Sunday Signal June 26, 2022 by Signal

JUNE 26, 2022

Real Vs. Biological Page 5

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VACATIONS WITH A PURPOSE

MUSEUMS, ART & CULTURE

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE IN SUMMER

Cinema Park is here for you!

We welcome these New Tenants to our Cinema Park Family:

Jewelry World

 Drawn2Art  Candle Corner  Senna Cosmetics  StoneFire Grill  bZen Organics CBD  Hand Rehab Pros  A Chorus Line

 Ross Morgan & Co.  Yeager Law, APC  Therapeutic Facials  Pilates Body Basics  Tranquility Salon & Spa  Alexander Villar, DDS  California Bank & Trust

Dancewear & Costumes

Thanks to The Signal for being here for us!

Perfect Tux

Karla Grgas, L.M.F.T.  Premier Hospice & Home Care  20/20 Optometric Eyecare  Massage w/Healing Touch  Circle One Hypnotherapy  Exodus Real Estate Services  Rimpco, Inc

Cinema Park

23300 Cinema Drive, Valencia

(Cinema Drive & Bouquet Canyon Rd) For Leasing Information, Please Call (661) 253-3344

J U N E 26, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

in 6 WEEKS OR LESS

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ALL FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN SANTA CLARITA

Report illegal fireworks anonymously by calling the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at (661) 260-4000.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

J U N E 26, 2022

NEWS FEATURES 5 Chronological vs Real Age 6 Vacation with a Purpose 7 Michele Makes Fourth of July Eats 8 Museums, Art & Culture FROM THE CITY MANAGER 9 Conserving Water in Santa Clarita ENTERTAINMENT 10 ‘Elvis’ — Three and a Half Stars Worth It FOOD 11 Fourth of July Snow Cone Cupcakes SENIOR LIVING 13 A Second Wind: An Old, Comfy Sweatshirt GARDENING 14 Make Your Backyard Your Haven HEALTH 15 Behavioral Health Tips for Older Adults HOME 16 Kitchen Essentials for Those Starting Out CELEBRITY NEWS 17 Leah Remini and Jason Bateman DINING 18 Advantages to Dining Out PETS 19 Keeping Your Pets Safe All Summer Long KIDS & FAMILY 20 Donna’s Day: Host a Sidewalk 4th of July Parade Junior Whirl • Did you Know? • Food Fact PUZZLES OPINION David Hegg

9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23

All fireworks are illegal including those labeled “safe and sane.” If you light off fireworks you could suffer significant burns and injuries, spark a devastating wildfire, be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $1,000. If you witness someone lighting off fireworks please call the Sheriff’s Station, you could get a $500 reward.

Report Fireworks Use (661) 260-4000 santa-clarita.com/Fireworks

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Publisher Sunday Signal Editor Signal Editor

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| Valencia, CA 91355

661-259-1234 The entire content of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2022 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. If you would not like this delivered to your home, please call (661) 259-1000.

J U N E 26, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

Your Chronological Age versus Your Biological Age By Jim Walker Signal Staff Writer

n general, we sort of expect a person of a certain age to look a certain way. But every now and then, we meet someone who appears much younger or older than their actual age. And, while appearances can be deceiving, possibly the result of plastic surgery, these encounters point out that each of us has two ages — chronological and biological. Your chronological age, the one based solely on your birthday, simply indicates the number of years you have been alive. However, your biological age, or physiological age, is how old your body “seems” in look and performance. Biological age is much more important than chronological age, as it is intimately involved with our health, abilities and outlook. And, while how we age (how fast our cells deteriorate) is influenced by genetics, it is also affected by, among other factors, smoking, diet, exercise and stress. Dr. Balbir Brar, MD, MPH, is a board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine and palliative medicine. He serves as chairman of medicine at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and is on the faculty at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He has extensive experience in treating age-related issues in his practices of geriatrics and internal medicine, and advises us on the rapidly expanding field of study regarding biological age. “Genetics plays a significant role, possibly 10 to 20%, in how we age,” Brar said. “Other determinants of biological aging include environmental effects, eating habits, demographics and lifestyle. The study of aging is a hot topic and especially so with the investigations going on at the National Institute on Aging,” he said. “Various companies and institutions are promoting diagnostic testing, and also therapies – which may or may not be supported by scientific evidence.”

How is biological age determined?

Current studies indicate epigenetics, the chemical changes that happen to our DNA sequence, might be the scientific window into biological aging. To that point, research shows that DNA methylation and things called telomeres have big influences on aging. DNA methylation controls gene expression. It can “turn genes off.” This controls things like embryonic development and chromosome stability. And, thus, through methylation, certain areas of the body – breast tissue, for example – can be “older” than the rest of the body, and so more susceptible to cancer. “Both increased and decreased DNA methylation can affect the aging process, positively or negatively,” Brar said. Telomeres are located on the ends of chromosomes, and determine how quickly our cells age and die. “In studies on animals, telomere deficiency

IMAGE BY GERD ALTMANN FROM PIXABAY

leads to shortened lifespan, increased malignancies and genomic instability,” he said.

ing ‘therapies’ that are unproven, and often costly, without first consulting their physician.”

Biological Age Tests

Reduce Stress

There are a number of companies marketing “tests” to determine biological age. Accuracy varies and some claims of accuracy are unproven. One well-known test is merely a questionnaire, and more a predictor of life expectancy than an age calculator. Another tests the DNA in your saliva for methylation. With another, you can plug your most recent blood test results into a calculator – things such as albumin, cholesterol, platelets, electrolytes — along with such information as your height and weight. Another test has you prick your finger and send in a blood sample, which is tested for the levels of things called glycans. “The most popular diagnostic testing involves the study of epigenomes, which are chemical compounds attached to the DNA,” Brar said. “And the thousands of sites on a DNA strand are studied, with subsequent calculations to determine the approximate biological age.” This test is usually done using saliva from the mouth. Brar added that “good” tests of biological age will all have a result within one year of each other. “If they are way off, there is possibly a reason for it,” he said.

Improving Biological Age

Getting an accurate determination of your general biological age can help you decide if your health-maintenance efforts (or lack of them) are working. If not, it’s time to change things up. Know that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can actually reverse aging to a certain degree, but this is not guaranteed. You can eliminate bad habits, such as smoking and excessive use of alcohol, improve your diet, try intermittent fasting, get regular exercise, and reduce environmental toxins. “Doing these things will have a positive impact on aging,” Brar said. “However, one must be careful in pursu-

Chronic stress accelerates premature aging by shortening your telomeres and increasing methylation. Such stress can also limit your immune system and increase your chances of chronic disease. These include, but are not limited to, stress at work (and burnout), stress in personal relationships, and stress resulting from too much focus on social media or too much absorption of upsetting television news. “Burnout at work can be a big factor in feeling old, and therefore, it’s wise for employers to take a practical approach to it,” Brar said. And he added that caregivers are particularly impacted by stress.

Psychological Aging

“Perception of age is psychological age (or subjective age),” Brar said. For example, if you are 60 and say you feel like you are 50 (or 70), that’s psychological age. “In addition to tests for biological aging, there are tests for psychological aging that are available in the form of questionnaires. Studies have shown that people who perceive themselves to be younger psychologically have less disease and tend to live longer. Perception of expected prolonged survival leads to better selection and pursuit of social goals, as opposed to perception of limited survival, which will cause emotion-based decisions.”

Better for All

“There is a relationship between biological and psychological aging and the quality of life,” Brar said. “Attempts to slow down biological aging will lead to a society that is healthier, more productive, and, more importantly, more self-fulfilling on our journey of life. But don’t go to extremes in lifestyle modification or extreme therapies.” 

