to donate to the Salvation Army, but still. The question I would ask is, who can afford to marry her? You know she’s not going to be happy with a small, intimate, inexpensive ceremony. We’re talking a $25,000 gown and a destination wedding on a private island. I suppose you could resell the wedding gown, but the money for the caterer and the banquet hall is gone forever. If she hadn’t bought that designer stuff in the first place, she could have paid for two weddings. And something tells me she probably will. There was another headline recently that some young woman had “won” “The Bachelor.” Exactly what did she win? A man? I know a woman who has been married nine times. Would you say she’s won a bachelor nine times? Or did she lose nine times? If you think that’s winning, I have to tell you that she doesn’t seem all that happy, despite “winning” so often. She’s actually struggling to pay her bills. A piece of advice: If you ever win “The Bachelor,” ask if you can get the prize in cash instead. It’s not just women who fall for this unrealistic, TV-view of marriage as the end to all their problems. As the oft-married humorist Lewis Grizzard said, “I don’t think I’ll get married again. I’ll just find a woman I don’t like and give her a house.” And he was only divorced three times. Contact Jim Mullen at mullen.jim@ gmail.com.

WIN

Subscribe to the all New

$5,000* SignalSCV. com A1 MAIN

NEW

EVERYDAY: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Local News Sports News Weather Today in History Opinion Letters to The Editor This week in History National and World News Most talked about on Facebook Classifieds Comics, Puzzles and Cartoons Lottery Results

TUESDAYS: • • • • • •

Democratic Voices Health and Fitness Beauty Trends SCV Voices Tuesday Trivia Golf

WEDNESDAYS: • • • • • •

Full Speed to Port Your Community Senior Living Travel Investing Wednesday’s Celebs

THURSDAYS: • • • • • •

Real Estate News Thursday Tips Steve Luneta SCV Voices News of the Weird Community Calendar

NOW CALL TODAY! 661-259-1000

FRIDAYS:

• • • • • • • • • •

TUESDAY,

Boston Food Section Movie Listings Entertainment News #Me Too Wine Column SCV Veterans Page Movie Review Friday Flashback, News of the Weird

FOURTH S PARADE OF JULY ROUTE JULY 3, 201

84°/59°

CANYON CAN YONCOU COUNTR NTRYY || NEWHAL NEW HALLL || SAUGUS SAU GUS

A tale of

Missing pup having run py found after of crash; away from scene ani dehydrate mal was hungry d when sav , ed By Jim Holt

Signal Senio

r Staff Writer

SATURDAYS:

SUBSCR IBE TODAY 75¢ Tue sday - Frid ay $1 Weeken der

SignalSC V. com

|| VAL VALENC ENCIAIA || STEVEN STE VENSON SONRAN RANCH CH | | CAS 661-259-1 CASTAIC TAIC| | VAL 234 VALVER VER A1 MAIN DE DE| | AGU AGU AADUL DUL CECE

