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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3
How to conserve water as temperatures rise
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pring and summer are synonymous with increased hours of sunlight, warm temperatures and, oftentimes, an increased reliance on water to feed recreational pursuits and lawn and garden needs. The Water Information Program states that 3.9 trillion gallons of water are consumed in the United States each month and the average person uses 176 gallons of water per day. Water conservation may be essential when the risk for weather-related drought looms. Practicing year-round conservation efforts can help ensure smart usage of local watersheds, lakes and reservoirs and help maintain these water sources for years to come. It also helps the average person reduce his or her carbon footprint while saving people a little money along the way.
Explore these water-saving tips to make smart use of water Collect shower water in a bucket while you are waiting for the water to heat up. Use that water to irrigate plants around the house or even outdoors. Check for leaks around the house. Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and see if it spreads into the bowl within a half-hour. If it does, that means a leak is present and gallons of water may be being wasted. Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator. This way, when you come inside from the heat you’ll have a cold drink at the ready and will not have to run the tap to fill a glass. Install a lawn irrigation system so that you can
maximize the amount of water that gets to the roots. Arrange the sprinkler heads so surrounding driveways and sidewalks are not getting “watered” as well. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer required, as fertilizers can increase water consumption. Aerate lawns and garden beds so the water reaches the roots rather than running off the surface of the dirt. Employ rain barrels to collect rain water runoff. Rain barrels can help to repurpose rain water rather than simply allowing it to wash into storm drains.
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HOME&GARDEN
Floor Coverings International
ALLBRiGHT Concrete Coatings
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loor Coverings International Santa Clarita is a family-owned and -operated business. We bring the flooring store to you, arriving in our mobile showroom packed with a full selection of high-quality flooring choices and options. No matter the situation, we will help you find the right flooring solution for your life. And the process is easy:
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Our Design Associates meet with you in the convenience of your own home and review the details of your flooring project to ensure you have all the facts about the product you choose and the details for your flooring installation.
Professional flooring experts install your new flooring. We return to your property to evaluate the performance of your floor as part of our follow-up process. We look forward to meeting you soon! Floor Coverings International, (661) 568-6888; santaclarita.floorcoverings international.com
Green Thumb Garden Center
Plant Summer Vegetables NOW!
A
re you thinking about painting your home or coating your concrete floor? Surface preparation is critical. Even the best do-it-yourself paints and concrete coating products can chip and peel prematurely, primarily because of the wrong preparation. Sometimes, it is because of deeper issues underneath the wood, stucco, drywall and within the concrete itself. This is why professional painters and installers start with the proper preparation. When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, it is always a good idea to pressure wash it first, and I’m not talking about using a household garden hose. This is an important step and you don’t want to use low-grade equipment or the wrong technique. ALLBRiGHT Painting uses its industrialgrade pressure washers to remove dirt, grime and loose peeling paint.
WATER
Continued from previous page
The satisfaction of growing, harvesting, and tasting your own fresh vegetables is one of the great pleasures of gardening. Choose from tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, onions and more! Vegetable plants starting at $2.99.
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Reduce reliance on sprinklers and hoses for summer recreation. Instead, rely on pools and other devices that use recirculating pumps. Homeowners with pools can limit how often they backwash their pool filters. Solar pool covers can warm up pool water naturally and also reduce the rate of water loss through evaporation. Inedible plants can benefit from the nutrient-rich water siphoned out of a home aquarium when
Next, it’s just as essential to use the correct patching and priming materials. If you use the wrong ones or don’t sand properly, you will have premature peeling paint. When it comes to your concrete floors like garages, outside walkways, back patios and pool decks, you want to make sure you start on the right foot. Even before you can begin the prep work, a moisture test and concrete hardness test are necessary before considering which prep work is suitable for your surface. ALLBRiGHT Concrete Coatings are specialists when it comes to preparing your concrete floors. Grinding the surface using ALLBRiGHT’s 600lb, diamond-bit grinders and triple HEPA filtered vacuums to collect the dust is what we start with, and it is what is best for coating adhesion. ALLBRiGHT Concrete Coatings can be reached at (661) 294-1159.
