Sunday Signal 030523

FROM WINTER SHOWERS TO SUSTAINABLE SPRING LANDSCAPES AND FLOWERS

California is still in a drought despite early 2023 downpours. Early spring is the perfect time to gear up for an outdoor sustainable landscape makeover.

Simple outdoor landscape swaps make it easy to get a beautiful, sustainable landscape in no time. Here are some tips to get you started:

Start now: Cooler temperatures and shorter days mean less water is needed as your new landscape takes root.

Replace lawns with sustainable landscapes instead of synthetic turf to reduce impacts on the environment.

Learn more about SCV Water’s Lawn Replacement Program at DroughtReadySCV.com

Soaking Up a Spa Vacation

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Hey baby, it’s been cold outside!

This winter’s numerous cold snaps in the Santa Clarita Valley accompanied by snow, hail, rain and wind, encourage dreams of soaking in a warm spa hot tub followed up with sea salt body scrubs and Swedish massages.

Winter will still be with us until March 20, when spring arrives, but it’s never too late, or too early, to book a spectacular spa vacation.

The best part of a spa vacation is you don’t have to “do” anything but rest, relax and be pampered.

However, if you do feel the need to “do” something, many spa vacations include a variety of activities, aside from soaking in Japanese hot tubs. Activities range from wild food foraging to daily hikes, yoga classes, wine tastings and bike rides.

Many resorts promote the benefits of wellness, as well as an escape from the stresses of daily life.

SCV residents are fortunate to live in California where spa vacations are plentiful and choices abound for the perfect spa vacation tailored to your needs.

Alila Ventana Big Sur

48123 CA-1, Big Sur 93920

Info www.ventanabigsur.com, (800) 628-6500

When you reach the edge of the continent, where the sky, the sea, the mountains and the redwoods all converge, you find a place of unmatched beauty and tranquility.

You’ve reached Alila Ventana Big Sur, an inclusive (breakfast, lunch and dinner daily) adults only enclave tucked among the forests in one of the most iconic and dramatic landscapes on Earth.

Spa Alila at Ventana Big Sur is a refuge for your senses.

Big Sur has long been known as a sacred, curative site and the Spa Alila sensory experience is designed around encouraging inner peace and connection.

You’ll also find unique experiences like wild food foraging classes, axe throwing and falconry.

Canyon Ranch Woodside

16350 Skyline Blvd., Woodside, 94062

Info www.canyonranch.com/woodside/northern-

california-retreat, (650) 529-1046

Canyon Ranch Woodside is an all-inclusive health and wellness destination nestled beneath centuries-old redwoods.

Among the unique experiences offered at Woodside is the chance to discover the incredible beauty of the Santa Cruz mountains with guided hikes, biking and other excursions at this Northern California retreat. Traverse the trails of the redwood forest, birdwatch in the chaparral grasslands, explore regional fault lines, or visit the ancient Methuselah tree.

You can also experience the practice of Shinrin Yoku, the Japanese practice of taking in the forest atmosphere or forest “bathing.” Not a literal bath, but a chance to slow down and embrace the surrounding ancient Redwoods and Coast Live Oaks.

Glen Ivy Hot Springs Day Spa

25000 Glen Ivy Road, Corona 92883

Info glenivy.com, (888) 453-6489

It might seem a long way to go for a day spa experience, but those who’ve traveled to Glen Ivy report that this world-class resort is worth the trip. In addition, there are 17 hotels within five miles of Glen Ivy if you want to stay overnight, or if you plan to enjoy Glen Ivy for a few days.

You won’t run out of things to do at this gardenlike hot springs resort located about two hours from the SCV.

The popular retreat brims with offerings including daily classes, private cabanas and 19 pools which include thermal mineral baths, a hot and cold plunge, Saline Pool and lap pool.

There are two restaurants as well as a juice bar and a new cosmopolitan bar The Lounge 1860.

Admission also includes access to Glen Ivy’s lush gardens, ample lounge areas in addition to Club Mud, saunas, steam rooms, Roman Baths, showers and fitness and wellness classes. Individual spa treatments and The Grotto incur additional costs. Special admission packages are available on the Glen Ivy website.

Quiet Mind Mountain Lodge, Retreat, Spa

34540 Engineers Road, Julian 92036

Info quietmindretreat.com, (844) 999-9644

This serene lakeside wellness retreat is surrounded by natural beauty in every season. The retreat

sits upon a golden hill overlooking Lake Cuyamaca and Cuyamaca National Park. Explore 600 000 acres of San Diego’s beautiful countryside with hiking trails, wineries, horseback riding, boating and the charming historical town of Julian.

Elegant and spa themed luxurious hotel accommodations with breathtaking lake and mountain views.

All-inclusive wellness and retreat packages include gourmet meals, massages, yoga and healing wellness treatments.

Other amenities include a chance to stargaze into the clear sky at 4,600 feet from the outdoor lake view jacuzzi. Nourish your mind, body and spirit with a contemplative walk in the labyrinth, read an inspiring book in the spiritual library, enjoy painting, yoga, meditation and a well-equipped gym.

Two Bunch Palms

67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs 92240

Info www.twobunchpalms.com, (760) 676-5000

If you really want to get away this destination spa is an immersive experience featuring 600-yearold natural springs for “taking the waters,” vegan and vegetarian dining with mindfully created yoga classes and various workshops with creative adventures.

There is also a full-service spa with numerous massage and skincare options. The rooms are designed to encourage “digital detox” for a complete retreat experience.

A diverse catalog of experiences awaits guests from natural indigo dyeing to hand-thrown ceramics. Two Bunch hosts a variety of workshops and creative classes for all interests, hosted by guest instructors.

A typical day can include a variety of spa treatments and meals followed by an evening of fireside s’mores and spiked hot chocolate culminating with a stargazing night float.

