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A Culinary Trip Through Italy
Dreaming about a trip to Italy? Italy is a magical, mystical blend of timeless history and artistic masterpieces, scenery that will take your breath away, warm, friendly people who will make you feel like family, and all of it wrapped up in un amorè per la cucina Italiana - a love of Italian food.
Long, leisurely meals with family and friends are not just a tradition here, they are the heart and soul of the Italian people. Regions in Italy are revered for their specialties, and for travelers, a must-do experience is enjoying these regional dishes in the places they originated. You will never have heavenly, silky pasta carbonara better than in Rome. The most delicious pizza of your life? Look no further than Naples.
But planning a trip around Italy’s legendary cuisine can be a bit daunting. How do you know where to go and what to eat when you’re there?
Rome
In the spring, Roman markets are filled with justpicked artichokes. If you’re lucky enough to be in the Eternal City during this season, you are in for a culinary treat you can’t get anywhere else on the planet. Rome is known for Carciofi alla Romana, or Roman-style artichokes, an otherworldly concoction of whole artichokes, lemon juice, parsley, mint, garlic, olive oil and white wine, braised to perfection. The braising brings out the artichoke’s flavor like no other cooking method, elevating it to “food
of the Gods” status. They’re a perfect side dish or a light supper with crusty bread.
Tuscany
The light in Tuscany is different than the light anywhere else in the world. It bathes the landscape in a golden glow that makes everything more beautiful, including their tables. Siena and Florence are known for many hearty wild boar stews and soups using cannelli beans and stale bread, but the one must-have here is Bistecca alla Fiorentina, which is a Chianina beef steak, cut to exact specifications and grilled rare. Perillo Tours offers a Taste of Siena tour that includes a cooking class in the home of a local chef, who can teach you the secrets of local Tuscan cuisine.
Naples
Pizza was invented in Naples in the 18th century as a quick, affordable meal for the working class and people soon started visiting those neighborhoods just to get a taste of it. You haven’t had pizza until you’ve had it in Naples, and Perillo Tours offers a 15-Day North Classic tour that includes a pizza-making class in this beautiful city. News you can use: Steve Perillo’s top three pizza places, all in Naples: Starita (Always crowded with locals. One of the best pizzas Steve has ever had!), Sorbillo (Long lines but the pizza is worth the wait!) and Pizzeria Brandi (Delicious pizza with a special story behind it. This is where the Margherita pizza was invented!)
Sicily
This legendary Mediterranean island is familiar to many Americans from “The Godfather” film, but it is most famous for its food. Perillo Tours is offering a new 8-Day Taste of Sicily tour that includes wine tastings, strolls through medieval villages and a visit to Mount Etna. Palermo’s bustling street markets are a highlight. What to eat when you’re there? Cannoli, of course. It’s a crisp pastry shell stuffed with sweetened ricotta cheese and sometimes sprinkled with pistachios or chocolate. Another must-have: Arancino, a fried rice ball stuffed with tomato sauce, peas and meat, or get one with ham, béchamel and cheese.
Venice
This city of romance, with gondolas floating down lazy canals and shops along winding, ancient cobblestoned streets and alleyways, is a treat for the senses. Try the Cicchetti, which is a bit like the Venetian version of tapas. Small portions of several dishes that are served to the table, meant to be shared. You’ll get crostini topped with a variety of spreads, panini sandwiches, shrimp or other seafood, and polpette, fried balls with tuna, meats or potato. And do not miss the tiramisu. Trust us on this one.
One popular food you won’t find in Italy? Spaghetti and meatballs. That’s a creation of Italian Americans. Try the Bolognese or wild boar ragu instead.
What’s New In Santa Clarita For 2025 And Beyond
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
The city of Santa Clarita, which celebrated its 37th birthday on Dec. 15, 2024, was busy in the past year providing city residents with a host of new amenities.
Included among the city accomplishments in 2024 was the opening of Skyline Ranch Park, the city’s 38th park located in Plum Canyon, as well as the opening of the city’s third community center located in the old YMCA building in Valencia.
City Parks
The city in 2025 will be busy refurbishing parks as well as constructing the city’s 39th park, the Pioneer Oil Refinery historical site located on the corner of Needham Ranch Parkway and Pioneer Way.
The new park will offer residents and visitors an interactive experience where they can learn about the significance of the Pioneer Oil Refinery, an important landmark in the history of California’s oil industry.
The historic landmark will be transformed into a space where the public can appreciate its significance while enjoying the park’s scenic beauty,
surrounded by the Newhall Pass Open Space. The park will also feature walking paths that connect to surrounding trails. Groundbreaking for the new park was held on Oct. 29.
Among the parks to see upgrades in 2024 is Old Orchard Park in Valencia. One of the city’s oldest parks, Old Orchard Park was originally developed in 1968 long before Santa Clarita became its own city.
The 5.4-acre park is located 25023 Ave Rotella, Valencia, CA 91355
Old Orchard Park is scheduled to undergo a wide variety of enhancements during the renovation which broke ground on Oct. 2, 2024.
Enhancements include new playground equipment with a large shade structure and the current restroom facility will be
upgraded, making it ADA compliant.
A new multisport court will allow community members to try futsal, a form of soccer played on a smaller court. Also, a pickleball overlay will be
Santa Clarita will assume ownership of William S. Hart Park July 1, 2025 which also includes the Hart Mansion and Museum. PHOTO LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
The historic location of the Pioneer Oil Refinery will be transformed into the city’s 39th park in 2025. PHOTO CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
These 7
Historic Towns And Districts
In Southern California Will Transport You Into A Different Time
There is something truly special about the historic places and buildings that silently tell stories of the past. Not only is it entertaining to visit charming old towns and villages, but you really get a deeper understanding of the modern communities and cities that grew out of them, not to mention a feel for what life was like many years ago. If you want to take a mind-trip to the past, it is worth visiting these seven historic towns in Southern California.
