Sunday Signal December 15, 2019

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DECEMBER15,2019

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HAVE A THEME-PARK HOLIDAY

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HANUKKAH TREATS THE FAMWILLLOVE

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AGIFTGUIDE FOR SHOPPERS

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 Local temples ring in the Hanukkah holiday 5 From rust to restore: a Chevelle love story 6 Ten tips to help beat holiday stress this season 7 Holiday survival guide: Dishes, ugly sweaters and giving LOCAL NEWS 8 BLM: Cemex owes more than $25M 9 State puts Cemex request for water on hold When the ‘Grinch’ stole Christmas (ornaments) 10 ‘Creepy’ hooded man sparks school lockdown Local actress gets five years in ‘Bride Fraud’ 11 City Council elects Smyth as mayor for 2020 FROM THE CITY MANAGER 12 Have a happy and safe holiday season THINGS TO DO 13 Celebrate the holidays with theme park fun SPORTS 14 Golden Valley hoops coach returns to rebuild TRAVEL 15 Give the gift of travel TECHNOLOGY 16 Safety first, coupon cheats and Apple TV+ DINING GUIDE ENTERTAINMENT 20 Los Lobos returns to the Santa Clarita Valley FOOD 21 Michele makes … Hanukkah desserts CALENDAR KIDS & FAMILY 23 How to declutter your child’s room Simple STEM activities for pre-K to school-age 24 Donna’s Day: Make and give beeswax candles School menu HOLIDAY 25 Celebrate Hanukkah across Santa Clarita and Los Angeles 26 Family holiday traditions around the globe GIFT GUIDE HOME 30 Holiday décor trends inside your home HOME IMPROVEMENT 31 Safely stringing lights, water wisdom PETS 32 Pet health tips for an on-the-go lifestyle HEALTH 33 What to expect as you transition to a healthy diet TIME RANGER SENIOR LIVING 35 Caregivers: how to manage a loved one’s money GARDENING 36 Holiday shopping for your favorite gardener OPINION PUZZLES / VILLAGE IDIOT

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E

Local temples ring in the Hanukkah holiday

By Raychel Stewart Signal Staff Writer

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eople of the Jewish faith will gather to light the first candle of the menorah, eat traditional foods and get into the spirit of Hanukkah, which starts Dec. 22 this year.

The eight-day Jewish holiday commemorates the fight between Jews and Greeks in 168 B.C., when the Jewish faith was outlawed, and people were forced to worship Greek gods.

Soldiers under King Antiochus IV Epiphanes attacked people of Jerusalem, massacring thousands and defiling the second Temple. Oils for the menorah were discarded, pigs were sacrificed at the altar and holy items in the temple were no longer pure.

A rebellion was led by the Jewish priest Mattathias and his five sons. After his death, Mattathias’ son Judah, known as the Maccabee (“The Hammer”), took the reins and led the Jewish people to victory. The Antiochus monarchy was driven out of Jerusalem after a two-year battle, and the Temple was reclaimed and cleansed by followers of Judah.

“Hanukkah means ‘rededication,’” said Rabbi Mark Blazer of Temple Beth Ami. “Jewish leaders were fighting for independence, fighting to practice their religion against Greece.

They fought back against assimilation and religion intolerance.”

The altar and menorah at the second temple were rebuilt, but enough oil for a single candle was salvaged. The candle was lit, but lasted eight days instead of just one, which allowed more time to find another supply of oil. This brought on the Hanukkah “Miracle” and the tradition of lighting one candle each night of Hanukkah.

“The most important commandment is lighting the menorah,” said Rabbi Choni Marozov of Chabad of SCV. “Every night, we light a candle in our home with family. But most

Hanukkah has been described as “a celebration of lights to light up the darkest time of the year” by scholars, and it’s celebrated a number of different ways, including with food, family and performances. PHOTO COURTESY TEMPLE BETH AMI

importantly, the menorah signifies lighting up a dark world.”

The spiritual significance of the menorah is to reflect on the concept of victory and light over darkness.

“That’s what we try to do every day,” said Marozov.

Rabbi Jay Siegel of Congregation of Beth Shalom described the tradition as “a celebration of lights to light up the darkest time of the year.”

When getting ready for Hanukkah, people spend time getting their homes prepared for gatherings and decorating. Preparing traditional meals is a significant part of celebrating the holiday.

Traditional foods such as latkes, or potato pancakes, and sufganiyot, jelly-filled doughnuts, are the more popular food items eaten over the holiday, because they are typically fried in oil.

“Frying food in oil signifies the oil of the menorah, and is a reminder of the miracle that took place,” said Marozov. “Oil has different properties: It won’t mix with other liquids; it reinforced what God gave to Jewish people. Our ancestors rose above all other intellectual ideas and kept

Jews alive for thousands of years.”

Because the holiday spans over eight days, families have the chance to celebrate with different groups of people, such as members of their congregation, friends and different sides of families.

“You can have one night for each side of your family, one night for friends and one night for people you just met,” said Blazer. “No one can

say they couldn’t celebrate, there’s no limit, there’s always something fun to do.”

One traditional game to bring people together is the dreidel game, played with a four-sided spinning top. The game dates back to the history of Hanukkah.

When Greek soldiers outlawed the practice of Judaism, the study of the torah was criminalized. Jews would gather in secrecy to study while one person looked out for soldiers. If one was spotted, a signal was made and torahs were replaced with dreidels to give soldiers the illusion the gathering is to play a game.

Today, the game is played as entertainment. Each side of the dreidel has a letter of the Hebrew alphabet signifying the players move. A game piece must be placed in the pot by each player before the dreidel is spun. Whatever the dreidel lands on decides if the player gives or takes from the pot.

Gift-giving has become incorporated with Hanukkah, were the tradition is one gift is given per day. Siegel said this tradition could have derived from the traditions of Christmas, since the holidays occur around the same time.

Attendees create granite menorahs at the Chabad of Santa Clarita Valley in Newhall Thursday night. Holidays like Hanukkah are not only times when we can stop to recognize the importance of tradition and observance in our lives, but also, our friends and loved ones. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

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From rust to restore: a Chevelle love story

Then and now. Michael Balzer and his son Tony put in countless hours to restore this Chevelle, a car that now has special meaning to both, for a lot of reasons.

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

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augus resident Tony Balzer was 16 when he started driving the 1971 Chevelle that had been in his family for longer than he’d been alive.

“It was a rust bucket, and I was actually embarrassed to drive it,” he said, adding that it took him and his father years to get it to where it’s at now.

At age 25, with the car nearly twice his age — it’s grown him.

“I fell in love with it,” he confesses.

“I bought a Chevelle because they’re simple to work on, easy, reliable and I’ve been around them my whole life,” Tony’s father, Michael, said, sharing the car’s origin story.

Michael Balzer’s brother bought the car when he was 15, and Michael had helped him restore it when he was young.

“We turned it into a drag race car,” Michael said. “My brother still owns the car today, keeps it in the garage and we take it out and we compete with it every year. Our best time so far is a 10:47 at 126 miles an hour for a quarter-mile.”

This led to Michael purchasing a Chevelle years later when Tony was little.

“My mom used to always drive it, and I was in the car seat, so ever since I was 2 years old, I’ve been in the car and, now,” Tony added, “it’s my car.”

Michael used the Chevelle as a daily driver for about 10 years before purchasing a more fuel-efficient ride.

“I just parked (the Chevelle) on the

side of the house, thinking one day, hopefully, it could get restored and maybe leave it for my son when he’s ready to start driving,” Michael said.

The car sat for quite some time, gathering rust, until the time came for Tony to start driving it.

“My dad didn’t want to work on the car without me, so some days, he would actually wait for me to wake up so we could work on the car together,” Tony said. “He was there with me through the entire process from start to finish, and I learned a lot … I really appreciated that because I learned how to restore cars like this — these old generations are dying and it’s an old skill.”

While the Chevelle still has its original motor, the pair got to work completely gutting and restoring both the interior and exterior. And though it was sometimes trying to work so closely together for such an extensive

project, their passion for cars and vision for what it would look like when completed kept them focused on the goal.

Local efforts, such as Jim Tucker Metal Works, which worked on the body; Edward Jimenez who worked on the upholstery; and Pride Auto Body who worked on the paint, helped to bring the car back to life.

“The easy part was getting the bodywork done and the paint, because that was done by professionals, but once that was done, the hard work started,” Michael said.

“Once we got the car back from the shop, me and my dad were the ones that put everything back together,” Tony added. “We had to put the bumpers on, all the chrome, the windows, the trim, the hood, the wheels — all that stuff me and my dad did in our front yard.”

They spent a lot of time and effort

Their work on the car has been a learning lesson for both father and son, as Michael used the experience to teach Tony how to weld. PHOTOS BY GILBERT BERNAL / THE SIGNAL

into trying to put the original parts on the car.

“It took over four years of what he calls ‘blood, sweat and tears,’” Michael said. “He’s always wanted to drive it once it got back, and I think that was the biggest motivating factor.”

With each new project, Michael was able to teach his son something different.

“One of the great things about building this car is that I learned how to weld in the process because the floorboards were rusted through … so we cut them out — my dad showed me how to do all that — and we put the new floors in,” Tony said.

Michael had Tony make practice test strips. “He must have welded 100 plus welds before I’d let him weld on the car,” Michael added.

The pair finally completed the car earlier this year, and though excited, Tony was anxious about getting back behind the wheel. “I hadn’t driven the car in four years, and it was all really new to me — so I was really scared, really nervous.”

Now that the upgrades are finished, the father-and-son team is already dreaming up the next ones, including a new engine so they can enter competitions.

“What seems like a finished car right now is just a finished driver, but, eventually, it’s going to be a finished Autocross or road race car,” Michael said, “with more work and a lot more money.”

Gilbert Bernal contributed to this report.

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2018

N E W S F E AT U R E

Ten tips to help beat holiday stress this season could be luxuriating in a bath with music and candles, finding a quiet spot around the house to meditate for five to 20 minutes (try downloading an app or watching a YouTube video for guidance, if necessary), or going for a nice, long walk (if you have a dog, talk him or her with you).

By Michelle Sathe Signal Staff Writer

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f many songs, movies, and TV shows are to be believed, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. Think scenes of happy families connecting amid mounds of foods and gifts, seemingly without a care in the world.

In real life, a significant part of the population finds that the holidays can be the source of stress, fatigue, and irritability.

Nearly 40% (38%) of people said their stress level increases during the holiday. Top causes for this increase included lack of time and money, pressures of gift-giving, commercialism, and even family gatherings, according to a survey by the American Psychological Association.

If you find yourself among that 38%, here are 10 easy tips to help you embrace what’s good about the holidays while eschewing what makes it stressful.

Don’t overspend

This is one of the most common ways to start the season off on the wrong foot. A poll by the Principal Financial Group found that 53% of people experience financial stress due to holiday spending, even though more than half of those polled had set a budget.

Take a hard look at what you can really afford to spend on your loved ones. Allocate an amount for each person on your list and stick to it, no matter how tempting it is to go overboard.

Otherwise, you could be setting yourself up for potential debt well into 2019, which isn’t a festive thought.

Rethink gifts

Does anyone on your list really need another candle, picture frame, or sweater? The answer is most likely no. Instead, think outside the box and give your loved ones something they really value, like customized gift certificates for the busy people in your life. Some fun ideas:

• a night of babysitting • a dog walk or two

Exercise

The frenzy of the holidays can upend some of your structured self-care time. So as much as you can, stick with your gym or exercise routine to keep stress at bay and get those endorphins going.

Give Back Creating new and fun family traditions around what your family really enjoys is a great way to make long-lasting memories during the holidays.

• going out for a meal of their choice • Of course, homemade food gifts such as cookies never go out of style and can be quite cost-effective. Just make sure to note who’s on a diet that precludes sugar, gluten, or dairy products and adjust any traditional recipes to accommodate their needs.

Outsource whenever possible

Some people love wrapping gifts.

Others (like me), not so much. If you fall into the latter category, consider taking your gifts to a store like Pom Paperie in Valencia, where they will wrap anything from anywhere and do it beautifully.

Hosting a holiday meal? Don’t try to go all Iron Chef and do everything yourself. Instead, focus on a main dish and ask your guests to bring a side, dessert, drinks, or even napkins, paper plates, and disposable utensils.

When the meal ends, ask your guests to help with clean up. Whether it’s washing dishes or taking out the trash, most people love to feel a part of and will be happy to lighten your load.

Indulge, with discretion

Temptations are everywhere at holiday parties, from open bars to rich, decadent buffets to food gifts. Unless you’re allergic to anything, or sober, feel free to indulge a bit. It’s one of the

best parts of the season.

Just pace yourself, i.e. don’t overdo it to the point where you fall into a food coma and can’t function or get so drunk that you’ll make a fool of yourself. (Of course, if you’re going to be drinking anywhere outside your home, lining up a designated driver or taking a Lyft is a must.)

Just say ‘No’

So many parties, so little time. This is where you need to discriminate and determine what is necessary for you to attend professionally or what you want to attend personally.

All other invitations are to be declined, with no guilt attached.