The resort is said to have been purchased in the 1920s by Al Capone and was used as his west coast hideout. Capone built tunnels, fortresses and even a runway. If you stay in the Al Capone suite, you’ll see the only evidence that remains, a bullet hole, lodged in a mirror. 

PHOTO COURTESY TWO BUNCH PALMS

Losing Weight for Better Health is a Journey

Many Ups and Downs, But the Rewards are Indisputable

By Terry Kanakry Special to The Signal

For many people, losing weight can be a struggle, as shedding those extra pounds can be as challenging as climbing Mount Everest.

Health experts say don’t despair! Reaching a healthy weight is attainable if you take incremental steps, set reasonable goals, and reward yourself.

“As you begin your lifestyle change journey, it’s important to have a positive mindset because getting more fit will take time,” said Roohe Ahmed, a registered dietician with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Remember this: the weight often doesn’t come on overnight, so we can’t expect to lose it that fast and easy.

“We must be patient,” Ahmed continued, noting it’s not unusual to lose one-half to one pound per week. “Sometimes, one may not lose even that, but hang in there,” she said. “Your body can be stubborn, and it can be challenging for certain age groups to drop weight as fast as they did previously. Making lifestyle changes will help you obtain a healthier weight, however, which will improve your overall health and well-being.”

Silvia Delgado, also a registered dietician with Kaiser Permanente Southern California, noted attaining and maintaining a healthy weight is important to reduce your risk of contracting chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, non-alcoholic fatty liver and sleep apnea. Weight may also affect your mental health, resulting in depression and anxiety in some cases.

Delgado recommended making your weight loss less of a challenge and more of an exciting journey.

“I usually suggest to patients to write down their top five reasons why they want to lose weight,” she explained. “What’s their ‘why,’ which may be, ‘I want to be healthier to reduce my risk of getting diabetes. Grandma had diabetes, and I saw the hard time she went through, and I don’t want that.’ This is important because when motivation inevitably drops, you can revisit those why’s and get remotivated. I also suggest putting items in view that will motivate you to lose weight. Hang up an outfit you want to get into, or a picture of a mountain you want to climb — anything will help.”

Additionally, try to find a “wellness partner” to go on this journey with you for motivation and accountability, Delgado added.

Ahmed noted it’s also important to focus on what you can control during your weight-loss journey, such as asking yourself, “Did I eat veggies today? Did I get in my 20 minutes of exercise?” She stressed the importance of trying your best to be consistent; maybe you can’t get in that 20-minute workout, but you can take a 10-minute walk at your lunch break.

Ahmed and Delgado emphasized the importance of celebrating your victories weekly, but NOT with food. Instead, treat yourself to small experiences such as a new pair of socks, a hike with the family, a movie night, a bubble bath, etc.

“It’s important to remember that losing weight is a journey that may take more time than you’d like, but from the standpoint of good health, it will be all worth it and you will feel better,” Ahmed noted. 

Pre-Workout Ideas to Help you Fuel Up Fast

The ultimate breakfast guide for early morning gym-goers

By Bryony Benfield Special for The Signal

While not everyone is a ‘morning person,’ the early morning is a great time to work out and can offer several valuable benefits. Fitness and nutrition expert Patrick Dale from Fitness Volt has revealed a useful guide on what to eat to fuel your morning workouts and maximize early-morning energy.

What are some suggested morning pre-workout meals and snacks?

Armed with the information above, you should have no problem selecting your early morning workout meals and snacks. That said, here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Ripe banana mashed onto toast with a little honey

• Cereal and low-fat milk

• Fruit smoothie made with soft fruit, low-fat yogurt, and protein powder

• A carb/protein energy bar or granola bar

• Scrambled egg whites and rice crackers

• Instant oatmeal and berries

• Bagel and turkey slices

• Toasted English muffin with low-fat cream cheese

• Toast and fruit preserve, plus a cup of low-fat natural yogurt

• Turkey and crackers

Ultimately, so long as your meal contains moderate to high carbs and a source of protein, it will provide your body with what it needs to power through your workout, even if those foods are not traditional breakfast foods.

How long before working out should you eat?

Ideally, you should consume your early morning training meal 30-60 minutes before you start training, as this will give the food long enough to start digesting. Make sure to save time by planning and preparing your morning workout meal the night before your workout.

Also, liquids digest more quickly than solids, so if you plan to train shortly after getting up, it may be better to drink rather than eat your pre-workout meal.

Pro tip Make sure what you eat the night before is also a pre-workout meal

Even a great pre-early morning workout meal will not make up for not eating correctly the night

before. Eating a nutritionally complete meal a few hours before bed will help fuel muscle recovery and growth and ensure you wake up with good levels of muscle glycogen. Your early morning pre-workout snack should top up your already high levels of glycogen and glucose.

Carbohydrates

When you eat carbohydrates, they are broken down into glucose which acts as an immediate source of energy, and any surplus is converted to and then stored as glycogen. As glucose and glycogen are needed to power you through your workout, carbohydrates should be the cornerstone of your pre-early morning workout meal.

Because there will not be much time between getting up and starting your workout, you need fast-acting and easy to digest carbs. This means you should choose foods that rank moderate to high on the glycemic index chart (1). The glycemic index chart ranks carbs from 1-100, with 100 being the fastest acting. Moderate to high glycemic carbs are digested easily and raise your blood glucose quickly.

Examples of moderate to high GI foods include:

• Dates

• Breakfast cereal

• White bread

• Ripe bananas

• White rice

• Protein

While you can just eat carbs before training, some research suggests combining carbs with protein will have an even better effect (2). Consuming carbs with protein provide energy and can also help prevent muscle breakdown.

Avoid Fatty Foods

Fat is the most significant gastric inhibitor, which keeps food in your stomach for longer and delays digestion. As such, your pre-early morning workout meal should be very low in fat, not even healthy fats such as olive oil, flaxseed oil, or coconut oil. Also, avoid natural sources of fats, such as nuts and whole eggs.