cleaning the tank. The conservation guide Earth Easy says one way to cut down on water use is to turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse. A four-minute shower can use between 20 and 40 gallons of water. Add organic matter to the landscape to increase water absorption and retention. Top dress areas as needed throughout the season. Water conservation efforts can help homeowners maintain their lawns and gardens during heat waves and even save them a little money while benefitting the planet as well. (MC)
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HOME&GARDEN
A Royal Suite Home Furnishings
Keeping SCV Clean
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ave you purchased new furniture, appliances, a television or a mattress recently? Residents can request a FREE bulky item pick-up from their waste hauler! The service is easy to request and can be used more than once each year. Residences that have active trash and recycling service with Waste Management* can dispose of large items for FREE by either scheduling a pick-up or dropping their items off at the Santa Clarita facility during normal business hours. Before you put your item(s) out at the curb for pick up, please contact Waste Management at (661) 259-2398 or submit a request online at least 48 hours in
advance at home.wm.com/ santa-clarita. Items can be dropped off at the Waste Management facility at 25772 Springbrook Avenue. Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., residents must be able to provide identification and verify a valid, active trash account. There’s never been a better time to properly dispose of bulky items and keep Santa Clarita clean! Illegal dumping can be reported by contacting the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station at (661) 255-1121. *If you live outside the City of Santa Clarita limits, or were recently annexed and have a different waste hauler, contact your waste hauler for options available to you.
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dd convenience & style to any room with modern wallbeds. Now you see it — now you
don’t! Today’s modern wallbeds are the smart way to get the most out of your space. In just moments, you can easily pull down or fold up your wallbed, allowing your room to serve “double duty.” Convert a gym, home office or nursery into a bedroom or guest bedroom with just a flick of the wrist! Available in mattress sizes from Twin to King, your sleeping solution can be customized to your unique needs. Small spaces can still be big on style when you have a wallbed, too. At A Royal Suite Home Furnishings, our wallbeds serve as gorgeous statement pieces that can coordinate beautifully with any decor style. Available in numerous on-trend finishes — from antique whites to rich, luxurious cherry-wood stains — you’ll discover stunning selections that pair functionality with high-end design. As wallbed specialists, your A Royal Suite Home Furnishings design pro
will also introduce you to the customization options that can make the most of your room. Our wallbed selection includes beds that, when closed, are also desks. Don’t worry about clearing your space before it’s time for some shut-eye — just pull down the bed and everything stays right on top of your desk surface! In the morning, close it up and you’re right back to work where you left off. Other wallbeds are flanked with attractive shelving and even drawers that stay stable, whether the bed is in the up or down position. Choose a wallbed that has a side table with built-in charging functions for added convenience. At A Royal Suite Home Furnishings, our wallbed collection has homeowners like you easily making space for a new home office, guest bedroom, space for the kids when they’re home from college and much more. Visit the store to learn more! A Royal Suite Home Furnishings in Santa Clarita is located near Sam’s Club. (661) 259-7000.