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J U N E 26, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E

Vacations with a Purpose

PHOTO COURTESY CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

ravel with a purpose, or “voluntourism,” is the latest popular vacation trend. International travel that focuses on “good works” has been around for decades, but now the trend to combine sightseeing with “giving back” has caught on in the United States. Taking a vacation with a greater sense of purpose doesn’t mean you can’t also kick back at the beach, climb a mountain, frolic in the pool or go wine tasting. Many voluntourism opportunities can be tacked on at the beginning or end of your trip. California offers limitless opportunities to gain satisfaction from doing good, as well as enjoying a spectacular vacation. The best part of voluntourism is the flexibility. If you want an entire voluntourism vacation, or just a day of “doing good,” you can find an opportunity that fits your needs. Be sure to plan your volunteer activities in advance. Different state, county, city and nonprofit organizations have different rules for volunteers. Here are a few voluntourism ideas:

California State Parks

The state parks plan more than 100 volunteer projects throughout the year to benefit more than 30 parks across California. From Humboldt Lagoons State Park to Old Town San Diego State Park, you can help protect these priceless resources now and for generations to come. Plus, many projects offer special perks, such as guided interpretive tours, horticulture and wildlife education opportunities, kayaking and free camping. For information on volunteer opportunities visit the California State Parks Foundation at www.cal parks.org/how-you-can-help/volunteer. To search for available volunteer work days, visit volunteer.cal parks.org/search.

Sierra Club Outings

Sierra Club Volunteer Outings offer regularly scheduled, multi-day service trips that involve physical tasks like pulling out nonnative plants, tearing down fences and building trails. Meals and lodging (or tents) are provided, plus after-work

perks such as guided hikes or kayak tours. For information, visit the Sierra Club service website bit.ly/3OctIyN. Trip offerings include:

Service in the High Sierra

Aug. 6-13. Price $545 Help to preserve the wilderness of the High Sierra as you camp below the peaks that inspired Muir and Ansel Adams. The project will involve trail maintenance in the John Muir Wilderness. Includes All tools and group cooking gear, instruction on trail work and the safe use of tools, all meals and snacks.

Piedras Blancas Light Station Service

Dec. 11-17. Price $595 Enjoy California’s beautiful Central Coast scenery. You’ll explore beaches, hike and see wildlife as you help restore natural resources in an historic setting. The work location will include the Piedras Blancas Light Station and the spectacularly dynamic area surrounding it. The area is rich in species diversity and cultural history. The Light Station is 6 miles north of Hearst Castle off the California Coastal Highway and adjoins San Simeon State Park. This isolated promontory is surrounded by the largest mainland rookery of northern elephant seals, along with sea otters, California sea lions, harbor seals and peregrine falcons. The awe-inspiring seascape is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the largest marine sanctuary in the United States.

Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuaries

Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuaries in Lompoc and San Luis Obispo offers volunteers a chance to hang out with nearly 400 wild horses in beautiful Central Coast rangeland while helping with chores: feeding, cleaning, checking fence lines and maintaining pastures. Each year, volunteers contribute more than 3,000 hours of work around the sanctuaries in a variety of volunteer activities. Join Return to Freedom for a volunteer work day, arrange a youth group volunteer day or participate in the in-residence volunteer program. Whatever

your availability, interest and skillset is, the sanctuaries are happy to have you as part of the volunteer team at a Return to Freedom’s Wild Horse Sanctuaries. For information, visit returntofreedom.org/ volunteer.

Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day

Sept. 17. 9 a.m. to noon The California Coastal Commission has announced that the 38th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day will take place Saturday, Sept.17 in most locations. But you can also help out at local events almost any day of the year. Groups like the Surfrider Foundation, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and Orange County Coastkeeper organize trash cleanup events and they aren’t always at the beach. Trash in rivers and creeks can also make its way downstream to the sea, and trash on beaches at mountain lakes is destructive to wildlife and water quality. The League to Save Lake Tahoe holds regular cleanups. Visit their website at keeptahoeblue. org. Of course, you don’t have to join an organized event — just bring a bag with you on your next coastal, lakeside or riverfront trip and pick up any trash you see. For more information on where you can participate, visit the California Coastal Cleanup website at www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/programs.html.

SCV Staycation

If you want a “staycation” at home in the Santa Clarita Valley, there are also many volunteer opportunities available. Spend a few days chilling by the pool, curled up with a good book or binge watch that show you’ve been trying to find time to see, then if you decide you want to assist nonprofits as a volunteer at a fundraiser, or working in disaster preparedness, or other activities, visit the Santa Clarita Volunteer Hub. You can find a variety of volunteer activities for the city of Santa Clarita as well, including outdoor trail work and volunteer work at a city library. For information visit santaclaritavolunteers. com. 

J U N E 26, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

F O U R T H O FJ U LY

Michele makes … Fourth of July eats

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

elebrate the Fourth of July with more than hot dogs and hamburgers thrown on the backyard grill. Make it a special day with “custom” kabobs, a unique coleslaw salad and a dessert that screams “Hurray for the Red, White and Blue!” Add in some simple grilled corn, bacon-wrapped asparagus and a few tasty beverages, and you’ve got a Fourth of July party fit for a patriot!

1/4 cup soy sauce 1 tsp. black pepper

Chicken and Duck Glaze 2/3 2/3 1/2 1 2 2

cup soy sauce cup honey cup canola oil tbsp. prepared horseradish tsp. steak seasoning garlic cloves, minced

Veggie Glaze

For your vegan and vegetarian friends. Finish this kabob with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar after you remove it from the grill.

1/4 2 1 1

cup canola oil garlic cloves, minced tbsp. dried basil tsp. salt

Pro tip Marinade your meat then cook on the grill, or in the oven. Put all the meats and veggies on separate plates, have your guests assemble their “kustom kabobs.” Glaze the kabobs and grill for a few minutes on all sides to finish. The best part of the kabobs is always the “char” from the grill. Glazes listed below should compliment the marinades used for the meat.

Lamb Marinade

1/4 cup olive oil 3 cloves garlic, pressed Juice of 1 lemon Fresh rosemary, cut fine Fresh mint, chopped

Steak Marinade 1/4 10-12 3 2 1 1/2

cup extra virgin olive oil cloves fresh garlic, minced tbsp. Worcestershire sauce tbsp. Dijon mustard tbsp. black pepper tsp. salt

Duck Marinade

2 tbsp. finely grated orange zest 3/4 cup orange juice 1/4 cup honey

Using shredder disc in food processor, or hand shredder, shred cabbage, carrot and apple. Finely cut up green onions, using all of the onion, from tip to tip. Sprinkle with pomegranate arils and nuts or sunflower seeds and serve with dressing on the side. I have a friend who makes this salad and adds shredded pear. I’ve never been successful with the pear portion, it’s either too mushy or too “green.”

Red, White and Blue Shortcake 1 1/2 1 1/2 4 2/3 1 6 6 2 1

quarts strawberries, sliced (6 cups) cups sugar cups Bisquick cup milk tbsp. sugar tbsp. melted butter cups blueberries tub non-dairy whipped cream topping (you can also use real whipped cream you make yourself, or the spray can variety).

Mix strawberries and 1 1/2 cups sugar. Let stand 1 hour. Heat oven to 425 F. Mix Bisquick, milk, 6 tbsp sugar and the butter until soft dough forms.

‘Kustom’ Kabobs

We all like different foods. Why make a “onetaste-fits-all” kabob when it is so easy to create “custom” kabobs to suit everyone’s taste? First gather a bunch of veggies for the kabobs. I usually “par-cook” these so they’re mostly done and just need to be reheated on the grill.