Avoid toxic people

Whether it’s that colleague who is the equivalent of nails on a chalkboard or that annoying relative you have never liked, it’s hard to avoid toxic people at holiday bashes. Make a game plan ahead of each event to deal with potential interludes, such as how to gracefully exit a conversation or creating signals to your partner that you want to move to another area of the room or leave the party altogether.

Make some ‘me’ time

With kids out of school on break and relatives visiting, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. It’s OK to take some “me” time to center yourself. This

Theoretically, the holidays are largely about giving and making the world a better place. There’s no better way to do that then volunteering to help someone less fortunate. That can be visiting a lonely senior in a nursing facility or a pet in a shelter that would love some quality time with someone who cares or helping out at a soup kitchen that serves up hot meals during this cold weather.

For a group project, consider asking your family or neighborhood to donate their gently used jackets and other clothing and/or canned food or providing a meal/gifts for a low-income family. For a comprehensive list of local charities, visit santa-clarita. com/residents/community-links.

Consider new traditions

If the holidays feel like “Groundhog Day” in an unpleasant way, shake things up. Don’t host the holiday meal this year – go out for dinner instead and invite people you really enjoy spending time with. Or skip town altogether with a fun getaway to the coast or the mountains — Airbnb is a great resource to find a room, condo, or house just about everywhere in Southern California.

If neither of those options are in your budget, staycation and find cost-effective ways to enjoy Santa Clarita: take a hike at Placerita Canyon or one of the many nature trails, go to a matinee, or stay home and bingewatch your favorite shows or movies.

Holiday theme optional.

D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

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Dishes, ugly sweaters and giving

By Vivianna Shields Signal Staff Writer

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avigating the complexities of the holiday party this season is a challenge for many. Whether the party is at work, a friend’s house or your place, challenges range from finding the perfect ugly sweater to obtaining that rare white elephant present in the exchange that actually feels like a gift.

By following these tips, you can not only survive these parties, but thrive at them. Some of it comes down to research or the right recipe or having the right luck online — if you know where to look.

Ugly Sweaters

Over the past two decades, ugly Christmas sweaters have become a ubiquitous feature of holiday parties.

While questionable fashion choices have been around for as long as there’s been clothes, the ugly sweater specifically is believed to be a trendy, if oft-unfortunate byproduct of 80s fashion. As far as themed parties, most believe those started gaining traction around the turn of this past century, and they’ve grown in popularity ever since, according to “Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Book: The Definitive Guide to Getting Your Ugly On.”

A charcuterie plate is an eye-catching addition to any holiday party, and offers a snacking combination that works with most crowds. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

Ugly Christmas sweaters are sold practically at every major retailer in the Santa Clarita Valley, including Target, Walmart, JC Penny and others. These sweaters come in a wide variety of designs, so there is an ugly sweater out there for everyone.

They’re also available on online retailers like Amazon and UglyChristmasSweater.com. Mark Hajjar, coowner of UglyChristmasSweater.com, equates ugly sweaters with Halloween costumes — everybody wants to have the most original one yet.

Hajjar describes the best sweaters as ones with “unexpected humor with relevance to the group of people around you.” His site offers a sweater customizer where customers can cre-

Regardless of the type of gift exchange party you’re having, an ugly holiday sweater is almost always a great conversation piece. PHOTO BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

Here are a few sites that offer charcuterie tips: https://bit.ly/2sjnok4 https://bit.ly/36gC3eq https://bit.ly/2Py6qGz ate sweaters with their own designs.

“It is hard to be sad in an ‘ugly Christmas’ sweater,” said Hajjar. “It brings fun and joy to the people wearing the sweaters and to the people around them.”

Holiday dishes

Most holiday parties have a potluck element that can be intimidating to an inexperienced cook. Rather than buying a premade food or snack, impress the party by making an appetizer, which can be a lot easier than it seems.

Charcuterie boards are a quick appetizer to prepare for a crowd to enjoy. According to Amanda Kasahara, an experienced charcuterie board creator, these boards need to be sweet, salty, brined, crunchy and have fruit.

Not only do they offer a wide range of flavors and textures, but they’re also aesthetically pleasing.

“Most people at holiday parties want to snack and chat, so keeping all the items different but mild and complementary usually means the tray gets devoured,” said Kasahara.

On Kasahara’s boards, she recommends cheeses of all different styles, salami or prosciutto, olives, grapes, berries, nuts. Kasahara usually uses

candied sweet and spicy pecans, crackers or cucumber slices.

If charcuterie boards still seem a bit above your level of expertise, Hillary Janikula offers a quick and easy dip that may sound odd, but is delicious.

“Put a brick of room-temperature cream cheese in a shallow dish, pour a jar of Hormel chili sauce over the top of the cream cheese, and serve with Wheat Thin crackers,” said Janikula.

Growing up, this was a dip her mother always brought to parties. It is easy to prepare and Janikula claims that people cannot resist eating the dip. Regardless of what you’re bringing though, it’s always good to run things by the host.

‘White Elephant’

It’s safe to say, you want to have the gift everyone wants to steal. As someone who has been gifting and researching gifts for a long time, Julie Kenney, creator of The Gifting Experts page on Facebook, offers some advice for the best White Elephant gifts to give this season.

“I absolutely love white elephant parties and we host one almost every year,” said Kenney.

There are a lot of ways to look at buying your gift. It could be a gift that the recipient would get a lot of uses from, or you could go down a more creative route and buy something uncommon.

A useful gift could be a food maker of some sort because everyone eats.

There are s’mores, breakfast sandwich, quesadilla and so many other food makers on the market today. This is a gift that would get a lot of use, and something they may not have.

To get a more uncommon gift, options like a color-changing umbrella or a corgi succulent planter are a good start. These are not gifts you could find at your local major retailers, but one that shows that you did some research.

By putting in the effort to find a creative or unique gift, everyone at the party will be able to see that and they’ll be fighting over your gift all night.

For more information on how to survive the holidays, check out our tips for beating stress on page 7.

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

LOCALNEWS

BLM: Cemex owes more than $25M

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

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anded a bill to pay more than $25 million in missed annual payments over the last two decades, Cemex now has three options, according to the Bureau of Land Management, which issued the bill Friday.

The mining giant can pay the bill.

That’s option one, BLM spokeswoman Erica St. Michel said Monday.

Option two, should Cemex choose, would be to ask for more time to pay.

And, the last option, according to the BLM, is to show why the federal government shouldn’t cancel the mining contracts.

Phone and email messages left with Cemex representatives Monday were not returned.

“I did speak with Masis (Hagobian) on Friday,” Michel said, referring to the city of Santa Clarita’s administrative analyst handling the Cenex issue.

The news Michel shared Friday with city officials left them happy that the BLM decision could be the tool that, once and for all, prohibits any chance that mining could commence in Soledad Canyon.

In a certified letter sent Friday to Cemex officials based in West Palm Beach, Florida, Joseph Stout, BLM California acting state director explained how the mining company ended up owing $25 million.

The money owed stems from the conditions laid out in two contracts issued to Cemex on March 9, 1990, for two consecutive 10-year periods, during which Cemex would sever, extract and removed aggregate material from the land.

The clock began ticking on the first 10-year mining contract on Aug. 1, 2000, Stout outlined in his letter. This meant the second contract began on Aug. 1, 2010, ending July 31, 2020.

Stout pointed out that in all that time, no mining was done.

“Under both contracts, Cemex has a contractual and regulatory obligation to produce mineral material or to make annual payments in lieu of production,” Stout said in the letter.

The Bureau of Land Management handed down rulings Friday stating Cemex has “a contractual and legal obligation to produce materials or to make annual payments in lieu of production,” and that failure to comply with these terms is in violation of federal regulation. City officials said Monday that Cemex must respond to the notice within 30 days or the BLM would deem it in breach of contract.

SIGNAL PHOTO

Since they didn’t produce anything by mining, they are expected to come up with money in lieu of what should have been mined.

Cemex has 30 days since the date of the certified letter to respond to the notice.

There is another option Cemex could pursue.

Friday’s BLM decision could be appealed to the Interior Board of Land Appeals, Office of the Secretary.

This is the route Cemex chose to pursue in September 2015, a month after the BLM announced its decision to cancel the mining contracts.

It took the IBLA nearly five years to make a decision on that appeal.

In March, the federal mediator body handed down a fractured decision, which was “affirmed in part, reversed in part, set aside in part and case remanded.”

If Cemex appeals Friday’s decision by the BLM — and the process takes as long as it did before — the IBLA could still be drafting its decision in 2024.

For more information about BLM’s decision, visit http://bit.ly/2019 Cemexowes.

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State puts Cemex request for water on hold

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

C

iting the uncertainty about Cemex ever mining in Soledad Canyon, state water officials have put the mining company’s application for water on hold, according to a letter sent by state officials to state Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, who had

inquired about the company’s water application.

Wilk received a letter dated Tuesday from Eileen Sobeck, executive director of the State Water Resources Control Board, explaining the board’s decision.

According to a copy of the letter Wilk shared with The Signal, the senator had expressed concerns over how the board was handling Cemex’s

When the ‘Grinch’ stole Christmas (ornaments)

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

I

t’s not quite the Grinch who stole Christmas in the Santa Clarita Valley, but local sheriff ’s detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the person who stole Christmas decorations from a Valencia neighborhood.

Detectives with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station reached out to the public Wednesday when they issued a news release seeking help in identifying a suspect caught on camera stealing Christmas yard decorations.

On Friday, around midnight, with no sound of clatter, a snowman decoration was stolen from a homeowner’s yard on the 27900 block of Skycrest Circle.

The theft — captured on a neighbor’s security camera — shows an SUV pulled up in front of the victim’s home.

“The driver, a male adult, exits the vehicle and when he returns, he is holding the Christmas decoration in

his arm,” Shirley Miller, spokeswoman for the SCV Sheriff ’s Station, said Wednesday.

“He placed the decoration in the back seat of the vehicle and drove off,” she said.

“A few minutes later, another theft was reported by a homeowner on the same street who said that her ‘Elf on the Shelf ’ lawn ornament was stolen from her front yard,” Miller added.

“She reported seeing two males running towards the street,” she said.

“One of the males was dragging her inflatable Christmas decorations.”

The two men got into an SUV and drove out of view.

If you have any information that may lead to the identification of the suspect(s), you can call the SCV Sheriff ’s Detective Bureau at 661-255-1121, ext. 5146, or tips can be submitted anonymously to www.LACrimeStoppers.org or by calling 1-800-2228477. If you have any video capturing suspicious activity, you can email it to SantaClaritaMedia@lasd.org.

application for water.

Attempts Tuesday night to reach a designated on-call spokesman for Cemex were unsuccessful.

Wilk’s letter mailed to the board in September struck a nerve with state water officials, according to his representative Eileen Ricker.

“The SWRCB said our letter resulted in a lot of conversations in their shop and as a result they have decided to move the project status from ‘pending’ to ‘on hold,’” Ricker wrote in an email Tuesday.

“It also said that if Cemex were to resolve the litigation with the federal government, the SWRCB would require public review again,” she added.

Sobeck, in her letter, explains the board’s decision as: “The State Water Board notified Cemex on Nov. 20, 2019, that its water right application has been moved from a pending status to a hold status until a final decision is reached on Cemex’s contracts for mineral materials, due to the

LOCALNEWS

uncertainty of the project’s viability and the State Water Board’s limited staff resources.”

“This means that the State Water Board is suspending all staff processing efforts, including review or generation of work products, until the Cemex litigation against the federal government has been fully resolved by the courts,” she added.

The letter received by Wilk Tuesday arrived a day after officials with the Bureau of Land Management announced Cemex owes the BLM more than $25 million for unpaid annual payments “in lieu of production.”

The BLM decisions state: “Cemex has a contractual and legal obligation to produce material or to make annual payments in lieu of production Cemex’s failure to comply with the terms and conditions of producing mineral material or making timely in lieu payments is contrary to the terms of the contract and in violation of federal regulation.”

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

LOCALNEWS

‘Creepy’ hooded man sparks school lockdown

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

A

“creepy” hooded man in a black full-length trench coat seen lurking around Mountainview Elementary School in Saugus Monday morning spooked a mom and her two kids enough to call deputies and spark a temporary “soft lockdown” of the school.

Shortly after 8:45 a.m., deputies with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station responded to “multiple” calls from parents about the man dressed all in black.

They located the suspect and detained him, said Mountainview Principal Kathleen Demsher, who issued an email notice to parents of students.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of loitering and taken to the hospital for a psychological evaluation, said Shirley Miller, spokeswoman for the SCV Sheriff ’s Station.

One of the several parents who re-

ported the hooded man was Shannon Gerson, who was dropping her two children, aged 5 and almost 4, off at the school’s preschool when she spotted the man as she pulled into the school parking lot.

“He was 3 feet from my car on the driver’s side,” she said, noting her kids were still in the car.

“He had a long trench coat with his hands in his pockets and a big hood over his head,” she said, noting she could only see his eyes and mouth.

“He kept looking at me. It was horrible,” she said.

After her encounter, Gerson said she watched the man walk around school property.

The man started walking to Pacific Crest Park directly next to and overlooking the school, she said, eyeing the school through the chain link fence that separates the school and park.

