Sunday Signal November 7, 2021

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NOVEMBER 7, 2021

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 5 5 Where are the best tacos in town?

6 Eco Chicos work to promote environmental change 7 A new leash on life as a peer support K-9 FROM THE MAYOR 8 8 Ignite your holiday spirit FOOD 9 9 Pies that can be the star of your next spread Arkansas Possum Pie • Grape Dutch Baby ENTERTAINMENT 11 11 ‘Eternals’ can be a mixed bag Top videos released the week of Nov. 1 HEALTH 12 12 Managing lupus nephritis SENIOR LIVING 13 13 Charitable giving through your estate plan COMMUNITY GIVING GUIDE 15 RESTAURANT GUIDE 24 BOOK REVIEW 26 26 BookTrib’s Bites CELEBRITY NEWS 26 HOME 27 27 Making the best of a small dining space GARDENING 28 28 Plant your spring bulbs now KIDS & FAMILY 29 29 Donna’s Day: Memories of past autumns Junior Whirl PUZZLES 30 OPINION 31 SPECIALIZING IN PRECISION ELECTRONIC TUNE-UPS, FUEL INJECTION, IGNITION, SMOG CHECK, GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

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N O V E M B E R 7, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

SCV Tacos Where do your loyalties lie?

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Senior Staff Writer

T

acos, and their various toppings, salsas and shells, comprise a touchy, yet important topic to a number of local residents. Where do your taco loyalties lie?

The Santa Clarita Valley has a number of hot spots for tacos, and the loyalties are often drawn fast and hard regarding which place brings the most bang for your buck when it comes to the cheese, meat and salsa creation.

There are some spots in the Santa Clarita Valley that have especially endeared themselves to the hearts of local residents, as well as new ones that just landed on the local taco scene in a big way. Here are snapshots of some of them:

La Cocina and LaCo Taco

Saugus residents will defend one of their flagship businesses, La Cocina — and now LaCo Taco in the Valencia Commerce Center — to the end, according to their regular customers and owner.

“La Cocina is a neighborhood place,” said Edgar Lopez, whose family has run the three businesses plus their new LaCo Taco location, for years.

We’re dedicated to our community; we’re dedicated to our neighborhood.”

For years, La Cocina has been a tentpole in the community, Lopez says, because everyone knows that what comes in is what goes out; from start to finish the ingredients and dishes are all homemade and made fresh.

Their tacos, Lopez said, are no different than the rest of the menu in that the people making them have been practicing their craft for years and no matter the location you go to, the taco quality will remain the same.

“Everything is just back-to-back, boom, boom, boom,” said Lopez.

“You’ll see the group of guys at the new location making the same homemade guacamole, salsa and everything … once the shredded beef is working, they’ll shred it up, marinade it and start doing the tacos and taquitos.”

LaCo Taco is La Cocina’s take on individual on-the-go meals and catering. PHOTOS BY JOSE HERRERA / THE SIGNAL

La Cocina’s latest endeavor, LaCo Taco, located at 28910 Avenue Penn in Valencia, is designed to allow for individual meals for people wanting the restaurant’s familiar food but on the go. It also is designed to help cater for those large gatherings that may require some hundred or so tacos.

“We’re providing something better than what a food truck is doing, because it’s just a kitchen dedicated to giving the best to your employees,” said Lopez. “If you’re running a ship that has 60 or 100 employees, and you want to treat them to lunch, a couple crispy hard shell tacos with rice, beans, chips and salsa … that goes a long way.”

At LaCo Taco, one can order what they’re calling “custom boxes” that come fit with their famous tacos and ingredients, as well as the warm tortillas and trimmings to allow people to mix and match and design their own style.

“We have taco boxes that are being delivered to people’s homes,” said Lopez. “No one does this. We’re the first and only ones to do this.”

Guanatos Tacos

Guanatos Tacos, located in the old Foster Freeze location at 21525 Soledad Canyon Road, may be the new kid on the block when it comes to the local taco scene. However, they made a splash from the moment they first stepped foot onto the playground and that is likely due to the dipping of their tortillas into their signature red salsa.

Vanessa Thay, manager of Guanatos Tacos, said their signature red tacos come semi-crispy and are easily one of their most popular items on the menu.

“Not a lot of people like spicy things, so we decided to make it not spicy,” said Thay, when referring to the red-sauce-drenched tacos. “But for those who like spicy stuff, we give them (the spicy salsa) on the side.”

Additionally, on the side, people can choose between the restaurant’s green salsa or red salsa, marinated onions, radishes, lime and marinated jalapeno.

The restaurant also allows people to decide if they want the toppings on the side, and they offer people a spicy habanero purple onion, or rice and beans on the side that are extra.

Thay said the tortillas at Guanatos Tacos are all handmade, and each one can take a few minutes to prep in order to ensure that the steak, marinated pork or other meat is wrapped with absolute freshness.

Guanatos Tacos is also one of the few places of its kind that offers a drive-thru for taco-seeking customers. They opened up less than a few months ago, but according to Thay, the Guanatos Tacos line went “outside the door and around” and the drive-thru was backed up to the Soledad Canyon traffic signal.

Dario’s Mexican Restaurant

Unless you’re specifically looking for it, or know your way to its front door with your eyes blindfolded,

Dario’s Mexican Restaurant might sneak by you while you drive past it at 24523 Newhall Avenue.

However, to Newhall residents, entering the restaurant under the sign bearing its name — in the same parking lot as a gas station and liquor store — means having a hearty Mexican meal and drinks to tell your friends about.

Julia Reyna, manager at Darios, says much like the aforementioned places, the ingredients for their dishes are either homemade or brought in fresh.

“I’m pretty sure it’s going to be the hard-shell tacos everybody’s talking about,” said Reyna, when asked why people enjoy Dario’s tacos so much.

“Those come with either shredded beef or shredded chicken, lettuce, cheese and tomato salsa.”

“I’m pretty sure it’s actually the meat and ingredients that come with it,” said Reyna, when asked why the tacos seem to be so special.

According to Reyna, the Darios chef, Abraham, has been at the restaurant for a number of decades and his seasonings on the meat are unique to his experience. Plus, all salsa is made in-house, and people reportedly take the salsa and lather their hard-shell tacos with it.

Dario’s tacos, according to Reyna, pair well with their Cadillac margarita, which is made up of 1800 tequila, sweet and sour mix, triple sec and Grand Marnier on the side.­ 

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N O V E M B E R 7, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

Eco Chicos work to promote environmental change

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Senior Staff Writer

K

nown by students at Canyon High School as the largest club on campus, the Eco Chicos Environmental Club is doing what it can to change the world one piece of trash at a time.

The Eco Chicos has around 100 members at Canyon alone, along with a sister chapter at Valencia High School and another club just starting up at Golden Valley High School, according to Canyon’s club adviser Dennis Yong.

“It was founded by a group of really passionate students, and our vision is to promote sustainability, engage students in local environmental projects and promote environmental stewardship,” Yong said.

Club members help with on-campus recycling and often partner with sister clubs for monthly events ranging from hikes to local or beach cleanups, such as the city of Santa Clarita’s annual River Rally cleanup, where some 80 Eco Chicos club members attended last month. Other events include cleaning up local parks and areas near the schools, along with local restoration projects, such as planting trees and hiking trail restorations.

For Canyon senior and Eco Chicos President Kacia Stewart, it’s the beach cleanups she enjoys the most. But, what she also finds very rewarding is knowing she’s doing her part to help the environment.

“I joined the club because I wanted to get involved in helping our environment, and it seems like a really fun club, which it is,” Stewart said.

“Just knowing that I’m doing my part in helping our environment and helping to stop climate change as best as I can as one human being is most rewarding.”

