Sunday Signal Jan 6, 2019

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2018 YEAR IN REVIEW

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WINTER THINGS TO DO

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LOCAL GYM ROUNDUP

PLUS : CITY NEWS | OPINION | SCHOOL | ENTERTAINMENT | CALENDAR | HEALTH & FITNESS

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J A N UA RY 6, 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES

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5 The paths to enjoy nature in the SCV 6 Psst: Here’s a couple of shortcuts, don’t tell anybody

NEWS OF THE WEEK

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8 2018 Year in Review 11 Santa Clarita family gets special Christmas present Baby Mebarkeh is Henry Mayo’s first newborn of the year

SPORTS

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14 WR softball to Princeton tie-in

CITY MANAGER

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15 Become CERT-ified to help your community

REAL ESTATE

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16 This week in real estate

TIME RANGER

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OPINION

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18 Our View • David Hegg • Tim Whyte

CALENDAR 21 22

HOME IMPROVEMENT 22 Your Home Improvement

KIDS & FAMILY

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Close to golf course, shopping, entertainment, freeway, and several new developments. A MUST SEE.

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25 Donna’s Day: Create snow globe memories Great reasons to visit your local library

HEALTH & FITNESS

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26 What I learned from lots of gyms

ENTERTAINMENT 28 28 War coming to Canyon Santa Clarita Jan. 11 29 This week’s watch — ‘Vice’ and ‘The Mule’

FOOD 30 30 Pagter Brothers add to SCV wine scene in Newhall

BEAUTY & FASHION

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32 New look in the new year

THINGS TO DO

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33 Find your winter bliss

SENIORS 35 35 Bridge tourney raises money for Senior Center

BRAIN GAMES

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Games • Crossword • Village Idiot

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J A N UA RY 6, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E

The paths to enjoy nature in the SCV

By Taylor Villanueva Signal Staff Writer

T

hroughout the Santa Clarita Valley is a system of pedestrian paths that has grown over the years.

These paths are the work of city planners, engineers and builders.

While some trails started as ideas from the need of residents and community members, the city of Santa Clarita and the county have created a partnership with those who enjoy the great outdoors for a chance to constantly innovate and create a more enjoyable experience for walkers and riders.

There are multiple groups in the Santa Clarita Valley that come together to advocate for better, more efficient walking and biking trails for the purpose of leisure and convenience.

One of these groups is the Santa Clarita Valley Bicycle Coalition, an advocacy group supporting Santa Clarita “to be a fun, safe, bikeable place to live.”

Nina Moskol is the chair of the Santa Clarita Valley chapter of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition. She says that in the advocacy group, the members discuss plans for changes to bike paths.

“When I interact with the city, they often tell me what is coming within the schedule for both

Bike riders take the paseo over Creekside Road in Valencia on Wednesday morning.

PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

building additional infrastructure and bike events they will sponsor during the year,” she said.

The coalition will discuss the “needs and wants of the community” and work with the city and engineers to come up with practical plans for mapping out new cycling and walking trails.

The Santa Clarita Valley Bicycle Coalition also has an active Facebook group, where members can bring up problems they spot and work to improve them.

“They will say ‘we have a problem here’ or ‘fix this there’ and I will bring those issues back to the city,” Moskol says.

“We have been really, really

Left: A couple walks their dog on the path near McBean Parkway and Magic Mountain Parkway in Valencia. Right: Cyclists ride on the paseos near the same location.

happy with our partnership with the city of Santa Clarita,” she adds.

“The city is proactive and responsive about making positive change, and it is really starting to happen faster.”

The group has been advocating for bicyclists to make their way across the SCV without having to cross major intersections, a goal the city has almost completely reached.

“When they opened the Fallen Warriors Memorial Bridge, they called it the Cross-Valley Connector,” Moskol explains.

“It was a roadway that went east to west across Santa Clarita from the 5 (freeway) to (Highway) 14.”

With that addition, it was almost

possible for cyclists and pedestrians to get around “without having to go across the roadway.”

Even with this change, groups are pushing for more safety.

“There is one more trail we are campaigning for,” Moskol says. Advocates are working to make plans by the Five Knolls neighborhood to Discovery Park so that pedestrians won’t have to cross with “dangerous motor vehicles.”

The pedestrian paths added to the maps are determined by the city’s topography.

“Santa Clarita has an interesting topography,” Moskol says.

This means there has to be a “major act of landscaping” to create practical walking and cycling paths that can serve residents without interfering with roadways or other spaces.

To create the new paths, the city usually hears from advocates or makes plans on their own, then works with engineers to make changes possible.

Moskol says the advocacy group applied for a grant to make the most recent changes possible. After the city worked with engineers to see if the plans could be put into action, they found that it is possible to make a trail that keeps pedestrians from crossing roadways.

See TRAILS, page 31

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J A N UA RY 6, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E

PSST: Here’s a couple of shortcuts, don’t tell anybody

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

T

hanksgiving weekend.

Traffic jams at Castaic, amounting to a “nightmare” later addressed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

On Dec. 6, the day after county supervisors vote in favor of a plan to avoid similar traffic nightmares, snow and rain force the California Highway Patrol to shut down the on-ramp to the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 on Lake Hughes Road.

Before the month is out, Santa Clarita Valley residents experienced a third nightmarish traffic jam near Six Flags Magic Mountain when the northbound side of the I-5 grinds to a slow pace over Calgrove Boulevard to the Magic Mountain Parkway off-ramp, while southbound traffic backed up as far as Castaic Junction.

Before the grand plan to remove such traffic nightmares is delivered to county supervisors, a smaller, more convenient, practical plan emerges ­— the shortcut.

The Urban Dictionary defines a shortcut in terms of time saved, not distance traveled: “1. A more direct route than the customary one. 2. A means of saving time or effort.”

Newhall Pass If you’re returning to the SCV from L.A. or from the beach in Santa Monica, travelling north on I-405 and you see traffic backed up through the Newhall Pass, find the Roxford Street exits. There are two of them.

The two off-ramps to Roxford stand as two lifesavers strapped to the side of a ship when the I-5 is jammed at the Newhall Pass.

Shortcut North Take either Roxford exit and travel west under the I-5 overpass to San Fernando Road and The Old Road, then continue north, past the miles of cars parked across five lanes of I-5.

When examples such as the Roxford shortcut were suggested to law enforcement, officers were reluctant to endorse the proposed route.

“We’d rather not get specific about alternate routes,” CHP Officer Eric

Priessman said Wednesday.

“Whenever traffic gets congested, the CHP will advise drivers to ‘find alternate routes’ but we rarely will give specific directions.

“It is up to the motorists to make their own way to their destination,” he said. “One exception would be during Operation Snowflake when we shut the freeway down and we give specific alternate routes, because that’s on us.

“If it’s just for congestion due to holiday traffic, etc., then we leave it to them,” Priessman said.

See Detail Below

Lake Hughes Road

Operation Snowflake When driving through the Grapevine becomes treacherous due to slippery road conditions caused by ice and snow, the CHP shuts down the I-5 at Parker Road as part of Operation Snowflake.

Subsequently, scores, if not hundreds of re-routed motorists find themselves in Castaic.

The Old Road

Dry Gulch Road I-5 Exit Lake Hughes Road Shortcut East: Take Lake Hughes north to the third cutoff at San Francisquito. (Detail at bottom right.)

Lake Hughes Road

Shortcut North: Take either Roxford exit and travel west under the I-5 overpass to San Fernando Road and The Old Road, then continue north, past the miles of cars parked across five lanes of I-5.

San Francisquito Canyon Road

Some have argued the inconvenience is good for business, pointing out that if every motorist stops and buys a coffee, the Castaic economy grows.

Others, however, such as Castaic Area Town Council member Jeff Preach, see only headaches.

Preach went on record in May saying: “When you shut down the freeway, you shut down the whole town of Castaic.”

He made the comment as county supervisors discussed ways of relieving traffic congestion through the Grapevine.

Castaic Cutoff Sepulveda Blvd.

1-5 Exit Roxford Street

Supervisors were enlightened to hear about a solution that hinged on a shortcut known to Casaic residents as the Castaic Cutoff.

Supervisors considered widening a stretch of Lake Hughes Road that winds north, a route known to insiders — such as van pool operators — as an I-5 alternative.

Shortcut East “Take Lake Hughes north to the third cutoff at San

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

I-5

Highway 126

Highway 14

Sand Canyon Road

Highway 23

Highway118 Shortcut West: Take Highway 126 west to Highway 23, turn left and follow the winding single-lane highway up into the mountains and over into Moorpark, with access to Highway 118.

Francisquito,” said region.”

Preach in May. And, as superDEFINITION OF Calling it “one visors continue to “SHORTCUT” highway worth greenlight housing noting,” his projects — approv1. A MORE DIREC T recommendation ing 21,000 homes ROUTE THAN THE to supervisors for Newhall Ranch reviewing the alin July, and 19,000 CUSTOMARY ONE. ternate route was homes for the Cen2. A MEANS OF simply: “Turn that tennial Project last into a four-lane SAVING TIME OR month —shortcuts road.” are likely to become EFFORT. Caltrans offiattractive alternatives — URBAN for motorists. cials, however, want motorists DICTIONARY Case in point is thinking of shortFillmore. cuts to remember that side roads are not built for highway traffic.

With Newhall Ranch homes being “Caltrans builds and maintains built close to the Ventura County the state highway system so I can line, a shortcut known to Fillmore comment on state highways, but I’m not up to speed on county roads and residents could become a popular city streets, which may or may not option for Newhall Ranch residents. be helpful alternatives for motorists,” Getting to Chatsworth, Simi Valley Caltrans spokesman Michael Coand Moorpark is quicker and easimeaux said this past week. er than taking the I-5 through the “For example, as we saw over the Newhall Pass if you get there via Thanksgiving Day weekend, The Old Fillmore.

Road was not designed to accommoShortcut West Take Highway 126 date freeway traffic volumes, so the west to Highway 23, turn left and folholiday traffic overwhelmed it,” he low the winding single-lane highway said. up into the mountains and over into “Yet, if a driver gets stuck in I-5 Moorpark, with access to Highway traffic in Castaic, The Old Road 118. becomes that driver’s first alternative due to its proximity to I-5. This is one reason Caltrans is working cooperaAnd, as homes continue to be built tively with other agencies to respond constructively to Los Angeles County east of the SCV, finding a mountain pass similar to Highway 23 could Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s call for exist as an alternative in the Sand an emergency mobility action plan Canyon Road extension. for I-5 in the Santa Clarita Valley

Access via Fillmore

Angeles National Forest

Little Tujunga Road

Shortcut South: Follow Sand Canyon Road south until it becomes Little Tujunga Canyon Road, winding along a single lane through the Angeles National Forest, leading to Sylmar and I-210, or along Big Tujunga Canyon Road, leading to Sunland and, again, to I-210.

Highway 210

Shortcut South Follow Sand Canyon Road south until it becomes Little Tujunga Canyon Road, winding along a single lane through the Angeles National Forest, leading to Sylmar and I-210, or along Big Tujunga Canyon Road, leading to Sunland and, again, to I-210.

Like other shortcut suggestions, the drive may be longer, but quicker.

Said Comeaux, “If a driver is traveling between Bakersfield and Los Angeles, State Route 138 and State Route 14 may comprise a workable alternative, even though the distance is greater.” 

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J A N UA RY 6, 2019

LOCALNEWS 2018 Santa Clarita elections bring new faces to Sacramento, Washington D.C.

Year in review 1 8 local stories that shaped the SCV in 2018

Editor’s note: You can’t say it was an uneventful year: 2018 in the Santa Clarita Valley was shaped by a wide variety of local stories, many of which are unique to Santa Clarita and some of which are reflective of what’s going on elsewhere in the nation and the world.

It was certainly an eventful year for the community newspaper.

We’re proud that The Signal is now under local family ownership, with the purchase of the paper in June by Richard and Chris Budman. We’re also proud of the changes we’ve made since taking over management of The Signal, including the addition of a free new Sunday news magazine and the expansion of our news and sports staff to beef up our coverage of the community.

And, we’re proud of the work that the staff has done to bring you the stories of your hometown, in words, pictures and video. Today, we reflect back on some of those stories, the

ones that, in our opinion, most shaped the Santa Clarita Valley over the past year.

Presented here are summaries of 18 of them. This list is intended to be representative, not comprehensive. We’ve sought to include a mix of story types, rather than a “ranking” of the “biggest” stories, and the summaries are presented in no particular order.

Some of the stories are drawn from the world of politics, some resulted from breaking news, and others just show that, even in a time of controversy and rampant political acrimony, we still live in a community that laughs, loves and cries together.

2019 happens to be the 100th anniversary of the founding of The Signal. As we embark on our centennial year, we’re looking forward to continuing to tell the stories of the Santa Clarita Valley, a place we are proud to call home, in the year ahead and many more to come.

— Tim Whyte Editor, The Signal

The primary and general elections dominated news cycles across the country in 2018, and Santa Clarita was no exception. And, locally, two Democratic challengers unseated Republican incumbents to “flip” legislative seats that had long been held by the GOP. After all the votes for the midterm election were tallied, with the highest voter turnout in Los Angeles County in over a decade, the voters of the 38th Assembly District chose Democrat Christy Smith to represent them in Sacramento and the voters of the 25th Congressional District elected Katie Hill to the House of Representatives.

Hill, former director and deputy

‘Borderline’ shooting hits home for local residents, reporter A November mass shooting at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks hit especially close to home for many Santa Clarita residents, including Signal Staff Writer Michele Lutes.

Lutes and her friends were devastated to hear the news of the 13 killed, because it was there that everyone was considered family.

Borderline is about a 45-minute drive from Santa Clarita, but almost every week dozens of Santa Clarita Valley residents made the trip to dance, drink and create memories.

For Lutes’ friend Katelyn Dolder, she had not missed a college night at Borderline in over four months when the gunman came in and prompted her to run for her life. She made it out

CEO of a homelessness nonprofit, won control of the seat with 54.4 percent of the vote over incumbent Republican and former LAPD officer Steve Knight’s 45.6 percent of the vote.

Smith, a former Newhall School District board member, ended the election with 51.5 percent of the vote over incumbent Republican and former Santa Clarita City Council member Dante Acosta’s 48.5 percent of the total.

Additionally, Assemblyman Tom Lackey, who represents a portion of the Santa Clarita Valley as the 36th Assembly District representative, defeated challenger Steve Fox with 52.1 percent of the total to Fox’s 47.9 percent.

— Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

alive with a hurt ankle, and remained deeply affected in the aftermath of the shooting.

Even those who weren’t literally there on that Wednesday night felt shattered afterward. SCV resident Will Davison recalled the line dances to country music, sitting and chatting on bar stools and memories made with all the strangers who loved that place.

Lutes herself had been going to Borderline for three years and felt shaken at how scary the whole ordeal was.

But nevertheless, survivors and friends alike were sticking together.

“It’s gonna be a long road for all of us,” Lutes wrote. “We have to stick together and be Country Strong.”

— Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

See 2018, page 10

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J A N UA RY 6, 2019

LOCALNEWS

2018

Van Hook marks 30-year milestone at COC College of the Canyons Chancellor Dianne G. Van Hook became one of the longest-serving community college heads in California in July.

The chancellor, who took the helm of COC in 1988, celebrated her 30th anniversary on campus that month.

And then, in September, the COC Board of Trustees announced that the main road of the Canyon Country campus would don Van Hook’s name.

Since she began her run as head of the community college, the school hired 279 additional full-time faculty and staff, added more than 50 certificate training and degree programs, welcomed an additional 15,491 students to its classrooms, established the Canyon Country campus, expanded its budget by $231.1 million and more than quadrupled in size.

With her guidance, the college has grown in size and reputation throughout not just the Santa Clarita Valley but the state of California, as it annually welcomes new students, programs and grants.

Van Hook credits her success, and the success of COC, to the college’s dedicated staff, the community’s support and her personal love of her work.

“I’m a firm believer that if you’re working at doing what you like to do, you’re going to do it better and longer than if you do that which you really don’t enjoy doing or if it’s not a good fit,” she said.

Continued from page 8

Railroad Fire displaces Santa Clarita residents The Railroad Fire broke out on the last day of July in a vacant lot on Railroad Avenue about 4:15 p.m. It was reported, initially, as a 3-acre brush fire moving toward the apartment buildings on Adler Drive and Trumpet Drive.

