Recognized as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals™ for the fourth year in a row, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center provides award-winning care to the Santa Clarita Valley. We are committed to providing patients with convenient access to comprehensive, high-quality health care that’s close to home.
Nationally recognized for nursing excellence and patient safety, our Magnet® designated hospital maintains a reputation for providing patient-centered care, delivered with empathy and compassion.
For a physician referral, call 1-844-510-HEAL (4325) or visit providence.org/holycross.
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
From sci-fi to fantasy to real-life science
Southern California has numerous destinations for your inner “geek” to explore. There is no more exciting way to leave your problems behind than to blast off into outer space. Visit these three historic observatories to discover the science behind the fiction and explore the real world of science in action. Spend a day exploring each of these famous and historic sites where scientific history was made. Leave the Santa Clarita Valley behind and take a day trip to explore the cosmos.
35899 Canfield Road, Palomar Mountain 92060 Info sites.astro.caltech.edu/palomar/homepage. html
Currently closed until the snow melts, Palomar Observatory is owned and operated by Caltech and is celebrating its 75th anniversary. It is home to three active research telescopes, the famous 200inch Hale Telescope, the 48-inch Samuel Oschin Telescope and the 60-inch telescope.
The Hale Telescope was for decades the largest effective telescope in operation in the world from its construction in 1949 until the Soviet BTA-6 was built in 1976. It was the second largest until the construction of the Keck Observatory Keck 1 in Hawaii in 1993.
The telescopes at Palomar have been responsible for increasing our knowledge of quasars, tracking asteroids and looking into deep space.
The public areas of the Observatory include the A.W. Greenway Jr. Visitor Center and the Visitor’s Gallery inside the 200-inch Hale Telescope dome.
The center contains a gift shop and there are docent guided tours. Public tour tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are sold the day of the tour. No online or advance ticket sales. Check the weather before traveling to Palomar Mountain, the weather can be vastly different from the SCV. There are no gas stations on Palomar Mountain.
Mt. Wilson Observatory
Mt. Wilson Road, Mt. Wilson 91023 Info www.mtwilson.edu
Directions www.mtwilson.edu/1map Weather Conditions www.wunderground.com/ weather/us/ca/mount-wilson
The Mount Wilson Observatory was founded in 1904 and so, it will celebrate its 120th anniversary next year.
In its early years the observatory was used extensively to study the sun. In 1917, the observatory installed the largest telescope in the world until the Hale telescope at Mt. Palomar was built. The Mt. Wilson 100-inch telescope primarily photographed the stars and nebulae. It was used to make many great discoveries including the knowledge that Earth resides in just one of many galaxies in an ever-expanding universe. This telescope lead directly to the current understanding of our origins, what is called “The Big Bang” model.
For an experience of a lifetime the public can reserve time to view celestial objects at Mt. Wilson. They are the largest telescopes in the world available for public use. Reservations are required and fees range from $1,100 to $4,000.
Griffith Observatory
2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles 90027 Info griffithobservatory.org
The Griffith Observatory is familiar to most SCV
families. Who hasn’t taken a school field trip to this famous landmark?
Opened in 1935 the observatory was closed for four years and underwent a $96 million refurbishing from 2002 to 2006. It was reopened to the public on Nov. 3, 2006.
Visitors may look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.
Things to see at Griffith Observatory include:
• The gently swaying Foucault Pendulum in the W.M. Keck Foundation Central Rotunda has long been a visitor favorite since the building opened in 1935. One of the largest such devices in the world, the fully restored pendulum is actually an elegant scientific instrument which demonstrates the Earth’s rotation.
• During the day, you can see the live image of the Sun on the solar telescope in the Ahmanson Hall of the Sky. Each evening, there are free public telescopes on the roof and lawn to observe the night sky.
• With its giant arcing sparks Griffith Observatory’s Tesla coil is one of the most memorable and iconic exhibits. Millions have seen it in operation, throwing its lightning-like discharges to the walls of its alcove.
Griffith Observatory is open Tuesday to Friday noon to 10 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Closed Mondays. Free admission, however parking around the observatory is not. Parking fees vary according to time of year.
Tickets are required to see all Planetarium shows. Tickets are $10 for adults 13-54, $8 for seniors (55+) and $6 for children 5-12.
The whole idea of “spring cleaning” is to do things more comprehensively than you do the rest of the year. It’s all about a fresh new start.
So merely doing your floors and countertops and bathroom fixtures won’t be enough. You have to look at the big picture, and notice all the dirt harbors you’ve become accustomed to ignoring. This includes your walls and windows, curtains and blinds, appliances, bookshelves and even your HVAC system.
Spring is also a great time to declutter. Shed some stuff, such as clothing you’ll never wear again. What about that cat tree? Frisky has been gone for two years now. It’s time to stop mourning.
John Smith is the owner/operator of the Molly Maid cleaning service in Canyon Country, which has served the Santa Clarita Valley for more than 25 years.
“We believe a clean home is a happy home,” he said.
“Cleaning your home is about loving the space you spend most of your life in,” Smith emphasized. “Homes are living beings. Take care of them and they will take care of you.”
Here are ways to prevent cleaning and organizing accidents.
