Wildly civilized.
Sporty, intelligent and timelessly elegant, the E-Class All Terrain invites you to escape in total luxury.
Drive the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE, an all-electric sedan with a thirst for power.
October is Spooky Fun Month
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
October is full of spooky fun in Southern California. Enjoy this trio of favorite seasonally spooktacular events, all easily accessible from the Santa Clarita Valley. Before heading out, visit their websites to learn which dates, times, ticket prices and if advanced tickets are required.
‘Carved’ Lights Up the Night Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge 91011
Info bit.ly/3zI0beg. Advance tickets
Discover a mesmerizing pumpkin wonderland featuring a new route and even more pumpkin fun at Descanso Gardens.
By day enjoy the botanical wonders of Descanso Gardens with its 150 acres of camellia forest, oak woodlands, rose, lilac and Japanese gardens. At night, it transforms into “Carved,” a celebration of Halloween fun.
Carved features hundreds jack-o’-lanterns in spooky tableaus, including an illuminated jack-o’-lanterns forest.
See pumpkins transformed into a sea monster rising from a pond, crafted into a house or visit a pavilion in the rose garden with designs inspired by pop culture characters. There is also a station where you can see pumpkins being carved.
Stop for snacks and drinks in the courtyard or sweets in the rose garden. New this year is a beer garden on the main lawn.
The large art pumpkins weigh hundreds of pounds and are carved by artists who are allowed to put their spin on each design. The pumpkins only last about three days, so new designs pop up throughout the event.
The Carved route is less than a mile long and takes most visitors about one hour to complete. The route is accessible for strollers, wheelchairs and mobility assistance devices.
Boney Island
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles 90007
Info nhm.org/calendar/boney-island
Don’t miss Boney Island’s immersive, inter-
active, and illuminated experience this Halloween season at NHM.
Info bit.ly/3N4Cccm
Wander the whimsically transformed Nature Gardens for a night of spooky fun for all ages. Explore ghoulishly glowing exhibits, fascinating creatures of the night and prehistoric past, along with unusual surprises. Walk on the weird side and see silly skeletons in their natural habitat in the Skeleton Stroll.
See the festively fiendish animal denizens of the Deadwood Forest. And, survey skeletal symphonies performed by the flourishing flora and boney inhabitants of Hauntington Gardens.
Head to Prehistoric Pass where you will be transported back to Halloweens of the past. And, at the Walk of Fame celebrate your favorite skele-brities.
There is Maestro Maxilla’s Water Show under mysterious moonlight and various nightly live performances on the Boney Island Theater Stage.
Boney Island was created by “The Simpsons” producer, Rick Polizzi, for his family more than 20 years ago. A play on Brooklyn’s iconic Coney Island, it grew from a front yard display to a huge affair in Griffith Park with a cult-like following of Halloween lovers of all ages.
Boo at the Zoo Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles 90027
The Halloween spirit will be in full swing for two frightfully fun weekends at the L.A. Zoo, with trick-or-treating stations, animal pumpkin feedings, themed photo ops, education stations, an extinct animal graveyard and more.
Costumes are encouraged, but no full-face masks or weapons are allowed.
Treat stations offer wildlife-friendly candies, temporary tattoos, animal masks and small totes, which can be used as treat bags. Candy and sponsor giveaways are available while supplies last, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Enjoy live readings with noted children’s authors during Spooky Storytime at noon and 2 p.m.
At the Owl-o-ween Station, take a look at who’s “hoo” at the L.A. Zoo and explore the mysterious world of owls. See owl feathers, skulls, pellets and other biofacts to learn about these fascinating nocturnal creatures. Later, take on the role of a bird builder and try to construct a cozy owl nest.
Unleash your inner predator at Killer Carnivorans. Get up close and personal with the fangs, skulls and claws of carnivorans while identifying the key features that set them apart from other animal orders.
The LAIR is open 10 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. where guests come face-to-face with rare snakes, poisonous frogs and venomous lizards.
“Carved” at Descanso Gardens is an annual Halloween-themed event that offers hundreds of carved pumpkins on display. PHOTO COURTESY DESCANSO GARDENS
Step Back in Time with These Historic Towns
By Natasha Kayes Only in California
There is something truly special about the historic places and buildings that silently tell stories of the past. Not only is it entertaining to visit charming old towns and villages, but you really get a deeper understanding of the modern communities and cities that grew out of them, not to mention a feel for what life was like many years ago. If you want to take a mind-trip to the past, it is worth visiting these seven historic towns in Southern California.
Old Pasadena is 150 years old and encompasses 21 blocks filled with intricate architecture, low-rise brick-facade buildings, and historic alleys. It is the oldest commercial area in the city and you can easily imagine strolling through Pasadena’s original marketplace at the turn of the century.
In 1983, the area of Old Pasadena was designated as a National Register Historic District. Newer shops and restaurants occupy the original buildings, but the old world charm remains.
Founded in 1786, Santa Barbara is rich with history. It was once the territory of the Chumash tribe of Native Americans, was settled by Spain in the 1700s, and became part of Mexico following the Mexican War of Independence.
Temecula’s Old Town Village is one of the oldest towns in Southern California and almost feels as if you have stepped onto a set for an old movie. Modern businesses do not take away from the classic charm of the old buildings they occupy.
Stepping back in time is made even easier by the plethora of antique shops in Temecula.
Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego is now a tiny community and historical park but was the first Spanish settlement in Southern California. The state-protected Old Town San Diego Historic Park includes a number of buildings from the mid to late 1800s and
immerses visitors in the Old West.
Although the city of San Diego has grown into a thriving city, it is known as the birthplace of California and one of the state’s most historic cities. Old Town San Diego is one of two areas of the modern city that will sweep you back in time to Southern California’s earliest years.
Gaslamp Quarter
In 1867, the area of San Diego now known as the Gaslamp Quarter was a new settlement called “New Town,” established several miles south of Old Town The city eventually grew to encompass both of these old towns, but the Gaslamp Quarter retains its atmosphere and, naturally, the gas lamp street light designs.
Within the 16 blocks that make up the Gaslamp Quarter are almost 100 historical buildings and a colorful past, including a “red light” district known as Stingaree during the late 1800s and early 1900s, where bars, brothels and gambling halls were thriving.