“He was looking over the fence at the school,” she said, noting “a bunch of us stayed next to the preschool to

make sure he didn’t hop the fence.”

“He was giving off a really creepy vibe,” Gerson said. “I just thought he was trying to intimidate people but I don’t know what his motives were.”

“Someone dressed like that shouldn’t be hanging around at our schools,” she said.

Demsher immediately placed the school in a soft lockdown, which means the kids were kept inside temporarily. She then sent an email to the parents of the students. It reads: “Between 8:20 and 8:40, we began receiving calls regarding a suspicious person walking near the school. Personnel went outside to observe and located the individual described.”

“The individual was behaving in a concerning manner and remained near the school and in the park.

Office staff immediately reached out to law enforcement. The school held a lockdown drill to ensure all students remained indoors and safe, just to be sure,” Demsher wrote in her message to parents.

She added: “Law enforcement wanted to give our community and school compliments on how the situation was handled. Parents who called remained nearby to help school staff and law enforcement locate the individual. The landscape falks working in the park also followed to make sure that our school grounds were safe. Having the students in a lockdown drill kept everyone in a safe location.”

Gerson posted her account of the incident on social media and, specifically, on the Saugus Strong Facebook page.

The phrase Saugus Strong emerged from the fortitude and resilience demonstrated by school and staff of Saugus High School after three students were shot and killed, including the shooter, and three other students were wounded, on Nov. 14.

Local actress gets five years in ‘Bride Fraud’

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

S

anta Clarita actress Vermyttya Miller was sentenced Monday to five years in county jail and ordered to pay $22,500 in restitution after pleading no contest to one count of felony insurance fraud for a wedding fraud scheme she concocted to rip off The Knot — not once, but twice.

In October 2016, Miller, 37, booked a wedding reception through The Knot website for the Galleria Ballroom in Glendale, which came with a $10,000 event cancellation/postponement insurance policy, according to a news release issued Monday by the California Department of Insurance.

Soon after booking the reception, Miller claimed she tripped on her wedding dress and was injured so severely that she had to cancel the wedding reception and filed an insurance claim under the $10,000 policy, according to department officials.

To support her cancellation claim, Miller provided medical reports

documenting her injuries, the news release said.

On Oct. 31, 2016, the insurer delivered a $10,000 check to Miller.

Then, Miller e-mailed The Knot’s insurer on Dec. 4, 2016, to report her $10,000 check was stolen and provided a copy of a police report she allegedly filed with the Vallejo Police Department in Northern California.

According to the Insurance Department, evidence revealed Miller actually doctored a previously submitted police report for a different incident that occurred years earlier.

‘Trail of fraudulent claims’

“Miller’s trail of fraudulent claims led straight to a five-year jail sentence after department detectives unraveled her scheme,” Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara was quoted as saying in the news release.

“Insurance fraud is a felony with serious penalties and consequences. We are committed to uncovering fraud and working with prosecutors to bring criminals to justice,” Lara said.

Miller reported to the insurer that

her $10,000 claim check was stolen and the Vallejo Police Department was investigating the theft.

Miller provided the insurer with investigative details she said the Vallejo Police Department reported to her.

The insurer, Tokio Marine, referred the claim to the Department of Insurance for investigation.

Detectives uncovered evidence that Miller falsified the medical reports of her injury, which she used to file the original claim.

Detectives also found Miller doctored the Vallejo Police report she used to substantiate her claim that the $10,000 check was stolen.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case and Miller pleaded no contest to one count of felony insurance fraud and was ordered to pay restitution for the $10,000 she received and an additional $12,500 for investigative costs.

Miller was remanded to the custody of the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, where she is serving her five-year sentence.

Miller has appeared in several film

Vermyttya Miller, a Santa Clarita actress, pleaded no contest to felony insurance fraud for a wedding fraud scheme.

COURTESY PHOTO

and TV productions including the movie “Black and Blue” released in October, starring Naomie Harris, and in the 2017 movie “August Falls,” starring Fairuza Balk.

The Knot is an online digital wedding-planning site that helps and promotes a couple’s wedding experience.

D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 11

City Council elects Smyth as mayor for 2020

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

T

Cameron Smyth is sworn in as mayor at the Santa Clarita City Council meeting Tuesday night at City Hall. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

he Santa Clarita City Council unanimously voted Cameron Smyth as its 2020 mayor and Bill Miranda as mayor pro tem on Tuesday.

Smyth’s first words as this year’s mayor offered an outlook for the new year: 2020 is for healing.

“On Nov. 14, our community changed forever,” said Smyth. “There’s no other way to put that, and 2020 will be a year of healing. I know I can speak for the (City) Council when we say that we will individually, collectively, as a city, do whatever we can, play whatever role is necessary to help with that healing.”

The new mayor, reiterating remarks by outgoing Mayor Marsha McLean, referred to the Saugus High School shooting that left three teenagers dead, including the shooter, and wounded three others on campus that morning.

The City Council voted unanimously to appoint Smyth, which marks his fourth stint as mayor. (He also served as mayor in 2003, 2005 and 2017.) Councilman Bill Miranda made the first nomination, saying that Smyth “epitomizes what it means to be a public servant. I think Cameron Smyth is just the right person at the right time for this job of mayor of the city of Santa Clarita.”

McLean and Councilwoman Laurene Weste both seconded Miranda’s nomination. A nomination for another council member was not made.

McLean then nominated Miranda as mayor pro tem, which marks his first time with the position. That also received a 5-0 vote.

This year’s mayoral selection process followed the long-established tradition where the council gives the mayor position to the mayor pro tem, which Smyth held this year.

“It’s been a real pleasure to work with these folks on the City Council,”

LOCALNEWS

said Councilman Bob Kellar, who is preparing to serve the fourth year of what he’s said will be his fifth and final term.

Alongside his family and friends, gavel in hand, Smyth said in 2020, Santa Clarita will see several projects come alive, including the new fire station at Golden Valley Road, the opening of the new Canyon Country Community Center and the Laemmle Theatre in Newhall and the addition of four, multi-use fields at Central Park.

McLean concluded her fourth term as mayor by noting the highs and lows of 2019.

“I will look back at 2019 as a year of great accomplishments in our city mixed with great sadness,” McLean said, “but also as a time when we came together and supported each other like never before.”.

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Have a happy and safe holiday season

By City Manager Ken Striplin

T

he winter season is a special time in Santa Clarita, and this year more than ever, residents are cherishing their time with loved ones.

There are celebrations with friends and coworkers, while children and family return home for the holidays, filling houses with a joyful, festive spirit.

This time of year is made so that we can spend time with our families, relax and recharge for the New Year ahead. However, it is still important that we keep ourselves and our homes safe and secure.

Over the last year, the community has done an excellent job of staying vigilant and taking steps to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a crime. In addition, under the lead-

ership of Captain Robert Lewis, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station has seen a 21.4% decrease in Part I crimes through September, which includes robbery and assault.

The City is grateful to the Sheriff ’s Department and residents for doing their part to ensure criminals are not able to add your items to their Stolen Collection. By exercising caution and strengthening good habits, your family can continue to help prevent crime.

During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be easy to forget your home security routine. Remember to lock doors and windows at night and before you leave the house, so intruders are unable to access your valuables.

At night, your home’s exterior lights or motion sensors that are part of a security system can be the best deterrent. Additionally, don’t forget to lock your car at night and park in

your garage if there is room. Criminals are more likely to approach homes and vehicles when they think they will have a quick getaway.

When you are away from home — perhaps having a family meal at a restaurant or doing some holiday shopping— park in a well-lit area, hide any valuables in your car out of plain sight and double-check that windows are rolled up and doors are locked.

Home safety and security during the holidays also means inspecting home systems and fixing any issues that are found. This includes cleaning fireplaces and chimneys and having a professional look at your HVAC system before first use to reduce the risk of a home fire.

For those who enjoy decorating their homes for the holiday season, extra attention to a few key components can also go a long way.

Ensure that any extension cords

you use outside are rated for outdoor use. Inside the home, be careful to never overload electrical outlets because doing so could knock out your power or spark a fire.

Assistant Fire Chief Anderson Mackey and the Los Angeles County Fire Department have developed useful tips for residents regarding holiday and décor safety.

These tips can be viewed by visiting fire.lacounty.gov/holiday-decor-safety/.

The City of Santa Clarita encourages residents to take proactive steps to stay safe this winter. I wish you and your family a happy holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

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.

D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

Celebrate the holidays

with theme park fun

I

t’s that special time of year when the magic of the holidays can be found throughout Southern California, especially at the big theme parks. Plan a special day for the family and make memories to last a lifetime.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia Info www.sixflags.com/magicmountain Six Flags Magic Mountain, the “Thrill Capital of the World,” lights up the season even brighter this year during Holiday in the Park. With more than two million lights and seven uniquely themed areas, the park will transform into a spectacularly lit winter wonderland. At 5 p.m. each night the park transforms with the first falling snow of the evening.

The popular holiday-themed food festival, Taste of the Holidays, will run through Dec. 29. From traditional, holiday-inspired culinary delights to surprising and unique non-traditional treats, guests will enjoy a variety of specialty holiday foods.

At Merry Lane, enjoy thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to holiday music, and the magnificent, larger-than-life 30-foot brilliantly lit walk through ornaments. Families can roast marshmallows over a fire pit.

Visit Santa in his home next to Bugs Bunny World until Dec. 24.

Take a step back in time in the Gleampunk District: A Steampunk Holiday experience. Thousands of lights will illuminate the tree-lined streets and planters of the largest themed area of Holiday in the Park.

The Six Flags Plaza area is transformed into Holiday Square with hundreds of thousands of lights and falling snow.

DC Universe comes to life as Rockin’ Universe.

THINGSTODO

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Disneyland Resort is a magical place for creating holiday memories with family and friends. PHOTO CREDIT JOSHUA SUDOCK/DISNEYLAND RESORT

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Drive, Anaheim Info https://disneyland.disney.go.com The Disneyland Resort transforms into the Merriest Place on Earth during the holidays. See the dazzling “World of Color, Season of Light,” a holiday-themed production of this nighttime spectacular that features lights, lasers, water, fire and hundreds of fountains bringing animation to life.

Enjoy beloved holiday traditions and festive cheer, from snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., and the one-of-a-kind transformations that create “It’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday.

At Disney California Adventure Park stroll along Buena Vista Street to view the dazzling, 50-foot Christmas tree that adorns Carthay Circle. The tree and surrounding buildings are decorated with vintage-style ornaments, inspired by Los Angeles as it appeared when Walt Disney arrived in the 1920’s.

At Disneyland Park the “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular and its magical snowfall finale create lasting holiday memories for guests.

Mickey, Minnie, Disney Princesses and Santa celebrate the season in “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a daily procession with floats, music and marching toy soldiers. See Anna, Elsa and Olaf, who bid guests a warm winter welcome from their magical “Frozen” float.

The holiday magic shines brightly with the glow of the shimmering icicles and twinkling lights on Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle.

Knotts Berry Farm

8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park Info https://www.knotts.com/play/merry-farm Every winter, Knott’s Berry Farm wondrously transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm, a Christmas celebration for all ages. Spend the most wonderful time of the year with your family at Knott’s Merry Farm enjoying thrilling holiday attractions, live entertainment, a Christmas Crafts Village, festive food, lavish holiday decorations and nightly snow in Ghost Town.

See classic shows like the Holiday Ice Show featuring Snoopy, the Peanuts Gang, a cast of worldclass ice skaters, the nightly tree lighting ceremony and The Christmas Carol.

Universal Studios Hollywood

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City Info www.universalstudioshollywood.com Share memorable holiday traditions with your friends and family at Universal Studios Hollywood during “Grinchmas.” Visit the park adorned with holiday decorations, holiday-themed food, characters and photo opportunities.

Celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where Hogsmeade is transformed with festive décor and enchanting spirit. And experience The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, a holiday spectacle of dazzling lights and music.

Hear songs of the holiday season from the Holiday Frog Choir of Hogwarts students, accompanied by the smooth bass rumbles of their giant throaty frogs.

Join the Who-tacular festivities with The Grinch, Max and all of Who-ville when Grinchmas returns.

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

SPORTS

Golden Valley hoops coach returns to rebuild

By Diego Marquez Signal Staff Writer

W

hen Golden Valley High opened its doors in 2004, Chris Printz was hired as a head coach to build and establish a winning Grizzlies boys basketball program. This season, Printz makes his return to helm the Grizzlies’ program to try and do this once again.

Fielding just a JV team in the 200405 season, Printz’ Grizzlies varsity coaching career got underway during the 2005-06 season, leading them to a 7-18 overall record.

In 2006, Golden Valley joined the Foothill League and combined to go 25-29 over the next two seasons winning just two league games.

“It was really neat because those were challenging years,” Printz said.

“When we opened the school, the sophomores that came to us had all been cut from freshman teams at the other high schools the year before.

Golden Valley basketball head coach Chris Printz leads his time from the sidelines during his first stint as head coach of the Grizzlies, in 2009.