Never Mix Cleansers Cleaning chemicals are often effective because they employ bases or acids to produce cleaning actions. However, when mixed together, certain cleaning products can be extremely hazardous. Never mix products containing acids and bases. Common cleaning products containing acids include tub and tile cleaners, vinegar and mold removers. Products containing bases include bleaches, glass cleaners and drain cleaners.
Avoid Falls Falls are a major contributor to home injuries. Be especially careful when climbing ladders, and do not lean too far to either side. If possible, have someone hold the ladder steady. Wear nonskid shoes and go slowly. Do not climb on furniture or stack items to reach high spots like top shelves, as this can create a precarious situation.
Lift With Care Use proper lifting techniques, which include lifting with the legs while keeping the back straight. If the item is too heavy, wait and ask for help.
Wear Masks and Safety Gear Protect the eyes, hands and lungs by wearing safety goggles, durable gloves and a dust mask. (MC)
And, while his experts can certainly get your home spring-shiny, he approves of the tips offered here for do-it-yourselfers. These begin with making a plan and schedule, so you will stay on task — and working from the top down.
Doormats Vacuum indoor doormats on both sides and hose off outside mats.
Windows and Blinds Dust your lowered blinds and shades, and then raise them and clean your windows inside and out.
Dust Ceiling Fixtures and Fans Use an extendable duster on ceiling fans, hanging lights and moldings. And, yes, do this first, before you clean everything below them.
Wipe Down Walls Use a damp microfiber cloth. Be sure to start from top to bottom, and be sure to do the door frames and baseboards.
Freshen Musty Carpets After vacuuming, clean your carpets (or have them cleaned). If you can’t clean them, deodorize them by working baking soda or carpet deodorizer into the carpet with a soft brush, and then vacuuming.
Granite Countertops Use a mild granite cleaner to remove dirt and stains, and then use granite polish to restore the shine.
Deep Clean the Refrigerator Empty your refrigerator (and freezer). This is a good time to get rid of items you never use, and open up space. Wipe down the interior and wash the shelves and bins in soapy water.
Clean the Oven Use your oven’s self-cleaning function, if it has one. Otherwise, you’ll be scrubbing or using oven cleaner, which works well, but is pretty nasty.
Kitchen Cabinets Use a cabinet cleaner that will remove grease while leaving paint undamaged – or one that moisturizes unpainted wood.
Shower Heads To clean shower heads and improve water flow, soak them in equal parts water and white vinegar. This can be done without removing them by tying a plastic bag that is filled with the water and vinegar solution around the head.
Organize and Dust Bookshelves Remove your books, dust the shelves and then dust each book before you put it back on the shelf. This is a good time to get rid of a few books, if necessary. Replace Air Conditioning Filters With modern HVAC systems, this is easy. Just be sure to install them facing correctly for the direction of the airflow.
Kill Dust Mites in Your Mattress Vacuum, using the upholstery and crevice tools, and sanitize with a disinfectant spray or steamer.
Washing Machine Use bleach and the washer cleaning cycle, if your machine has one, or use a washing machine cleaner.
Dryer Clean all lint and dust from your dyer, including the vent hose. Collected dust has been known to cause fires, and it definitely makes your dryer less efficient.
Scrub Trash Cans Take them outside, use a hose and dish soap, and allow them to dry completely before bringing them back inside.
“I’ve taught meditation for 20 years, and I know that when a home is nice and clean, it’s so much easier to find peace in your heart,” Smith said. “I got into this business because I love seeing the smiles on people’s faces after we’ve cleaned their homes.”
California’s food festivals are back! Last year many food festivals returned to operation, but some were scaled back events and other festivals relocated. In 2023 food festivals are returning in all their tasty glory across the state. Don’t miss the Santa Clarita Valley food fests, Taste of the Town on May 7 and SCV Veg Fest on June 3.
37th San Joaquin Asparagus Festival
April 14-16, Noon - 7 p.m.
San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton 95206
Info www.sanjoaquinasparagusfestival.net
The San Joaquin Asparagus Festival is a family-friendly festival that offers chef demos, Asparagus Alley including deep fried asparagus, asparagus ice cream and other asparagus inspired dishes, Midway of Fun carnival, Monster Truck rides, live music and more.
Tickets on sale online at $15 adult 18-64; $10 child 6-17, seniors and military with ID.
Fallbrook Avocado Festival
April 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Main Street, E. Alvarado Street and S. Main Avenue, Fallbrook 92028
Info www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org/ avocado-festival
Charming setting in historic downtown Fallbrook with 350 booths, covered beer gardens with live bands, guacamole and costume contests, avocado everything, local artisans on the Artisan Walk, free parking, free shuttles, two food courts, Farmer’s Market with local produce and natives, avocado trees for sale, avocado education and Free!
Sacramento Grilled Cheese Festival
April 29-30
Southside Park, 2115 6th St., Sacramento 95818 www.sacgrilledcheese.com
Vendors from all over northern California and the surrounding area will be showcasing their talents with both standard and non-traditional grilled cheese recipes. Tickets can be purchased online with a credit card, but the festival is cash-only. Advanced tickets are recommended.
Saturday, April 29 1-4 p.m. VIP entry at noon. Unlimited Grilled Cheese, Beer and Wine Tasting. Tickets $75 to $95. Adult 21+ only event. Advance ticket purchase required. Visit website for details.
Sunday, April 30 All ages festival tickets $8-$10.