Olvera Street, Los Angeles
Olvera Street is not a town of its own, but it is such a distinct historical pocket of Los Angeles that it might as well be a mini town. This is the oldest street in the city of Los Angeles and because it is not open to cars, it completely immerses you in its village-like atmosphere, filled with the color, culture, crafts, music, history and foods of this state’s earliest days. This tiny street makes you feel like you are shopping on the streets of a tiny town in Mexico.
The oldest residential home in Los Angeles is the Avila Adobe on Olvera Street, built in 1818, restored to reflect life in California in the 1840s, and open to the public.
Pioneertown is a historic town designed to look like an even older historic town.
If it feels just slightly too “Old West” to be true, like a movie backdrop, there is a good reason for that. This picture-perfect western town was established in 1946 as a real living, breathing town that would be used for period films. From the motel to the saloon and beyond, you will be pulled back to the good old days of the California Gold Rush.
Old Town Pasadena
Santa Barbara
Old Town Temecula
quaint
Pioneertown is a historic town designed to look like an even older historic town.
©ADOBE STOCK
The oldest residential home in Los Angeles is the Avila Adobe on Olvera Street.
©ADOBE STOCK
Pioneertown Victorian
Go Underground with These Caves and Caverns
By Doña Uhrig Sunday Signal Editor
When exploring Southern California, you may be mostly drawn to the rivers, lakes, beaches and mountains. But, there are other areas to explore within those locations that are underground.
According to Visit California, underground exploration is part of California’s history. “In the late 1840s, emigrants in search of their fortunes flooded the Sierra foothills before the state was even created. Some of these “forty-niners” panned for gold; others dug mines deep into the earth in search of the Mother Lode. You can go there too, on special guided tours that take you down, down, down.”
With that in mind, here are a few places to explore.
Bronson Caves
The Bronson Caves in Griffith Park have been featured in many films including Batman, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Scorpion King and Star Trek VI. It is probably most famous as the entrance to the Batcave in the Batman television show.
While the cave is closed, you can hike up to it. It is more of a tunnel through the hill rather than a cave with a dark den. To get there, it’s a short 0.7mile out- and back-trail that takes about 15 minutes to complete.
For more information, visit laparks.org/park/ bronson-canyon.
Burro Schmidt Tunnel
Visit California describes this tunnel in the Mojave Desert as “a wacky-weird, 32-year effort to dig through a mountain — by hand.” The tunnel is roughly 2,000 feet long dug through solid rock by Burro Schimdt. It stretches from his still-standing cabin compound through Copper Mountain to the other side. Today the site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is about 40 miles north of the town of Mojave. For more information, visit bit.ly/3Y3Qy2X.
Lava Tube
The Lava Tube, located in Mojave National Preserve “was formed by hot, molten lava oozing across the desert floor 27,000 years ago,” says the National Park Service. Visitors can go inside the tube to enjoy the unique underground “haven with cooler summer temperatures and fantastic photography opportunities.”
The park service advises checking current road conditions at www.nps.gov/moja/road-conditions. htm to confirm your vehicle can navigate the route. There is a walking trail from the parking lot to the
©AdobeStock
tube. It’s a half-mile trail over rocky terrain. For more information, visit bit.ly/3Y6PNX0.
Leo Carillo State Beach Coastal Caves
Besides the beach for swimming, surfing and exploring, Leo Carillo State Beach has tidepools, reefs and coastal caves. The caves are more like tunnels that will lead you from one part of the beach to another. But they’re fun to explore while also checking out the tidepools.
If you want to make more of a day of it, there are campgrounds available. Leo Carillo has 1.5 miles of beach. Giant sycamore trees shade the main campgrounds. For more information, visit www.parks. ca.gov/?page_id=616.
Mud Caves at Arroyo Tapiado
These caves are located in the Carrizo Badlands, which is part of the Anza Borrego Desert State Park. The caves were created by water flowing through the silt. There are 22 caves and nine slot canyons, which are narrow channels with sheer rock walls. The highest cave ceiling is 1,000 feet.
Travel to the caves require 4WD, according to AllTrails. “The road is often covered in washboards. There are numerous mud caves in this area so pick your route. You will likely get pretty dirty as you make your way through the caves and narrow tunnels, so be prepared.”
For more information, visit bit.ly/4eNYZET.
The Cave of Munits
Legend has it that the Cave of Munits, which is located in Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, was once the home of a mythical Chumash Shaman, whose name was Munits. It is said that Munits was killed by an eagle after he murdered the son of a Chumash chief. The trail is 1.6-miles out and back and is considered a moderately challenging route. The cave is a chimney cave, which is a vertical shaft.
According to AllTrails, it is a good hike up to the cave and onto Castle Peak. If you climb up through the cave, you can continue up the side of the mountain. “The trail is not very clear here, so just keep scrambling upwards until you get to the top of the ridge and then continue toward Castle Peak. From
there, there will be a marked trail with a steep descent. An adventurous hike well worth the scrambling.”
For more information, visit bit.ly/3XGLNL6.
The La Jolla Sea Caves
There are seven caves that together are known as the La Jolla Sea Caves, all which can be viewed by kayaks. The caves are part of a sandstone sea cliff. One cave, the Sunny Jim Cave, can be viewed on land through a man-made tunnel that has been carved into the rock for land-based viewing.
There are a couple of companies that offer kayaking tours of the caves. On the tours, you will be able to explore the La Jolla Ecological Reserve that is filled with sea life including sea lions, leopard sharks, shovelnose guitarfish and garibaldi.
There is also a self-guided tour of Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave. It is said that bootleggers smuggled alcohol and opium into San Diego through the tunnel during Prohibition. For more information, visit cavestore.com.
Vanalden Cave
This sandstone cave is located near Tarzana in the Santa Monica Mountains. Only in California called the carvings inside the cave “spooky cool.”
The cave den is about 25-feet tall by 25-feet wide and 50-feet deep. Hikespeak.com called the cave “one of the most unusual sandstone formations in the Santa Monica Mountains.” The ceiling of the cave is only a few feet thick. The few holes in the ceiling create a skylight effect that illuminates the cave walls that are covered with carvings.