1. Old Town Pasadena
Old Pasadena is 150 years old and encompasses 21 blocks filled with intricate architecture, lowrise brick-facade buildings, and historic alleys. It is the oldest commercial area in the city and you can easily imagine strolling through Pasadena’s original marketplace at the turn of the century.
In 1983, the area of Old Pasadena was designated as a National Register Historic District. Newer shops and restaurants occupy the original buildings, but the old world charm remains.
2. Santa Barbara
Founded in 1786, Santa Barbara is rich with history. It was once the territory of the Chumash tribe
of Native Americans, was settled by Spain in the 1700s, and became part of Mexico following the Mexican War of Independence.
3. Old Town Temecula
Temecula’s Old Town Village is one of the oldest towns in Southern California and almost feels as if you have stepped onto a set for an old movie. Modern businesses do not take away from the classic charm of the quaint old buildings they occupy.
Stepping back in time is made even easier by the plethora of antique shops in Temecula.
Santa Barbara
Old Town Temecula
Old Town Pasadena
4. Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego is now a tiny community and historical park but was the first Spanish settlement in Southern California. The state-protected Old Town San Diego Historic Park includes a number of buildings from the mid to late 1800s and immerses visitors in the Old West.
Although the city of San Diego has grown into a thriving city, it is known as the birthplace of California and one of the state’s most historic cities. Old Town San Diego is one of two areas of the modern city that will sweep you back in time to Southern California’s earliest years.
5. Gaslamp Quarter San Diego
In 1867, the area of San Diego now known as the Gaslamp Quarter was
a new settlement called “New Town,” established several miles south of Old Town The city eventually grew to encompass both of these old towns, but the Gaslamp Quarter retains its Victorian atmosphere and, naturally, the gas lamp street light designs. Within the 16 blocks that make up the Gaslamp Quarter are almost 100 historical buildings and a colorful past, including a “red light” district known as Stingaree during the late 1800s and early 1900s, where bars, brothels, and gambling halls were thriving.
6. Olvera Street, Los Angeles, CA
Olvera Street is not a town of its own, but it is such a distinct historical pocket of Los Angeles that it might as well be a mini town. This is the
oldest street in the city of Los Angeles and because it is not open to cars, it completely immerses you in its village-like atmosphere, filled with the color, culture, crafts, music, history, and foods of this state’s earliest days. This tiny street makes you feel like you are shopping on the streets of a tiny town in Mexico.
The oldest residential home in Los Angeles is the Avila Adobe on Olvera Street, built in 1818, restored to reflect life in California in the 1840s, and open to the public.
7. Pioneertown
Pioneertown is a historic town designed to look like an even older historic town.
If it feels just slightly too “Old West” to be true, like a movie backdrop, there is a good reason for that. This picture-perfect western town was established in 1946 as a real living, breathing town that would be used for period films. From the motel to the saloon and beyond, you will be pulled back to the good old days of the California Gold Rush.
Just seeing photos of these historic places gives you a feel for a different time, but why not go see them for yourself? Have you been to any or all of these towns and districts? Tell us about your experiences in the comments. Can’t get enough SoCal history? Check out this article for more places that will take you back in time.
Pioneertown
Olvera Street
Old Town San Diego
Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego
FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Dive Into A Summer Of Fun As An SCV Lifeguard
By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager
Nothing says summer like the smell of sunscreen, the sound of splashing in the pool and cooling off in the water with friends and family. As a City with over 225,000 people, full of families who call Santa Clarita home, one of the best summer jobs for teens is becoming a lifeguard! If you’re looking for a meaningful and responsible way to spend your summer (that is also a lot of fun) this is the perfect opportunity for you.
City facilities – an indoor pool at the Valencia Community Center. This location will provide programming year-round, and expands our aquatic opportunities for those who like to stay fit during the winter months.
Our City proudly boasts eight outdoor pools located throughout our community, each providing a place for recreation, fitness and socialization. Earlier this year, we were excited to open a brand-new addition to our
Pools are the heart of summer activity, hosting everything from swim lessons for our youngest residents, to advance training for competitive swimmers and even water polo and underwater hockey. Each of our pools are a hub for the surrounding neighborhoods and residents across the City. They are the ideal place to cool off while playing or staying active with classes like Water Zumba and H2Oga classes. Our lifeguards play a crucial role ensuring these experiences are safe, welcoming and memorable for everyone!
Being a lifeguard is much more than just a summer job – it’s an opportunity to obtain skills that can make a real difference throughout your life. Through our training, life-
guards will participate in CPR, First Aid and water rescue techniques. These are not just job requirements, but essential abilities that could one day help save a life. Lifeguards also have the opportunity to develop invaluable experience in leadership and responsibility as they are instrumental in coaching swim teams, providing proactive safety measures and managing the dynamic environments at our pools.
Beyond the skills and experience, being a lifeguard also means joining a team of like-minded peers who share the same dedication towards the safety of our community. With flexible hours, lifeguards can balance work with summer activities, while earning competitive pay. And let’s not forget, you’ll spend your days outdoors, staying active and being part of an energetic and supportive team.
As a lifeguard, you’ll have the chance to be part of a variety of summer activities that bring so much joy
to families and adults in our community. Whether you are leading one of our beloved, upbeat water aerobics classes, floating like starfish with new swimmers, instructing divers off of our meter boards or coaching our junior guard program, there is something for every interest and skill level.