Although it burned about 10 acres of brush, before it was extinguished the Railroad Fire damaged at least 14 apartments in two buildings in Newhall, displacing scores of people.

It quickly damaged three structures — two apartment buildings including 11 apartments on Alder and three on Trumpet.

The destruction caused by the Railroad Fire sent about 100 people to the American Red Cross evacuation center set up in the gymnasium of Golden Valley High School.

At least three firefighters suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital.

Local leaders grapple with homelessness

Above: Elliot Newcomb’s family releases a dove in their son’s memory. Right: Local residents take part in a candlelight vigil for the victims of gun violence. Below: A firefighter waters down smoldering vegetation caused by the Railroad Fire.

The issue of homelessness gained a higher local profile in 2018 as the city of Santa Clarita made progress and encountered pitfalls as leaders strived to develop a year-round plan to help the homeless.

In August, the City Council revealed a homelessness plan formed from meetings with local stakeholders, and authorized the formation of a collaborative task force to help execute its goals.

The task force, headed by Mayor Pro Tem Cameron Smyth, is to tackle five planned topic areas: “Preventing Homelessness,” “Increasing Income,” “Subsidized Housing,” “Increase Affordable Housing” and “Creating Local Coordination.”

This came on the heels of a controversial municipal code amendment in June geared toward preventing people from “living” in public places. The code expanded language to include locations that were not previously codified and allows city officials to address any encampment or dwelling

that may arise.

Residents raised concerns that the homeless would be negatively affected by the new language, which states that people may not “sit or lie down upon a public sidewalk” and other areas.

At the time, Bridge to Home, a nonprofit that operates the Santa Clarita Valley’s seasonal homeless shelter, was in the process of solidifying a year-round location.

But in December, Bridge to Home’s grant process with Los Angeles County was terminated due to insufficient Measure H dollars, leaving members of the community and local dignitaries disappointed — and without the $900,000 in anticipated grant funds.

But officials with County Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office said they will work on a solution to fill the funding gap.

— Jim Holt Signal Staff Writer

— Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

Although Santa Clarita is working on a more accurate homeless count, the 2017 annual point-in-time count reported a total of 331 homeless individuals, while an estimated 31,138 were identified in the city of L.A. Mike Foley, executive director of Bridge to Home, said the organization is planning on applying for another grant. If chosen, funds would not become available until July, he said.

In light of Bridge to Home’s county wrequest council approval of funds at the next council meeting on Jan. 8, followed by a City Council vote at the Jan. 22 meeting if approved.

— Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

Baby Elliot: 2-year-old arrives home from hospital for first time, dies soon after At 2 and a half years old, Elliot Newcomb stole the hearts of many with his smile, but his life was cut short just weeks after arriving home from the hospital for the first time.

The young boy was welcomed into his Saugus home after an 895-day journey in intensive care for a developed chronic lung disease known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or BPD, which leads to requiring respiratory support to breathe.

Newcomb’s sudden death occurred

See 2018, page 12

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 11

LOCALNEWS

Santa Clarita family gets special Christmas present

By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer

S

anta Clarita resident Joyce Culberhouse received a Christmas miracle Wednesday: It was a call she had been waiting almost four years to receive.

“We did anything you could think of to bring her home,” Culberhouse said. “She is our baby, We never stopped looking. We did everything.”

After more than a seven-hour drive from spending the holidays in Arizona, Joyce and her husband Randy held their furry baby, Shawnee, in their arms for the first time in 44 months.

“We didn’t know if it was true until we had her in our arms,” Culberhouse said. “It is really her.”

Tears streamed down Culberhouse’s face as Shawnee, a white and tan Shih Tzu, was placed into her arms, with her tail wagging and giving her owner endless kisses.

“I missed her so much,” she said in the video of the reunion.

Shawnee was stolen in April 2015 from the Culberhouse’s former home in Castaic.

“We hired pet detectives, search dogs,” Culberhouse said. “They tracked (the dog’s smell) to the the on ramp (at Hasley Canyon Road).”

Determined to get their dog back, they plastered posters and fliers everywhere they could, and even hung a banner across Interstate 5, she said.

“For the last 44 months I’ve kept the craigslist listing up to date.”

They frequently checked with the pet microchip company, posted all over social media and mailed letters to shelters.

“We knew it would be a big fight trying to get her back,” Culberhouse said.

Then, a man and his dog found Shawnee on Christmas Eve, walking the streets alone.

“He brought her home, and with everything closed for the holiday, he and his Shih Tzu shared Christmas with Shawnee, even putting a red collar on her,” Culberhouse said.

The man took her to the Roxford Vet Clinic in Sylmar where they found the microchip and contacted the microchip company, which in turn contacted Culberhouse.

“We have dealt with prank calls. We were so hesitant,” she said. “We burst into tears. They knew our name.”

Within minutes, she was calling the vet clinic, who thought the dog had only been gone a few days.

“We were in a total state of shock,” said Tania Hernandez, a vet assistant

at the clinic. “I can’t believe they were going through that.”

Culberhouse told the clinic her dog had been lost for 44 months and she asked if they were sure it was her dog, Shawnee.

“I leaned down and called Shawnee her name, and she looked up,” Hernandez said.

The Culberhouses immediately packed up to head back home from Arizona where they were visiting family for the holidays. “We wouldn’t make it there by the time they closed,” Culberhouse said Hernandez offered to take Shawnee home, giving the Culberhouses a chance to pick her up as soon as they got back in town.

“During the drive home, she texted us photos of Shawnee and reassured us (she) was fine,” Culberhouse said.

“We’ll never know where she was these past 44 months or what she went through, but she’s home now, safe and loved.”

Shawnee was welcomed home Wednesday, almost exactly nine years after she was brought home as a puppy in December 2009.

“I saw her and had to have her,” Culberhouse said about Shawnee as a puppy. “She is doing all the things she

Randy and Joyce Culberhouse hold their Shih Tzu, Shawnee, who was reunited with the Culberhouses Wednesday. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

used to do.”

“Everybody came to tears. It was one of those Christmas miracles only movies write about,” Hernandez said. “The joyest tearful reunion on the planet.

It was absolutely amazing. Christmas miracles really do come true.”

The Culberhouse family is settling back into their routine, and are thankful for Shawnee’s microchip that brought her back home, she said. “If you ever find yourself in our shoes, please never give up, never lose faith.

And microchip your pets.” 

Baby Mebarkeh is Henry Mayo’s first newborn of the year

By Austin Dave Signal Staff Writer

T

he Mebarkeh family rang in the new year in Valencia from a hospital bed. They ended 2018 with a total of three people in their family and began 2019 with four.

Christian Ryan Mebarkeh was born to parents Raed Mebarkeh and Hala Safar at 4:30 p.m. on Jan 1.

The family spent the first day of the year in the Women’s Unit at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital celebrating the hospital’s first newborn of 2019 with staff.

“There aren’t words to say, it’s a wonderful feeling,” Raed Mebarkeh said.

The baby’s projected due date was Jan 8, but timing is everything, the

boy’s father said.

“We were hanging out on New Year’s Eve with the family and friends and Hala started to feel like she needed to be at the hospital,” he said.

The baby weighed in at 7 pounds and 12 ounces and will join his brother Abraham at the family’s home Wednesday. 

Hala Safar holds her newborn son Christian Ryan Mebarkeh with Raed Mebarkeh and son Abraham Mebarkeh. Christian was initially expected to be born on Jan. 8. PHOTOS BY AUSTIN DAVE / THE SIGNAL

12 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

LOCALNEWS

2018

Continued from page 10

on Oct. 9 while en route to Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles from Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.

After losing their youngest child, mother Sara and Bryan held a celebration of life in November at Crossroads Community Church in Valencia. More than 200 family members, friends and members of the community gathered by their side, where doves and balloons were released in his memory.

Elliot’s journey has helped other children return home as his treatment is now being used to care for more children with his condition in Kaiser Los Angeles. In his memory, the family has also started a charity, titled “#LoveFromElliot.”

Todd Smith, pastor at Crossroads, said: “Who would have thought that this little man could pack so much love and so much life into such a short period of time.”

— Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

Centennial: sign of a building boom With 2008 being the year home construction died in the SCV, 2018 marked the year of its rebirth a decade later.

Less than six months after the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors gave the green light to the construction of 21,000 homes as part of Newhall Ranch, the same board approved the construction of 19,000 more homes at the Kern County line.

On Dec. 11, after hearing from scores of people for and against the housing development, four out of five supervisors endorsed a motion by Supervisor Kathryn Barger to approve the Centennial project.

Over the last 14 years, the Centennial project had gone through extensive public debate and review, including five public hearings and a lengthy and comprehensive environmental impact review process, Barger said after the vote was taken.

“It includes key amendments that address fire safety by requiring peer review, by or in coordination with

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

CAL FIRE, at all points of the implementation, create 20,000 new longterm jobs and establish a partnership for a job training program — all to ensure that we have a comprehensive and resilient community,” she said.

“It is a responsible, forward-thinking project,” Barger said, “that exceeds the goals of the county’s general plan for smart, sustainable growth and sorely needed housing stock, including 18 percent of affordable housing units, which is approximately 3,500 units.”

— Jim Holt Signal Staff Writer

Proposed streetlight maintenance cost hike raises residents’ ire It wasn’t junk mail — although some may have preferred that. It was a letter from the city of Santa Clarita to thousands of residents, many of whom were left irked and confused.

The letter, sent out to about 34,000 homes in late November, read that the recipients’ annual streetlight maintenance rate of $12.38, which has remained the same for the past 20 years, would hike to $81.71 in order to continue maintaining streetlights in their neighborhoods.

Residents were asked to vote either “yes” to indicate “support maintaining streetlight services in your neighborhood” or “no” to “indicate you are opposed.”

The letter did not clearly explain why the city asked property owners to consider paying more for street lighting services and what a “no” vote actually meant.

After criticism from residents and the City Council, city staff was asked by council members to provide the public with clarifications.

In December, the city published a frequently asked questions page and outreach in the form of a follow-up letter before the scheduled Jan. 22 ballot deadline and public hearing.

Just before the end of the year, the city announced a tentative intent to terminate the landscape and lighting district assessment proceedings and cancel the public hearing scheduled for Jan. 22, in response to feedback from residents.

— Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

Emotions ran deep over crash In the last couple of years, SCV residents saw a number of fatal crashes but few fired up emotions more than the crash that claimed the life of a local mother of six.

Although she didn’t speak in court when sentenced to 10 years in prison, 21-year-old Alexia Alilah Cina — described as an excellent student and outstanding athlete with no criminal record — “accepted full responsibility for her actions” that killed Katie Evans, a Saugus mother of six.

Cina was sentenced in July to 10 years of her life behind bars. She pleaded no contest in June to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in a fatal crash that took place Oct. 6, 2017.

The crash killed Katie Evans, a Saugus mother of six.

Cina’s attorney James E. Blatt said shortly after her sentencing: “She has accepted full responsibility for her actions, and is deeply remorseful for the loss of life, the future damage caused to the husband, the family and the children of Mrs. Evans.”

Cina was driving southbound on Golden Valley Road at a high rate of speed Oct. 6, 2017, when she hit the center median and crashed into Evans’ vehicle on the northbound side of the road, prosecutors maintained since her arrest.

The Evans family, led by Katie’s husband Jacob, and their religious supporters expected a fair sentence — and a fair sentence, according to Blatt, was found in 10 years’ prison time.

— Jim Holt Signal Staff Writer

Council election and heated mayoral rotation Election results for the 2018 City Council race were perhaps no big surprise for many, as voters kept incumbents for another term. The shock came toward the end of the year as the council members voted among themselves to choose the 2019 mayor.

During a special City Council meeting on Dec. 11, Marsha McLean was named Santa Clarita’s newest mayor but it was no easy feat as the nomination process resulted in a heated debate among the council members.

Traditionally, the council gives the

gavel to the previous year’s mayor pro tem, which was McLean in 2018.

With Councilman Bob Kellar first nominating now Mayor Pro Tem Cameron Smyth, the tradition was nearly broken. The nomination received support from Councilwoman Laurene Weste, who seconded Kellar’s motion.

Surprised by how the nominations were unraveling, McLean nominated herself — and Councilman Bill Miranda seconded the motion — leading to a back-and-forth debate among all five council members about operating as united, rather than divided, leaders.

With two nominations for mayor on the floor, the City Council was advised to vote on McLean’s nomination first, as the substitute motion, then vote on the nomination for Smyth.

The result led to McLean’s appointment by a 3-2 margin, with Weste — who had served as mayor in 2018 — casting the deciding “yes” vote.

— Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

‘Sarah smiles,” and inspires, in battle against cancer A special young Santa Clarita resident received a very happy birthday in October from dozens of community members.

Sarah Donegan, 12, was speechless when she received the gift of people showing up to celebrate her day, and to support her in her ongoing battle against cancer.

Through 2018, Sarah had battled an aggressive form of brain cancer after having a series of seizures that led to her being airlifted to a hospital.

Hospitalized for a week for testing and undergoing over seven hours of surgery for a brain tumor, Sarah had to undergo six weeks of daily chemotherapy — all while still at the tender age of 11.

But through faith in God, a GoFundMe for medical expenses and proceeds from selling shirts that said, “Sarah Smiles” on them, Sarah was still on her feet enough to enjoy the community support on her birthday.

Tears of surprise and joy streamed down her face that day as she received the cards, balloons, roses and hugs.

“I would never be able to get through it without everybody’s See 2018, page 23

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

SPORTS

WR softball to Princeton tie-in

How to sell your Santa Clarita home yourself: 10 tips real estate agents don't want you to know

By Dave McKean Broker CalDRE# 00972047

Princeton softball players (from left) Haley Hineman, Keeley Walsh and Adrienne Chang returned to their high school field at West Ranch High School. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

By Dan Lovi Signal Staff Writer

P

rinceton University softball head coach Lisa Van Ackeren must like what she’s seen from the West Ranch softball program.

For the third time in six years, a West Ranch softball player will be heading to okay for the Ivy League school’s softball program.

Adrienne Chang, a four-year varsity catcher for the Wildcats softball team, verbally committed to Princeton back in her sophomore year. She made it official by signing her letter of intent in December.

Chang’s commitment continues a recent string of Wildcats becoming Tigers, starting with Haley Hineman, a 2013 West Ranch grad. She mainly played second base at Princeton until she graduated in 2017.

Keeley Walsh soon followed suit, joining the Tigers in 2015. The former first-team all-leaguer and West Ranch Player of the Year started every game for the Tigers last year, and will be finishing up her senior season this year.

Now, Chang is the next in line.

“She loves recruiting from West Ranch. We know how to get stuff done, basically,” Hineman said about Van Ackeren. “I don’t know if it’s a California thing, a West Ranch thing, but at this point, I think she trusts what she’s getting.”

“She definitely makes fun of Cali-

fornians,” Walsh added with a smile.

“We have a different vibe than a lot of our other teammates.”

When it comes to the three of them, their similar vibe is one of the things they have in common.

Hineman, Walsh and Chang all chose Princeton for similar reasons, mainly because of its academic prowess. And because they wanted to continue playing softball, particularly at a Division I level.

“I always knew I wanted to go to an academic school. I thought softball was a great opportunity to help me get there,” said Chang, who also visited Harvard and MIT before making her decision. “I heard about Princeton and the program there, and after visiting, I fell in love with the school.

I connected with the coaches and the other players that were there and I knew it was the right fit for me.”

“First of all, it’s a world-class school if you’re interested in both playing softball and academics,” Hineman said. “You got a great campus, great field and great lifestyle there. In general it should be No. 1 for everybody if you have sports and academics in mind.”

“The academics is a huge component for me. Princeton athletics is very unique in the fact that our coaches don’t limit us on what majors we can pursue,” Walsh added. “It’s not limiting in any way. You don’t get that See TIGERS, next page

If you've tried to sell your home yourself, you know that the minute you put the "For Sale by Owner" sign up, the phone will start to ring off the hook. Unfortunately, most calls aren't from prospective buyers, but rather from every real estate agent in town who will start to hound you for your listing.

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with many DI programs.”

While Chang is excited to get things going at Princeton, she knows there will be some things she has to get used to living on the East Coast.

The three joked about the weather, but it’s not just the freezing temperatures — it’s a completely different lifestyle.

Especially on a campus like Princeton, where the total enrollment is less than 5,500 students.