1 apple Sliced almonds or sunflower seeds to taste (about 1/2 cup) 1/2 bottle coleslaw dressing 1 cup pomegranate arils

Veggies Cherry tomatoes, onion slices and chunks (sweet and red), green, red and yellow peppers, pineapple chunks, green zucchini slices or chunks, cremini mushrooms, yellow squash slices

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus 1 lb. asparagus 1 lb. package uncooked bacon, thin sliced Olive oil Balsamic glaze (optional) Salt and pepper to taste

Wash asparagus and trim ends. Place asparagus on tray and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat. Wrap 2-3 spears with one slice bacon. Repeat with remaining asparagus and bacon. Heat grill to medium heat then place asparagus bundles on grill and cook 3-4 minutes per side, or until bacon is crispy. During last minute of grilling, brush asparagus bunches with balsamic glaze. Avoid adding glaze too soon or it may burn. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Simple Grilled Corn

6 ears white or yellow sweet corn Butter and salt to taste Preheat grill to 375 F. Shuck corn and toss on the grill until corn gets a “char” and the kernels are cooked and soft. Remove and immediately roll in butter and salt to taste.

Easy Pomegranate Coleslaw

1/2 head cabbage (about 4 cups) 2 green onions 1 large carrot (or small bag of shredded carrots)

Gently smooth dough into ball on surface sprinkled lightly with Bisquick. Knead 10 times. Roll dough 1/2 inch thick. Cut with floured 3-inch starshaped or round cutter. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Stir blueberries into strawberries. Split shortcakes in half. Fill and top with berries and whipped cream. Easier shortcut Replace biscuits with slices of premade pound cake purchased from the grocery bakery (or thawed Sara Lee pound cake from the freezer aisle.) Optional: Place tiny American flags atop each dessert. 

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J U N E 26, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E

MUSEUMS,

Antelope Valley Indian Museum By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

ummer is a great time to visit museums, admire art, learn the history of where you live or take in a show. Most of the year, families find themselves on a hectic schedule of work, school, after-school sports, lessons and other activities. This summer, plan a few weekend or midweek excursions to discover all the cultural richness Southern California has to offer. Most locations have reopened without restrictions. Take advantage of everything we’ve missed the last few years.

Museums

Antelope Valley Indian Museum

called his Antelope Valley Indian Research Museum. In it he displayed his collection of prehistoric and historic Native American artifacts. The state of California acquired the museum in 1979 and it is now managed by the California State Parks system.

The Broad

221 S Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012 Info Advanced ticket reservations are required. General admission is free but some special art exhibitions have an entry fee. www.thebroad.org The Broad was founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. Their collection of contemporary art has more than 2,000 pieces, including some of the most famous art of the

Moulin Rouge at the Pantages

genre, such as Jeff Koons’ “Balloon Dog Blue” and an extensive collection of Andy Warhol art. Children of all ages are welcome to visit The Broad and will be enchanted by many of the art installations including my favorites, “Under the Table” by Robert Therrien and his epoxy-stacked plates piece in the lobby. In addition, a new family guide available on the mobile museum guide (no download required) includes activities for kids and adults to do together. The mobile museum guide also has a free kids’ audio tour featuring LeVar Burton, host of the children’s educational program, “Reading Rainbow,” which encourages young art lovers to look, listen and learn.

15701 East Avenue M (between East 150th & 170th streets), Lancaster 93535 Info Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults. Kids age 12 and under are free. (661) 946-3055 or www.avim. parks.ca.gov The Antelope Valley Indian Museum is a unique and eclectic folk art structure in Lancaster. The museum houses objects created by the Native American cultures of the western Great Basin, California and the Southwest. Howard Arden Edwards, a selftaught artist, became enchanted with the desert scenery around the buttes while visiting the Antelope Valley. He homesteaded 160 acres on Piute Butte and, in 1928, Edwards, his wife and teenage son began building a home. That home included a special area he

Jeff Koons’ “Balloon Dog Blue” at The Broad museum in Los Angeles. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

Live Theater

Enjoying live theater is a special treat. This summer you can see the family-friendly show “Lionel Bart’s Oliver!” at the Canyon Theatre Guild in Newhall, or visit Hollywood to see the National Broadway Touring Company of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.” Take in a matinee or splurge for a memorable night on the town with dinner and a show.

‘Lionel Bart’s Oliver!’

July 23 - Aug. 27 Canyon Theatre Guild 24242 Main St., Newhall 91321 Info For tickets, call (661) 799-2702. $23 Adults, $19 Juniors (-18) / Seniors (62+). www.canyontheatre.org Lionel Bart’s classic musical based is based on the Charles Dickens novel, “Oliver Twist.” The Tony and Olivier Award-winning show is one of the few musicals to win an Academy Award for Best Picture. The streets of Victorian England come to life as Oliver, a malnourished orphan in a workhouse, becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and finds acceptance among a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the elderly Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, the benevolent victim, Mr. Brownlow, takes him in. Fearing the safety of his hideout, Fagin employs the sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy to kidnap him back, threatening Oliver’s chances of discovering the true love of a family. See THEATER, page 17

J U N E 26, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Conserving Water in Santa Clarita By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

s we move into the hot, dry months of summer, make sure you are doing your part to conserve water during the drought. According to our partners at SCV Water, we are facing a historic multi-year mega-drought and the governor has called on all Californians to voluntarily reduce water usage by up to 20%. This may seem daunting, but there are several simple things you can do around your home to help save water. Did you know that, on average, 60% of residential water is used outdoors? That is where water waste is most likely to occur. Make sure you check your sprinklers, as irrigation runoff is the number one culprit of water waste. Also, don’t hose down

your driveways and walkways. Instead, use a broom to remove debris. When washing your car, you should use a shutoff nozzle to reduce wasted water. Consider installing drip irrigation — it is ideal for plants because water directly soaks into the soil without washing away soil or mulch. The City has made saving water at our parks and landscape districts a priority for years. Throughout our City facilities, we have implemented the utilization of smart irrigation controllers. Smart irrigation controllers work by utilizing real-time weather data and site-specific landscape conditions to limit water usage to only what is needed. In all of our City

parks and the majority of our Land Maintenance District areas, we have also installed irrigation master valves and flow sensors to stop excess water flow from irrigation systems that may break or malfunction. In the fall of 2021, LMD staff created a plan that would eliminate the high usage of water with traditional grass and instead replaced it with turf. As a City, we have integrated new technology to ensure we are doing our part in reducing water waste. The City has made drastic progress thanks to the assistance of our staff. The Parks division has specialized staff members whose responsibility is the parks irrigation system citywide. The team monitors daily reports from

ad 1/2 H

the smart irrigation controllers to address flow alerts, breaks and other irrigation system malfunctions. As you can see, as a City, we have taken measures to ensure the reduction of water usage throughout our community. Our efforts have saved more than 2.4 billion gallons of water since the initial deployment of the smart irrigation system in 2010. If you would like to find out more information about how you can save water this summer, please visit our website, GreenSantaClarita.com. There you will find more tips about water conservation, free workshops and information on water rebates. By doing what we can to save water during this drought, we can work together to ensure a reliable water supply for years to come. 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. 