Printz was hired back to restore the program to the winning ways it enjoyed under his helm. SIGNAL PHOTO

Here they were, not only on a team, but were playing JV. It presented some challenges, but it made what we were able to do more rewarding.”

But in his third season as the Grizzlies’ varsity coach, and fourth

overall with the program, Printz and the Grizzlies took their play to the next level. Winning their first eight games of the season to finish 27-4 overall and 9-1 in Foothill League play, Golden Valley won the school’s first-ever Foothill League title of any kind in 2009.

The program repeated as back-toback champions the following season to finish 24-6 overall and 8-2 in the Foothill League.

“It was great for the kids,” Printz said of the back-to-back titles. “I didn’t have much to do with it, it was just the kids that really wanted it, bought in and played for each other.

It was very rewarding, I still remember the moment at West Ranch when I got to look across the court and see my wife and stare at each other like, ‘Did that just happen?’”

The following season Printz stepped away from the program be-

cause he wanted to spend more time with his family, which included four children.

The following season following Printz’s departure from the program, the Grizzlies went 4-20 overall and finished winless in league play.

“When I stepped down as head coach, I really stepped far away from basketball because I wanted the program to run its own course,” Printz said. “It was hard in terms of the relationships that you have with players, it’s not there anymore. It was a little weird, but it was actually good for me because I got to spend a ton of time with my family and just be dad.”

A year later in June of 2011, Printz was hired to take over the same position at Simi Valley High School.

Printz served as the Pioneers head coach for the next two years accruing a 16-37 record.

Since Printz’s exit in 2010, Golden Valley has only had one winning season (2015-16) and went 3-21 overall last year with their fourth winless league slate over the same span.

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, Printz made his second debut with the program in a season-opening loss to Heritage Christian, Printz has got the players to buy into his philosophy winning the next three contests to match their total wins (three) from last season in the first four games on the year.

“For me, again, it’s that the kids are playing for each other,” Printz said.

“That reminds me of what happened the first time.”

The Grizzlies open up Foothill League play hosting Hart at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

T R AV E L

F

inding the perfect gift for someone who already has it all may be easier when you stop thinking in terms of “things.” A gift that creates an unforgettable experience, like a trip to a special destination, may be more meaningful than a trinket under the tree.

Whether you give a travel gift for someone to enjoy on their own or as a present you share together, a gifted trip provides all sorts of advantages, like making lifelong memories, spending time with families and friends, and using your vacation days for pure enjoyment.

When planning a travel gift, consider popular destinations like these:

City Life in New York City

Discover the intersection of rich history and contemporary city living with a visit to the city of all cities.

Must-see destinations include Central Park, Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle and Fifth Avenue, all of which can be found near the JW Marriott Essex House New York, a luxury hotel located at one of the world’s most exclusive addresses on Central Park South since 1931.

Ski Slopes in Aspen, Colorado

From renowned skiing and snowboarding to picture-perfect dog sledding, a wealth of memorable winter experiences await in Aspen. Visitors can enjoy sporting outdoors or stroll over to historic Aspen where entertainment venues, luxury boutiques and charming restaurants beckon.

From its prime location on the base of Aspen Mountain, The St. Regis Aspen Resort is uniquely situated to experience it all with luxury rooms with custom furnishings, a renowned spa and other special amenities, including 24-hour butler service.

Beautiful Beaches in Key Biscayne, Florida

The nation’s southernmost barrier island, Key Biscayne offers beautiful beaches, wildlife and tranquil parks. Located close to Miami Beach and downtown, this is the location

for those looking for a serene island escape. Families visiting the area can explore the Miami Seaquarium, which features exhibits, shows and a chance to swim with dolphins.

Stretching along the beachfront, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, is the only luxury hotel on the bay.

Desert Exploration in Scottsdale, Arizona

In Scottsdale, the Sonoran Desert landscape is punctuated by mountain views, including famed Camelback Mountain. Visitors can enjoy an immersive experience with hiking, biking, horseback riding or taking in a special eco-tour. Others may delight in exploring the Scottsdale Arts District’s galleries, museums and festivals, as well as the diverse, awardwinning food scene. After a day of activities, The Phoenician, a Luxury

Collection Resort, Scottsdale, allows guests to indulge in unparalleled resort amenities, from a three-level pool complex to an enriching spa, athletic club and golf course.

Arts and Culture in Austin, Texas

The “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is home to more than 250 bars, restaurants, theaters and concert venues. At the epicenter of it all, near the Austin Convention Center, the University of Texas campus and the capitol building, you’ll find W Austin, including its unique Living Room, which features four eclectic areas that provide special experiences.

Visit Marriott.com to explore more ideas for giving the gift of travel this holiday season. (Family Features)

Benefits of Booking Direct When it comes to making travel plans, there are countless resources available. However, booking directly on Marriott.com provides some valuable benefits.

• The best rates are guaranteed.

• Enjoy added benefits if you’re a member of the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program, which gives members access to special member rates, free Wi-Fi, mobile check-in and checkout, the ability to chat with hotel staff and mobile keys.

• Members can redeem points for a free night’s stay or take advantage of other perks, like using points to bid for exclusive experiences.

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

TECHNOLOGY

Safety first, coupon cheats and Apple TV+

wife and I are arguing about Q: My a topic that we trust you have the right answer. Is it OK to mount a new TV over a fireplace?

A I’m so glad you asked this question because, “No, do not mount your TV over a fireplace.” This is a perilous mistake, and people make it all the time.

First off, heat rises, which means that the heat from your hearth may melt the hardware inside your TV. Worse, there’s a remote possibility that the TV can catch fire, and once there’s a flame shooting up the wall, you could very well burn down your entire house. I understand the temptation, of course; the fireplace is a timeless center of attention, and the TV serves much the same purpose.

Why not put these things together?

As it happens, there are many other considerations — perhaps not as destructive — that TV owners often

overlook, such as the height of the TV’s placement and the effects of ambient light. : Is there a trick to finding coupons and promo codes online?

Sometimes I find them. Other times, it’s a waste of time. Help me save!

Q

A Coupons are so much easier than the used to be, back in the days of paper circulars and pairs of scissors.

At the same time, though, digital coupons can be hard to track down; unlike picking up a newspaper and scanning the page for a dotted line, you may spend hours browsing websites for a relevant deal.

Luckily, there’s Honey, a browser extension that helps you quickly search for discounts and BOGOs that might interest you, and it works for multiple browsers. More interesting still, Honey is designed to keep track of fluctuating prices, much the way that, say, Google Flights will alert you to changing fares.

This way, you don’t have to continually refresh a given website in the

hopes that the price will drop; you can wait for Honey to let you know.

The service has become even more powerful since Paypal acquired it.

signed up for AppleTV+. I Q: Idon’t see anything worth watching other than “The Morning Show” with Jennifer Aniston. What am I missing? It’s nothing compared to Disney+.

A What a season for streaming TV! First, Disney+ sent shockwaves

through the entertainment world, releasing hundreds of movies and TV series, much of it hard-to-find classics and original material.

Then there was Apple TV+, which, well, didn’t quite make the same impression.

But Apple TV+ has some real merits, starting with its price point. It’s the cheapest major streaming service on the market right now, at $4.99 per month. The Apple library is nothing to sneeze at, and they hit the ground running with several original series featuring big names, including documentaries by Oprah Winfrey.

Apple TV+ may not have the same immediate, earth-shattering impact as Disney+, but remember how many people were skeptical about the iPad when it first came out.

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.

D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

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 Brooklyn Bar & Grill 25860 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 284-6057 The Cheesecake Factory 24250 Town Center Dr #110, Valencia (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 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 Grilled Cheese Factory 24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 888-1508 Iconic Eats 23460 Cinema Dr, Valencia (661) 481-9404 Islands 24180 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 284-5903 Lazy Dog Cafe 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 253-9996

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

The Local Pub & Grill 26876 The Old Road Stevenson Ranch Ca 91381 661.495.9192 Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 284-5988 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, Cyn Country (661) 252-7883 Route 66 Classic Grill 18730 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 298-1494 Saddle Ranch Chop House 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 383-0173 Salt Creek Grille 24415 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 222-9999 Souplantation 24303 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 286-1260 Stonefire Grill 23300 Cinema Drive, Valencia (661)799-8282 The Old Town Junction 24275 Main Street, Newhall (661) 702-4888 The Social 23329 Lyons Ave, Ste A, Valencia (661) 799-9155 Thelma’s Cafe 22876 Copperhill Drive, Saugus (661) 263-8283 Wing Stop 18547 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-9700 Continued next page

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

DININGGUIDE Continued from previous page

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

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

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

Mimi’s Cafe 24201 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia (661) 255-5520

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

The Old Town Junction 24257 Main Street, Newhall (661) 702-4888 Saugus Cafe 25861 Railroad Avenue, Saugus (661) 259-7886 Way Station Coffee Shop 24377 Main Street, Newhall (661) 255-0222

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

BURGERS/SANDWICHES Bricks 23820 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 286-1091 Brother’s Burgers 20655 Soledad Canyon (661) 299-9278 Burgerim 23740 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 670-8939 Corner Bakery 24290 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 259-2813 Cousins Burgers 19318 Soledad Cyn Rd, Canyon Country (661) 298-4200 Everest Burgers 18645 Soledad Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 252-3412 Final Score 23754 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 254-6557 Firehouse Subs 23630 Valencia Blvd. Valencia (661) 255-3473 Five Guys 24201 W, Valencia Blvd #3672, Valencia (661) 255-0981 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069

Panini Palace 23120 Lyons Ave., Santa Clarita (661) 678-0552 Pita Pit 28253 Newhall Ranch Road (661) 702-9977 Red Robin 27063 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 260-2411

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

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

Hidden Havana Cuban Cafe

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

(661) 254-4460

23548 Lyons Avenue, Newhall

DELICATESSEN

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

Bob’s Country Meats 19012 Soledad Cyn Rd, Canyon Country (661) 251-5995

Submarina California Subs 26517 Carl Boyer Drive, Canyon Country (661) 259-4782

Cathy’s Delicatessen 23120 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 288-2217

The Habit 25948 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 291-1575 23120 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 678-0552 Tiny’s Submarine Sandwiches 27251 Camp Plenty Rd, Canyon Country (661) 251-5885

CHINESE China Express 19417 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-8783 Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-254-0351 Golden Wok Restaurant 16668 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 424-0888 Grand Panda 23802 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 253-1898 27924 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 297-9868 Mandarin Wong Chinese Restaurant 23758 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-5823 Moon Wok 23460 Cinema Drive Suite H, Valencia (661) 288-1898 New Moon 28281 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 257-4321 Pei Wei Asian Diner 24250 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-600-0132

Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-6261 The Sandwich Shop 25530 W. Avenue Stanford, Valencia (661) 257-4811

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

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

INDIAN An Indian Affaire 23360 W. Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 288-1200 Karma Restaurant, Bar & Lounge 23460 Cinema Drive, Valencia (661) 288-0080 Royal Tandoor 26532 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 263-7100

ITALIAN Bella Cucina Ristorante Italiano 27911 Seco Canyon Rd, Saugus (661) 263-1414

D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

Buca di Beppo 26940 Theater Drive, Valencia (661) 253-1900 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 259-6261 Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-3895 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

JAPANESE & SUSHI

Achita Sushi 22913 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 476-5522 Bonsai Garden 19358 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn 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 26526 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-673-5200 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

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

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

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

Shogun Sushi Japanese Restaurant 26807 Seco Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 513-0015

Zankou Chicken 24463 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia (661) 705-7265

Sushi 661 26850 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita (661) 252-983 Sushi Song Japanese Restaurant 22896 Copper Hill Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 297-5659

KOREAN & MONGOLIAN

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

MEDITERRANEAN Cafe O 20655 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 424-0401 Flame & Skewers 25870 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 799-7538 Grill Kabob 27653 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 263-7445 Kebab House 24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 799-5844

MEXICAN

Azul Tequila 25387 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 254-5500 El Trocadero Mesquite Grill & Cantina 24274 Main Street, Newhall (661) 284-6615 La Charrita Restaurant 24225 Main St, Newhall (661) 288-1204 La Cocina Bar & Grill 28022 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 297-4546 Las Rocas Mexican Grill 27923 Sloan Canyon Road Castaic (661) 257-6905 Medrano’s Mexican Restaurant 19319 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 367-4945

PIZZA

Ameci Pizza & Pasta 28013 Seco Canyon, Santa Clarita (661) 296-6131 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-3895 Pieology Pizzeria 28295 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia (661)678-0234 Pizza Di Marco 27674 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia 661-295-8769

POLISH

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

THAI

Original Thai BBQ Restaurant 27530 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 257-6421

VIETNAMESE

Pho Sure 23876 Copper Hill Drive, Valencia (661) 257-3888

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

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

Los Lobos returns to the Santa Clarita Valley

By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

L

os Lobos has much to be grateful for this holiday season. The band is coming up on five decades of music, and still tours regularly with a passionate following at each show.

“We’re a Mexican-American band, and no word describes America like ‘immigrant,’” according to Louie Pe-

rez, the “poet laureate” and primary wordsmith of Los Lobos, according to Canyon Santa Clarita’s site. “Most of us are children of immigrants, so it’s perhaps natural that the songs we create celebrate America in this way.”