“There’s no cars; peverybody lives on campus in the dormitories for four years,” Hineman said. “You’re walking everywhere. No driving so that was kind of a big adjustment. The campus itself is pretty unique. Sometimes it’s a bit of a bubble but in a good way.

Adrienne is going to enjoy it.”

“It opens your eyes to experiences you haven’t had,” Walsh said. “You learn so much by just listening to your peers, not even sitting in the

classroom, having that dinner conversation with someone you met in the dining hall. It’s amazing.”

Since graduating, Hineman started working in business operations at a small company in New York City called Homepolish, which specializes in connecting clients with contractors and interior designers.

Walsh is a geosciences major and leaning towards a career in oceanography when she graduates this year.

She’s also considering a career in the Navy.

Chang is leaning toward majoring in biology, but said she’s open to exploring other options.

While the three may follow different paths after college, they will always share the West Ranch to Princeton softball connection.

And Hineman and Walsh will continue to mentor Chang on what’s to come.

“Getting advice from Haley and Keeley has helped me a lot,” Chang said. “I definitely think it’s going to be hard leaving home, but at the same time I’m excited to be on my own and take that next step.” 

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Become CERT-ified and help protect your community

By Ken Striplin City Manager

S

anta Clarita has been hailed as one of the safest cities in the nation.

This is thanks to our top notch partnerships with Los Angeles County fire and sheriff ’s departments and the California Highway Patrol — in addition to an engaged community who looks out for one another.

That does not mean that our city is immune to danger. We’ve had our share of wildfires, earthquakes and flash floods. In fact, the city of Santa Clarita has been declared a federal disaster area 13 times.

When the next natural disaster strikes — will you be ready to help?

More than 21 years ago, the city of Santa Clarita partnered with the Los Angeles County Fire Department to

begin offering residents Community Emergency Response Training (CERT).

This nationally certified program is designed to help families, neighborhoods, colleges/schools, faith-based organizations and businesses understand basic emergency/disaster response skills through training and preplanning.

Trainees learn about fire safety/ suppression strategies, light search and rescue, team organization, psychological first aid, and triage/ medical operations, and the training concludes with a hands on disaster simulation at the final session. To date, the CERT program has successfully trained over 3,000 residents in the Santa Clarita community.

As a CERT trainee, you will learn how to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Certified instructors from the L.A. County Fire Department and city will advise on what supplies you should have in your house, vehicle and place of work/worship/school; how

much food and water you should have stored/packed; and most importantly, how to be prepared, and situationally aware in all types of emergencies.

By being CERT-ified, you will also contribute to the resiliency of our community. When emergencies happen, CERT members may be able to provide support to first responders by providing on scene assistance to victims during a crisis situation.

CERT members also add to community resiliency with support of outreach projects, such as local corporate safety fairs and expos, and coordination at disaster simulations.

When disaster strikes, be it a wildfire, severe weather, earthquakes, power outages, terrorism, floods or something else — you can help make a real difference by being personally prepared and trained to help. During a large scale incident, our public safety officials are going to be stretched thin.

Having trained community members who know how to take care of them-

selves, their families, neighbors and co-workers is a valuable asset that will provide a chain of survival.

The winter CERT session begins Thursday, Jan. 17, and runs through Thursday, Feb. 28. The materials fee is $30 and includes a backpack of emergency supplies. Classes are held on seven consecutive Thursday evenings at the Centre, located at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway. You must be at least 18 years of age to register.

Registration is open, with several spots available. If you cannot make this session, the next spring session will begin on March 14, for another seven-week series.  If you are interested in registering for the CERT program, please visit santa-clarita.com/emergency. To stay informed and receive local emergency alerts, sign up at santa-clarita.com/ ealerts or text SCEmergency to 888777.

The views expressed in this column are those of the city and not necessarily those of The Signal.

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16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

R E A L E S TAT E

Looking ahead in SCV 2019 real estate market

T

his past year, we had a slowdown in the real estate market in the Santa Clarita Valley, especially in the higher home price range.

While early in the year we had solid home price appreciation at around a 6 percent gain from the year earlier, home prices leveled off towards the end of the year. There continues to be an increased frequency of price reductions from original list price, and homes are taking longer to sell. While some of these price adjustments downward and slowing activity are normal in the seasonal cycle of home sales, these changes are also indicating that we are in a period of market shift toward a more balanced market.

Looking ahead, and with the disclaimer that no one really knows the future, I don’t see a huge change from where we are today in the local housing market. I don’t expect big drops in home valuations, nor do I see big price appreciation. Market demand will be moderate, with neither a huge boost in buyer interest nor a big movement of sellers wanting to move.

Interest rate changes have a significant impact on housing market activity. In an environment of increasing interest rates, buyers who are on the fence act sooner than later (or they should). That stimulates home-buying activity. Interest rate rises also indicate better economic health, generally speaking, with job creation, income advances and increased production at all levels of the economy. At least, that’s conventional economic theory.

However, this past week’s stock market volatility and December’s stock market losses have negatively affected many people’s outlook on the economy and most analysts think that is due to an expectation of rising interest rates. This market correction Based on information from the Southland Regional Association of REALTORS®/Multiple Listing Service for the week ending on 12/28/18. All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.

if it continues down will tend to put a damper on housing market activity.

However, most analysts believe the stock market reaction will dampen any rise in interest rates, at least for now.

Locally, we are in a low inventory housing market. Usually that pushes prices up, and while inventory numbers will rise somewhat as we move into spring, right now there’s only moderate buyer interest or activity.

That is part of the normal seasonal flow. If buyer demand exceeds supply, and we again find ourselves in a market where multiple offers within days of a home being listed on the market, that will change. But right now, buyers are cautious and price sensitive.

There are some positive developments and opportunities to watch for this year. In-fill development in the Golden Valley/Plum Canyon area will appeal to higher-income buyers, as will some hoped-for construction in the west SCV with FivePoint’s Newhall Ranch development in the Highway 126 and Potrero Valley areas. This year, we may also see activity in the nearly 1,000-acre ‘hole’ in the middle of the cty of Santa Clarita that was the Whittaker-Bermite property — development there will likely be restricted to mainly light manufacturing/industrial. Increased job opportunities will be a magnet for home buyers.

The Santa Clarita Valley continues to enjoy favorable positioning in the region for buyers with our growing economic and employment base, comparatively good schools, proximity to a major city, low crime rate, good local government, more recreational and entertainment choices, and a generally clean environment. I am cautiously optimistic for the local housing market for 2019.  Ray “the Realtor” Kutylo is the team leader of the SCV Home Team at Keller Williams VIP Properties. The Team brings experienced and professional service, commitment and value to every transaction, whether you are a home buyer or seller. Ray can be reached at (661) 312-9461 or by email at rkutylo@gmail.com. The views expressed are his own and not necessarily those of The Signal. CA DRE 00918855

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY CLOSED SALES 12/21/18 TO 12/28/18 AREA/St#

St Name

Sold Price

SqFt/Source

CANYON COUNTRY 27903 20342 18142 27940 27066 27609 27104 17977 16807 14820 18932 18504 29302 19822 29450 15412 15531 27109 27531 15811

Vista View DR Fanchon LN #125 Sundowner WAY #1161 Tyler LN #453 Crossglade AVE #5 Nugget DR #1 Hidaway AVE #2 Lost Canyon RD #97 Bainbury ST Canna Valley ST Claycrest DR More CT Snapdragon PL Collins RD Kristine CT Live Oak Springs Canyon RD Live Oak Springs Canyon RD Honby AVE Trail Ridge RD Cedarfort DR

$225,000 $253,000 $299,000 $305,000 $320,000 $352,500 $365,000 $376,000 $500,000 $505,470 $515,000 $529,000 $560,000 $582,000 $695,000 $800,000 $869,000 $880,000 $1,015,000 $1,025,000

1825/A 964/A 934/A 934/A 1114/A 1268/A 1250/A 1022/A 1479/A 1264/A 1400/A 2015/A 2530/A 1733/A 3035/A 3764/A 3102/A 1830/A 4457/A 2951/AP

$425,000

1676/A

Avenue Of The Oaks #B Spanish Oak DR Sandpiper PL #125 Avenue Of The Oaks Apple ST #B 13th PL

$237,500 $265,000 $318,000 $382,000 $424,500 $439,820

864/A 843/A 970/A 893/A 1230/A 1414/A

Bobwhite CIR #76 Banyan PL #318 Mirabelle LN Bobwhite CIR #101 Farmington LN Martellus Drive Horseshoe CIR

$375,000 $380,000 $440,000 $443,000 $536,000 $650,000 $770,000

1117/A 1059/A 1850/A 1492/A 1304/A 1925/B 3318/S

$425,000 $460,000 $540,000 $759,997 $923,000

1510/A 1510/A 1771/A 2031/A 3292/

$365,000 $409,000 $450,000 $470,000 $515,000 $545,000 $598,000 $600,000 $659,000 $880,000

1000/A 922/A 896/A 2059/A 1128/A 1784/A 1445/A 1747/A 2356/A 2883/A

CASTAIC & VAL VERDE 31762 Avenida Sonrisa

NEWHALL 19210 19702 19853 20004 24843 22603

SAUGUS 28156 22940 28369 28127 21622 19508 28558

STEVENSON RANCH 25162 25487 25726 25435 26209

Glasgow DR Wharton Emerson LN #21 Shelley PL Beecher LN

VALENCIA & WESTRIDGE 24125 25841 26107 23117 25731 28224 23934 27060 27001 24479

Del Monte DR #149 Mcbean PKWY #2 Galvez CT Kimmore Lupita DR N Via Sonata DR Philbrook AVE Jarana CT San Ysidro AVE Stonechat CT

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

Blizzards, Quakes & Signal Burns to Ashes

I

t’s not so much that I have a good feeling about this brand new 2019. It’s just a year. I’ve a good feeling about me. Life brings treasures and tribulations. It’s how we respond to them.

That pedantic opining aside, Happy First Trailride of 2019, saddlepals.

We’ve a most interesting trek ahead, filled with strange weather, epic disasters and, of course, chickens at the Bank of Italy.

Find someone fetching to ride next to and let’s see what the valley used to be like in bygone days …

WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• Quakin’ in their boots An earth-bending earthquake centered at Fort Tejon hit the SCV like some giant shaking a blanket. The few buildings here were knocked over or partially destroyed. The Jan. 9, 1857 quake, which was measured after the fact, registered 8.3 on the Richter Scale. That made it approximately 150 times greater than our 1994 Northridge Quake. My dear Brainiac pal, Skip Newhall, tells us that the Tejon rattler was either the second or third largest quake in California history. Not to worry though. The way California is set up geologically, we probably will never suffer one of those continent killer shakers and 8.3 might be the worse we’d suffer.

Guess I’ll switch from my ceramic coffee cup collection on the high shelves to rubber baby cups.

• Howdy, Johnny And on Jan. 10, 1847, that rascal John C. Fremont stopped by to visit with the del Valle family at Rancho San Francisco. My favorite quote about the adventurer, entrepreneur and amateur scientist came from Abraham Lincoln, who was asked to appoint Fremont as the U.S. surveyor general. Lincoln refused, noting, “… he tends to become master of all he surveys.” Abe was referring to Fremont’s habit of somehow ending up owning hundreds of thousands of acres of land he was just supposed to measure.

JAN. 6, 1919

• Happy birthday to us. We’re older than the truss While common lore points out that The Signal’s first

issue was printed on Feb. 7, 1919, it was actually founded on Jan. 1, 1919. It took a month for founders Ed and Blanche Brown to figure out where the pencils were, sell ads, what to put in the first edition and how to actually make a newspaper. (Check out Saturday’s Signal each week for my 100th Anniversary of The Signal special feature.)

JAN. 6, 1929

• You know you’re rural when … Bank of America was originally called Bank of Italy. It was founded after the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. We had a branch of Bank of Italy here in town, at the northeast corner of modern Main and 8th. One of the SCV’s leading ladies wrote a letter to the branch manager, a Mr. Riedel. She asked Riedel if he would act as her agent in procuring bandy hens for her and keep them with the tellers. She noted that chickens already wandered around

in front of the bank and shouldn’t be much of a bother for Mr. Reidel to watch over with his “busy daily schedule.”

That’s • what’s missing from Wm. S. Hart boy’s baseball The Wildcats, our semipro baseball team, were a triple threat.

On this date, they hosted a baseball game, a benefit dance afterward and, during the 7th inning stretch, held a livestock auction in center field.

• Speaking of January baseball We CREAMED the Los Angeles Town Club, 29-6. Not only that, the locals ended up sitting down between home and first so the game could be ended and they could get to the dance.

JAN. 6, 1939

• “Who?” An owl, that’s who. Sam Gormley and his wife were awakened with a frightful racket in the dark hours. An owl flew down their chimney and got stuck until morning. They, ahem, “coerced” it to find another nest.

JAN. 6, 1949

My dear pal Clem Cox passed away more than a little bit ago.

His wife, Paula, sent me this letter that the local Kiwanis Club sent to Clem when he was stationed as a Marine in the South Pacific in 1944.

Locals volunteered to write to our soldiers fighting in the second world war during Christmas. The letter-writer, Edith Green, wrote: “Many things are being rationed off at home, but there is no rationing of an old-fashioned wish for a Merry Christmas.” We were a closeknit valley back then. Oh. BTW. Many of you have heard of Clem’s mom, Leona Cox, after whom the elementary school is named.

• The SCV’s wierdest weather, E-V-E-R The longest steady snowfall in perhaps 500 years fell on downtown Newhall. The thermometer hit a low of 13. For three straight days, light snow fell on the Santa Clarita — more than a yard deep in higher inland canyons and 20 inches downtown. Actually, in 1932, more snow fell in one night — a full foot in Newhall proper. But, that was a storm that came and went quickly. The strange thing about the ’49 storm was that very little snow fell on the Ridge Route, Castaic and Saugus. The snow caused a run on everything from tire chains to gloves for snowball fights and snowman making. Hart High had to cancel a basketball game for the first and only time because of snow. Bonus? It snowed in Malibu and Santa Monica.

• Oil fever A huge petroleum strike

TIMERANGER

hit the most unlikely of places — the tony residential neighborhood of Arcadia Street. Huge oil wells sprung up in people’s back yards — and front. Judge Art Miller evicted his horses from their corral and threw up a derrick. It’s amazing what the fever could do to a small, sleepy village. What was once a beautiful street was turned into a mess.

JAN. 6, 1959

• It’s OK if you’re in love Bobby Shannon was arrested for driving with a concealed weapon. The weapon? A bullwhip under his seat. If he claimed it was a marital aid, Bobby might have walked.

JAN. 6, 1969

• Hot news! The Mighty Signal burned to the ground. The office was on 6th Street and Railroad Avenue back then. Signal owner/editor Scott Newhall commented: “Some people say it might have been arson, but I cannot believe this because we are so uniformly popular with all elements of the cultural, political and mercantile life of Valencia Valley.”

Faulty wiring was eventually found to be the culprit. Despite being barbecued, we still managed to put out a paper.

• The Signal expands Next week, Scott Newhall bought out his competition, O.R. Tucker, publisher of The Record Press, the SCV’s other newspaper. Ironically, O.R. had been kind enough to allow The Signal to be run on its presses.

Well. There it is. Our spinning vortex and bookmark. We’re back to present-day Santa Clarita. Wishing you all a great 2019 and see you next week with another exciting Time Ranger history adventure. Until then — vayan con Dios!  John Boston, aka, Mr. Santa Clarita Valley, has been writing about and teaching the history of the SCV for more than 40 years. Read his historical tome, “Images of America: The Santa Clarita Valley.” It’s available on Amazon.com. Don’t forget to check out his weekly series on the history of The Mighty Signal in Saturday’s paper…

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Opinion

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

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

OURVIEW

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

Euphemisms, Misleading Letters and Streetlights

The Impacts of Society’s Denial of Self-Denial

By The Signal Editorial Board

By David Hegg

G

overnments like to use euphemisms. It makes things sound less onerous or gruesome than they are. For example, the military uses special reinforced coffins to transport the remains of soldiers killed in action. Those coffins? They’re called “transfer cases.”

On the lighter side, any time you hear a politician refer to something as a “revenue enhancement,” hold on to your wallet, because a revenue enhancement could also be known as a little something called a “tax.”

There’s been a little of that going on in Santa Clarita of late, and there’s bad news and good news. The bad news is, the city made a pretty egregious series of mistakes in its handling of a proposed tax hike to pay for streetlights.