If you hike the path along the edge of the ledge that extends to the top of the cave, you can look through the holes into the cave. There also is a window on the side of the cave you can crawl through. The hike to Vanalden Cave has a few unmarked junctions, warns Hikespeak.com. They advise you know the directions before setting out. For more information, visit www.hikespeak.com/trails/ vanalden-cave.
The La Jolla Sea Caves can be explored by kayaks. The preserve is home to sea life including sea lions, leopard sharks, shovelnose guitarfish and garibaldi.
STAY PROTECTED Understanding the Need for Vaccinations
As health needs evolve throughout life, it can be easy to forget how crucial vaccinations can be for protecting against preventable diseases. Many associate vaccines with childhood, remembering the series of shots received during early school years. However, vaccination importance extends far beyond adolescence.
Vaccines are not just for children attending elementary school and college students returning to campuses — they should be incorporated into a lifelong commitment to health and wellness. Whether required or recommended, vaccinations can play a pivotal role in safeguarding individual health and promoting community well-being. That’s why now is an excellent time to check in and make sure your family members are protected from infectious diseases at every stage of life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccines help create protective antibodies that fight infections. The experts at the CDC state childhood vaccinations, such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubeola), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and HPV, are known to prevent around 4 million global deaths annually. However, only one in 5 adults are up to date on their vaccines, highlighting a critical gap in public health awareness and readiness.
Vaccines contribute to the body’s defense system, helping arm it against a variety of diseases that can strike at any age. Vaccines work by training immune systems to recognize and combat harmful viruses or bacteria. The immune system’s efficiency can decrease while aging, making people more susceptible to diseases. That’s why staying current with recommended vaccines is essential throughout each person’s life.
Protecting Your Community
Community pharmacies and clinics, such as the Kroger Family of Companies’ Pharmacies and The Little Clinic LLC, are accessible options for people seeking the health care services they need outside of traditional settings. These facilities offer a range of high-quality services, including medication
counseling, health screenings and immunizations. This convenience is crucial for routine preventive care, including year-round vaccine administration, which should not be limited to a single season. Vulnerable populations, including those ages 60 and older, individuals with chronic diseases and some minority populations, are more at risk for contracting certain infections. These groups may need to maintain updated vaccinations and boosters throughout the year. For children younger than 5 years of age, check with your local pharmacist or clinician for vaccine guidelines.
Unlike some traditional health care settings, retail pharmacies and clinics are often located within local communities and have extended hours that cater to busy schedules, allowing people to get their families vaccinated with more flexibility. In fact, 90% of the U.S. population lives within 5 miles of a community pharmacy. Options like the Kroger Family of Companies’ Pharmacies, The Little Clinic and other retail pharmacies offer vaccine administration within their pharmacy and clinic locations, making vaccinations a seamless part of the health care experience they provide.
Trusting Medical Professionals
Pharmacists and clinicians with Kroger Health are available during convenient times to provide advice on vaccinations you and your family may need. Pharmacists and nurse practitioners can provide recommendations based on your age, health conditions and lifestyle. They can also address concerns or questions about vaccines to help you make the best decisions for you and your family.
Vaccines are a cornerstone of preventive health care, helping peoples’ bodies produce protective antibodies that can defend against infections and promote overall health. That’s why staying up to date with vaccinations is important at all ages. With a commitment to safeguarding families through
comprehensive vaccination services, a local team of medical professionals can offer professional, credible and convenient health care solutions under one roof. To learn more about the vaccinations you might need throughout your life, visit kroger.com/vaccinations, or plan a visit to a local pharmacy or clinic. (Family Features)
Note: The Kroger Family of Pharmacies and The Little Clinic can only vaccinationsadminister for children 12 months or older.
©ADOBE STOCK
FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Adopt, Don’t Shop During Pet Adoption Week!
By Ken Striplin
Santa Clarita City Manager
According to the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 6.3 million lost or stray animals enter animal care centers across the nation every year.
Rather than purchasing your pet from a breeder, adopting from a care center truly saves a life. Living in Santa Clarita, we’re fortunate to have many outdoor recreational opportunities for families with pets. With three dog parks, acres of open spaces, agility equipment and miles of trails and paseos, it’s an ideal community for pet owners who want to explore the great outdoors with their four-legged friends.
Starting on Monday, October 7, the City of Santa Clarita will kick off our second annual Pet Adoption Week.
Partnering with the Department of Animal Care and Control and the local Castaic Animal Care Center, our goal is simple – to find loving homes for as many animals as possible. Throughout the week, any City of Santa Clarita resident who adopts an animal from the Castaic Animal Care Center, will have their adoption fees waived, courtesy of the City. This means it’s a great time to welcome a new pet into your home. Residents will still be responsible for paying the license fee, which is typically $20 for dogs and $5 for cats.
Can’t make it to the shelter? Visit the City’s social media pages. The City will be partnering with the Castaic Animal Care Center to post information and photos of adoptable animals on the City’s social media platforms (@CityofSantaClarita) throughout the week. It’s a great way to meet the animals virtually and learn more about their personalities, breeds, ages and more.
To culminate Pet Adoption Week,
we will have our Pet Adoption Day on Saturday, October 12 at Central Park from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Residents are welcome to stop by and meet a variety of animals that are up for adoption and who are ready to find their ‘furever’ home.
The Castaic Animal Care Center is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is located at 31044 Charlie Canyon Road. You do not need an appointment to visit the Center, but you can also view adoptable animals online by visiting animalcare.lacounty.gov from the comfort of your own home.
Another essential service the City provides is our weekly spay and neuter clinic, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control and the Simi Valley Non-Profit Spay and Neuter Clinic. Offered every Monday located in the Newhall Community Center parking lot, this low-cost service is critical in reducing the number of stray animals in our community, and directly
impacts the animal intake number at our local animal care center. Residents can register for an appointment by calling (805) 584-3823 and indicate that they are calling for the Santa Clarita program.
So, whether you’re looking for a playful puppy, a cuddly cat or a loyal senior dog, Pet Adoption Week is the perfect opportunity to make a difference in an animal’s life. Come visit, adopt and celebrate the joy that pets bring into our lives! For more information about Pet Adoption Week or services, please visit SantaClarita.gov/ AnimalCare or call the City’s Community Preservation Division at (661) 286-4076.