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J U N E 26, 2022

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

Yes, We Do Need Another Movie About the Man and the Myth

myth and the legend that was Elvis Presley? In the case of “Elvis,” the answer is a ‘Elvis’ resounding YES, thanks to the glori1/2 (out of four) ously excessive, razzle-dazzle direcWarner Bros. presents a film directtion of Baz Luhrmann (“Romeo + ed by Baz Luhrmann and written Juliet,” “Moulin Rouge!”), a smolderby Luhrmann, Sam Bromell, Craig ing star-turn performance from AusPearce and Jeremy Doner. Rated PGtin Butler as the title character and a 13. In theaters. sure-to-be-polarizing but fantastically eccentric spin on Colonel Tom Parker, he numbers vary from courtesy of a nearly unrecognizable internet source to interTom Hanks. This is 2 hours and 39 net source, but the generminutes of screen-popping, candy-colal consensus seems to be ored, highly stylized, fever-dream atres • Santa Clarita Signal adsource@exhibitorads.com there were something like 200 Elvis showmanship that serves as a GreatPresley impersonators in the world p. 888.737.2812 f. 203.438.1206 5.9” est Hits compilation touching on the at the time of the King’s death in many, many permutations of Elvis, Juneto26-30, 2022 date: Sunday-Thursday, 1977 and the number has grown from malleable country bumpkin to PHOTO COURTESY IMDB at least 35,000 today. And we’re not delivery date: sex symbol icon to B-movie star to Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 10:53:18 AM CASCS_LEM0626-0630.qxp even including all the actors who advises Christian Slater’s Clarence in seemingly irrelevant near-has-been to have portrayed Elvis on TV and “True Romance.” the Comeback King to Las Vegas icon in the movies, from Kurt Russell So one can’t help but ask: With evto his death at the age of 42, and it’s to Jonathan Rhys Meyers to David ery chapter of the man’s life and times such a sprawling, amazing roller coastKeith to Don Johnson to Harvey already so deeply etched into the pop er ride that it’s difficult to process the Keitel to Michael Shannon to Val culture landscape, do we really need fact Presley has been dead longer than Kilmer as the Elvis apparition who another movie about the man and the he was with us. If you thought the magnificently flamboyant Luhrmann was well-suitTM ed to put the flashiest of spins on “The Great Gatsby,” you can imagine what he does with the made-for-overkill mythology of Elvis — and from the moment we see a bejeweled version 22500 Lyons Ave. info Line 310.478.3836 of the Warner Bros. Pictures logo, we know Luhrmann is going to flood our MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU B Thu: 4:20 7:20 senses with a nonstop medley of arA young Gru joins forces with his new Minion friends to take on the supervillain supergroup The Vicious 6. resting sights and sounds, never taking FRUITS BASKET: PRELUDE SUB; Tue: 7:30 PM; Wed: 7:30 PM The delinquent Kyoko meets an eccentric intern teacher, Katsuya Honda. The relationship that began by serendipity connects the fate his foot off the directorial gas pedal. of the two inseparably, but the reality that awaits them is far from being blessed by anyone. “Elvis” is told through the skewed, THE BLACK PHONE E 1:30 4:30 7:30 A shy but clever 13-year-old boy, is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little self-serving huckster’s perspective of use. When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring, he discovers that he can hear the voices of the killer’s previous victims. Colonel Tom Parker, who was not a ELVIS C 1:00 4:00 7:00 “Elvis” is Oscar-nominated filmmaker Baz Luhrmann’s musical drama about the life and music of Elvis Presley. colonel and was born Andreas Cornelis THE BOOK KEEPERS Mon: 7:30 PM; Tue: 1:00 PM van Kujik in the Netherlands, an adDetermined to keep his late-wife’s dream alive, Dick Wall becomes the unlikely spokesperson for her debut memoir.. BRIAN AND CHARLES B 4:30 PM mittedly great showman and promoter An inventor uses assorted parts to construct an AI robot he names “Charles.” After learning English from a dictionary, he proves a who latched on to Presley early on and charming companion, but soon develops curiosity about the wider world outside the cottage in which they dwell. LIGHTYEAR B 1:20 4:20 7:20 rode his show pony into the ground, A sci-fi action adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, “Lightyear” follows the legendary Space Ranger on an intergalactic adventure alongside a group of ambitious recruits and his robot companion Sox. allegedly bilking Presley of millions and MAD GOD Thu: 7:30 PM maneuvering him into making all sorts Follow The Assassin through a forbidding world of tortured souls, decrepit bunkers, and wretched monstrosities. of deals that benefitted Parker first and JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION C 1:00 4:00 7:00 Dinosaurs now live - and hunt - alongside humans all over the world. This fragile balance will reshape the future and determine, Presley a distant second. Parker keeps once and for all, whether human beings are to remain the apex predators on Earth. trying to convince us he’s not the villain THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN C Sun: 1:15 7:30; Mon: 1:15 PM; Tue: 7:30 PM; Wed: 1:15 7:30; Thu: 1:15 PM in the story, as we see him always lurkTHE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN follows Maurice Flitcroft (Mark Rylance), a dreamer and unrelenting optimist who managed to gain entry to The British Open Golf Championship Qualifying in 1976. ing backstage, always making side deals TOP GUN: MAVERICK C 1:05 4:10 7:15 to line his pockets or cover his gamAfter more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell is pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot. bling debts, always in the middle of evDOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA B Sun & Mon: 1:10 4:10 7:10; Tue & Wed: 1:10 4:10; erything while looking out for himself Thu: 1:10 PM The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the first, always spinning things with his South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa. almost cartoonishly evil cadence. FOR 6/26/20226/30/2022 ONLY WWW.LAEMMLE.COM Luhrmann employs a sparkling arBy Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

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ray of visual and aural tactics, from period-piece graphics to sepia-toned flashbacks, from nostalgic color schemes to swooping camera movements to split screens and cool and creative match-cut transitions. We know Elvis didn’t write his own material and we know he appropriated, aka stole, the sounds of gospel and blues from Black artists, and perhaps more than any previous Presley biopic, “Elvis” continually acknowledges that, with the likes of BB King (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), Little Richard (Alton Mason), Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup (Gary Clark Jr.) and Sister Rosetta Tharpe (Yola Quartey) getting their moments. Still, the film’s fate rests on the shoulders of Austin Butler, who flashed serious movie-star potential as the evil fool Tex Watson in Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and is mesmerizingly strong here. Butler doesn’t do an Elvis impersonation, but he does a stunningly good job of capturing the hip-swiveling, pink-suited Elvis who makes girls swoon and scream in a comedically effective early sequence; the ‘60s Elvis who starred in a series of forgettable and dopey movies; the brilliant performer who made one of the most memorable pop-star comebacks of all time in a 1968 TV special, and the lost and borderline self-parodying Karate King who sweated and toiled on the Vegas stage and only occasionally touched greatness. Butler is an electric performer who shines in the spotlight when Elvis is onstage, but he also infuses Presley with an empathetic humanity and vulnerability. We know the man was hardly a saint, but we understand his sins. Hanks’ characterization of Colonel Tom Parker is a big swing for someone who has held the unofficial title of America’s Most Likable Movie Star for more than 30 years. Some might argue he’s miscast, but I found the performance to be suitably oily, for despite Parker’s protestations, he IS the villain of the story. Still, for all its tragic elements and the heartbreak of an ending we know is coming, “Elvis” is a brilliant celebration of an artist who left a lasting and huge footprint on our culture. 

J U N E 26, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

FOOD

Fourth of July Snow Cone Cupcakes

hese snow cones won’t melt. Nope. They’re not icy … but they are frosted. They’re snow cone cupcakes and they are a lot of fun to make. Decorate them in red, white, and blue so you can see how cute they are for the fourth. When I made them, I wanted more than just the tops to resemble snow cones though. I wanted the cupcake to be tri-colored too. But not the usual layered look you see from bottom to top. No. These should be layered vertically to match the frosted tops, right?

Divide the cake batter equally and then tint a third blue and another

ends are closer together. Lay the bags on a flat surface and tape them so they are in a row. This will give you a lot more control when you pipe. Prepare baking cups… Take a deep breath … and cut the ends off the decorator bags at the same time. Try to hold the bags at the top so you can apply even pressure to all three and slowly fill each baking cup with batter. Move the tips of the bags back and forth as you apply pressure so they fill evenly with batter. Then bake! And voila — vertically tri-colored cupcakes. Yippee! All you have to do now is decorate. I baked these in candy cups and then frosted and decorated them in sections. Middle first — dipped in sugar crystals. Then blue with blue sugar crystals and then the red. I like sugar crystals for this project instead of sanding sugar because the size of the crystals are bigger and look a little more icy, but you can use either. And technically, if your frosting is tinted the right color, you could just sprinkle the entire tops with white crystals. Once frosted and covered in crystals, use a toothpick to manipulate the frosting and make sure the rim of the paper cup shows. This will help pull off the look.