34th Taste of the Town
May 7, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Blomgren Ranch, 15142 Sierra Highway, Santa
Clarita 91390.
Info www.childfamilycenter.org/events/taste-ofthe-town
Enjoy unlimited samples from Santa Clarita’s finest restaurants, caterers, beer and wine purveyors. KTLA Channel 5 will be covering Taste of the Town live and KTLA Morning News Anchor Chris Schauble will serve as Taste of the Town emcee. The event benefits Child & Family Center and will feature a live band and an online silent auction.
VIP tickets are $150 per person and includes seat at a reserved umbrella table, from 1-5 p.m. (onehour early access) and preferred parking.
General tickets are $95 per person 2-5 p.m.
Gator By the Bay
May 11-14, hours vary per day
Spanish Landing Park, 3900 N Harbor Drive, San Diego 92101
Info gatorbythebay.com
The Zydeco Blues and Crawfish Festival celebrates with a fantastic lineup of music, Taste of Louisiana cooking demos, 10,000 lbs. of crawfish and many other food delights in the French Quarter Food Court, as well as fun family activities. More than 85 performances on seven stages.
Ticket prices vary per day and event. Advance tickets are less than at the gate.
California Nut Festival
May 13, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway, Chico, 95928
Info www.californianutfestival.com
Sample and savor nut-inspired dishes by local restaurants, caterers and chefs, local wine, beers, coffees and juices. Chef demos, live music on two stages, art, vendors.
General admission is $35 online in advance (or $40 the day of the event); $15 children ages 7-12, children under 6 are free.
Morgan Hill
Mardi Gras Festival
May 27-28, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Morgan Hill Downtown Amphitheater, 17000 Monterey Highway, Morgan Hill 95037
Info mhmmg.org
Family fun festival. Enjoy food at more than 35 gourmet food booths in two food courts. Visit food vendors showcasing mushroom dishes from stuffed, sautéed, sandwiched, deep fried and grilled. Learn the health benefits and how mushrooms are grown at the Mushroom Expo. Learn the secrets and taste the flavors of local and regional chefs on the chef demonstration stage. Amateur cooking contest and more than 300 booths includ-
See FOOD!, page 16
As any homeowner knows, renovation projects tend to cost a lot of money. The average cost of a home renovation is difficult to gauge, as such endeavors run the gamut from complex projects like a kitchen overhaul to simpler ones like painting a room inside a home. Indeed, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry notes that scope is what drives the cost of a renovation project.
Though there might not be an “average cost” of a renovation project, homeowners can expect to spend thousands of dollars on projects that are not very small in scale. Navigating such an expense at a time when inflation remains high might be difficult for some homeowners looking to maintain the appearance of their home exteriors. However, there are many budget-friendly ways homeowners can tend to the exterior of their properties.
Power washing won’t break the bank but it can revive the look of a home. Power washing removes dirt and grime from the siding of a home and a power washing can be used to clean porches, walkways and patios as well. Hardware chains
like Home Depot and Lowes typically rent power washers, but homeowners who don’t want to do it themselves can hire a professional for a few hundred dollars, if not less. Power washing after winter can be a good idea, as the elements can take a toll on a home’s exterior. A good power washing before spring and summer entertaining season can thus give a home a fresh, clean look without breaking the bank.
A furnished front porch can serve as a welcome sign to neighbors and provide a great place to relax with a morning cup of coffee and a good book. Homeowners with a small porch won’t need to bust their budgets to upgrade their front porch furnishings. Some small chairs with bright cushions, a small table and a rug underfoot can revamp an entryway at low cost.
Window Box Installation
Installing window box planters is another
cost-effective way to brighten up a home’s exterior. Homeowners can hang window boxes outside windows on the front of their homes and then fill them with brightly colored flowers to add an inviting pop of color to their home exteriors. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens urge homeowners to take weight into consideration before buying window planters. Keep in mind that soil and developed plants can be heavy, so look for a sturdy box as well as one that has drainage holes.
Another simple way to freshen up a stale exterior is to replace hardware. Door knobs, knockers, house numbers, and even the mailbox can appear dated after a while. Replacing these items is inexpensive and quick but can have a profound impact on how the exterior of a home appears to residents and visitors.
Exterior renovations need not break the bank. Various simple and inexpensive tweaks can quickly revitalize the exterior of a home. (MC)
“Anything you teach in an indoor classroom can be taught outdoors, often in ways that are more enjoyable for children.”
– Cathy James
Tucked between the River Village neighborhood at Duane R. Harte Park is one of the most unique and hidden amenities in Santa Clarita. Home to the City of Santa Clarita’s Trail Tales, this serene location offers families and visitors a beautiful spot to take a leisurely walk along the paseos while enjoying the shade of the massive oak trees and reading a children’s story displayed on podiums dotted along the path.
This location is perfect to take the kids on an afternoon adventure, or an early morning walk to enjoy a story and a stroll.
Originally installed in 2020, Trail Tales has become a resident favorite — a safe environment for children to practice their reading, play along the path and learn a little more about literacy in a fun and engaging way. Designed to encourage outdoor adventure in our parks and a love of reading amongst our youth, this amenity perfectly blends nature and books for a wonderful and memorable experience.
This program is one of many innovative programs from the Santa Clarita Public Library, whose mission is to connect residents and visitors with information and ideas that enrich, inspire and educate.