Ken Striplin is Santa Clarita’s City Manager and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov
GARY MARTIN
ENTERTAINMENT
Roeper’s List of Promising Movies Coming This Fall (Pt. 2)
By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer
Last week, we listed Roeper’s first five of his top 10 promising movies for this fall. Here are the remaining five.
‘Here’ (Nov. 1)
“This was our home,” says the elderly man to his wife, as they stand in an empty house. “We lived here.”
The trailer for “Here” is beautiful — and a little unsettling. This reunion of “Forrest Gump” director Robert Zemeckis, writer Eric Roth and stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright makes use of what Zemeckis calls “digital makeup” to “de-age” Hanks and Wright so they can play teenagers and to take the characters through the decades. Based on the graphic novel by Richard McGuire, “Here” keeps the camera fixed on a single spot of land, from the very distant past to the extreme future,
with the primary story focused on the couple played by Hanks and Wright. I’m not sure I’ve been more excited to see a movie all year.
Sunday-Thursday, October 6-10, 2024
‘The Piano Lesson’ (Nov. 8)
August Wilson’s masterful, Pulitzer Prize-winning play gets the big-screen treatment from the Washington family: Denzel is the executive producer, Malcolm directs, and John David is one of the stars in a cast that includes Samu-
el L. Jackson, Ray Fisher, Erykah Badu, Michael Potts and Danielle Deadwyler. Set in mid-1930s Pittsburgh, “The Piano Lesson” chronicles the Charles family, with the heirloom piano in the living room serving as the symbol and a reminder of the family’s past — and the centerpiece of a sibling dispute in the present time frame of the story. Given the source material and the roster of talent behind and in front of the camera, it’s difficult to see how this project can miss.
‘Heretic’ (Nov. 15)
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T H E T E XA S C H A I N S AW M A S S AC R E: 50T H A N N I V E R S A RY E Sun: 10:30 AM
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Hugh Grant had a legendarily great run as a romantic leading man from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s, with “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually” the highlights, but he has embraced a darker side in recent projects such as the feature film “The Gentlemen” and the limited series “The Undoing.” Grant has what sounds like his most villainous role yet in “Heretic,” playing a seemingly affable fellow who welcomes two young Mormon missionaries (Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher) into his home and puts their faith to the test. Something tells me Grant won’t be quoting the words of David Cassidy while he was still with the Partridge Family in this one.
‘Gladiator II’ (Nov. 22)
For nearly a quarter-century since Russell Crowe took home the best actor Oscar for one of the all-time best warrior performances in “Gladiator,” which won a total of five Academy Awards including best picture, there’s been talk of a
second chapter. I’m kind of surprised they didn’t go with the title of “Gladiators” instead of the pedestrian “Gladiator II,” but that quibble aside, expectations are through the roof for this sequel. The great lion Ridley Scott, now 86, returns to direct, with a cast led by some of the most in-demand actors working today, including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger, not to mention legends Denzel Washington and Derek Jacobi. As an added bonus, Connie Nielsen reprises her role as Lucilla from the original film.
‘Wicked’ (Nov. 22)
L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” gave birth to the classic 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz,” which inspired Gregory Maguire to publish the very clever novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” in 1995, and that inspired the award-winning, long-running smash-hit musical that premiered on Broadway in 2003, and now, finally, we’re getting the two-part film adaptation. Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, while Ariana Grande is Galinda, who is destined to become Glinda the Good. The intermission for this one is a bit longer than the break in a Broadway play — like a year longer. “Wicked Part Two” is scheduled to be released on Nov. 21 of next year.
That means it’s eligible for the 2025 Fall Preview, which will roll around before you know it.
PHOTOS COURTESY IMDB
Quick, Delicious Breakfasts to Start Your Day
If you’re looking for a little motivation to take on a busy day or fueling up for an adventurous weekend with the family, there’s no better way to start the morning than with a filling breakfast. However, not everyone takes full advantage of this ever-important opportunity to prepare for the day ahead.
For some, skipping breakfast is due to a lack of time in the morning. For others, it isn’t about a lack of hunger or time; it’s boredom from quick solutions like cereal or a bagel.
Take your breakfast to a whole new level - without sacrificing too many precious morning minutes - with recipes you can get excited about like Basmati with Apricots, Walnuts, Yogurt and Honey. Jam-packed with flavor, it takes 5 minutes to prepare so you can serve your whole family a nutritious, filling meal even if you’re in a rush.
A long-grain rice that’s common in India, basmati is fragrant with a nutty flavor and fluffy texture that pairs well with the sweetness of dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, apricots and dates for a combination of flavor and nutrition at the breakfast table. Better yet, you can enjoy it during busy mornings with Minute Instant Basmati Rice, which is ready in just 5 minutes on the stove or in the microwave for quick, delicious, aromatic dishes.
Basmati with Apricots, Walnuts, Yogurt and Honey
When you’re in need of a single-serve meal that’s big on flavor but short on prep time before heading to the office, it’s hard to top a comforting breakfast scramble. This Tomato, Bacon, Onion and Cheddar Scramble is sure to awaken your taste buds while providing the energy you need to take on the day.
Fully cooked Minute Chicken
Tomato, Bacon, Onion and Cheddar Scramble
& Herb Seasoned Rice Cups offer homestyle taste with carrots, onion and garlic. Ready in only 1 minute, the delicious combination of chicken, vegetables and herbs with hearty rice serves as a perfect base for savory omelets and scrambles. Plus, the BPA-free cups are a great option for an on-the-go power-up.
For an even easier solution, you can eat the flavored rice right out of the cup so the breakroom or kitchen will stay clean while you enjoy a pick-meup.
Discover more recipes that can fuel your mornings at MinuteRice.com.
Basmati with Apricots, Walnuts, Yogurt and Honey
Prep time 3 minutes
Cook time:2 minutes
Servings 4
1 cup Minute Instant Basmati Rice
1/3 cup dried apricots, diced
1/3 cup walnut pieces
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup fresh apples, diced (optional) Heat rice according to package directions.
In cereal bowl, mix rice with apricots, walnuts and yogurt. Drizzle with
honey and sprinkle with cinnamon. Top with diced apples, if desired, and serve.