Similarly, Canyon senior Elizabeth Orozco, who has been involved with the club since her freshman year, said it’s the cleanups she enjoys the most, as they not only allow her to help the local ecosystem but she also gets to do it with friends.

“I just feel really passionate about wanting to help the Earth, and I think that doing it together is a great way to

Eco Chicos Environmental Club members spend time learning about the environment and serving as good stewards of the Earth. TOP AND BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTOS BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL. LEFT PHOTO COURTESY ECO CHICOS

motivate each other to be better people,” the Eco Chicos secretary said.

“When we do get together, we try to make a good impact on our community,” she said. “You make memories and you learn from each other.”

The club allows its members the opportunity to be hands-on in helping their community, and whether it’s about climate change, the local ecosystem or ways to be more ecologically conscious, there is always an educational aspect to their activities.

“The club helps to spread awareness about the dramatic change in our environment and what power we have to help fix it,” Orozco added.

“We might not be able to make huge changes on a global scale, but if we can take care of our community, then

I think that’s what matters the most.”

It’s the passion he sees from club members that Yong said gives him hope, as social change often comes from a group of passionate individuals, he said.

“I teach environmental science as well, so I’m well aware of the crises that we are experiencing. So, when I see students dedicating and enjoying their time to make the world a better place, it gives me hope for the future,” Yong said. “To see students who are excited and passionate about saving the planet … I know that’s going to plant a seed in their heads for the future.”

Yong also hopes the club not only allows its members the opportunity to do more of these kinds of activities

but also encourages others to do the same, a notion echoed by Stewart and Orozco, both of whom want to do just that and encourage others to be involved.

“You would be helping to make a change in a world and helping the environment,” Stewart said to potential club members. “The club helps you appreciate nature and helps you influence others to do the same.”

Students can join the Eco Chicos year-round, and the club meets monthly, usually on Saturday mornings, for group activities. For more information, follow the club on Instagram @canyonecochicos or contact Dennis Yong at dyong@hartdistrict. org. 

N O V E M B E R 7, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E

A new leash on life as a peer support K-9

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Senior Staff Writer

W

hoever said old dogs can’t learn new tricks hasn’t met Ginger, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station’s new peer support K-9.

“We’ve had a rough year and a half,” said Capt.

Justin Diez, noting that it began with the pandemic, continuing into nationwide protests and calls to “defund the police” before another wave of COVID-19 hit. “As those things were progressing, we thought there was a need for support at the station.”

That’s where 11-year-old Ginger comes in — her sweet disposition is the perfect tool in connecting with deputies who are facing growing tensions and might be silently suffering, whether from personal or work issues.

“We’re a hard group to read … everyone’s stoic,” Diez said, but “everyone loves dogs.”

Ginger was recently trained to join the SCV Sheriff ’s Station’s arsenal of mental wellness programs that include deputies who are trained in peer support, a chaplains program and the Psychological Services Bureau, which provides services to deputies and their families at no cost.

A year and a half in the making

Diez initially tried to get the SCV Sheriff ’s Station’s working dogs, Dewey and Hobby, to help out on their off-hours, quickly realizing they weren’t up for the task, as they were too well trained for duty, not playtime.

“We wanted to start a (peer support K-9) program at the station but didn’t know how,” said Diez.

“It’s never been done before.”

It was then that Sgt. Kristen Deschino, a dog lover herself, volunteered to spearhead the efforts to implement the program, while Ginger’s owner, Sheriff ’s Station chaplain Rabbi Eric Morgenstern, volunteered his pup for the gig.

“I thought it would be great for (Ginger) because that’s her personality … she’s very much a caregiver,” Morgenstern said, adding that she’s done just that for his other dogs who were sick — and even when Morgenstern was injured. “She’s very caring and supportive.”

With the help of the SCV Sheriff ’s Station Foundation and its President Gloria Mercado-Fortine, which funded the startup costs and Ginger’s training, Deschino and Morgenstern got to work.

Ginger went through training with Blue Line Dogs, a program founded by retired Los Angeles Police Department detective Gil Escontrias to train service dogs for the benefit of law enforcement and first responders.

Along with obedience training, Ginger was prepared for the task at hand, receiving exposure training to the various situations she could encounter.

Sgt. Kristen Deschino and Rabbi Eric Morgenstern were instrumental in starting SCV’s first peer support K-9 program that helps support local deputies as part of the Sheriff’s Station’s arsenal of mental wellness programs.

PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

And while the training was rigorous, what was most difficult was the red tape the station had to cut through with County Counsel in forming a new program from the ground up.

“It’s been a year and a half process … to develop a contract and just answer any of those ‘what ifs’ in what were to happen in having an animal on our property,” Deschino said.

Hard work pays off

After long hours of contract negotiations and training, Ginger has officially been certified as the SCV Sheriff ’s Station’s peer support K-9 — and she’s loving every second of it.

“She’s absolutely perfect for this line of work, and she’s done great,” Morgenstern said. “She has complete purpose.”

Each time Morgenstern reaches for Ginger’s service vest, she knows she’s going to the station, he noted, adding that even the deputies are excited to see her.

“The last time I rolled out to the station, I was in the parking lot and everybody was getting ready to go out, and they all yelled for her and recognized her — not me,” Morgenstern said. “Everybody that I’ve run into will stop and pet her.

“The fact that they remember her name says volumes.”

While it may be difficult to get the deputies to

open up to a psychologist or chaplain, it’s not difficult to get them to say hi to Ginger, Diez said.

“The coolest thing is you don’t even realize you’re getting the support as it’s happening, Deschino said. “It’s just therapeutic in nature.”

Ginger comes to the station a few times a week and after any critical incident or traumatic call, whether it’s a death, fire, deputy-involved shooting or baby not breathing, supporting deputies in any situation that may be difficult for them.

Spreading the puppy power

After seeing the benefit Ginger has already had on the station, the SCV Sheriff ’s Station not only hopes to expand the program in-house — as Diez jokes he’d love to have a whole army of peer support dogs for the station — but they also hope it is implemented department-wide.

“The goal is for us to be a model for the whole department,” Diez said.

Now, Ginger and the peer support K-9 program created at the SCV Sheriff ’s Station have paved the way for others in the department to implement similar programs.

“It provides the structure for the program now moving forward,” Deschino said, “and that blueprint will then be used anywhere else in the county should other sheriff ’s stations want to introduce a dog.” 

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N O V E M B E R 7, 2021

F R O M T H E M AY O R

Ignite your holiday spirit at ‘Light Up Main Street’

By Bill Miranda Santa Clarita City Mayor

not stop there. Kids will also have the opportunibeloved holiday celebration. ty to play with real snow!

The event is an excellent opportunity to enjoy Light Up Main Street is the place to usher in entertainment, excitement and fun for the whole s Mr. Rogers once said, “I like to the holiday spirit, so don’t miss out on the fun. family at this one-of-a-kind spectacular that compare the holiday magically transforms the streets of Old Town Ne- Not only are we celebrating the start of the holiseason with the way a day season, but also the chance to come together whall into a winter wonderland. child listens to a faand enjoy the beauty Santa Clarita has to offer.

We are excited for all community members to vorite story. The pleasure is in While you enjoy the night out, remember to join us for the joy-filled event on Saturday, Nov. the familiar way the story begins, support local businesses in Old Town Newhall, 20 at 6 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunithe anticipation of familiar turns the City’s premier Arts and Entertainment Disty to witness the Santa Clarita City Council flip it takes, the familiar moments of trict. the light switch and illuminate the 25-foot-tall suspense and the familiar climax and ending.”