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There’s no place like Aldik Home
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hen shopping for outdoor patio furniture, Aldik Home is a top destination with its stunning Summer Classics collection. All pieces are meticulously crafted of premium materials, using both age-old building methods and stateof-the-art finishing processes to ensure they will last for years to come. Other manufacturers may be better known but their craftsmanship and durability does not compare to that of Summer Classics. With more than 200 pieces from 20 different collections, this is the best selection of Summer Classics in the country. Whether you’re looking for the natural beauty of teak, the smooth lines of wrought aluminum or the durability and style of resin wicker, Summer Classics has it all in spades. Not only is this furniture stylish and sophisticated but it is also incredibly comfortable. Surround yourself
in comfort in a Majorca lounge chair or bask in the beauty of the Croquet Teak collection. It’s difficult to find something comparable on the market. Summer Classics is that rare, luxury outdoor furniture line that hits every note. It is stylish and sophisticated. It is as luxurious as indoor furniture. And it is built to last. Aldik Home’s curated collection allows you to experience the Summer Classics difference. With more than 160 fabric choices and multiple frame color choices, umbrellas from Treasure Garden, fire tables from American Fyre Designs and more accessories like rugs and pillows; it is easier than ever to create the patio furniture set of your dreams. Come see why there’s no place like Aldik Home. Aldik Home is located at 7651 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys. The phone number is (818) 988-5970 or visit AldikHome.com.
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The Most Beautiful Store In Los Angeles For 70 Years
Classics! r e m m u S y b e r u it n utdoor fur o y r u x lu g in r tu a e F rence at Aldik Home. ffe di e th e nc rie pe Ex to last. phisticated, and built so , ish yl st is s sic as Summer Cl
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HOME&GARDEN
Swimming pool landscaping ideas
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ackyard pools provide a way to cool off and enjoy a taste of luxury without having to travel. And, they provided even more convenience and a welcome respite in 2020, as many public pools were closed in response to social distancing restrictions put in place during the pandemic. After installing pools, many homeowners realize that touching up the landscaping around the pool can provide the finishing touch to their backyard retreats. Not all landscaping is the same, and homeowners should choose plants that look beautiful, are tolerant to pool splash-out and won’t outgrow the area. The home and garden resource The Spruce notes that a plant that is attractive at two-feet tall can grow rapidly and drop leaves or other debris into the pool. When selecting options for pool landscaping, there are some considerations to keep in mind:
make a small pool seem bigger and more luxurious, according to the landscaping company Earth Development, Inc. • Don’t overlook the possibility of a lawn abutting pavers or concrete surrounding a pool, as it can soften the edges and keep spaces open and inviting. • Incorporate herbs or fragrant plants, which can transform a pool day into a spa experience. Consider low-maintenance lavender as an option.
• Choose plants that will provide privacy. • Know which kind of climate a plant needs prior to purchasing it. Tropical plants may be fitting poolside, but will they endure when the season is over? • Design according to the theme of the home, as plants should complement the existing style. Modern foliage may not blend well with a home styled
after a traditional English cottage. • Decide whether you can accept spreading or trailing plants that can cascade over retaining walls and other infrastructure. • Look at trees that won’t drop too many leaves, flowers or fruit into the water. • Think about having layers of plants to soften the landscape, which can
Pool landscaping must marry a variety of different features and plant requirements. As a result, a professional consultation may be the route to take. Landscape architects will have the know-how to select plant varieties that will be tolerant, beautiful and fulfill homeowners’ wishes. Backyard pools can make a backyard retreat that much more enjoyable. Landscaping offers the softness and beauty that adds a finishing touch to poolside retreats. (MC)
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M AY 16, 2021
S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1
Home renovation trends for the year
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ome renovation trends are ever-changing. Renovations that might have been de rigueur 20 years ago may seem dated now. Recognizing the potentially popular trends of tomorrow is a great way for homeowners to give their homes a fresh new look and put themselves in position to capitalize on popular trends when they put their homes on the market. That’s especially so after 2020, a year when millions of people spent more time at home than ever before. All that time working from home and relaxing at home gave millions of homeowners ideas about what they like about their homes and what they hope to change. The following are some renovation trends that various experts suspect could emerge in 2021.
Eco-friendly living
Climate change, and how to combat it, was a hot button issue during the 2020 presidential election. So
it should come as no surprise that urdesignmag.com, a web magazine that showcases creative trends in design, architecture, art, technology and fashion, predicts that eco-friendly living solutions figure to be hot commodities in 2021. Eco-friendly appliances, furniture and designs can help to conserve energy and reduce waste, which environmentalists and government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency note are two critical components in the fight against climate change.