Snow Cone Cupcakes third red. The plain batter is good to go. Now the fun part. Spoon each color of batter into a decorating bag and

tie the end with a twist tie. For this to work well, you need the colors to fill the baking cups at the same time. I taped the bags together so I could hold them as one unit. The photo on the right is no good. Taping them at the top causes the tips to separate and you’ll make a mess trying to fill the baking cups this way. Trust me. : ) Instead tape the bottoms so the

Red white and blue cupcakes 2 2/3 cup all purpose flour 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 4 egg whites 1 cup whole milk 1 tablespoon vanilla 2/3 cup salted butter, softened Three bowls Red and blue liquid food coloring Three piping bags Twist ties Candy cup baking papers (see note below)

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. • Sift flour, sugar and baking powder into a large mixing bowl and then mix together on low. • In another bowl, stir egg whites, milk and vanilla together. • Add butter to the flour mixture and mix together. As it starts to combine, slowly pour the milk mixture in and mix until completely combined.

• Divide batter evenly into three bowls. Add about 40 drops of red food color to one bowl and stir together until completely blended. Repeat with the blue food color and a second bowl, leaving the last bowl white. • Stand decorator bags in tall glasses for support and spoon batter into bags. Tie off the ends of the bags with twist ties. (Note: Three bags will hold about half of the batter, so you’ll need to repeat for the full amount.) • Lay the bags side by side and tape around the bottoms of the three bags to make it easier to hold them together in a row. • Cut the end of the bags off and slowly pipe batter into paper candy cups using a back and forth motion. Use your fingers to apply more pressure to the center bag if necessary. • Fill cups a little more than halfway. Bake for about 16 minutes or until done. • Remove and cool. Makes about 16 cupcakes. Note You can bake these in candy cups or regular baking cups. If you use candy cups, make sure you find the ones that aren’t wax coated on the inside. Here are some I found online that are meant for baking in. Most of the ones I’ve seen in stores have the coating on the inside. And if they are hard to find, you can also just bake them in regular baking cups and place them in the candy cup before you decorate.

Frosting

1 cup butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla 4 cups confectioner’s sugar 4 teaspoons milk Food coloring Red, white and blue sugar crystals Small plastic spoons • Beat butter and vanilla together. • Add sugar slowly and beat until combined. • Scrape down the sides and add milk. Mix until smooth and creamy. You can also add a couple of drops cherry oil for extra snow cone flavor • Divide the frosting into three bowls and tint two of the bowls with a few drops of red and blue food color so when you cover in sugar crystals, there isn’t any white frost-

ing showing through. • Makes enough to frost about 8 cupcakes with high domes of frosting. Double for this cupcake recipe unless you don’t plan on frosting your cupcakes this high.

To Decorate

• Pipe white frosting down the center of the cupcake, lining up somewhat with the white cake section. Then use a knife to pull the frosting down towards the edge of the cup. Make sure to leave the white rim of the cupcake paper showing completely. You can wipe off excess frosting if necessary. • Sprinkle white sugar crystals on the frosting, letting the excess fall into a bowl underneath. You can then gently press the cupcake down into the fallen crystals to fill any uncoated areas. • For the red side, just use a knife to apply the frosting. Pull downward with the edge of the knife so the frosting meets at the base of the cup. Again, make sure to keep the rim of the cup free of frosting. • Sprinkle with red sugar crystals over a separate bowl, and press red section into the bowl of crystals to fill any gaps. Repeat with the blue frosting and blue sugar crystals. When the cupcakes are coated with sprinkles you can easily, reshape the dome if necessary by gently pressing down any areas that look uneven. Finally, sprinkle more white sugar crystals over the entire cupcake to give it an even icier look and insert a small spoon right in the top. Serve with little plastic spoons for full effect and see who you can fool! (Bakerella.com) 

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J U N E 26, 2022

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

We the Mighty — Young Dubliners at The Canyon

he Young Dubliners have built a fervent fan base comparable to that of jam band rockers like Phish and Dave Matthews Band. From their humble beginnings at the Irish Rover, the band evolved through various personnel changes into a pugnacious, crazy but coolly irresistible force of nature. “Even with all the touring we do, the thing that keeps us going is the one thing that never gets old,” says guitarist/vocalist Keith Roberts. “And that’s

playing those older songs people love and then mixing in a new song and hearing a positive, excited reaction from the crowd for the first time. We’ve had our share of tough gigs too, but all it takes is that one great show, those perfect moments of band and audience communication, to appreciate what we’re doing up there and why. It’s all about the joy of performing, watching the people dance and hearing them sing along.” With a solid lineup and a new batch of songs to play

live, The YD are excited to get back on the road and continue to bring back live music into people’s lives. You can see Young Dubliners live at The Canyon Santa Clarita on August 20. Tickets are available online through AXS, over the phone at (888) 6455006, and in person at the Canyon Santa Clarita box office. For more information, visit www.wheremusic meetsthesoul.com. 

J U N E 26, 2022

A SECOND WIND

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

SENIORLIVING

An Old, Comfy Sweatshirt Where Will Your Hearing Aid

A reunion of friends. PHOTO COURTESY KELLEY SCHRANZ By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

ive couples in their 70s recently gathered in Milwaukee for a long-awaited reunion. Despite living in various parts of the country now, they raised their kids in the same local neighborhood and have been friends for 50 years. Maintaining lifelong friendships such as these is relatively rare. So many elements conspire against lasting friendships. Interests change, people move, health or mobility declines. It takes time and effort to sustain relationships as we age. It’s no surprise that friendships are vital to older adults. According to developmental psychologist Susan Pinker, “we are hardwired to connect with other human beings.” Her research in social neuroscience shows an important link between face-to-face contact and the ability to learn, find happiness and be resilient. Unfortunately, aging is often characterized by loss of choice and agency. People’s social circles shrink with age. Diminished health leaves older people dependent on others not necessarily of their own choosing. Decreased finances impact their options. Researchers studying older adults found that seniors lacking friends suffered from various medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and heart conditions at a higher rate than those with a strong social group. Friendships are fundamental in promoting a healthy lifestyle throughout the aging process. Having close friends can extend life expectancy and keep our brains sharp. Being able to stay in touch with treasured friends, beyond neighbors or caretakers, provides a sense of joy and contentment that has proven to relieve depression

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and increase a sense of well-being and belonging. All this brings us back to lifelong friendships. These are friends you’ve shared a history with, who have known you through fashion trends, embarrassing hair styles, and youthful hare-brained schemes you don’t want your children to know about. These friends have an understanding of who you are now because they remember who you were then. You share decades of nostalgic experiences. As heartwarming as this sounds, maintaining long-term friendships takes commitment and organization. It means accommodating friends’ current circumstances and working through various challenges. It means planning for the life transitions that will occur due to health, geography or loss. Kelley Schranz, who organized her friends’ recent reunion, considered a suitable location, availability of medical services and adequate access. She says, “These friends are like an extended family. When we get together, our conversations take us back to a time when we had our future ahead of us. It makes us feel younger, but also reminds us that time is passing.” Kelley says that we become more tolerant of friends’ idiosyncrasies as we age. We weigh the annoying quirks with the comfort of being together because we cherish these relationships. Wisdom tells us that life is short and we may not be together next time. It’s worth investing the time to stay in touch with friends as we age. Kelley reflects that long-term friendships are like an old, comfy sweatshirt. “Yes, it is faded, has holes and frayed edges, but it’s familiar and comforting and you don’t care what it looks like because it feels so good.” Mary Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, a 30-year SCV resident and two-time breast cancer survivor. 