But the good news is, it appears the city has learned from the mistakes and is poised to pull back from the proposal, for now, while it takes a mulligan on the communication and outreach to explain exactly what residents are being asked to do, and why.

It all started in late-November when the city sent letters asking 34,000 property owners to vote on — and we’re quoting here — “a proposed

modification to the streetlight assessment for your property.”

Let’s review. What do you suppose “a proposed modification” to your streetlight assessment is? Where do you suppose you’ll be asked to do your part to cover the “modified streetlight assessment”?

Oh yes. Your property tax bill.

But you’ve got to admit, a “proposed modification to your streetlight assessment” sounds oh-so-much nicer than this: A proposed 560-percent increase on the taxes you pay to keep the streetlights on.

Indeed. That euphemism is SO much more innocuous sounding.

Further, in asking property owners to vote on the “proposed modification,” the city offered this explanation of what a “yes” vote and a “no” vote would mean: “Marking the ballot ‘Yes’ will indicate you support maintaining streetlight services in your neighborhood and marking the ballot ‘No’ will See OUR VIEW, page 20

A

mong ancients the greatest honor was given to those who, seeing the greater good of the greater number, chose valiantly to deny themselves certain rights and pleasures in order improve those around them. But somewhere along the line of history, the honorable virtue of self-denial became associated with weakness, as in not "looking out for No. 1" or"pulling one’s own strings."

It became commonplace to believe only fools knowingly denied themselves something in order to create something better for others. Nice guys finish last, and we would much rather win than be nice. Only chumps allowed themselves to be taken advantage of, or willingly gave up something in order to help someone else.

It used to be that only children were allowed to be self-centered. It was their natural bent, and the role of the parent was to banish such foolishness before the child was allowed out into civil society. This was done by increasingly saying “no” to the child’s desire for his or her every wish to be fulfilled. Over

time children learned something we used to call “delayed gratification.”

This was the virtue of waiting to get your way, which necessitated saying “no” to your own desires.

In simple terms, this was taking control of personal desires and denying them their way. Self-denial — the inner ability to say “no” to self — was considered an essential component of maturity.

And herein lies the stark reality: Our society is increasingly being pulled into the vortex of selfishness because the childish propensity to pamper, indulge and satiate self has been turned into the virtue of freedom, self-expression and most of all, the crown jewel of modern ethics, high self-esteem.

Our goal, apparently, is to feel good about ourselves, and anything that might bring sadness or suffering must never be allowed to find place in our lives. Chief among the things we’ve had to jettison in our quest for ever greater levels of self-love is self-denial. If you love yourself, then it only follows that it is your duty to fulfill your desires as See HEGG, page 20

READERLETTERS

A Wall Is an Admission of Failure In his column on Jan. 1, Brian Baker attempted to blame the government shutdown over border wall funding on Dem/socialists. He blames Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) for the stalemate.

I think TDS could be better described as Trump Delusional Syndrome. There is nothing irrational, hysterical or deranged about opposition to a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. When Trump first proposed his wall during his campaign, it immediately brought to my mind the words of Ronald Reagan saying, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

I don’t think average Americans are ready to concede that condi-

tions between the allied U.S. and Mexico are equivalent to East/West Germany during the Cold War. Or Israel and Palestine in their deadlocked hateful relationship. Or China and the hordes coming over their ancient wall.

A wall denotes the end of hope. There is no war with Mexico and the traffic across the U.S./Mexico border is a mutual responsibility of both nations. Republicans like to claim that border security must start with a wall and that’s a shame, because a wall is, again, a last resort.

Note the design of the Great Wall of China. It’s really a raised roadway where armed soldiers had to constantly patrol. The Berlin wall had machine gun stations at regular intervals and was under constant Continued on next page

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

Opinion

Contact: Tim Whyte, Signal Editor Phone: 661-287-5591 | Email: letters@signalscv.com Mail: 26330 Diamond Place, Suite 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

N AT I O N A LV O I C E S

Why the Magic Number for Democrats Is 47

By Cokie Roberts and Steven V. Roberts

A

s the new year turns and Democrats focus on candidates to oppose President Trump in 2020, there’s one number they should keep in mind: 47.

Here’s why. Since the end of World War II, Democrats have elected only four presidents who did not hold the office already: John F. Kennedy in 1960, Jimmy Carter in 1976, Bill Clinton in 1992 and Barack Obama in 2008. Those four Democrats share many traits, but one of the most striking is their age on the day they were elected. They range from Kennedy, 43, to Carter, 52, but their average was — yes — 47. In fact, that was Obama’s exact age when he defeated 72-yearold John McCain.

Of course, age is a very rough metric, but looking at the emerging field of Democratic aspirants, one impression is unmistakable. The potential candidate who best fits the profile of Democratic winners is Beto O’Rourke, the three-time congressman from El Paso, Texas, who narrowly lost a Senate race in November. On Election Day 2020, he will be 48.

It’s still 14 months before the Iowa caucuses, so polls are minimally instructive. But it’s worth noting that the first survey of potential caucusgoers put O’Rourke in third place behind two much better-known (and much older) possibilities: former vice president Joe Biden, who will be almost 78 in November 2020, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, who will be 79. Fourthplace Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who has announced an official exploratory committee, will be 71.

A closer look at the four victorious post-war Democrats shows that their age was really a symbol for a much larger issue. Their youth helped shape their narratives, the stories they told voters about their past experiences and

their plans for the future. In all four cases, those future presidents captured something profoundly important about America, about our eternal search for something new and fresh and different. They embodied perhaps the best slogan in our entire political history: “It’s Time for a Change!” (So did Trump, though he was 70 in 2016.)

Kennedy spearheaded the wave of returning World War II veterans who entered politics and assumed the leadership of the country. The words in his inaugural address — “A torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans” — stand as the quintessential expression of the nation’s embrace of youthful energy and optimism.

Carter was not a harbinger of a new generation, but as a naval officer-turned-peanut farmer, and then as a governor who had never served in the capitol, he represented a clean break from the “swamp” of post-Watergate Washington. His brilliant slogan — “I will never lie to you” — echoed Kennedy’s promise of a new national beginning, a clean start.

Clinton was the first baby boomer president who talked about “building a bridge to the 21st century” and played on the name of his hometown in Arkansas when he told the Democratic convention in 1992, “I still believe in a place called Hope.” He reflected the bright line of optimism that connects successful candidates when he picked a campaign theme song with the insistent refrain, “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow.”

Thirteen years before he was elected president, Barack Obama published a bestselling memoir, “Dreams From My Father,” which told a new version of an old American story: a biracial child overcoming adversity and achieving success through merit and motivation.

The book foreshadowed his campaign theme, “Hope and Change,” two of the See ROBERTS, page 20

D R AW I N G CO N C LU S I O N S C H R I S T O P H E R W E YA N T

Letters, continued from previous page

watch. The Israel wall requires constant monitoring and was accompanied by huge increases in the penalties brought against violators. Failures all.

I was reading about the thousands who pass illegally between the U.S. and Canada and the pressure on their right-wing elements to crack down. I don’t see Canada building a 4,000-milelong wall to keep us out and I don’t see us wanting it. There has been great success during this and previous administrations at controlling the border, and technology, manpower, diplomacy and policy continue to be the best options.

Duane Mooring, Castaic

Are We Stuck with Baker for 2019?

Regarding Brian Baker’s Jan. 1 column, “Horton Column Illustrates ‘TDS,’” I want to say how sad I am to realize I will probably have to endure more of this name calling writer for another year.

He never misses a chance to call Democrats “Dem/socialists”

and refer to Republicans as Repubs. I’m so sick of this guy but I guess we’re going to be stuck with him in 2019.

He loves making thinks up like his latest, TDS, Trump Derarangement Syndrome, and he then says that anyone who blames Trump for the government shutdown has TDS. What hogwash!

Good grief! I can hardly believe it. Brian wants us to believe that the wall is a great idea and to prove it he says all you have to do is look at Israel. REALLY! Is the landscape of Israel’s border comparable to our Mexican-American border? I think not.

Give us a break. If you must publish this guy, don’t put his stuff under “SCV VOICES.” Sure he is a Santa Clarita Voice, but I would hate to give the impression that he speaks for many.

Richard Myers, Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone number; Anonymous letters are not printed; Email: letters@signalscv.com; Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 26330 Diamond Place, Ste. 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.

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Opinion

ROBERTS

Continued from page 19

most resonant words in the American political lexicon.

Obama has met with O’Rourke since the election, and in an interview with his close adviser David Axelrod, the former president praised the defeated

congressman as an “impressive young man who ran a terrific race in Texas.”

Obama even drew parallels between himself and O’Rourke. He won in 2008, Obama told Axelrod, because “people had a sense that I said what I meant,” and he discerned the same attempt to level with voters in the Texan’s failed campaign: “What I liked most about his race was that it didn’t

HEGG

Continued from page 18

often and as completely as possible, regardless of how this worldview affects those around you.

Despite the far-flung championing of the self-esteem movement, we do still see the value of self-denial in isolated areas, especially when the ruinous consequences of selfishness become visible. The military has long considered it essential to rid their recruits of the entitlement gene, and the rigors of basic training do just that. The academies that shape our law enforcement and fire professionals also consider self-denial to be an essential character trait in their men and women, and work hard to build this control

OUR VIEW

Continued from page 18

indicate you are opposed.”

That’s perfect language if you are trying to sway the vote to a desired outcome. Because, after all, who among us would actually “oppose” having streetlights on at night?

That, however, is not exactly what a yes or a no vote really means in this case. What property owners were actually voting on is the proposed tax increase, which, for many, would raise the annual cost from $12.38 to $81.71.

Further, the ballots would be due on Jan. 22 — the same day as the only scheduled public hearing on the issue.

If you got one of those letters, and you didn’t know any better, you might think you were being railroaded.

The appearance of an attempt at rigging the outcome was exacerbated by the fact that some residents were being asked to vote on both the streetlight tax increase and a decrease in their landscape maintenance fees — all in one vote, which would result in a net decrease in their taxes. Thus, this incentivizes a “yes” vote.

feel constantly poll-tested.”

Two New York Times political writers see another parallel between the two men. “Like Mr. Obama as he entered the 2008 campaign,” wrote Matt Flegenheimer and Jonathan Martin, “Mr. O’Rourke can be difficult to place on an ideological spectrum, allowing supporters to project their own politics onto a messaging palette of national

into them. Even the sports world at times recognizes that when LeBron James denies his primary desire — to shoot the basketball — and instead passes the ball to his teammates, the team wins more games.

What the military, law enforcement, fire service, and some enlightened sports fans understand is that the ability to overcome the biggest challenges in life begins with the ability to overcome the tyrant of self.

Those who can face down their own desires, making the self their slave rather than their master, are more apt to stay away from addicting habits, more capable of staying faithful to their commitments in the face of temptations to the contrary, and more ready to act courageously in times when the welfare of others threatens the serenity of self.

Jesus put it this way: “If anyone wishes to come

Fortunately, a lot of taxpayers saw right through it all, and they were rightly confused and angered by the letters from the city, and raised holy hell about it.

For many homeowners, it’s most likely more about the principles involved than the dollar amounts. But make no mistake: For those on a fixed income, such as many senior citizens, that increase from $12.38 to $81.71 is something they take seriously. You might look at it as equivalent to a few trips to Starbuck’s. They might look at it as a week’s groceries.

Regardless, people were steamed. It got even more interesting when residents went to a December City Council meeting to complain, and the council members themselves were perplexed by the letters.

“We need to do a better job of communicating this,” Mayor Pro Tem Cameron Smyth said. “If we have to spend additional dollars to send a follow-up mailer…something that is easy for a non-technical person to understand so they know clearly what they’re voting on, I think that is money well spent.”

Said Councilwoman Laurene Weste: “I got the ballot and was shocked.

unity and common ground.”

This is all very premature. O’Rourke might not even run for president. But if he does, remember the magic number is 47.

Steve and Cokie Roberts’ commentary is distributed by Andrews-McMeel Syndication. Tim Whyte’s column will return next week. 

after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” In order to follow the master, we have to resign the mastery of our lives. And, while on the surface this looks like losing, it is really the best option. The selfish life has never created an authentic sense of purpose, satisfaction, or accomplishment.

History books are full of men and women who have lived their lives for self only to realize too late that they lacked meaning, purpose and satisfaction in life.

Ultimately, the self-satiated life is not worth living, and we can only hope our world catches on soon.

David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church and a Santa Clarita resident.“Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

There’s just a real confusion and problem here. I need to see a lot more information and I need to understand it and our residents need to understand it.”

It turns out there is a somewhat reasonable rationale behind the proposed increase: As a result of annexations and streetlight rates being negotiated at different times for different portions of the city, some residents are paying more than others, and some are paying rates that haven’t changed in two decades.

Proposition 218 prohibits such disparities — everyone should be paying the same amount for streetlights, so, clearly, something has to change. However, with all the confusion, it remains unclear if the change being proposed is actually the change that’s needed.

To explain it all, the city added a “frequently asked questions” page on its website regarding the increase, but, to their credit, city officials have apparently recognized an FAQ page isn’t enough to unravel this mess.

Sometimes, you just have to punt.

And that is what the City Council is being asked to do when the council meets on Tuesday: The council will consider a recommendation from city staff to terminate the landscape and

lighting district assessment proceedings and cancel the Jan. 22 public hearing — and then go back to the drawing board.

“The community has made it clear that additional outreach and information is necessary,” Mayor Marsha McLean says in the city’s press release announcing the staff recommendation. “The City Council’s consideration to cancel the proceedings and upcoming public hearing reflects the need we have to discover what kind of communication is needed to provide a better understanding of the entire process.”

We anticipate the council will vote 5-0 in favor of the recommendation, an appropriate response to the feedback the city received on the initial, poorly conceived communication. That’s what government should do: Listen to constituents, and respond appropriately.

Make no mistake: The proposed “modification to the streetlight assessment” will come back to property owners in some form. But this time, hopefully, the city will present it in a much more clear, concise and fair way.

The euphemism-free upshot?

The city stepped in it, but is owning the mistake and trying to make it right.

We respect that. 

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

= Family Friendly Event

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

ONGOING

EVENTS BY DATE Sunday, Jan. 6, 7 p.m. Talented actor Eddie Frierson stars in this critically acclaimed and inspiring off-Broadway hit, “Matty: An Evening With Christy Mathewson,” about the life of legendary Hall of Fame baseball player Christy Mathewson. $15 recommended donation. All proceeds benefit the Canyon Theatre Guild Scholarship and the Pat and John Hayes Scholarship. Canyon Theatre Guild 24242 Main St., Newhall. Info: Greg Hayes (661) 877-1961, (661) 799-2702, http:// www.canyontheatre.org/shows/117/ Wednesday, Jan. 9, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cowboys Softball will be holding an instructional softball clinic for girls ages 6 to 12 over winter break at the Canyon High Softball Fields. Clinic attendees will receive training

in all aspects of softball (i.e. hitting, fielding, throwing, running, pitching, catching, etc.) from the varsity softball team and coaching staff. T-shirt, lunch, snack and beverages will be provided for all participants. $60. All proceeds benefit the Cowboys Softball program at Canyon High School. 19300 Nadal St, Santa Clarita. Info: wearecanyonsoftball@gmail. com, http://www.canyonsoftball.org Wednesday, Jan. 9, 10-11:30 a.m. Participate in an indoor “snowball” fight, arts and craft stations, and mix up some snowman soup.

Canyon Country Library CC Meeting Room, 18601 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita.

Info: (661) 259-0750 http://www.santaclaritalibrary.com Thursday, Jan. 10, 11:45 a.m. Poole & Shaffery’s annual Employment Law Update helps businesses prepare for changes to employment laws in the upcoming year. This luncheon is incredibly beneficial for businesses of all sizes. $55/Chamber members and $65/non-members. Hyatt Regency, 24500 Town Center Drive, Valencia. Info: EmploymentLawrsvp.com or call (661) 702-6977

Friday, Jan. 11, 5-8 p.m. Santa Clarita Artists Association (SCAA) announces a grand Re-Opening with a reception. The exhibit entitled Fresh Perspectives runs until Feb 24; showcases the artists and their newest artwork. The reception is free to the public; wine and appetizers will be served. Gallery winter hours are: Fridays 5-8 p.m., Saturdays 2-8 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. -5 p.m. SCAA Gallery, 22508 6th St., Old Town Newhall.