If you or someone you know will be at least 16-years-old by June 1, 2025, we encourage you to apply to become a City of Santa Clarita lifeguard. Tryouts will take place throughout February and consist of a 400-yard swim, which will need to be completed in eight minutes or less, followed by an interview. All applications must be completed online by February 22. To learn more about the position or to apply, please visit SantaClarita.gov/ Jobs.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
Looking for the perfect venue for your next celebration?
Whether it’s a corporate event, birthday, or any special occasion, Patron’s has you covered. With two spacious location accommodations and an event coordinator ready to customize your menu, your event will be nothing short of amazing!
“At Patron’s, we offer a welcoming atmosphere that can be adapted to suit any celebration, making your event truly unforgettable.”
Add Warmth to Cold-Weather Foods
When the winds howl and the chill of changing seasons brings a crispness to the air, one way to warm up from the inside out is with favorite foods. Filling up on comforting recipes like hearty soups and stews can be the solution you need to fight off cold temperatures.
Consider quick and easy ingredients that add a little warmth to your plate as the cravings for comfort kick in.
Cheese
A family favorite in recipes year-round, ooey-gooey cheese is a hallmark of cool-weather recipes. Consider creamy mac and cheese mixed with your preferred protein, homemade Mexican cuisine topped with melted chile con queso or an appetizer plate with options like brie, Manchego, aged cheddar, Parmesan and more.
Rice
If you're craving a meal that's big on flavor but short on prep time, it's hard to top the classic comfort food combo of chicken and rice. This Parmesan Chicken and Rice with Spinach and Artichoke starts with the homestyle taste of fully cooked Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cups with carrots, onion and garlic. The BPA-free cups offer a quick and flavorful option for an on-the-go power-up loaded with chicken, vegetables and herbs paired with hearty rice. Ready in only 1 minute, you can enjoy the flavored rice right out of the cup or prepare it as part of this 5-minute recipe on a busy weeknight.
Pasta
Whether you prefer spaghetti or penne, bowtie or stuffed shells, pasta provides a simple base for delicious meals loaded with comforting ingredients. For an easy weeknight meal, just choose a type of pasta, sauce and protein to put dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.
Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Thai Chicken and Rice Soup
Curry Paste
Available in many varieties, curry paste is a common ingredient in South Asian dishes. It typically consists of ingredients like garlic, chiles or peppers, ginger and lemongrass. When you'd like to add some spice to your menu without bothering with takeout, this Thai Chicken and Rice Soup calls for green curry paste, which is generally spicier than red or yellow versions, but any can be substituted based on your heat tolerance.
You can take the dish up a level with lightly seasoned Minute Cilantro & Lime Jasmine Rice for zesty flavor in a BPA-free, microwaveable cup for a simple solution when life gets hectic and preparing a time-consuming meal becomes challenging.
Cayenne
Serving up a touch of spice in a wide variety of favorite recipes can be as easy as adding ground cayenne. Made of dried cayenne peppers finely ground to a powder, it's commonly used in dishes ranging from deviled eggs and pastas to shrimp and barbecue as an easy way to add a warming kick to cold-weather meals.
Find more comfort food recipes at MinuteRice.com. (Family Features)
Parmesan
Chicken and Rice with Spinach and Artichoke
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 5 minutes
Servings 1
1 Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cup
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup spinach, stems removed
2 ounces chicken, cooked and shredded 1/4 cup canned artichokes, drained and quartered 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Heat rice according to package directions.
In medium saute pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add spinach and saute 1 minute.
Add chicken and artichokes; saute 2 minutes, or until heated through.
Add cheese and rice; stir to combine until heated through.
Thai Chicken and Rice Soup
Prep time 2 minutes
Cook time 5 minutes
Servings 1
1 Minute Ready to Serve Cilantro & Lime Jasmine Rice Cup
1/2 cup (3 ounces) cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped 1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 tablespoon Thai green curry paste
3 small shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 green onion, thinly sliced
Heat rice according to package directions.
In medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine chicken, broth, coconut milk, curry paste and mushrooms.
Microwave on high 3 minutes. Stir in rice and garnish with green onion.
“LOCKERBIE: A SEARCH FOR TRUTH”
“LOCKERBIE: A SEARCH FOR TRUTH”
A five-part series available Thursday on Peacock.
1/2 (out of four)
by Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer
Wof Pan Am Flight 103 on Dec. 21, 1988, over the sleepy town of Lockerbie, Scotland, and the subsequent investigative efforts by the father of one of the victims, this is the first mustwatch show of 2025.
hen I think of intense plane disaster scenes in television and movies, titles that spring to mind include movies such as “Foreign Correspondent” (1940), the Robert Zemeckis-directed “Cast Away” (2000) and “Flight” (2012), “The Aviator” (2004), “United 93” (2006) and “Sully” (2016) -- and the pilot episodes of “Lost” and “Yellowjackets”
Sunday-Thursday, Januar y 12-16, 2025
Add to that list the premiere episode of the engrossing and powerful dramatic series “Lockerbie: A Search for Truth,” debuting Thursday with all five episodes on Peacock. Inspired by the true-life story of the explosion
What differentiates the terrifying depiction in “Lockerbie” is that we bear witness to the horror almost exclusively from the ground. A Christmastime tableau -- of a boy riding his bicycle through a quiet street and greeting a neighbor dressed as Santa Claus, a farmer finishing his chores, dozens of locals circling around a skating rink -- is shattered when there’s a startling explosion in the sky and a glow of orange above. And then comes the hellish shower, like an alien invasion, as debris in pieces small and large rains down.
All 259 passengers and crew were murdered in the terrorist bombing, and 11 residents of Lockerbie were killed as well.
