Sunday Signal January 12, 2020 by Signal

JANUARY 12, 2020

Healthy offerings for 2020 Page 4

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 Appreciating all that is the SCV 5 Separating healthy eating from dieting fads 6 Songs for Abram: concert to help with treatment 7 When it’s time to undergo a ‘digital detox’ 26 Appreciating all that is the Santa Clarita Valley LOCAL NEWS 8 Robotics ramps up Deputies nab computer parts theft suspect 9 Saugus teacher honored for heroism during shooting Chick-fil-A to close for renovations Crab N Spice to replace Johnny Rockets 10 Pilot killed in crash named FROM THE CITY MANAGER 12 Fun, imagination, inclusion at Canyon Country Park THINGS TO DO 13 Welcome to the year of the metal rat SPORTS 14 COC women’s hoops program finding its way home TECHNOLOGY 15 Airpods’ tip and tricks you should know DINING GUIDE FOOD 19 Tips for adding more seafood to your family’s menu ENTERTAINMENT 20 War makes another appearance in Santa Clarita 21 Mark your calendar for these ‘can’t-miss dates’ CALENDAR KIDS & FAMILY 23 How parents can approach raising gamers 24 Donna’s Day: Keeping family resolutions in 2020 School menu PETS 25 Three tips to help in finding a lost dog SENIOR LIVING 27 Don’t get caught off guard by glaucoma HOME 28 Seven ideas to improve curb appeal TRAVEL 29 Plan your 2020 food festival adventures TIME RANGER BUSINESS 31 Five ways employers are recruiting top talent HOME IMPROVEMENT GARDENING 33 Tips when planting shade trees OPINION PUZZLES / VILLAGE IDIOT

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J A N UA RY 12, 2020

H E A LT H

Resolve to be a healthier you this year

hile traveling more, losing weight and quitting bad habits are annually among some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, the turn of the calendar does represent a perfect opportunity to better yourself in multiple ways. The impact of taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle — from committing to eating well, sleeping better, drinking cleaner water or boosting your nutrient intake — can be far-reaching, but also overwhelming. Gradually incorporating the health-focused habits you hope to make permanent fixtures in your life can help ensure the process isn’t overly taxing, and some products can help ease the transition as well. Find more tips to help keep you on the right path toward reaching your wellness goals at eLivingtoday.com.

New year, cleaner water

When adopting health-focused resolutions like staying hydrated, it’s

also an opportunity to commit to drinking cleaner water. The easy-to-install PUR Advanced Faucet Filtration System makes it simple to wash fruits and vegetables, fill reusable water bottles before work or a fitness class and meal-prep with healthier and great-tasting water. The filtration system is certified to reduce more than 70 contaminants, including 99% of lead — more than any other brand, according to NSF. Learn more at PUR.com.

A healthy snacking resolution

Strive to snack better in the new year with an option like Stryve Sliced Beef Biltong, which is a tasty meat snack with zero sugar and no artificial ingredients. Packed with protein, it is made with only air-dried beef and spices, meaning you don’t have to give up goodness to stick to your clean eating resolutions. Paleo and keto-friendly, the beef biltong is available in seven flavors

and comes in resealable packs so you can satisfy cravings wherever they strike. Learn more at Styrve.com.

Download wellness this year

To help achieve your health goals in the new year, consider downloading the free Nature’s Pharmacy app. It cross-tabulates 57 health priorities, such as increasing good cholesterol, preventing cardiovascular disease and easing insomnia, along with desired outcomes like improving energy levels or reducing wrinkles with 74 fruits and vegetables. By selecting a concern or desired outcome, the app, which is available on iOS and Android devices, generates a selection of produce that can aid in reaching those goals. For more information, visit limoneira.com.

A simple vitamin solution

If you’re tired of swallowing multivitamins, consider an option like Vitamin Booster+ to help make your morning ritual more enjoy-

able. Simply dissolve one drink stick in water to get 100% of your daily essential vitamins along with 610 mg of electrolytes. Containing real fruit juice and only 15 calories per serving, this vitamin-dense drink is ideal for the whole family and is available in single-serve lemon-lime flavor sticks for an on-the-go boost. Find more information at drink nutrient.com.

A sleep apnea solution

For those who suffer from sleep apnea, one of the best ways to get the sleep you need is the DreamPort Sleep Solution, which is small, lightweight, headgear-free and easyto-use. You can say goodbye to bulky headgear and uncomfortable straps as nothing constricts your movement or gets in the way. Plus, it fits the shape of your nose for zero leaks to provide a better night’s sleep and more energetic days. (Family Features) Visit bleepsleep.com for more details.

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J A N UA RY 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Separating healthy eating from dieting fads By Matt Fernandez Signal Staff Writer

eto. Paleo. Gluten free. Nutrisystem. Everywhere you look it seems like there are a thousand different diet trends with new ones popping up by the second. As the new year begins, many people will begin the annual quest towards a healthier body and lifestyle only to find themselves frustrated by slow or inconsistent results. While this may be discouraging, Henry Mayo Fitness and Health lifestyle specialist Andy Leskin says that fluctuating results are normal and should not be a sign of worry. “It’s all about small building blocks to form habits that are sustainable,” Leskin said. “You didn’t gain the weight overnight, it probably took a few years to gain those 10 pounds, so it’ll take you a good six months of work to take it off.” Often backed by celebrity endorsements, fad diets are often presented as trendy, exciting new ways to eat healthy and lose weight. Julie Tang, a private practice registered dietician in Santa Clarita, says that while fad diets often result in the early weight loss at the beginning, this is mostly just water weight that will be gained back. Oftentimes, her clients will come to her for help after these fad diets have failed them. “Most of the time fad diets are very restrictive regarding what you can and can’t eat and that’s not practical or sustainable in the long term because when you restrict yourself from eating certain foods, you tend to end up overeating or bingeing other foods,” Tang said. “There’s a reason why there seem to be so many new fad diets and it’s because the previous ones didn’t last. They don’t produce long term effects and while there is some data on these diets, there’s still pending evidence and not sufficient data.” Some of the most popular fad food trends of 2019 included plant-based meat, not eating eggs, cucumber-only diets and intermittent fasting, according to an article by Dr. Sean Hashmi, regional director of weight management and clinical nutrition for Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

Katie Andrews of United Methodist Church prepares salad at her home in Valencia. The new “Impossible” foods, such as the plant-based burger pattie, tends to be higher in salt, fats and processed chemicals, so experts say people are better off with vegetables or fruits. SIGNAL PHOTO

Hashmi’s article found that neither meatless meats nor cucumber diets are nutritionally sound choices. Foods like plant-based burger patties are high in salt, fats and processed chemicals, so people are better off sticking with vegetables or fruits, and any weight lost on a cucumber diet is only water weight that will be immediately gained back as soon as you go off the diet. On the other hand, eggs and intermittent fasting are okay if done responsibly and in moderation. Intermittent fasting, in which eating is restricted to certain hours of the day, is not the best way to lose weight. If it’s done safely, it can lead to weight loss — but if done unsafely, it can result in nutrient deficiency. While many people try to do research on their own about how to best handle their own nutritional needs or how to properly diet, Tang said that in the internet age it is often hard to distinguish people’s opinions from scientific facts. Healthy eating, according to Leskin, is a game of reducing caloric intake

and ensuring that the calories that people do eat are the healthiest they can be. Rather than making immediate wholesale changes and taking the cold turkey approach to cutting out junk food, Leskin favors a more gradual approach. “A lot of time people will say, ‘Tell me what to eat, and I’ll do whatever you say,’ but I like to look at it like, ‘Let’s start with what you are eating and take it from there,’” Leskin said. “For example, let’s clean up your breakfast; and instead of coffee and a donut or something unhealthy, we can do overnight oats or switch out white bread for whole grain bread. Find the small wins where we can with substitutions, and once we’ve won breakfast for two weeks in a row, and when that’s got you feeling confident, then we move on to lunch.” When looking to change their diets, Tang recommends that her clients set SMART goals, or those that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. Additionally, she advises people to supplement their meals with healthy snacks throughout

the day to help manage their hunger throughout the day and discourage overeating at mealtime, and to incorporate as many different colored vegetables and fruits into their diet as possible to ensure they are getting a variety of nutrients. Eating more fiber may help to stay fuller longer and using smaller plates can also help control portion sizing. Eating healthy can also be expensive, and for those on a tighter budget, Tang said that frozen and canned vegetables are a cheaper alternative without a significant decrease in nutrients compared to fresh vegetables. Staples foods like rice, beans, tomatoes, garlic and onions are healthy ingredients that are also very versatile and can be used a variety of different dishes. “There is no perfect diet and perfection should not be our goal,” Tang said. “For example when you’re setting a New Year’s resolution focus on long term success. Make sure you can see yourself sticking with the diet and have a support system to help you remain accountable.”

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J A N UA RY 12, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

Songs for Abram: concert to help with treatment By Raychel Stewart Signal Staff Writer

or Mihaela King, organizing a benefit concert to raise the funds needed for her son’s cerebral palsy treatment went without question, since she had been playing violin since first grade. Born in communist Romania, Mihaela came to the United States with her family as political refugees in 1989 and lived in Los Angeles. Mihaela’s love for playing violin grew as she did. She began teaching at 17, and continued studying through college. Her passion took her around the world, playing solo and orchestrated concerts throughout Europe with the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra, Ballet West Orchestra and the Jupiter Symphony. She moved to Valencia in 2010, after marrying her husband, Sterling King. Sterling, who has lived in the Santa Clarita Valley for more than 30 years, owns his own pest control company, Spectrum Environmental Pest Control. Now, when Mihaela isn’t teaching violin with private lessons, she and Sterling are heavily involved in their church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and raise four children: Lincoln, 7; Alden, 3; and twins, Caroline and Abram, who are 18 months old. A little over a year after the birth of their twins, Mihaela and Sterling were given the news that Abram was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. “I had a difficult pregnancy and was bedridden for most of it,” said Mihaela. Her twins were born two months premature, at 32 weeks. Abram was born first, and suffered complications after his lung collapsed. “Code white,” was what Sterling heard the nurses immediately say, and he knew something was wrong. Code White meant the baby was not breathing. “I was terrified,” said Mihaela. “I was still birthing Caroline and all I can hear was Sterling saying, ‘Is he breathing? Are you going to save the baby?’ and he was eventually escorted out because he was so worried.”

The King Family is planning a benefit concert for their son Abram, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. PHOTO BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

After leaving the room, Sterling said he sat at a nurses’ station alone, thinking this was supposed to be a perfect delivery, and remembers feeling a sense of helplessness. “We were prepared for two babies,” Sterling said. After nurses worked on Abram, he started breathing a few minutes later. “(Caroline) was born and he was breathing, so I relaxed and thought, ‘OK, we did it. We’re safe,’” said Mihaela. Because they were born premature, Caroline spent three weeks in a neonatal intensive care unit while Abram had to stay a little longer, five weeks in total, due to the complications. Once the twins came home, the Kings began their life together as a family of six. A few months after, Mihaela and Sterling began noticing Abram wasn’t reaching the same milestones as his sister, Caroline. “They were preemies, so we thought he’d get there but then seven months passed, then eight months, then nine months,” said Mihaela. Mihaela described herself as the type to fix a problem as soon as it arises, so she took Abram to the doctor right away. After numerous examinations, Abram was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a motor disability caused by abnormal brain development, which affects a person’s ability

to control muscles. “At the time, I didn’t think any long-term damage could happen,” said Mihaela. She said Abram still has a bright and bubbly personality. “He just wants to kiss you all the time!” Sterling said he remembers having a sense of relief. Now that he and Mihaela know what was inhibiting Abram’s development, they could take the steps necessary to treat him. After doing research, Mihaela and Sterling discovered the Neurological and Physical Abilitation (NAPA) center in Los Angeles. The center focuses on intensive physical therapy programs for children, offering a three-week program that has shown positive results in children with physical disadvantages. The treatment will help Abram balance his weight throughout his body and improve posture to help him reach developmental milestones. Mihaela and Sterling thought this could be a great benefit for Abram, but the cost of the treatment was worrisome. Since it is an intensive therapy program, it is not covered under Mihaela and Sterling’s health insurance. “I didn’t want to just ask for money, so I thought it would be great to have a concert,” said Mihaela. After much planning, a benefit concert will take place at the Newhall

Family Theatre for the Performing Arts on Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. The first half of the concert will feature classical songs played by the SCV Orchestra, solo performers and chamber groups. The second half will feature famous compositions from movies, such as “Les Miserables,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “The Sound of Music” and more. Brad Keimach, a Juilliard alumni, will be conducting the performances. “We have 20 of my musician friends traveling in from across the country to be here for this,” said Mihaela. The concert is for people ages 8 and up. Suggested donations are $20 for presale, $30 at the door and $50 for preferred seating. A reception will take place before and a silent auction will follow the concert. Suggested donations can be sent to Mihaela’s Venmo account @MihaelaKing along with email or cell phone number to receive tickets. “We’re indebted to those that have been helping (Abram) have the chance to get the therapy and help him grow,” said Sterling. “In 20 years when he has his own life and is able to do his own things, we’re going to know it’s because of that help.” To donate to Abram’s GoFundMe page, visit https://www.gofundme. com/f/4xaec-abram.