Info: Olga Kaczmar (661) 254-5267 Saturday, Jan. 11, 6 p.m. WAR is coming to Santa Clarita. The band’s global popularity is a tribute to the timelessness of its music and message. Headliner 9 p.m. If you purchase a ticket at a table, you are required to purchase dinner. Minimum spend is $25 per person. You must arrive by 7 p.m.

Under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult. The Canyon - Santa Clarita, Westfield Valencia Town Center, 24201 Valencia Blvd, Suite 1351, Santa Clarita. Info: https:// wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/events/ war-santa-clarita/

N!IN! IN! WIW W CONGRATULATIONS to David Zancanaro of Valencia — the winner of $100 for correctly identifying the artwork as being from Brents Carpet One advertisement on page 3 of our Dec. 23 issue.

2018

Identify this piece of artwork and the page number that it is on in one of the advertisements in this week’s issue, and you will be entered to win $100. One game and one winner each week.

Tax Planning 14 20

Every Sunday 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. Come out and try one of the fastest growing sports in Santa Clarita. Dragon boating has more than 2,000 years of history behind it. But here in Santa Clarita, it is still relatively new at about 4 years old. We invite the community to come out to Castaic’s lower lake to give dragon boating a try. All equipment and parking will be provided free. All ages are welcome from 9 years old and up. Castaic Lake Recreation, 32132 Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic. For more information call (213) 447-5707 or visit https://teamdragoneyes.my-free.website/ Every Monday, 10 a.m. Join us for baby and toddler Storytime in the Barnes & Noble children’s department. This time is designated for children 6 to 36 months old and their grown-ups.

Come read with us, participate in fun activities and make new friends. 23630 Valencia Blvd. Santa Clarita. Info: (661) 254-6604 or visit https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/ store/2642 Every Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Come hug the cows, give the pig’s tummy rubs, cuddle the turkeys and enjoy a beautiful day at the Gentle Barn. Donation: Adults $22, Kids $12.

Tickets are nonrefundable but rain checks are available upon request. The Gentle Barn, 15825 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita. Info: https://www.gentlebarn.org/california/ Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Join us for a funpacked evening of music and dance. We kick the night off with some awesome house music, then a live musical set and might even throw in a little comedy. Doors open 6 p.m. and the party Starts 7 p.m. Musicians and singers are invited to join the All-Star Jam portion of the evening. $10 + applicable fees; $5 at the door when you bring a charitable donation. If you purchase a ticket at a table you are required to purchase dinner. Minimum spend is $25 per person.

Under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult. The Canyon - Santa Clarita, Westfield Valencia Town Center, 24201 Valencia Blvd, Suite 1351, Santa Clarita. Info: https://wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/events/rock-n-rolljam-nite-01-16-santa-clarita/ Every Friday, 1 p.m. Come to the Canyon Country Library for a free showing of a movie.

See the library website for film selection each week. Canyon Country Library CC Meeting Room, 18601 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: (661) 259-0750 or visit http:// www.santaclaritalibrary.com

Second Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m. Join The Local Group Astronomy Club for our regularly scheduled club meeting at the Valencia branch of the Santa Clarita Public Library. Usually we will have a surprise “Constellation of the Month” lecture followed by a special presentation. The presentation may be a topic by knowledgeable club members, special guests or professional astronomers from JPL or Caltech. 23743 Valencia Blvd., Valencia. Info: www.lgscv.org.

Second Sunday of the month, 6-8 p.m. Want to find out more about Blue Star Mothers of Santa Clarita? Come to our monthly meeting and learn about all of the wonderful things we do for our active duty and veteran military service members. All are welcome! American Legion Post 507 24527 Spruce St Newhall. Info: president.ca46@ bluestarmothers.us or https://presidentca46. wixsite.com/bluestarmothersscv Second Tuesdays of the month, 5-6 p.m. Did you know that your brain is an organ too? Learn about things you can do to help your memory and brain stay strong as you age at the free “Keeping Your Brain Healthy” meeting. Henry Mayo Fitness and Health-Room 1 24525 Town Center Dr, Valencia. To register or for more information contact Adrianna Guadarrama at (818) 8304738 or email at aguadarrama@alzgla.org.

Second Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m. The five-member Arts Commission meets in the City Council chambers. Members of the public wishing to address the commission may do so by completing a speaker’s slip upon arrival at the meeting. There is a three-minute time limit per person. Santa Clarita City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Valencia. Info (661) 286-4018.

Ends Dec. 31st 2018

Call us now!

Mail your entry to: The Signal – Contest 26330 Diamond Place | Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Or email to: contest@signalscv.com 23929 Valencia Blvd., Ste. 304, Valencia, CA 91355

(661) 286-8860 • www.DennyLLP.com Advertiser: Page #

Name: Address:

Phone:

This week’s entries are due Wed. Jan 16.

Winner to be announced in 2 weeks.

22 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Cleaning gutters, licensed contractors

By Robert Lamoureux Signal Contributing Writer

Gutter clutter Hi Robert, We live in Sand Canyon where we have many oak trees on our property. We have gutters, but we are literally CONSTANTLY having to get up there and clean them out.

No matter what we do we have to get up there and remove the debris and clean out whatever got stuck inside. Is there anything out there that will help with this for us? It’s a constant chore and we’re looking for some relief to all of the work.

— Rita C. Rita, There is a product called Raptor Gutter Guard. This is a stainless steel micro mesh that sits over the gutter with literally thousands of holes that allow the water in but not the debris.

It’s flat and lays across the top of the gutter so rather than having to up and reach into the gutters, you can blow the leaves off or knock them off with a tool, as necessary. The water will still get into the gutters just fine, but you’ll just need to keep the grate clear. You’ll have some cost initially to install them but over time you’ll definitely appreciate the value. A great product that even prevents pine needles from getting in the gutters.

I highly recommend these, but also stress to keep them debris free also.

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Its that time of year where the gutters are overflowing with leaves and other debris. Keeping them clean is constant chore.

with these installed. Good luck.

— Robert

Licensed contractors know what permits are required for any type of construction work. The permits are there to make sure the work is done correctly.

Licensed contractors Hi Robert, We live in Santa Clarita in a single family home where we recently had an upstairs shower leak. We were out of town and we came home to the downstairs bedroom ceiling soaking wet and hanging down. We contacted the insurance company and were paid for damages, and the next step is where we failed. We didn’t use your recommendation about using a licensed contractor, we chose a handyman for the repairs. Everything was fine until we asked about the permit requirements for the ceiling. He told us that it wasn’t needed, but we both seem to remember you saying that it is needed. We paid him the deposit for the work but we did listen to you about not paying the last until the work was done. That’s when we asked about the inspection. He said that because it was a repair and not new, that it didn’t need a permit and inspection. Is this right?

— Harriet R. Harriet, You are absolutely correct, this

does in fact, need an inspection!

The main reason here is for safety.

If that drywall is not screwed in properly, the potential for it falling especially from a ceiling, is great.

Building and Safety is there for exactly that, safety. The inspector will ensure that there are the proper amount of screws and that they are placed properly. This, not done properly, can literally kill someone.

I encourage you to get this guy to finish the job properly and follow through with inspections, or if you have actually paid him, work on getting your money back and then hire the right person for the job.

If you need a referral just let me know, I can give that to you. Good luck.  — Robert Robert Lamoureux has 38 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia.

His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at robert@imsconstruction.com.

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

2018

Continued from page 12

prayers and everything they’ve done for us,” she said. “It would be so hard to do this alone.”

— Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

Drug abuse, overdoses increase in the SCV The national drug crisis’ impact on the Santa Clarita Valley was in the spotlight this year as local officials grappled with a significant increase in the number of overdose fatalities.

The Signal’s coverage culminated in the form of a multimedia project to highlight what was being done locally to combat the increased deaths related to drug abuse.

In 2017, as Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station deputies were armed with opioid overdose reversal medication Narcan, six people died as a result of drug abuse. As fentanyl took a firmer grip in 2018, the numbers more than doubled.

In August, The Signal debuted “Addicted,” an online micro-documentary series tasked with shedding light on two sides of the coin –– the expanding rash of deadly overdoses and proactive efforts made by local law enforcement and medical crews.

By October, federal agents honed in on Santa Clarita after two people overdosed in one day, one fatally. A DEA agent assigned to a special task force spoke to a Signal reporter at the scene, outside a home in Newhall.

“Because there are so many overdoses we want to act fast,” the DEA agent said, noting there has been a significant spike in overdose deaths this year. “We had two overdoses today — this one and another one. The other guy survived.”

— Austin Dave Signal Staff Writer

Local school leaders take up security issues In response to concerns over a nationwide rash of school shootings, sheriff ’s deputies discussed school security while school districts in the Santa Clarita Valley considered implementing additional security measures this year.

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station hosted a Q&A with The Sig-

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 23 nal at Saugus High School about procedures, information dissemination during a lockdown and tools to help school districts alert parents, such as the William S. Hart Union High School District’s ConnectEd system that sent out emails during incidents.

The Sulphur Springs Union School District, Newhall School District, Saugus Union School District and Hart District also considered resolutions throughout the year to install visitor management systems from various companies such as Raptor Technologies and LobbyGuard.

The systems would process visitors’ driver’s license information and compare the information to a sex offender database.

Visitors would then get badges to enter the school.

Residents had griped that the limited number of available badges could pose a problem to schools who check in multiple guests each day.

Other school officials said that districts could be liable for lawsuits once they install the new systems.

In March, Rep. Steve Knight, R-Palmdale, introduced a congressional bill to use federal funds to allocate money to school security systems.

The bill failed in the House.

— Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

City Council opposes state’s ‘sanctuary’ law The Santa Clarita City Council decided in May to take a stance on the state’s controversial sanctuary law protecting illegal immigrants. And local residents had something to say about it, gathering at City Hall until 1 a.m. to speak.

More than 150 speakers showed up to the May 8 City Council meeting to voice their feelings about the council’s consideration of joining a federal lawsuit against the state’s sanctuary law.

The original California Senate Bill 54 passed into law in October 2017 limits cooperation between state or local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. President Trump’s administration then declared this practice unlawful and filed a lawsuit against the state.

At the council’s previous meeting before May 8, Councilman Bob Kellar made a motion calling for the city to file an amicus brief in support of the See 2018, next page

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24 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

LOCALNEWS

2018

Continued from previous page

lawsuit against the state.

Hundreds of Santa Clarita residents showed up to protest or cheer on the day of the meeting in which the council would vote, calling the move “racist” or applauding the council for standing up for its residents’ safety.

Even more had emailed their opinions prior to the meeting.

At the end of the night, after local residents and out-of-state SB54 opponents had finished speaking, the council moved to file the brief.

— Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

Community mourns ‘The Cat Doctor’ The September death of a beloved local veterinarian illustrated the impact one person can have on a community, as numerous Santa Claritans paid tribute to “The Cat Doctor.”

Dr. Tracy McFarland, 60, died after a short battle with cancer. She had been the saving grace to many a feline since 1994, when she opened her practice The Cat Doctor Inc. That facility on Bouquet Canyon Road eventually grew to a full-service pet hospital and the source of many comforts for the cat-owning community.

“Dr. Tracy” died of gallbladder and liver cancer and soon after was celebrated by many of her former patients.

They held a special memorial service for her, offering messages of love and gratitude for the doctor who had aided so many pets over the years.

Office staff members and clients all came to remember the veterinarian who went above and beyond for their

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

cats all the time.

“The Cat Doctor and Friends will continue my dream of providing compassionate care with integrity,” McFarland said in one of her last interviews. “I’m at a point in my life now that God is calling me home.”

In lieu of flower and gifts, the practice offered a “Slick Fund” to help hundreds of people and cats in the Santa Clarita community, originally started by McFarland herself to help low-income cat owners pay for veterinary care.

— Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

Historic change in SCV water distribution Santa Clarita Valley history was made this past year when the longstanding vision held by water officials of one valley, one vision, one water agency came to fruition with the creation of the SCV Water Agency.

The agency officially began three months after Gov. Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 634, which dissolved the existing structure of water delivery in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Under the pre-existing structure, SCV’s water wholesaler – the Castaic Lake Water Agency – sold water to three main water retailers: Newhall County Water District, the Santa Clarita Water Division and Valencia Water Co. On Jan. 1, 2018, SCV Water went into effect. From that point on, water would be delivered to the customers of those three retailers by the new agency. Water consumers — as expected — noticed no difference in the water they received.

The first order of business for the new agency was to elect a president and a vice president.

William Cooper, long-standing member of the Castaic Lake Water Agency board, was voted president of the Santa Clarita Valley’s brand new all-encompassing water agency.

Maria Gutzeit, president of the Newhall County Water District, was voted vice president the SCV Water Agency.

Within the first month, SCV Water officials submitted a plan to annexation officials outlining the “conditions and plan for services” the agency would be extending to its ratepayers. And before the year was out, they adopted a rate-setting process that would include, for the first time locally, an independent ratepayer advocate.

— Jim Holt Signal Staff Writer

Accrediting agency puts TMU on probation The Master’s University and Seminary was put on probation by the accrediting organization, The Western Association of Schools and Colleges, for a “climate of fear, intimidation and bullying” in August.

A report from WASC detailed allegations of conflicts of interest regarding student financial aid and institutional leaders being hired who lack qualifications for the positions they hold.

The committee found a 2017 financial audit that contains the appearance of a conflict of interest, and reported that some individuals have been hired without job descriptions being provided or searches being conducted. Other institutional leaders appear to lack higher education experience, preparation and knowledge of key higher education regulatory expectations and professional standards,

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according to the WASC letter.

The university has less than two years to correct the problems, according to the WASC letter.

In a speech during a private campus meeting, a speaker identified by anonymous faculty as TMU President John MacArthur repeatedly said the claims are an attack not on the school, but on him, according to a recording that was posted on a blog called The Wartburg Watch.

In October, the school announced that MacArthur would transition to the position of chancellor of the university and president of the seminary after the school finished conducting a search for his replacement. The search is expected to occur over the next year and a half.

— Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

Charlie Fire burns nearly 4,000 acres 2018 will go down in history as having one of the deadliest wildfire seasons across the state.

The Camp Fire, in Butte County, killed 83 people, injuring a dozen others. It destroyed more than 18,800 structures across 153,336 acres.

Closer to home, the Woolsey Fire killed three people across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, gutting 1,643 structures and displacing more than 295,000 people.

In the SCV, 2018 will be remembered for two local wildfires including the Charlie Fire, which burned 3,380 acres near Castaic Lake over the course of five days, and the Railroad Fire in Newhall.

The Charlie Fire began Sept. 22, at 2:42 p.m., off Charlie Canyon Road near Castaic.

Dry Gulch, Tapia and Valley View roads were promptly closed. Lake Hughes Road was also closed just above the main upper lake boat launch to Dry Gulch Road.

Two people were injured and taken to the hospital as a result of the Charlie Fire, which had burned close to 4,000 acres along San Francisquito Canyon Road within 48 hours.

During that initial period, between 20 and 30 fire-threatened homes were evacuated, officials with the Los Angeles County Fire Department said at the time.

— Jim Holt Signal Staff Writer

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Turn Holiday Cleanup Into Family Fun Time

I

t feels anticlimactic: Eating the last of heated-up holiday leftovers, taking down the Christmas tree and hauling tattered boxes overflowing with decorations up to the attic or down to the basement.

Living in Sweden when two of our kids were young, we learned how Swedes put a positive spin on the duty by calling it “julgranspludring,” which basically means “saying goodbye to Christmas until next year.” Traditionally, families sing and dance around the tree for a final hurrah, then throw it out the door! The grand finale is taking time to eat cookies and drink hot chocolate together.

However you celebrated your special religious and family traditions in December, here are four activities to pick and choose from that your family might do this week as you sort through holiday memories.

• While the holidays might be over,

winter is still blowing through, and it gets dark early in the evening. I like to add some sparks of happiness to the inside of the house, since it looks bare and dreary when the decor is gone. Keep white minilights strung around windows to brighten the kitchen and family room on cloudy afternoons and dark evenings. Light candles at dinnertime.

Tape handmade paper snowflakes in your children’s windows and line up snowman figures on a bookcase.

• Recycle holiday cards into thankyou notes, then take a “field trip” to the post office. Cut off the front of a card that depicts a wintery scene or colorful design. On the plain backside, help your kids write a thankyou note. Tuck them into envelopes and go to the post office to mail the letters the old-fashioned way. Ask to see commemorative stamps and let your kids choose as you explain to

them the people or events represented. They’ll love adhering the illustrative stamps they’ve learned about on their letters, and dropping them in the mail slot.