The City of Santa Clarita encourages residents Christmas tree and see the thousands of lights In Santa Clarita, the anticipation of the holito come out and shop locally. There is no better brighten the entire length of Main Street. day season is already in full effect. Whether it’s place to start than at our Craft Fair! Local venThe Christmas tree is located in front of the your local coffee shop breaking out the holiwill be set up along Old TownTheatres Newhall Library and it Clarita has more than • Santa Signaldors of one-of-a-kind crafts day cups or your next-door neighbor putting Laemmle adsource@exhibitorads.com Main Street.

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Ad of creation/delivery date: throughTuesday, November 2, 2021 at 10:10:37 AM CASCS_LEM1107Street! out Main Street, including picturesque ribbon In the City of Santa Clarita, holiday tradiarches, the six-foot-tall selfie frame and many tions are a highlight for our close-knit comMayor Bill Miranda is a member of the Santa more festive décor items. munity, and one of the most popular is our Clarita City Council and can be reached at Children will also have the chance to get their annual Light Up Main Street event. After a virbmiranda@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed tual event last year, it is even more special to photos taken with both Mr. and Mrs. Claus and in his column are those of the City and do not nechave all of our residents back together for this essarily reflect those of The Signal.  share their Christmas wish lists. The fun does

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N O V E M B E R 7, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

FOOD

Pies that can be the star (and surprise) of your next spread

T

he star of your next spread can be hidden away in the refrigerator for a surprise delight for your guests. It’s topped with chocolate syrup and chopped pecans, and your loved ones just may vote it to be their favorite dish.

It’s an Arkansas Possum Pie, made with three delicious layers and crunchy toppings for a show-stopping dessert.

Whether it’s a holiday, birthday or reunion, this pie is a perfect conversation starter. It’s sweet, crunchy and filled with creamy, delightful layers of goodness.

Arkansas Possum Pie

Arkansas Possum Pie

Servings: 8

Crust 3/4 cup butter 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 1/2 cups pecans, crushed

Cream Cheese Layer 12 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 4 tablespoons heavy cream

Pudding Layer 3 egg yolks 2 cups whole milk 1 cup sugar 1/3 cup cocoa powder 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Grape Dutch Baby

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 6 large eggs 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/3 cups low-fat milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon salt 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

2 tablespoons flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped Cream Topping 1 cup heavy whipping cream 4 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups red California grapes, halved 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

confectioners’ sugar Heat oven to 450 F. Put large (10-inch) cast-iron or ovenproof skillet in oven.

With electric mixer on high speed, beat eggs until frothy then beat in flour, milk, vanilla and salt, and beat until smooth, about 1 minute (batter will be thin). Remove skillet from oven and add 2 tablespoons butter, swirling to cover pan. Pour in batter and return to oven. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 14-19 minutes.

While pancake is baking, in another skillet over high heat, melt remaining butter and add grapes, brown sugar and cinnamon, if desired. Cook until grapes are heated through and sugar has melted. Spoon grapes over pancake, sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and serve. (Family Features) 

chocolate syrup 1/2 cup chopped pecans Heat oven to 350 F. To make crust In saucepan, melt butter; add flour, brown sugar and crushed pecans. Stir until combined. Press into 9 1/2-inch deep pie plate.

Bake 15-20 minutes until crust begins to brown.

Cool completely.

To make cream cheese layer In medium bowl, mix cream cheese until creamy. Add powdered sugar and heavy cream; mix until smooth. Spread over cooled pecan crust. Refrigerate.

To make pudding layer In medium bowl, whisk egg yolks. Add milk; whisk until combined. Set aside.

In separate medium bowl, whisk sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, flour and salt until combined.

In saucepan over medium heat, add egg yolk mixture and flour mixture. Whisk constantly until pudding begins to thicken and bubble. Add butter and vanilla extract, stirring until butter is melted.

Pour chocolate pudding in shallow bowl. Cover with plastic wrap touching pudding to keep it from forming skin. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

Pour pudding over cream cheese layer. Cover pie with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight.

To make whipped cream topping In stand mixer bowl, add heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form. Spread whipped cream over pudding layer.

Drizzle pie with chocolate syrup and sprinkle with chopped pecans. (Family Features) 

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N O V E M B E R 7, 2021

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

See the British band ABC at The Canyon Santa Clarita

M

artin Fry and ABC led the way with the second British Invasion of the 1980s. The group has enjoyed a glittering career to date. Very definitely one of a number of groups who came along and kick-started the 80s with their own brand of pop for a “new decade.”

On its release in May 1982, ABC’s debut album The Lexicon Of Love crashed straight into the UK album charts at number one, showcasing the hit songs “Tears Are Not Enough,” “Poison Arrow,”

“The Look Of Love” and “All Of My Heart.”

It was a ground-breaking collection of modern love songs with majestic production from legendary Trevor Horn, it remains a classic to this day. Other ABC hits include “When Smokey Sings,” “Be Near Me,” “(How To Be A) Millionaire” and more.

Doors open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m. and ABC takes the stage at 8 p.m. If you purchase a ticket at a table you are required to purchase dinner. You must arrive by 7pm. Tickets are $28/$38/$48 /$58 plus applicable fees.Under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Hear these hits and more live and in-person on Nov. 21 at The Canyon Santa Clarita. Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster, over the phone at (888) 645-5006, or in person at The Canyon box office. 

N O V E M B E R 7, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

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

‘Eternals’ is ‘occassionally entertaining’ but long and average tential romances will rekindle. It’s like “The Big Chill,” only without the Temptations and the Rolling Stones on the soundtrack (though there is a fantastic use of “Time” by Pink Floyd).

The Eternals include:

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Eternals’

(out of four)

Marvel Studios presents a film directed by Chloe Zhao and written by Zhao, Patrick Burleigh, Ryan Firpo and Kaz Firpo. Rated PG-13. In theaters.

• Sersi (Gemma Chan) and Ikaris (Richard Madden), who were once lovers but haven’t spoken to each other in centuries.

I

n case you don’t know the deal with the Eternals, they’re a diverse group of humanoid entities from the planet Olympia who have been on Earth for thousands of years and possess the usual amazing abilities such as super strength, levitation, teleportation and shooting deadly laser beams from their eyes and hands. Oh, and they’re on the right side of history, as they’ve been charged by their creator, Arishem, with protecting humanity from the monstrous Deviants.

The Eternals live in the same Marvel Cinematic Universe as the Avengers. We even hear references in this movie to the likes of Iron Man and Captain America — which leads to the question of why the Eternals were nowhere in sight and didn’t lift a single supercharged finger when Thanos snapped his fingers and wiped out half the population of the Earth (and the rest of the known universe).

Glad you asked, says the screenplay. Turns out Arishem has decreed the Eternals should never get directly involved with the course of human events, and never intervene in any type of conflict or threat, unless that threat comes from the Deviants.

Fine, but when the stuff hits the fan in “Eternals” and the very future of the planet is at stake, why don’t the Avengers show up to lend a hand? Are they going to address that in a future “Avengers” movie? COME ON, MAN! Sorry. It’s just that we get so much exposition in the ambitious, occasionally entertaining but bloated (the running time is 2 hours and 37 minutes), underwhelming, rambling, forgettable and average “Eternals,” it’s maddening a big question is unanswered.

As it is, there are so many moments when the action grinds to a halt so we can get further explanation of the his-

• Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), who can create firebombs in his hand but has been hiding in plain sight as a Bollywood superstar, and I gotta admit that’s pretty great.

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

tory of these characters (they’re basically nearly immortal takes on the Greek gods) and why this one is doing this thing and that one is doing that thing. Not that the action scenes are particularly memorable, either; despite the promising presence of the brilliant Chloe Zhao (Oscar winner for “Nomadland”) behind the camera and some breathtaking location shots, the big battle sequences in “Eternals” have the same “light,” obviously CGI look we’ve seen in countless big-budget superhero movies. All these beings and creatures zip about, causing great destruction and zapping and biting and wrestling with one another, and it all feels so weightless and low-stakes, even though the future of the planet is at stake and blah blah blah.