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J U N E 26, 2022

GARDENING

Make Your Backyard Your Haven

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

iving in this part of the country rewards us with a climate that makes it perfect to use the garden after dark. Most other areas of the country have too much inclement weather or too many aggressive nighttime bugs to regularly relax outdoors after the sun goes down. And since so many of our summer days chase us indoors with excessive heat, the garden becomes even more tempting when temperatures cool at the end of the day. So why not design your landscape to include nighttime use? After all, a garden can look amazingly magical after dark! When planning out your garden, keep in mind all the different ways you can use it when daytime is done. Think of extending your living space outdoors for rest and relaxation, entertainment and nighttime sports. There are many ways you can turn your ordinary landscape into a special place that is quite different than the daytime garden you are used to seeing.

Relax

Add comfy chairs, a water feature to provide the calming sound of trickling water and plant night-scented plants for a bit of aroma therapy. You can make your garden into a sensory experience after dark with scented flowers. There is something truly delightful about sitting in a garden aglow with warm nighttime lighting and the fragrance of night-blooming flowers filling the air.

By planting scented flowers in your garden, you can create a romantic experience or stress-healing retreat to enjoy and share after dark. Look for white or light pastel-colored flowers to add visual contrast in the dark.

Scented flowers

Some good night-scented white flowering vines are jasmines like Trachelospermum jasminoides known as Star Jasmine (best planted with some daytime dappled shade), and the pink and white Jasminium polyanthum for full sun. Moonflowers are another good vine for partialor full-shade garden areas. But, only use Ipomoea alba. Other other varieties can be poisonous. For low-growing flowers, try a ground cover of white Alyssum, flowering Tobacco or the Four O’Clock Alba. The Tufted Evening Primrose and the Chocolate flower are two good choices for native, water-wise scented flowers. Fill a larger space with the shrubby California native Mock Orange (Philadelphus lesisii) for full sun or part shade. Or, try the frost-shy Cestrum nocturnum, the Night-Blooming Jasmine, to permeate the air with a powerful perfume in a protected area. Casa Blanca Lily or the diminutive Zephranthes drummondii (Rain Lily) are some good bulb choices. They are good to grow in mild sun or part shade, and are not fussy about soil. There are whites and other colors of Brugmansia, Angle Trumpet (all parts toxic if eaten), Centauria and Tobacco flower that will add color to your garden during the day yet still flood your garden with a gentle nighttime perfume. You can even design in some of these fragrant flowers near a doorway or window where the scent can filter into your home and soothe you to sleep.

Nighttime fun and comfort

Other ways to make your garden inviting at night involve building and furnishing spaces that are comfortable and practical. Design in permanent features like a cozy patio, add tables and chairs, build an outdoor fireplace or fire pit and maybe a built-in barbecue so you can celebrate the outdoors at night with friends and family. If you like to entertain, set your backyard up so it is comfortable for evening parties in the garden. Look into some of the decorative and useful furniture being made for outdoor use.

Lighting

Add a lighted sport court, a small hiking path dotted with low voltage or solar lighting or consider a dramatically lit water feature for powerful effects in the evening hours. Lighting is an art of its own, transforming the same location into something entirely different with light and shadow. Use it in your night garden to pick out focal points, provide safety and transform a dark

garden into a magical playground. With outdoor LED lights embedded in flexible cords, you can even line walkways or draw outlines in your nighttime scene. There have never been so many choices in lighting effects. Most are energy efficient so they shouldn’t have much impact on your electricity bill. Choose warmer yellows or cooler whites and accent a special area with colored lights for special effects. Think about all the ways you can make your garden work for you after the sun goes down. Nighttime gardens can be a haven for the inland landscape. Create your own magical garden. You can extend the useful part of your house and lifestyle not only into your garden, but deep into the night. 

J U N E 26, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

Seven Behavioral Health Tips for Older Adults

lder adults experiencing a behavioral health issue such as anxiety or depression may be embarrassed and think they simply need to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps,” but helping them seek help can empower them to live their best lives, according to experts. “Everyone is different, but there are tools for better health, including therapy, medication and self-care,” said Dr. Lindsay Evans-Mitchell, medical director for behavioral health for Cigna Medicare Advantage. Behavioral health disorders affect one in five adults over 55. Older men have the highest suicide rate of any age group or gender. Among men who are 75 and older, the suicide rate is 40.2 per 100,000 — almost triple the overall rate. The most common behavioral health disorder in older adults is dementia, and its incidence is growing as the Baby Boomer generation ages. Experts project that more than 9 million Americans 65 years or older will have dementia by 2030. Anxiety disorders and mood disorders are also common among older people. Dealing with a behavioral health issue? These self-care tips can help: Find a Provider “Cognitive disorders, such as dementia and mood disorders, often look the same,” Dr. Evans-Mitchell said. “Only a trained professional can make an accurate diagnosis.” For help finding a provider, reach out to your primary care physician or health plan, such as Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Also consider virtual therapy. It’s easy to schedule and offers the convenience of seeing a therapist without leaving home.

Sleep Well Like all adults, older people need seven to nine hours of sleep nightly. Dr. Evans-Mitchell noted that older people’s tendency to go to bed early, wake up early, and

mon in people older than 65. Buddy Up Papa, available through some Cigna Medicare Advantage plans, connects older adults and their families with “Papa Pals” for companionship and support. “Papa Pals” can provide transportation, help with everyday tasks — or simply be a friend, doing activities like watching movies or playing games.

PHOTO CREDIT ©MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES / ISTOCK VIA GETTY IMAGES PLUS

nap throughout the day can disrupt healthy sleep cycles and limit rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, potentially contributing to behavioral health issues. Exercise Even moderate exercise can improve mental and physical health. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans describes benefits such as improvements in brain health, better cognitive function, and reduced risk of anxiety and mood disorders. People who exercise also tend to sleep better. Having trouble getting started? Some Medicare Advantage plans include a fitness benefit, which can pay for a gym membership or provide at-home fitness tools. Head Outside Being outside has numerous benefits, including vitamin D absorption needed for cog-

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nitive health. Additionally, research has shown that chemicals released from trees can stimulate brain functions. Don’t forget the sunscreen though, as skin cancer is most com-

Parent a Pet Caring for pets generates positive emotions and can reduce anxiety. Just petting a dog has been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and pets provide a bond that can elevate two feel-good brain chemicals: oxytocin and dopamine. Dogs also encourage people to exercise outdoors. “Behavioral health issues can be complex and confusing to navigate, but taking positive actions can be empowering,” Dr. Evans-Mitchell said. “It’s never too late to make a new start.” (BPT) 