Los Lobos has been called “the progenitors of Chicano rock ‘n’ roll, the first band that had the boldness, and some might even say the naiveté, to fuse punk rock with Mexican folk

tunes,” according to a previous article.

“It was a group called Los Lobos that had the unusual idea of putting an accordion, a saxophone and something called a bajo sexto alongside drums and Fender Stratocaster guitars and then blasting a ranchera-flavored folk tune or a Conjunto inspired melody through double reverb amps at about twice the volume you’d normally expect to hear.”

Make sure you don’t miss Los Lobos when the band comes to Canyon Santa Clarita on Dec. 28.

Find the Canyon Santa Clarita on the ground floor of the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Get tickets at the box office 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday, by phone at (888) 645-5006, or via Ticket Master.com. For more info, visit Where musicmeetstheSoul.com.

D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 21

Michele makes … Hanukkah desserts

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

3/4 cups caramel sauce 2 tbsp. milk

O

il played a significant role in the Hanukkah story, the small jug of oil that miraculously provided fuel for the Temple Menorah for eight days. It is tradition to eat foods that use oil and dairy during Hanukkah. I recently reconnected with an old college friend who shared a few of the easy desserts she makes every year to celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah.

Caramel Glazed Applesauce Donuts Drop donuts 2 1/2 2 1/2 1 1/2 1/4 3 1/2 1/4 2 1 1 1/4

cups flour tsp. baking powder tsp. pumpkin pie spice tsp. salt tbsp. soft butter cup white sugar cup brown sugar eggs cup unsweetened applesauce tsp. vanilla extract cup milk Oil for frying Caramel glaze: 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar

FOOD

1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam

Whisk the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt together in a bowl. Set aside.

With a hand mixer cream butter and sugars together until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beat until smooth. Add applesauce and vanilla extract. Mix. Add in the flour mixture, in small amounts, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix, your donuts will be tough.

Let dough sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before rolling out on a floured surface. Roll 1/2-inch thick, then cut out 3-inch circles using a round cookie-cutter.

Heat oil in a pot or deep fryer to 370 F. Fry discs until each side is a deep brown. Test to ensure inside is not doughy.

Cool donuts on a paper towel. Then, fill cooled donuts using a squeeze bottle with jam.

Heat three to four inches of oil in a deep, heavy bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375 F.

Tip Warm jam in microwave for 30 seconds to make it easier to squeeze into donuts).

Drop batter, one tablespoon at a time, into the oil.

Don’t overcrowd the pot, only cook four to five donuts at a time. Fry until golden brown, flipping once halfway.

Sprinkle donuts with powdered sugar.

Remove cooked donuts from oil with a slotted spoon and set on a paper towel lined plate to cool.

Mix ingredients for caramel glaze in a small bowl.

Dip cooled donuts into glaze.

Easiest Sufganiyot (Jelly Donuts)

One roll of store-bought regular biscuit dough (not the flaky biscuit kind) Oil for frying Powdered sugar

Gelt Fudge

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 tsp. vanilla 1/4 tsp. salt Combine chocolate chips and condensed milk in bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. If more time is required, continue heating in increments of 10 seconds. Stir in vanilla and salt. Spread into a dish lined with waxed paper. Refrigerate for 1/2 hour. Cut fudge into desired shapes and wrap in foil. Refrigerate fudge until ready to eat.

Recipes courtesy Miriam Hersh

1. Use a tablespoon measuring spoon of dough, or use about half a tablespoon of dough using a standard tablespoon for each Caramel Glazed Applesauce Donut.

2. Drop dough into fryer.

3. Wait for dough to turn a golden, or deep brown before removing from fryer. Test the first donut to make sure it is completely cooked.

4. Make a caramel glaze with powdered sugar and caramel sauce.

5. Drop Caramel Glazed Applesauce Donuts into the caramel glaze.

6. For Easy Jelly Donuts, fill a squeeze bottle with jam and pipe jam into donuts.

7. Fill Easy Jelly Donuts with jam and cover with powdered sugar.

8. A plate of Easiest Sufganiyot (Jelly Donuts) and Caramel Glazed Applesauce Donuts.

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

= Family Friendly Event

ONGOING Daily through Jan. 12 Join the L.A. Kings for their Holiday Ice Rink. Make the most out of the holiday season by skating with your family and friends at Westfield Valencia Town Center. Skate rental included in general admission ticket. General admission $17, Seniors and children 6 and below $14.

24201 West, Valencia Blvd, Valencia. Info: lakingsholidayice.com/westfield-valencia/ Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. California farmers and specialty food purveyors come together rain or shine, to bring you a farmers’ market with the finest in fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, including organic, baked goods, flowers, herbs, cheeses and prepared foods. Old Town Newhall, 24500 Main St., Newhall. Info: oldtownnewhall. com/old-town-newhall-farmers-market Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to noon The Santa Clarita Certified Farmers’ Market offers locals a breakfast prepared onsite from one of the market’s several food vendors, or you can try some of our wonderful artisan bakery products. Open yearround, rain or shine. College of the Canyons, Parking Lot 5, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: vccfarmersmarkets.com/ santa-clarita Mondays, 11-11:45 a.m. Want a more enchanting way to read with your child? Join House of Bounce for Princess Storytime. Foster a lifelong love of reading as your child joins a live character guest for stories, bubbles, dancing and crafts. 24201 Valencia Blvd #2312,

WIN!

Valencia, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ events/2033908346914148/?event_time_ id=2033908453580804 Thursdays, 4-9 p.m. The Vegan Exchange SCV at Wolf Creek Brewery is a weekly 100% vegan market featuring local food, beverage, apparel, cosmetics and lifestyle vendors.

Pocock Brewing Company, 24907 Ave. Tibbitts, Suite B, Santa Clarita. Info: veganexchange events.com/vxscv Fridays, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. House music all night long. Alchemy presents Casa de House Friday Nights at Alchemy Valencia.

Enjoy the DJs Monaco DJ and Gatsby.

Alchemy Valencia, 24501 Town Center Drive, Suite 101, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ events/511923576223628/?event_time_ id=511930999556219 Saturdays, 10:30-11:45 a.m. Come and enjoy group drumming with your family at our Kids Rhythm Club. Our 45 minute drumming session helps build self-confidence, self-esteem, expands the musical imagination and nurtures creative thinking. All ages and levels of ability are welcome. Drums and percussion instruments provided at no extra cost and reservations are not required. Adults $5, kids 12 and under free. Remo Music Center, 28101 Industry Drive, Valencia. Info: remo.com/experience/post/ kids-rhythm-club-remo-music-center-2 Third Friday of the month, 7-9 p.m. Join The Open Book at open mic night for a night of talent and good company. Come watch the local talent, or if you are a performer, sign up. Slots are for 15 minutes and performance material must be original and family-friendly.

WIN!

WIN!

CONGRATULATIONS to Cathy Gero for correctly identifying Bedder Mattress on page 15 Identify this advertiser and the page number in this week’s issue, and you will be entered to win a $100 gift certificate for a local restaurant. One game and one winner each week.

Mail your entry to The Signal – Contest 26330 Diamond Place | Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Or email contest@signalscv.com Advertiser: ______________________________Page # ______ Name: _____________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________ This week’s entries are due Wed. December 18 Winner to be announced in 2 weeks.

19188 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita.

Info: (661-255-1400) Third Saturday of the Month, 6-10 p.m.

Join the monthly Deaf Social. Come and eat, play games and socialize. Starbucks, 25918 McBean Parkway, Valencia. Info: facebook. com/events/2307889265908176/?event_ time_id=2307889295908173

EVENTS BY DATE Sunday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season at GIlchrist Farms’ Holidays at the Farm.

Santa and elves will help celebrate all day with live music, food, craft vendors, make and take crafts, pony rides, horse rides, festive petting zoo, caroling wagon rides, archery, giant slide, hot chocolate bar, goats in sweaters and more. Activities prices $5-$10 per activity.

30116 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita.

Info: gilchristfarm.com/holiday-hoedown Sunday, Dec. 15, 2-4 p.m. A “Cowboy Christmas Carol” is a rip-roarin’ twist on the classic Dickens tale. Music, dancing, and lots of holiday spirit you won’t want to miss. Don your cowboy boots and cowboy hat and mosey on down. The MAIN, 24266 Main St., Santa Clarita. Info: atthemain.org Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 p.m. “The Nutcracker” is a classic program and favorite holiday tradition for Santa Clarita Valley families and patrons of the arts throughout Southern California. The company beautifully illustrates E.T.A. Hoffman’s timeless story, complete with beloved characters, magical staging, exquisite costumes, and the recognizable musical score by Peter Tchaikovsky. $32-$38.

Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon, Santa Clarita. Info: app. arts-people.com/index.php?show=107330 Sunday, Dec. 15, 6 p.m. Join Fil-Am of SCV for our annual Christmas Potluck Party. The theme of this year’s party is Disney.

There will be plenty of food, games and entertainment for the whole family.

Santa Claus will be there, too! Bring your favorite dish to share. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Hall, 23233 Lyons Ave., Santa Clarita. Info: filamofscv.org/events/events Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m.

There’s no better way to celebrate the magic of the season than with everyone’s favorite holiday classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas Live.” Adapted from Charles M. Schulz’s timeless story of the spirit of Christmas, the production features the unforgettable music of Vince Guaraldi. $39-49.

Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/events/2793829220646830/ FF Thursday, Dec. 19, 7-9:30 p.m. Come to opening night of “Cracked Nuts! 2: The Magic of Christmas,” an all new show featuring master illusionist Rod Raven as Rod The Elf, a holiday spectacle. $32.50.

Wolf Creek Brewery, 25108 Rye Canyon Loop, Valencia, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ events/544526366326596/?event_time_ id=544526372993262 Friday, Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m. The Silvertone Singers will host a December concert featuring traditional holiday songs. Sing along and reminisce to holiday tunes old and new made famous by Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Barbara Streisand, Michael Bublé, Mel Tormé, Charlie Brown & Friends, as well as many others. Bella Vida Senior Center, 27180 Golden Valley Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: calendar.santa-clarita.com/ event/silvertone_singers_traditional_ holiday_music Saturday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come to the Hart Museum Open House and “Day of the Art” where we focus on William S. Hart’s art collection. We will be engaging our guests additionally by offering pop up chats, displays, and hands-on activities. Learn what to look for when viewing a painting. 24151 Newhall Ave., Santa Clarita Info: calendar.santa-clarita.com/event/ hart_museum_open_house_-_the_day_ of_the_art Saturday, Dec. 21, noon to 4 p.m. Brave New World Comics is set to host their third-annual TMNT Day. This year, the shop is set to celebrate the release of issue No. 100 of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” with an in-store signing with artist David Baron. The signing is set to also highlight an original, never-before-published black-andwhite piece by Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman. 22722 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita. Info: calendar.santa-clarita.com/ event/brave_new_world_comics_-_ teenage_mutant_ninja_turtles_events#.

Xe6gdy2ZM1I Saturday, Dec. 21, noon. Come to Reyes Winery for a special holiday wine pairing and tasting. Featured wines include chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, amber chardonnay, white delight and les deux rois. Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. $30. 10262 Sierra Highway Santa Clarita. Info: reyeswinery.square.site/product/2019holiday-pairing-tasting-event/1?cs=true

D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 23

K I D S & FA M I LY

How to declutter your child’s room to make way for play

W

hile all the gear, clothes and toys your kids possess are signs of a joyful childhood, keeping it all organized is essential for health, safety and even fun.

“Too many toy choices that are unorganized can make it difficult to find a toy to play with at all,” says Keri Wilmot, pediatric occupational therapist and an expert contributor to TheGeniusofPlay.org. “What’s more, the chaos can pose various safety hazards.”

Organization is more conducive to playtime, which is why Wilmot and The Genius of Play, an initiative whose mission is to raise awareness about the importance of play and help parents make it a critical part of raising kids, are offering eight tips to clean up the inevitable clutter: Provide bins Use bins to help kids organize toys, art supplies and games, keeping size in mind — the bigger the bin, the harder it is to locate specific toys or objects. While clear bins are great for closets by making it easy for kids to identify their contents, color-coded or decorative bins are more visually appeal-

like kitchens and playhouses offer up fun, they can take up a lot of playroom real estate. Opt for alternatives that can be taken down when not in use, like pop-up tents, tunnels and playhouses.

Schedule clean-up Set a clean-up schedule that gives kids a role in sorting and putting items back into their correct places. Make a game of it by turning on tunes and seeing who’s the fastest.

PHOTO CREDIT ©ANNANAHABED / ISTOCK VIA GETTY IMAGES PLUS

ing options for the playroom.

Make smart furniture choices Shelving lets children see what’s available to play with, however toys that require adult assistance are best stored in closed bins inside a cabinet or closet that’s inaccessible to kids. Closed cabinets have the added benefit of reducing the appearance of clutter. Make sure to secure shelves or furniture to the wall for safety so they can’t tip over.

Rotate toys Rotating toys’ placement inside storage areas will remind

kids of all the fun toys they have, and is an excellent boredom-prevention tool.