Through ideas and programs like Trail Tales, we can encourage reading and exploration in the earliest stages of life. According to “Every Child a Chance Trust,” higher literacy rates
are associated with healthier populations, less crime, greater economic growth and higher employment rates.
As a community that prides itself on public safety, award-winning schools, business-friendly opportunities and a proactive local government, we can showcase just how unique and forward-thinking Santa Clarita is by implementing programs such as this.
To keep residents and neighbors excited for more, every few months City staff updates the podiums with a new story.
This month we are excited to announce that the featured story is the 1989 beloved children’s picture book, We’re Going on A Bear Hunt, written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. The book follows the tale of a family who decides to go looking for a bear, but throughout their adventure, they run across a variety of obstacles like rivers, swamps and snowstorms that can seem “scary.”
As the family progresses through each obstacle together, the story teaches children the importance of facing their fears and pushing through challenges that they might come across in their lives.
As a father myself, I know the importance of introducing literacy and healthy activities to kids at a young age. Through amenities like Trail Tales, I encourage our community members to explore their City and enjoy the outdoors while reading a family-friendly story. If you would like to learn more about this program, please visit SantaClarita Library.com.
Be sure to follow the Library’s social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram at @scvpubliclibrary for future events and story updates. 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.
‘Lucky Hank’
1/2 (out of four)
An eight-episode series premiering Sunday on AMC and AMC+.
If there are any lingering doubts as to whether Bob Odenkirk has become one of our most versatile and skilled actors, those doubts should be erased just a few minutes in to the premiere episode of the AMC series “Lucky Hank.” Odenkirk creates an instantly memorable and unique character just seven months after his final appearance as the indelible Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman/Gene Takavic.
That we’re able to set aside Saul and so quickly welcome one William Henry “Hank” Devereaux Jr. into our pop-culture world is a testament to Odenkirk’s uncanny ability to meet the material head-on and make it his own.
(And let’s not forget Odenkirk’s transformation into a violent antihero in the bloody good action flick “Nobody” in 2012.)
Let’s talk about Hank, who provides occasional voice-over narration throughout the series to help us key in to his mindset. Hank is the crabby, cynical, slightly rumpled, darkly funny and honest-to-a-fault chair of the English department at the fictional Railton College, a second-tier institution in the Pennsylvania Rust Belt that is filled with students who surely had this place checked as their safety school, and faculty members who either never reached their potential or peaked long ago and find themselves stationed here, trying to stave off any further downward slides.
Hank fits squarely into the latter category, having written an acclaimed novel many years ago, which was followed by years of writing ... nothing. Making matters worse: Hank is saddled with the name of his estranged
father, a towering literary critic who of course fell short in the parenting department and occupies a permanent place in Hank’s subconscious, because it’s practically TV and Movie Law that middle-aged protagonists must have serious daddy issues.
The source material for “Lucky Hank” is the 1997 novel “Straight Man” by the brilliant Richard Russo, whose works have been adapted into film and/or TV projects including “Nobody’s Fool,” “Twilight” (the 1998 Paul Newman movie, not the vampire stuff), “Empire Falls” and “The Ice Harvest.”
Much of Russo’s framework remains intact, but co-creators Aaron Zelman and Paul Lieberstein have put a unique stamp on the material. (Lieberstein was a writer and producer on “The Office” and also played Toby Flenderson; you can see his influence in the workplace scenes in “Lucky Hank,” as Hank engages in often contentious banter with his colleagues while trying the patience of his boss, Dean Jacob Rose, played by Oscar Nunez from “The Office.”)
It’s not that Hank works hard at being unlikable and unhappy, it’s just his default mode. Here is a teacher who couldn’t possibly be less interested in actually, you know, teaching. He’s too busy marinating in ennui.
the travels of the head of the Catholic church across all corners of the world Composed entirely of archival footage, the film grants rare access to the publ c life of the pontiff from the more democratic grounds of unpaved streets and vast pub ic avenues
J O H N W I C K: C H A P T E R 4 E 12:50 4:00 7:30
With the price on his head ever increas ng, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) takes his fight against the High Table global as he seeks out the most power ful players in the under world, from New York to Paris to Osaka to Berlin
I N S I D E E 4:20 PM
INSIDE tells the stor y of Nemo, an ar t thief trapped in a New York penthouse after his heist doesn t go as planned Locked inside with nothing but priceless works of ar t, he must use all his cunn ng and nvention to sur v ve
M OV I N G O N E 3:10 7:35
Jane Fonda and Lily Toml n star as estranged friends who reun te to seek revenge on the petulant widower (Ma colm McDowe l) of their recently deceased best friend
S H A Z A M! F U RY O F T H E G O D S C 1:00 4:30 7:40
The film continues the stor y of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word “SHAZAM!” s transformed into his adult Super Hero alter ego, Shazam
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After a catastroph c crash on an unknown planet pilot Mills quickly discovers he’s ac tual y stranded on Ear th 65 mill
Still, we often can see why Hank is exasperated, whether he’s dealing with the egos and schemes and petty grievances of his colleagues — including the hard-drinking older professor Billie (Nancy Robertson); the would-be poet Gracie (Suzanne Cryer), who claims her self-published book of sonnets on Jonathan Swift “has become THE benchmark in early feminist 18th-century response poetry,” and the egotistical and cheerfully abrasive Paul (Cedric Yarbrough) — or he’s enduring the unrealistic aspirations and overly sensitive nature of some of his students.
