Sunday Signal Jan 13, 2019

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JANUARY 13, 2019

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J A N UA RY 13, 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES

5 The sounds and colors by her side 6 Wherever the winds may take them 8 Meal prep kits make cooking simpler, fun

NEWS OF THE WEEK 9

10

11 12

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9

New skate park voiced by local skating community Man accused of killing three gets prelim date Man suspected of starting fire released Council halts landscape, lighting district processes Rare bird and permits delay cleanup Law enforcement officer extricated from vehicle 32-year-old suspected of vandalizing fountain

SPORTS

13 Former COC star eyes draft-day dream

BUSINESS

13 14

14 Santa Clarita’s WorkWell program offers more than just benefits

CITY MANAGER

15

15 Driving toward safer streets

REAL ESTATE

16

16 Who are the Santa Clarita Valley home buyers in 2019?

TIME RANGER OPINION

17 18

18 Our View • David Hegg • Tim Whyte

CALENDAR 21 THINGS TO DO

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2 Music, Movies, Theater: What’s Entertaining in 2019?

2 Date-night ideas that won’t break the bank 23 Chinese New Year

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Happy New Year

KIDS & FAMILY

25

5 Donna’s Day: Firestarters with recycled starters 2 Making your kids’ Valentines day extra special

FOOD 26 6 Find foodie heaven during Restaurant Month 2 30 Michele makes quiche

ENTERTAINMENT 28 8 Buckcherry to rock Canyon Santa Clarita in January 2 29 ‘A Star is Born,’ ‘The Old Man’ and more nominees

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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31 Concrete questions, pool deck rising

PROFILE 32 32 Santa Clarita’s icon of style

GARDENING 34 34 Plenty of garden work to do this winter

SENIORS 35 35 SCV Senior Center hosts Cowboy New Year event

BRAIN GAMES

37

37 Games • Crossword • Village Idiot

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J A N UA RY 13, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

The sounds and colors by her side

By Ryan Mancini Signal Staff Writer

S

usie V Kaufman feels her whole life has been tangled with the arts in one way or another, which is reflected in the bright colors with which she surrounds herself — from the bright blues inside her Santa Clarita apartment to her shock of red hair.

She’s lived a life heavily influenced by the arts spanning different media, and she vividly remembers the colors in her parents’ living room as they invited working class artists to their small home in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, she said.

Her mother connected right away with artist Frida Kahlo, whose husband and fellow artist, Diego Rivera, was commissioned to paint a mural at the Rockefeller Center in 1933-34, Kaufman said.

Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is remembered for her expressive self-portraits, as well as her use of “bold, vibrant colors,” according to FridaKahlo.org. Her paintings now sell for millions of dollars, and are considered influential to a number of different artistic movements.

“I don’t know why, (Kahlo) just liked my mother,” she said. “My mother was very simple.”

Kaufman herself was born in Morristown, N.J., in 1947. Music entered her life as she was rocked to sleep, she said, music’s evolution impacted her more than any piano or violin lesson.

“I was going through stages of music because music was going through stages, and I would start going into (Greenwich) Village,” she said. “New York City was amazing anyway. There was jazz, of course, which my uncle was bringing me up with. But I loved going into the village and I loved folk music.”

By the early 1960s, musicians were “plugging in” and she caught the “Brit sound” as rock ‘n’ roll burgeoned across the globe. Kaufman fell in with musicians kicking off their careers, working as an assistant, or “percie,” for smaller rock groups. By 1968, she heard rumors of a massive concert happening the next year.

“A couple of guys were trying to put together some kind of rock concert that will be about music and poetry,” she said.

Woodstock, with its particular lineup of musicians, became a defining moment in Kaufman’s life. Growing up shy about her personality and her appearance, she felt she was free at last.

“For me, maybe that one moment (I felt I) was free,” she said. “I became comfortable and I felt I can be happy about being exactly how I am and how I look and it’s OK. I’m not going to be envious (of anyone).”

Though the reunion of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young was a thrill, it was Jimi Hendrix taking the stage that stood out the most. Kaufman laughed as she recalled the people who left before the third day, when Left: Susie V Kaufman talks about the items in her memory room.