With real-life news footage interspersed, “Lockerbie: A Search for
NEWHALL
T H E L A S T S H OWG I R L E Sun: 10:30 12:50 3:00 5:10 7:30; Mon to Thu: 12:50 3:00 5:10 7:30
Shelley, a glamorous showgirl, must plan for her future when her show abruptly closes after a 30-year run
A CO M P L E T E U N K N OW N E Sun: 10:00 1:00 4:00 7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00
An enigmatic 19-year- old from Minnesota arrives with his guitar and revolutionar y talent, destined to change the course of American music.
N O S F E R AT U E Sun: 10:10 1:10 4:10 7:10; Mon to Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:10
A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her
M U FA S A: T H E L I O N K I N G B Sun: 10:10 1:15 4:15 7:20; Mon to Thu: 1:15 4:15 7:20
Rafiki relays the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick
S O N I C T H E H E D G E H O G 3 B Sun: 10:20 1:20 4:20 7:20; Mon to Thu: 1:20 4:20 7:20
Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a power ful new adversar y, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before.
W I C K E D B Sun: 9:55 12:50 3:55 6:55; Mon to Thu: 12:50 3:55 6:55
The untold stor y of the witches of Oz Elphaba, a defiant social outcast who has yet to discover her true power, and Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true hear t
Truth” brings home the brutal and lasting force of that disaster without coming across as exploitative. The same could be said for the series in its entirety, which creates a dense and involving piece of fictionalized storytelling while adhering to the historical timeline.
Based on the book “The Lockerbie Bombing: A Father’s Search for Justice” by Jim Swire and Peter Biddulph, the series focuses primarily on the relentless and some would say even obsessive quest by Dr. Jim Swire to unearth the identities of the terrorists and see they are brought to justice. Colin Firth gives a magnificent and laser-focused performance as Swire, who spent years piecing together evidence, giving a voice to the U.K. victims’ families, putting pressure on politicians and advocating for a man he came to believe had been wrongfully convicted.
Although there’s no denying Swire’s heroics and his tireless efforts (which continue to this day), we come to share the frustrations of his wife, Jane (Catherine McCormack, doing brilliant work as the emotional heart of the story), and his surviving children as he becomes so consumed with the case that he comes perilously close to losing his entire family. There are times when we want to shout at the skies for Swire to stop the globe-trotting crusade, fully acknowledge and deal with his grief -- and return emotionally to the family he still has, the family he has ignored far too many times through the years.Swire is living in contented comfort in the village of Finstall, England, when his family’s world is shattered by the news that his 23-year-old daughter, Flora, was among those killed in the bombing. Swire partners with a relatively small-time but doggedly determined journalist named Murray Guthrie (a fictional construct played by Sam Troughton) to wade through endless reams of evidence and to fight institutional bureaucracy to determine the identities, the motives and the methods of the terrorists who planted the bomb on the plane. (At times, we feel as overwhelmed as Swire, who constructs the obligatory Wall of Evidence containing photos, newspaper clippings, notes, etc.)
There are a few moments when the series itself acknowledges the complexity of the case, as when two suspected terrorists are put on trial, and we get title cards explaining who has entered a scene, e.g., “Thomas Hayes, Forensic Scientist, Royal Armaments Research and Development Establishment (RARDE).”
Telling this story mostly through the viewpoint of one man, who has engaged in some questionable actions and choices through the years, is sure to be met with some controversy, as is the depiction of the relationship between Swire and Abdelbaset al-Megrahi (portrayed well by Ardalan Esmaili), the Libyan whom Swire came to believe was wrongly convicted.
Mostly, though, this is a compelling work, led by Firth’s lionhearted performance. Late in the series, in a scene set many years after the bombing, a cashier asks Swire about a button on his lapel with the message, “Lockerbie: the TRUTH must be KNOWN.” When he says, “The Lockerbie disaster,” she gives a puzzled look and replies, “What was that?” It’s not her fault. She’s young. She can’t be expected to know about every horrific tragedy this world has known. Still, whether you’re old enough to remember the fate of Pan Am Flight 103 or it seems like ancient history, “Lockerbie: A Search for Truth” is an invaluable dramatic record of the history.
The Benefits Of Lighting Up Your Landscape
Homeowners know there’s no shortage of ways to tweak a property. Some homeowners may lament that the work associated with home ownership is never done, but owning a house also provide endless opportunities to upgrade the spaces people call home.
Landscape lighting has become increasingly popular in recent years. That popularity is undoubtedly due to a number of variables, and each highlights a benefit of installing landscape lighting around a property.
Affordability
Some may think of big budget projects like kitchen remodels or room additions when pondering home renovations. Such projects can have a dramatic impact on the look and feel of a home, but landscape lighting can be equally transformative at a fraction of the cost of larger undertakings. The home renovation experts at Angi.com estimate the average landscape lighting project costs around $4,000, making affordability a notable benefit of the project.
Appearance
There’s no denying the aesthetic appeal of a well-lit landscape at night.
Landscape lighting can be utilized to draw attention to awe-inspiring components of a landscape, whether it’s natural features like gardens and foliage or manmade components like architectural features. Improved appearance can increase curb appeal, which is often associated with how a home looks during daylight hours. But photographs of a well-lit nighttime landscape can impress buyers as well.
Cost Savings
Landscape lighting might help homeowners reduce the cost of their homeowners insurance. Researchers at PolicyGenius.com found that insurance companies typically offer a discount of 2 to 5 percent to homeowners who install a home security system. Insurance providers may offer additional savings to homeowners who pair such systems with landscape lighting, which can be a deterrent to burglars who prefer to operate under a cloak of darkness.