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J U N E 26, 2022

HOME

Kitchen Essentials for People Just Starting Out

he day a young person moves into his or her first apartment or home is a momentous occasion. Few things evoke a sense of accomplishment and independence as much as having your own place. Upon moving into a first home or apartment, young people soon realize just how many items they need to make a home feel like home. It goes without saying that furnishings like a bed and couch are a necessity, but young people also will need some kitchen essentials so they can prepare some simple meals on their own. As young people expand their culinary horizons, they may want to look for more specialized cooking utensils and gadgets. Until then, these items are some of the basic building blocks of any kitchen. Pots and Pans It goes without saying that pots and pans are vital for anyone looking to cook their own meals at home. Modern young people are health-conscious and aware of the challenges facing the planet, and overcoming those obstacles can start in the kitchen. Sheet Pans Even if young people have no intention of baking a batch of cookies anytime soon, the versatility of sheet pans is hard to dismiss. Though they are useful when making cookies, sheet pans also can be used to cook favorites like French fries and roasted vegetables. Cutlery A quality set of knives is a cook’s best friend. Though high-end

cutlery sets can cost several hundred dollars or more, young people can find a quality set of knives for less than $200. Such a set will make it easy to cut steaks, chops and other entrees at the dinner table, while the accompanying chef ’s knife, paring knife and serrated knife can make it easy to slice and dice vegetables, garlic cloves and freshly baked bread. Mixing Bowls Mixing bowls are an unsung hero of the kitchen. Mixing bowls can help home cooks perform a variety of tasks, such as whisking eggs on weekend mornings or creating homemade meatballs for Sunday dinners. If kitchen cabinet space is limited, look for nested mixing bowls that can be stored within each other. Cutting Board Cutting boards are another versatile item that are at home in any kitchen. Use a cutting board to chop vegetables or slice limes when making homemade cocktails. Young people who don’t do much slicing or dicing may think they can skip getting a cutting board of their own, but that’s a risky approach. Cutting on plates can damage countertops, and that’s a potentially costly problem for renters who want to get their security deposits back in full upon moving out of their apartments. Tongs, colanders, measuring cups and spoons, and, of course, silverware are some additional must-have items for people just starting to build their kitchens. (MC) 

J U N E 26, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

CELEBRITYNEWS

By Dana Jackson

saw that Leah Remini is Q Ireplacing Matthew Morrison as

a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance.” I’ve always liked her, but does she even have professional dancing or choreography experience? — N.E. I have to say I was puzzled when I first heard that sitcom actress and anti-Scientology crusader Leah Remini will be judging a dance competition, but Fox is confident in her abilities. She’s also been a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars” and even served as a guest host and judge on that same program. She’s also best friends with someone who certainly knows a lot about dance, the multi-talented Jennifer Lopez. Remini doesn’t appear to have any reservations about accepting the job just in time for its 300th episode, saying that she’s a fan of the show and “can’t wait to see the artistry that the contestants bring to the stage!” In my opinion, Remini should make an excellent judge. She’s opinionated and hilarious, and she should fit right in with fellow panelists JoJo Siwa (“Dance Moms”) and “SYTYCD” alum Stephen “tWitch” Boss.

THEATER

Continued from page 8

‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’

June 30-Sept. 4 Pantages Theatre 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, 90028 Info Tickets start at $39 and run to $199. Expect to pay around $85 for decent seats. Recommended for children ages 12 and older. www. broadwayinhollywood.

Leah Remini. PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS

Gone from the show are judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy. For those seeking familiarity, longtime host Cat Deeley has returned for the show’s 17th season. What is Jason Bateman going to do next now that “Ozark” has ended? —A.M. Now that his hit Netflix series “Ozark,” in which he starred and directed, has concluded, Jason Bateman isn’t staying idle for long. He’s part of an all-star cast in an upcoming untitled movie about the history of Nike’s pursuit of its partnership with NBA superstar Michael Jordan. Ben Affleck will do double duty this time as star and director, with Bateman co-starring as longtime Nike executive Rob Strasser. The film will be available on Amazon once it’s released. 

The winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” offers theater-goers a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory. It’s a world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. 

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J U N E 26, 2022

DINING

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ining out was once a rarity reserved for special occasions. More recently, consumption of food away from home has played an increasingly larger role in everyday life. However, one shouldn’t discount the wide array of options and the convenience that dining out can provide. There are many advantages to dining out. It can be a fun and exciting experience that takes people away from the routine of daily life. Dining out presents an opportunity to look forward to a specific day on the calendar. For many, it can be a respite from making meals at home. Dining at a restaurant can be eye-opening for customers willing to try new things. Restaurants that specialize in ethnic cuisine can introduce diners to classic recipes from around the world — something they may not normally try if they do not dine out.

Dining out gives diners a chance to linger and converse without the distractions of home and daily schedules. A restaurant can be a good way to focus on communication with family and friends. A workday lunch or business meeting held at a restaurant can help coworkers escape workplace pressures and distractions. Such meals also can be a great way for managers to foster strong relationships and build camaraderie within their teams. Many households are comprised of people with different palates. Restaurants have many offerings, which means that each member of the dining party can choose his or her own unique dish. This is not something easily achieved at home. Dining out has been gaining popularity for more than 40 years. Individuals and families can explore the many different advantages to enjoying a meal at a local eatery. (MC) 

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J U N E 26, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

Keeping Your Pets Safe All Summer Long

Four tips to overcome warm weather hazards

Manage Allergies

ummer means extra time outdoors. Sunny months provide a perfect opportunity for bonding with pets, but higher temperatures, seasonal plants and pests and additional travel can pose higher risks for complications. To help keep dogs, cats and other pets safe during summer adventures, consider these tips from the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals, which has more than 1,000 locations across North America that cared for more than 4.5 million pets last year.

Beat the Heat

Dogs and cats cannot control their body temperature by sweating as humans do. They have a small number of sweat glands located in their footpads and primarily regulate their temperature by panting. Vigorous exercise, leaving a pet in a vehicle with poor ventilation — even if the windows are down — or being left outside without shade and water on hot days can lead to heatstroke, or hyperthermia. Increased humidity combined with warmer temperatures intensifies the risk of heat stroke, especially during the first few warm days as pets transition to outdoor activity. If your pet exhibits any symptoms of heatstroke — elevated breathing rates, dry or sticky gums, lethargy, disorientation, abnormal gum color, bruised gums or seizures — pour cool water over your pet’s head, stomach and feet or apply cool, wet cloths, ensure continuous airflow and see a veterinarian immediately.

Keep Ticks at Bay

PHOTOS COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

cats. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, as many as 1 in 20 dogs tested positive for tickborne diseases in 2021. Ticks climb onto pets from blades of grass or fall from overhanging trees and foliage. If a tick finds its way onto your pet, use tweezers or disposable gloves to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible then pull straight out with steady, even pressure until the tick releases. If you find a tick, carefully inspect all areas of skin, including behind the ears and between the toes, for additional ticks. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area with soap and water and wash your hands. Save the tick in a resealable plastic bag to show your veterinarian and take note of the time and place the bite occurred and any other details that may aid your veterinarian should an illness occur. Follow your veterinarian’s advice about tick preventative measures, and make sure the product is safe to be used for your pet’s size. Never use dog flea and tick products on cats.

Knowing where to take your pet in case of an emergency while away from home is also essential. Look up emergency veterinary clinics near your destination before departing or ask if your vet offers virtual care options. For example, through the myVCA app, you can access 24/7 live chat with licensed veterinary professionals.

Travel Safely

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If you plan to travel with your pet, pack the necessities for your animal. Your pet’s luggage should include food, water bowls, treats, a leash and collar, toys, medications and printed copies of medical records, including vaccination history. Check with your veterinarian to determine if a health certificate is needed for travel. Also ensure your pet is comfortable with his or her crate or carrier before flying or embarking on a long road trip.