Based on the comic-book series introduced by Jack Kirby in 1976, “Eternals” hops back and forth through the centuries to ancient civilizations such as Babylon, Mesopotamia and the Gupta Empire, as we learn how the Eternals are on Earth to protect humanity from the rainbow-colored, winged, snarling, voraciously violent Deviants. After the Deviants have seemingly been extinguished, the Eternals scattered to all corners of the globe and have been living quiet, anonymous lives — but when the Deviants emerge again in present day with more powerful capabilities than ever and start targeting the Eternals by taking down one of their key members, the band has to get back together, which means old rivalries and po-

• Sprite (Lia McHugh), a shapeshifter who has been an adolescent for millennia and yearns to become a real girl.

• Sullen Druig (Barry Keoghan), who can control minds and has been living in the Amazonian jungle in a self-created Utopian society.

• Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), a deaf speed merchant.

• Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), a techno wizard.

• Thena (Angelina Jolie), a great warrior who is battling a form of dementia.

• Gilgamesh (Don Lee), a jovial strongman.

Oh, and Madden’s fellow “Game of Thrones” star Kit Harington is along for the ride as the obligatory Mortal Love Interest for Sersi (like Cersei!), who might be concealing a secret or two of his own. There are lot of players to keep track of in “Eternals,” and we haven’t even discussed the ridiculously overblown Arishem (voiced by David Kaye), who sounds like something out of a bad B-movie with his booming Voice of God pronouncements.

It’s a shame “Eternals” devolves into such a run-of-the-mill superhero movie, given it features some groundbreaking and/or relatively unusual elements, including a deaf character, an openly gay character and an actual lovemaking scene between two otherworldly entities (although it’s tamer than what you’d see in a 1950s romance). Regrettably, that’s not nearly enough to overcome the usual mix of sitcom bantering about cellphones and respective personality quirks alternating with ponderous debates about free will and genocide and the simultaneous blessing/curse of living for centuries — especially if you happen to fall in love with a mere mortal.

Been there, seen all that. 

Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun-Times

Top videos released the week of Nov. 1 1. Free Guy (PG-13) Ryan Reyn-

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H E A LT H

Managing the complications of lupus nephritis

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any people may recognize the term “lupus” and think of it as an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain and swelling, but you may not be aware that lupus impacts an estimated 1.5 million Americans and can affect many parts of the body.

The disease that causes the immune system to attack its own tissues mainly impacts women, who make up 9 out of 10 lupus patients. Genetics also play a role in lupus. You are at a greater risk if you have a family member with lupus or another autoimmune disease.

Some racial and ethnic groups are also at elevated risk, including those of Black, Asian American, Hispanic/ Latino, Native American and Pacific Islander heritage. Additionally, Black, Hispanic/Latino and Asian American lupus patients are more likely to develop complications, including kidney damage, also known as lupus nephri-

tis, and these patients tend to have worse outcomes than white patients.

Lupus nephritis — kidney swelling and irritation caused by lupus — affects up to 60% of patients with lupus, according to the American Kidney Fund. It can cause permanent kidney damage, which can affect your quality of life. People with lupus nephritis also have a higher chance of heart problems, blood vessel problems and developing certain types of cancer.

Symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, joint pain or swelling, muscle pain, fever, high blood pressure and frequent urination. Because some of the symptoms can also look like symptoms of other diseases, it’s important for lupus patients to talk to their doctors about testing their kidney function regularly.

The American Kidney Fund offers the following tips to help you navigate your care and cope with lupus nephritis.

• Ensure your kidney function is test-

• Take a diuretic, or water pill, if directed by your health care provider, to help rid your body of extra fluid, which can raise your blood pressure and cause strain on your heart.

• Talk to a mental health therapist, counselor or social worker to help understand and process emotions, improve coping skills and advocate for your needs. ed regularly and you are referred to a nephrologist.

• Keep records of your symptoms, tests and test results so you can share them with your doctors.

• Consider medication to lower your blood pressure, if directed by your health care provider, which can help lower the amount protein in your urine.

• Take notes on what your doctor says during your visits.

• Find healthy ways to cope, such as meditating, journaling or exercising.

• Join a support group to connect with others who have similar experiences.

• Ask your doctor for handouts or suggestions for where you can go for more information.

• Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion if you feel your doctor is not taking your concerns seriously.

To learn more and find resources to help cope with lupus nephritis, visit KidneyFund.org/lupus. (Family Features) 

N O V E M B E R 7, 2021

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SENIORLIVING

Charitable giving through your estate plan

C

haritable giving is the lifeblood of many nonprofit organizations. The generosity of donors helps charities meet their missions and provide vital services to people facing disease, financial hardship and other situations they cannot overcome on their own.

Many donors make sacrifices to support their favorite causes and charities.

Forgoing certain luxuries so money can be donated to charity illustrates the selfness nature of charitable giving, which can even continue after death.

Estate planning is a complicated process that details exactly how a person wants their assets divvied up. But an estate plan also can go into effect while individuals are still alive.

Each year, millions of people across the globe choose to include charitable giving in their estate plans. The following are a handful of the many ways to incorporate giving into estate plans.

• Bequest giving in a will or living trust.

Perhaps the most widely known way to include charitable giving in an estate plan is to bequeath money in a will or living will.

The Community Foundation Alliance notes that bequests typically allow donors to define how their donations will be spent or utilized. That benefits charitable organizations, but surviving family members also can benefit from such arrangements.

According to LawDepot.com, individuals may be able to lower the estate taxes on their estates at their time of death if they bequeath money to an eligible charitable organization in their wills.

• Consider a charitable rollover.

The Internal Revenue Service notes that individuals with an IRA, SEP IRA, Simple IRA or retirement plan account generally must begin withdrawing money from these accounts when they reach age 72.

These withdrawals are called required minimum distributions and they are considered taxable income.

However, individuals who want to give to charity can opt for a Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD. A QCD counts toward the minimum distribution from retirement accounts and individuals will not be taxed on the money they donate to charity.

That’s a win-win for charities and individuals 72 and over who do not need to withdraw money from their IRAs to meet daily living expenses.

• Donate via a charitable remainder trust.

A charitable remainder trust, or CRT, allows individuals to set up a trust that benefits both a designated beneficiary and a charity or charities of their choosing. When a CRT is set up, a beneficiary will receive annual payments from the trust until it terminates, at which time the remaining funds in the trust are donated to charity.

The philanthropy experts at Fidelity Charitable note that individuals can name themselves as the beneficiaries of the trust, which ensures they will have an income during retirement and that their favorite charities will be supported when the trust expires.

Individuals who want to make charitable giving part of their estate plan can do so in various ways.

(MC) 

Demo our newest hearing devices, NO OBLIGATION* for 45-days! FREE Hearing Screening included!

As our way of saying “thanks” for allowing us to introduce these new devices to you, you will receive a $10 Gift Certificate for a Turkey, ABSOLUTELY FREE! HURRY OFFER ENDS DECEMBER 1, 2021

Hear Better for the HOLIDAYS! The holiday season has arrived. If you are struggling with hearing loss, this could make the holidays stressful and difficult. Now is the perfect time to have a hearing screening. Experience the difference a hearing device could make.

Call today to schedule a complimentary hearing screening. 661.200.9470

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology is the largest diagnostic hearing center in Santa Clarita, and leader of advanced technology and invisible hearing solutions.

We donate a portion of all our hearing aid proceeds to non-profits in our community.

Nola Aronson, M.A., CCC-A

scvadvancedaudiology.com 661.200.9470

23822 VALENCIA BLVD. | SUITE 103 | VALENCIA •Credit card deposit required

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N O V E M B E R 7, 2021

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Consider volunteering or making a tax-deductible year-end donation to one of these local nonprofit organizations serving our community.