Donate Before holidays, birthdays or other occasions when kids are showered with gifts, talk to your child about what toys are no longer used, and give them a second life by passing them on to a neighbor or friend with a younger child or by donating them to a charitable organization. Throw away any toys that are broken, hazardous or recalled.

Use space wisely While big toys

Get toys off the floor Stepping on certain toys can be painful. A childsized table offers a stable surface for building brick structures and other creations, plus it gets small toys off the floor.

Use walls Maximize space and creativity by installing a whiteboard or chalkboard to use as an art surface.

Walls are also a good place to store shelving for books. (Statepoint) Parents searching for more play ideas and expert tips like these can visit TheGeniusofPlay.org or follow @ GeniusofPlay on Facebook and Instagram.

Simple STEM activities to do for pre-K to school-age Winter is the season for family gatherings and breaks from school and work, but all this time indoors can lead to a serious case of cabin fever for both children and adults.

Before you face another chorus of “I’m bored,” consider these simple activities you and your child can do together when winter weather or schedules have you stuck indoors.

Each activity idea from the experts at KinderCare can help children build foundational skills they’ll need for success in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) areas so you can combine fun and learning.

Infants

Most babies love sensory baskets, and it’s easy to make one at home.

Fill a basket or low-sided container with materials in a variety of shapes, textures, weights, smells and sounds for your baby to explore. While your baby explores the materials and

develops hand-eye coordination, describe he or she is doing, seeing, feeling, hearing or tasting to help build his or her vocabulary.

Toddlers

Show your toddler how to make ramps by stacking blocks or small cardboard boxes and placing one edge of a piece of cardboard on top. Invite your child to gather toy vehicles or balls and other objects to see how they roll. Gather objects that will roll and a few that won’t. Encourage your child to ask questions and experiment with ramps of different heights. These experiments can help develop your child’s understanding about how different objects behave on inclines.

Preschool (3-4-year-olds)

Invite your child to observe from a safe distance as you boil 1 cup red cabbage in 2 cups water. As the water turns purplish, drain it into a clear container. After the water cools,

invite your child to measure a small amount of white vinegar and stir it in while observing what happens as additional vinegar is added. Next, have your child measure a small amount of baking soda or milk and stir it in to observe even more changes. Exploration, experimentation and observation are all key STEM skills.

Pre-K (4-5-year-olds)

Gather a variety of craft items, building toys and recycled materials like construction paper, markers, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, fabric scraps, glue sticks, scissors, blocks, interlocking toys, paper towel rolls, tissue boxes, lids and plastic food containers. Place the materials you’ve gathered in a bag.

Give your child the “tinker bag” and some space to build. Invite him or her to explore the materials, create something and share it with you as a way to build engineering skills and curiosity.

Limiting the number of materials

children have to work with can often create more opportunities for problem solving and innovation.

School Ages

Gather a few containers from your recycle bin, such as plastic food containers, tin cans or cracker boxes.

Talk with your child about how some things typically thrown away or recycled can be reused for the same purpose or a new one. When items are reused, the amount of waste that ends up in landfills is reduced. Invite your child to select one of the containers and decide on a new use for it.

When your child is finished creating something new using on-hand craft materials, ask him or her to share the innovation with you. Give them feedback in the same way engineers do by giving a compliment, asking a question or offering a suggestion.

For more activity ideas, visit kindercare.com. (Family Features)

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Make and give beeswax candles

R

olling sheets of beeswax into beautiful candles is a safe and easy way to make unique, attractive and appreciated holiday gifts with your children.

The steps for making these candles are simple: Cut, press with fingers and roll! Even 4- and 5-year-olds will be thrilled when they touch the honeycomb texture and discover that they can make their own candle in a snap, once the beeswax is cut to size.

The steps require no melting other than that provided by your warm breath!

Here’s what you need to make four 4-inch-tall candles: • One sheet of beeswax (available in

8-inch-by-16-inch sheets) • Ruler • Scissors or a pizza cutter • Candlewicks (available at craft stores) • Ribbon, gift tags for gift-giving

natural shades and colors at candle and craft stores or online, typically in

Here’s the fun: To make four 4-inch-tall candles, use scissors or a pizza cutter to cut the sheet of beeswax into four rectangles measuring 4 inches by 8 inches.

(Assist young children.)

Place one beeswax rectangle on the working table. Lay a 5-inch wick on the short edge of the beeswax with 1 inch hanging over one edge. Using the tips of your fingers, gently but firmly roll the beeswax forward over the wick. Be sure it is tight. Here’s

CLIP N SAVE Elementary School Menus Menus courtesy of Santa Clarita Valley School Food Services which serves these school districts: Castaic USD • Newhall USD • Saugus USD • Sulphur Springs USD

(choice of one entree, seasonal fruit and milk)

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

Monday, Dec. 16

Banana Muffin & String Cheese Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

Rodeo Roundup Burger & Spicy Curly Fries Chicken Nuggets Cheesy Stix & Marinara Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar

Tuesday, Dec. 17

Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Turkey Taco Dippin’ Chicken Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar

Breakfast Bagel Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Fruit Juice

Hot Dog (turkey) on a Bun Dippin’ Chicken PBJ Sandwich & String Cheese Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Celebration Cookie

Skillet Omelet & Tortilla Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Strawberry Splash Mini Pancakes Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

Orange Chicken w/ Rice Corn Dog-chicken Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Sno Jo Frozen Fruit Cup Toasty Grilled Cheese Sandwich Popcorn Chicken Smart Choice Pizza Manager’s Choice Seasonal Salad Bar

Wednesday, Dec. 18 Thursday, Dec. 19 Friday, Dec. 20

where you might add a little warm breath on the wax. It will soften so that the first roll is snug.

Now, roll the wax over and over down to the end until it forms a candle. Done!

Hold the candle upright, and push the end opposite the wick lightly down on the table to flatten the base.

Trim wick. Make several candles for gift-giving. Simply tie them together with ribbon and tuck in a gift bag with a personalized tag.

You may wish to save one or two for your own family, and light at your holiday dinner to make the occasion extra festive. Don’t forget to let your children blow them out when the meal is over; it’s one of those little things they will always remember.

Extra decorative tip Cut out small shapes from beeswax sheets in contrasting colors and press them onto the outside of the candles.

NOTE When burning candles, an adult should always be present to supervise.

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.” © 2019 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

Celebrate Hanukkah

across Santa Clarita and Los Angeles

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

C

elebrate the Jewish “festival of lights” with a variety of events throughout Southern California.

This year Hanukkah will begin the evening of Dec. 22 and conclude the evening of Dec. 30. Traditionally, the Jewish eight-day, wintertime celebration includes a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods.

Hanukkah Festival

Dec. 15 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles Info www.skirball.org/programs/ festival/hanukkah-festival Celebrate Hanukkah with music, dance, storytelling, art making and tasty treats.

Get in the holiday spirit at the annual Hanukkah Festival with musical performances by Klezmer Juice, hear classic Hanukkah tunes and folk music by fiddler and accordionist duo Zingarella and be dazzled by capoeira performed by Dana Maman and Friends.

Create a one-of-a-kind art project or make a delicious treat with Maite Gomez-Rejón (ArtBites). Be inspired as Noah’s Ark storytellers recount the ageold tale of Hanukkah and join a special Hanukkah sing-along. Listen to author Alan Silberberg read his book “Meet the Latkes.”

See the Hanukkah lamps on display in Visions and Values. And explore Noah’s Ark at the Skirball (limited one-hour tickets available on site only on a first-come, first-served basis).

Enjoy special Hanukkah dishes, such as latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts).

Hanukkah Storytime at Valencia Library

Dec. 17 10 a.m.

Santa Clarita Public Library 23743 Valencia Blvd., Valencia Info http://santaclaritalibrary.evanced. info/signup/Calendar Temple Beth Ami hosts Storytime at the Valencia Library, VA Meeting Room. It’s Hanukkah Music Time with Wendee. This program is highly interactive and geared

for the young and young at heart. March like the Maccabees, sway like candles and make pretend potato pancakes. Meet Hildie the Hanukkah Hippo, sing and dance and learn the story behind many Hanukkah traditions.

Refreshments served.

Santa Clarita Jewish Community Party Dec. 22, 5 p.m.

Westfield Valencia Town Center (inside mall in front of JCPenney) 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia Info www.templebethami.org Join friends, family and community leaders in Santa Clarita to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah as the largest menorah in the Santa Clarita Valley is lighted. Music, fun and refreshments.

Chanukah Celebration Dec. 22 2:30-5:30 p.m.

The Original Farmers Market 6333 West 3rd St., Los Angeles Info: www.farmersmarketla.com/events/ eventDetail/Chanukah-Celebration-/189 Bring the family and celebrate the first night of Chanukah with music, arts and crafts, the building of a giant Lego menorah and a special menorah lighting ceremony. All activities take place on the Market Plaza.

Hanukkah Concert

Dec. 22 4-6 p.m.

Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles Info www.sinaitemple.org/event/ hanukkah-concert Join Cantor Marcus Feldman, Cantorial Intern David Childs, the Los Angeles Zimriyah Chorale, led by Nick Strimple, the LA Jewish Community Children’s Choir/Sinai Temple Youth Choir, led by Dr. Michelle Green Willner and special guests for a Hanukkah concert. Featuring holiday songs and other festive melodies. Sufganiyot served following the concert. Free for all, registration and ticket required.

Chanukah Party and Storytime

Dec. 23, 7 p.m.

Barnes & Noble, Creekside Place, 23630 Valencia Blvd., Valencia Info www.templebethami.org Temple Beth Ami hosts a Chanukah Party and Storytime at Barnes & Noble Booksellers. Fun for all ages. Special Chanukah story and music followed by refreshments.

Menorah Lighting

Dec. 23 6 p.m.

Stevenson Ranch Menorah, Stevenson Ranch Parkway and Holmes Place.

Info www.templebethami.org Gather with members of the community to see the lighting of the Stevenson Ranch menorah.

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

Family holiday traditions around the globe

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

E

very family has special, and varied, holiday traditions. Some families open gifts on Christmas Eve. Other families have a strict “No Gifts Opened Until Christmas Morning” rule. Some families will open one gift on Christmas Eve, the rest on Christmas morning.

In my family, my grandmother would present us (her six grandchildren) with a special, handmade ornament. These cherished heirloom ornaments are still loved and hung on our trees with care … as they have been for more than 50 years.

Around the world, Christmas is celebrated in many different ways, with many different traditions.

As families grow, add and lose members, traditions change, but it is also important to pass family traditions down to new generations.

France

for many, the most important Christmas decoration. The nativity scene display, with a crib filled with straw, originated in Italy.

Children then eager await Babbo Natale (Father Christmas) to hand out presents to children on Christmas Day. Christmas celebrations in Italy can last several weeks from early December to Jan. 6.

As in much of Europe, families celebrate St. Nicholas Day on Dec. 6. Children write letters to St. Nicholas asking for gifts and hang a stocking, or put a plate on the table, to receive small gifts.

Father Christmas, brings presents to children on Christmas Eve, but gifts between family members are exchanged on Jan. 6, the Day of Epiphany.

Food is an important part of an Italian Christmas. The traditional Christmas cake, the panettone, is often compared to fruitcakes because it is made with raisins and candied fruits. The sweet, yeast cake has a bright yellow color. In Italy, Christmas Eve dinner is traditionally a light meal, with no meat and a lot of seafood

Germany In France it is said the first decorated Christmas tree appeared in the Alsace region in the 14th century. In many regions in France, Christmas celebrations start with St Nicholas day on Dec. 6. Children receive sweets and little gifts.

On Christmas Eve, children put their polished shoes out in front of the chimney and hope Père Noël (Father Christmas) fills the shoes with sweets.

As in America, presents are exchanged on Christmas Day.

Italy

In Italy, a nativity scene, “Presepe,” is put up in churches, town squares and often in homes. This is,

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, festive Christmas markets are set up on main squares in many German cities. Christmas markets and stalls sell traditional holiday German fare such as Christmas stollen, hot and sticky sweet roasted almonds, Lebkuchen hearts (gingerbread hearts) and other Christmas sweets Homes are decorated with fairy lights and festive ornaments, however, the Christmas tree is not installed and decorated until Christmas Eve morning.

Gifts are traditionally exchanged on Christmas Eve with large family celebrations held on Christmas Day and the day after Christmas.

Among the many Christmas traditions in German is the lighting of the Advent wreath. Typically, families decorate an Advent wreath with four red candles. On every Advent Sunday, one more candle is lit until all candles are alight.

Left: In Italy, a nativity scene is central to holiday decoration. The nativity scene display, with a crib filled with straw, originated in Italy. Right: Throughout Europe, town squares turn into magical Christmas villages or markets with choirs, shops and local foods.

Many Germans display a traditional wooden Christmas pyramid in their homes. This pyramid is a little carousel with angels and a nativity scene spread across several levels. The carousel spins with the help of the heat from lit candles that set the mechanism in motion. This tradition originated in eastern Germany and dates back to the middle ages.

England

In England, most people start decorating for the holidays in midNovember.

Many homeowners collect donations from visitors to aid charities.