When one student who fancies himself as a great untapped talent (he’s not) challenges Hank to deliver some honest feedback, Hank lets loose with a blistering diatribe about this particular student (“It’s a tricky thing to compare yourself to Chaucer”) and the mediocrity of the students and the school, calling it a
“middling college in this sad, forgotten town.” One of Hank’s students records the verbal barrage on her phone and it goes viral, making Hank an even less-popular figure on campus and putting his position as department chair in jeopardy.
Considering Hank’s overall demeanor, he’s damn lucky to have such a loving and supportive wife in Mireille Enos’ Lily, who is the vice principal at the local high school and handles adversity by taking late-night runs and maintaining a much more upbeat presence than her husband. Hank and Lily also have a daughter named Julie (Olivia Scott Welch). Plus, Hank has a terrific best buddy in Diedrich Bader’s Tony.
If Hank would just look around and gain some perspective, he’d realize it’s not true that 80% of adulthood can be summed up with “misery,” as he claims. Fine: Maybe 40%. Fifty percent, tops.
In lesser writing hands and with someone not as nuanced as Odenkirk in the lead role, “Lucky Hank” might be in danger of wearing out its welcome. But in the two episodes that were made available for critics, we see moments of genuine humanity and decency in Hank — there’s no doubting his love for his wife and his daughter — and quick glimpses of him acknowledging that much of the criticism of him is warranted.
We’re ready to sign up for multiple semesters at Railton College. There’s the potential for real excellence there.
Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times
Warmer days at the start of spring mean Easter is almost here, and the big bunny himself will be hopping around in no time delivering goodies.
This Easter, celebrate with your loved ones with a delicious and colorful Easter Bunny Butt Cake. It can bring smiles and laughter while putting everyone in a light, joyful mood.
This cake is fun and bright with a fluffy, moist interior. Complete with chocolate candy eggs, shredded coconut and chocolate chips for little bunny toes, this recipe goes all out to paint a picture of the Easter bunny.
Start by combining whole eggs, egg whites, cream of coconut, crushed pineapple, coconut extract and vanilla extract.
In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Then add butter gradually, 6 tablespoons at a time, for a total of 12 tablespoons. Add dry mixture to a mixing bowl then add egg mixture half at a time. Beat until cake batter is formed.
Fill muffin tins 2/3 full and bake 18-20 minutes. The remaining batter goes into an oven-safe bowl to bake for 1 hour, 40 minutes.
The buttercream frosting is made with powdered sugar, butter, milk, vanilla extract and coconut extract.
Assemble the cake using pretzel sticks to blend it together to make the bunny butt shape. Frost the cake and spread shredded coconut over it to create a textured appearance. Stick chocolate chips on the bunny’s feet to create toes. Place your favorite Easter or bunny candies around the cake for extra garnish.
This cake is worth every step. It’s delicious and as cute as can be, plus it’s perfect for dessert after a big Easter dinner.
Find more creative and scrumptious holiday recipes at Culinary.net.
Servings: 10-12
Nonstick cooking spray
2 eggs, plus 4 egg whites, at room temperature
3/4 cup cream of coconut
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
2 teaspoons coconut extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
Buttercream Frosting:
3 cups powdered sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
4 thin pretzel sticks
1 bag (10 ounces) sweetened shredded coconut
8 drops green food coloring
2 large round chocolate candy melts
6 chocolate chips
mini candy-coated chocolate eggs, for garnish
Heat oven to 325 F.
Line muffin pan with four paper liners. Spray oven-safe glass bowl with nonstick cooking spray.
In large bowl, whisk eggs, egg whites, cream of coconut, pineapple, coconut extract and vanilla extract until combined.
In food processor, pulse flour, sugar, baking powder and salt until combined. Add 6 tablespoons butter. Pulse until combined. Add remaining butter. Pulse until coarse meal forms.
In large mixing bowl, add coarse flour butter meal. Add half of egg mixture. Beat 1-2 minutes. Add remaining egg mixture; beat until combined. Fill each muffin cup 2/3 full. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until done. Cool completely.
Pour remaining batter into prepared oven-safe bowl. Bake 1 hour, 40 minutes, or until done. Cool completely.
To make buttercream frosting: In large bowl, add powdered sugar and butter; beat until fluffy. Add milk, vanilla extract and coconut extract; beat until creamy.
Turn bowl upside-down on cake stand until cake removes from bowl. If cake needs leveled, turn cake over and trim to flatten. Frost cake.
Remove wrappers from cupcakes. Using two pretzel sticks, press into base of cupcakes and anchor to bottom rim of bowl cake to create bunny feet. Frost feet.
Take third cupcake and cut muffin top off. Cut muffin top in half. Using one pretzel stick, anchor one muffin top half at bottom of full cupcake to form toes. Repeat with second muffin top half for other foot. Frost toes.
Attach final cupcake with remaining pretzel stick to butt area of cake to make tail. Frost tail.
Apply 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut all over cake. Press chocolate candy melts into bottoms of bunny feet to resemble foot pads. Add chocolate chips to resemble pads for toes.