Low-Fiber Foods

Fiber is part of most carbohydrate foods. However, while fiber is very good for you, like fat, it is also a major gastric inhibitor and best avoided in pre-early morning workout meals. Instead, look for more refined and naturally low-fiber foods, such as white bread instead of whole-grain bread. 

Air Fryer Poached Egg Avocado Smash Toast

Yields 2 serving(s)

Total Time 15 mins

Ingredients

2 thin slices whole wheat bread

1 large avocado

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

2 tsp. chopped fresh basil leaves, plus torn leaves for serving

Kosher salt

Olive oil cooking spray

4 tsp. lukewarm water

2 large eggs

1/2 c. cherry or grape tomatoes, halved Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Working in batches if necessary, in an air-fryer basket, arrange bread in a single layer. Cook at 350°, flipping halfway through, until light golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer toast to plates. Using a spoon, scoop avocado flesh into a medium bowl. Add lemon juice, chopped basil, and a pinch of salt. Mash with a fork until combined yet still chunky; season with salt, if desired.

Lightly coat 2 (4-oz.) ramekins with cooking spray. Fill each with 2 teaspoons water. Crack 1 egg into each.

Place ramekins in air-fryer basket. Cook at 350° until egg whites are set and yolks are still runny, 6 to 8 minutes.

Spread avocado mixture over toasts. Carefully remove ramekins from air-fryer basket one at a time (they will be hot). Run a spatula around edges of eggs, then slide onto avocado mixture, flipping eggs upside down (so bottom of egg in ramekin is face up on plate).

Top toast with tomatoes; season with a pinch of salt. Garnish with torn basil and red pepper flakes, if using. (Delish.com) 

BOOST YOUR CURB APPEAL

Your home’s first big impression is its curb appeal, so if your place is in need of some sprucing up, you may wonder how you can make some updates without breaking the bank.

These 10 ideas are easy on budgets, but they can also make a big impact on your home’s exterior image.

Paint your front door. As long as your front door is in good condition, there’s no need to replace it completely. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update your home’s facade. Go bold or stick with a classic hue - it’s all up to you.

Dress up the windows Add character and charm by enhancing your front windows. You might add wooden shutters, window box planters or both. Also look at the trim around the windows. If it’s chipped and peeling, adding a fresh coat of paint doesn’t just look nice, it can protect your windows from damage, too.

Clean up flower beds An unkempt flower bed can drag down an otherwise stunning home. Keep beds tidy and vegetation trimmed, even during the offseason. Watch for weeds and replenish mulch or rock ground cover as needed to keep the beds looking healthy and inviting.

Install new lighting Replacing outdated light fixtures can give your exterior an instant upgrade. There’s no right or wrong style; just choose a color and look that matches the rest of your design.

but those mats inevitably wear with time, and what was once bright and charming becomes dingy and dull. A new mat can help bring back that cheery entry you once cherished.

Pressure wash the drive and walk Over time, driveways and sidewalks collect an incredible amount of grime. Pressure washing not only eliminates the filth, but the clean surfaces also add to your home’s visual appeal.

Add new vegetation Landscaping is a relatively inexpensive way to introduce more personality to a yard. Aim for a mix of pretty and practical, such as some low flowering bushes and some trees or bushes that offer privacy and shade.

Keep up with basic maintenance When your home is in poor repair, it shows. Pay attention to bent or rusting gutters, imperfections in the roof and other maintenance matters that aren’t just aesthetic; left unrepaired, they can

also result in major damage.

Pay attention to details Functional items like the mailbox might not seem like much of a design element, but these small details can be a big distraction if they’re not in good condition. Update or replace as needed to keep your aesthetic in sync. Add seasonal decor There’s no need to go all out for every occasion, but some timely decorations that celebrate the holiday or season can make your entry fun and festive. Coordinate wreaths, planters, signs and other accent pieces for a cohesive look that says, “come on in.”

Find more affordable ideas for upgrading your home and garden at eLivingtoday.com. (Family Features) 

Replace worn welcome mats

A cheerful mat at your front door can be an inviting sight for visitors,

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Celebrate Ten Years of One Story One City!

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

When people think of libraries, often they picture walls lined with books, dust on the shelves and an intense amount of silence, but what’s great about the three branches of our Santa Clarita Public Library is that they break the stereotype of what a library should be. Through musical Storytime, makerspace, robot classes, e-books and more, our dedicated staff members continue to provide fun and engaging programs that ultimately set us apart from other libraries.

This year, we are excited to bring back one of the most highly anticipated programs at the Library that has been a staple for the past ten years, One Story One City.

Join us throughout the entire month of March as the City collectively reads the New York Times’ bestseller, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. This beloved novel takes you on an adventure in a small town in northern Washington State, introducing you to a group of dynamic characters whose stories interconnect and touch on

themes of friendship, family, grief and the importance of second chances. Follow along as Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus, transports you through a storyline that reveals deep secrets, as well as humor, scattered throughout the pages.

Residents who would like to check-out the book can visit any of our three library branches or get it via e-book. As you read along, I hope you will join us at one of the many storybook themed activities scheduled to take place throughout the month.

For those who want to have a deeper discussion about the book, join us at one of the three branches for the One Story One City Book Club. Feel free to bring your novel and talk with fellow book lovers as you dissect the plot and cast your own opinions on the meaning behind each character and their journey throughout the story.

In addition to book clubs and crafts, the Library has partnered with the City’s Aquatics division to offer adults a free water safety class which will go over basic safety skills, provide resources for CPR and First Aid classes and more.

To close out One Story One City, join us on Friday, March 31 at 6 p.m., at the Old Town Newhall branch or on the Santa Clarita Public Library’s Facebook page, as we sit down and have a virtual conversation with the author Shelby Van Pelt.

Participants will be able to ask questions and learn more about the book from the author herself.