J A N UA RY 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E S

When it’s time to undergo a ‘digital detox’ By Raychel Stewart Signal Staff Writer

s we enter a new year, many people make resolutions to “live their best life,” as the saying goes. Whether it’s to have a better diet, begin an exercise routine or stop a bad habit, making changes for the new year is an annual tradition. Just as people detox from eating sugary foods or tough work weeks, taking a break from cell phones, social media and Netflix binges can have many benefits to a person’s mind and health, according to health experts. The average adult spends approximately 11 hours interacting with media, according to a 2018 study done by the Nielsen Company. This includes watching television, listening to music and reading or posting on social media. Have you ever picked up your phone, check a social media app, set it down, and then repeated the process for no particular reason a few minutes later? That could be a sign you’re in need of a good digital detox. Other signs to see if you need a digital detox are: • a feeling of anxiousness if your cell phone isn’t nearby; • a feeling of sadness or depression lingers after being on social media; • getting likes or comments on social media posts has become an obsession; • you have FOMO (fear of missing out) of social events if you do not check your phone; • you’re missing out on sleep due to staying up late on your phone; • and there is a lack of concentration if your phone is nearby. How many times do you check your phone in one day? Because cell phones and televisions are so ingrained into everyday lives, it might be hard to track how often they are used throughout a 24-hour period, making the overuse of technology common. Recent features have been added to cell phones that track the amount of “screen time” a person has each week in hopes to help people manage how much time is spent looking at your

Dozens of Santa Clarita Valley residents converged on downtown Newhall when “Pokeman Go” first hit the streets. While there are millions of things we can do on our phones, indoors and outdoors, sometimes a “digital detox” is a good way to refresh and recharge.

cell phone screen. In a recent update, Apple added this feature which pushes notifications each week itemizing overall screen time and how much time is spent on specific apps. “Do Not Disturb” features have also been added to silence notifications from social media apps. “Portable devices, like phones, have lockout methods which can really help a person if their phones intrude on their sleep,” said Erick Hidalgo, clinical director at Sunset Sleep Labs in Santa Clarita. “It can help people train their brain to know it’s time to go to bed and put your phone away.” Approximately 70% of people interact with social media before going to sleep, according to a study done by researchers for Science Direct. The same study found that at least 15% of those people interacted with social media for more than one hour. Sleep can be greatly affected by the use of technology, especially if it’s used right before bed. Hidalgo said the best way to improve sleep quality is to make a bedroom a place for sleeping only. This means getting rid of phones, televisions and even books. These items cause stimulation

in the brain and can lead to sleeping disorders such as insomnia. Other features to help ease the tension of looking at screens for an extended period of time is the use of “night-time” and other light-sensitive modes. These features reduce eye strain caused by looking at the bright lights cell phones and tablets emit. “The use of warmer lights is becoming a big focus in technology,” Hidalgo said, and can reduce the negative effects digital products have on a person’s eyes and brain. Along with sleep, taking a digital detox can improve a person’s overall wellbeing and mental health. Heavy use of technology on a daily basis showed increases of developing mental health problems, especially in adolescents, according to a study done by the Society for Research of Child Development. “Dopamine is triggered when your phone lights up with a notification,” said Larry Schallert, assistant director of the College of the Canyons Student Health Center. “It’s the same as an addiction.” Schallert said to pay careful attention to how you feel after using social media. “You check for likes from

people you know and even people you don’t know,” he said. And eventually, you begin to check your phone mindlessly.” Taking a digital detox doesn’t mean you have to separate yourself from technology completely, especially if it is incorporated with work or school. It may be easier to do mini-detoxes at first, and put time aside to disconnect from social media, texting and other distractions. “Put your phone in an area where you don’t hear and see it,” Schallert said. “Get outside, notice the environment and appreciate the outside world.” Good times to work on refraining from technology are when eating, a few hours after waking up and before going to bed and when spending time with friends and family. Another suggestion to disconnect from technology is to focus on developing strengths. Schallert said if you have a talent or are creative, working on building up those skills can distract from constant digital use. Putting down your phone for some time can seem daunting, but taking a digital detox can be an achievable resolution this new year.

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J A N UA RY 12, 2020

LOCALNEWS

Robotics ramps up

Hart District’s Project 691 team begins preparing for competition By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

ot only was it winter break, it was also Saturday. But that didn’t stop the team members of Project 691 from getting together to brainstorm out their engineering designs for their competition robot for the upcoming season. In April 2019, the team members of Project 691 were informed that this year’s theme for their challenge would have something to do with “Star Wars” and Disney. However, the exact specifications of the course they would be competing in were unknown. Until Saturday. After the unveiling occurred during a live Twitch stream, students learned that they would need to launch objects through an opening, pull their robot onto a bar that swings and be able to detect color on a wheel and spin it. “Colors have never really had that big of a say in the game,” said Aaron Dolgin, one of the team’s coaches, during Saturday’s first brainstorming session. Congregating back together at

Coach Aaron Dolgin, right, and Project 691 team members discuss the design of their robot at West Ranch High School on Saturday. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

West Ranch High, the 40 or so team members began to dissect the challenge, strategize and problem solve by breaking down the game into smaller, more manageable problems.

Deputies nab computer parts theft suspect By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

eputies apprehended a theft suspect who was accused of trying to shove gear into his backpack inside a business, according to a release from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station. Station spokeswoman Shirley Miller said in a social media post Monday night that the arrest was made Jan. 2 on the 25400 block of The Old Road in Stevenson Ranch. “A Valencia man walked into a retail business, selected computer accessories and stowed them in his backpack,” said the post. “Along the way, he took a few of the store’s candy bars, (and) ate them, discarding the wrappers in the aisle.”

The man allegedly attempted to leave the store without paying for any of the goods he had eaten or placed in his backpack. “Observant store employees called — and deputies responded,” said Miller’s post. “A 32-year-old man was arrested … and transported to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station jail, where he was booked.” The stolen computer parts were recovered and returned to the business they were originally taken from, the post said. The suspect was later identified as Andrew Thomas Kunz, of Valencia. He was charged with misdemeanor shoplifting after a specified prior conviction. He was being held in lieu of $5,000 bail.

Although no robotics building would be done on Saturday, the ideas that were flowing and the collaboration were among the most important parts of Project 691’s season, according to team members. “Our goal isn’t to win or anything, but of course that’s fun when we do,” said Team President Tarun Murugesan. “But we just want to learn different aspects of the team, (from) business, to mechanical to electrical programming and outreach… I joined more for the mechanical aspect, being able to build the prototype designs first and then we build everything from scratch … but you do not have to be tech-savvy.” “I want to go into engineering, and I felt that the best way I could learn about engineering is actually doing it,” said Vinay Bidin, the team’s vice president of membership. “You’re actually like building robots, and you’re actually implementing ideas that you learned in classes like science and calculus.” The robot they build can cost upwards of $5,000, and entry to the tournaments can cost almost as

much, Murugesan said. Knowing how to fundraise with community partners, as well as coordinate and work with other teams on the engineering, leaves a wide variety of specialties for people to find a home in on the team. “You get to learn soft skills and technical skills, such as teamwork and bonding, in general,” said Olivia Onesti, secretary of the team. “There’s a lot of fun people here, which I (enjoy hanging out with). They’re a bunch of nerds (like me). I mean that’s not something everyone would agree with, but for me, I feel like I fit in.” The team’s first competition is scheduled Feb. 28 to March 1 in Newbury Park. Project 691, which is made up of 9th-12th grade students from across Santa Clarita, will need to have completed their robot by that time. They will spend every Saturday afternoon until the end of March together in order to ensure the robot is completed. For more information about Project 691, visit their website at https:// team691.org/.

J A N UA RY 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

LOCALNEWS

Saugus teacher honored for heroism during shooting By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

he Saugus High School teacher who helped save a victim of November’s deadly shooting at the school was recognized for her heroism this week. A tactical company that trains teachers and the well-known flashlight company that sponsors the training honored Saugus music teacher Kaitlin “Kaytie” Holt, who was in the middle of her class when shots rang out on the school campus. American Tactical Defense, a school-safety training company, and Maglite, the American flashlight company that supports the school training, wanted to recognize Holt’s courageous actions during the shooting. Before she locked down her classroom with 30-40 students, a wounded

14-year-old female student “wandered” into her room, looking for both refuge and help. In an op-ed she published with The Signal two weeks after the shooting, she said she made “no choices,” but rather she reacted. With the training she had received, along with the help of “a really brave freshman,” they helped the wounded girl using her one and only “Stop the Bleed” kit. However, after investigating further, she discovered the student had been shot twice — once in the side and another time in the shoulder. Using the kit to address one wound, Holt maintained pressure on the other wound and waited until law enforcement could arrive. As a result of the shooting, two students were killed, and the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The student Holt treated eventually recovered from her physi-

Chick-fil-A to close for renovations

cal wounds at the hospital. “I did learn training with (American Tactical Defense) in my student teaching,” Holt said in a phone interview Tuesday. The training she received from American Tactical Defense began at the beginning of her career, and involved drills, videos and hands-on-instruction from experts on what to do in the event of a school shooting, she said. After American Tactical Defense, which organizes training to school staff around the country, had heard of Holt’s involvement in their exercises and what she had done Nov. 14, they felt it right to award her with the Civilian Hero Award on Tuesday. This was the second “Civilian Hero Award” given out by Maglite, and the first given out by ATD. Maglite’s first “Civilian Hero Award” winner Gary Fishbone, a New Jersey man who helped lead a group of people out of the World Trade Center to safety during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York using a Mini Maglite flashlight, according to Maglite’s official company website. ATD co-owner Bryan McKenrick, a federal law-enforcement agent himself, said that her testimony, of using the training that she had learned in a real-life situation, was the first one he had heard of in his experience as a head instructor. “For us first responders, we sign

Kaitlin “Kaytie” Holt stands with Maglite inventor Anthony Maglica, left, and American Tactical Defense co-owner Bryan McKenrick after receiving her recognitions Tuesday. COURTESY PHOTO

up for a job knowing that we’re going to put others before our own lives,” said McKenrick over a phone call Wednesday. “And for someone that didn’t sign up for something like that to take it upon themselves and react without hesitation to save another life … that’s completely heroic.”

Downplaying ‘hero’ label

In the wake of the event, Holt has consistently downplayed the “hero” label many have offered, instead See HOLT, next page

Crab N Spice to replace Johnny Rockets By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

anta Clarita’s only Chick-fil-A announced Sunday that it will be closing for renovations Thursday until early March. The store will be renovating its kitchen to expand capacity and increase throughput, according to store owner Tom Williams. “It’s because of our amazing customers and team that this project is required, and we are very appreciative of all of our guests that have made this project necessary,” Williams said. The store is set to close at 4 p.m.

SIGNAL PHOTO

Thursday and remain closed for the duration of the project, which is expected to take approximately seven weeks. Though the project has been in planning stages for some time, details regarding the duration or when it would occur were uncertain, read a post on Chick-fil-A’s Facebook page. “We realize it is short notice, but that could not be avoided,” the post stated. In order to prevent waste and promote food safety, customers should expect some product shortages up until the closure.

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

ohnny Rockets, known for its ‘50s diner setting, burgers and shakes at the Westfield Valencia Town Center, closed its doors without announcement Friday. “We had some good times with family and lots of different friends at this Johnny Rockets,” Santa Clarita resident Andrea Maldonado said. “I’m sad to see it go.” Though the reason for the closure is unknown, Crab N Spice will soon be replacing it, according to Audra Cheney, marketing manager for Westfield Valencia Town Center.

Representatives from Johnny Rockets’ corporate office were unavailable for comment Monday. In 2014, Crab N Spice opened its first location in Ventura. Since then, a second location has opened in Palmdale, with a number of locations listed as “coming soon” on its website, including Bakersfield, Sacramento and Arizona. The seafood restaurant is known for its experimentation of spices and tastes and original Crab N Spice sauce. The new seafood restaurant will have the same address as the previous Johnny Rockets, which is 24425 Town Center Drive, Suite No. 135.

1 0 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 12, 2020

LOCALNEWS

Pilot killed in crash named By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

he pilot who died in a plane crash in Newhall on Saturday has been identified by officials at the Los Angeles County Coroner-Medical Examiner’s Office. Wayne Richards, 73, of North Hollywood, was identified as the pilot of the plane that lost control near the Highway 14 on-ramp at Newhall Avenue. His manner of death was deemed an “accident” and the cause as multiple blunt force injuries, according to the report filed by the Coroner’s Office. Richards was flying a “home-built” TM-1 Thunder Mustang out of Van Nuys Airport that had some form of an engine failure mid-flight, resulting in the crash landing. The Thunder Mustang is a modern 3/4-scale replica of the P-51 Mustang, a single-seat fighter plane used during World War II and the Korean War. Santa Clarita resident Shane Weeks of Castaic said on Monday that he had known Richards through work, and described him as soft spoken and well-respected. “I did stuff for the cars in his hot rod shop Solo Performance,” Weeks said. “He was well-respected and liked in the hot rod industry. He was a soft-spoken guy that was always happy to see you. I am real bummed I never took his offer to show his plane and hangar to my 12-year-old son.” Richard Reyman, a Castaic resident and also a close friend of Richards, said Monday that his friend and he would text every morning, wishing each other “good morning,” even if the other was away in another country or on vacation. “He was a very energetic guy ... he was always immersed in stuff and when he wasn’t working on customer cars, he was working on his own stuff,” said Reyman. “We would always have fun, he was very lighthearted ... a very gregarious guy.” Reyman said that the plane Richards was flying was a kit plane that he had purchased from Florida and flown back close to a decade ago. The plane engine, according to

Firefighters work around the smoldering wreckage of a small airplane that crashed Saturday near Highway 14 and Newhall Avenue in Newhall. The pilot was killed, but his identification has not been released by county officials. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

Reyman, had been changed out due to mechanical issues, but additional mechanical issues had resulted in the original engine being inside the aircraft when it went down. “I don’t think you could say ‘pilot error,’” said Reyman, adding that Richards had decades of flying

HOLT

Continued from previous page

highlighting the actions of her peers who played a role at the epicenter of the attack. After the shooting, Holt, who’s also the daughter of Signal staff writer Jim Holt, was able to take some time away from work. She got a tattoo of a Saugus Centurion, with the word “Strong” written on her left arm in the handwriting of the girl she saved. “I would say for me, personally, every day is getting a little bit better, but there’s just a certain amount of little PTSD things,” said Holt. “I did an escape room, and that had gunshots in it, and it was kind of rough … I just try and stay very positive and keep looking at pictures I have of my two girls that survived, and that makes me smile.

experience before his fateful crash on Saturday. “I think it was his experience that got him to keep it off the freeway. His original intent was to put it down on the freeway but I think there was way too much traffic in the last minute.” Witnesses on the scene first noted “My students make me smile, so I just keep thinking about my students and thinking on the bright side of things as best I can.” She described herself as a “little girl,” in reference to her physical size, but the training taught her how to defend herself or use the things around her to increase her chance of surviving such an ordeal. “I mean, ‘prepared’ isn’t the right word either, because I don’t think you can ever be prepared for that,” Holt said. “But knowing some of the things that if I were, say, in a situation where I would actually have to engage with someone, I think I just saw a little more confidence after having the training, which allowed me to be calmer in the situation.” She received the award at Maglite’s headquarters in Ontario, where she was smiling as she went up, in front

the plane in the sky due to the smoke coming from the aircraft’s engine. “All I know is it circled around and I heard a clicking noise above me,” Mike York, a witness of the crash, said Saturday. “I saw that the motor wasn’t running and smoke was coming out of it.” After crash landing near the Newhall Avenue off-ramp of Highway 14 around 10:15 a.m. Saturday, the single-engine plane caught fire. Richards, the sole occupant of the aircraft, was pronounced deceased at the scene. “The pilot was the only person on board,” said Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Agency. “We do not have any reports of injuries to anyone on the ground or damage to any structure on the ground.” The National Transportation Safety Board will also be conducting an investigation of the incident, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station Lt. Ethan Marquez said in a statement to the press. The FAA and NTSB will investigate, according to Gregor. “The NTSB is the lead agency and it typically takes the NTSB a year or more to determine a probable cause of an accident.” of the cameras, to receive her recognition.

Donations for microphones

Holt, in an effort to help support her students and music program following the shooting, has opened a DonorsChose.org page in order to raise funds for more microphones for their performances. “Our choirs are hoping to get the funds for more microphones. All of our choirs use these microphones, especially jazz choir and show choir,” Holt’s DonorsChose.org page says. “Having enough microphones, so students don’t have to share (two people singing into one microphone), is essential for great choral sound, blend, and equity of voices.” For more information on how to contribute, visit https://www. donorschoose.org/project/microphones-for-choir/4689233/.