Tomato, Bacon, Onion and Cheddar Scramble
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 5 minutes
Servings 1
1 Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cup
1 tablespoon butter
1/8 cup diced onion
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup diced tomato
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese sliced scallions or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Heat rice according to package directions.
In medium, nonstick saute pan over medium heat, heat butter. Add onion and saute 1 minute.
Add egg to pan and cook, stirring frequently, until scrambled and cooked through.
Add rice, bacon and tomato to pan; stir to combine until heated through. Stir in cheese. Garnish with scallions or parsley, if desired, and serve. (Family Features)
QI can’t believe that the scam artist from “Inventing Anna” is competing on “Dancing with the Stars.” How is she able to film in Los Angeles if she’s on house arrest in New York?
— S.C.
AAnna Delvey (previously known as Anna Sorokin) served just a small portion of her sentence in federal prison before being released in 2021. She then served 18 months in an immigration detention facility and is now on house arrest, while her deportation back to Germany remains a possibility. Delvey, who impersonated an heiress and was later convicted of larceny, says that she was given permission by ICE to travel to California to compete in “Dancing with the Stars,” but she has to wear an ankle monitor.
Anna Delvey (Upcoming on “Dancing with the Stars”) ©Depositphotos
Delvey and her partner, dance pro Ezra Sosa, face a formidable list of competitors on Tuesday nights this fall on ABC and Disney+ (the next day on Hulu), including Olympians Ilona Maher (rugby) and Stephen Nedoroscik (gymnastics); reality TV stars Jenn Tran (“The Bachelorette”), Joey Graziadei (“The Bachelor”) and Phaedra Parks (“The Traitors”); actors Eric Roberts, Tori Spelling, Reginald VelJohnson and Chandler Kin-
Daft Mejora’s Infinite Madness
By Karl Dehmelt
America, 2021: an alien known as the Daft One washes ashore in Florida, arriving on a particular planet undergoing strange times. The only knowledge the Daft One has of earth comes from the Internet, where daily life and technology mix in startling, violent ways.
However, rather than finding existence “on the ground” to be more serene and logical, the Daft One befriends the son of a Q-Anon supporting State Representative and finds himself in a country torn along political lines amidst conflicting realities.
When the Daft One saves the State Representative from a shooter, his launch to American stardom through his quick trigger finger and acerbic tongue catapults him and his friends through a world where the
ney; athletes Danny Amendola and Dwight Howard; and model Brooks Nader.
Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough are also back, as well as judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough. A date for the season finale hasn’t been announced yet, but expect it to run for 10 episodes and conclude at the end of the November sweeps.
QWhen does the new season of “Saturday Night Live” start? It’s always so funny during an election year.
— K.C.
AThe 50th(!) season premiere of “Saturday Night Live” is Sept. 28, but as of this writing, the host and musical guest haven’t been named. The iconic sketch-comedy show welcomes three new cast members — Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim and Jane Wickline — while bidding farewell to three others — Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney and Chloe Troast. What we do know is that former “SNL” star Maya Rudolph will return as Vice President Kamala Harris, and there will also be a special three-hour,
Internet and daily life merge, resulting in a terrifyingly real odyssey based in satire, celebrity, and connection, with consequences both shockingly absurd and stunningly human. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and wherever books are sold.
Crash Course
By Ricardo Jimenez
Nine times out of ten, the passionate, well-educated, semi-cocky entrepreneur with dreams of taking the market by storm … fails. But don’t we have as much or more to learn from entrepreneurs who have failed
live 50th anniversary show on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025.
Soon in theaters, you can also see the new scripted movie about the very first “SNL” live episode in 1974. Directed by Jason Reitman, the film “Saturday Night” earned rave reviews at its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival this past August. It will be available to see in wide release beginning Oct. 11.
QI saw that Kaitlin Olson is on another new TV show. Does this mean “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” isn’t coming back? — L.V.
ANo, the long-running ensemble comedy series will return to FX for its 17th season ... at some point. Kaitlin Olson, who stars in the new crime procedural series “High Potential” on ABC, is expected to start filming the new season of “Sunny” this October. Hopefully, this means new episodes of the hilarious comedy will air by January 2025 at the latest. Olson also plays a supporting role on the award-winning HBO series “Hacks.”
©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.
neurs can learn from his mistakes and take a pain-free shortcut to the important lessons he had to learn the hard way.
The Golden Warrior
By Soraya Rose
as we do the lucky few who actually make it?
Entrepreneur Ricardo Jimenez crawls out from under the wreckage of his failed startup and explores how his best-laid plans went so terribly wrong. With surgical precision, Jiménez studies every decision, meeting, step, and misstep that turned his international toy company into an expensive lesson in how not to succeed.
Jiménez puts his whole story on display — the good, the bad, and the terrible — with the hope that the next generation of startup entrepre-
In The Golden Warrior, Cassius, a slave and gladiator of much renown, receives a visit from his long-departed father. After his father’s visit, Cassius begins to realize that he has gifts given from the gods that are beyond his skills as a gladiator. The more that Cassius develops his gifts, the more he begins to undertake a journey of not only self-reflection, but also a journey to see the world and people around him in a new light. With each step he takes, he learns who he can trust to help him, who seeks to do him harm, and learns what it is that he stands for.
BookBites is presented by BookTrib. com.
How to Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder
The common cold is synonymous with times of year when temperatures dip. When people spend more time indoors, they’re more vulnerable to contagious cold viruses. But the common cold is not the only health issue that presents itself most often when the mercury drops.
Seasonal affective disorder, also known as “SAD,” affects millions of people every year. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that SAD is a type of depression characterized by its recurrent seasonal pattern. Symptoms of SAD, which can include nearly daily and day-long feelings of depression, changes in appetite or weight and feelings of lower energy, last around four to five months.
Researchers are unsure about the exact cause of SAD, but in most people, its onset is believed to be connected to the reduction in hours of sunlight during the winter. (WebMD notes that around 10% of people with SAD get it in the reverse, experiencing symptoms of depression at the onset of summer as opposed to winter.)