Safety
Insurance firms may discount premiums because of landscape lighting because they view it as a deterrent to potential criminals. But landscape lighting also makes moving around
a property at night safer for residents and guests. Lighting can be used to illuminate walkways, outdoor living rooms, patios around pools, and other areas where residents and guests will be walking at night, which can reduce the risk of falls and injuries that may result from such spills.
ROI
Savvy homeowners consider a renovation’s return on investment before deciding to go forward with a project. Studies vary, but the National Association of Realtors indicates landscape lighting can recoup as much as 70 percent of homeowners’ investment in the project at resale. When viewed through the lens of ROI, the cost of installing landscape lighting is even less.
Landscape lighting adds notable aesthetic appeal to a home at a fraction of the cost of other renovation projects. The benefits such lighting provides make the project one every homeowner can consider.
Heart Disease Is The Leading Cause Of Death In California
•The most prevalent cause of death in California is heart disease, with a total of 66,340 fatalities
•The second most common cause of death is cancer, responsible for 60,449 deaths, followed by a stroke in third, causing a total of 18,442 deaths
•Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was analyzed to help determine the top five causes of death in California
Anew study has revealed that heart disease is the most prevalent cause of death in California. U.S. Career Institute, an American online career training school, conducted a comprehensive analysis of the leading causes of death in California using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study ranked the top five causes of death based on the number of fatalities.
The most prevalent cause in California is heart disease, with a total of 66,340 fatalities. Heart disease can come in different types, affecting anything from the heart muscles, valves, and the cardiac conduction system. ¯Some heart diseases can be caused by factors such as genetics, poor diet, certain autoimmune diseases, and high blood pressure. The Mayo Clinic describes early warnings of heart disease as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting.
The second most prevalent cause of death is cancer, which accounted for 60,449 fatalities. According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer is a genetic disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body and can come in the form of solid tumors, known as malignant tumors, or, in cases like blood cancer, be more detectable through symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes and easy bruising.
The third most prevalent cause of death is a stroke, resulting in 18,422 fatalities. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a stroke, also known as a brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel on the surface of the brain bursts.
There are three forms of stroke: ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and transient ischemic attack (TIA), each with different causes. Factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, aging, and even pregnancy can lead to strokes.
The top five leading causes of death in California:
PHOTO SOURCE: Depositphotos
In fourth place is Alzheimer’s, resulting in 17,363 deaths. The National Institute on Aging describes it as a brain disorder that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to eventually die. This gradually destroys memory and cognitive skills, eventually preventing individuals from performing simple day-to-day tasks. The disease typically affects older adults, but in rare cases, early-onset Alzheimer’s can occur between the ages of 30 and 65. The main symptoms include memory loss, language difficulties, and unpredictable behavior.
Chronic lower respiratory disease (CRD) is the fifth leading cause of death, causing 11,977 deaths. The World Health Organization describes
CRDs as incurable diseases that affect the airways and other structures of the lungs. Common forms include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pulmonary hypertension. Contributing factors to developing respiratory diseases include tobacco smoke, air pollution, and chemical exposure.
¯Holly Cook, VP of Marketing at U.S. Career Institute, commented on the findings:
“This research highlights that the leading causes of death in California are due to health-related conditions which, in some cases, are difficult to treat and overcome.”
“Illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer can be unpredict-
11,977
able and not always the result of poor lifestyle choices, but there are many ways to reduce your risk of developing a life-threatening illness.”
“Smoking is a main cause of multiple types of cancer and strokes. Quitting smoking will significantly improve your health. For those with respiratory diseases, first- and second-hand smoke can trigger asthma attacks and cause difficulty breathing
“A well-balanced lifestyle of a healthy diet, regular exercise, keeping a good weight, not smoking, and reducing your alcohol intake will all help lower the chances of developing health issues that could become fatal.”
Financial Strategies To Consider For Retirement
Freedom is often cited as a benefit of retirement. Many professionals look forward to the day when they retire and have more free time and the freedom to spend that time however they choose. Of course, the opportunity to spend retirement how one sees fit typically requires considerable financial freedom.
Financial planning for retirement is often emphasized to young professionals beginning their careers. But it’s equally important that people on the cusp of retirement continue to look for ways to protect and grow their wealth.
Plan to grow your wealth in retirement. It’s widely assumed that retirees need less income after calling it a career because the need to save for retirement is no longer present. However, some expenses, including health care, may rise in retirement, which underscores the need to continue growing your wealth. Cost-of-living also will increase over
the course of your retirement years, which highlights the need to keep growing wealth in retirement. It can be tricky to protect your existing retirement savings as you approach the end of your career while also growing that wealth, so it is best to work with a financial planner to navigate that situation.
Maintain a mix with your investments. A model from the Schwab Center for Financial Research indicated that a hypothetical retiree with a $2 million portfolio in year one of retirement will have slightly less than $1 million left 30 years later if her portfolio maintains a mix of 60 percent stocks and 40 percent bonds and cash. The model found that a second hypothetical investor with the same size portfolio in year one of retirement will run out of funds prior to year 29 if his portfolio is 20 percent stocks and 80 percent bonds and cash. Though conventional wisdom suggests limiting risk as retirement nears and eliminating it entirely upon
retiring, modern retirees are living longer and may therefore need to maintain a mix of investments to ensure they don’t outlive their money. Make the maximum allowable contributions. Many aging professionals may not have saved as much for retirement as they might have hoped to upon starting their careers decades ago. In fact, a 2024 survey from Prudential Financial found that many 55-year-olds have fallen far short of establishing the level of financial security they will need in retirement. The Prudential survey found that 55-year-olds had a median retirement savings of less than $50,000, a number that falls considerably short of the recommended goal of having eight times one’s annual income saved by this age. If that sit-
uation sounds familiar for professionals nearing retirement age, then now is the time to begin catching up. Make the maximum allowable contributions to a 401(k) plan ($23,000 in 2024) and/or an IRA ($7,000). In addition, the Internal Revenue Service notes that IRA catch-up contributions remained $1,000 for individuals age 50 and over in 2024.