J A N UA RY 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 11

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1 2 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 12, 2020

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Fun, imagination, inclusion at Canyon Country Park By City Manager Ken Striplin

ver the past year, excitement has been building in Santa Clarita for a new amenity that directly benefits those we must continue to invest in — our children. The Inclusive Play Area at Canyon Country Park has been a big topic of discussion at City Hall, in the media and in community groups as we get ready to unveil this first-of-its-kind playground in our City. As City Manager, I have the opportunity to speak directly with residents about a number of ideas, and parents have consistently advocated for an Inclusive Play Area for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy. I am proud of the work put in by City staff, under the direction of the City Council, to make this dream a

reality, and I invite you to join us as we celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. Looking back at this process, I want to share with you some of what makes this extra special for our community. Our residents — and their children — have been involved every step of the way, and it is deeply satisfying to know that the Inclusive Play Area is a direct result of their input and ideas. One story I would like to relay is of a mother and her son, Matthew, who came to the City’s public outreach meetings at Canyon Country Park last year to see concept drawings and a list of proposed features. After they’d seen the presentation from City staff and the designer, Matthew wrote a list of elements he wanted to see in the final product. Among Matthew’s proposed items

were a quiet area for children, a pet waste bag dispenser and receptacles for recycling. Although Matthew was unable to attend the follow-up public meeting, his mother was delighted to see that designers added a “Bark Park Waste Station” to the playground area, specifically based on Matthew’s feedback. Quiet areas for children to play are also incorporated through the availability of under-deck spaces and crawl tubes in the playground equipment. Other features of the Inclusive Play Area suggested by the public include having a fenced playground with limited openings and gateways to enhance safety, interactive elements that are low to the ground for accessibility, and a “Merry-Go-All,” which is a fully accessible merry-goround that allows all children to play together.

At the celebration event on Jan. 25, attendees will have the opportunity to hear more from the City Council about the project before the official ribbon cutting. Following the ceremony, children and families are encouraged to explore every inch of the western-themed play area to see how the dreams of the community have come to life. The Inclusive Play Area at Canyon Country Park is truly a landmark project for our community that fills a critical need in the Santa Clarita Valley for children, teens and adults. I look forward to seeing you at the celebration event and hearing your feedback on all the playground has to offer! Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.

J A N UA RY 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

Welcome to the Year of the Metal Rat By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

he Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, officially begins this year on Jan. 25 and ends Feb. 4. Lunar calendars consist of 12 months with each month roughly corresponding to one cycle of the moon. They have been used by several peoples throughout history, including many Asian cultures. A number of different Lunar New Year festivals are held throughout the world. A lunar calendar developed by China spread to Korea and then to Japan by the sixth century A.D. It was eventually adopted elsewhere in Asia. In the Chinese calendar, the new year begins on the second full moon after the Winter Solstice. The Chinese zodiac consists of 12 animals — rat, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, dog and pig — that first appeared in the Zhan Guo period, fifth century B.C.

Metal Rat

This is the year of the Metal Rat. In addition to an animal, each year in the Chinese Zodiac is also influenced by an element, either metal, water, wood, fire or earth. According to the Chinese Zodiac, babies born in the Year of the Metal Rat will be good in business, are instinctive and alert and will always react properly. They are sophisticated and popular with others. Their lucky numbers are 2 and 3, and lucky colors are gold, blue and green.

Lunar New Year events

Southern California will celebrate the Year of the Rat with numerous festivals and parades. Lunar New Year Celebration Jan. 17 through Feb. 9 Disney California Adventure Park 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim Info https://disneyland.disney.go.com/eventstours/lunar-new-year/

Disneyland Resort will welcome a year of good fortune with Lunar New Year celebrations at Disney California Adventure. In true “Disney” style, the Year of the Rat will transform into the Year of the Mouse with Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession. A special Lunar New Year menu at Paradise Garden Grill offers items inspired by traditional Asian fare, plus a Festival Cart inside Paradise Gardens and special food options at Lucky Fortune Cookery in Pacific Wharf. Live, daily performances by Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese dancers and musicians will take place throughout Paradise Gardens Park. Enjoy areas for guests to try complimentary arts and crafts. One area features a complimentary dragon’s pearl coloring craft, and another features Chinese calligraphy with local artisans. Plus, there will be new face painting opportunities. A Lucky Wishing Wall, located in Paradise Gardens, is where guests may write down wishes and tie them to the wall in hopes for a prosperous future. Midnight Temple Ceremony Jan. 24 10 p.m. Thien Hau Temple 756 Yale St., Los Angeles Info http://chinatownla.com/wp1/event/ midnight-temple-ceremony/?instance_id=504 Chinatown welcomes New Year with a free midnight ceremony at the Thien Hau Temple. Crowds begin to gather on the eve of the Chinese New Year to make offerings to the deities, awaken the spirits with 500,000 firecrackers and burn incense for good fortune. Join lion dancers and monks starting at 10 p.m.

THINGSTODO

Disney California Adventure welcomes a year of good fortune Jan. 17-Feb. 9. Celebrating the Year of the Mouse, the festival features Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, a Lucky Wishing Wall and expanded food choices. PHOTO JOSHUA SUDOCK/DISNEYLAND RESORT

Lunar New Year Festival Jan. 25 11 a.m. Pacific Asia Museum 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena Info https://pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu/ calendar/details/?event-id=32115054901456 Enjoy free admission to the galleries, live traditional performances in the courtyard, artmaking workshops, food trucks and more. Santa Monica Lunar New Year Jan. 25 2-5 p.m. Santa Monica Place 395 Santa Monica Place, Los Angeles Info www.santamonicaplace.com/Events/ Details/531641 Free performances and activities with comedian host Paul “PK” Kim. Includes a Chinese lion dance, Korean fan dance, stilt walkers, traditional dough artist, balloon twister, crafts and New Year’s Wishing Trees. Golden Dragon Parade and Chinese New Year Festival Feb. 11 p.m. Chinatown Central Plaza 943 N. Broadway, Los Angeles Info www.lagoldendragonparade.com Join in one of L.A.’s oldest traditions at the 121st Annual Chinese New Year parade and festival in LA’s Chinatown. See multi-stage acts including kung fu demos and traditional music acts. The Golden Dragon Parade, (1-3 p.m.) begins at Hill and Ord Streets and concludes at Broadway and Cesar Chavez.

1 4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 12, 2020

SPORTS

COC women’s hoops program finding its way home By Ryan Stuart Signal Staff Writer

COC’s Alexis Orellana (22) goes in to shoot against Mira Costa defender Aly Murray (22) at College of the Canyons. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

fter a tough pre-conference schedule that left the team with pretty much every game on the road, the College of the Canyons women’s basketball program is finding its winning ways. Even though their record is below .500, the Cougars (5-8) are still drawing attention as a contender, considered one of the best teams with a losing record in California right now by the other coach in the California Community College Athletic Association. “We got off to a bad start, and we had those two big wins against those highly ranked teams,” said longtime head coach Greg Herrick. “We’re still getting votes for the top-20 in the state, and the top-15 in (Southern California).” The Cougars started the season 2-4, before going into a four-game stretch of the toughest teams they have faced this season. The first two games were against Rio Hondo (13-5) and Allan Hancock (9-8). The Cougars lost 6359 and 70-67, respectively. However, Canyons bounced back from back-to-back losses with a win over then No. 7-ranked Pasadena City (11-2). The Cougars delivered the Lancers their second loss of the season 66-51 in Canyons’ home opener. Its lone home game this season was played at The Master’s University. Canyons closed out the four-game stretch with a second double-digit victory in two days. Once again, it took down another ranked opponent, this time No. 1 Ventura College (13-3). The Cougars gifted the Pirates their second loss of the season, as well. “We’ve only done that one other time since I’ve been here, beat No. 1,” Herrick said. “That was special because we did that on their floor.” The Cougars carried the momentum they had built into the next weekend and dominated Orange Coast, 73-38. The 35-point victory gave them a three-game winning streak, the team’s longest of the season. The next day, East Los Angeles snapped the Cougars’ winning streak

COC’s Cristian Patron (25) shoots against Mira Costa defender Victoria Wilson (10)

in a 73-72 heartbreaker in overtime. Canyons lost another close contest to West Los Angeles the next day to close out the Husky Classic, 65-61. “We’re playing these top-level teams pretty closely,” Herrick said. “We’re confident that we can play well against the best teams and we’ve got to start being a little more consistent.” Now, with conference play under way, the Cougars are looking to continue this momentum into the new year. The team is now averaging nearly 70 points per game (69.1), while giving up 61. With the team’s lone “home” outing a success against a top-ranked team, it’s no wonder there’s optimism on the COC sidelines about the team’s homecoming. Now that the players are able to practice on their own home court, which recently finished a renovation, Herrick expects the familiarity will help on a number of levels — especially if the team continues to hit its stride “We got to practice on it starting (last week),” Herrick said, noting the players weren’t the only one who appreciated the new court. “I think it gave the kids a little inspiration because it’s new and we haven’t been on it since last year. “When I walked in, it gave me that special feeling like I was home.”

J A N UA RY 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

AirPods’ tips and tricks you should know By Kim Komando Signal Contributing Writer

irPods were a holiday season top-seller, and if you haven’t already cut the cord on your earbuds, you can expect to do so soon. Small, sleek and Bluetooth-enabled, AirPods have turned regular old earphones into dynamic devices. If you do have a pair, here are a few other things you should know. 1. Use only one pod when in a pinch Although you can expect your AirPods to last several hours on a single charge, here’s a clever, quick fix for when you’re in a battery pinch. Leave one AirPod in the charging case while you use the other. Swap when necessary. 2. Put Siri to work for you If you installed the latest operating

system, Siri can read your incoming messages via your AirPods, using nothing but your voice. After listening to your messages, you also have the option to reply to texts with a voice command.

AirPods, you can also use this feature to locate your lost earbuds. When you need to find missing AirPods, go into your iPhone Settings, and tap your name. Click Find My and enable Find My iPhone and Send Last Location.

3. Share the AirPod love Because AirPods are wireless, you can opt to share the earbuds with someone else when listening to music or watching a movie. Even if you receive a phone call while sharing your earbuds, you both can hear the phone conversation. Do keep in mind because only one mic is active at a time; only one person can speak to the caller.

5. Know who’s calling without looking Thanks to your AirPods and Siri, you can hear who is calling without needing to check your iPhone. To enable this feature, go into your iPhone Settings and tap on “Phone,” then tap “Announce Calls” and select “Always.”

4. Find your lost AirPod Make it routine that when you are done using your AirPods, you drop them directly back into its charging case. Knowing that might not always happen, it’s essential to take precautionary steps now. If you have the “Find my iPhone” feature activated on your portable device and have paired it with your

6. Use your AirPods with non-Apple products Despite what you may think, AirPods are not exclusive to Apple products. You can use your earbuds with other iOS gear not logged into an iCloud account or with Android devices. With your AirPods in the closed case, open the lid, press and hold down the pairing button on the back of the case. Launch the Bluetooth settings on your device, the select AirPods to confirm pairing. To re-

TECHNOLOGY

pair with your iPhone when done, reselect AirPods within your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings. 7. Turn your AirPods into a makeshift hearing aid If you have ever had difficulty hearing someone during a conversation, AirPods can be your on-demand hearing aid. Apple introduced a feature, starting with iOS 12, called Live Listen. Once set up, you can place your iPhone closer to the person you want to hear, and the AirPods will produce clearer audio for you. To set up this feature, go into your iPhone Settings and click Control Center. Select Customize Controls and tap the plus sign next to Hearing. When ready, place the AirPods in your ears, and either swipe down your iPhone X (or newer) home screen or up on an iPhone 8 or older and click the ear icon. Tap Live Listen. For information on Kim Komando on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks, visit her at Komando.com.

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J A N UA RY 12, 2020

The Daily Harvest Cafe & Juicery 22722 Lyons Ave #6, Newhall (661) 383-9387

Nealie’s Skillet 25858 Tournament Road, Valencia (661) 678-0031

Eat Real Cafe 23414 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-2237 27530 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 254-2237

Newhall Refinery 24258 Main St, Newhall (661) 388-4477

Grilled Cheese Factory 24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 888-1508 Iconic Eats 23460 Cinema Dr, Valencia (661) 481-9404

AMERICAN Backwoods Inn 17846 W. Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 252-5522 The Backyard Grub n’ Brews 26509 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 286-1165 Bergie’s 16404 Delone Street, Canyon Country (661)251-3133 Black Angus 27007 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 288-2000

Black Bear Diner 23626 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 799-4820 Brooklyn Bar & Grill 25860 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 284-6057 The Cheesecake Factory 24250 Town Center Dr #110, Valencia (661) 286-1232 Claim Jumper 25740 The Old Road, Valencia (661) 254-2628 Crazy Otto’s Diner 25373 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 291-1733

Islands 24180 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 284-5903 Lazy Dog Cafe 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 253-9996 The Local Pub & Grill 26876 The Old Road Stevenson Ranch Ca 91381 661.495.9192 Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 284-5988 Marston’s Restaurant 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 253-9910

Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co 18810 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 252-7883 Route 66 Classic Grill 18730 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 298-1494 Saddle Ranch Chop House 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 383-0173 Salt Creek Grille 24415 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 222-9999 Souplantation 24303 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 286-1260 Stonefire Grill 23300 Cinema Drive, Valencia (661)799-8282 The Old Town Junction 24275 Main Street, Newhall (661) 702-4888 The Social 23329 Lyons Ave, Ste A, Valencia (661) 799-9155

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J A N UA RY 12, 2020

Thelma’s Cafe 22876 Copperhill Drive, Saugus (661) 263-8283 Wing Stop 18547 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-9700

BBQ Dickeys Barbecue Pit 18742 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 251-0840 L&L Hawaiian BBQ 18727 Via Princessa, Canyon Country (661) 251-8333 Lucille’s Bar-B-Que 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 255-1227 Q&Q Hawaiian BBQ 27530 Newhall Ranch Road #101, Santa Clarita (661) 383-9098 Rattler’s BBQ 26495 Golden Valley Road, Canyon Country (661) 251-4195 Smokehouse on Main 24255 Main St, Old Town Newhall (661) 888-4585 Wood Ranch Bar-B-Que & Grill 25580 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 222-9494

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH Casa Canela 27647 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 523-7282 Crazy Otto’s Diner 25373 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 291-1733 Egg Plantation 24415 Walnut Street, Newhall (661) 255-8222 Eggs N Things 27560 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 702-8664 Halfway House 15564 W. Sierra Highway, Saugus (661) 251-0102 Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 284-5988 Marston’s Restaurant 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 253-9910 Mimi’s Cafe 24201 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia (661) 255-5520 The Old Town Junction 24257 Main Street, Newhall (661) 702-4888 Saugus Cafe 25861 Railroad Avenue, Saugus (661) 259-7886