• Display holiday photo cards of farflung relatives and best friends on your family message board. Arrange at child height and refer to them throughout the new year to keep your kids familiar with the important people in their life.

• Don’t pack away holiday ornaments, glassware and linens with a heart motif quite yet. Put them aside, along with bright-red serving trays and dishes, to use in February for Valentine’s Day. 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 NEW Donna’s Day

Five-year-old Jane Richards recycles holiday cards into “thank you” notes.

Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”  © 2018 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

Great reasons to visit your local library

M

any people have a wonderful resource at their disposal just minutes from their homes.

This resource can transport them to distant lands, teach their children valuable lessons and serve as a great place to meet new friends.

So what is this magical place? The local library.

Libraries are filled with books for adults and children. But libraries have even more than books to offer, making them an invaluable resource for the entire community. The following are just a handful of the many great reasons to visit your local library.

• Reading may help improve longterm mental health. Young adults and middle-aged men and women who visit their local libraries and check out a good book might decrease their risk for cognitive decline later in life.

• Reading can improve your vocabulary, even as you get older.

Reading for pleasure as a child has long been linked to helping young

people (age 16 and under) develop strong reading and math skills. But a recent study from researchers at the University of London that examined how the vocabularies of more than 9,400 people developed between the ages of 16 and 42 found that vocabulary continued to improve long after teenage years. By continuing to read books from their local libraries into adulthood, adults can further develop their vocabularies.

• Libraries provide lots of free entertainment. Libraries are home to thousands of books, but that’s not all you can find at your local branch.

Newspapers, magazines, CDs and DVDs are some examples of the forms of entertainment available at local libraries.

• Libraries offer age-appropriate programs for kids. The scope of kid-friendly programs at your local library is wide and may range from sing-a-long sessions for toddlers to group art programs for preschool-aged children to STEMbased programs for elementary and

secondary school students.

The local library is an invaluable resource than can benefit people of all ages. There are three local public libraries: Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library 18601 Soledad Canyon Rd. (661) 259-0750

Valencia Library 23743 W. Valencia Blvd.

(661) 259-0750

Old Town Newhall Library 24500 Main St. (661) 259-0750

For more information, visit santaclari talibrary.com.  ­— Metro Connection

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26 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

What I learned from lots of gyms

By Brendie Heter Signal Contributing Writer

I

lost 47 pounds in 2018. My original goal was 20 pounds, so I’m quite pleased with the results. I never intended to write about this process — in fact, I kept the entire journey private.

So many people talk or post about their weight and health these days.

Shakes, cleanses, detoxing and miracle supplements saturate my social media newsfeed, and I didn’t want to contribute to the noise. And to be totally honest? I didn’t want unsolicited advice and be shoved into Facebook groups selling weight-loss products.

I had three babies within 3.5 years, and my body was a wreck. I “bounced back” relatively OK after my second baby, but accidently got pregnant again when the baby was only 4 months old.

I was sleeping three to four hours a night, eating leftover chicken nuggets and working from home.

I had a 3 year old, a 1 year old and a newborn. I felt my body and confidence slip away from me. It was a horrible feeling physically and mentally.

I was “active” all day chasing toddlers but felt slow and sluggish. Additionally, my babies were large (10+ lbs) and I had pelvis injuries during delivery.

I was miserable and felt trapped and isolated. Early January 2018, I sent a group text to close friends and with tears typed, “I’m not OK and need help.

Please keep me accountable.”

Eat less, move more Medical and health professionals have been repeating themselves for decades.

Eat Less. Move More. The “move more” part is what made me nervous. I mean … really uncomfortable and nervous.

I’m not a “gym person” and don’t like fitness. I just don’t. You can’t make me.

You know those people who love the gym and enjoy the process of sweating and burning calories? After a year of working out and trying over a dozen gyms, I can honestly say, I’m still not that person.

I won’t lie to you. Gyms aren’t my favorite. I still feel like an outsider when I walk through the doors.

COURTESY PHOTOS

My background

Left: Brendle at the beginning of 2018 before setting out to lose her goal of 20 pounds. Right: Brendle at the end of 2018 doubling her goal for the year by losing 47 pounds.

This piece developed because I’m afraid of commitment. Most fitness centers have annual memberships and contracts.

My suggestions: Start slow. I’d encourage you to find a fitness center or gym that works for you. Look at their classes and visit as many as you can. There are hundreds of options for various physical abilities and price points. You just need to start looking.

The gyms • Yoga Works I paid for a month trial and went three to four times a week. It’s important to realize that yoga is inherently spiritual.

During my trial, one instructor read from a “prayer book” before class.

Their staff was professional and well-trained. There are a variety of classes based on skill level. Instructors focus on “energy” and there is occasional chanting, prayers and exaggerated breathing to align your mind and body. (I think) a few instructors put “essence” on my wrists to help with “energy.” There were people from all ages and walks of life. If you enjoy yoga, it would be a good place for beginners. I really

wanted to like this place but it was too hyper-spiritual and New Age for me. $75-$100/Month • Afterburn Fitness I participated in the spring 6-week challenge. It was overwhelming and terrifying.

I had never done anything like it, and everything felt scary. It was loud and hectic. They had a lot of support for beginners. At Afterburn, there’s a huge emphasis on group effort, teams and working with partners. There was also frequent partying and drinking references.

The instructors and merchandise often reflected a “party hard” and “work hard” mentality. The overall gym, amenities and class schedule are amazing. They have a lot to offer at a reasonable price. Large variety of people and ages in each class.

If you have injuries, you need to get to classes early and make sure the instructor knows because it’s high intensity. Their instructors are motivating and management was responsive to questions. They had affordable childcare that was clean and well-staffed. Classes started on time. I can see why it’s a very popular gym, and it was one of my better experiences. $100/Month

• I Love KickBoxing This place is high energy, fast-paced and therapeutic. There is a lot of cardio so you burn calories and leave a sweaty mess. Pro Tip: You cannot plan to go anywhere after a class here — you’ll be drenched with sweat. I didn’t love that they played music with swear words. I understand that probably wouldn’t bother most people, but it bugged me. The teachers know students by name, which was motivating and encouraging. The class sizes are small so they correct form quickly. No childcare, but kids 13+ can take classes with their parents. They have showers, lockers and mainly female students. Class always started on time. This was my favorite kickboxing studio, but they wouldn’t let me leave with the prices or contract to review.

• Stroller Strides This is a total body-conditioning workout designed for moms with kids in tow. Each workout is 60-minutes in smaller groups at various parks in town. The coordinators are moms themselves and very friendly. The workouts are specifically designed for postpartum bodies, so it felt very safe and welcoming. This would be great for a new mom or someone trying to meet people in town. They made it easy to work with kids by bringing bubbles and moving around keeping them distracted However, it’s better-suited for first-time moms with younger babies. It was too hard with multiples and older kids. It’s a great place to meet other moms. Low key, but good workout and perfect for beginners.

The owner (Dani) is very kind, professional and passionate about helping moms regain their confidence and physical strength after childbirth.

Price varies based on the program and location.

• FIT 45 FIT 45 is an Australian-based company with two franchised locations in SCV. There’s one in Newhall and Valencia. They have smaller classes with lots of personalized attention. Each class is only 45 minutes with high energy and well-organized circuit training. There’s a heavy team effort mentality. I felt comfortable pushing myself because they always

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 27

had two trainers closely watching me.

They quickly corrected form if I got off track. There was a lot of yelling but it was all positive. Trainers were like happy drill sergeants. Their website is hard to navigate. It’s not user-friendly and hard to keep track of your classes, but they did have an app which was easier to use. They have 8-week fitness challenges available. Joy (trainer at Newhall location) was lively and friendly. She knew everyone’s names and motivated each person individually. Cinema Location: The trainers were very personable and the music was louder here. Nice amenities like hair ties and hand sanitizer available. No childcare or showers at either location. A very positive experience all-around.

• Orange Theory There’s one shower and you bring your own towel. Orange Theory workouts have been designed to keep heart rates within a specific range to stimulate your metabolism and increase your energy level. They have a heart rate monitor to rent or purchase. They have lots of classes and an app to reserve spots. They had the first personal trainer to know what “diastis recti” was for postpartum moms. Their trainers knew the most about kinesiology and scientific body movement. Additionally, they had the only trainer who went over specific rowing technique and proper form. Their staff was very friendly and not pushy. The power went out right before my first class. The trainer managed to have an amazing class anyway, and they gave me another free trial. They had great instructors with clear details and motivation. I pushed myself hard because I could see my heart rate easily on the monitors. It was fascinating to watch the technology. No childcare, but no pushy sales tactics. $75-$100 / month.

• Cardio Barre This ballet inspired fitness studio surprised me. I wasn’t expected such intensity and results.

Cardio Barre has a small family atmosphere that’s warm and inviting. There is childcare available and you bring your own towel. Central to the workout are toning and resistance exercises for the butt, legs, torso and arms to sculpt muscles and elongate the appearance of your body. They basically isolate muscles with small repetitive

movements that will kill you the next day. It seems like a great option for people with injuries who can’t do high impact or resistance training. There were more older women in the classes, and it was a fun and warm environment. Classes can be packed, but they make it work. It really didn’t feel like a gym because it was “homey” and decorated nicely. It was ultra-clean and very organized. It’s truly a “total body workout.” They have an “OnDemand” online version, as well. This was the only place my feet and shins left angry with me.

• Revelation Wellness This is faithbased that includes worship and prayer. It’s free, but donations are accepted. There is even free childcare provided at some locations!

There is a cool vibe and supportive atmosphere that’s not intimidating or competitive. The leaders genuinely care about the attendees. There were people from age 14 to mid-90s in some of the classes. For the older women, there’s an instructor sitting on a chair demonstrating modified moves for participants with limited mobility. It was really cool to watch.

The coordinators also work with women recovering from abuse who are trying to regain self confidence and body awareness.

• LA FITNESS (Newhall Ranch Road) The parking lot is very busy at this location. Childcare is available. The gym itself is absolutely huge. It has almost any feature

and amenity you’d like. Classes are crowded but well run and most start on time. Kickboxing class was fast-paced with little guidance from instructor. I found the instructors yelled a lot, but gave little specific instruction. Most participants were following each other for help. In each class, there was only a few who seem to know what was happening.

This is one of the most affordable gyms. But while it’s affordable, it’s also typically crowded.

• Henry Mayo Fitness The website was easy to navigate. Limited group class schedule in the evenings. The classes were small, dynamic and well-organized. The instructors were great and the facility was spotless. I don’t think I visited a cleaner in gym during 2018. It has a pool, child care, towel service and massage therapy available.

• 9 Round Kickboxing There were no class times, which is an interesting concept. It has an open style with nine continual rounds, and trainers always on the floor. Workouts are 30 minutes.

There’s no childcare. Owners are super nice and friendly. The facility was very clean but relatively small. It was a great total body workout in a short amount of time. I really liked the organization and efficiency of the system.

• BEACHBODY I wanted to include a cheaper online service for those unable to get to a gym. However, I was hesitant about signing up with Beachbody. This is an online “OnDemand” subscription service to workout at home. The creator

of BeachBody (Tony Horton) started the popular P90X system in the early 2000s. I tried the P90X when I was in college, and it was brutal. Tony’s energy and mannerisms are a bit much for me.

However, the new BeachBody online service has options for almost any personality. They have dancing, family workouts, well-thought out modifications for people with injuries and it’s easy to use on multiple devices. It was surprisingly convenient, not cheesy and they have quick 30-minute option.

It was also the most affordable option.

You could do this service in conjunction with a local gym, as well.  DISCLAIMERS: Throughout 2018, I signed up for trials, free passes, purchased Groupons and participated in one sixweek challenge. None of the facilities knew I was writing this article. I wanted no special treatment or access. I wasn’t compensated, and I paid out-of-pocket for some of the centers. I live in Castaic, I have limited time to leave the house to work out, and most of the fitness centers I tried were in Newhall, Valencia or North Valencia area. I did contact other gyms in Saugus and Canyon Country but they didn’t return messages or facebook inquiries.

So I stayed primarily in Northern Santa Clarita Valley since I had so limited time.

These are summaries based on my interaction with the gyms and my personal preference. Things that bugged me might appeal to you. For more detailed explanations, please visit www.BrendieHeter.com.

(I rank each location and provide more background on my experience.)

28 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

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

War coming to Canyon Santa Clarita Jan. 11

By Stephen K. Peeples Signal Staff Writer

I

t may be hard to imagine now, but in the late 1960s, multiethnic, multi-racial bands like War, who are set to capture fans at the Canyon Santa Clarita Friday night, Jan. 11, were rare in popular music.

Breaking out of Long Beach 50 years ago this year, War and their

genre-blurring musical attack — blending R&B, soul, rock, funk, Latin and jazz with powerful lyric messages (“Why Can’t We Be Friends,” for example) — was like a peaceful invasion that transcended racial, social and political barriers at another time when the nation was very divided.

With songs like “Spill the Wine,” “The World is a Ghetto,” “Lowrider” and “The Cisco Kid,” War also

opened a worldwide window to the lives of people and characters living in the gritty urban environs south and east of Downtown L.A. War’s original eight-member lineup was working as Nightshift and backing football great and singer Deacon Jones in a North Hollywood topless joint in 1969, when songwriterrecord mogul Jerry Goldstein and British blues rocker Eric Burdon

caught their act.

With Burdon joining as front man, the band rebranded as Eric Burdon & War and scored with the smash single “Spill the Wine” that year.

After Burdon split in 1970, War went solo and achieved massive success over the next decade-plus with albums like “All Day Music,” See WAR, page 31

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 29

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

This week’s watch — ‘Vice’ and ‘The Mule’

By Dianne White Crawford Signal Contributing Writer

T

his week’s reviews include a “casting head-scratching” comedy with several award nominations and the return of a classic actor to the silver screen in a true-life drama.

“Vice” (Released) (Golden Globe Nominations for Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy; Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, Christian Bale; Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, Amy Adams; Best Screenplay, Motion Picture, Adam McKay; SAG Nominations for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, Christian Bale; Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, Amy Adams) Filmmaker Adam McKay has moved on from his sophomoric comedies (“Step Brothers,” “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy”) to political satire, first with his “Funny or Die” videos (co-produced with Will Ferrell) and now to the power dynamics within the Bush-Cheney administration … and how a quiet, unassuming insider became the most powerful man in America.

In one of the biggest casting head-scratchers of all-time, Christian Bale takes on the role of Dick Cheney.

We are barely one scene in before all doubts are dismissed, and we are reminded yet again why Bale is one of the most talented and fascinating actors in cinematic history. With the weight gain, the hair, the growling voice, the asymmetrical smirk — Bale becomes Cheney on screen and that allows us to focus on the manner in which filmmaker McKay unfolds the events — many of which we remember, even if we were blissfully unaware of the backstory.

Cheney is first seen in 1963 Wy-

oming as a drunk and somewhat rowdy youngster. The film then bounces the timeline to key events such as Cheney’s time as Donald Rumsfeld’s (Steve Carell) intern/lackey and the 1970s (his being named youngest White House Chief of Staff, Ford’s loss to Carter and the campaign for Wyoming Congressman). Cheney’s wife Lynne (played by Amy Adams) is portrayed as more ambitious than her husband (at least early on), and in one searing scene, yanks a young Cheney out of his funk and onto the upwardly mobile track. Were the timing 15 years forward, it’s not difficult to imagine Lynne as the rising political star.

The events surrounding 9/11 bring on a very interesting segment when there is an emergency White House evacuation and Cheney is whisked into a secure room and appears to overstep his authority… at least that’s how it appears to everyone other than Cheney. He is described as having power “like a ghost,” and it’s this scene and the follow-up discussions about Afghanistan, that McKay believes best exemplifies Cheney’s lust for power.

Putting aside partisanship, filmmaker McKay is to be applauded for a most entertaining look at how our government officials can manipulate policy and public statements, and may even stoop to focus groups in better understanding the views of the American people. Editor Hank Corwin (Oscar nominated for “The Big Short”) is a big part of maintaining the quick pace of the film, and the use of fishing as a metaphor somehow works. “America” from “West Side Story” is a fitting song to end the clever, funny and thought-provoking film and our look at the rare politician who amassed power while mostly avoiding the publicity that other politicians seek. Watch at your own risk – depending on your politics.