How volunteers benefit from giving back

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any people are compelled to volunteer out of a desire to help others.

Volunteer work is so important that the Independent Sector, an organization that gathers statistics about charitable activities, puts an estimated national value on each volunteer hour every year. As of 2018, the monetary value for volunteer work would be equivalent to a pay rate of $25.43 an hour.

Though helping others is the primary motivator for many volunteers, the men, women and children who give up their free time in support of a good cause gain much from their experiences. In fact, new volunteers may be surprised at all the rewards they can reap from helping others.

The Mayo Clinic Health System says researchers have attempted to measure the benefits that volunteers receive from their volunteer efforts.

It has been dubbed a “helper’s high.” Various health benefits have been noted, but the perks

go beyond that.

• Make new friends: Volunteerism is a great way to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships. Having common ground, like a volunteer activity, is a great way to build a friendship with like-minded individuals.

• Increase social skills: Volunteering enables you to meet new people from all backgrounds. You also may be placed into different situations and have to act on the fly. This can help you develop social relationship skills.

• Help build community: The Corporation for National & Community Service says that volunteers help strengthen their communities through volunteer service. Connections are made with the people you are helping and with other volunteers.

See VOLUNTEER, page 22

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HELPING WOMEN AND GIRLS LIVE THEIR DREAMS We are a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve achie economic empowerment.

The Live Your Dream Education & Awards Program celebrates women who have faced severe hardships, preventing them from pursuing and achieving their educational and professional goals. Each year, SI Greater Santa Clarita Valley awards women in our local community with cash awards to help o set ffinancial hardships, such as childcare, transportation, and books. To learn more about the Live Your Dream Awards, please visit LiveYourDream.org.

The Dream It, Be It program targets high school aged girls who face obstacles to their future success. It provides our local high school girls with access to professional role models, career education and the resources to live their dreams. Each year, our club hosts a series of conferences at our local high schools to co continue mentoring these young women and help them reach their future goals. For more information on this program, please visit Sigscv.org/programs.

On a monthly basis, our Go Girls program provides fun and educational activities that help mentor and build cultural, educational, and stable futures for a group of at-risk youth in Val Verde, California. This program mentors a group of young ladies, aged 7-17, and gives coaching for education/career goals, trips for cultural art exposure, self-defense workshops, and self-care days. For more information, please visit www.sigscv.org.

Empowering Women & Girls Around the World, And Locally Here in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Our Monthly Program Luncheons are the second Tuesday of the month (September through June) and we always have interesting speakers.

TO BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

www.sigscv.org

be INFORMED Learn more about our efforts.

be INSPIRED

be INVOLVED

See the power of healthy communities.

Turn your inspiration to action.

Investing in Our Community

Kaiser Permanente Awards more than 5 Million Dollars to Community Agencies Mobilizing to Improve Health At Kaiser Permanente, we understand that good health extends beyond the doctor's office and the hospital.

That's why we are committed to improving the health of communities we serve by participating in charitable care and coverage programs to provide care to those most vulnerable.

This year, we awarded more than $62,000 in Community Benefit grants. We are also proud to celebrate 32 years of partnership having funded over $5 million throughout our history in the Santa Clarita Valley. The grants focused on Access to Health Care, Workforce Development, Chronic Disease Management, and Healthy Eating Active Living.

2021 Santa Clarita Valley Community Health Partners American Red Cross Bridge to Home Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley Carousel Ranch Castaic Union School District Child & Family Center College of the Canyons Foundation Newhall School District Northeast Valley Health Corporation Samuel Dixon Family Health Center Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce

Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center Saugus Union School District Singles Mothers Outreach Sulphur Springs Union School District Valley Care Community Consortium William S Hart Union School District

Learn more by visiting about.kaiserpermanente.org/community-health.

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A hot meal. Someone who believes in you. A chance to try something new. Thank you Santa Clarita for giving Club kids moments like these during another challenging year. When kids have the Club and the Club has you, tough times can lead to great moments. Thank you. www.scvbgc.org/supporting-the-club

N O V E M B E R 7, 2021

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The Los Angeles Residential Community Foundation, LARC Ranch, provides Residential and Day Program services for developmentally disabled adults. It began in 1959 by a group of parents who wanted a better life for the children and an education for them. They purchased sixty five acres of land in the countryside of Saugus. They originally built residential dorms and a school. Since that time the dorm style buildings have been replaced by thirteen beautiful homes on the property with the idea that everyone should live in a beautiful home. There is also, LARC Housing, (under the umbrella of LARC Ranch) that has a beautiful home in Santa Clarita. Additionally, LARC has two adult day programs both of which serve our residents and special individuals from the community.

LARC Ranch is licensed for 103 residents; we provide both homes of special needs adults and the elderly. Recently our enrollment has been, due to last year’s closure of all of our facilities because of the corona virus. So interested applicants may apply for residential or day program placement through their local regional centers.

This year’s 2021 Annual Fundraiser was very successful and will supply LARC with much needed funds. Amazingly after eight years, the water project that will bring a water pipe to LARC Ranch will begin late 2022. This pipe will provided much need water to LARC Ranch since we have been trucking in water for those eight years at a considerable cost.

I am grateful for LARC’s wonderful staffs that have come through two very long and challenging years. They continue to emphasize and train our residents in sanitation of their homes, hand washing, and wearing masks. I am very proud of them all.

We are very grateful for any and all contributions to LARC Ranch; your donation is tax deductible.

LARC Ranch needs Twin blankets, Art & Crafts supplies and to hire more Staff.

Happy, Healthy and Safe Holidays to All of you!

Sincerely, Kathleen Sturkey Executive Director LARC Ranch

29890 N. Bouquet Canyon Road • Saugus 91390

661-296-8636

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“No one has done as much to raise awareness about the dangers of addiction and substance abuse in the Santa Clarita Valley as Cary Quashen, who constantly works to promote a healthier, drug-free SCV, as well as help those who are struggling.”

— Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

We at the Action Parent/Teen Support non-profit organization would like to thank all of our volunteers and contributors for their continued support of our addiction recovery programs.

Investing in the health and safety of those struggling with addiction not only changes the lives of those individuals and their families, but contributes to improving the quality of life of everyone in our community. With the help of our volunteers and contributors, we are able to provide resources such as education to teens in schools with assemblies and programs like TIDE and VIDA, free drug testing, interventions, and weekly parental support programs. Due to the pandemic, addiction, overdoses, and mental health issues have skyrocketed and these resources are more valuable than ever.

We cannot begin to express our appreciation to our contributors for their support, for you are helping people regain their lives and happiness and that is a priceless gift. All contributions to Action’s Parent/Teen Support program go directly to allowing these programs and resources to continue.

If you would like to volunteer or donate to our program, please contact Cary Quashen at (661) 713-3006.

A 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization – Federal Tax ID Number: 95-4340050 NOTE: If you do NOT want your name on our Donor List at Actionfamily.org, please e-mail cquashen@actionfamily.org

“If it wasn’t for the ACTION teen groups, I would probably be dead. I was a chronic runaway, heavy drug user and involved in gangs. Now, I’m using my experiences to help other teens. ACTION saved my life.”

— Haley B. ACTION Teen “We discovered our daughter abusing heroin. We were shocked. How could this happen to us? Action Family Counseling helped us cope and most of all saved our daughter’s life. She now is about to graduate from college.

— Nicole H. Parent

26893 Bouquet Cyn Rd #C 134 • Saugus, CA 91350

1-800-FOR-TEEN

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GIVINGGUIDE

Together helping to build a healthy Southern California

A

t Kaiser Permanente, we have worked for more than 70 years toward our mission of delivering high-quality health care to members and people in the communities we serve.