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

Way Station Coffee Shop 24377 Main Street, Newhall (661) 255-0222

Route 66 Classic Grill 18730 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 298-1494

Rustic Burger 24025 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 254-1300

BREWERIES BJ’s Restaurant 24320 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 288-1299 Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co. 18810 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 252-7883 Pocock Brewing Company 24907 Avenue Tibbits, Valencia (661) 775-4899 Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co. 27746 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 263-9653

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Panini Palace 23120 Lyons Ave., Santa Clarita (661) 678-0552 Pita Pit 28253 Newhall Ranch Road (661) 702-9977 Red Robin 27063 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 260-2411

*Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Limit 2. Free burgers will be sent to each shipping address that includes (59104). Standard S&H added per address. Not valid with other offers. Expires 2/29/20. All purchases subject to Omaha Steaks, Inc. Terms of Use & Privacy Policy: omahasteaks.com/terms-of-useOSI and omahasteaks.com/info/privacy-policy or call 1-800-2289872. Photos exemplary of product advertised. 19M1110-1

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DININGGUIDE Continued from previous page

BURGERS/SANDWICHES Rustic Eatery 25343 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 254-8100 Submarina California Subs 26517 Carl Boyer Drive, Canyon Country (661) 259-4782 The Habit 25948 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 291-1575 23120 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 678-0552 Tiny’s Submarine Sandwiches 27251 Camp Plenty Rd, Canyon Country (661) 251-5885

CHINESE China Express 19417 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-8783 Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-254-0351 Golden Wok Restaurant 16668 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 424-0888 Grand Panda 23802 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 253-1898 27924 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 297-9868 Mandarin Wong Chinese Restaurant 23758 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-5823 Moon Wok 23460 Cinema Drive Suite H, Valencia (661) 288-1898 New Moon 28281 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 257-4321 Pei Wei Asian Diner 24250 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-600-0132 Pick Up Stix 25960 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 288-2090 WaBa Grill 19120 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 367-7297 31739 Castaic Road, Castaic (661) 295 9222 Wok’s Cookin’ Chinese Restaurant 31565 Castaic Road, Castaic (661) 257-2890

CUBAN Hidden Havana Cuban Cafe 23548 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-4460

DELICATESSEN Bob’s Country Meats 19012 Soledad Cyn Rd, Canyon Country (661) 251-5995

Cathy’s Delicatessen 23120 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 288-2217

Kabuki 24045 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 799-8655

Casa Pasilla 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 295-1989

Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069

Kisho Japanese Teppan Grill & Revolving Sushi Bar 23430 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 284-3856

Dario’s Mexican Restaurant 24523 Newhall Avenue, Newhall (661) 255-6868

Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-6261 The Sandwich Shop 25530 W. Avenue Stanford, Valencia (661) 257-4811

FRENCH Le Chene French Cuisine 12625 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce (661) 251-4315

GREEK Gyromania 20655 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 252-4976

INDIAN An Indian Affaire 23360 W. Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 288-1200 Karma Restaurant, Bar & Lounge 23460 Cinema Drive, Valencia (661) 288-0080 Royal Tandoor 26532 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 263-7100

ITALIAN

Bella Cucina Ristorante Italiano 27911 Seco Canyon Rd, Saugus (661) 263-1414 Buca di Beppo 26940 Theater Drive, Valencia (661) 253-1900 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 259-6261 Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-3895 Olive Garden 27003 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 799-8161 Piccola Trattoria 18302 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 299-6952 Presto Pasta 24375 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia (661) 284-7737

JAPANESE & SUSHI

Masa Ramen 27051 McBean Pkwy, #101, Valencia (661) 254-4229 Sushi Song Japanese Restaurant 22896 Copper Hill Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 297-5659

KOREAN & MONGOLIAN Charcoal Korean BBQ Restaurant 19158 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-9292 Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-0351 Gogi House 26524 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 263-0048 Kogiya 2 Korean BBQ 23410 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 678-0999 Lee’s Korean BBQ & Tofu House 23360 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 254-2307 ZingGa Grill 26910 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita (661) 250-7592

MEDITERRANEAN Cafe O 20655 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 424-0401 Flame & Skewers 25870 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 799-7538 Grill Kabob 27653 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 263-7445 Kebab House 24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 799-5844 Manoushee Mediterranean Restaurant 27131 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country (661) 251-6666 Zankou Chicken 24463 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia (661) 705-7265

MEXICAN Azul Tequila 25387 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 254-5500

Achita Sushi 22913 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 476-5522

Betito’s Mexican 18902 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661)251-0557

I Love Sushi 26526 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-673-5200

Cabo Cabana Restaurant 25710 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 222-7022

El Trocadero Mesquite Grill & Cantina 24274 Main Street, Newhall (661) 284-6615 Las Rocas Mexican Grill 27923 Sloan Canyon Road Castaic (661) 257-6905 Medrano’s Mexican Restaurant 19319 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 367-4945

PIZZA Ameci Pizza & Pasta 28013 Seco Canyon, Santa Clarita (661) 296-6131 Chi Chi’s Pizza 27117 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 252-4405 23043 Soledad Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-4040 Guido’s Pizza & Pasta 26322 N. Friendly Valley Parkway, Newhall (661)252-4111 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Magic Pizza SCV 26870 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 291-1921 Mama Mia Pizza 25708 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 286-9183 Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-3895 Pizza Di Marco 27674 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia 661-295-8769 Tomato Joes Pizza & Taps 19167 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 250-7550 (805) 385-4444

POLISH Pierogi Spot 26511 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 254-4850

THAI Original Thai BBQ Restaurant 27530 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 257-6421

VIETNAMESE Pho Sure 23876 Copper Hill Drive, Valencia (661) 257-3888

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 19

FOOD

Tips for adding more seafood to your family’s menu

eafood can make for a healthy addition to diets, particularly for children. It improves body and brain function, and studies conducted by “Pediatrics” and the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” have linked seafood to reduced risks of heart disease and allergic conditions like asthma. In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture suggests making seafood part of healthy diets and its 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend putting it on menus at least twice a week. While there are common complaints, such as “my kids won’t like it” or “I don’t know how to prepare it,” these tips can help make it quick, easy and affordable to add nutritious seafood to your family’s menu. Start with shrimp. Shrimp is one of the most popular types of seafood in the United States. Try shrimp warm or cold as a snack, appetizer or main course. It’s versatile and can be sauteed, broiled, boiled, grilled or baked. Make it fun. Consider putting healthy fish like wild cod, salmon or pollock into fun foods like tacos or burgers. Buy frozen. Fish is now flash frozen at sea to lock in freshness. Frozen seafood meals add convenience and help cut down on waste because what you don’t use can go back in the freezer. Cook with your kids. If your kids don’t think they like seafood, have them help with dinner. Cooking with kids can help develop healthier long-term habits and a more adventurous palate. It also helps improve motor functions and confidence. In fact, a study published in “Pediatrics” shows getting

PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

children involved in meal preparation may increase their enjoyment of healthy foods. Pick the right products. To create a family-friendly menu, consider an option like Aqua Star’s Cutting Board meal kits, a selection of 10 recipes that include everything a family needs to prepare a tasty, healthy meal. Selections include tacos, flatbreads and comfort favorites. With pre-portioned ingredients for quick preparation and cleanup, they make it easy for parents and kids to create their own restaurant-quality meals. Eat at home. Eating out often can drive un-

healthy eating habits and strain family budgets. Seafood is easy and convenient to make, whether you use a simple recipe like these Chipotle Shrimp Street Tacos or choose a convenient meal kit, and can help you spend more time together at the dinner table. Find more tips and recipes to add seafood to your family’s table at aquastar.com.

Chipotle Shrimp Street Tacos Total time 20 minutes Servings 2 1 Aqua Star Chipotle Shrimp Street Tacos Meal Kit, including: creamy ancho chili sauce Aqua Star shrimp chipotle seasoning spinach corn roasted tomato white corn tortillas 2 teaspoons cooking oil, divided Submerge unopened sauce packet in bowl of water to thaw. In large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil; add shrimp and cook 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fluid and add chipotle seasoning. In medium skillet, heat remaining oil; add spinach, corn and roasted tomato. Cook 4-5 minutes until water is evaporated; set aside. In microwave, warm tortillas in moist paper towel 30 seconds.

PHOTO COURTESY AQUA STAR

To build tacos, fill two tortillas with shrimp and vegetables then top with sauce.

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

War makes another appearance in Santa Clarita By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

n what’s becoming a winter season tradition, the time-honored legends of American music, War, returns to the Santa Clarita Valley later this month. While pigeonholing them in a genre might be difficult, it’s easy to enjoy the timeless classics they’ve brought us, including hits like “Spill the Wine,”

“The World is a Ghetto,” “Lowrider” and “The Cisco Kid.” After Burdon split in 1970, War went solo and achieved massive success over the next decade-plus with albums like “All Day Music,” “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 group still plays about 150 tour dates a year, according to its website, with a lineup that stays true to the band’s original sound. Celebrating more than a half-century of hits that

are still enjoyed on the radio today, a great selection from their catalogue can be enjoyed live when the band comes to town on Jan. 24. Find 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.

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

Entertainment alert 2020 —

Mark your calendar for these ‘can’t-miss dates’ By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

he New Year in Southern California promises to be full of great shows, film, television and music. Here’s a few highlights to mark on your calendar for the first part of 2020.

January

“Star Trek: Picard” CBS All Access — Jan. 23 Patrick Stewart’s Jean-Luc Picard is back in “Star Trek: Picard.” Unfortunately, the series is only available to subscribers of the CBS All Access streaming service. Season 1 is scheduled to have 10 episodes which drop on Thursdays. Expect to see other characters from the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” franchise make appearances on the show.

February

The 92nd Academy Awards ABC — Feb. 9, 5 p.m. The annual Oscar ceremony will be televised live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. No host has been announced for the event, which went hostless last year. Travis Tritt Solo Acoustic Show Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd. Valencia Tickets $59-$79. Info www3.canyons.edu/Offices/PIO/CanyonsPAC/tritt.html Enjoy two-time Grammy and Country Music Association Award-winning country legend Travis Tritt in a special evening of music. Tritt’s stories and anecdotes about his life and musical influences punctuate this intimate performance of some of his biggest hits, including “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive” and “Best of Intentions.”

March

Auto Club 400 March 1 Auto Club Speedway 9300 Cherry Ave., Fontana Info https://www.autoclubspeedway.com/Ticketsand-Events/Events/Auto-Club-400.aspx The only NASCAR event held in Southern California. The annual event offers five-wide racing, live music, great food, Monster Energy stunt shows and more. Tickets now on sale from $45. “Hamilton” March 12-Sept. 20 Pantages Theatre 6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles Info www.hollywoodpantages.com “Hamilton” is the story of America’s Founding

Patrick Stewart as Picard on CBS All Access. PHOTO CREDIT MATT KENNEDY/CBS

Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Winner of the 2016 Tony Award for Best Musical. It features a score that blends various musical genres including hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway.

April Celine Dion “Courage World Tour” April 2-3 7:30 p.m. Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles Info www.celinedion.com This is Celine Dion’s first world tour in more than a decade, since her Taking Chances World Tour. She released her latest English language album “Courage” in November. Coachella April 10-12, 17-19 Empire Polo Club 81800 51st Ave., Indio Info www.coachella.com The Coachella Music Festival is so popular, and so well known, it is called by only one name, Coachella. Tickets for the event, which runs over two weeks are only available by signing up on the waitlist. The Eagles “Hotel California 2020 Tour” April 17-18, 24 8 p.m. The Forum 3900 W. Manchester Blvd. Inglewood Info https://eagles.com The Eagles return to the Forum to perform their iconic “Hotel California” album in its entirety, plus their greatest hits.

Coachella Valley Music Festival draws large crowds in Indio. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

Stagecoach: California’s Country Music Festival April 24-26 Empire Polo Club 81800 51st Ave., Indio Info www.stagecoachfestival.com Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Alan Jackson, Billy Ray Cyrus and Marty Stuart are among the dozens of performers and entertainers scheduled to appear at Stagecoach 2020.

May

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy May 8, 9 p.m. The Canyon 24201 Valencia Blvd #1351 Santa Clarita Info https://wheremusicmeets thesoul.com/events/big-bad-voodoo-daddy-santaclarita-may More than 25 years after Big Bad Voodoo Daddy arrived on the music scene the original members of the band are still making it “cool to swing.” Tickets: $38-$58.

June

“Wonder Woman 1984” Scheduled release date: June 5 Theaters nationwide The sequel to the 2017 “Wonder Woman” blockbuster movie stars Gal Gadot as Diana Prince.

July

Taylor Swift “Lover Fest West” July 25-26, 7 p.m. SoFi Stadium 1000 S. Prairie Ave., Inglewood Info taylorswift.com/lover-concert-dates-2020 Taylor Swift will make history as the first womanw to perform the opening concert at an NFL stadium. The music event will mark the opening of the NFL stadium, which is set to be the new home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers.