As we begin One Story One City, I encourage our residents to check out Remarkably Bright Creatures if you haven’t done so already, and join us at any of the accompanying events scheduled throughout the month. I look forward to seeing our community come together to read this novel. If you would like more information on this program or want to see a full list of activities, please visit SantaClaritaLibrary.com/OneStoryOneCity.

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Cocaine Bear’ is Wildly Entertaining, Darkly Hilarious

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Cocaine Bear’

 (out of four)

Universal Pictures presents a film directed by Elizabeth Banks and written by Jimmy Warden. Rated R In theaters.

This might sound crazy, but even when the titular bear in “Cocaine Bear” was gnawing on faces and dragging victims into the woods and tossing aside leg stumps like they were discarded chicken wings at a sports bar, I kinda felt bad for the bear. It’s not her fault some dip-bleep drug smuggler tossed duffel bags of cocaine into the woods and turned the bear into an instant addict with a voracious appetite for coke and for anyone standing between the bear and the coke. Just as the shark in “Jaws” doesn’t know it’s a shark, the bear in “Cocaine Bear” doesn’t know it’s a cocaine bear. She’s a victim of

circumstances.

All right, all right, so the bear is also a drooling, roaring, rampaging killing machine in Elizabeth Banks’ wildly entertaining and darkly hilarious

B-movie blood-fest, which proves to be more than just a fantastically ridiculous title and a viral marketing campaign. This is a genuinely well-crafted horror gem with a winning cast, some nifty twists and a very good bear who betrays its CGI origins maybe 10% of the time but for the most part looks like an actual, cocaine-fueled black bear with lightning-quick reflexes, a big bite and an insatiable appetite for coke on the rocks. And in the trees. And on the cliffs.

Before we get into the grizzly, I mean grisly, details (after all, the Cocaine Bear is a black bear and not a grizzly bear!), let’s address that “INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS” tagline. In December 1985, convicted drug smuggler Andrew Thornton jumped out of a plane and plunged to his death in Knoxville, Tennessee. Thornton had dumped some 40 containers of cocaine that landed in the Chattahoochee National Forest, and authorities tracking down the bags discovered a bear who had overdosed on cocaine. The poor dead creature was dubbed “Pablo Eskobear” and became the stuff of legend — and a stuffed attraction now on display in a Kentucky souvenir shop, I kid you not.

predator has ingested a staggering amount of cocaine and gone on a coke -fueled rampage for more blow and blood a n t - M a n a n d t h e Wa s p: Q ua n t u M a n I a C 1:10 4:10 7:15

Super-Hero par tners Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp Together, w th Hope’s parents Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm

e M I ly E 7:00 PM

The real and imagined life of ‘Wuthering Heights’ author Emi y Brontë inter twine, as we see the world through her eyes for the ver y first time

C lo s e C Sun: 4:20 7:30; Mon & Tue: 1:10 4:20 7:30; Wed: 1:10 4:20; Thu: 1:10 4:20 7:30

Leo and Remi are two thir teen-year- old best friends, whose seem ngly unbreakable bond is suddenly, trag cally torn apar t Anforgettable por tra t of the ntersec tion of friendship and love, identity and independence, and hear tbreak and healing a

Otto is a grumpy isolated widower with staunch pr nciples, stric t routines and a shor t fuse, who g ves ever yone in his neighborhood a hard t me as he watches over t like a hawk Will an unlikely friendship with new neighbors help h m change? l

1953 Will ams, a veteran civil

In the early going, “Cocaine Bear” gives us a comedic interpretation of the smuggler’s fatal jump and the bags of cocaine plummeting into the forest. Other than that, it’s pure fiction. Director Banks and screenwriter Jimmy Warden nimbly juggle multiple storylines and a myriad of characters (perhaps a few characters too many) and keep things moving along in brisk fashion over the 95-minute running time, which is about as long as anyone can reasonably be expected to remain invested in the story of a cocaine bear. With a soundtrack peppered with mid-1980s pop hits such as “Jane” by Jefferson Starship (nice callback to the unofficial theme of the Banks-starring “Wet Hot American Summer”!) and “On the Wings of Love” by Jeffrey Osborne, “Cocaine Bear” has a visual style reminiscent of the horror films of the time, with the stellar cast throwing themselves into the material and eschewing subtle notes. (I’m not saying any of the performances are campy, but some of the acting is camping near campy.)

You know “Cocaine Bear” is going all-in when we see a couple of school-skipping 13-year-olds, Brooklynn Prince’s Dee Dee and Christian Convery’s Henry, stumbling across a brick of cocaine in the woods and deciding they’ll try it, each spooning a heaping helpful like it’s ice cream. Oh, boy. After Dee Dee and Henry get separated while fleeing the Cocaine Bear, we pick up the stories of a number of other characters, including three local thugs who are complete dopes — the drug dealer Daveed (O’Shea Jackson Jr.) and his friend, the troubled Eddie (Alden Ehrenheich), who have been sent by Eddie’s drug kingpin father, Syd (the late Ray Liotta), to retrieve the drugs — and the local park ranger Liz (Margo Martindale), who has a thing for a wildlife expert (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) who claims to be an animal lover but seems hopelessly overmatched by the woods. Oh, and let’s not forget Keri Russell’s Sari, who is Dee Dee’s mom and quite the mama bear herself, and Isiah Whitlock Jr.’s Bob, a cop who has been trying to nail Syd and his gang for years and is following a tip that the drugs might be in these woods. All of these folks, among others, eventually find themselves in the path of the rampaging Cocaine Bear, and as you’d expect, many of them will not survive those encounters. The deaths and grievous injuries are meted out in creatively gruesome fashion (at one point it’s as if we’re in a “Final Destination” movie), with fingers, legs and heads sometimes separated from their owners. Russell’s Sari, racing about the woods in a pink jumpsuit, is a force to be reckoned with, while Jackson and Ehrenheich carry on their own buddy movie in the midst of the carnage. Young Convery is a hoot as Henry, and of course, it’s a bittersweet feeling to see the great Liotta in his final role, in a movie that has even more cocaine than “Goodfellas,” and this is probably the only time you’ll see “Cocaine Bear” and “Goodfellas” in the same sentence. But whether Mr. Liotta was starring in one of the greatest movies ever or having a good time going over the top in a blood-soaked drive-intype movie, it was our privilege to see him in action. 

Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times

Academy Award winners Humphrey Bogar t and Ingrid Bergman l ght up the screen in one of the most enduring romances in movie histor y Casablanca

Adonis Creed has been thriving When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian, resur faces after ser ving a long sentence in prison, Adonis must put h s future on the line to battle a fighter who has nothing to lose

This w ld thriller finds an oddball group of cops, criminals, tourists and teens converging n a Georgia forest where a 500-pound apex

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

Irish Beef Stew

Guinness + Stew = St. Patrick’s Day Gold

By Makinze Gore Delish.com

Traditionally, an Irish stew (aka Guinness Stew) is made with lamb, which you can totally do. Our version includes beef chuck, which is less traditional but certainly equal in deliciousness.

To boil or not to boil?

Not to boil. Stewed meats need to be cooked at a low heat, i.e. a simmer. The last thing you want is shoe leather–which is what you’ll get if you boil the meat till (over) done.

Release that flavor!

How? By scraping the bottom of the pot after the meat and veg have gone in and the liquid has been added. There’s an insane amount of flavor locked up in those browned bits (called fond in French). You want that flavor in the stew and not down the drain after you’ve washed the pot.

Overcrowding is a negative.

We mentioned how crucial those browned bits are. You won’t get them if the meat is not sufficiently browned. If you must cook the meat in batches, please do. Steamed, pale meat is not a plus in this dish.

The cooked and cooled stew can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for 1 month, but note that freezing stew with potatoes may affect the texture once thawed and reheated.

And how about an Irish Coffee to cap the meal?

Yields 6 Servings

Prep Time 15 mins

Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Ingredients

3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 lb. beef chuck stew meat, cubed into 1” pieces

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into rounds

2 stalks celery, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks

4 c. low-sodium beef broth

1 (16-oz.) bottle Guinness

2 tsp. fresh thyme

Freshly chopped parsley, for serving

Directions

Step 1

In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, heat 2

Irish Coffee

By Colin Cowie Delish.com

Ingredients

3 c. heavy or whipping cream

7 tbsp. sugar

1 c. Irish whiskey

6 c. rich, hot brewed coffee

tablespoons oil. Season beef with salt and pepper, then add to pot and cook on all sides until seared, 10 minutes, working in batches if necessary. Transfer beef to a plate.

Step 2

In same pot, add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and cook onion, carrots, and celery until soft, 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Add beef back to Dutch oven, then add potatoes, broth, beer, and thyme, then scrape the bottom of the pot to release the fond (browned bits at the bottom). Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and let simmer until beef and potatoes are tender, 30 minutes.

Step 4

Garnish with parsley before serving.

Step 2

Heat 8 wineglasses by pouring very hot water into them. Drain water; add 2 tablespoons whiskey to each glass.

Step 3

Grated nutmeg or ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream and 3 tablespoons sugar until very soft peaks form (consistency should be just pourable). Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Stir remaining 4 tablespoons sugar into coffee until dissolved. For each drink, fill glass with coffee to within 1 1/4 inch from top. Hold large spoon upside down over top of glass; gradually pour whipped cream over back of spoon onto coffee (cream should float on top, about 1 inch thick). Sprinkle with nutmeg or cinnamon, if desired.

2023 Product of the Year Award Winners

As you stock up on spring essentials, consider the following 16 winners in household and personal care categories:

Auto Dish Care Cascade Platinum Plus Procter & Gamble

Body Cleanser Dial Body Wash Henkel

Car Care Rain-X Truck & SUV Wiper Blade ITW Global Brands/Rain-X CBD CBD Sleep Gummies Sky Wellness

Children’s Health Children’s ZYRTEC Allergy Chewables – Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health

Whatever your spring plans include cleaning your living spaces top to bottom or taking up an outdoor fitness routine, you’ll likely need some household supplies to fuel your seasonal endeavors.

With so many new products being introduced all the time on both store shelves and online, you may be wondering which items have already passed muster with other consumers. Fortunately, resources exist to help you quickly hone in on the best of the bunch. Product of the Year USA, the largest consumer-voted awards program centered around product innovation, recently announced the winners of the 2023 Product of the Year Awards. Determined through a national study of 40,000 American shoppers in partnership with Kantar, a global leader in consumer research, each winner’s packaging boasts a red seal of approval.

“Today’s savvy consumers expect products that are smart, efficient and easy to use. At the same time, the amount of access they have to different merchandise is unprecedented,” says Mike Nolan, global CEO of Product of the Year Management. “We’re proud to be providing shoppers and their families with trusted guidance and information as they sort through their many options.”

Demonstrating the ever-evolving trends seen in the U.S. market, the year’s winners are a round-up of the top products for function, design, packing or ingredients.

Digestive Health Dulcolax Chewy

Fruit Bites – Sanofi Consumer Healthcare

Hair Growth Nature’s Bounty Optimal Solutions Hair Growth – Nestlé Health Science

Home Cleaning FamilyGuard Brand Disinfectants – S.C. Johnson & Son

Home Essentials Ziploc Endurables – S.C. Johnson & Son

Immediate Relief Carmex Weather Guard Lip Balm – Carma Laboratories

Mattress Nectar Premier Mattress –Resident Home LLC

Topical Pain Relief Icy Hot Pro –Sanofi Consumer Healthcare

Weight Management Nature’s Bounty Optimal Solutions Metabolism Booster – Nestlé Health Science

Wellness Device Aspercreme

Flexi-Motion – Sanofi Consumer Healthcare

Wellness Supplement Nature Made Wellblends – Pharmavite LLC

Women’s Daily Supplement Nature’s Bounty Optimal Solutions Advanced Hair Skin & Nails – Nestlé Health Science

Whether you tend to shop for household essentials online or in brick-and-mortar stores, it’s smart to rely on resources that can help you make better choices.