Despite uncertainty about the causes of SAD, the NIMH notes there are ways to treat the condition. And it might benefit people who have experienced SAD to begin treatment prior to winter, as NIMH notes treatments that begin before fall could help
to prevent or reduce the depression associated with the condition.
Individuals who suspect they have SAD should relay their concerns to their health care provider, who will then ask patients to fill out a questionnaire to determine if symptoms meet the criteria for SAD. If such a diagnosis is confirmed, individuals may be presented with any of the following treatment options.
Light therapy
The NIMH notes that light therapy has been used to treat SAD since the 1980s. The crux of light therapy is to expose individuals with SAD to bright light every day with the hope that such exposure can serve as a stand-in for natural sunlight. Individuals undergoing light therapy typically begin their day sitting in front of a very bright light box for around 30 to 45 minutes. The boxes filter out potentially harmful UV light, but alternative therapies may be recommended for individuals with certain eye diseases or those taking particular medications .
Psychotherapy
According to the NIMH, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been adapted to help treat people with SAD. CBT is a type of talk therapy, and
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CBT-SAD typically entails two weekly group sessions for six weeks. These sessions focus on replacing negative thoughts related to winter with more positive thoughts. The therapy also tries to help individuals identify and schedule pleasant, engaging indoor or outdoor activities. The NIMH notes that researchers’ comparison of CBT-SAD with light therapy found both treatments were effective at improving SAD symptoms.
Medications
Doctors may recommend patients with SAD take medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Various types of depression have been found to disturb serotonin activity, and SAD is no exception. SSRIs have been proven to effectively improve patients’ moods, but it’s important that individuals discuss the side effects of SSRIs with their physicians prior to taking medication. Vitamin D has been linked to improving symptoms of SAD, but the NIMH notes this is a misconception, as the research regarding vitamin D supplementation as a treatment for SAD has thus far produced mixed results.
Individuals who suspect they may have SAD are urged to speak with their physicians so they can overcome this often treatable condition. (MC)
GARDENING
Extend the Growing & Harvest Season into Fall and Winter
Wherever you garden, from the northeast and high mountain elevations to the mild climate west and the balmier southern states, the spring and summer growing season often seem just too short. Use the following tips and techniques to reap the biggest bounty from your garden and stretch extra days and weeks out of your growing and harvesting season.
Make late-season plantings Extend your harvest into fall by planting second crops of cool season vegetables, such as peas, greens, lettuce, carrots, Napa and regular cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, Asian vegetables, radishes, spinach and turnips.
Planting these veggies in late summer/early fall will yield harvests long after your summer crops are finished.
Take advantage of microclimates Some areas around your property may stay warmer or are sheltered from the wind or frost. For example, gardens at the top of a slope often avoid an early frost as cold air settles in lower areas. Use these protected sites to grow vegetables later in the season.
Choose hardy crops End the gardening season with cold-hardy vegetables that can actually toler-
ate frost, such as peas, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, broccoli raab, kale, beets, leeks, carrots, turnips, radicchio, escarole, scallions and spinach. Some vegetables also have particular varieties better suited to grow in cold, short-day climates. Read seed packets and catalog descriptions to find vegetables that are described as cold tolerant.
Invest in a cold frame A cold frame can extend your garden season no matter what part of the country you live in. You will find that you can have ample greens for good salads throughout much of the winter in all but the coldest climates by using a cold frame.
Cold frames are basically little houses where plants can have a head start in spring and extra growing time in the fall and early winter. You can purchase a cold frame or make your own. If you have an old storm window and some planks or scrap lumber, you can put together an easy cold frame. Nail the wood together to fit under the storm window. Instead of cutting the sides on a slant, just build the frame as a box and simply top it with the storm window. Skip the hinges.
On hot days, slide the window to the side to let heat out; on cold nights, put the window squarely over the top of the frame and cover it with an old
blanket. In the summer when you don’t need it, it’s easy to store.
Cold frames are great for extending the growing season of all cool season leafy crops. Keep a thermometer in the cold frame to help monitor temperatures. Vent the frame when daytime temperatures go above 50 degrees F for cool season crops. Close it back up when temperatures drop below 45 degrees F. Make growing in a cold frame even easier by investing in a solar-powered vent opener that automatically opens and closes the lid as temperatures dictate. This way you won’t have to worry about plants getting too hot or cold when you’re not around.
Mulch Mulch root crops for an extended harvest in cold winter areas. If your ground freezes hard, you’ll need to insulate the soil around your veggies’ roots so they don’t freeze. Put a 10-12-inch layer of mulch over the rows, extending out 18 inches on each side. This will keep the soil around the roots at an even 35- 40 degrees — the ideal storage temperature. Once the mulch is down, you can go out anytime, move it aside and dig up some fresh roots.
Vegetables stored in the ground won’t keep well once you dig them, so plan to use within a few days. (Home Garden Seed Association)
What to Know Before Hiring an HVAC Contractor
For many homeowners, the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is among the home’s most important, and most costly, features. This system ensures the home remains at a comfortable temperature, and it also plays a significant role in the home’s energy usage. If you’re in the market for a new HVAC solution, you probably know there’s no shortage of installers. Before you hire a contractor, there are some important factors you should consider, according to the experts at Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS), a leader in heating and cooling innovation.
Product Options
A qualified technician will have the knowledge and flexibility to install a wide range of products and solutions. As the country moves toward electrification, your contractor should be well-versed in conventional HVAC systems and more sustainable options such as energy-efficient, mini-split ductless and ducted heat pumps. It’s also important to know about a prospective contractor’s experience with the equipment, including
installation, maintenance, and repair. Accreditation, licensing, and training will give you a good idea, but you should also explore the contractor’s reputation and reliability through references and reviews.
Price
When exploring your options, get a written quote that details the proposed equipment and labor costs. Ask about incentives available at the time of service, including discounts, rebates, or other pricing specials. If you are installing an energy-efficient heat pump, you might also be eligible for incentives through the Inflation Reduction Act, such as tax credits and state rebate programs.
Asking the Right Questions Matter
You’ve done research, budgeted for upfront costs, and compared units, but can’t make sense of the different HVAC systems. Hiring the right contractor can help alleviate these concerns. Asking the right questions is especially important if you have specific energy goals in mind. Consider these questions:
1. Are you certified in HVAC installation, repair and maintenance?
2. Do you have insurance?
3. Do you have references I can speak with?
4. What are the indoor unit options for my home’s design and square footage? How many units do I need? How many of these systems has your company installed in the last few years?