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THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

ONGOING

= Family Friendly Event

story. This is the story of the Puffs... who just happened to be there, too. The MAIN, 24266 Main Street., Newhall. Tickets: $15 students/ Thursdays, 4-9 p.m. The Vegan Exchange seniors, $18 general admission. Ticket information available at santa-clarita.com. SCV at Wolf Creek Brewery is a weekly 100% Sunday, Jan. 12, noon to 1:30 vegan market featuring local food, beverp.m. CBS Film Series presents the age, apparel, cosmetics and lifestyle vendors. Pocock Brewing Company, 24907 Ave. Tibbitts, documentary “Sustainable Nation,” which follows three individuals who are doing their Suite B, Santa Clarita. Info: veganexchange part to bring water solutions to an inevents.com/vxscv creasingly thirsty planet. The work of this Fridays, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. House music visionary trio will highlight the connecall night long. Alchemy presents Casa de tion between food, energy and water. House Friday Nights at Alchemy Valencia. $5 including lunch and popcorn. 21430 Enjoy the DJs Monaco DJ and Gatsby. Centre Pointe Pkwy, Santa Clarita. Info: (661) Alchemy Valencia, 24501 Town Center Drive, 254-2411, cbsfilmseries@gmail.com Suite 101, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ Thursday, Jan. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m. events/511923576223628/?event_time_ Come to this meeting of the SCV id=511930999556219 Library’s science fiction and fantasy book Saturdays, 10:30-11:45 a.m. club, Worlds of Whimsy. This month’s book Come and enjoy group drumming is “Howl’s Moving Castle.” 23743 Valencia with your family at our Kids Rhythm Club. Blvd, Santa Clarita Info: santaclaritalibrary. Our 45 minute drumming session helps build evanced.info/signup/Calendar self-confidence, self-esteem, expands Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, 7-10 p.m. The the musical imagination and nurtures City of Santa Clarita invites the public to creative thinking. All ages and levels of a free artist reception for the latest ability are welcome. Drums and percussion exhibition at The MAIN in Old Town Newhall. instruments provided at no extra cost and Enjoy light appetizers and meet the reservations are not required. Adults $5, kids artists featured in the newest exhibition 12 and under free. Remo Music Center, 28101 ‘Presto! The Art of Magic and Fantasy.’ Industry Drive, Valencia. Info: remo.com/ This exhibition will feature a variety experience/post/kids-rhythm-club-remoof art styles using magic, myths and music-center-2 fantasy as the inspiration/theme. 24266 Main Street, Newhall. Info: facebook.com/ EVENTS BY DATE events/826043234505473/ Sunday, January 12 at 2-4 Friday, Jan. 17, 7-10 p.m. Welcome to p.m. For seven years, a certain the Game Room. We’ll have several tables boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School setup for gameplay so feel free to stay for as and conquered evil. This, however, is not his little or as long as you like this evening. You can borrow one of our games or bring SHOWER DOOR SPECIALIST your own to play. Meet up with friends Sliding TuborEnclosure make some new ones! All game play Chrome with 1/4” Clearwill Glass be on a first-come, first-served basis. CONGRATULATIONS to LOUIS PERRY for correctly Standard Sizes Members free, nonmember $5. Geek Girls identifying OMAHA STEAKS $ HQ, 24509 Walnut St., no. 203 Newhall. Info: Identify this advertiser and the page number in this week’s only geekgirlsforever.com issue, and you will be entered to win a $100 gift certificate for installation included a local restaurant. One game and one winner each week. Saturday, Jan. 18, 9 a.m. to noon FREE In-Home Whether you’re a university student, high Consultation Mail your entry to The Signal – Contest school athlete or Santa Clarita local, you are 26330 Diamond Place | Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Over 25 years in business a vital member of our community and we’re Or email contest@signalscv.com 661.298.0261 toA,invite you back to The Master’s 26858 Ruetherexcited Ave, Unit 91351 for the annual Winter 5K! Advertiser: _____________________________ Page # ______Saugus, CAUniversity www.ValenciaCustomShowerDoors.com We’ve partnered with Fleet Feet Encino Lic #852216 Name: _____________________________________________ to provide the overall male and female Address: ___________________________________________ winners with a free pair of shoes and the second and third place winners with Phone: _____________________________________________ gift cards. $30. 21726 Placerita Canyon This week’s entries are due Wed. January 15 Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ Winner to be announced in 2 weeks. events/469134060388350/

Daily through Jan. 12 Join the L.A. Kings for their Holiday Ice Rink. Make the most out of the holiday season by skating with your family and friends at Westfield Valencia Town Center. Skate rental included in general admission ticket. General admission $17, Seniors and children 6 and below $14. 24201 West, Valencia Blvd, Valencia. Info: lakingsholidayice.com/westfield-valencia/ Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. California farmers and specialty food purveyors come together rain or shine, to bring you a farmers’ market with the finest in fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, including organic, baked goods, flowers, herbs, cheeses and prepared foods. Old Town Newhall, 24500 Main St., Newhall. Info: oldtownnewhall. com/old-town-newhall-farmers-market Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to noon The Santa Clarita Certified Farmers’ Market offers locals a breakfast prepared onsite from one of the market’s several food vendors, or you can try some of our wonderful artisan bakery products. Open yearround, rain or shine. College of the Canyons, Parking Lot 5, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: vccfarmersmarkets.com/ santa-clarita Mondays, 11-11:45 a.m. Want a more enchanting way to read with your child? Join House of Bounce for Princess Storytime. Foster a lifelong love of reading as your child joins a live character guest for stories, bubbles, dancing and crafts. 24201 Valencia Blvd #2312,

WIN

Valencia, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ events/2033908346914148/?event_time_ id=2033908453580804

WIN

! WIN

525

Saturday, Jan.18 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Barbie is hitting the road with the Barbie Truck Totally Throwback Tour, celebrating her 60-year iconic heritage and the fans who love her. Come check out limited edition retro-inspired Barbie merch and customizable airbrush station that’s only available at the truck. Westfield Valencia Town Center, 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia, Santa Clarita. Info: barbie.com/barbietruck Sunday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Painting with a Twist Santa Clarita will have our very first art show in support of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles! There will be hundreds of paintings to choose from so don’t miss out! 19115 Golden Valley Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: paintingwithatwist.com/ studio/santa-clarita Monday, Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m. Annie Hoffman will demonstrate oil painting at the meeting of the Santa Clarita Artists Association. Hoffman will discuss color saturation, broken color, limited palette, atmosphere and space. The meeting is free and open to the public. Barnes and Noble, 23630 Valencia Blvd. Santa Clarita. Info: santaclaritaartists.org Friday, Jan . 24, 5-6 p.m. The Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Public Library is hosting an ASL story time event! This one hour event will be a feast for the eyes and include rhymes and rhythms tailored to young signing children, movement activities, and a few stories produced in ASL. All storytime activities will be conducted in ASL. If your child is deaf or you have a CODA child who knows ASL we would love to have you join us. We hope to see you there! 18601 Soledad Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita. Info: santaclaritalibrary.evanced.info/signup/ calendar Friday, Jan. 24, 7:30-10 p.m. Take an unforgettable journey through the Polynesian Islands with Kalakeke Pacific Island Dance Company with the “SCENES Music Series:A Journey through the Polynesian Islands.” Enjoy the exciting drumbeats and exotic dances of Ori Tahiti; appreciate the graceful and melodic story telling of the Hawaiian Hula; connect with your inner warrior while witnessing the mighty Maori Kapa Haka chant and poi balls from New Zealand. Have fun with the island of the happy people as we present the high energy Samoan Sasa. $15-$20. The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Santa Clarita. Info: atthemain.org/tickets/

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 23

How parents can approach raising gamers

K I D S & FA M I LY

aming is a popular activity across the globe. Studies have shown that more than one billion people across the globe play some type of video game every day, and the number of gamers is growing every day. In fact, the market and consumer data provider Statista estimates there will be 2.7 billion gamers by 2021. Such prevalence can make it hard for parents to govern their youngsters’ gaming habits. As difficult as it can be to get kids to put their controllers down, the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that time spent gaming can take away from the time kids spend on other pursuits, including healthy activities like exercising and reading. That’s part of the reason why the AAP recommends limiting the time kids spend gaming to no more than one hour per day. In addition to limiting how much time kids spend gaming, parents can take these steps to make sure kids’ gaming experiences are as positive as possible. • Familiarize yourself with a game’s content before allowing kids to play it. Parents should be concerned by how long their youngsters play video games, and also by the content of those games. First-person shooter games remain incredibly popular, but such games can have an adverse effect on young players. The AAP notes that studies have shown that children exposed to virtual violence, such as that depicted in first-person shooter games, and violent media have shown that they may become numb to violence and even imitate the violence. Parents should always vet a game before allowing their children to play

Parents can take these steps to make sure kids’ gaming experiences are as positive as possible.

it. Make sure its content is not too mature and/or violent for children. • Confirm ESRB ratings. Parents of young children likely don’t allow their youngsters to watch R-rated films, but they might not know that a similar rating system exists for video games. ESRB ratings help parents make informed decisions about the video games and the apps their children play. The ratings, which are broken down at www.esrb.org, are included on game packaging labels and let parents know how appropriate or inappropriate a game may be for children. Founded by the Interactive Digital

Software Association in 1994, the ESRB notes that 61 percent of its ratings for physical and console downloadable video games in 208 were rated either E (Everyone) or E10+ (Everyone 10+). That means parents of children under 10 have many age-appropriate game options when buying games for their kids. • Keep consoles in common areas. By limiting gaming to common areas in the home, parents can more closely monitor how much time their youngsters are spending playing games. The AAP recommends parents designate handheld games as “family property” as opposed to items each

child “owns.” This can help parents make sure such devices are kept in common areas at all times. • Play with children. Another way parents can monitor what their kids are playing and how long they’re playing for is to play with them. Multiple player games are very popular, and parents can use that popularity to more effectively manage their kids’ gaming habits. Parents may face some challenges as they try to govern their kids’ gaming habits. But various strategies can help moms and dads keep tabs on those habits. (MC)

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K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Keeping family resolutions in 2020 By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

ast month’s holiday celebrations have passed, but perhaps one tradition hangs on. How many of us have put into practice the resolutions we shared with others before the stroke of midnight New Year’s Eve? Hmmm, not as easy to accomplish as hoped? With the flurry of family life, the days slip by, don’t they? But it’s still January, a fresh time to think about those resolutions, maybe reset them and talk with your kids about the possibilities that 2020 holds. Set realistic goals with action plans you can put in motion. Write them down, or

encourage your kids to express them creatively in drawings. I recently was inspired by my cousin’s 6-year-old grandson Gavin’s artwork hanging on her kitchen wall. He didn’t just say what his resolutions for 2020 were, he drew them. The “selfie” sketch depicted him guarding the goal for his youth hockey team with a background crowd cheering him on. He told me his “goalie goals” were to “be on time, skate well and do my best.” This positive athletic boy motivated me to look at possibilities big and small for 2020. How about you, especially when it comes to family time? Consider these ideas for setting family goals. Maybe you have others.

Write down or draw them, and may they inspire and encourage you.

Eat dinner together

Designate evenings for your family to sit down at the table and share a meal. Get the kids involved with age-appropriate tasks, and get cooking. Did you get a gadget or appliance for a holiday gift? Don’t stash it away for another day. Use it together. For example, if you got a spiralizer, look for recipes using fresh vegetables you can transform into fun pasta-like noodles for a healthy start to the year.

Exercise together

Get ready to hop, skip and jump! Find common interests and commit

CLIP N SAVE Elementary School Menus Menus courtesy of Santa Clarita Valley School Food Services which serves these school districts: Castaic USD • Newhall USD • Saugus USD • Sulphur Springs USD

(choice of one entree, seasonal fruit and milk)

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

Monday, Jan. 13

Breakfast Burrito Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes Chicken Sandwich Spicy Chicken Sandwich Cheesy Stix & Marinara Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar

Tuesday, Jan. 14

Yogurt & Crackers Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Chicken Taco Mini Corn Dogs-chicken Dippin’ Chicken Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Brownie Cup Brunch for Lunch: Maple Burst’n Mini Pancakes & Sausage Patties Chicken Nuggets Cheesy Bean Burrito Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Chocolate Chip Cookie

Wednesday, Jan. 15 Thursday, Jan. 16 Friday, Jan. 17

Breakfast Quesadilla Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Fruit Juice Pancake Sausage Stick Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Breakfast Bagel Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

Teriyaki Chicken/Rice Dippin’ Chicken Deli Sandwich-turkey Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Frozen Peach Cup BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich Chicken Nuggets PBJ Sandwich & String Cheese Smart Choice Pizza Manager’s Choice Seasonal Salad Bar

Gavin Johnson, 6, drew his hockey resolution to be a good goalie for his team.

time to movement — even spontaneously. Did it snow last night? Or is it raining today? Put on your boots and walk or snowshoe to your local store instead of driving when you need a few groceries.

Play together

Make play a part of every day. Sounds easy and natural, and it is — especially when kids lead the way in finding playful moments. When you return from work and your child has a fun game for you to try, toss your to-do list aside for a bit, turn off your phone and take the opportunity to find silly or lighthearted ways to connect with your child. 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 Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.” © 2020 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

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J A N UA RY 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

Three tips to help in finding a lost dog

PETS

donating a portion of its dog-walking proceeds to GreaterGood.org’s Rescue Bank. For more information,visit tag.wagwalking.com/shelter.

Before your dog ever goes missing, you can help protect your pup. Leverage innovative technology designed to reunite dogs with the people who love them, like the recently launched Wag! Tag, a smarter dog tag from the dog walking and sitting app Wag! Pet parents can use their smartphones to scan the unique code found on the tag to create a profile for their dog with important information, such as emergency and veterinary contacts, vaccination history, food and medicine allergies, and other relevant

Of course, don’t neglect the traditional tactic of pounding the pavement, asking your neighbors if they’ve seen your pup, as well as posting fliers in highly-trafficked areas in your community. Be sure to include a recent high-resolution picture of your pet. And of course, keep your eyes open! You can imagine the heartbreak that a lost pup brings. Luckily, new technology as well as old-fashioned neighborly networking, can help ensure a happy reunion. (Statepoint)

ogs are important and adored members of their families, however, millions go missing every year. The reasons are varied and probably not all that surprising. Regardless of how a dog is lost, what matters most is getting your pup back home. Here are three important steps to take before and after a dog goes missing:

Use social media to get out the word. Post to your own feed, asking friends and neighbors to share your post. Reach a wider audience by sharing your post on the pages of local community groups.

notes. If your dog ever goes missing, the person who finds your pup can scan the Wag! Tag with their smartphone to access the dog’s profile and contact you. “Our love for dogs is what led us to launch the Wag! Tag,” says Wag! CEO, Hilary Schneider. “A smarter dog tag will help a lost pup return home more quickly by allowing a pet parent to

share a lot more information than is possible with a traditional dog tag.” Wag! is launching the tags by first providing them free to animal shelters and rescue organizations to help ensure that once rescue dogs find forever homes, they can be quickly reunited with their families if they ever go missing. The company has a long commitment to helping shelter dogs,

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J A N UA RY 12, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Appreciating all that is the Santa Clarita Valley By Vivianna Shields Signal Staff Writer

he Santa Clarita Valley has more than 250,000 residents, and while longtime locals embrace rural roots and a small-town feel, there’s no denying Santa Clarita has become the third-largest city by population in L.A. County. And even with a constant influx, there are unifying characteristics and experiences shared among SCV residents. While local comedian Jeff Johnson is quick to quip about SCV residents’ well-known complaints — the longing for a nearby Porto’s or the brief traffic disturbance when the annual Amgen Tour of California rolls through town — all in all, these are also the things many enjoy about the area: the proximity to L.A. and the miles of picturesque trails. Randy Lubas, local comedian from the J.R.’s Comedy Club located in Mimi’s Cafe, also jokingly offered up a few telltale tongue-in-cheek signs of a Santa Claritan: “They look like they’ve endured a large portion of their life in traffic, and still after years of living here they cannot distinguish the boundaries between all the towns in Santa Clarita,” Lubas joked. The various communities of the SCV, from Agua Dulce to Val Verde, and all the others in between, offer their own respective sources of pride for residents. So it’s important that you don’t get them confused — although at times, it’s understandable. On a stretch of The Old Road for example, you can be in Valencia on the east side of the street and in Stevenson Ranch on the other. The same goes for the Valencia Commerce Center, which is just west of the Castaic Union School District offices, and the Valencia Marketplace, which is the aforementioned stretch of The Old Road. They’re both technically Valencia because the property was originally owned by Newhall Land, which master-planned “Valencia” in the 1960s. But for most, like Mayor Cameron Smyth, the names come second to the community and the sense of familiarity so many feel with the area

Whether it’s a peloton on the trail in nature or a trail of traffic lights on the freeway, Santa Clarita Valley residents agree that closeness and a sense of community are part of the shared SCV experience. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

— the kindred SCV spirit and shared experiences. “People who grow up here usually live among people they grew up and went to high school or elementary school with,” said Cameron Smyth, mayor of Santa Clarita and long-time Santa Clarita resident. And many longtime residents were here before long before there was a city of Santa Clarita. For example, Councilwoman Laurene Weste has lived in Santa Clarita all her life. “All our kids, myself included, know their local history by third or fourth grade,” said Weste. “These are all things we know as Santa Clarita residents because it is part of who we are.” Weste recalls learning about William S. Hart and visiting his home, now a museum, and historic park. Hart Park is now home to many community events that bring the city together each year. Generations after his death, he is still remembered and most of the youth in Santa Clarita can tell you a bit about the silent-movie star, even if they’ve never seen a movie. “Santa Clarita has so much history and we are all taught it from a young age,” said Smyth. “We all know our history in Santa Clarita, I know it, and now my kids are learning it now.”