Yule log blazing on the hearth.

They decorate their homes with holly, ivy, and other evergreens and hang a mistletoe “kissing bough.”

Norway

Children in Norway wait for Julenisse, the Norwegian Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, Julenisse brings presents to children.

Philippines

In the Philippines there is a special tradition of having a Christmas lantern, which is called paról.

The lantern is star-shaped, a tribute to the star of Bethlehem, and made out of bamboo and paper.

Australia

In Australia, the Christmas season is in the summer. Families often celebrate the holiday with a picnic at the beach and sing Christmas carols.

Brazil

In Brazil, nativity scenes are popular décor. The Papai Noel, or Father Christmas, travels from Greenland to Brazil to give presents to Brazilian children. In Brazil, you say Bom Natal or Boas Festes to wish friends a “Merry Christmas.”

D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 27

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 29

GIFTGUIDE

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

HOME

Holiday décor trends inside your home

The joy of Christmas is emphasized with light. Strings of colorful lights aren’t just for the Christmas tree.

String cool LED lights along your ceiling and walls, then turn off the house lights to create a magical holiday atmosphere. White twinkle lights outlining cabinets, doorsills and windowsills, inside the home, add a fun and festive glow. Don’t forget to add white lights to your decorating garland up the stairs and draping the fireplace mantle.

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

N

othing says “Christmas” like a beautifully decorated tree ablaze in lights, and heirloom ornaments.

It is the centerpiece of all holiday decorating. However beautiful your Christmas tree, holiday decorating can go above and beyond just a majestic tree.

A survey of home decorating experts provides a list of the most popular indoor holiday decorating ideas for 2019.

Accents

Nature

Let nature inspire you decorating.

Use fresh garland around the fireplace, along stair railings and doorsills. Add pine cones, bark, twigs and logs to your décor scheme. Fresh wreaths on the front door, and hanging above the fireplace, or any wall you want to draw focus, is a must for every home. Assemble pine cones, using a hot glue gun, into a small tree shaped centerpiece for your table.

Fill vases with limbs from fir, cedar

or pine trees and hang with a few lightweight ornaments. Add wooden candle holders and decorative lanterns to complete the rustic, home-in-thewoods feel.

Nutcrackers

It’s the year of the nutcracker. Decorative nutcrackers in all sizes, colors

and styles are “in” for 2019. Decorative nutcracker figurines most commonly resemble a toy soldier. Modern nutcrackers are primarily decorative, and not functionally useful to crack nuts. Many nutcrackers are highly ornate. Pick the nutcrackers that “speak” to your individual decorating style. In German tradition, the dolls are symbols of good luck, frightening away malevolent spirits.

Add blue

Yes, green, red and gold may be the traditional festive colors of Christmas, but in 2019 blue has joined the celebration. Add deep midnight blues, aquamarine hues and ceruleans as both main and accent colors. The result brings a touch of whimsy and glamour to traditional holiday color schemes.

Lights, lights, lights

Don’t forget the holiday accents.

Table runners with holiday motifs, throw pillows and candles create a cozy, festive holiday feel to your home.

Sparkle

The holidays are a time to “sparkle,” as well. Sparkle hasn’t gone out of style this holiday season. Try hanging icicle lights inside your home, from stair railings, or from the fireplace mantle. Hang icicle or falling snowflake lights along one wall, in a dining room, for example to give the room a special and unique look. Glittery candle holders are very popular. You can purchase them or make them yourself by spreading glitter glue, or glue and your selected color of glitter on the outside of a clear plain glass of any shape. After the glitter glue dries you can place a battery-operated votive candle inside for hours of beautiful light.

Christmas villages

Since 1976, Department 56 has been the “go-to” manufacturer of Christmas village collectibles. However, Lemax, founded in 1990, has emerged as a strong competitor in the quality Christmas village collectible marketplace. The practice of crafting Christmas villages goes back to the 1700s when people in Poland and parts of central and western Europe incorporated small, handmade buildings into their Christmas decorations.

If you are a serious village collector, or a casual holiday decorator, collectible Christmas village pieces are always a conversation starter.

D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 31

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Safely stringing lights, water wisdom

Richard, I’m happy to know that my experience chasing water has helped your HOA so much. There is always a way to solve a problem, and when you’ve chased water for as long as I have, you tend to understand it and know where the issues stem from, just from the experience.

Please let me know if you need anything else, I’m happy to be doing what I’m doing here, Robert

By Robert Lamoureux Signal Contributing Writer

Hanging lights without damage Hi Robert, I’m ready to put up my Christmas lights, but had the house painted this year — so I’m trying to avoid putting nails into the fascia board again.

I see that there are many different type of light clips available, some go under the roof tiles and others clip around them. Our fascia board goes just about to the edge of the roof tile, so there is nowhere for the base of the clip to grab onto, with regard to the clips that go over the tile. I’ve had people tell me not to use the type that go under the tile, because it can cause damage to the layers of roofing and ultimately cause leaks. This is on the edge of the roof, can these possibly do such damage?

I’m going to go with your recommendation, as I see that you’ve given sound advice to many before me.

Thank you in advance, for your help and expertise, Mark B. Mark, I have very strong opinions about manipulating roofing materials in any way.

Over the years, I’ve seen the simplest of things cause roof leaks, including this very situation.

I know there are plenty of options out there for hanging Christmas lights, and my first choice would be to use gutter clips if you have gutters installed. If your fascia board goes very close to the edge of the roof, why not hang the lights at the base of the fascia? They have clips for this application, too, I believe, just look online.

If you go to one particular store you may not see all options available so I suggest doing your research online and making your decision that way.

You’ll be able to find a retailer or just ordering them online, and normally, you’ll have them within a few days.

I would put a nail in the fascia before I’d manipulate the roofing materials in any way, but I’m confident that there is a clip available for

Having two or more people helping set up lights can be beneficial in both time and safety.

SIGNAL PHOTO

your application. Another thing to do is to drive your neighborhood. Most often homes are built similarly, and if anyone else has their lights up near you, you can either see for yourself or question them on what they’re using.

Best of luck to you on this and Merry Christmas, Robert Water-issue resolution Hi Robert, Thank you for taking my call and giving me the time needed for me to clearly explain the issue at hand. Your advice was spot on and we are well armed for the rains now.

To recap, we have had years of water intrusion issues at one particular unit on our property, due to what was previously unknown reasons.

Due to my call with you, your review of my photos and your recommendation, we have installed the recommended sump pump and the amount of water flowing to that area was reduced by about 60 percent to 70 percent.

The last rain we had was enough water to cause additional concern by the unit owner because water pooled near, however no water entered, their unit.

Following my second call with you and this information, we have enlisted the plumber’s help once again and found that the area drain was not only not sloped properly, but was also impacted with mud.

This was after we paid another contractor to clear the area drains — clearly, we need to contact them for their poor quality work. No wonder the lesser amount of water was still

pooling in the area. Now that the drains have been properly cleared, sloped and tested, we are good to go. I can’t tell you how happy we are to have you as a resource for your knowledge. Thank you from our entire HOA, for what you do to help others.

You’ve saved us thousands of dollars, you’re the best!

Richard T.

Robert Lamoureux has 38 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia.

His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at robert@imsconstruction.com.

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

PETS

Pet health tips for an on-the-go lifestyle

P

eople who lead busy lives often seek convenient and healthy choices when it comes to taking care of their own well-being. For pet parents, a little creativity can make it easy to deliver the same level of care for their beloved pets, even when the pace of life accelerates.

Pet obesity is at an all-time high and pet owners need easy and accessible ways to keep their furry friends healthy, whether they’re on the go with their pets or inside on a busy day trying to keep up with dogs’ and cats’ regular routines. These tips from the experts at Petcurean can help you maximize your schedule for better pet care: Multi-task with your four-legged friend in tow. If you live in a walkable city, take your pet with you while running errands. Pets are welcome at an increasing number of locations, so plan your jaunt accordingly. If your community is more suitable for driving, you can still consider invit-

ing your dog or “adventure cat” to tag along; the fresh air, change of scenery and companionship can do you both some good.

Make time for time. Your attention is among your pet’s chief needs, so find ways to ensure those cravings for affection and attention get met. It may mean allowing your pup to rest next to you while you tap away on a keyboard or letting your cat perch on the counter while you apply your morning makeup. The key is making sure you work some quality time together into every day.

Find simple feeding options. For humans, a busy day may mean a meal gets pushed back or even missed altogether, but you can curb hunger with a quick snack. Pets thrive on routines and schedules and rely on their owners to take care of meal planning, so finding ways to keep their meals on track is extra important. For more convenient feeding, look for a re-closeable option like Petcurean’s Now Fresh and Go! Solutions

wet food recipes, which are available in sustainable, recyclable, BPA-free Tetra Pak cartons with easy-open tear strips. Being 40% more compact than cans, they also take up less space at home or on-the-go. Cooked directly in the package using premium-quality ingredients, the recipes are created with optimal pet nutrition in mind and feature four innovative distinct textures - shredded, minced, stewed and pate - to suit the unique taste preferences of your dog or cat. The food, which can be served as a treat, topper or complete and balanced meal on its own, also better enables combination wet and dry feeding to suit a variety of pet nutrition preferences that can vary by age, breed size and other factors.

Partner with another pet lover. You probably won’t have to look hard to find a friend or neighbor who shares your struggles making time to get your pup the exercise and attention he or she craves. Enlist a dog or cat exercise buddy so you can make

arrangements to take turns walking and playing with each other’s pets along with your own.

Get creative to inspire more activity. Indoor cats can be difficult to exercise and provide enough stimulation. However, easy entertainment isn’t hard to find. Next time you’re at the grocery store, grab a bunch of empty boxes and make your own playground. Place some boxes upright and some on their sides, and toss some catnip and favorite toys in the boxes so your cat can exercise and stay entertained jumping in and out for hours.

Explore more ideas for making pet care work with your lifestyle at Pet curean.com/newsletter-signup. (Family Features)

D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 33

H E A LT H

What to expect as you transition to a healthy diet

F

or many people, the road to a healthy lifestyle begins in the kitchen. People make changes to their diets of their own volition or at the recommendation of their doctors, and those changes can have a profound effect that might surprise even the most devoted of People adopting healthier diets should discuss the possible healthy eaters. side effects with their physicians while recognizing that According to the they are not necessarily a cause for concern.

Center for Advancetoxins that could potentially prove ment in Cancer Education, 90% of hazardous down the road. Doctors all cancer cases can be prevented unfamiliar with patients’ histories through environmental and lifestyle may mistake these rashes for food choices like deciding to eat a healthy diet. In addition, the Office of Disease allergies, so it’s important that patients be open and honest about their Prevention and Health Promotion, medical histories and remind their a division of the U.S. Department of doctors that they are in the process of Health and Human Services, notes changing their diets for the better. that a history of poor eating is one of Colds or fevers Colds or fevers can the biggest contributors to the various nutrition- and physical activity-relat- be another way the body indicates ed health challenges that now face the it’s working hard to cleanse itself.

Fevers should always be monitored U.S. population. closely, even while in the midst of By simply altering their diets to changing one’s diet for the better. But make them more nutritious, millions of people across the globe can signifi- the CACE notes that colds or fevers, while unpleasant, can serve as a natucantly reduce their risk for various chronic diseases, including cardiovas- ral form of housecleaning as the body adjusts to a healthy diet. Persistent cular disease and type 2 diabetes.

People who are committed to eating colds and fevers should be brought to the attention of a physician. healthier should know that changing Additional symptoms Some peodiets can produce some adverse, but ple may experience withdrawal symptypically temporary, side effects. The toms like headaches and irritability as CACE notes that such side effects they transition from unhealthy diets are predictable, as they are essentialto healthy ones. Such symptoms may ly just manifestations of the body’s be more likely to occur among people adjustments as it responds to eating better. People adopting healthier diets who suddenly adopt extreme diets. A gradual transition may help mitigate should discuss the appearance of these symptoms, as can choosing a the following side effects with their less extreme, balanced diet as opphysicians while recognizing that posed to one that demands certain they are not necessarily a cause for foods be avoided entirely right off the concern. bat.

Skin rashes The CACE notes that Choosing to eat a healthier diet is people who have histories of recurring skin rashes or eruptions may ex- a smart move that can pay long-term perience such rashes as they adjust to dividends. But the transition may require people to confront potentially healthy diets. That’s because the skin uncomfortable side effects as their is becoming more active and alive due to the healthy diet and expelling bodies adjust. (MC)

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

TIMERANGER

Happy Birthday to ‘Big’ Bad John (Powell) Hate to break the bad news. But when we time travel to the back canyons of the Santa Clarita of Yesteryear, you can’t shop. Well. You can shop. But you can’t bring back gifts through the time portal. It’s a spatial thing. Too bad, huh? Could Christmas shop for the next 376 yuletides on the Depression-era prices alone.

Enough of the jabberwocky.

We’re burning daylight.

Which some say can cause global warming …

WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• Never been a man like him Back on Dec. 17, 1839, one of the Santa Clarita’s most legendary figures was born in Galway, Ireland. Judge John Powell would lead troops in seven major Civil War battles, free 700 slaves in Africa with Dr. Stanley Livingston and would be the chief jurist for this valley for more than 40 years.