Minimalism
The anticipated popularity of minimalism in 2021 may also be connected to the pandemic. As professionals were forced to work from home and many families spent more time together inside their homes then ever before, they may have recognized a need to cut back on clutter, including extra furniture. A minimalist approach is both simple and clean,
which can make homes feel less claustrophobic.
Multi-functional spaces
Homeowners asked a lot of their homes in 2020, as rooms were transformed into multi-functional spaces seemingly overnight. HGTV notes that spending more time at home
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showed homeowners that it may not make sense to dedicate entire rooms of a home to a single purpose. Renovations that can help homeowners transform rooms into multi-functional spaces figure to be hot commodities in the years ahead. (MC)
City Of Santa Clarita Recycle Heroes
S
ous waste is disposed of properly at a designated location or collection event.
• Only placing the following items in the recycle bin. Cardboard Clean paper Empty plastic and glass bottles and jars Empty aluminum and tin cans
By all of us doing our part to be a Recycle Hero, Santa Clarita’s recycling stream will be clean and ready for it’s next use instead of ending up in the landfill. #RecycleHeroSC
anta Clarita residents have done a great job becoming Recycle Heroes over the last year or so! Keep up the great work by:
• Make sure all toxic and hazard-
• Leave “tanglers” out of the recycle bin, like hoses, string lights, plastic bags and extension cords.
Visit GreenSantaClarita.com for more information.
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Visit us at MollyMaid.com to learn more ©2020 Molly Maid, LLC. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.
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INSTALLATION SHORT CUTS H O M E & G A R D E N Molly Maid of Santa Clarita OTHER A/C COMPANIES DON’T TALK ABOUT
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any of the employees with Molly Maid of Santa Clarita have been with the company for more than 20 years, and a lot of clients feel their housecleaners are part of their families. John’s clients know they can depend on, and trust, everyone at Molly Maid and can attest to the exceptional cleaning services they provide. John’s biggest inspiration for his job are his employees. They show up to work every day and clean up to four houses in an 8-hour work day. Day in and day out, week after week, John’s team cleans houses throughout the Santa Clarita Valley using the best products available. Cleaning isn’t always valued as much as it should be, and John is thankful for his employees who put cleanliness and healthiness above everything else while doing their jobs. When COVID-19 spread to the United States, John and the rest of the staff at Molly Maid Santa Clarita knew they had to implement strict policies to safeguard their clients and
the employees at Molly Maid. Before every cleaner goes to work, their temperatures are taken and masks and gloves are always worn while cleaning clients’ homes. During this incredibly challenging time, everyone at Molly Maid of Santa Clarita wants to bring peace of mind to people who require house cleaning services. John has resided in LA County for 23 years and absolutely loves helping the residents of Santa Clarita. He loves what his company stands for and enjoys the time spent with his clients. John and the rest of the employees at Molly Maid of Santa Clarita would like to warn readers that if they hire Molly Maid, they will become dependent on their amazing, reliable and unparalleled cleaning services. If you mention this article, you will receive $50 off your first cleaning. See how different your home can be after hiring Molly Maid of Santa Clarita. Call (661) 298-1800 to schedule your cleaning today!
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homeowners can employ WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers. Such controllers adjust irrigation schedules automatically based on local weather and landscape conditions. These systems employ intuitive programming controls to schedule irrigation based on the water requirements of the plants. The controllers can make it easier for homeowners to keep their lawns and gardens green even during dry periods, such as drought, while still adhering to local water utility restrictions. (MC)
ccording to the Environmental Protection Agency, homes with clock-timer controlled irrigation systems use about 50% more water outdoors than homes without irrigation systems. Water waste can be even more significant if irrigation systems are not programmed correctly or if they have a leak. To reduce water waste, and save on their monthly water utility bills,
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