Smyth has also lived in Santa Clarita his whole life. “I joke that I couldn’t have been born here since there wasn’t a hospital built yet,” said Smyth. Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital was not established until August of 1975. For those born in Santa Clarita before it was founded, their only options were neighboring hospitals like Providence Holy Cross Medical Center — Mission Hills. This story is true for many others who were living in the Santa Clarita area prior to Henry Mayo’s opening. After 1975, Henry Mayo has become a generational landmark for many families in the city. “So many people here in Santa Clarita share similar backgrounds and interests, which really unites us,” said Smyth. “I was raised here and now I’m raising my kids here.” The city is unique for its unending willingness to help one another, a quality that is observed by others out of the city, Weste said. “We network well and try very hard to bring resolutions to things

that are both necessary and helpful,” said Weste. “Sometimes, we tackle situations that are difficult, but we tend to always do them together as a community.” Santa Clarita works to help one another and create a better experience for everyone who inhabits the city. “Santa Clarita is a community that loves to give back,” said Smyth. During the city’s lifetime, it has garnered different achievements, even some recognized nationwide. “Everyone in Santa Clarita knows about our trail system, it is noted nationwide,” said Weste. “We also have some of the best open spaces in California for an urban area.” One of the things that attracts so many to the area is the proximity to so many different types of climates and locales. There’s a lot to enjoy, if one is ready for it. “If they are surprised to see construction on the Interstate 5 or don’t have wardrobe suitable for (a temperature range of) 110 degrees to 29 degrees,” Lubas added, “they probably aren’t from Santa Clarita.”

J A N UA RY 12, 2020

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SENIORLIVING

We Love to Help Don’t get caught off guard by glaucoma

ision should never be taken for granted. Appreciating one’s sense of sight involves scheduling routine eye exams and taking steps to protect one’s eyes. But safeguarding vision also involves understanding the various conditions that can affect eye health. Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that can lead to progressive damage to the optic nerve. People who experience glaucoma can lose nerve tissue and eventually suffer vision loss. Understanding what contributes to glaucoma can help people take the steps necessary to reduce their risk. The American Optometric Association says that glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 60 — although it can occur at any age. The Mayo Clinic states that many forms of glaucoma produce no warning signs and changes in vision may occur so gradually they are not detected until the condition has reached an advanced stage. There are various types of glaucoma. However, primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form, affecting about three million Americans, indicates the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Primary open-angle glaucoma occurs when the eye’s drainage canals become clogged over time and fluid cannot drain out of the eye. As a result, intraocular pressure rises and damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting signals from the eye to the brain. People with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans over age 40 and Hispanics over the age of 60 have an increased risk, says

the AOA. Those with thin corneas, which is the outer layer of the eye, also are at an elevated risk of developing glaucoma. A less common type of glaucoma is called acute-closure glaucoma, which occurs due to an abrupt and rapid increase of eye pressure. This is an emergency situation that requires prompt care to prevent vision loss. An eye doctor will conduct various tests to determine if a patient is at risk for glaucoma. The Mayo Clinic says tonometry is commonly used to measures intraocular pressure. During this test, the eye surface will be anesthetized with special drops. A tonometer will be applied lightly to the cornea, indenting it slightly. The resistance will be measured and calculated to determine if pressure is present. Other tests include the following: • imaging tests that look for optic nerve damage that involve a dilated eye examination; • visual field tests to check for areas of vision loss; • pachymetry, which measures corneal thickness; and • an inspection of the drainage angle of the eye. The effects of glaucoma cannot be reversed, but glaucoma can be caught early. Medications and lifestyle changes, like more frequent eye exams, can improve symptoms. Prescription eye drops can reduce the production of aqueous humor (fluid) in the eye and improve outflow of that fluid. Oral medications and surgery are other options as well. (MC)

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J A N UA RY 12, 2020

Seven ideas to improve curb appeal

PHOTO COURTESY NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE REMODELING INDUSTRY

hether you’re hoping to sell in the near future or simply looking to touch up outdated areas, there’s one aspect of home maintenance most homeowners agree is important: curb appeal. It’s a broad term that may reference any number of visible features, meaning there are plenty of ways to enhance the appearance of your house. Consider these ideas — some big, some small — for bringing new life to your home’s look from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Swap out your front door

impression. Upgrading to a heavier, bolder door or simply repainting the existing threshold can capture positive attention. Alternately, swapping out hardware for a more eye-catching look is an easy way to achieve a fresh facelift.

varieties require intense care to grow the way you envision and may adhere to seasonal weather patterns for optimal appearance. For a quicker result, shop around for fully mature shrubs and plants that can withstand elements throughout the year.

Create seating areas

Rethink the mailbox

Plant shrubbery

Add stonework

A welcoming home is typically an attractive one, and there are few better ways to create a cozy vibe than a seating or gathering area on the porch. Whether it’s the classic porch swing or chairs and a coffee table suitable for the outdoors, a small zone ideal for conversation and camaraderie can help create an at-home appearance.

As one of the first things a guest, passerby or potential homebuyer may notice, the front door is the gateway to your home and a likely opening

Billowing trees and blooming flowers are certainly eye-catching accessories outside a home, but many

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veneer for a natural appearance. If changing your facade isn’t in the plans, less complicated ideas like pavers, brick sidewalks and landscape rings are ways to introduce a classic touch.

Paint (or repaint) the exterior

Changing the exterior paint color of a home is one of the most popular renovation projects, and one of the first that comes to mind for many homeowners. Simply altering the colors of trim, gutters and other accent pieces may be enough for some homes, and repainting the exterior doesn’t have to mean a new color altogether - consider a brighter shade or simply a fresh coat to help your home pop.

Update lighting

Light fixtures come in all shapes and sizes, and many times the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While updated porch illumination may not drive home a potential sale, it’s a subtle touch right as guests arrive. Adding smaller lights in previously unlit areas like around landscaping (consider solar-powered for easier maintenance) can help your hard work shine. To find more ideas to increase curb appeal, or to find a certified remodeler near you, visit RemodelingDoneRight. com. (Family Features)

J A N UA RY 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 29

T R AV E L

Plan your 2020 food festival adventures By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

t’s time to make plans to explore the many culinary delights offered throughout the Golden State in 2020. Some food festivals sell out well in advance. Now is the time to make your travel and lodging plans for a stress-free foodie experience. Here’s a roundup of a few of the “best” California food and wine festivals, as deemed by national culinary experts.

Jan. 24-Feb. 2

Mendocino Crab & Wine Days Info http://www.mendocino.com/mendocinocrab-wine-days-festival.html Among the nation’s top seafood and wine festivals, this 10-day food celebration coincides with winter’s Dungeness crab season. Events include numerous all-you-can-eat crab feeds, winemaker dinners, crab cruises, cooking classes, family-style cioppino feeds VISIT CALIFORNIA and a crab cake cook-off contest. Special events include: Crab and sake dinner at the Little River Inn, Crab & Crémant on the scenic Skunk Train, barrel tastings, farm-to-table wine pairings and winemaker dinners.

Feb. 22-23

The 39th Annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook Off & Festival Info www.beachboardwalk.com/Clam-ChowderCook-Off Join talented chefs from throughout Northern California as they compete for the glory of the “Best Clam Chowder.” More than just a culinary competition, the fun event has featured participants dressed as scuba divers, mermaids, and even as a clam fairy. Admission is free; visitors may purchase Tasting Kits ($10) to sample five different chowders.

California Wine and Food Festival Adventures

A few of the 'Best' for 2020

March 27-29

The 10th Annual Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival Info www.palmdesertfoodandwine.com This festival includes mouth-watering eats, premium wines, hands-on cooking demonstrations and a roster of the nation’s top chefs, vintners and brewmasters, including Carla Hall, Elizabeth Falkner and Curtis Stone. The fête begins with a James Beard Gourmet Four-Course Luncheon prepared by culinary virtuosos and will be followed by two days of grand tastings and a chance to sample more than 60 wines, unique craft brews, IPAs and draught ciders.

April 16-19

Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival Info www.pbfw.com The Pebble Beach Food and Wine is the premier epicurean lifestyle event held on the West Coast, matching 250 acclaimed wineries and 100 celebrity chefs to create a four-day “foodie” destination on

Feb. 28-April 21

Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Info disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/ disney-california-adventure/food-and-wine-festival You might not think of going to a food festival at a theme park, but the Disney Resorts California Adventure event earns high marks for creativity and quality. In addition to tasty bites and wine and beer tasting, the festival includes live entertainment and family friendly programming, including Jammin’ Chefs, Jr. Chef, Family Time with Daniella Malfitano, craft stations throughout the festival and culinary demonstrations. Disney and celebrity chefs will be featured on weekends.

one of the most picturesque strips of coastline in the world. Throughout the long weekend, enjoy intimate access to the pinnacle of culinary and wine talent at wine tastings, cooking demos and some of the most exclusive, unique dining opportunities available in the world. It’s all held at venues around Pebble Beach, located between Monterey and Carmel.

April 18

California Wine Festival Dana Point Info www.californiawinefestival.com/dana-point The quintessential California wine tasting experience with sun, sea, food, wine and music, all comes together at this sun-splashed wine fest overlooking the beach in palm-lined Lantern Bay Park in Dana Point in Orange County. Wine lovers find hundreds of fine wines, regional craft brews and a dizzying variety of foods to sample in the Camelot-like white-topped tent village next to the Pacific Ocean. Artisanal cheeses, breads, olive oil, as well as shellfish, salads, chocolates, cakes and live entertainment make this an all-day feast for the senses.

May 22-24

Annual Long Beach Crawfish Festival Info www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com The Long Beach Crawfish Festival serves up Cajun Crawfish dinners in the world’s largest crawfish pots. The feasts COURTESY PHOTO include red baby potatoes, corn on the cob and remoulade dipping sauce. Dance to rousing Cajun and Zydeco bands, join the Second Line Dancing Parade and enjoy the food, beach bars and culture of the Big Easy at the nation’s largest Crawfish Festival experience outside of Louisiana.

May 30-31

Annual Artichoke Food & Wine Festival Info https://artichokefestival.org Travel to Castroville, near Monterey, for everything artichoke. Includes: Agro art competition, parade, live music and children’s activities. Artichokes fried, sautéed, grilled, marinated, pickled, fresh and creamed in soup. Cooking demos, wine tasting, farmer’s market, arts, crafts and field tours to the artichoke patch.

July 17-26

Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival includes live entertainment and family friendly programming. PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY RESORTS

Festival Napa Valley Info https://festivalnapavalley.org This annual celebration of food and wine offers a variety of events, including classical music. The highlight of the Festival is the Taste of Napa event which features food, wine and live entertainment.

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J A N UA RY 12, 2020

TIMERANGER

When Tarzan Played the SCV in Baseball I shouldn’t mention the word, “apes” above a whisper. Might spook the horses. BUT, on this beautiful Sunday morn trail ride into the Santa Clarita Valley lore of yesteryear, we are not only going to bump into some (lowering the voice) “apes,” but the bona fide Lord of them. Plus, there’s an entire passel of the usual crooks, politicians, gee whiz SCV cocktail party trivia, man’s inhumanity to man and a stroll down memory lane for our childhood pal, Andy Allensworth… Oh. Small thing for some of you firsttime newcomer riders? As you sit tall in the saddle, you should NOT be gazing upon a tail about a yard into the horizon, rather, a couple of ears, occasionally twitching and certainly not pinned flat back. C’mon. Let’s go see them apes… WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• Had it with Newhall. We’re moving to Newhall. On Jan. 15, 1878, Three years later, same day as above, the entire town of Newhall moved lock, stock and barrel from where Bouquet Junction is today to about where 6th Street and Main is today. This gets confusing, so hold onto hats and saddlehorns. The town of Newhall was ORIGINALLY built in 1878 — where the Saugus Café sits today. After Newhall moved, people created a new town called Saugus, which changed its name to Surrey, which changed its name back to Saugus. (SIDEBAR: Historian A.B. Perkins once referred to the original location of Newhall as the intersection of Seco and Bouquet Canyon roads.) • We assure you. It was in Newhall. And on Jan. 17, 1915, the first Catholic parish was dedicated near Walnut and Lyons today. Of course, we’ve had a Catholic church of sorts operating here since the early 1800s. JAN. 12, 1920

• Before there was Sparkletts A Dr. Stevenson (no relation to Stevenson Ranch) dug a mini lake on his property. The doc tunneled into the side of a hill and built a reservoir to catch rain water falling off both the hill and the roof of his home. Wonder how much he had to strain that water to make it pure?

JAN. 12, 1930

• Wonder if his middle name was “40?” A motorist on this date was thrown from his car after he swerved to miss a slow-moving hay wagon. We don’t know if he landed on his rear end, but his name was W.D. Butt. While we’re still in the mood for wondering, wonder if his middle name was “Harry?” “Seymour?” “Mr. Big?” JAN. 12, 1940

• The mayor’s lost astral clock Some foraging forestry men rediscovered the lost Perpetual Motion Machine of Los Angeles Mayor Henry T. Hazard. Hazard had built this strange clock in 1920 in Oak Canyon, 4 miles west of Castaic. It was a steel wheel 60 feet in diameter, set in concrete and rotating on 250 ball bearings, powered only by the rotation of the earth. In theory, it was supposed to keep perfect time. The only problem was, the simplest breeze would send it spinning and you also had the problem of owls landing on it or squirrels giving it a twirl. The project was abandoned. JAN. 12, 1950

• When being a flasher was A-OK Sgt. Maj. Landalen Bluste, retired, celebrated his 90th birthday at his Sand Canyon ranch. Bluste was one of the army’s first heliographers (the guys who used mirrors to flash messages) in America. He had fought in World War I, the Spanish-American War and the Indian Wars. He was stationed in Company K of the 4th Regiment in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, where he fought Geronimo (although not all by himself). JAN. 12, 1960

• Let’s see if we can spell “AHHHH-AHHHHHH-REEE-AHHHHHHHHuhhhhaaaaHHHHHHHH!!!!”