A noted big game hunter, he would also shoot an 11-foot-long mountain lion in Canyon Country, which, I’m told, is still a record for the state.

There’s still a street named after him in Happy Valley here.

DEC. 15, 1919

• Let’s not do this today The Automobile Club urged car owners to etch their names in acid on their autos.

Using a beeswax mold, car owners would etch their names in metal, then apply a half-ounce of nitric acid mixed with one ounce of muriatic acid and chisel their name, address and phone number (if you had one) right on their car.

DEC. 15, 1929

• I hate that when I have to do this today, don’t you? One problem we don’t have much of in the local condominium is shooing gold panners off one’s property. Mrs. Bradish up in Canyon Country way had to use a shotgun to get a large party of prospectors off her land and out of her creek. We hear stories every once in a while of the rangers chasing rascals out of Placerita Canyon. A few years back, one rogue had set up a huge sluice box and was it was likely to change the course of the park’s creek …

• It was called Markley, no malarkey! Our little airstrip — Close by the present-day Granary Square Shop-

were hurt pretty good but bonus, they were only a block-and-a-half away from the hospital on 6th Street.

DEC. 15, 1949

ping Center for the benefit of friend & reader Pat Comey — was called the Markley Ranch and then The Emergency Airport then, kiddingly, Newhall International Airport. On this date, the little strip made it to the big time. With a government-installed well and light tower, the airport was now open 24 hours a day. Old man Markley, who ran the original strip from his farm, was replaced by two civil service engineers.

• DEC. 15, 1939

• Steele’s a stealer Gene Steele was arrested up Haskell Canyon for his part in masterminding a theft ring and kidnapping a 10-year-old girl.

Sheriff ’s deputies later found a note, written in lipstick from the girl’s mother, trying to warn the man that the law was on to him. What a mother.

• You yuppies and condo monkeys don’t try this at home Eighth Street is probably the steepest boulevard in the valley and 70 years ago, they had an old-fashioned runaway vehicle episode — featuring a brace of spirited horses. Four locals were riding a buggy when the pair of lead horses ran away with their passengers — straight down Eighth. The driver, Jeff Owens, climbed over the dashboard of the wagon and onto the back of one of the horses. The horse bucked him off. Now you yuppies picture that.

You’re careening out of control down a hill sharper than a right angle at 50 mph. You leap onto the back of one of the sprinting horses AND he starts bucking. That’s an unasked-for rodeo bargain. The rig made a hard right on Newhall Avenue, throwing Owens and two women toward Palmdale.

The other male rider bailed. All four

• Why it pays to advertise in The Mighty Signal The mystery of all that dog-eating going on near Cowboy Park was solved. Folks in the valley were blaming the disappearance of their canines on some wayward puma. Then, this flier circulated on the SCV’s telephone poles and in The Signal’s small classified section: “A gentleman and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Van Dyke, will pay a $25 reward for the return ALIVE of their pet Central American leopard who answers to the name of ‘Ricky.’” Don’t know about you, but I’m not wandering around the dark SCV chaparral yodeling, “Here Ricky, Ricky, Ricky…”

DEC. 15, 1959

• Not such a Merry Christmas This newspaper’s veteran printer died after ramming his car into a steel pole near the paper.

• Church folk protest the American theater Several Protestants were protesting. Seems the week of Christmas, the local American Theater management was playing the double bill of “The Headless Ghost” and “Horrors of the Black Museum.” By the way.

Semantics-wise, back then, the word, “Black” had nothing to do with African-Americans.

DEC. 15, 1969

• The deep mystery of the Saugus Train Depot For the first time in its history, the Saugus Train Depot got a new color scheme. Since first being built in the late 19th century, the old train station was always yellow with a brown trim. Now, the depot was painted gray with a green trim. Why the change? Jim Guthrie, the station agent, didn’t know who was responsible for the change to his home and office (he and his family lived upstairs; how’s that for getting used to living close to the tracks?). But he suspected that the reason was simply that someone got a really good deal on green and gray paint.

• Me and the horse vote for the Glub-Glub-Glub Club Speaking of changes, it was on this date that the Upper Santa Clarita Valley Water

Agency changed its name to something easier to handle. The state Legislature voted to call it the Castaic Lake Water Agency. Some other names nominated were: Feather River State Water Agency, Newhall Water Agency and Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency.

• The good old days The COC Board of Trustees met. One of the orders of business passed was that there would be “no extremist classes” on the curriculum. We’ll just leave that straight line dangling …

• Hi-Ho, Silver! The 7th annual Newhall Christmas Parade went off without a hitch. Yup. We used to have a big parade that motored down San Fernando Road for years every middle of December. Clayton Moore, the Lone Ranger Himself, was our grand marshal in 1969.

• And yet, everyone could beat the guy one-on-one Gary Ray was the first COC basketball player to score 30 points in a game. He did that in the Cougs’ 77-75 edging of the LABC JV squad.

DEC. 15, 1979

• City paperwork On this date, a local ad hoc committee finished their articles of incorporation to form a new city. Newhall attorney Rick White paid the $15 filing fee and the machinery to form our own city government was set into motion.

• Air assault saves Placerita A brush fire charred 750 acres in Placerita Canyon state park, roaring over hiking trails and picnic spots. A massive air attack by the Fire Department saved the buildings and the fire from spreading.

Thanks so very much for the company, dear saddlepals and saddlepalettes. Merry Darn Christmas and then some. Happy Hanukkah as well.

I’ll be back next week with another exciting Time Ranger adventure. Until then — ¡Shalom lekha y vayan con Dios, amigos, y feliz navidad!

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.

D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 35

SENIORLIVING

Caregivers: how to manage a loved one’s money

T

he number of retirees is on the rise. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau points out that, by 2030, there will be 81.2 million Americans over age 65, and many of them will need help taking care of themselves.

Caregiving is a big responsibility.

One crucial role caregivers may take on involves managing a loved one’s finances. AARP states that acting as a money manager becomes especially important if a loved one begins having trouble keeping a checkbook or becomes confused about money. The Family Caregiver Alliance¨ indicates millions of Americans are managing money or property for a family member or friend who is unable to pay bills or make financial decisions.

Juggling one’s own finances and the responsibilities of another person’s money can take its toll. Here are several ways to navigate these often tricky waters.

• Discuss plans in advance. Have conversations even before an aging loved one needs caregiving. Talking through difficult topics when parents are healthy can simplify decisions later on.

• Open a joint account. Joint back accounts make it easier for caregivers to manage loved ones’ money if the person becomes physically or mentally incapacitated. When necessary, you can step in as a money manager to pay bills, make deposits and withdrawals and monitor ac-

count balances.

• Make legal fiduciary changes.

AARP suggests drawing up legal documents to manage all financial accounts. A power of attorney is a legal document in which one person assigns another the power to make financial decisions on their behalf.

This also protects family interests, so that another relative like a sibling, who may want his or her share of a loved one’s money, will not have access. Documenting fiduciary changes in the letter of the law can serve as a measure of protection against potential problems.

• Put your priorities first. You may end up running yourself emotionally and financially ragged catering to a loved one’s needs. According to a 2015 study from the National Alliance for Caregiving, an estimated 43.4 million American adults provide unpaid care to an adult or child.

Taking repeated time off of work or paying for loved ones’ needs out of your own pocket can take its financial toll. Do not take on unmanageable debt.

• Ask for help. Speak with a financial advisor and/or elder care attorney about the best ways to manage a loved one’s money to ensure an aging parent or child will be provided for.

Arranging assets in certain ways can make individuals eligible for certain benefits.

Managing money is just one of the many tasks associated with being a caregiver. (MC)

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

GARDENING

Holiday shopping for your favorite gardener

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

S

ince we are in the middle of the holiday shopping season, it might not be a bad idea to consider gifts for the gardeners in your life.

For those who would like to avoid the crowds, you might want to consider gift certificates.

Most avid gardeners never have enough plants, decorations, books, supplies or other garden paraphernalia. Plus, there are always new gimmicks and plant varieties to try out every year.

Nurseries, gardening and specialty shops, and home stores are fun to browse. Catalogs and the internet offer an almost limitless supply of choices from costly greenhouse products to bargain seeds.

Speaking of catalogs, new introductions tend to be a bit more expensive,

and when a gardener has a gift certificate, he or she can test out plant varieties that might otherwise seem to be a hard-to-justify expense.

Most gardeners can’t resist being let lose in a store filled with toys for their gardens.

There are a number of retail shops in our Santa Clarita Valley that offer playful décor such as wind chimes, fancy pots, elaborate stepping stones or colorful watering cans.

Check out gift and nick-knack stores to discover interesting objects that can be used as garden décor — whether that was the maker's intended use or not. There are gardening materials for every budget. Even the most practical folks can always use tools. (Although, I have no suggestions as how to wrap a wheelbarrow.)

Garden furniture can be practical, whimsical or artistic and can make a

great gift. There are lots of wrought iron, wood, mosaic or other creative looking containers, trellises and other décor. Small table fountains reflective spheres, glittering glass or shiny copper ornaments make great gifts for patios or gardens.

Smaller items might even fit in a stocking or dangle from a tree branch.

And, there are a limitless number of garden-associated kitchen items painted with flowers or landscapes that might tickle a gardener's fancy.

For the larger gifts, there are archways made of all sorts of materials, fountains, greenhouse kits and storage sheds.

Even children love gardening. They can have their own set of tools and a spot to plant outside in the garden. In the winter, vegetables often offer the best payback. Radishes germinate and

mature very fast, carrots and beets are colorful and loose-leaf lettuce can be harvested and enjoyed in the cool weather.

Although services are often overlooked as gifts during the holidays, you might consider helping out a special friend or family member withe the gift of a lawn service or gardening consultation. You might even consider gifting yourself some help!

House plants are always a welcome gift. We are outdoors so much in Southern California that we often forget about indoor greenery. Especially where the sun bakes hot and the frost piles up in the winter, it can be a challenge to create a tropical or lush feeling in our gardens.

With a little care and imagination, this can be a fun holiday season for gardeners, and shopping need not be a chore.

D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

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D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

Give your mind a workoutwith thesebrainy exercises!

BRAINGAMES

Relax

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CROSSWORD TIME

D E C E M B E R 15, 2019

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

I’ve got a secret … maybe

By Jim Mullen Signal Contributing Writer

I

often hear retired people say, “I’ve never been busier.

I don’t know where all the time goes.”

Well, I know where it goes: It goes to the doctor’s office.

I’m in good health, and checkups and tests still take up a good part of my week. It’s cutting into my golf time and naptime. My friend Charlie went to a doctor last week to look at an old, persistent ankle injury. When the doctor was finished, Charlie also mentioned that his knee was acting up. Oh, no, that needs a different appointment, with a different doctor, in a different part of town. Charlie said it was like having your eye doctor say, “Hey, I don’t do both eyes, just one. You want the other eye, make another appointment.”

Something tells me I’m going to hear from foot doctors about this, but that’s OK. I can dish it out and I can take it. My medical knowledge ends with, “Your ankle bone connected to your leg bone, your leg bone connected to your knee bone” from a song I haven’t heard in 50 years. Modern medicine has probably changed since then, but a doctor is a doctor — they should all know something about a knee, even if it’s not their specialty.

All the doctors’ offices tell you to show up 20 minutes early for your appointment so that you’ll have plenty of time to fill out the same forms you filled out the last time you were there. Yes, it’s important to know if my meds have changed since the last visit. But why they want yet another record of my Social Security number, and to make yet another copy of my driver’s license, is not so clear.

If Google or Facebook asked for that information, there’d be a rebellion, but if your doctor asks for it, sure. What’s the worst that could happen?

What’s that? You say my bank account has been looted by an identity thief? How? They’d have to know my Social Security number, my birthday and my address to do that. Where could they ever get all that information? I don’t even give my ZIP code to stores that still ask for it. Thank goodness my doctor keeps my files, along with hundreds of others, in paper file folders right behind the receptionist’s desk, next to a business-sized copy machine where they’d be hard for anyone to get to. Except, oh, the nightly cleaning crew, that creep the receptionist used to date, the guy who fixes the air conditioning and a few dozen other people who stroll through the office on a regular basis.

And it’s not just my primary doc who has my files: so does my optometrist, my cardiologist, my dentist, the imaging lab and every health care provider I’ve ever seen.

They are doing for my privacy pretty much what a hospital gown does for my backside. Yet it seems the only person who can’t see my very personal and private files is me.

I’m still waiting for the results of tests I took weeks ago. Mum’s the word. There’s a website where I can see the results if I jump through 50 hoops, but when I finally log in and get to the correct page, there are no results listed. Another doctor has the same setup, but it’s on a different site, which means a different login and a different set of five security questions. Who was my best friend in first grade? What was my mother’s maiden name?

Why on Earth would I answer these questions? How many times has my identity been stolen by Eastern European hackers who just love to get their hands on this kind of stuff? This is not protecting my privacy; it’s invading it. There has to be a better way.

Contact Jim Mullen at mullen.jim@ gmail.com.