5. Does my home’s design support
ductwork, or are ductless systems the best option for me? What are the pros and cons of each?
6. What’s the temperature range this system can manage?
7. How does this system handle partial loads? (“Load” is the amount of heating or cooling needed to bring a space to a comfortable temperature.)
8. How frequently does the system need to be serviced? What kind of maintenance does the system need? What kind of maintenance program do you offer?
9. What kind of utility cost savings can I expect comparing a split-ductless heat pump system to a conventional HVAC system?
10. Will I need any supplemental equipment to achieve my energy usage goals? (Family Features)
Financing
Replacing or repairing your HVAC system can be an unexpected expense. More HVAC contractors are beginning to offer financing options to help customers with upfront costs. Ask about financing options — preferably low-interest options — early on in your conversations with contractors. If any are offered, ensure the contractor is working with a trusted, reputable lending provider. If you are investing in an energy-efficient sys-
tem, your heating and cooling savings may even allow you to recoup your loan over time.
Warranty
Many HVAC manufacturers offer equipment warranties that can help offset future repair costs, but it’s important to understand what’s covered. For example, Diamond Contractors, specially trained in installing Mitsubishi Electric equipment, allow for a 12-year warranty on parts and a 12year warranty on compressors after equipment has been registered.
Equipment Issues
A qualified technician can help you understand the various options and explain terms you don’t know. You should feel comfortable asking questions and requesting the information in writing.
Learn what else you need to know before making a big investment in a new HVAC system at mitsubishi comfort.com. (Family Features)
It’s no secret — people love their pets. Last year alone, people spent $147 billion on their pets, according to the American Pet Products Association, which included throwing what has turned into one of the hottest invites on social media these days: pet parties. There have been more than one million posts using #DogBirthday to show off these celebrations.
With dog birthday parties and adoptions being celebrated across the country, entertainment ideas can be borrowed from regular parties — but the special guests will need to be taken into account when planning a party designed for pooches.
Plan a pup party with these tips from Mindy Weiss, a best-selling author and event planner for notable celebrity clients.
Plan for a Place to Play
When hosting a dog party, make
sure there is plenty of space for the pups to play, whether it’s a fenced yard or a large indoor area. The more room they have to zoom around, the happier (and safer) everyone will be.
Keep the dogs entertained with activities like a ball pit, kiddie pool or basket of tennis balls.
If you’re feeling ambitious, hide treats around the yard for the dogs to find. It’s a great way to keep their tails wagging and their minds engaged while they have a blast.
Personalize Party Details
Subtle accents can elevate any party. Pick a theme that can come to life through the decor and details, such as a “retro dog disco,” where both the humans and dogs can dress up.
Small touches like personalized dog tags or themed water bowls and dog treats can make any pet party a memorable event.
Avoid Party Crashers
When guests and dogs are moving indoors and out, alongside (often messy) food, flying insects will likely try to sneak their way in. That’s why no party is complete without this top pet party essential — the STEM Attracts and Traps Flying Insects Light Trap.
It is people- and pet-friendly when used as directed, insecticide-free and uses a soft UV light to attract flying insects with a dual-sided, refillable cartridge to trap them. It can also be used throughout the home in kitchens, garages, around pet feeding stations and more.
Remember the Pup Parents
Don’t forget about the humans. While the dogs are the guests of honor, the humans might also enjoy a nibble. Consider staying on theme with mini hot dogs, bone-shaped pretzels or “pup pop” cake pops.
Bring on the Besties
Just like humans have best friends, dogs do too. Before sending out invites, make sure the guest list includes dogs that are friendly with your pup and play well with others. A little pre-party check can help ensure everyone has a good time.
Learn more at stemforbugs.com. (Family Features)
Tips for Choosing the Right Plan
With so many Medicare options available, selecting a plan can seem daunting. This year you may be wondering how news of Medicare drug price negotiations, economic uncertainties and other factors may impact your coverage in 2025.
Medicare is the government health insurance program for Americans 65 and older and others who qualify, providing hospital coverage (Part A) and physician visits (Part B) to beneficiaries. Additionally, there are a variety of options that coordinate with original Medicare, such as Medicare Supplement plans and Prescription Drug Plans, or replace original Medicare with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans combined with Prescription Drug Plans.
During this year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which takes place between Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2024, here’s what Cigna Healthcare, which serves millions of Medicare customers nationwide, wants you to know:
Check for plan changes If your current plan is working for you, you can likely keep it. However, it’s a good idea to review your plan every annual enrollment period, especially if you’ve experienced major life, health or financial changes.
Any changes to your current plan will be outlined in your Medicare plan’s Annual Notice of Change letter, which you can expect to receive in September.
Research your coverage There are
a few key things to watch for when shopping for a plan. One of them is whether your favorite providers and specialists will be in-network. You should also review each plan’s formulary — that is, the list of drugs covered under the plan.
You’ll want to find a plan that will cover your current medications and any you anticipate your doctor prescribing over the course of the year ahead. Finally, carefully consider your total spend for your prescription drug plan coverage (i.e., premiums plus pharmacy costs) since the maximum out-of-pocket costs for drugs you utilize will be capped at $2,000 in 2025.
Look for value No matter what the economic outlook is, it’s wise to select a plan that provides great value. To that end, you may want to consider an MA plan, which offers quality and affordability. MA plans cover everything original Medicare does, plus more; most also include dental, vision and hearing benefits, prescription drug coverage, and other extras like over-the-counter drugs, transportation to doctor’s visits and pharmacies, healthy grocery purchases, and fitness services. MA plans are often available with $0 premiums, but you’ll also want to check on what your annual out-of-pocket costs could be based on your health status.
Understand your plan Before enrolling in a particular plan, make sure you understand its ins and outs. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24/7; TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Or, vis-
it the Medicare Plan Finder website at Medicare.gov/plan-compare. For local assistance, refer to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at www.shiptacenter.org. You can also contact individual Medicare plans, including Cigna Healthcare at Cigna MedicareInformation.com.