7 yea

two resc ues

NEWS rs later, crash sur

FOURTH OF JULY PARADE ROUTE

vivor glad to

be alive at

daughter’s book-sign ing By Jim Holt

Signal Senio

r Staff

Writer When firef steep emb ighters rappelled David A8 was foun La Vau who in had gone ankment to rescu down the side of d vine six daysin a 200-foot-deep2011 SUBSCRIBE TODAY last week over a precipice one a driver whose a car , they learn Sand Cany raoff of Lake after crashing 2018 cupants had, JULYon3,Road TUESDAY, ed that his car75¢ Tuesday - Friday people just Hughes Road show named Bella until now, eludone of the car’s ochow happ ed them . ed be The dog $1 Weekender alive Satu — a pup y he up for a copy rday as peoplewas to of the Ang was plucked from lined of the book ordeal. ple trained eles National Fore the wild environs about his st in helping His daug Heather animals. by the very peoGrah hter, Today’s Forecast am, an wrote a book Lisa Way Stati emp called, “ButA. Kerr, day: The which windon on Little Tuju loyee of Wildlife 661-259-1234 com Not chronicli story of David La Toarating the s its way through nga Canyon Road ng experienc her father’s near Vau,” spotted the Santa Clarita Vallthe mountains sep-, DULCE e, the |fami AGUADULCE death | | AGUA VERDE VALVERDE | VAL CASTAIC | CASTAIC RANCH ate|searc STEVENSONRANCH This after puppy by itself ey from Sunland, VALENCIA || STEVENSON ly’s desp SAUGUS || VALENCIA NEWHALL || SAUGUS COUNTRY || NEWHALL h CANYON COUNTRY in the roug CANYON road to recoto find him and the erthe 3-mo a frantic weekendh nth-o long very. long effor terrain. On Saturday “Heather ld dog. t to find , she and held a book Sand Cany was on her way her Book store -signing at The father Deanna Armon Road, when to work, driving on Open she foun Road at Whi on Soledad Cany Station, said bruster, spokeswo d (Bel man for the la),” “My dad tes Canyon Road on “She follo Monday. Way . is wed very said Mon the dog found a safe humble,” and to see peopday. “He was so Kerr road,” she place to pull over waited until she excit le ran off a said. “She jump to the side of “People at the book signi ed the bit. But, ed out and ‘Can I get just kept askin ng. she was able la) down the dog And, he my picture with g him brought herand put her in the to calm her (Bel car. And same ‘Thasigned each bookyou?’ By Jim Holt , then she The dog, here.” Kerr said. nks for the supp the Signal Senior Staff Writer was desc found within 24 ribed as dehy ort,’” hours of was brou She the drated and crash said ght David La Vau who in 2011 hungry when , “I was very of the book-sign Rescuers to safety. it was found in a 200-foot-deep ratraffic com excited that there ing: owner on at the Way Stati vine six days after crashing his car there was) ing in and out and was pick up thesocial media and on found the dog’ arranged dog. off of Lake Hughes Road showed This book a buzz about our (that for them s book to has touc people just how happy he was to lives. hed a lot . By Jim Holt be alive Saturday as people lined of “My main Signal Senior Staff Writer up for a copy of the book about his purpose ways been A tow truck has alordeal. operator See FOUN When firefighters to forgive to share with the side of a down ter beingrappelled watc D, A6 peop hes ascara His daughter, Lisa A. Kerr, and, most and also be forgi le, d abou a driver Toyota rescue to lifte Castaic on steep embankment t 200whose wrote a book called, “But Not TofeetRoad Septon. 30, by a crane Corolla reaches theSignal file photo yourself.” of all, learn to forgiven Canyon Sand2011 had gone over a precipice on ve day: The story of David La Vau,” surfa . DavidocLa Vau surv to Lake Hughes Road ce aflast week, they learned that one of the car’s chronicling her father’s near death ived the cras north of cupants had, until now, eluded them — a pup h. experience, the family’s despernamed Bella. ate search to find him and the long By Crystal The dog was plucked from the wild environs See to recovery. road Duan LA VAU, A6 Signal Staff of the Angeles National Forest by the very peoWriter On Saturday, she and her father Santa Clarple trained in helping animals. held a book-signing at The Open ita’s rate the state employee of Wildlife Graham, A natio eclip aver Heather ses an Book store on Soledad Canyon twoofStation as well as age Canyon Road, 2.1 percon week indicnal study released Tujunga bedroom ent,Little theWay Road at Whites Canyon Road. in Santasepnational is $2,564, mountains theand growth rateates Santa Clarita’s this of 1.4 percent, which way through Clarita winds averits age “My dad is very humble,” Kerr but has decr a one0.2 percent, is $1,9 Sunland, from now at 4.1 from year to yearrent compared to arating Valley bedr Clarita Santa the 95. oom ease This mark dow d creas in the said Monday. “He was so excited month, terrain. s a $4 in- cent, according n by 0.04 perfrom last percent, a slight decli is renting platf last itself e for two-rough puppy theonlin month’s 4.9 ormspotted e by to the site. to see people at the book signing. Salviati, bedroom ne revealed $3 Apartmena frantic Only to find effort increase weekend-long percent. an Apar t List from Mon This after for a one- s and a ies in 21 of the 100 large “People just kept asking him housing econ tment List The July day. bedroom Ame June. st 3-month-old dog. medthe ‘Can I get my picture with you?’ fall over