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As pets spend more time outdoors in the summer, they’re often exposed to pests like ticks. Ticks can transmit serious diseases to both dogs and

PETS

Many of the same allergens that affect humans impact pets. Atopy, also known as inhalant allergy, is a common cause of skin problems in dogs and cats. Affected animals often have a history of chronic or recurrent itching and tend to have a history of repeated skin or ear infections. Itchy pets tend to scratch themselves, lick their feet and rub on furniture or carpet. Atopy can also cause cats to groom excessively and develop bald or crusty spots on their skin. Some allergies may also affect the respiratory or digestive systems or the eyes. If your pet is displaying signs of allergies, your veterinarian can recommend appropriate testing and treatment to reduce symptoms. Visit vcahospitals.com to find more ways to keep pets safe throughout the summer and book an appointment. (Family Features) 

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J U N E 26, 2022

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Host a Sidewalk Parade for Fourth of July Fun By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

t’s time for a sidewalk parade! Whether it’s on the Fourth of July, or anytime all summer long, decorate bikes, trikes, scooters, skates and wagons, wear a funny hat and strike up the band. A couple of families with a few motivated kids is really all it takes to make it happen. Gather kids of all ages in your neighborhood, and get marching to the beat of family fun and memory-making. Here are some ideas to stage the informal, high-spirited event: • Make and deliver fliers or send emails to announce the sidewalk parade. Designate a place where kids can gather for a pre-parade decorating party. Your deck, driveway, backyard or a local park can be the gathering spot. • Tie ribbons, streamers and flags to

• Enjoy a memorable finale with a few games that everyone will enjoy, such as an egg toss, water-balloon volleyball and relay races. Some kids may want to perform impromptu juggling acts, magic shows and songs. Encourage participants to match up with new families on the block or in the building so everyone gets acquainted.

bikes and wagons. Make signs and banners. • Put your child’s teddy bear or other stuffed animals on parade, too. Decorate the long sides of a wagon to make it look like a circus wagon. Fill it with their favorite animals. Some kids might like to dress like a clown, while others can be a circus ringmaster or tightrope walker.

Keep the fun going with a post-parade picnic.

• Teens may enjoy participating, too. They can hand out brochures along the mini parade route or wear a sandwich board advertising their services for mowing lawns, babysitting or watering

plants for vacationers. • For post-parade fun, make the day a real picnic and top off the event with snacks, appetizers, a potluck meal or a barbecue. For dessert, set out tubs of ice cream on a picnic table. Ask families to bring their favorite toppings.

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”  © 2022 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

Electric in every way. Introducing the first fully electric sedan from Mercedes-EQ.

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Build your deal during the Certified Pre-Owned Sales Event.

CROSSWORD TIME

J U N E 26, 2022

PUZZLES

SOLUTIONS

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J U N E 26, 2022

Opinion

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Unless otherwise stated, the views and opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Signal.

E T H I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

READERLETTERS

Truths for America Why does the “panel” not INSIST that ALL Capitol videos of Jan. 6, 2021, be made available to them (as well as the public) to review? Not just the “edited” in mainstream media news? Oh, that’s right! I forgot… It’s not about getting to the TRUTH! It’s to divert the American citizens from the real damage that the Joe Biden administration is and has been doing to our wonderful country since the day he got sworn in (Jan. 6, 2021), and “erased” all the good the “Orange Haired” guy’s administration accomplished. A very small list of the good that President Donald Trump and his administration accomplished, in spite of all the roadblocks put in his way: • Made our military the strongest (once again). • Closed our borders to all but LEGAL immigration, which kept fentanyl (and other horrible drug additives), known terrorists, human trafficking (especially women and children) OUT! • Made us energy-, fuel-, food-independent, and on and on. • Tax cuts. Again, I could go on and on and on. • Took Anthony Fauci’s advice at the beginning of the (pandemic), until he realized, along with millions of others, that Fauci “may” have been one of (those responsible for the creation of) this virus and its brothers and sisters. This Biden administration is trying to scare us in to thinking we need more and more of their vaccines. I promise, last time for “on and on and on.” Why, you may be asking yourselves, did Biden and his administration cancel all the good that President Trump and his administration accomplished? Answer: Pure hatred of Trump (the man) and all who supported him and still do. Those of you who want to blast me for this, go ahead! Just please do not give the “Vladimir Putin” excuse for ANY of our problems. I know it’s just my opinion but: If President Trump was still in office, we would be thriving, not reliant on ANY other country for anything. Putin would have been too “smart” (aka

scared) and would not have invaded Ukraine. And if, by bad judgment, he did, President Trump’s help to Ukraine would have actually helped Ukraine and its people, and thereby would have helped the Russian people as well. By the way: • Watch out for this “Going Green” stuff being forced on us. • Check out what your children are being taught in schools pre-K through college, really LOOK into critical race theory and how it has been slowly seeping into our schools for decades (it’s called “communism”) and it no longer disguises itself because it’s been in long enough to brainwash decades of children. BUT, on the bright side, those children are waking UP, big-time! You see, they are messing with “their” kids’ brains now! HUGE mistake. Get involved, folks: Attend school board and City Council meetings, check out, not the teacher’s personality, but what they are “teaching” your children. More and more teachers are coming out against what they are being forced to teach. Go to the libraries in your neighborhood and see what we all are being subjected to. I think all of these topics (plus many more I have not mentioned) boil down to one thing: Act now and save our great United States or sit back and become another communist nation, reliant on government for a brain. Diane Zimmerman Santa Clarita

A Lesson for Lois Re: Lois Eisenberg, letters to the editor, June 21. The fact that President Donald Trump wasn’t impeached should tell Lois that she should be better informed. The prevailing power is in the hands of Democrats. They couldn’t impeach him because they didn’t have the evidence. Bob Comer Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

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

Patience, Perseverance

or centuries societies depended almost entirely on agriculture. The recognition that ground had to be cleared and plowed, seeds sown, and plants tended was part and parcel of daily life. It took many labors and many days to reach the reward of harvest. The reality of life was that perseverance was necessary. Hard work, consistently exercised over time, was the daily reminder that good things come at a price, and that the things you worked the hardest to earn brought the most joy. Life ran on the truth that gratification delayed was joy multiplied. Today it is evident that we’ve largely lost the value of perseverance. Technology, while enabling us to accomplish so much that is outstanding and helpful, has also reformatted our appreciation of a long obedience in the same direction. We’ve become intoxicated with immediacy. In fact, we look at those still using slower ways of doing things as ignorant if not foolish. The idea of working on the same thing for a whole year just seems outrageous. Surely something can be done to speed things up! After all, we landed men on the moon, can tweet around the world, and can cook dinner in four minutes. If success and satisfaction can’t be gained right now then I simply must get the latest upgrade. Now don’t get me wrong. I enjoy the latest speed and power as much as the next guy. But what I’m seeing is that our impatience is leeching over into other areas of our lives. What we have come to expect from our phones and computers we are now demanding in our relationships and other fundamental areas of life. Take parenting, for example. Ask any expert on raising kids and you’ll hear that the best parenting puts basic standards in place, and

stays consistent over time in expectations, reward and discipline. It almost doesn’t matter what the standards are as long as you stay consistent. Parents must agree, stay the course despite whining, crying and circumstance, and consider that the process of raising a solid, compassionate, self-directed citizen as a long, long, long process. You plant seeds every day, water and fertilize them every day, and wait 20 years to see if they bear good fruit. There are no shortcuts, and those who try them usually end up wondering where they went wrong. For years we raised our kids to be leaders and readers, courageous and compassionate. And all along the way we wondered – sometimes daily! – if they would ever really “get it.” But when, as adults, they demonstrate that they can make their own way well in this world, appreciate their parents’ bedrock values, and express their love to those who sacrificed to give them both a life and a lineage, the joy is truly inexpressible. Things that come easily and quickly are usually also the things that are easily forgotten. But those things that take time, that require a strong and consistent perseverance, produce the stuff of lasting joy. And the raising of kids is only one illustration of this. Anything of lasting value is worth the investment of your life, including your time, energy, creativity and prayer. Like the hard-working farmer, let’s never lose sight that the reward of harvest comes only after months and months of labor. If it is worth anything, it’s worthy of hard work. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

Sunday Signal June 26, 2022

Articles inside

Michele Makes Fourth of July Eats

Make Your Backyard Your Haven

Vacation with a Purpose

Museums, Art & Culture

Conserving Water in Santa Clarita