Place remaining coconut in plastic bag. Add green food coloring. Toss in bag until coconut is colored. Spread around base of cake for grass. Decorate grass with chocolate eggs.
Tips Spoon flour into dry measuring cup and level off excess. Scooping directly from bag compacts flour, resulting in dry baked goods. Add 1 tablespoon additional milk if frosting is too stiff. Keep adding until desired consistency.
High cholesterol, particularly high levels of “bad” cholesterol, is a risk for heart disease. The Mayo Clinic says that high cholesterol also can increase risk for heart attack. Understanding cholesterol and how to control it can help people live longer, healthier lives. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that comes from two main sources. It is produced naturally by the liver and is obtained by eating certain foods, primarily animal products like meat, dairy and eggs. When these foods are consumed, the liver makes more cholesterol than it normally would, says the American Heart Association.
Harvard Medical School says that making certain food choices can help lower cholesterol levels. Some foods help prevent cholesterol from forming, while others lower low-density lipoprotein, also referred to as “LDL” or “bad” cholesterol. Some foods increase the amount of high-density
lipoprotein, also known as “HDL” or “good” cholesterol. Still other foods block the body from absorbing cholesterol. Because food and cholesterol are so closely linked, dietary changes can have a profound impact on people diagnosed with high levels of bad cholesterol. The following are some changes such individuals can implement.
• Increase soluble fiber. Soluble fiber is found in oatmeal and other whole grains, flax, apples, legumes,
and beans. Because soluble fiber can’t be broken down, it goes through the body and bloodstream like a giant mop, collecting bile generated to digest fats. The fiber and the fat-soaked bile are then excreted in the stool. According to Healthline, bile is made from cholesterol, and when the liver needs to make more of it to digest fat, it does so by pulling cholesterol out of the bloodstream, naturally reducing cholesterol levels as a result.
• Eliminate trans fats. Trans fats, or
those foods listed on labels primarily as hydrogenated oils, can raise overall cholesterol levels. The Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils by Jan. 1, 2021.
• Eat more fatty fish. Harvard Medical School says that eating fish two or three times a week can lower LDL by replacing meat and by delivering LDL-lowering omega-3 fats to the body. Omega-3s reduce triglycerides in the bloodstream and also protect the heart by helping to prevent the onset of abnormal heart rhythms.
• Use vegetable oils. Liquid vegetable oils, like canola or soybean, can be used in place of solid fats like butter or lard when cooking.
• Choose low-fat dairy. Substitute the low- or no-fat varieties of milk and cheeses instead of high-fat versions.
Dietary changes can make a big difference when it comes to reducing cholesterol. (MC)
The pandemic reignited people’s passions for home renovations, as they directed dollars that would normally have been spent elsewhere into the places where they were now spending the most time — their homes. According to the 10th annual Houzz & Home survey of more than 70,000 U.S. respondents, higher-budget projects cost around $85,000 or more in 2020, compared with $80,000 in the two years prior. Kitchen projects were the most popular among renovating homeowners.
Renovations remain a popular investment today. Homeowners embarking on home renovation projects understand that a certain measure of upheaval is to be expected, but some may not fully anticipate the impact that renovations have on daily life. The following are some tips for making it through a lengthy renovation.
Discuss the timeline with contractors
It may be easier to make a plan for how much life will be disrupted if you have an idea of how long the renovation will be (if everything goes according to plan).
Sit down with contractors and have them spell out the minutiae of the project so you’ll be able to anticipate what’s going on day-to-day.
Start at the right time Some contractors may say they can fit your project into their schedules in between other jobs. While this may seem convenient and timely, your work may be put on hold if there are delays with the other job or jobs. Instead, it may be better to hold off until the contractors can devote the bulk
of their attention to your renovation. Recreate commonly used spaces elsewhere A kitchen or a bathroom remodel often requires giving up spaces that are used throughout a typical day. Unless you have a spare full bathroom or kitchen, you’ll need to make due.
Set a microwave, tabletop electric burner and a coffee pot on a folding table in the garage or utility room. Rent or purchase a small refrigerator where you can store a few necessities. Ask your contractor to set up a makeshift outdoor shower so you have a place to get clean when the bathroom is under construction.
Pack up and cover Remodeling one room may cause a trickle down effect on other areas. Dust from drywall sanding can infiltrate many rooms in the home. Pack and label boxes with items not immediately needed and store them in another area. Cover most things so a film of dust won’t form on them.
Adjust your schedule Sleeping in will be a thing of the past for the duration of the renovation, as may be working from a home office. Try to get out of the work zone as much as possible for new scenery and respites from the noises and smells.
Ease up on cleaning standards It’s challenging to keep a home clean during a renovation. Relax standards and expect a mess for some time. Explain to guests what they’ll find if they drop by.
Renovations can disrupt life, but often are well worth the sacrifices homeowners must make to see them through to completion. (MC)
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New plants can add much to a landscape. Whether they’re replacing plants that are no longer thriving or being added to supplement an existing landscape, new plants are an affordable way to give a home’s exterior a whole new look.
Much consideration is given to which plants to add to a landscape. That’s understandable, as homeowners want to choose plants that will thrive and won’t compromise the health of surrounding plants and trees.
Before planting or even choosing plants, it’s important to plan for new additions to a landscape. Preparing the landscape can inform homeowners about which plants to purchase and can ensure they thrive after planting.