Right: Susie V Kaufman adjusts a one-of-a-kind photograph of John Lennon autographed to her and her son which hangs in her memory room.

Susie V Kaufman with her Senegal parrot named Mazi Wamu Kota. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

Hendrix appeared. Everyone froze in amazement as the guitarist took to the stage.

But when Max Yasgur appeared, who was the owner of the dairy farm where Woodstock took place, it gave everyone a solemn moment of thankfulness.

“We all owed him,” she said. “Everyone, we all felt complete gratitude that this one human being would give us his land. It was such pretty land, too — it was like a natural bowl.”

Though Kaufman was invited for subsequent anniversaries, she said it wouldn’t be same. Without Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead, Sha Na Na and others as the way they were, and in a changed country, it would not be the same.

In the decades since, Kaufman has shared her experience at Woodstock with CNN, on ABC’s “Turning Point” for the 25th anniversary and as a subject of journalist Jack Curry’s book “Woodstock: The Summer of Our Lives.” She continued working with musicians across the country throughout the 1970s, eventually making her way to California.

With the start of the 1980s, Kaufman’s artistic focus shifted to film and television in the years following the birth of her son Jarrett

Lennon Kaufman.

Starting as a young actor in shows like “Cheers” and the Ben Stiller movie “Highway to Hell,” Kaufman said he would learn everyone’s lines by heart. Now working in improv, Jarrett is married and has two children.

When considering whether or not to go to the 50th anniversary of Woodstock in August 2019, she floated the idea of perhaps going with Jarrett.

“It would have to be someone so dear who could hold my hand and maybe cry with me,” she said.

Kaufman said due to her strict fixed income, she’s unable to travel as frequently as she’d like, but she’s still moved by the music she grew up with through the help of satellite radio.

She finds herself reading more, as the walls of her home are adorned with books from across the ages, from Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos” to Albert Camus’ “The Stranger.”

For now, music and books have helped her carry her love of the arts forward.

“I wish I could live it over again have more time to think,” she said, “have a better education, but still have Jarrett, still have the music, have more road trips and know more about what I saw.” 

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J A N UA RY 13, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E

Wherever the winds may take them

By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer

A

pair of adventurers through and through, residents Chuck and Toni Miltenberger, both 75, have been sharing their love for travel with each other for more than 55 years.

“Our honeymoon in 1963 was taken in a tent,” Toni Miltenberger said.

Over the last six decades, the couple has grown together and restored multiple old historic trailers.

They currently have three trailers, a 1950 Westcraft Coronado Pollman, a 1941 Westcraft and a 1936 Airstream Silver Cloud.

Their Silver Cloud has the original tag emblem, produced as trailer

Chuck and Toni Miltenberger stand in front of their 1937 Chrysler Airflow on their first outing with the 1936 Airstream Silver Cloud (its trial run) at Lake Cachuma once the restoration was done.

No.199 — one of the oldest original Airstreams still running. The trailer was originally found by Sue

Murphy from Iowa Boys, a trailer company once located in the San Fernando Valley. The Miltenberg-

ers got the trailer when Iowa Boys closed.

“I used to work on trailers,” Chuck Miltenberger said. “She had this trailer for a long time.”

“Sue and Chuck knew its historical value,” Toni Miltenberger said.

“When Chuck came home with it, he was smiling from ear-to-ear.”

It took Toni years to see its historical beauty, as the trailer sat on their property before being restored.

“Somewhere along the line, I started doing historical research and fell in love with it,” she said.

When they first brought the trailer home, it was brown and white with a metallic frame.

“I knew it was one of the oldest

The road to restoration

3

1

4

2 The road to restoration took a lot of love and hard work. (Photos 1 and 2) Not knowing if it was worth restoring, Chuck Miltenberger pulled the metal off the 1936 Airstream Silver Cloud revealing the original wood and masonite below. With that the work began. 3. A peek inside the finished product.