A fundamental component of that mission is improving access to care. We seek out health inequities, determine how and where we can best use our resources and work with funding partners, educational institutions, and a range of community groups to find solutions, by focusing on these three areas:

Our annual Kaiser Permanente Community Giving Campaign has made contributions to the following Santa Clarita Valley Community Health partners: Bridge to Home Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley Carousel Ranch Castaic Union School District Child & Family Center College of the Canyons Foundation

Healthy people Providing access to high-quality care to low income, underserved people

Newhall School District

Healthy environments Creating safe, healthy communities and environments where people live, work, and play

Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center

Sharing Knowledge Developing important new medical knowledge and sharing it widely

Samuel Dixon Family Health Center Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry Saugus Union School District Singles Mothers Outreach Sulphur Springs Union School District William S Hart Union School District 

VOLUNTEER

Continued from page 15

• Improve self-esteem: When teens or young adults volunteer, they get positive responses to their efforts, which can improve their self-esteem.

Self-esteem can keep people away from drugs or alcohol or potentially compulsive behaviors.

• Helps stave off dementia: There is some evidence that people who volunteer may be at a lower risk for dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. This is particularly helpful for senior volunteers.

• Overcome loneliness: The Campaign to End Loneliness indicates that close to 45 percent of people in the United States and the United Kingdom. admit to feeling lonely. Volunteering is a simple way to reverse such feelings.

• Reduce stress levels: By devoting time spent in service to others, people can get a sense of meaning and appreciation that helps them to slow down. That can help them feel less stress and all the negative consequences that come with stress.

Volunteers often walk away from their experiences benefitting as much as the organizations that they chose to help. (MC) 

FILL OUR FOOD PANTRY

MAKING A difference As always, thank you to all of our sponsors for their continued support.

@SamuelDixonFHC

@SamuelDixonFHC

Each year we provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need. Every donation helps feed our community.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The holidays can be hard, but we can provide support to those that are struggling during what should be a joyous season.

DONATE HERE

Or visit our website at www.sdfhc.org /samuel-dixon-family-health-center-inc

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Action Family Counseling www.actiondrugrehab.com (800) 367-8336

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital www.henrymayo.com (661) 200-2000

Samuel Dixon Family Health Center www.sdfhc.org (661) 257-2339

An organization that specializes in treating those suffering from addiction to all drugs, including alcohol.

A 357-bed, not-for-profit community hospital and trauma center.

Their mission is to enhance wellness by providing quality outpatient health care services and programs, health education, community resources and referrals.

Boys & Girls Club of America www.bgca.org (661) 254-2582

Kaiser Permanente www.kaiserpermanente.org (833) 574-2273

Provides quality programs designed to empower youth to excel in school and lead healthy, productive lives.

Provides high-quality, affordable health care services to help improve the health of their members and the communities they serve.

Bridge To Home www.btohome.org (661) 254-4663

LARC Ranch www.larcfoundation.org (916) 654-1987

Provides shelter and supportive services that help individuals and families in the Santa Clarita Valley move from homelessness to housing.

Helping developmentally disabled people thrive, by providing homes, recreation, social activities, physical fitness, day training, workplace training and more.

Soroptimist International www.sigscv.org contact@sigscv.org A global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.

Zonta Club of Santa Clarita www.scvzonta.org (661) 252-9351 A leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.

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Restaurant Guide

HONEY TASTING M-F 2PM-4PM

Come Visit Our Honey Store This is a great time to stock up on honey … it never goes bad!

3176 Honey Lane, Fillmore, CA 93015 Open 7 days a week - Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm • Sat/Sun 9am-5pm

Shop Our e-Store at: www.bennetthoney.com 805-521-1375

$10 OFF

Purchase of $50 or more

STORE COUPON

$20 OFF

Purchase of $100 or more

Valid in store only. Coupon not valid with wholesale pricing, sale items or any other offer or coupons. Offer does not include Manuka Honey or any of the candies. Limit one coupon per household. Must present coupon to cashier at the time of purchase. Exp 11-30-21

18 0 2

19 0 2

Voted “Best Of” Most Romantic Restaurant 8 years in a row

by Signal Readers

L CHÊNE e French Cuisine

15% OFF

Please present this coupon to the host upon arrival and receive 15% discount on Dinner Sunday through Thursday Excludes tax & gratuity.

Not valid with other offers, holidays or special events

We missed you!

Come by and experience a little taste of France.

For menus and prices, please visit our website.

“Join our mailing list at lechene.com to receive $10.00 off - first dinner.”

Open 7 Days for Dinner and Sunday Brunch

3 Banquet Room and Garden make us the ideal location for weddings, anniversaries, and other special events.

(661) 251-4315 | lechene.com

12625 Sierra Highway Santa Clarita, CA 91390

Sunday Brunch

11 am-3 pm Now offering Sunday Brunch Bottomless Champagne!

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20 0 2 21 0 2

Gift Certificates available

Thank you Santa Clarita for voting us the best Vietnamese Restaurant in SCV. It is our pleasure serving you.

Pho Sure

Santa Clarita’s Favorite!

So Much More Than Pho Dine-in or Take out

(661) 257-3888

Open 7 Days - 7am-9pm • 661-259-7886 25861 Railroad Ave. Santa Clarita 91350

23876 Copper Hill Dr. • Valencia, CA 91354 VOTED FAVORITE THAI RESTAURANT IN SANTA CLARITA!

23328 Valencia Blvd.

Next to Margaritas Grill Near 99 cent store

661-253-FOOD 661-253-3663

www.thaidishes-scv.com

Now Open For Dine-In, Pickup, Drive Thru

Find our menu on Google Drive thru open until 12 AM

18645 Soledad Cyn Rd (in Library Shopping Center)

(661) 252-3412

Open Daily 6:30am - 11pm

FAST ONLINE ORDERING!

$5 OFF

Lunch 11am-3pm Dinner 5pm-9pm Sat.&Sun. 12pm-9pm

Any Order

of $25 or more, before tax, 7-days wk

*NOT VALID WITH LUNCH SPECIALS AND CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS

23328 VALENCIA BLVD

661-253 3663

EXP. 12-5-21

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BOOKREVIEW

BookTrib’s Bites: A little bit of everything best practices? What are practical recommendations to alleviate the Digital Transformation Debt?

‘Almost Happy’

By Dr. Brian Kaplan and Hephzibah Kaplan

I

t’s a proven fact: We are healthier and happier when we are laughing. Not only is laughter good for our body, mind and spirit, but it can also help us face the uncomfortable challenge of dealing with our personal difficulties.

“Almost Happy: Pushing Your Buttons With Reverse Psychology” provides practical and accessible ways to use humor to effect change. Reverse psychology can provoke us to discover, own and enact authentic solutions to many of our issues. Are you ready to read a book that will gently tease you about your issues? Some 114 original buttons and provocative suggestions are offered with a twinkle in the eye and affection in the heart.

‘Worldmaker of Yand-Yildun’

By Andri E. Elia

On the planet Yand lives a species of winged humanoids. Yanara is a

‘The Quantum Effect: Mission Covid-19’

by Nicklois Leonard

very powerful female wizard. She and her two spouses, her wife Mandolen and her husband Frost, fight a very savage enemy that came at them from space. The three of them defend their planet against genocide, while at the same time raising their very special and unconventional family. Their star, Yildun, is the second star on the tail of Ursa minor, below Polaris.

The author is a Ph.D. scientist and an astronomy buff. “I love this beautiful planet. Let’s do our best to help it retain its beauty for the generations to come,” she says.

‘How to Alleviate Digital Transformation Debt: PostCovid-19’

By Dr. Setrag Khoshafian

CELEBRITYNEWS

Binder offered some hope to Gibbs fans: “Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show.