Plants have different needs, and one of the biggest differences between species is the amount of sunlight they need to thrive. According to Penn State Extension, plants characterized as “full sun” require six or more hours of sunlight per day, while those considered “partial sun” need between four and six hours of sunlight per day.
Plants designated as “partial shade” need two to four hours of sun per day, while “shade” plants need less than two hours of sunlight a day.
Documenting sunlight exposure in advance gives homeowners an idea of which plants should be planted and where they should be planted. Jot down these observations in a journal over several weeks and then choose plants that will thrive in each area.
A soil pH test is a simple and quick way to determine the acidity of soil. Soil pH levels will indicate how likely a plant is to thrive in a given spot. High levels won’t necessarily mean an area should be avoided, as some plants thrive in acidic soils.
Additional soil tests can determine other characteristics, such as the nutrient levels of soil and the amount of organic matter it contains. Each of these variables can help homeowners make the right choices as they introduce new plants to their properties.
If local wildlife makes its presence known on a property, homeowners may want to take proactive steps prior to planting anything new. A new fence might prevent animals like deer from getting in, but that likely won’t do much to repel smaller animals like squirrels, rabbits or foxes.
If wildlife is a concern, homeowners can seek advice at their local garden center about which plants certain animals are likely to ignore. Homeowners who want to attract wildlife can do the same in reverse, choosing plants wildlife will be drawn to.
Homeowners who want to deter wildlife should erect fencing or other barriers prior to planting.
Plants grow up and out, and cramped quarters can make it hard for new plants to thrive. Some may thrive but only at the expense of other plants. If necessary, clear space prior to planting to ensure plants have ample space to grow.
Some pre-planting landscape preparation can ensure new plants thrive. (MC)
Retirement is an opportunity to wave goodbye to the daily grind. Retirees may focus on rest and relaxation, and many make travel a major component of their lifestyle.
According to a 2022 Gallup poll, Americans expect to retire at an average age of 66, up from 62 in 2022. However, most do not hold out that long; the average actual retirement age is 61.
Upon retiring, many retirees discover that they sorely miss getting out of the house and being productive through some sort of employment. Others may find it necessary to supplement their retirement incomes. There are a few things to know about working during retirement, particularly if a person is collecting government benefits.
• According to the Social Security Administration, those falling under full retirement age for the entire year (which was raised to age 67 for those born in 1960 or later) will be subjected to an SSA deduction of $1 from your benefit payments for every $2 you earn above the annual limit. For 2022, that limit is $19,560.
• In the year you reach full retirement age, SSA deducts $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above a different limit, but they only count earnings before the month
you reach your full retirement age. For full retirement age reached in 2022 your limit on earnings for the months before full retirement age is $51,960. After full retirement age, there is no limit on earnings.
• Keep in mind that if you are on Medicare, extra income could potentially trigger surcharges for parts B and D. It’s beneficial to speak with a financial consultant to weigh the pros and cons of part-time work during retirement.
• Part-time work does not need to be daily work. Many retirees work according to how they feel. Some options include seasonal jobs, such as driving shuttles in national parks or working during the holidays in retail stores. Or you may use your expertise to consult or start a business.
• A number of people work part-time during retirement simply to get out of the house. Jobs that help you interact with a number of people can be beneficial, as socialization has been shown to benefit the mental health of seniors.
Working during retirement can supplement savings and provide structure that some retirees may be missing.(MC)
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ing the “Artists Area” for handcrafted arts & crafts, commercial vendors and more. Live music on two stages, wines and microbrews, beer and wine gardens throughout the festival. Kids
fun, games and rides in Munchkinland including strolling musicians and street performers. Tickets: adults $10, children under 16, military and first responders with ID are free.
Aug. 5-6, Noon – 7 p.m. San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton 95206
Info www.cagarlicfestival.com
With the unhappy news that the Gilroy Garlic Festival has been cancelled indefinitely (and replaced by a golf tournament) the Noceti Group, Inc., a family-owned business that offers family fun entertainment across California, has stepped up to offer garlic-lovers the new California Garlic Festival in Stockton.
Garlic Alley will feature dishes such as garlic fries, garlic pesto pasta, garlic mushroom and onion bread bowls and maple brown sugar garlic ice cream.
Admission will be available at the gate the day at the event: $15 adult, (ages 18-64); $10 child (6-17); seniors 65+ & military w/ID are free, children 5 and under are free. Parking is $10 cash.
In re: Signal article, “Supes approve gun-regulatory motions, enact new gun ordinances,” (Feb. 16).
News flash for our illustrious county Board of Supervisors: By definition, criminals do not obey laws!
In addition to that obvious fact our own 5th District Supervisior Kathryn Barger jumped on board this ridiculous piece of legislation that also vilifies and bans a weapon that I doubt has ever been used in a wounding or killing in L.A. County, let alone in her 5th District. And the topper, though, was Supervisor Janice Hahn who added: “These are giant bullets that are half-an-inch thick and really long,” during the Feb. 7 Board of Supervisors meeting.