rica have seen citMuch of omist. ian Santway to work, driving on rate forwas on her rents grow “Heather the past Clar the SCV a month a she ita’s mon And, he signed each book the an year, thou when rent chanfound (Bella),” th-to- gainadditional 24 Sand Canyon Road, gh gene th can be attrib ’s rent same ‘Thanks for the support,’” ge forthe saw uted to JulyWay Deanna Armbruster, spokeswoman for is at such s of less than 1.0 modest in theral growth in popu a Kerr said. as Santa Los Ang percent, lation Station, said Monday. Clar eles She said of the book-signing: ita, metr said Chri o area. “She followed the dog and waited until she s “I was very excited that there was found a safe place to pull over to the side of the traffic coming in and out and (that See RENT , A6 road,” she said. “She jumped out and the dog there was) a buzz about our book. ran off a bit. But, she was able to calm her (BelThis book has touched a lot of la) down and put her in the car. And, then she lives. brought her here.” “My main purpose has alThe dog, found within 24 hours of the crash, ways been to share with people, was described as dehydrated and hungry when it to forgive and also be forgiven was brought to safety. and, most of all, learn to forgive By Brennon Rescuers at the Way Station found the dog’s yourself.” Dixson Signal Staff owner on social media and arranged for them to Signal file photo Writer pick up the dog. afA tow truck operator watches as a Toyota Corolla reaches the surface After hear of north Road Hughes ing abou lifted about 200 feet by a crane on to Lake ter being See LA VAU, A6 his fight By Danielle with Sanf t Carter Sarkar, 2011. David La Vau survived the crash. See FOUND, A6 30,heny Sept. Korz and the recen Castaic ilipp For Theon ak Signal t million-do syndrome ment to ollar fund Hyatt Rege his clinical moveThe crow trial, the ncy Vale nounced returns to d-pleasing Conc that it will ncia has andollar from donate starting thisSanta Clarita for erts in the Park series a music-fill viewing evenits upcoming firewevery weekend Conc at ed Cent t summ orks erts to the young Castaic. er, on by the in the Park are ral Park. boy from Apartment List “Our entir publicClarita Santa Clar free from July city of Santa even 0.2 percent, down by 0.04 per- Salviati, an eclipses itainever 7 untiltwo-bedroom moved by e staff was Santa Clarita’s rate housing economist. y Saturday ts put By Crystal Duan Getpercent, according to the site. . 25. The a one-bedroom and show ready to isAug 2.1 Austi nighcent, paper rega the article in Satudeeply In this May the state average ofkets, t brea$2,564, Much of the SCV’s rent largest cits start Staff Writer Signal k out your /The a $4at ingrab marks Thislawn 2017 phot n Dave is $1,995. 7 p.m. Only 21 of the 100 average some tasty the fight to rding Carter Sark rday’s on Pond to a as well as the national o, Jennifer Signal (See additional chair site and a ies in America have seen rents growth can be attributed forkstwo-bedrooms creasesnac listen to some photo Sarkar carri has decreased from local s and blan syndrome save him from Sanfar and a clinic erosa Street in of 1.4 percent, butband s at signa this study Castaic.A national es released vendors on--fall over the past year, though general growth in population lscv.com) s com of yourfor a one-bedroom al trial that her son rent online ing $3 increase to last month, sales coor,” said Natasha Zam ilippo favo Carter compared SarkarSanta Clarita’s in the Los Angeles metro area. indicates might helpweekThe Here’s a Listto the Saug to a hom family June. us park. rite genre tribute an additional 24 saw modest from Apartment raise brea Cart platform Valencia. dinator at Hyatt brano, develop renting e is year kdow er’s to d year from Conc $978,467 growth rate fight Rege n of each month-to- gains of less than 1.0 percent, Clarita’s muscle pain agai slight to getMonday. erts in the Park:Santa to contribut“We at Hyatt wou ncy seizu revealed band perfo is at such as Santa Clarita, said Chris See RENT, A6 Sanf decline now at 4.1 percent, anst s, experienc ilippo synd res and then July rming at month rent change for our parking e to this fight by ld like their The romeJuly , ultim . median rate for a month’s 4.9 percent. fromelastwou midJuly 7 nity to watc structure to the offering Sarkar, to late-teens, ately, die in give ld fund a clinical said Jenn com trial Cart Cart h mufirew that er er’s a ifer ing Fourth orks this mother. Wanted, As a resul “Over the chance at life. could upcomof lineup of a Bon Jovi tribu Children July.” draiser in t, the family held been a gath years the struc te band, is the past a funture has geles, the Concerts in the Park Sanfilipp who are diagnose ering first up in o syndrome band d with goal to donate a month with the unobstructed view place to have . The rock is made up of Based out of Los the an milli the 501( will likel (and of y Cure c)(3) nonprofit on dollars to Zam fireworks) from the festivities playing to ’n’ roll group professional musi Anorga Sanfilipp cians. brano said. Six Flag views. Wansold out venues had immense succ o Foundatio nization s,” and garn ted was ess, n, which requests from agen finally created ering rave rewith the after num Weather ts and band on othe See CARTER, prom ....... erou INDEX ....... r projects. oters who work s A6 Lottery . ....... ed ...... ...