“AEP is your opportunity to assess your budget and your health needs and find an option that will work for you and your lifestyle in 2025,” says Ryan Kocher, chief growth officer for Cigna Healthcare Medicare. (SPT)
SOLUTIONS
Opinion
Unless otherwise stated, the views and opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Signal.
READER LETTERS
Being a Good Neighbor
We are more than just residents in a planned community. We are a family with excellent schools, organized roads, and active participation in government and social movements, ensuring care for all of us. This sense of belonging is what makes our community special.
Our neighbor is a school principal; on the other side is a resident who runs a medical office; catty-corned across the street is an aerospace engineer; down the street are fire and police officers; and directly across from us is a grandmother caring for her grandkids.
Our community is a melting pot of talent, with first responders, teachers, and professionals in diverse fields such as science, medicine, and aerospace exploration. Communication channels, such as local newspapers, blogs, and public access television, foster a rich exchange of opinions and ideas, allowing our voices to be heard no matter what part of the political spectrum we might belong to.
I am a registered independent, and typically, I do not know the political leaning of those I interact with, as focus has always been on enhancing our children and caring for those in need.
We have five City Council members who have been fiscally and organizationally responsible. When friends or relatives come to our city, they say how beautiful it is. We celebrate diverse holidays and cultures, present concerts in the park during the summer, have amassed open space around our city, built homes for the homeless, and a new senior center for older adults.
Our city is still young, but we are aware of growing pains. Yet, I do not see the division or desperation depicted by some politicians. We are good neighbors, working to ensure the healthy and vibrant growth of our children, seniors, veterans and community. We recognize diversity and equality for all.
This is Santa Clarita, and we should all be proud.
Dr. Gene Dorio Saugus
Submit a Letter to the Editor
Include name, address & phone.
E-mail: letters@signalscv.com.
Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 141, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Anonymous letters are not published.
ETHICALLY SPEAKING
How to Ruin Your Life
By David Hegg
In my world of evangelical church ministry, we recently suffered a substantial spiritual earthquake. A man nationally and internationally respected for decades of faithful biblical teaching was exposed as an unfaithful husband, deceitful leader and arrogant hypocrite. To make the news of his failure even more devastating, he was the fifth nationally respected clergyman to disqualify himself morally this year.
And it got me thinking. How does this happen? How do people with everything going for them start down the road to ruin? My query sent me back to the Old Testament story of King David, who, despite being described as “a man after God’s own heart,” incrementally eased himself down the path that led to adultery and murder. Well, I’ll tell you how and give you the steps to take if you want to ruin your life. It might be good to read the story of David and Bathsheba in the Bible, found in 2 Samuel 11.
Step No. 1: Convince yourself that living an undisciplined life poses no risk
As the story opens, David, Israel’s commander-in-chief, should have been with his army on the battlefield, leading his men in combat. Instead, he was on the elevated roof of his house, escaping the heat of the day, taking a nap.
No longer was he the disciplined shepherd, soldier, or God-fearer whose life was shaped by his passion to reflect the character of his God. His fame and popularity with the people had grown so high that he felt nothing could tarnish his reputation, especially if he had the power to keep his behavior hidden.
So, he arose from his bed and wandered around surveying his city from the heights of his home until he spotted a beautiful young woman bathing on her roof.
A godly man, a committed husband, and a gentleman with respect for women would have turned away. Integrity demanded it. But David, having already slipped the bonds of discipline, allowed himself to linger. So, David lingered over the view. And he told himself that taking the next step would be permissible and quite enjoyable.
Step No. 2: Allow yourself to act according to your impulses rather than your commitments.
That’s what David, the king – the most powerful man in the realm – allowed himself to do. Forgotten were his commitments to God, his family, his people, Bathsheba’s husband, who was listed as one of David’s squad of mighty men, and clearly to Bathsheba herself as a vulnerable young woman. But, having escaped the safety net of personal discipline and self-control, David willingly and intentionally pursued his prurient impulses and went from looking to having.
If you read the story, you’ll be shocked at the boldness of David’s actions. He sent a servant to inquire about Bathsheba and then sent messengers to fetch
her to him. The text is quite simple. “She came to him and he lay with her ... and the woman conceived, and she sent and told David, ‘I am pregnant.’”
Oh no! David was now responsible and certainly knew his immoral behavior would be exposed. But then again, he’s the King, so he proceeded to Step No. 3.
Step No. 3: When your hypocrisy and deceitful ways are about to be exposed, pour all your energy into covering up rather than confessing.
This third step was easy for David simply because the road to ruin runs downhill. First, he recalled Bathsheba’s husband from the battlefront, knowing that he would want to sleep with his wife. But Uriah was a man of commitment. He refused to enjoy a soft marital bed when his comrades were bivouacked on the battlefield. Then, David invited him to tip a glass and watched him get drunk. But, even when intoxicated, Uriah refused to enjoy his home and his wife. Finally, David wrote an order to Uriah’s commanding officer to put him in a place where death at the hands of the enemy would be inevitable. And in what could only be called cold-hearted arrogance, he asked Uriah to carry the note back to the army’s encampment. The King, who had abandoned his commitments and morals, was now trusting Uriah’s integrity not to open the note that carried his death sentence. David’s arrogance-driven hypocrisy knew no bounds.
But as news came to the King that Uriah had been slain, David could take the final step that ensured his ruin.
Step No. 4: When you are sure you have escaped discovery, convince yourself you got away with your deceit and debauchery ... so that you are free to do it all again.
As the story went on, David’s cover-up worked. With Uriah dead, David took Bathsheba as his wife, and their child was born. No one seemed to notice or care.
However, at the end of the story, we find this: “But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.” When arrogance overwhelms integrity and self-control gives way to deviant impulses, there are always negative consequences. For David, the rest of his life was a tedious, uphill climb. One son died in infancy, another sexually abused his sister, and still another rebelled and attempted to wrest the throne from him. Simply put, David never fully recovered from his incremental slide down the path of ruin.
So, what do we learn from all this? Just this. The most satisfying life is one where integrity, humility, and a solid ethical foundation are prized above the pleasures of sinful passions. It is a life that understands finishing well, with your reputation intact, is the most useful in life, and certainly the most honorable legacy when your time on this Earth is over.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