I’m not quite sure how being “really long” fits into this particular argument but it does show the absolute ignorance of the people passing these useless laws when they obviously haven’t a clue about the subject/problem they are supposedly addressing in the legislation they write and pass. A Barret .50-caliber rifle has a 29-inch barrel, weighs 33 pounds (empty) and is 57 inches long. Not exactly something you shove in your waistband or hide under your coat! Did the supervisors give us a list of the times in the county where the perpetrator of a crime used a .50-caliber rifle to wound or kill someone? If a weapon isn’t actually used to wound or kill someone, its supposed “lethality” isn’t really an issue, now, is it?
California already has the most restrictive gun laws of any state and if the current crime stats in California in general and L.A. County in particular are any indication, all of those gun laws don’t seem to being doing real well. How about we try something that has a very good track record of reducing violent crime, like actually locking up the people committing those crimes?
You wanna get sick to your stomach and/or mad, look up the stats of recidivism of violent offenders in California and L.A. County and look up how many times their felonies with firearms have been pleaded down to a misdemeanor. Ask any deputy out here how often they have arrested a violent criminal who did not have a prior record of violent crimes.
Let's start demanding that our elected leaders do their homework BEFORE wasting their time and our money on useless pieces of legislation meant only to appease equally ignorant people in their districts whose votes they depend on so heavily.
Rick Barker ValenciaIstood in line at my favorite coffee shop and realized something frightening. Just like the four folks ahead of me, I had taken out my phone just to see if anyone thought I was important enough to email, text, or Teams. Given my notifications were blank, I quickly went to my news site to see if someone, somewhere had done something that could rescue me from a couple minutes of having to be content with myself, just standing in line.
That’s when I remembered how necessary true contentment is in our lives. And we’re on the brink of losing it both as a concept, and a privilege.
Contentment is a sense of satisfaction in the moments when, apart from outside stimulus, you realize life is good. Contentment is a space where your soul finds rest and peace. It is also a place of gratitude, and even a little humility, in recognition of the truth that you are OK being yourself, and even by yourself.
But two things have turned contentment into something we either don’t want or can’t enjoy.
Today’s infatuation with bigger, better, faster and greater has done damage to the idea of contentment. I once read a book entitled, “When I Relax I Feel Guilty.” Our societal demand for high achievement and even higher output has made heroes out of those who never rest, hardly sleep and push aside everything that might keep them from being the “greatest of all time.” Those who once were warned against being “workaholics” are now the model for the next generation. Contentment is something they can’t afford and don’t want.
But contentment need not be synonymous with complacency. In fact, studies of the workplace show how important time away is, and how important it is to rest, be refreshed, and find a place in your own soul where you are satisfied.
Sadly, a long list could be made of those who have gotten to the top of their game only to find they had no life. Sadder still is the number of those who gained the whole world and lost not only their souls, but threw away their lives in despair.
Technology has also made contentment something few today understand. It has given us so much but in the process, has siphoned away our ability to be content. It has become difficult even to understand what contentment is these days.
We have gained amazing opportunities for convenience, simplicity and efficiency. While in line for coffee, I can take out my pocket computer, connect with someone in Japan, check the stock market, text my wife, and download articles, songs, or whatever I
might need, all in a few minutes.
But in so doing, technology has sped up the pace of life so that we are constantly catching up. News, and messages, and texts, and posts are flying into our devices so fast that we actually have to check them constantly to keep up. And why keep up? Because we’ve become addicted to the possibility that some outside stimulus will provide the excitement we need to make the moment something other than mundane and boring. We’re hyped up on the “fear of missing out” and have turned our devices into the purveyors of emotional heroin. And, in the process, we’re quickly losing the ability to be content, in line, in relationships, in life.
All this has caused us to suffer cognitive dissonance. That is when we are thinking two things at once taking us in two different directions. Everyone I know wants peace and rest. But almost everyone I know lives at a pace that prohibits the peace and rest we all crave. We long to be content, to sit and watch the sunset and not wonder if we’re missing a text.
So, here are the telltale signs that you are losing your ability to be content. Do you reach for your phone in line? During TV advertisements? At red lights? If so, realize you’re unable to be with yourself, by yourself, simply allowing your heart to live in the spaces around you, for even a few seconds.
So, friend, here’s an assignment we both need. Set aside 15 minutes today and every day for a week to do nothing but watch the wind blow, or enjoy a cup of coffee alone, or take a slow walk around your neighborhood. Here’s what you’ll find. The wind is an incredible thing! And coffee imbibed for its own sake is so pleasing. And as you walk around your neighborhood you may just meet some real people, and have a real conversation without a keyboard!
I’d be remiss if I didn’t add one more thing. This column is really about the ethical system that provides the foundation for a contented life. The bottom line is, true contentment is the product of a steadfast hope that fortifies the soul even in times of adversity. For me, that hope is grounded in the promises God the Father has made me on the basis of my faith and dedication to God the Son incarnate, Jesus Christ.
Now I have to run. The sun’s going down, there are just the right amount of clouds for a wonderful sunset, and something just got poured into my glass. It’s time for me to consider enjoying some contentment, and I hope you will too!
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
april 22-23, 2023 in old town newhall
join us on main street in old town newhall and enjoy:
COUNTRY, COWBOY, FOLK AND BLUEGRASS MUSIC COWBOY GRUB WESTERN GEAR ROPING PAN FOR GOLD DUTCH OVEN PEACH COBBLER LIVING HISTORY ARCHERY HATCHET THROWING
ENJOY LIVING HISTORY!
for our 2023 schedule of artists, showtimes and locations, visit:
live music