SignalSCV.

84°/59°

A tale of two rescues

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

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

• • • • • • •

SKYBOX TEXT

Today’s For ecast

City’s re nt gro

wth rate Faith above sta te avera ge Coupons Home Improvement Hya tt joins Carter’s Hotel pla Business News ns event pro to donate fight SCV’s cee child’s bat ds to tr It’s the Law Column Sanfilippotlesynagadroinsmet to the g ibute reats Concerts set to ret in the Pa rk ser Right Here Right Now urn to Ce ies ntral Pa rk Color Comics

City’s rent growth rate above state average

9 E s t a bl i s h e d 1 9 1

tribute Hyatt joins Carter’s fight SCV’s to the greats Hotel plans to donate event proceeds to child’s battle against Sanfilippo syndrome

....... A4 USA Opinion ....... TODAY. ....... . . . . A6 ....... ....... ....... Sports . ....... ...... ....... . . . A7 A9 ....... Classified ....... s. . . . . . . . . B1 ....... ....... . . B3 By Brennon Dixson

See CONCERT

Concerts in the Park series set to return to Central Park

news l a c lo T S E B The ce in the r u o s n io t a m and infor Valley! a it r la C a t n a S Good mo

rning to Signal subscriber Louis Gar Signal Staff Writer of Canyon asi Country After hearing about Carter Sarkar, his fight with Sanfilippo syndrome and the recent million-dollar movement to fund his clinical trial, the Hyatt Regency Valencia has announced that it will donate every dollar from its upcoming fireworks viewing event to the young boy from Castaic. “Our entire staff was deeply moved by the article in Saturday’s paper regarding Carter Sarkar and the fight to save him from Sanfilippo syndrome,” said Natasha Zambrano, sales coordinator at Hyatt Regency Valencia. “We at Hyatt would like to contribute to this fight by offering our parking structure to the community to watch fireworks this upcoming Fourth of July.” Children who are diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome will likely

S, A8

By Danielle Korzhenyak For The Signal

38188 00003

Austin Dave/The Signal (See additional photos at signalscv.com)

home In this May 2017 photo, Jennifer Sarkar carries her son Carter to a to get on Ponderosa Street in Castaic. The Sarkar family raised $978,467 a clinical trial that might help Carter’s fight against Sanfilippo syndrome. develop muscle pains, experience seizures and then, ultimately, die in their mid-to late-teens, said Jennifer Sarkar, Carter’s mother. As a result, the family held a fundraiser in the past month with the goal to donate a million dollars to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Cure Sanfilippo Foundation, which

would fund a clinical trial that could give Carter a chance at life. “Over the years the structure has been a gathering place to have an unobstructed view of the festivities (and fireworks) from Six Flags,” Zambrano said.

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

*And be entered in the drawing for $5,000. Drawing to be held on 1/10/2020 To be eligible you must subscribe or renew between now and 12/31/2019 Or Send us a 3x5 postcard marked to say “Santa Clarita is 100 Years Old” Mail to 26330 Diamond Place, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 by 12/31/19

July 7

Wanted, a Bon Jovi tribute band, is first up in the lineup of Concerts in the Park. Based out of Los Angeles, the band is made up of professional musicians. The rock ’n’ roll group had immense success, playing to sold out venues and garnering rave reviews. Wanted was finally created after numerous requests from agents and promoters who worked with the band on other projects. See CONCERTS, A8

See CARTER, A6

60 1 $ . . . . . R A E Y E ON ... $ 80 . . S H T N O M X I S INDEX

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

The crowd-pleasing Concerts in the Park series returns to Santa Clarita for a music-filled summer, starting this weekend at Central Park. Concerts in the Park are free public events put on by the city of Santa Clarita every Saturday night from July 7 until Aug. 25. The shows start at 7 p.m. Get ready to break out your lawn chairs and blankets, grab some tasty snacks from local vendors onsite and listen to some of your favorite genre tribute bands coming to the Saugus park. Here’s a breakdown of each band performing at Concerts in the Park:

Good morning to Signal subscriber Louis Garasi of Canyon Country

38188 00003

SIMPLY THE BEST. 877-743-0523 23923 Creekside Rd, Valencia, CA AudiValencia.com

Announcing NEW Management Mike Murray, General Manager Local SCV resident Mike Murray is committed to providing neighbors like you with a VIP service. Stop in today for a friendly introduction!

661.260.2000 24033 Creekside Road, Valencia, CA LexusOfValencia.com