Retirement can provide a sense of freedom professionals have worked hard to achieve over the course of their careers.
WHAT’S NEW
Continued from page 5
added to the basketball court.
The extensive renovations and upgrades to Old Orchard Park are slated to be open for play by early summer of 2025.
David March Park, located at 28310 Via Joyce Drive, Saugus, 91350, will undergo a massive expansion with eight acres of space added to include a state-of-the-art baseball field with spectator seating, a new restroom building and parking lot. Additionally, enhancements to the existing park which opened in 2003 will include a new basketball court, shade canopy, exercise equipment area and a picnic pavilion.
Enjoy cooking for a family gathering on the charcoal grill, which is near the permanent cornhole toss and horseshoe pit.
These improvements are not expected to be complete until sometime in 2026.
William S. Hart Park
Perhaps the biggest news in city parks will be the acquisition of the William S. Hart Regional Park, Mansion and Museum, 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall, CA 91321. The city of Santa Clarita is expected to take over management of the park on July 1, 2025.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the transfer of the historic 160-acre property on Aug. 6. The effort to gain ownership of Hart Park by Santa Clarita started in July of 2022,
Upon his death in 1946, Western silent film star Hart left his estate and property to the “people of
Los Angeles,” which included his mansion and its contents.
Hart Park has been managed by the County of Los Angeles and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
The Hart Mansion has been closed since March 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis.
In anticipation of the transfer of the park, the city of Santa Clarita is currently looking for a dedicated professional to oversee the daily care of the William S. Hart Park Museum, its collections and exhibits. Visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ santaclarita.
Valencia Community Center
The 12,000 sq. ft. Valencia Community Center, which includes the city’s only indoor swimming pool, officially opened in December. Programing at the center, which includes swim classes, community recreation classes and Primetime Preschool will be offered.
Among the programs to be offered are those designed to promote health, wellness and personal growth. These classes include offerings such as Tai Chi and MELT fitness sessions, which both focus on mobility, reducing pain and improving overall body function.
The Valencia Community Center is located at Valencia Summit Park, 26147 McBean Parkway, Valencia. CA 91355.
For Primetime Preschool visit https://santaclarita.gov/primetime-preschool/ to sign up.
Contact (661) 250-3700 for more information on aquatics programming or community classes.
Rink Sports Pavilion
The Rink Sports Pavilion located adjacent to the gymnasium at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex, 20870 Centre Pointe Parkway Santa Clarita CA 91350, broke ground in August 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2026.
The 25,701 square-foot facility will feature a 12,000-square-foot multi-use rink and will offer
residents a roller-skating rink as well as a basketball court, volleyball court, pickleball courts, a commercial kitchen, DJ booth and birthday party spaces.
River Of Lights
The River of Lights currently under construction at Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus, CA 91350, will consist of hundreds of LED lights within the path along the plaza and the 172step exercise staircase. The lights are programable with varying colors and levels of brightness and can create the visual effect such of flowing water, or a “river of lights.” The project is expected to be completed early in 2025.
Open Space And Trails
The city now has more than 13,000 acres of dedicated open space and 100 miles of interconnecting trails for hiking, biking and strolling. Hundreds of acres of open space have been acquired in the last year, expect more acreage to be added in 2025.
For information on accessing Santa Clarita’s trails and open space visit https://hikesantaclarita.com
Construction continues on The River of Lights amenity along the Exercise Staircase in Central Park. PHOTO CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
The eight-acre expansion project at David March Park will include a state-of-the-art baseball field with spectator seating. PHOTO CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
The Rink Sports Pavilion, shown in this artist’s rendering, will be a 25,701 square-foot facility that will feature a 12,000-square-foot multi-use rink and will offer residents a roller-skating rink as well as basketball court, volleyball court, pickleball courts, a commercial kitchen, DJ booth and birthday party spaces. PHOTO CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
What To Know About Estate Planning
Managing and planning one’s estate sounds like a task reserved for the über-rich. But that’s a common, and potentially costly, misconception. Indeed, estate planning is a necessary component of long-term financial planning no matter the size of a person’s investment portfolio.
Estate planning is an umbrella term that encompasses anything from asset allocation after death to end-oflife health care decisions to power of attorney should an individual become incapacitated. Key components of an estate plan typically include wills, trusts, power of attorney, and health care directives. According to a 2021 survey by Caring.com, only 33 percent of Americans have a will in place, and 60 percent of respondents in the same survey cited “not having enough assets” as reasons for not creating an estate plan.
The following are some basic steps anyone can take to establish an estate
tate the distribution of your assets.
some of your assets so they cannot be counted as part of your responsibility for paying for skilled nursing home admittance.
· Establish trusts. Morgan Legal Group says trusts are tools that can protect assets, minimize estate taxes and provide for beneficiaries. Trusts can be revocable or irrevocable. Special needs trusts also can be set up. Trusts can help avoid probate and reduce estate taxes. The National Bureau of Economic Research indicates trusts can reduce estate taxes by up to 40 percent. Trusts also can shield plan.