“The Mule” (Released) (No Golden Globe or SAG Nominations) When 90-year-old Earl Stone loses everything he loves, can he use ill-gotten gains to win it back before the DEA or the cartel, takes him down?

Written by Nick Schenk, directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, this film was inspired by a New York Times article “The Sinaloa Cartel’s 90-Year Old Drug Mule” by Sam Dolnick. The film uses true events to frame a compelling story. Bucking the current trend of emotionally monochrome dramas, this film is a rich tapestry of triumph, tragedy, humor, sadness, guilt and forgiveness.

Earl Stone (Eastwood) is a successful horticulturist in Peoria, Ill., but neglectful of his family. He finds himself estranged from his wife, Mary (Dianne Wiest), and daughter Iris (Alison Eastwood), but is still admired by his granddaughter Ginny (Taissa Farmiga). Mary and he divorce, and after failing to embrace the digital age, Stone’s business fails.

He takes a mysterious offer to deliver a package from El Paso to Chicago. With his newfound income, he rebuilds the local VFW after a fire, buys a new truck and helps pay for his granddaughter’s wedding. Meanwhile, he frustrates his cartel handler, Julio with his unpredictable behavior.

Things get complicated when DEA agent Colin Bates (Bradley Cooper) and his partner Trevino (Michael Peña) flip a cartel employee and he tips them off about a successful drug mule known as “Tata,” or grandfather. The unassuming elderly white man with a clean record was able to slip under law enforcement’s radar.

At 90 and with the DEA on his tail, Earl Stone is running out of time to reverse his fortunes and reconcile with his family.

The movie is loosely based on the life of Leo Sharp, a WWII veteran and Detroit-based horticulturist and daylily farmer who began working

as a drug mule for the Sinaloa cartel after his business fell on hard times.

His life of crime made him a millionaire. Sharp was finally caught in 2011 at the age of 87, pled guilty to drug conspiracy, and served one year in prison before being let out due to his declining health. He died in December 2016.

Most of the events depicting Earl Stone’s family life were not based on his historic counterpart. Sharp had a wife and three children, and was still married when he died. The filmmakers changed the years in which the events took place, and changed Sharp’s home state from Michigan to Illinois. These changes, particularly when it comes to the main character’s personal life, substantially improved the story and added much-needed depth, drama, and substance. The filmmakers didn’t set out to tell Leo Sharp’s story; they used it as a springboard to tell their own.

The film’s message is deeply personal, and therefore emotionally impactful on its audience. But the examination of how Earl interacts with a world that has changed without him realizing it is a delight to watch.

Throughout the film he does change in his realizations that the concerns of others, from strangers to his family, are worth giving a damn about and, ultimately, that he has a price to pay for a lifetime of not giving a damn. Yes, it would’ve been nice if family had always been Earl’s drug of choice, and he has to own the fact that it wasn’t. But this soulful and deeply satisfying film — a fitting swansong, if ever there was one — makes a compelling argument that change is always possible, and that the path we’re on is never as narrow as the highway makes it look.

With what might be his last film, 88-year-old Clint Eastwood cements his place as one of the greatest actors and directors of our time. I also want to point out the great cinematography

by Yve Belanger, and the brilliant editing Clint’s friend and editor for over 30 years, Academy Award winner Joel Cox. By now you must see that I loved this film and feel it should have had some nominations and this may have a bit to do with Clint’s politics. 

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J A N UA RY 6, 2019

FOOD

Pagter Brothers add to SCV wine scene in Newhall

By Taylor Villanueva Signal Staff Writer

W

hen brothers Gib Pagter and Scott Page-Pagter noticed a need for more wineries in the Santa Clarita Valley, Pagter Brothers Winery was born.

Gib Pagter started out as an investor in Pagter Brothers Winery while Scott Page-Pagter did the mixing.

“I researched by drinking a lot of wine,” says Page Pagter.

“I thought, ‘There’s got to be a way to make money drinking.’ So in 2017, I started making wine with a friend.”

Page-Pagter started making wine for Pagter Brothers Winery in 2013.

He began selling it in 2015.

“It takes a year and a half or two years in the barrel,” Page-Pagter said.

But he soon realized it would be hard to sell his wine without a tasting room.

“Pulchella (Winery) talked us into pouring at one of their parties, and I

Doug Minnick, left, and Scott Page-Pagter display their wines, Hoi Poloi Winery and Pagter Brothers Winery at the Double Trouble Wine Room. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

realized this valley needs some more wine,” he said. “That’s when I decided to open a tasting room.”

The brothers partnered with the

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“We are two separate wineries shar-

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ing the place,” says Page-Pagter. “We are like brothers.”

The owners of the two wineries at Double Trouble Wine Room put together most of the space themselves, like the tables throughout the room.

“We built all these tables,” PagePagter explained.

He says that he learned how to build the tables himself after finding reclaimed pallet wood that caught his eye.

“There was a woman importing some things from Italy and the pallets were spectacular. We used all this wood and made tables out of them.”

The wine room also displays art along the walls and couches along the sides for a relaxed feel.

Outside, there is a patio seating area where patrons can enjoy a game of cornhole or enjoy some music under the lights.

Pagter Brothers Winery features a selection of drinks from a 2017 Rosé to a 2013 Syrah.

See PAGTER, page 36

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J A N UA RY 6, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 31

City offers a variety of trails and paths for all uses

By Taylor Villanueva Signal Staff Writer

T

he trail system in the Santa Clarita Valley consists of a variety of paths ranging in use and length, which serve both practical and leisurely uses.

The city of Santa Clarita’s Instagram page notes there are more than 115 miles of bike paths in the SCV. Trails along the city range from neighborhood paseos to multi-use trails.

The walking paths throughout the city have several classifications.

Beside paseos, there are also lighted trails, river and creekside trails, bridges, underpasses, recreation centers and parks.

Trail classifications

The trail system in the Santa Clarita Valley is divided into different sections based on trail class.

There are Class I Bike Paths, Class II Bike Lanes, Class III Bike Routes and

TRAILS

Continued from page 5

There are other groups that make new walking and biking paths possible in the Santa Clarita Valley.

“SCV Trail Users has been working with the city to design and build new nonmotorized, multi-use trails at the East Walker Ranch Open Space and Golden Valley Open Space,” says SCV Trail Users chair Ken Raleigh.

The group is currently planning a work day with Los Angeles County to “repair and reopen the Los Pinetos Trail, which was closed a few years ago because of damage from the Sand Fire and subsequent rains,” Raleigh says.

The group has made progress on other trails, as well.

“Well before that, we successfully advocated on behalf of the mountain biking community before the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation for mountain bikes to be allowed to use the Canyon Trail, which runs from the Placerita Nature Center to Walker Ranch and the bottom of the Los Pinetos trail.”

Although these groups in and around the SCV work together mainly to advocate for the changing and bettering of trails, they sometimes

Multi-Use Trails. The city provides descriptions for each type of trail on its website.

Class I Bike Paths provide “a completely separated right-of-way for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians with cross-flow traffic minimized.” These paths also have fences that encourage the “use of designated access points.”

Class II Bike Lanes provide “a striped lane for one-way bike travel on a street or highway.” These lanes “are marked with signs and pavement striping,” according to the city’s website.

Class III Bike Routes provide for “shared use with a pedestrian or motor vehicle traffic” and are “marked with signs.”

Multi-use trails are “located primarily in rural areas.” These trails are “unpaved and are available for equestrian, hiking and mountain bike use.”

The trails are “marked with lodgepole

come together outside of their volunteer work.

“Most of us are connected on social media, so we will ride together,” Moskol says.

“We do rides and functions with the city. Last year, we hosted a county metro ride, ‘The Best Ride,’ at the beginning of April.”

She says that the group also held an education class during the same month that year.

Moskol explains how bicyclists use the trails for both transportation and leisure, but they were originally designed as recreational paths.

“As the city grew and the demand increased to use the roads, it has turned into a very big, great bike infrastructure amenity,” Moskol says.

“We are so lucky to have what we have.”  Santa Clarita Valley Bicycle Coalition is the chapter of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition. For more information, visit www.la-bike.org/ chapters. Santa Clarita Valley Trail Users is a committee of the nonprofit, the Concerned Off Road Bicyclists Association. For more information, visit Facebook.com and search for SCV Trail Users.

fencing.”

The trail system has expanded rapidly in recent years, and there are more upcoming changes to make it easier for pedestrians to safely make their way across the city.

To construct a new trail, the city must receive enough funding through grants or other means. Once there is a sufficient budget, the map-making process can commence.

Factors such as the city’s topography and jurisdictions play a role in where the trails can go. Engineers work with city members to make sure the trails are plausible in certain areas. Once these plans are approved, workers can begin the process to create a new trail.

Bike-share program

To make the bike trails more accessible to all community members, the City of Santa Clarita launched a partnership with Zagster, a bike share program, in December. The Pace Pilot Bike Share Program was developed “to boost tourism activities and enhance recreation and transpor-

tation opportunities for residents,” according to a city news release.

How the bike share program works is anyone interested can locate a bike station through the Pace mobile app.

The app is free to download on iOS and Android devices. Bikes are rented for $1 every half hour. Users can then enjoy the trails and drop the bikes off at the nearest bike station. Riders will be charged through the app once the bike is returned. According to the press release, students are eligible for a discount on rides.

There are 12 bike share stations around the city located at: • Camp Plenty Trailhead • Iron Horse Trailhead • Old Town Newhall Library • Promenade Trailhead • Valencia Heritage Park • Jan Heidt Newhall Metrolink Station • McBean Regional Transit Center • Santa Clarita Metrolink Station See PATHS, page 32

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32 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

B E A U T Y & FA S H I O N

New look in the new year

By Marina Anderson Signal Staff Writer

W

hether it’s about looking and feeling rejuvenated in the new year, or you’d just like to get your look a little bit closer to the seemingly ageless stars we seen on the silver screen, there’s a new technique that’s giving folks that feel without having to go under the knife.

The good news is, you don’t have to be a celebrity to afford some of the techniques that keep them “red carpet” beautiful.

If you don’t want to undergo a surgical face-lift, but want the results of one, a liquid facelift (LFL) might be the answer.

This “instant,” non-invasive face refresher with no “down time” is becoming a more and more popular choice for men and women.

“You can drastically see an improvement to people’s faces,” said Ana Tevez-Ortiz, aesthetic RN at Valencia

Medical Center. “In aesthetic medicine, we are seeing a lot more men coming to see us.”

The idea is to re-contour, fill in sags and under eye hollows, get your cheekbones back and make those jowl and frown lines disappear.

LFL is achieved by using plumping dermal fillers, such as Juvederm, Voluma, Radiesse, Perlane, Restylane and Sculptura; and sometimes, they’re applied in tandem with neuromodulators, such as Botox, Dysport and Xeomin that temporarily “freeze” or

paralyze muscles in the face. Since each region of the face is different, more than one product might be required.

As we age, we tend to lose youthful fat and collagen. Injectable dermal fillers are used to help replace what’s lost. Because each brand varies as to content, consistency, how they’re produced and used, it’s a good idea to research them before you meet with a practitioner.

If you’ve seen a person with lips that look like they’re about to explode or their face is like a chipmunk, they’ve most likely had too much filler. There is an art to knowing the right product and placement to achieve the best results, according to the experts.

Keep in mind, with fillers, you can see the results right away, but with the neuromodulators, clients don’t.

It can take from one to two weeks to lift, soften and for everything to work together to get the final outcome.

If there are other issues to address like skin resurfacing or age spots, these require a different modality like laser treatment or a chemical peel. Ideally, these should be done first if someone’s considering a liquid facelift.

Dermal fillers can last from two to six years, but vary per product, and each individual — just like a metabolism. The more active someone is, the faster they’ll metabolize the product (fillers). Neuromodulators usually last three to six months. Clients find that when it comes to a “tuneup,” less is needed because the body builds up product with sequential visits. Pricing varies depending on how much product is used, type of product and where you go.

“It’s important to come in for a

PATHS

Continued from page 31

• Hyatt Regency Valencia • Holiday Inn Express • Citrus Street/Valencia Boulevard Bus Stop • South Fork Trailhead Like most places, Santa Clarita has a trail system etiquette to maintain the quality of pathways and experience for those using the trails. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset. The paths have trash receptacles provid-

consultation because every individual is unique,” Tevez-Ortiz advises. “As an injector, as a medical practitioner, it’s important for us to understand anatomy in everyone’s body and what works best for everyone.” For the most part, it’s better to work from the top of the face down. As the face fills, less is usually needed for each lower area because the face is lifting with the volume that’s being added.

Something like Voluma, which is a thicker formula, is best used in areas that need extra support such as the cheeks, one of the most common areas for injectable fillers. Tevez-Ortiz explains that Restylane and Juvederm are softer fillers, which tend to be used in more dynamic areas such as smile lines and lip augmentation. Juvederm Ultra is a favorite for lips because of its ability to hold better and last longer in the lip than other products. Juvederm Ultra Plus, a thicker consistency than Juvederm Ultra, is excellent for deep nasolabial folds (“puppet” or smile lines). For under eye troughs, hyaluronic acid preferred fillers are Restylane, Restylane Silk and Belotero.

The extra benefit to using a hyaluronic acid product is, if you don’t like the results, it can be reversed!

To make the procedure more comfortable, a numbing block or cream is applied to the area. Some dermal fillers contain lidocaine, which also helps.

The idea, according to Tevez-Ortiz, is to “look young, not done.”  Valencia Medical Center is located at 24159 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Santa Clarita. For more information, visit valenciamedcenter.com.

ed throughout the trails. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on these pedestrian paths. Dogs must be on leashes at all times, and pet owners have to pick up after their dogs to keep the trails clean. There are also posted trail use guidelines for trails that have individualized rules.  For information on pedestrian trails in the SCV, visit hikesantaclarita. com and bikesantaclarita.com. Visit santa-clarita.com for general information on trails, including maps and locations.

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 33

THINGSTODO

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

W

ant to channel your Winter Olympian?

Have you always wanted to ride a dogsled? Eager to perfect your double axel or triple salchow like skaters Kristi Yamaguchi or Evan Lysacek?

Or do you dream about scoring that hockey hat trick like legend Bobby Orr? How about a quiet walk in the woods, in real snowshoes?

California offers a host of opportunities to find your winter bliss, even if your perfect winter day is just hanging out with a hot coco in a warm and cozy ski lodge basking in front of a roaring fire.

Winter like an Olympian If your alpine skiing doesn’t qualify you for the next Olympic Games California offers plenty of world-class resorts and venues to channel your inner Olympian.

California has provided the training grounds for some of the United States’ most decorated ski champions, including Jonny Moseley, Stacey Cook, Ted Ligety, Shannon Bahrke Happe, and Julia Mancuso.

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is the largest of North Lake Tahoe’s 12 downhill ski resorts and hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics, countless Olympians have skied and trained there. Visit squawalpine.com/ At Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, U.S. Freeski and Snowboard teams have access to some of the most

innovative training gear available.

Mammoth’s new season pass, the Ikon Pass, offers unlimited season-long access to Mammoth and access to 27 destinations around the world, including unlimited access to Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Big Bear Mountain Resort. There are several new restaurants at Mammoth this year, as well as new backcountry clinics and sidecountry tours. Visit www.mammothmountain.com Mountain High is one of the closest ski areas to the Santa Clarita Valley.

Usually dependent on man-made snow there has been some natural snow this year. It’s a great place for a quick family visit with expanded snow play activities this year and discount tickets available. Visit www. mthigh.com/ Big Bear Mountain Resorts is another option that offers SCV residents a quick fix for the “need to ski.” Visit www.bigbearmountainresort.com.

Learn the Double McTwist Eager to master snowboarding tricks like the 1440, the Triplecork or the Backside 360 Double Hand Drag?

Hannah Teter, Chloe Kim, Kelly Clark, Jamie Anderson, and Shaun White are just a few of California’s snowboard legends.

Learn how to navigate the only three halfpipes in SoCal at Big Bear Mountain Resort, with its legendary snow-making system for fluffy snow even on warm and sunny days. Call (844) GO2-BEAR for information.

Learning how to master some of the flashiest tricks on a snowboard can be tough, learn how to in SoCal’s only three halfpipes located at Big Bear.

COURTESY PHOTOS.

Find Your Winter Bliss

Squaw Creek provides breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevadas with some of the best skii slopes around.

Lace Up San Jose has long been a training hub for figure skating and legendary ice stars such as Kristi Yamaguchi, Evan Lysacek, and Ashley Wagner.