So, regarding the future of Gibbs, as longtime fans of the show may have noticed over the years ... never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”

Perhaps if Gibbs gets tired of the cold, he’ll want to enjoy the island life and make an appearance on the newest show in the franchise, “NCIS: Hawai’i.”

By Dana Jackson Signal Contributing Writer

Q Why did Mark Harmon leave “NCIS”? I know he’s been on forever and is probably just ready to retire, but is there a specific reason?

— J.J. Mark Harmon’s character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, was originally introduced on the military legal series “JAG” back in 2003 before heading up the spinoff of “NCIS.” He probably never dreamed the show would still be a ratings success almost two decades later, but his contract for the current season stipulated he would only return in a limited capacity, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

In the fourth episode of CBS’ “NCIS” this fall, Gibbs told special

We are amid a digital revolution with unprecedented innovations. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the requirements for “Digital Transformation.” Organizations need to adapt and transform to survive and hopefully thrive.At the core of digitization, there is an underlying principle of “debt.” Technical debt “reflects the implied cost of additional rework caused by choosing an easy solution now instead of using a better approach that would take longer.”

If an organization ignores digital transformation for “easy solutions,” the debt accumulates and can have disastrous consequences. What does Digital Transformation mean? What are the opportunities? What are the

Mark Harmon. PHOTO CREDIT KEVIN LYNCH/CBS

agent Timothy McGee (Sean Murray), “I’m not going back home” and made the decision to stay in Alaska. Since Gibbs narrowly survived a boating explosion last season, it was certainly understandable. Harmon remains connected to “NCIS” as an executive producer, and the show has brought in Katrina Law and Gary Cole as regulars to help fill the vacancy.

“NCIS” showrunner Steven D.

Q I noticed that “Days of Our Lives” brought back the character of EJ DiMera, but he’s no longer played by James Scott. What happened to the original actor?

— J.K. Scott seems to have retired from acting and is now a life coach. He wed clinical therapist Kaitlin Robinson in 2015, a year after he left “Days.” EJ DiMera returned to Salem this summer, played by Australian actor Dan Feuerriegel.

Q When is the Obi-Wan series coming out on Disney+? My family really enjoyed watching “The Mandalori-

Was the COVID-19 virus manmade, or naturally occurring? Was the virus accidentally or intentionally released? Does Area 51 really exist? This engaging action-adventure reveals how the White House, Department of Defense, CIA and Navy SEALs as well as the Chinese Ministry of Health are all caught in an intricate web of clandestine operations based on the discovery of a new highly advanced time-travel technology.The book explores the origin of the Covid-19 virus and how it was unleashed on society.

Follow Commander Maxwell as he leads his team on a high-stakes game of cat and mouse to learn the truth behind the virus once and for all.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

an,” so we have high hopes for this “Star Wars” series as well. ­— M.G. Ewan McGregor will return to his titular role in the upcoming “ObiWan Kenobi” series on Disney+, but all we know so far about a premiere date is “sometime in 2022,” according to many online sources. The show will be set 10 years after the 2005 blockbuster movie “Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith.”

Hayden Christensen also is inhabiting the role of Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker opposite McGregor.

With the critical and financial success of “The Mandalorian,” Disney+ was quick to line up several more “Star Wars” series in development, including “Ahsoka,” with Christensen and Rosario Dawson, “Rangers of the New Republic” and “The Book of Boba Fett,” which will be available to stream this December. I’ve probably missed a few since they’re churning them out at light speed, but as long as you stay subscribed to Disney+, you won’t miss any part of the saga. © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

N O V E M B E R 7, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 7

HOME

Making the best of a small dining space for the holidays

S

Utilize the kitchen island

ome homeowners may aspire to have expansive dining rooms replete with seating for 12 beneath a stunning chandelier.

That kind of space certainly makes hosting dinner parties easier. However, modern homes typically have small dining rooms that require homeowners or renters to be resourceful when entertaining guests.

Hosts may not be able to expand their dining spaces, but there are some clever ways to maximize every inch of a small dining room and even some smart solutions for those who don’t have dining rooms at all.

Many modern homes have no dedicated dining rooms but kitchens that open up to living rooms.

Homeowners with kitchen islands can use the large islands as dining areas, and they’re easy places to enjoy casual meals when stools are pulled up to the island.

Install a drop-leaf table

Drop-leaf tables do for dining spaces what Murphy beds do for guest rooms. A wall-mounted drop-leaf table can be dropped down for entertaining and folded back up when the space needs to be repurposed.

Create the illusion of space

Eating areas can be made to feel larger with a few tricks. A mirror on the wall will reflect light and make the room appear larger. In addition, a largescale patterned floor or oversized artwork on the wall may make the room appear more spacious.

Maximize seating

Chairs can take up a lot of room in a dining space. To maximize seating availability in smaller dining rooms — or in spaces where you need to create a seating area — look to built-in banquettes or bench seating. These ideas can help create an instant cozy nook and save on space in the process.

Lighten up the color palette

Make dining spaces seem larger with brighter colors. Brightly colored decor, furniture and flooring can do the trick.

Let space lead furniture choices

Depending on the size and shape of the room, select a table that will fit comfortably. A round, pedestal table may take up less real estate in a smaller room than an oblong or rectangular one. Also, if you have a narrow, galley-type dining space, select a narrow table and low-profile chairs. Again, benches may work well in narrow spaces.

Invest in storage pieces

A simple buffet can store silverware, table cloths, wine glasses, and more, but also serve double-duty as a bar or server for a buffet.

Petite dining spaces can be functional when space is maximized and design tricks are called into action. (MC) 

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N O V E M B E R 7, 2021

SELLING

SANTA CLARITA MARTIN REALTY GROUP

GARDENING

Plant those beautiful bulbs now for spring

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

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iving in the Santa Clarita Valley it is easy to forget about the seasons.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I remember the thrill of seeing beautiful dark blue crocuses emerge in the early spring from beneath a soft, melting blanket of snow.

The bright yellow of the daffodils in my grandmother’s front yard lit up the landscape like a sunny morning after the gloom of winter. The stately purple iris would bring majesty back to the dull, lifeless garden of winter.

However, my favorite spring bulbs were always the delicate snow drops and grape hyacinths. Pretty pink hyacinths were also among my favorites.

How to plant bulbs

Bulbs can be planted anytime until December in Southern California for showy spring blooms. A few tips for planting your bulbs.

Plant taller spring-flowering bulbs (like iris and daffodils) behind the early bulbs (like crocus) for color contrast.

Make sure the soil drains well, because bulbs will rot in soggy ground.

Before planting, work in organic matter such as compost, peat, or shredded leaves to a depth of at least 10 inches.

Plant bulbs at the correct depth, generally at a depth three times the size of the bulb.

Some bulbs require soaking in water for a few hours before you plant.

So, be sure to check the instructions on your bulb package or research your bulb variety before planting.

Pitfalls of bulbs

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When buying bulbs, choose ones that look solid and fresh, pass on those that look dried out, are mushy or soft, and any that look as if they have any fungus growing on the bulb.

Store the bulbs in a cool, well-ventilated area until you’re ready to plant.

Mail-order bulbs offer great selections, but check to make sure it is reputable company with good reviews.

Know what you are planting, is it suitable for the climate?

Rats, squirrels, gophers and voles will gobble up bulbs if they have the chance. There isn’t much to be done about it except lay down wire netting under a layer of soil over your newly planted bulbs or plant your bulbs in wire cages.

Which bulbs to plant

I was often told that crocus don’t do well in the SCV because the winters are usually too warm. However, living at the edge of Canyon Country and at an elevation of about 1,400 feet, I found I could successfully grow my beloved crocus. I had to plant new bulbs every year, with the occasional hardy survivor returning for an encore.