· Create a will. A will is a legal document that specifies how your assets will be distributed after your death. Although a will can be set up without an attorney, relying on an attorney to create or update a will can ensure that it is legally sound and reflects your intentions. In the will you can name an executor who will carry out the plans of the will. Without a will, intestacy laws where you live will dic-
· Determine powers of attorney and health care proxies. If someone becomes incapacitated, that person will need responsible people who can act on their behalf. A financial or legal power of attorney can help with paying bills, accessing accounts and managing finances and other needs. A health care proxy can be listed on an advanced health care directive, known as a living will. The proxy will communicate your wishes indicated on the directive and see that your wishes are honored.
Knowing what’s included in an estate plan can ensure that people make informed choices about their assets, beneficiaries and financial futures. It is always best to work with legal, medical and tax professionals when drawing up estate plans to avoid any issues that can arise when matters are not decided ahead of time.
Your Guide To Digital Storage
Technology continues to make work and play easier and more efficient. Technology can simplify daily tasks and help to streamline homes and offices. Technology also can help anyone de-clutter and become more organized. Utilizing digital storage can free up space and help keep important information only a few clicks away.
Connectbit, an IT solutions company, says 44 percent of IT decision-makers view cloud storage as a top focus, while 48 percent of businesses and 65 percent of people use cloud technologies for data storage. Cloud storage is just one method of digital storage consumers can utilize. The following is a look at key digital options for getting organized.
Cloud Storage
Since it is so prevalent, it pays to begin with this popular method of storage. According to Google, cloud storage is a mode of computer data storage in which digital information is stored on servers off-site. Those servers are maintained by a third-party provider who is responsible for managing, securing and hosting the data. The data is always accessible via an internet connection. Some cloud storage is free, while other cloud storage requires a subscription for a set amount of storage space.
PRO: Always accessible from anywhere via an internet connection.
CON: Comes with a cost, and the service provider may be able to use your data in various ways.
External Hard Drive
An external hard drive connects to a computer or another device (such as a mobile phone, tablet or gaming system) by way of a USB connection. ItÕs also known as a portable hard drive, says My Memory, a tech information company. Data caps and monthly costs on cloud storage may make it impractical for some people. When you save data to an external drive, you will always have exclusive ownership of those files, which may not be the case when utilizing cloud storage services. These drives come as hard disk drive (HDD), solid state
drive (SSD) and flash varieties, each with their own pros and cons.
PRO: A relatively safe way to back up and store data for your eyes and usage only.
CON: You must have the external hard drive to access the files, and due to their mechanical nature, these drives can sometimes fail, resulting in lost data.
Device Storage
Smartphones, tablets and computers all have built-in storage to enable the device to function and store data added by the user. Flash memory storage is one of the most popular used on mobile devices, according to Dignited, a technology information site. Computers use a combination of drive and memory types. At the crux, memory, which comes in the number of bytes it can hold, stores information on the device itself. It is limited by the maximum number of bytes the device can hold, measured typically in megabytes, gigabytes or terabytes.
PRO: This storage enables you to keep important data right on a computer or digital device for easy access when needed.
CON: Storage amounts are limited by the maximum of what the device can hold and may not be accessed remotely.
Digital storage is an important way to cut down on paper clutter by storing receipts, photos and important documents digitally.
GARDENING
Ways to Help Houseplants Thrive Over the Winter
Winter can be harsh. Frigid temperatures and fewer hours of daylight can take a toll, and many people prefer to stay warm inside as much as possible during winter. Indoor air also can take a toll, leading to dry skin and increasing individuals’ exposure to viruses such as those that cause the common cold. Warm and dry indoor air also can affect houseplants, which underscores how important it is to change your indoor plant care routine in winter.
Outdoor plants might not bloom or thrive once winter arrives, but houseplants can make it through the season with a few simple strategies.
• Cut back on watering, if necessary. The relationship between sunlight and water in regard to houseplants is simple: the more light plants get, the more water they need. Because there’s less daylight in winter, houseplants may not need to be watered as frequently as they will during other times of year. But that could depend on where the plant is located in the house.
If it’s near a window with substantial sunlight exposure, then it might need as much water as it requires during other times of year. Soil conditions may provide clues as to how frequently houseplants need to be watered in winter. Touch the soil before watering. If it’s wet or feels damp, the plant does not require watering.
• Mobilize your houseplants. Some houseplants may be too large and heavy to move. However, smaller plants may benefit from being more mobile.
When moving houseplants, move them to a spot where they can get ample sunlight during the day, espe-
cially if they’re typically located in areas of your home that do not get much exposure to sunlight in the winter.
• Keep plants away from vents. Anyone who lives in a region where winter temperatures get very cold knows that conditions sometimes require bumping up the temperature on the thermostat. That can make a home more comfortable for humans but less comfortable for houseplants.
It’s always best to keep houseplants away from heating vents so they won’t dry out and potentially die. If the thermostat needs to be adjusted to warm up the house, confirm all plants are away from vents to ensure they don’t dry and out and potentially die.
• Check for uninvited guests. Summer might be the season most synonymous with pests, but houseplants are not invulnerable to uninvited pest guests in winter.
The pest control experts at Terminix® dispute the popular notion that spiders flock to home interiors in fall to avoid the coming winter cold. However, the experts at Better Homes & Gardens note that spider mites are common winter pests because they like warm and dry conditions.
BHG urges individuals to inspect the tops and undersides of houseplant leaves and stems for signs of pest infestation. Treat small infestations with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball, which can be used to wipe pests off the plants. Large infestations may require the use of insecticidal soap.
Winter is harsh on humans and can be hard on houseplants as well. Some simple strategies can help houseplants get through the season unscathed.