The 2018 U.S. Figure Skating Championships were held here.

Solar4America Ice is an indoor ice mecca where you can sign up for skating lessons with a pro, brush up on your hockey lingo, or try your hand at curling or speed skating. Visit solar4americaiceatsanjose.com/ At the Half Dome Village Ice Skating Rink in Yosemite, practice spins, twirls, and backward skating skills at the outdoor rink surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Visit travelyosemite.com/winter/halfdome-village-ice-skating-rink/ Closer to home you can take to the ice at Ice Station Valencia for public skating weekday mornings or weekend afternoons. Visit icestation.net.

Other SCV-adjacent ice rinks include Pickwick Ice in Burbank (pickwickice.com) and Iceland Skating Center in Van Nuys valleyskating.com.

Trek Cross County At Tahoe Cross Country Ski Center, tahoedonner.com/amenities/amenities/cross-country discover the basics of gliding, stopping, and turning with an hour-long group lesson ($85 for equipment rental and all-day trail pass), or go solo on 21 well-groomed trails ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert.

In Yosemite National Park at the Yosemite Ski & Snowboard area, advanced cross-country skiers can sign up for a guided, overnight 21mile roundtrip trek to Glacier Point, perched at 3,200 feet with views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. Visit See WINTER, next page

For a unique outdoor adventure one should try a full moon snow shoe tour. These are located at various resorts around California.

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J A N UA RY 6, 2019

THINGSTODO

WINTER

Continued from previous page

www.travelyosemite.com/winter/ yosemite-ski-snowboard-area/crosscountry-ski-trip-to-glacier-point/

For a unique outdoor adventure opt for the scenic, historical snowshoe tour of the Tahoe Truckee region. Learn a little about local plants and wildlife along the way with this experience offered by Tahoe Adventure Company tours.

The company also offers full moon, sunset and snowshoe star tours. Visit https://tahoeadventurecompany. com/ourtrips/winteradventures/ snowshoeing/ Full moon snowshoe tours are offered at several locations in California. Visit tahoesouth.com/ events/full-moon-snowshoetours-hellman-erman-mansion/ 2019-01-19/ or mammothmountain. com/winter/things-to-do/events/ event-detail?url=february-full-moon -snowshoe-tour&day=18&month= 2&year=2019 Ever heard of snowkiting? At Donner Summit’s Sierra Snowkite Center, glide over the snow with your feet on skis or a snowboard and your arms hitched to a kite soaring 70 feet in the air. Take a lesson in the consistent wind and level terrain at Van Norden Meadow, and before long you’ll learn the skills to snowkite uphill, jump off a cornice, and stick a perfect landing. Visit sierrasnowkite.com At Bear Valley Cross Country & Adventure Company, (bearvalleyxc. com/winter) located about an hour from Stockton, grab a trail map, snowshoes or cross-country skis and

COURTESY PHOTOS.

Snowshoe or a Snowkite

Breathtaking views with heated pools, some of the best snowboarding SoCal has to offer and homey cabins all located at Mammoth Mountain Inn.

venture to an outdoor café situated along the trails.

‘Mush,’ I Say Did you know Dog Mushing is the second oldest means of transportation for humans? Dogs have been used by humans for transportation for more than 10,000 years. If you’ve always dreamed of dog sledding you can make reservations with Wilderness Adventures Dog Sled Tours from The Resort at Squaw Creek (tahoedogsledtours. com) or Mammoth Dog Teams (mammothdogteams.com).

Lounging at the Lodge Hanging out with a hot coco, or a hot toddy, in front of the fire sounds like the perfect winter day for me.

Here are five suggestions for cozy winter accommodations.

1. Sierra Nevada Resort & Spa is a rustic, family-run resort with a star-studded past. The ski lodge was built in 1967 by former Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss,

Ever dream of dog sledding? Dream no more as there are dog sledding tours located at The Resort at Squaw Creek.

and became a favorite hangout of Hollywood stars, from Jerry Lewis and the “Rat Pack” to John Wayne.

In fact, Duke’s lobby bar was named in honor of Wayne. A huge, fourside fireplace in the lobby is a centerpiece, and there’s a billiards table plus lots of comfortable seating, all of which invite guests to linger. The famous lobby piano was built in 1905 by the Stodart Piano Company out of New York and is a California Bungalow Baby Grand. One of the original owners was Clark Gable. He gave the piano to his wife, Carole Lombard, as an anniversary gift. It was later acquired by the amazing songwriter and composer, Hoagy Carmichael, who wrote many popular songs such as “Stardust”, “Georgia On My Mind” and “Heart and Soul.” Visit thesierranevadaresort.com 2. Mammoth Mountain Inn. You’d be hard-pressed to find a ski lodge more classic than Mammoth Mountain Inn, located at the base of the mountain (where there’s a gondola to ferry skiers directly to the slopes). The A-frame chalet was built in the 1950s, and the atmosphere is unsurprisingly mellow with cabincozy décor. Wood beams run across vaulted ceilings, there are stone walls and a fireplace in the lobby. Clusters of weathered leather sofas and chairs offer plenty of spots to sink into pre/ post check-in or after a day on the mountain. The restaurant and bar on the upper level has a huge window offering fantastic mountain views.

Visit themammothmountaininn.com 3. Mammoth Creek Inn is an

intimate, mid-range hotel with local mountain character and prime views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

It’s not a full-blown ski resort with direct access to slopes, but it is a one-minute walk from the trolley to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.

Common areas have the charming look of an alpine lodge with the enchanting lobby offering leather sofas where guests can enjoy the fireplace.

Visit the second-floor seating area to relax near a cozy wood stove. The hot tub, sauna, and steam room are enticing spots for apres-ski relaxation. Visit themammothcreek.com 4. The Resort at Squaw Creek is a luxury destination with grand picture windows that reveal sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, ancient Ponderosa pine forests, and lush meadows. Fireplace suites are available and Squaw Creek’s dramatic lobby, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooks a cascading waterfall and the breathtaking Sierra Nevada Mountains. Visit destinationhotels.com/squawcreek 5. Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. It’s not a ski lodge, but if you want to stay somewhere that has that “ski lodge lobby” feel and be close to home the Great Hall Lobby at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland Resort fits the bill. With a massive stone fireplace and stylish and comfortable seating it is a great place to relax, nap and keep warm. Did I mention there’s a spa onsite as well? Visit disneyland. disney.go.com/hotels/grand-califor nian-hotel. 

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 35

SENIORS

Bridge tourney raises money for Senior Center

Ring in the New Year with

HEALTHY HEARING Residents participate in a bridge tournament fundraiser for the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

By Ryan Mancini Signal Staff Writer

T

he SCV Senior Center gave people a chance to show their competitive side with its first bridge tournament on Saturday and Sunday.

Organized by the Santa Clarita Valley Bridge Unit, one of the regional areas under the American Contract Bridge League, the tournament’s goal was to help the Senior Center complete its fundraising efforts ahead of the new center’s opening next spring.

With an $18 entry fee for non-ACBL members ($14 for members), the two-day event aimed to raise between $3,000 to $5,000 in total, according to tournament manager Rand Pinsky.

Players sat for what’s called duplicate bridge, where everyone at each table plays the same hand of cards.

From there, players are judged based on how well they play that hand. As their playing improves, they receive higher scores. Pinsky said attendees were playing for master points instead of money.

“The majority of bridge players that belong to the American Contract Bridge League are probably 500 or less points,” he added. “We’re catering and always trying to have bridge lessons and things that we can do to involve the community.”

With 10,000 points under his belt, Mitch Dunitz is a grand life master and winner of the national bridge tournament.

“I find it incredibly interesting and I never lose my interest,” he said. “I combine it with (the) social and the skill aspects of just competing and playing cards.”

Nearby, Ellen Anten played at a different table. A close friend of Pinsky’s and a bridge player since she was in college, she was ready to play until the very end.

“It’s been a wonderful gift to my life and I try to work and help others also because I’ve been playing so long,” Anten said. “It’s a really wonderful experience.”

While games like these bring people together from all across the state, as far as Bakersfield and Tehachapi, according to Pinsky, the Senior Center has regularly offered the space for classes on Tuesdays. The new Senior Center is set to have its own card room as well.

“Bridge has been found to be a good mental therapy,” Pinsky said.

“It’s good for people with dementia.

It helps improve your mindset for high school in young kids. It helps to teach them analytical thinking, both deductive and inductive logic. It’s a fascinating game.” 

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36 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

PAGTER

Continued from page 30

The Pagter brothers even have their own wines that represent their personalities, Gib’s is “Notorious,” and Scott’s is “Melodious.”

“He’s the business side of things and I’m the musician,” explains PagePagter.

His wife, Sidney, is a performer, as well. Their band Sidney and the Detours often perform at Double Trouble.

Page-Pagter is no novice in the entertainment industry.

Before making wine his full-time business, Page-Pagter worked as a television producer and voice actor.

He is arguably most recognized for his role as a producer on “Power Rangers.”

He says that sometimes, the “Power Rangers” actors make surprise appearances at the wine room.

Page-Pagter later worked as a director, composer, sound designer and producer for Mattel before his began working full time making wine.

“There were not enough tasting rooms locally,” Page-Pagter says.

“You would have to drive to Santa

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

Ynez or Paso Robles for good wine tasting.”

He explains getting the taste of the wine he wants starts with good grapes.

“What we’ve done is found vineyards we like the wine from. We harass them and see if we can get grapes from those vineyards.”

He says they make the deals to get the grapes, then pick them when they are at the right sugar levels for their wine.

Page-Pagter says his favorite part of having his own winery is doing the blending.

“It’s really fun. It’s scientific, but in the beginning you get a bunch of bottles of pure grapes and wine and do different blends until you figure out something you like.”

And sometimes, accidents make for the best wine. This happened with Pagter Brothers’ “Notorious.”

“This one was a fluke. We had two barrels great by themselves and we wanted to make two blends out of them.”

Since the wine room acts as an extension of Pagter Brothers Winery rather than a bar, it’s a family-friendly environment.

“I think (people) find it’s a relaxing, local, nice hangout,” tells Page-Pagter.

“A lot of locals who come in here all

SUPER SAVER CLASSIFIEDS

the time, they feel comfortable and enjoy the atmosphere.”

Guests can even join the wine club, which offers benefits including 20 percent off glasses of wine and tastings of wines from both Pagter Brothers Winery and the Hoi Polloi Winery.

WAR

Continued from page 28

“The World is a Ghetto,” “Deliver the Word” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” the aforementioned hit singles and more.

Today, a half-century later, the War catalog now includes 18 studio albums – 2014’s “Evolutionary” – plus three live albums, seven compilation albums and 60 singles. Nine albums are RIAA-certified gold and two are platinum million-plus sellers.

The War lineup has certainly evolved since ’69; keyboardist-vocalist and longtime bandleader Leroy “Lonnie” Jordan is the sole veteran of the original eight.

War plays more than 150 gigs a year for audiences ranging from tens of thousands at festivals around the world to intimate clubs like the

Classifieds

For more information on Pagter Brothers Winery and the Hoi Polloi Winery, visit doubletroublewineroom. com or call (661) 476-5627. Double Trouble Wine Room is located at 24338 Main Street, Old Town Newhall 91321.  Canyon.

“The world is still a ghetto,” Jordan said. “There will always be a reason to play our songs.

“We have a lot of second-generation fans and they’re seeing the same things their parents saw. They’re hearing the same messages,” he said.

“We’re like Levi’s, and there’s nothing nostalgic about Levi’s. In fact, they’re not really good and funky until they’ve been worn awhile.””  The Canyon Santa Clarita on the ground floor of the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Get tickets at the box office 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, by phone at (888) 645-5006 or via TicketMaster.com. For more info, visit WheremusicmeetstheSoul.com. Santa Clarita journalist and Grammy nominee Stephen K. Peeples has covered the SCV music scene since 2004. Contact him via stephenkpeeples.com.

(661) 287-5569

Private Party Items for Sale or Wanted Items (excludes garage sales, autos, real estate, business opportunities, employment, services, animals). 25 words = $30 fee. Additional words = 5 cents per word per day. Add one photo per ad in print = $15 fee. *NOTE: Please remember to put EVERYTHING YOU WANT YOUR AD TO SAY within the 25+ words including contact info!

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HORIZON ELLIPTICAL EX 79 Excellent condition, 18 inch

$500 REWARD FOR MISSING COCKATIEL Missing since 12/22/18 near Orchard & McBean. Possible sighting the same day behind Granary Square. Please contact Gary at (213) 792-6175 if you’ve seen her.

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JOBS

JOBS SignalSCV. com

Editors/Paginators: The Signal, a daily newspaper & multimedia news organization in northern Los Angeles County, seeks a versatile copy editor with design and pagination skills to work on all sections, including news, features, business, special sections and more. News editing experience, InDesign layout & pagination skills required.

Send resume & cover letter to Editor Tim Whyte, twhyte@ signalscv.com.

Account Manager Looking for Multimedia Account Managers. The Santa Clarita Valley Signal

is expanding its multimedia sales team! We are looking for energetic, personable, driven team players to provide unique advertising solutions to businesses in the SCV and beyond! The successful candidate will be able to assess advertisers specific needs and build lasting relationships with targeted advertising campaigns. Other requirements include excellent verbal communication, computer, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to meet tight deadlines and sales goals. Compensation package includes base + commissions; medical, dental, vision and life insurance. If interested, please email your cover letter and resume to jobs@signalscv. com

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

BRAINGAMES

Relax

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 37

38 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

CROSSWORD TIME

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

Where there’s a will

By Jim Mullen Signal Contributing Writer

T

he nurse asked me if I had a living will. “Yes, I do,” I said.

“Did you bring it with you?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Why not?”

“Well, I’m only here to have my teeth cleaned. I didn’t really think I’d need it.” I could see how important that would be if I was having a filling, or a wisdom tooth pulled, but a cleaning? Was it really that life-threatening? Maybe I should be looking for a new dentist.

There was much consternation behind the counter. Could they proceed with the cleaning without the living will? Do I really look that old? Or is it like that annoying teenager who always gives me the senior discount down at the Shop and Spend every Tuesday? I want to tell her she’s just given me a 15 percent discount for being prematurely gray. But I just shut up and take it.

I can’t even remember what it says in my living will. I don’t want to be in constant pain. I don’t want to linger. I don’t want to be in a coma.

But I would like Netflix. And one of those Alexa thingies. Did I remember to put that in there? Is it too late to change it? What happens if I want to linger for, like, a week?

I have a friend who keeps her will on the refrigerator door and changes it about once a week, depending on who has disappointed her in the past seven days. There are so many notes scribbled on it that I doubt if it’s a legal document anymore.

And where did I put it? Where do you put something like that? In the home office? In the glove compartment? On the nightstand? I can’t find the phone bill in my home office. I don’t need a living will; I need a living filing clerk.

I do remember meeting with my lawyer and drawing up the papers. He said, “You should have a living will

so that if you become incapacitated, your wishes will be carried out.”

“My main wish is that I shouldn’t become incapacitated.”

“Do you have a health care proxy?”

“Of course not. I’m married. Besides, at my age …”

“Proxy. Not doxy, you pathetic old goat. Turn up the hearing aid, would you? Do you have a will?”

“I don’t think I need one. Everything’s held jointly.”

“Yeah, but what if you both die in a plane crash? Where’s your money go then?”

“You’re just trying to cheer me up, aren’t you?”

“Say you both die in a nursing home fire? Who gets your estate then? I hear about this kind of stuff all the time. If some of my clients only knew what happened to their estates after they died, they would be turning over in their graves.”

“Have you ever thought of becoming a motivational speaker?”

“Let’s talk about your living will.

For example, let’s say you’re completely conscious, but you can’t move a muscle. Would you want them to take extraordinary means to keep you alive?”

“No, I’d want them to take extraordinary means to make me move.”

“Sorry, that’s not on the form. Let’s say someone has to cook all your food, constantly clean up behind you, run all the errands and do all the chores while you sit in bed all day and watch television because you can’t do the simplest things by yourself.

Would you want them to take extraordinary means to keep you alive?

“I’m married. That’s the way I live now. I want them to take extraordinary means to keep Sue alive.”

“I just did her living will. She said she wanted you to die first, but she didn’t want to spend her golden years in the clink.”

“She’s thoughtful that way.”

“That’s one way of putting it.”

Contact Jim Mullen at mullen.jim@ gmail.com. 

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