Best bulbs for the SCV include: daffodils, tulips, scilla, oxalis, peonies, anemone and freesia.

If you are unfamiliar with scilla, it is a family of low-growing plants that offer mostly tiny, blue, bell-shaped flowers in the spring.

French peonies are among my favorite flowers because of the riot of color they offer when they bloom.

Red, pink, white, yellow and orange on strong, tall, 12- to 15-inch stems.

They flower in June or July, a bit later than most spring blooms.

Freesias are one of the world’s most popular cut flowers because of their long vase life and sweet scent. Each of the graceful 12- to 15-inch stems will bear about 10 trumpet-shaped blossoms. Available in just about any color you fancy.

Fertilizer and water

Enrich the soil where the bulbs are planted with compost, bone meal and granite dust or wood ashes. Also add nitrogen. Nitrogen can be easily washed from the soil by winter rains and bulbs need a small but continuous supply all winter for strong growth of the foliage and the bloomstalk.

Water after you plant bulbs to close up any lingering air pockets underground, but don’t water too much until the plants emerge in the spring to avoid bulb rot. 

N O V E M B E R 7, 2021

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

Memories of past autumns to treasure

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

M

emories of times and places from my childhood flood my mind this time of year whenever I toss on a light jacket and grab a rake. I remember jumping in piles of newly raked leaves on a Saturday morning, and the smell of burning them by the curb at day’s end. It was legal to do that then, even in the city.

I also recall sitting on the front porch with my friends, weaving colorful leaves into crowns just as we had done with dandelions and daisies the previous spring.

Years later, in a dorm at North Park University in Chicago, fall’s leaves arrived early, in a box mailed by my friend’s mom from Massachusetts.

Carefully layered between sheets of waxed paper were dozens of the biggest, most brilliant red and orange maple leaves I had ever seen. We

taped them to the walls, one by one, just like kindergartners decorating an elementaryschool hallway.

Leaves and the memories they evoke are treasures for many families this time of year — even in California. Amy Anderson, mom of two girls ages 2 and 8, says that leaves just keep on falling in her yard long after the snow begins to fall in states “up north.” “Sometimes it takes extra effort to motivate my family to do the constant raking, so we’ve turned the chore into a game,” she says. “We estimate the number of bags we’ll fill with leaves in any given session. Afterward, we go out for ice cream — bragging rights and extra sprinkles on

• Press leaves and use them for decor around your home. Spread them out between sheets of smooth paper towels. Place heavy books on top and let the leaves dry for about one week. Remove books and gently remove leaves.

top of a scoop go to the best estimator. A simple game not only motives the kids to help, but it has become a great family tradition.”

Here are a few leaf activities you can enjoy with your kids this season, even if you don’t have a giant oak in the backyard: • After a rainfall, find a stick and use it to poke under a pile of fallen damp leaves. Look for bugs, worms and other critters.

• Draw pictures on pressed leaves using nontoxic paint pens or permanent markers. Draw a fall scene of pumpkins, a colorful tree or a simple design. Set on a plate for a festive place card at a special gathering of friends and family.

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

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SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

N O V E M B E R 7, 2021

CROSSWORD TIME

N O V E M B E R 7, 2021

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 3 1

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

READERLETTERS

Council’s Silence Disappointing The following is a copy of a letter sent to Santa Clarita Mayor Bill Miranda: I am very disappointed that the City Council is remaining silent on the pending lawsuit to require the city to adopt voting districts, rather than our constitutional at-large voting.

Mr. Scott Rafferty has extorted many other cities into adopting voting districts. He has bullied other cities into accepting the districts he has created and has profited from his legal bullying. At this time, the council’s only comment has been “it is too expensive” to fight. Since when has protecting our civil rights been “too expensive”?

Mr. Rafferty’s threatened lawsuit maintains that Santa Clarita must create districts in order to provide “fair” representation of minorities in Santa Clarita. What happened to the democratic fairness of one person, one vote, regardless of race or gender? If we were to create a “Latino district,” does that not deliberately diminish the voting fairness of Latinos outside that single district? Doesn’t the creation of racially favored parts of town seem like what was fought against just a generation ago? What is next, special “Voter Drinking Fountains”?

The basic premise of dividing the city into racially favored sections seems just that — divisive.

Our currency has our motto, E Pluribus Unum — “out of many, one.” I strongly recommend spending some of that currency to defend and protect the unity of our city.

Jim Scott Santa Clarita

Suzanne Pens Brilliant Column This morning’s article by Patricia Suzanne (Oct. 2) was brilliant, simply brilliant. Although Ms. Suzanne is a Republican and a conservative activist, she did not write from the standpoint of liberals versus conservatives or left versus right when establishing her case and holding her ground. She did not attack anyone who voted for Gov. Gavin Newsom or President Joe Biden. She did not get all political and partisan about COVID-19 and vaccinations.

She did not lose her cool and get hysterical like some of those whose letters and columns have been published in The Signal. She did not try to shame people like some of those whose letters and columns have been published in The Signal. She did not stoop to offending and insulting, disparaging and ridiculing, and calling people things like “stupid.” No, she did none of those things while making her case.

What did she do? She dared to question (OMG!), and yet the world and life as we know it did not come to an end. Imagine that.

But to those of you writers who do stoop to such levels of what amounts to “playground bullying,” and I am absolutely certain you know those of whom I speak, I have only this to say: “Shame on YOU!” Arthur Saginian Santa Clarita Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@signalscv.com. Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 141, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

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

Better When We’re Better

By David Hegg

I

have often thought, in moments of great frustration, that the world would be a whole lot better if God went ahead and made everyone just like me. After all, I find myself to be right most of the time, and we’d all be in better shape if you all just recognized it and agreed!

Of course, my tongue is firmly planted in my cheek. At least I am trying to put it there. At times we all selfishly wish people would just understand us because if they did, they’d agree, right? But when we are being reasonable, we all know that diversity is God’s idea, and we’re all better off living in a community that represents the best in human personality and intellect.

Think about what society would be like if everyone were like me, or you. It doesn’t take long to realize that we need what we may not at first appreciate. If all were athletes, where would the great poetry and breakthrough scientific discoveries come from? And if all were artists, who would build the bridges, fix the plumbing, or expand the gourmet world?

And what about diversity in personality? Would you want to live in a world where everyone was an extroverted Type A? or have an organization comprised only of introverted cubicle dwellers?

I started thinking about this while taking some time to read something completely out of my usual field of study. Susan Cain’s book “Quiet” explores the needed power of those of us who are introverts. We’re the ones who just wish everyone would stop talking for a minute so we can hear ourselves think.

But beyond the validation she gives those of us who prefer inti-

mate conversation to rollicking parties, the book addresses the need every society has for all kinds of talents, personalities and abilities.

The problem is that we all look at life through our own lens, our own values, our own experiences. The result is that we often begin to think that our lens is the only clear one, our values the only relevant ones, and our own experiences the only valid ones.

The older I get the more I realize that God has been working in wonderful ways through people who are different than me, through personalities that enjoy what I dislike, and through the life experiences and lessons that others have learned in ways I never dreamed of.

With Thanksgiving just around the calendar corner, perhaps it is time to take a deep breath and recognize that different sensitivities, different personalities and different abilities are absolutely necessary if we are to grow better, and together, as families, churches and as a nation.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that truth can now be jettisoned in favor of unity. What it does mean is that diversity can actually help us recognize and hold fast to the truth together, seeing all of its many facets, uses and ramifications. The fact is we’re all better when we’re all better.

And if we’re all going to get better, we have to travel the road in unity, understanding that our diversity is what makes the journey as enjoyable as God meant it to be.

Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church.

“Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 