SOLUTIONS
Opinion
READER LETTERS
Creating a Pathological Society
Today’s world is filled with negative energies permeating our minds, bodies and souls. News media feeds us with worldly events of terror: wars, manslaughter, murders, and a host of current ungodly mayhem. The entertainment industry senses the public’s appetite for drama and feeds us the same. James Van Praagh, the medium and author of the book “Ghosts Among Us,” senses that “our nation’s collective negative thoughts and emotions are continually fed through our negativity, including negative forms of entertainment. Violent movies, television shows, and music that exaggerate people’s fears and cruel behavior may seem exciting, but they only exacerbate the baser thoughts of society.”
Image creators find promoting negative images more profitable than creating positive images. Unfortunately, as they become embedded in our thought forms, negative energy eventually creates a pathological society … a society afraid of itself.
Gerald
Staack Former Santa Clarita resident Wilmington, North Carolina
It Takes Chutzpah
Don Allen (letters, Nov. 22) states that he is in a state of disbelief that ... uh ... well now, come to think of it, I’m not entirely certain what has caught him so unawares.
Is it the fact that so many American voters actually voted for Donald Trump (because they’re so sick and tired of what was being done to them and this country by the outgoing administration)? He needs to get out more (as should the Democratic leadership in general).
Is it the fact that Trump is already starting to nominate his cabinet members and implement plans? All incoming presidents do that. So what?
Is it the fact that the average American doesn’t hold an Ivy League Ph.D. in a social science or the liberal arts? Well, thank God for that.
Look what those “activist” professors have done to our youth. Talk about “mad scientists” tinkering with our future.
Is it the fact that most of us “deplorables” know what’s good for us regardless of how many times we are ridiculed, scolded, intimidated, or bullied, by the enlightened “sophisticates” on the left (who think they know bloody everything, and can never, NEVER admit when they’re wrong, let alone apologize)?
So, where have you been these past four years (because it seems you missed the boat)?
Really, Mr. Allen, you have a lot of nerve. In Yiddish, the word is “Chutzpah.”
Arthur Saginian Santa Clarita
Submit a Letter to the Editor Include name, address & phone. E-mail: letters@signalscv.com.
When Freedoms Collide
By David Hegg
During the past political season, it was common to hear the various candidates shout that their opponent threatened democracy and was ready to take away our freedoms. The more this theme was repeated, the more I wondered, “What do we mean by freedom?”
Our founding fathers answered this question by creating a nation of laws meant to define and protect our unalienable rights and the freedoms that flow from those rights. There are many examples of how our system of laws protects us from the hurtful and often criminal activities of those who prey on us. For example, as citizens, we understand the law protects our freedom from negative things such as physical harm, the illegal taking of our possessions, and, certainly, from unlawful government overreach. Our freedom as individuals is also protected from illegal discrimination due to who we are, what we look like, and even how we see the world. I might be tempted to continue listing how our legal system protects our individual and professional freedoms, but I’ll stop since I never went to law school!
But what happens when freedoms collide? Let me set out an example.
For instance, freedom from unlawful discrimination is grounded in the truth that people differ. We differ ethnically and ideologically. We differ in terms of gender, age, experience, and, if we’re honest, in many more ways. While we agree that these differences must not bring about unlawful discrimination, the question goes even further. Do we have the right to be free from having our feelings hurt? And is it even rational to believe that, in our “melting pot” country, there can ever be a time when we all think, act, and believe in lockstep?
I have long wondered about the new concept of being “triggered.” This is the new term for “what you said just hurt my feelings, and you should be punished, not only for what you said but also for the thoughts and beliefs behind what you’re saying.”
Here, we have the collision of actual freedom — freedom of speech — and a manufactured, false freedom from ever having my feelings hurt. But is this idea of freedom rational? Must it be that I, as a pastor who speaks and teaches for a living and as a columnist who opines weekly, must never be confronted, disagreed with, and demeaned? Is there some natural law or legislative interest in ensuring people always agree with me, like me, and always relate to me in
complementary ways, and never hurt my feelings? And is it rational to believe that, in a country built on freedom of speech, it is also mandatory that one’s free speech must never hurt someone’s feelings? The answer to all these questions is a hard no!
The raw truth is this: Freedom of speech is the tangible fruit that falls from the tree of our freedom of conscience. As rational beings, we are free to think for ourselves, craft our beliefs and convictions, and use them to form an ethical system and personal worldview. We can declare it if we do not break the laws that protect another person’s safety, business, or reputation. And, while not illegal, it is also unwise, unloving, and quite foolish to express thoughts, opinions, and even criticism in demeaning, dehumanizing ways. If you’re trying to convince someone of your perspective, throwing barbed, sharp-edged insults can’t be the A plan.
Here’s my suggestion. Toughen up, America! As the old Lynn Anderson song declared, “I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden; along with the sunshine there’s gotta be a little rain sometime; When you take, you gotta give, so live and let live ...”
I mean it! If we’re to solve the immense challenges facing us as individuals, families, and a society, we’ll need to stop being sniveling, self-centered narcissists. Life is tough, and feelings-based ideologies will never carry us forward to better times in better ways. We must learn how to listen to, put up with, understand, and rationally respond to those around us who think differently. This doesn’t mean the truth is flexible or that every idea has merit. It isn’t, and they don’t.
But it does mean we must re-learn tolerance, a concept that presupposes differences. Tolerance means not letting another person’s intolerance reduce you to anger and hatred. Tolerance doesn’t equate to agreement, but it does demonstrate maturity even as it communicates honor to a fellow human being, whether they deserve it in your opinion or not.
So, as we start 2025, let’s use our freedoms to the fullest while being equally engaged in protecting the freedoms of others traveling the road with us. I may disagree with what you believe and proclaim, but I’ll argue for your freedom to do both. Let’s make it a Happy New Year!
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