For additional information about this year’s winners, visit productofthe yearusa.com. (SPT)

How Often to See the Doctor

Routine health checkups are a key part of staying healthy. Older adults may feel like they’re always visiting one doctor or another. But what is an acceptable frequency for doctor appointments?

The answer isn’t always so cut and dry, and many health professionals have mixed feelings even among themselves over the magic number. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults over the age of 65 visit the doctor more than twice as often as 18- to 44-yearolds.

According to Paul Takahashi, a physician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., adults should see their primary care physicians at least once a year to make sure diseases are being properly managed and to stay current on preventative screenings.

Visiting the doctor more frequently does not necessarily add up to better health, and it actually can do the opposite.

Dr. Peter Abadir, an associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, says frequent visits to health facilities where sick people congregate puts one at a higher risk of illness or infection. Visiting the doctor only when necessary is one way to avoid risky exposure.

Doctor-visit frequency is not a onesize-fits-all answer. A yearly physical or checkup is a given, even for people who are healthy. People with a family history of certain conditions, such as sleep disorders, cancer, high blood pressure and other conditions, may need to see a doctor more frequently

than those with no such histories.

In addition, patients may need referrals to certain specialists who work together to provide an overall health plan. That can increase the number of appointments and shorten the intervals between them.

Johnson Memorial Health offers some statistics.

• People visit the doctor four times a year on average.

• Studies show that poor or uninsured people prolong the time between doctor’s visits.

• Individuals with high blood pressure may need to see the doctor four times a year to ensure medications are working properly.

• Patients on dialysis see the doctor several times a week.

Dr. Jennifer Caudle, a family physician and assistant professor at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, NJ, says too often people visit the doctor only when they are really sick. That works to their disadvantage because the appointment will focus only on treating the illness instead of addressing other preventative care and screenings. Balance is necessary in regard to health care.

Patients can work together with their doctors to develop screening schedules that are customized to their particular profiles. These schedules can be modified as health history information changes or as patients age. Doctors can dial back or increase health visits as needed. (MC) 

Gardening

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

Gardening can be a fun hobby or a way to make our homes look more attractive. To lower our water bills and help the environment, we have fixed up our landscapes to keep our houses cleaner and more comfortable.

Some of us dive into gardening to support local wildlife, or embrace the garden as a way to extend our living space for fun and entertainment. We’ve even rediscovered the old-fashioned delight, convenience and superior flavor of growing our own fruits and vegetables.

However, did you know gardening also is one of the best things you can do for your health?

We have become so focused on indoor living and technology, we ignore that our lifestyles are not good for our health. Sitting for hours at work, in front of your computer, laptop, or iPad, slumping over a cellphone, or lounging in front of the television is doing nothing good for your body, or those of your family.

You can certainly take out a gym membership or sign up for active hiking or workout classes. You may even manage to attend some. But getting out into the garden will require no subscription fees nor will you have to fight traffic to drive anywhere. You can actually improve how you look and feel while making your home

is Good for Your Health

space better in every way — including increasing your property value.

Try becoming involved in the land that surrounds where you live. You might be surprised at the changes gardening can offer to your health.

Here are just some of the benefits your doctor — and you — might notice when it’s time for a check-up. Would you like to cut down on injuries?

Gardening strengthens, stretches and adds flexibility to muscles and bones. You can accomplish a lot more growing plants, weeding and digging than many home workouts. When you are busy being productive, the time feels well spent rather than obligatory and boring.

What about being ill less often?

Working in the garden increases blood circulation oxygenating and strengthening your organs and making you better at fighting off infections — especially during cold and flu season. But you won’t be thinking about building up your resistance because you’ll be too distracted by enjoying the birds, butterflies, sunshine and focusing on your outdoor project. Achy and sore?

Lack of vitamin D is often a culprit responsible for tiredness, pain and a whole list of symptoms causing suffering these days. You can go buy supplements to help or you can enjoy working outdoors and let natural sunshine help your body build its own vitamin D cure! Winter can offer some of the most comfortable temperatures for working outdoors in Santa Clarita.

Feeling a bit depressed?

Believe it or not, there are beneficial organisms in soil that are released when you dig in your garden. One beneficial fungus called Mycobacterium Vaccae stimulates the body to create more serotonin and has the same effect as taking an antidepressant! Only it has NO bad side effects. And it’s free! Also, being active outdoors offers fresh air and increases blood circulation that will sharpen your ability to think and will help you feel better about yourself. Do you like food that is

flavorful and rich in vitamins?

Growing your own fruits and vegetables is not only fun and good exercise, but since fresh food starts losing nutrients immediately after being picked, home-grown edibles have more taste and nutrients than anything you can buy.

By planting your own food, you can also grow tasty treats that may be hard to find or expensive to buy like pimento peppers, purple carrots, asparagus peas or black radishes. Herbs and spices are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Grow your own and they can be available fresh whenever you are cooking, baking or need some quick, natural healing from herbal remedies. Many aid with digestion. Want to lose extra pounds and show off some muscles?

Try digging, planting, pruning, carrying containers of soil or water. Gardening offers a wide range of exercise to keep your body looking and feeling in top condition. Then you can show off your healthy-looking body to whomever you want to impress. And you can look great in all the latest fashions for men or women. Especially in the coming spring and summer! Want to bring the family together?

Gardening is an excellent way to involve the whole family in a project you can do together. Introducing

children to the larger view of life can help them find a powerful sense of worth, belonging and connectivity that will strengthen them for a lifetime of growth and challenges. And there are plenty of jobs that will offer renewed energy and sense of purpose to seniors.