Jim Pierce was the guest visitor at a Castaic Boy Scout meeting. Pierce played “Tarzan” in the very last silent movie versions. The 1927 flick was entitled “Tarzan and the Golden Lion.” Interestingly, Mr. Pierce was a moderately successful Hollywood actor when he attended a party at Edgar Rice Burroughs’ home in Tarzana. Burroughs, of course, was the creator of the famed ape man. Burroughs was so taken by the giant, sun-tanned actor he begged him to play the Lord of the Jungle in “Golden Lion.” Pierce married Burroughs’ daughter, Joan, a year later. Joan and James were the RKO radio voices of Tarzan and Jane from 1932 to 1934. Husband and wife are buried in Shelbyville, Indiana. Their adjoining tombstones simply read: “Tarzan” and “Jane.” Oh. More film trivia that’s gonna end up in someone’s local SCV film book? In between acting, Pierce coached football at Glendale High School. One of his players was a handsome, curlyhaired chap named Marion Morrison. You probably know Marion by his film name: John Wayne. Pierce used to play for Burroughs’ semipro baseball team, The Apemen. They’d frequently motor up to the SCV to take on the Newhall and Saugus semipro squads. JAN. 12, 1970

• Horses We had a rather strange sporting event on this date, three decades back. The Castaic Saddle Club and Viewfinders Motorcycle Club met to see which was faster — horse or motorbike. The horses won in every arena event. In fact, only one biker even finished in the money and that was fifth place. • Which witch? Canyon Country’s sixth-generation witch, Louise Heubner, had earlier been named Los Angeles County’s Official Witch at a Hollywood Bowl Halloween show. Months later, Supervisor Eugene Debs tried to take the honor back. Heubner smilingly suggested that if he did, she would, “remove the sexual vitality from all of Los Angeles County.” Our own supervisor, Warren Dorn, called Debs “... an awful Indian giver” and “a grouch.” If Louise were around today, perhaps she could cast a spell and move the homeless elsewhere… • And it’s been all downhill ever

since On this date, the William S. Hart Union High School District voted to allow girls in the local junior highs to wear pants to school. It was a first. JAN. 12, 1980

• Speaking of no pants A 16-yearold youth from Canyon Country survived after being blasted by 66,000 volts of electricity from a SoCal Edison power line he had been climbing. He had second- and third-degree burns over his legs and his pants and underwear had been blasted completely off his body by the jolt. • The grisliest murder in SCV history The jury was finally picked for Ronald Doyle Wilburn. The transient had earned the nickname of the Vampire Van Killer for picking up a young female hitchhiker, murdering her then partially eating her remains. JAN. 8, 2003

• Happy Birthday Sweetie Pie!! This item won’t make too many history books but it sure makes mine. Seventeen years ago on this date, little Miss Indiana Rubino Boston came into this parenthesis via Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. As I looked at her a few seconds old, I remember thinking: “This is my best friend I’ve known for 10,000 lifetimes whom I am just meeting right now.” Thanks EVER so much for the best gift ever, guys (especially the patented HMNH No Returns Policy). And, as I wish for my daughter, my inspiration, my friend — and, for all of you saddlepals — may we all write our own best history … I’m told it’s humanly impossible to mimic the later Tarzan yell from the Johnny Weissmuller films. Too bad. I’d just kill to be able to belt that one out instead of a yodel. We’re back home, saddlepals. Thanks for the company, amigos. See you next week with another exciting Time Ranger history adventure. Until then —¡vayan con Dios, amigos! John Boston has been writing about SCV history for more than 40 years. You can buy his books and novels on Amazon.com. Best you do …

J A N UA RY 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 31

Five ways employers are recruiting top talent

recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that U.S. employment is projected to grow by 8.4 million jobs from 2018 to 2028. At the same time, employers are battling an ultra-competitive job market, in which candidates are being wooed by increased pay and enhanced medical benefits. Today’s smartest employers are thinking more creatively about how to attract talented workers and encourage them to stay. Many are partnering with large landlords to include next-level amenities in their workspaces. Today’s employers are focused on: 1. Transportation A well-located workplace is a major selling point for attracting potential employees and retaining existing ones. Employers with a central location, easily accessible by public transportation, already have an advantage. For environmentally minded employees who bike to work, secure

bike storage is a real plus. The office tower at 201 Spear St. in San Francisco anticipates the needs of the area’s environmentally conscious workforce with bike storage and EV car charging stations, plus easy access to light rail. 2. Wellness Beyond providing competitive healthcare plans, employers are seeking new ways to encourage and support employees’ health-related activities — a focus that contributes to less absenteeism and greater productivity. For example, Park Place Village in Leawood, Kansas, has massage therapy on-site for all of its tenants. Many major office owners are adding state-of-the-art fitness centers. 3001 Washington Blvd. in Arlington, Virginia, features workout studios offering barre, yoga and HIIT performance classes in its eight-story, LEED Gold-certified Class A office building. 3. Convenience For employees with busy schedules, it can be tough to find enough time in

the day to take care of necessary errands. Workers are especially drawn to locales that provide day-to-day services everyone needs without even having to walk outside. Some office buildings go a step beyond. For businesses at RBC Plaza in Minneapolis, employees can use the U.S. Postal Service, on-site bank, a sundry shop and even a shoe repair/ shoe shine service. 4. Ambiance Beyond location and service-based amenities, today’s employees are increasingly demanding a workplace with a beautiful atmosphere, which often includes access to outdoor spaces. Building designers are taking note, providing more open spaces, skylights and/or atriums for a lighter, more welcoming work environment. For example, The McEwen Building in the Cool Springs submarket of Nashville, Tennessee, offers employees and visitors an outdoor sitting area complete with a fountain and

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3 2 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 12, 2020

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Deadman or thrust block, what’s the difference? By Robert Lamoureux Signal Contributing Writer

Deadman or thrust block What is the difference between a Deadman and thrust block or are they the same? — Gary M.

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Dear Gary, A Deadman is put under a piece of horizontal pipe and is molded together with all thread and Unistrut, from the bottom. You dig a hole under a piece of pipe that you’ve repaired and put a large block of concrete, could be as much as 1500 lbs, into the hole with all threads sticking out of the concrete above the pipe. We then put Unistrut, (metal bar) two pieces which is 4 bolts, and we bolt that down so that the pipe is secured in place and unable to rise in an upwards motion. A thrust block is for horizontal movement, often used with domestic and irrigation pipes. This also, is a block of concrete that is put at a 90 degree turn, where the end could possibly blow off. A perfect example is a main fire line; there should be a thrust block at any turn, to prevent the pressure from allowing the pipe to come apart. If the thrust block is not installed, the pressure can eventually allow the pipe to come apart and leak. The leak erodes the soil, leaving a cavity which then allows the pipe to move more and cause the connection to come apart, creating in some cases, catastrophic damages. Concrete walkway work Robert, We have a concrete walkway that needs power washing and re-painting (staining?). Picture attached. In your last column you mentioned that you have a reference for a reputable company that sounds like the kind of company we need. Would you send us the name? Thank you. We appreciate your help. — Kathy S.

Mailbox height is regulated by the U.S. Postal Service.

Kathy, Kathy, from the photos it appears that the paint is spalling and now cannot be stained. You’ll need to go back with surface exterior concrete paint. I will send you the reference I have, he’ll take good care of this for you. Good luck. Mailbox pedestal height Hi Robert, I am a Property Manager here in Santa Clarita. One of my communities installed cluster mailboxes, but I need to know if there is a way to reduce the height of a mailbox pedestal. I have an elderly lady who is unable to stand up straight, limiting her reach, and she can’t access her mailbox. Please let me know if this is possible, and if you have any ideas. — Lisa H. Lisa, Great question, thank you for writing in. Unfortunately, you cannot alter the height of the mailboxes, per USPS requirements. They have very strict standards for the height. The best thing might be to ask her to switch with someone who has a lower box than hers. Good luck 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 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 33

GARDENING

Tips when planting shade trees

eautiful landscaping can add instant curb appeal to a property. But beauty isn't the only thing that makes idyllic landscaping attractive to homeowners. Some landscaping features, such as shade trees, save homeowners money while adding aesthetic appeal. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that shading is the most cost-effective way to reduce solar heat gain in a home. Shading also cuts air conditioning costs, which tend to be expensive in areas with warm, humid climates. In fact, the DOE notes that well-planned landscapes can reduce unshaded homes' air conditioning costs by anywhere from 15 to 50%. When planting shade trees, one of the first decisions homeowners will need to make is which type of tree, deciduous or evergreen, they want to plant. Deciduous trees are those that seasonally shed their leaves, while evergreens are trees that keep their leaves throughout the year. Decidu-

ous trees can help keep homes cool in the summer by blocking sun, and those same trees can be beneficial in winter after they shed their leaves by letting the sun in and keeping homes warm. But evergreens also can be beneficial in winter by blocking wind, potentially preventing cold air from making its way into a home through cracks in walls or around windows. When planting shade trees, techniques vary depending on which type of tree homeowners ultimately choose to plant.

Planting deciduous trees

The DOE says that deciduous trees that are between six and eight feet tall when planted will begin shading the windows of a home within a year of being planted. Depending on the species of the plant and the home, those same deciduous trees may begin shading the roof within five to 10 years of being planted. When planting deciduous trees, homeowners should keep these tips in mind.

• Plant trees to the south of the

BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN HOME!!!

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Are you looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded city life, whether its just for the weekend, or PERMANENTLY? Come and look at this home in Pine Mountain Club, Santa Clarita's best kept secret! This 2,304 sq ft Log Cabin home has rural charm mixed with practical layout and a LOT of STORAGE!!. Large Covered Front Porch! 3 Bedrooms plus a Bonus Room. 1 Full bath and 2 half baths. Master bedroom on the top floor as well as a recently converted Master Bedroom on the bottom floor. The property is just over a Quarter Acre of USABLE land! Also, close to the heart of Pine Mountain Club where you will enjoy restaurants, the local festivals, golf course, hiking trails, and much more! FANTASTIC VACATION HOME, OR PERMANENT RESIDENCE!!! Come see for yourself!!!!

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home. When planted to the south of the home, deciduous trees can screen between 70 and 90% of the summer sun while still allowing residents to feel summer breezes. • Consider sun angles. Homeowners who want to shade their homes from low afternoon sun angles should plant trees with crowns that are lower to the ground on the west side of their homes. • Cool air before it reaches your home. Shrubs and groundcover plants can be planted to cool air before it reaches a home.

Evergreen trees

Planting evergreens to block wind is known as "windbreaking," which lowers the wind chill near a home. Wind also can be used to cool a home in summer. But these benefits can only be realized when evergreens are strategically planted.

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This charming unit features upgraded kitchen and baths. There is Pergo style flooring thru-out and plantation shutters as well as dual paned windows. The delightful entertainers patio is accessed by dual opening sliders and the setting for summer parties is exceptional. Lush landscaping gives added ambiance. This Senior guard gated community is patrolled 24/7 and has all the usual country club amenities including two golf courses. There are clubs galore and a little theater group, a City of Hope chapter is a great way to get involved in the community as is the community church. Senior lunch program at the church is an added plus. Come join the fun! You can be as active as you wish or just enjoy the quiet life style....$475,000

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• Plant trees on either side of the house. Planting trees on either side of the house will direct cooling winds toward the home in the summer. Shade trees can help homeowners reduce their energy bills, making them valuable and attractive additions to any landscape. (MC)

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• Location, location, location: The DOE advises planting evergreen trees to the north and northwest of the home to stop wind. In addition, to get the most bang for your windbreaking buck, the distance between the home and windbreak should be two to five times the height of the mature tree.

Dean Cox

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3 4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 12, 2020

Gorgeous Newhall Home

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CUT YOUR COMMUTE to SFV & beyond when you purchase this gorgeous 3197 sq. ft. home on a 10,089 sq. ft. lot with a gated pool & spa, built-in BBQ, large grass area plus so much more! Quick access to the 5 freeway while still being tucked away off Calgrove. 24624 Brittany Lane in Newhall $829,000

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Mountains, trees and nature all around. What an opportunity for full time residence, personal get away or rental. Beautiful 3 bed- 2 bath well maintained 2002 manufactured home on permanent foundation. Back deck for outdoor dining & enjoying the view. Open updated kitchen w/custom cabinets, granite counters, newer flooring & morning room. Master suite has two walk in closets. Ensuite with soaking tub, separate shower, water closet and vanity dual sinks. Living room with wood burning fireplace, vinyl dual glaze windows & increased insulation in walls, ceiling & floor. Single extra length garage. Amenities at Pine Mountain Club include pool, tennis, golf, Equestrian Center, hiking trails, lake, etc..................$275,000

Manya Prybyla CalBRE #01920105

Newly refurbished two bedroom, two bath condo in sought after Friendly Valley Senior Country Club Community. UP grades include a brand new kitchen including range and dishwasher, new Pergo style flooring thru-out, freshly painted and smoothed ceilings, lovely atrium with art work done by renowned artist Miguel Ramirez. Nice sense of elevation with roof top and mountain view. This thriving Senior community offers so much to do including two golf courses, card rooms little theater group, trips to casinos, RV parking and so much more.....$393,000

Just minutes from SCV. Enjoy all 4 seasons on this 20+ acre ranch Home is 6247 sq. ft. with incredible VIEWS $1,499,000 8072 Cuddy Valley Road in Frazier Park

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Beautiful Property ~ Beautiful Home Country Estate on easily one of the most beautiful pieces of property in all of Agua Dulce! Single story, Hacienda style ranch house, 4,080 sf, 5 Bedrooms/4 bathrooms. Spacious kitchen with Center Island. Formal Dining room. Family-room with raised hearth fireplace and wet bar. The Master suite has a fireplace & giant walk-in closet. Absolutely stunning park like 7.2 flat and usable acres is completely fenced and private. 3 car garage. Incredible views from everywhere on the property. This property will not disappoint.