Working in the garden is one of the most basic ways a family can work and play together, a great way to drain stress and open up communications. Nothing is healthier than the strong sense of belonging offered by being a part of a family — your family, a family of friends and neighbors or Mother Nature’s family of which we are all a part.

Now that you see just some of the benefits of gardening for good health, you can see why this is the cheapest, easiest and most fun way to feel good. Ironically, it’s just what the doctor has been ordering for thousands of years.

Being consumed with time issues and technology, we’ve forgotten some of the best and simplest ways to heal and stay healthy. Gardening is at the top of the list and can be done almost anywhere — including the window sill or a balcony of a small apartment. Now is the perfect time to start. Are you ready?

For more information about gardening in the Santa Clarita Valley, visit Jane Gates on YouTube at you tube.com/user/Janieg8s. 

Understanding the Basics of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite that, colorectal cancer does not garner as much attention as many think it should.

The Mayo Clinic says colorectal cancer starts in the large intestine (colon), which is the final part of the digestive tract, or in the rectum. It usually begins as noncancerous clumps of cells known as polyps. Over time, some of those benign polyps can change into cancerous cells and eventually tumors. The entire colon is about five feet in length, which provides a lot of real estate where cancer can start.

As with any type of cancer, detecting colorectal cancer early can make a difference in treatment. Early discovery of polyps that may turn cancerous can give doctors and their patients more treatment options. Medical professionals use colonoscopy, which is a camera inserted into the colon, to check for abnormalities. The American Cancer Society now recommends that a person without any risk factors have their first colonoscopy at age 45.

This procedure often is done under a mild sedation and the patient feels no discomfort. Healthy

people can go 10 years between colonoscopies.

The camera will provide images of the tissue inside the colon and detect if polyps are present. The ACS says there are three different types of polyps. Adenomatous polyps These sometimes change into cancer and are considered a pre-cancerous condition.

Hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps These are more common, but in general they are not pre-cancerous.

Sessile serrated polyps and traditional serrated adenomas These polyps have a higher risk of colorectal cancer formation.

Sometimes doctors will remove polyps if they think they may grow into cancer.

Most colorectal cancers are known as adenocar-

cinomas, and start in the cells that make mucus to lubricate the inside of the rectum and colon. When doctors are referring to colorectal cancer, they often are discussing adenocarcinoma.

If colorectal cancer is not caught early when the cancer cells are in the colon walls, it can then grow into blood vessels or lump vessels and travel to distant parts of the body.

Certain symptoms and signs may provide clues that colorectal cancer is present, apart from results from imaging tests, offers the Mayo Clinic.

• Persistent changes in bowel habits, including changes in the consistency of stool and frequency of movements.

• Bleeding from the rectum or blood found in stool.

• Abdominal discomfort, which can include cramps or gas pains.

• A persistent feeling that the bowel hasn’t emptied completely.

• Unexplained weight loss.

Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on staging. Plans can be discussed with an oncologist if cancer is detected.

More information about colorectal cancer is available at www.cancer.org. (MC) 

The Dangers of Ultraprocessed Foods

The results of two studies recently published in the British medical journal The BMJ found that eating a lot of ultraprocessed foods significantly increases men’s risk of colorectal cancer.

Published in August 2022, the studies, which examined individuals in both the United States and Italy, also found that diets high in ultraprocessed foods can lead to heart disease and early death in both and men and women.

Processed and ultraprocessed foods include meats such as bacon, beef jerky,corned beef, ham, hot dogs and salami.

Various organizations, including the World Health Organization, the American Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research, have previously warned that those meats are associated with a higher risk of bowel cancer in men and women.

The studies published in August 2022 reported that it’s not just ultraprocessed meats that increase risk for cancer, but also other processed or ultraprocessed foods, including readyto-eat-or-heat foods such as french fries, prepackaged soups, sauces, frozen pizza, doughnuts and storebought cookies and cakes, among others. (MC) 

AUTOMOTIVE

Why You Should Consider a Hybrid for Your Next Vehicle

With gas prices surging and national efforts being made to reduce carbon emissions, you may be eyeing car models that promise to reduce or even eliminate your reliance on gas. However, depending on your lifestyle, location, finances, driving habits and other factors, you may not be ready to go fully electric just yet.

The good news? A hybrid is a great transitional vehicle to put you on the path to more sustainable driving now. Here’s why:

Hybrid vehicles, which combine smaller gas engines with battery-powered electric motors, make it possible for anyone to contribute to the fight against carbon emissions and reduce their gas expenses.

In fact, today’s hybrids achieve 20-35% better fuel economy than conventional internal combustion engines, according to Green America. In the short term, hybrids are a cost-effective option compared with

most all-electric vehicles currently on the market.

While a battery electric vehicle will save you even further on fuel costs down the line, the average transaction price for one of these rides is still well above $60,000.

A hybrid is also a key alternative to electric vehicles for those who live in locations where the current electric vehicle infrastructure doesn’t yet support everyday transport, or for those who don’t own a home where they can charge a vehicle at night.

With greater fuel economy than a traditional internal combustion engine, and requiring no lifestyle overhaul to operate, hybrids are one way to reduce carbon emissions today.

Given these varied benefits, and the rising number of available vehicles with a hybrid powertrain, it’s no surprise that annual hybrid sales in the United States have more than doubled since 2019.

As you shop around, be sure to look for manufacturers with hybrids available across their entire lineup, from pickups and SUVs to sedans. This will help you find a model that matches your needs. Sporting blue

badges, it’s easy to spot Toyota’s hybrid options on the lot.

While hybrid technology has historically cost more, prices are leveling, and budget-conscious buyers will find options under $30k, including the Corolla Hybrid and the all-new Prius.

Boasting all the latest safety and multimedia features, along with sleek exterior design, you won’t have to compromise on style or performance in the quest for efficiency. To learn more about electrified vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fuel cell electric and battery electric cars, visit toyota.com/electrified.