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5+3 – 2,950 sq ft, single story, classic California ranch style pool home in Happy Valley. Lot is 11,822 sq ft and there is tons of RV/Boat/Toy parking. $825,000

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J A N UA RY 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 5 Kitchen upgraded with granite counters, cabinets, stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, sinks and fixtures. Property upgraded with carpet and hard wood flooring. All bathrooms have upgraded granite, sinks and fixtures and toilets. recently painted. Attached 2 car finished garage with epoxy floors and washer and dryer. This community includes pools, playgrounds and bike path near by. VA Approved! Tres Robles Townhome 2 Master Suites +2.5 baths $344,900

Lake View Home in Valencia Bridgeport! www.realtyexecutives-scv.com/agent/mary-ruiz

4 + 3.5 with 3,255sq. ft, Fantastic Location/ Community, Includes Spacious Loft and Office! Move-In-Ready! $864,000 Large Private Patio!!! Realty Executives Homes

27666 Nugget Dr., #2, CC, CA 91387

24106 Lyons Ave, Newhall CA

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Beautiful Updated Estrella Vista home with solar! 4 bedrooms,3 bathrooms and a separate air conditioned Casita! Many upgrades. Entry with Custom Tile. Wrought iron staircase leads you upstairs to a huge loft. Formal living room and dining room. Kitchen updated with granite and stainless steel appliances. Downstairs bedroom and full bathroom. Beautiful views of the mountains. Wonderful back yard with a spa included.

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Let’s Make A Deal 4 beds 3 full baths~ 3,194 sqft ~11,217 sqft lot. Built in 1987 Single Family Residence. Magnificent VICTORIAN one of a kind home with studio above garage could be yours. Exquisite detail from the moment you enter...

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6 beds 5 baths 3,674 sq ft 4 car garage Beautifully upgraded Hasley Canyon Estate. Travertine flooring, crown moldings, plantation shutters, mirrored closets, surround sound and recessed lighting! Tons of upgrades throughout this spacious open floor plan. Beautiful views looking down on the valley from every room. Private serene country setting with perfect backyard for entertaining. $1,250,000

Suzie Wing Wood

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20501 Blairmoore St., Chatsworth, CA 91311

Sierra Bonita 80 acre ranch SierraBonitaRanch.com

Located just 40 miles north of Los Angeles. 5 houses built on a high plateau with 360 degree unobstructed views of the Sierra Pelona Mountains and beyond. Built in 2009 the single story main house is 3+3, and is 2,908 sf of understated elegance. The other 4, more rustic, houses range in size from 822 to 1,204 sf and are ideal for the ultimate family compound or corporate retreat. A huge resort style patio with pool & spa, Tennis Court, helicopter garage, airplane hangar, pond, mature trees and 3 wells are also included on the property.

Marilyn Garner

19614 Green Mountain, Santa Clarita

Realty Executives Agua Dulce

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• Open Floor Plan • No Mello Roos • Dual Pane Vinyl Windows & Sliders • Wood Burning Fireplace • Four Bedrooms • Two Completely Remodeled Bathrooms • Direct Access Two Car Garage • Stamped Brick Border Walks and Patio • Private Backyard with Peek-a-Boo View • Possible RV Parking • Remodeled Kitchen, Custom Cabinets, Granite Counters, Solid Oak Floors

This home has been lovingly maintained $565,000

3 6 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

J A N UA RY 12, 2020

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

L E G I S L AT I V E V O I C E S

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

On the Cemex Mine, Public Success and Significance Deserves a Real Voice in the Eyes of Society By Scott Wilk Senator, 21st District

he Cemex mine, the proposed mega-mining operation slated for our back yard, would be the second largest aggregate mine in the country. For those of us who live in the Santa Clarita Valley, it is one of the biggest threats to our local environment and will upend traffic on Highway 14. For decades, we have fought the opening of the mine, but despite our local opposition, congressional and state actions, and opposition from just about everyone but the folks at Cemex, the project is still very much alive. Thirty years ago, when Santa Clarita Valley was home to only 132,000 citizens, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued two 10-year contracts to mine 56 million tons of aggregate from a site near Soledad Canyon Road and the 14 Freeway. Transit Mixed Concrete (TMC) filed an application with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to appropriate 322 acre-feet per year of water from the Santa Clara River for use at the mining site. Through the years, there have been a number of owners, but the current owner is Cemex – a Mexican mining company. For those of us who live in the Santa Clarita Valley, this mega mine was a horrible idea 30 years ago, and with a population today soon to be almost half a million people, the mine is even a worse idea now. The daily operation would result in 18-wheelers and gravel trucks entering and departing from the mine every two minutes, which would put an additional 1,200 trucks to our local roads every day. The dust cre-

ated by the mine would exceed acceptable levels by nearly 200%, greatly harming our air quality. During the now almost three decades-long application process, a significant number of issues have arisen. • First: water. It is the scarcest commodity in California, and this mine has the permits to pull huge amounts of it from the Santa Clara River. The Santa Clara River is the last natural river in Southern California, and communities from Agua Dulce to Ventura depend on its preservation. • Additionally, there are efforts to expand the new San Gabriel Mountains National Monument farther into the Santa Clarita Valley, and the mega mine would affect that federal government decision. • Finally, how can we ignore the growing population of the city of Santa Clarita? It has almost doubled in the years since the mine was proposed, and according to the Southern California Association of Governments, by 2030 our valley will have climbed to more than 550,000 residents. A recent decision by the Interior Board of Land Appeals essentially meant Cemex had no time to proceed under the period left on its mining contracts. A victory for sure — but to ensure the decades-long struggle does come to an end, I have been working with the city of Santa Clarita on legislation that would require a second look at the project’s water applications. In 1991, when the application to draw water from the Santa Clara River was initially submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), no hearing was held and See WILK, page 37

By David Hegg

rom the time we start to walk and talk there seems to be a drive in all of us to succeed. No one wants to be last. Of course, at some point in elementary school a really cool kid will discover he can succeed at being last and doing nothing and most of the girls will think he’s dreamy. But, even that kid at some point will want to drive his own car and own his own home so he’ll figure out some way to be successful. Success usually implies having reached a certain level of economic well-being. Or it could mean having achieved some honor or accomplished something regarded as outstanding. While we might not be able to define it exactly, we all understand success is to be pursued and applauded. For most of us, success centers on our careers. We get an education we believe will launch us in the right direction, we work hard, pay our dues, and at some point in our 40s we hope to reach a level of monetary and company success that allows us to live the life we desire. Only there’s usually a catch. Most often this kind of “success” appears wonderful until you own it. Too often the goals we set, and the expectations that go with them, turn out to be much less satisfying to the soul than we thought. We have worked hard to grab the brass ring only to find out that it is only a brass ring. Someone has said we spend the first 40 years of our lives trying to be successful and the last 40 trying to be significant. I think whoever said that first was really on to something. The essence of that thought is that as we age our vision of what is satisfying in life changes from personal accomplishment to lasting legacy. Success usually is measured in terms of dollars, posses-

sions, and social standing. Significance, it turns out, is measured by our lasting influence, by how many lives were changed for the better, and by how we used the time and resources at our disposal to make our world more beautiful, righteous, neighborly and godly. I am quite excited that the emerging generation seems to be learning a strong lesson from my generation. They have watched us burn ourselves down to achieve success, only to find it was significance we wanted all along. They are starting earlier, understanding at a young age that the goal cannot simply be to live prosperously, but rather to live intentionally, aiming to bring significant benefit to the world. This “others-centered” way of living is nothing new. History has made heroes out of those whose life goals pushed them past personal success to immerse themselves in dreams and ideals whose accomplishment had wide-ranging significance for their world. We appreciate their successes, but we celebrate their significance. My hope is that we haven’t stopped finding people whose significance is worthy of celebration. We still have quite a few Mondays available, and the only question is whether there will be men and women who push past the siren call of personal peace and affluence to do the hard work, dream the big dreams, and evaluate the benefit of their lives by the legacy they leave. It won’t be the shocking rock star, the “bad girl” actress, or the athlete du jour. It will be those who, early on, learn the value of ethical behavior and hard work, and strive for significance as the only success worth pursuing. David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church and a local resident. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.

J A N UA RY 12, 2020

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Opinion

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

G U E S T C O M M E N TA R Y

D R AW I N G CO N C LU S I O N S D R E W L I T TO N

Why a Candidate Runs for Office: It Matters By Mike Garcia 25th District Candidate

have been running for California’s 25th Congressional District seat for almost a year. The competitors I was running against over the summer have all dropped out of the race, including Katie Hill. Today, with less than seven weeks until the primary and special election on March 3, I now have 17 total competitors who have recently joined the race. As a patriot, I encourage all Americans to participate in government. In that regard, this influx of candidates in the wake of the Hill resignation is encouraging. However, I come back to the question every voter should ask, “Why is this person running?” Since day one I have emphasized the importance of understanding “why” someone decides to run. The “why” defines the candidate’s true intentions. It defines allegiances and explains motives. It gives us insight into how they will behave and who they will really represent if elected. My reason for running is simple. I don’t want my country to turn into what my state has become. California is an example of what a tax-and-spend government without strong leaders looks like: high taxes, poor management of tax dollars, and terrible results. When I see Hill and Christy Smith in office or running to represent us, I cannot simply sit on the sidelines. Frankly, I can’t afford it. None of us can. I am running because I feel strongly that our nation is forgetting about our history and the importance of the Constitution, capitalism and competition (what I have dubbed “the three big C’s”). My allegiance is only to the United States and my motives are driven by a desire to see this great nation thrive for centuries to come. It was the same driving force behind my decision to join the Navy and fly F/A-18 Super

Hornets in combat in the skies over Iraq. In running for Congress I am aware of the sacrifices I and my family will make. I’m not doing this for the money or quality of life. But my wife, Rebecca, and I have a strong family foundation and will survive and thrive as a family unit as my kids recognize the importance of what is as stake. I have been in this race from the beginning because I am a fighter who does not shy away from challenges. Nobody else in this race can say that. While I am not a professional politician, I have a proven track record of applying my talents and excelling, even in new environments. Serving as your representative in Congress will be no different: I will hit the ground running and I will be a leader in D.C. and in California as I have done in every military and civilian position I have held. The reasons for running for office matter. California is the product of poor leadership, far-left policies, high taxes, poor program execution and no oversight of the expenditure of our precious tax dollars. I saw after the 2018 election that our nation was heading in that direction as well. After serving my nation in the military as a combat fighter pilot for nearly 20 years, after 10 years of leading large and small organizations in the business world, and despite having a great life with a beautiful family and a fantastic job, I am compelled to serve my nation again, this time in Congress. I am not a professional bureaucrat or career politician. I’m a qualified and concerned patriot and businessman. I’m running for the right reasons and I humbly ask for the support of all Americans in the 25th District of California. Mike Garcia is a Republican candidate for the 25th Congressional District.

WILK

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no public comment taken. Existing law requires the publication of a notice of application to appropriate water and allows for public comment/protest be filed within a certain time period. While the SWRCB has essentially suspended activity on the current application, the status of it is still considered active, which is what I am trying to address with Senate Bill 797. SB 797 would prevent bureaucrats from rubber-stamping decades-old applications without public review. It would require water applications that have not been acted upon within 30 years of their original filing date to go through the notification process again. This second look at previously approved applications would reopen the protest period and any other administrative processes, as if it were the first time around for the application. The mega-mine is a serious threat to our quality of life. This bill, while not a cure-all solution, ensures the public has the opportunity to provide input in projects — such as Cemex — that have languished for decades but will greatly affect a community. Although I believed the mega-mine was a horrible fit for the SCV from the get-go, today it is an

The mega-mine is a serious threat to our quality of life. This bill, while not a cureall solution, ensures the public has the opportunity to provide input in projects — such as Cemex — that have languished for decades but will greatly affect a community. even worse idea. Consider our vastly expanded population, a precarious water supply and environmental concerns ranging from traffic congestion to air quality, and it is not hard to see the importance of using every tool in the box to put a stop to this mine. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, represents the 21st Senate District, which encompasses the Antelope, Santa Clarita and Victor valleys.

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J A N UA RY 12, 2020

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THE VILLAGE IDIOT

A cure for everything By Jim Mullen Signal Contributing Writer

he only time you see grayhaired people like me on television is in commercials that only run during the evening news. You'll see an athletic gray-haired guy and his athletic wife running down a beach, playing tennis and dancing on the deck of a cruise ship while a serious, disembodied voice intones, “You'll know when it's time for Splondocaine.” The voice never tells you what Splondocaine does, or what it's for, but instead just tells you to ask your doctor about it. It's like a big secret we can't let young children know about yet. “Mom, what's Splondocaine?” “Watch your mouth! We don't talk about that kind of stuff in this house. You'll know when it's time!” During the rest of the commercial, the voice tries to warn you, in frantic speed-whispers, NOT to take Splondocaine, for the love of God! “In some people, Splondocaine may cause drowsiness, vomiting, stomach upset, mucous discharge, yellowing of the skin, visions, dementia, loss of hearing, warts, curvature of the spine, sleep apnea, loss of feeling in the forehead, smelly feet, bad breath, a deep and abiding sense of impending doom, liver spots, baldness, wrinkles, sciatica, bed-wetting, liver damage, loose teeth and forgetfulness. Did I mention the drowsiness?” The man and the woman in the commercial were now laughing at a kid flying a kite. That did it: I decided I had to have some. So I went to my doctor. “Doc, don't you think it's time I took Splondocaine?” “I don't know,” he said. “How long have you been constipated?” “Is that what it's for?” “Well, what did you think?” “I thought it was like marijuana for old people. Have you seen their ads? Those people are high. I thought that's what the kite meant.” The next night, I saw a commercial for Plasothalix. It came between an ad for adult diapers and another

for Polident. It showed a gray-haired man blowing a horn, eating corn on the cob and laughing on a big, fancy sailboat. The serious voice said, “Joe used to worry, but he doesn't anymore. He uses Plasothalix twice a day and is the life of the party. Ask your doctor about Plasothalix today! May cause dry heaves, cold sweats, boils, manic depression, palsy, dry mouth, emotional outbursts, itchy skin, sneezing, runny nose, tennis elbow, psoriasis, foaming of the mouth, fingertip soreness, loss of a sense of time and lower back pain. Do not drink alcohol or eat cashews while taking Plasothalix.” I called the doctor again. “Doc, I'm sick with worry. Shouldn't I be taking Plasothalix twice a day?” “Oh, wouldn't think so,” he said. “You've got plenty of hair.” “Hair? I thought for sure it was for anxiety. Or maybe motion sickness. Do you have anything for anxiety? Because I'm very anxious. Don't you ever watch the news? People with gray hair are falling apart! I'm afraid to walk down the street. Pieces of me may drop off the way tailpipes come off old cars.” “Maybe there is something you should take,” Doc told me. “I'm going to call in a prescription for Evenitol for you.” “Evenitol? I've seen that commercial. Isn't that the one where the grayhaired guy is out jogging with a grayhaired woman, and after that, they play handball and go rock-climbing? Then he goes swimming while she does tai chi in the park. Then he plays baseball, and finally they go camping and whitewater rafting together that same night. You'd have to give a 20-year-old oxygen and adrenaline to do all that in one day, but these people seem fine. So what's Evenitol for? Chronic severe rectal itch? Adult diaper rash? Mole hair?” “No — it softly but gently puts you to sleep during the evening news. You'll never have to watch those commercials again. Take two and don't call me in the morning.” Contact Jim Mullen at mullen.jim@ gmail.com.

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