Whether you are experiencing pain at the pump or simply want to live more sustainably, making your next vehicle a hybrid is an effortless step you can take to save money at the gas pump and reduce your carbon footprint. (SPT) 

SOLUTIONS

Don’t K-O the K-9

In February, Assemblyman Corey Jackson, D-Riverside, introduced Assembly Bill 742, seeking to prohibit using police K-9s for arrests, apprehensions and crowd control. The pretense of this bill stems from the belief that police K-9s are part of the racial bias and violence against Black Americans.

This bill is not only asinine, but it also puts our police officers and suspects — yes, suspects — in greater danger. Police K-9s have been used in many situations to take violent and dangerous suspects into custody using less-than-lethal force, many of which could have resulted in deadly force if it were not for the use of a K-9. In today’s society and cultural climate that calls for police reform to create a downward trend in officer-involved fatal encounters, why is there a bill to take away a less-lethal tool? A K-9 is a less-lethal tool to apprehend suspects. It helps keep police officers from being injured or killed by suspects and allows for suspects to be taken into custody without the potential use of deadly force.

California continues to strip its police officers of less-lethal tools rather than providing them with more less-lethal options and training.

Alexander Duncan Newhall

The Left’s Brand Loyalty

Joshua Heath wrote a superb column (Jan. 17) bashing his own (Democrats, liberals, snowflakes, etc.), and I wish more people would do the same (to their own). He identified the source of the toxicity and warned of the consequences: They will be hamstrung at the voting booth. Good job, Mr. Heath, you have eyes that can see... but just so far. Just like Gary Horton, Jonathan Kraut and all of the other liberal leftists, you are guilty, by your own admission, of “brand loyalty.” I believe you would vote Democrat even if you knew they were serving soup laced with arsenic, because they are your “brand.” It’s thoughtless and irrational, but you’re not alone in that respect. Republicans do the same.

By the way, that stuff you listed at the end of your otherwise beautiful piece, a higher minimum wage, free college, health care for all, strong action to stave off climate change: Well, to that I have this to say: It’s going to come out of YOUR paycheck. And if your “brand” enacts too many of those “policies,” you won't have anything left in yours. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, isn’t it, Mr. Heath?

Arthur Saginian Santa Clarita

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

Justifying Justice, the Virtue

By David Hegg

Last week, in my series on virtues, the subject was prudence, understood as the ability to discern the best, most appropriate action to take in any given situation, at any particular time.

Next in the traditional list of cardinal virtues comes justice. Practically speaking, justice as a virtue helps define and constrain prudence so actions taken are actually prudent in so far as they are fair, righteous, and most of all, lacking bias.

In civil society, the questions of fair and righteous are usually answered by the laws of the land that set the same laws for everyone. And, recognizing that unjust laws made true justice impossible, America’s founding fathers designed a separation of powers by which the legislative branch, which constructed the laws, were accountable to the judiciary branch to determine if those laws were, in fact, fair and righteous.

But, the question of bias is not so easily answered.

You’re probably familiar with the ancient symbol of justice. A woman, known as the Lady or Goddess of Justice, is depicted as outfitted with both a scale and a sword. She weighs the evidence on the scale, then pronounces a verdict. The sword reminds us justice is invested with the power of life and death. This is sobering, for it demonstrates the gravity of her business. The virtue of justice bears incredible weight in civil society, and where it is compromised, life is gravely eroded. In the 1500s another element was added to Lady Justice: a blindfold. The blindfold emphasizes the very core of justice as a virtue. Justice is blind, and therefore true justice is unbiased. Lady Justice is unable to adjudicate on the basis of anything but the weight of the evidence that tips her scale.

It is no exaggeration to say that justice perverted sounds the death knell on civil, free society. And the greatest threat to justice, that which perverts this virtue into the enemy of fairness, righteousness, and freedom, is bias of any kind.

preferred color over character, and largely turned the traditional understanding of justice on its head.

And why is that? At the risk of oversimplifying the issue, justice is eroding in our time because bias has been legitimized at every level of society. The blindfold has been taken off as disparate groups battle for supremacy to further their own agenda. This happens at the highest levels of our government as the battle lines are formed and each party’s agenda portrayed as fair, righteous and just. The result is that appointments, legislative initiatives and a host of other projects are unashamedly advertised as promoting an ideologically biased agenda that is reckoned by the other side as unfair, wicked and tyrannical. But, of course, should the power shift, they will work hard to promote their biased view of justice as well.

This legitimizing of bias is prevalent at every level of our society. To the extent that bias is allowed to flourish under the guise of progress, we will increasingly see injustice being allowed and even applauded. We will continue to see the bias of political ideology triumph over actual accomplishment, the sovereignty of feelings over facts, and the ability of the powerful elite and wealthy to forestall the justice due them.

So, what is the answer? I can only offer a few simple suggestions. First, we need to reaffirm the necessity of justice as an essential virtue in our own hearts and homes, and pass it along to our children. Second, we need to be consistent in assessing how deeply the toxin of bias has invaded our own thinking. It is proper to hold views and engage in dialogue with our opponents. What is not prudent is to allow our differences to turn opponents into enemies fit for destruction. Third, we need to demand that those calling for our support and our votes will have exhibited a sound rejection of bias, and a strong pursuit of justice in their personal lives, careers and relationships.

Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@signalscv.com.

But, as we increasingly recognize today, justice is on the ropes. Simply put, the blindfold is pulled down at every level of society and the recognition of power, wealth, position, and/or the attendant consequences of justice being meted out are allowed to redefine fairness and righteousness and justice itself. We see it as well in the “identity bias” that has overruled merit with ideology,

I know I don’t say it often, but thank you for reading this column. Please know that my intent here is simply to offer some thoughts that may allow you to engage in conversations that matter. To that end, I will continue writing as long as I think this column provides value for our wonderful Santa Clarita Valley community.

Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 