4. Chuck Miltenberger paints his Airstream. 5. The original plaque that showcases how the Airstream is number 199. PHOTOS BY CHUCK AND TONI MILTENBERGER

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E trailers around,” Chuck Miltenberger said. “I’d never seen another one.”

Not knowing if it was worth restoring, Chuck pulled the metal off, revealing the original wood and masonite painted blue and white.

“It was because of the history, I had to restore it,” he said.

They decided to restore it to the original plans.

“We tried to keep it as original as we could,” Toni Miltenberger said.

During their restoration, about 70 percent of the cabinet material was saved and the door faces, closet, front bed frames, trim, hardware and everything else is original, they said.

Since they restored it in 2017, they’ve made about a half-dozen trips, to rallies and the Airstream International meet-up in Oregon.

“The minute you show up, people are interested,” Toni Miltenberger said about traveling. “It’s a hobby and it’s a lot of fun. You meet interesting people around the U.S.”

People are interested in the history and the story and while traveling they pull their 1936 Airstream Silver Cloud with their blue 1937 Chrysler Airflow — which is also a classic in its own right.

The first time traveling in their newly restored Airstream was spontaneous, they said. “We were just going to join our friends in Lake Cachuma.”

They were driving their Chrysler and thought, “We gotta practice driving this for the Oregon trip.”

So they hooked it up and went on their way to meet friends for lunch.

“They convinced us to stay overnight,” they said.

Today the Miltenbergers travel one to two times a month, depending on the season.

They travel in all their trailers and continue to restore more historic trailers and boats.

“We have always traveled and camped,” Toni Miltenberger said.

“We are do-it-yourself kind of people.” 

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J A N UA RY 13, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E

Meal prep kits make cooking simpler, fun

By Taylor Villanueva Signal Staff Writer

T

he stress of cooking can be overwhelming —traveling to the grocery store, searching the aisles for the correct ingredients, time spent cooking and then there’s the cleanup.

Sometimes, there are other challenges like wasted ingredients or hard to follow recipes. These are just a few of the reasons why meal-kit services that get delivered right to your door make the whole process easier and more fun.

Sun Basket, Home Chef and Plated are a few of the many meal kit services people are using today. Not only are there many companies to choose from based on individual taste and dietary restrictions, but each company offers different delivery plans.

“Adults between ages 25 and 44 are twice as likely to use fresh meal-subscription services,” according to market research group packagedfacts. com.

A recent Harris Poll showed 1-in-4 adults purchased some type of meal kit delivery service in 2016. A third market research group, Statista, reports that revenue for the industry is “expected to grow to over $10 billion in 2020 from one billion in 2015.”

There’s a number of factors that make the services popular among professionals and young families, and there are also some things you should know if you’re thinking about a mealprep option.

“The meals are delicious,” said Ann Sayegh, who’s been using Blue Apron on and off for about two years. “With the exception of a few over the past two years, they were all delicious.”

Sayegh explains that her choice to use Blue Apron’s services came when she realized the grocery store’s portions were too big for her.

“It’s much easier than going to the store and less wasteful,” she says. “For a single-person home, it makes sense because you don’t have to buy regular portions and then end up tossing the stuff that goes bad if you don’t use it.”

The meals come with all the ingredients to make the food and cooking instructions.

Sayegh says that there are other perks to using the meal subscription.

“They have promos all the time,” she said. “For me, it’s affordable, but I also don’t order it every week.’

The pricing for Blue Apron meals starts at $9.99 per serving with a minimum of two servings per meal.

Sarah Witten has been a fan of the meal kit service HelloFresh since she started using it recently.

“I liked it because it was so simple,” Witten said. “Everything was already included and I didn’t have to think every night about what I should eat for dinner.”

She explains how, for her, HelloFresh was easier than going to the store.

“Especially if it is on auto-ship because it just shows up at your door,” she said.

Some of the meals she received were for Southwestern stuffed peppers; chicken with roasted rosemary potatoes, onions and broccolini; and a pork luau burger with a side salad.

“The food was absolutely delicious, too,” she added.

One of her favorite meals was the chicken with roasted rosemary potatoes because she says she has “never had crispier chicken skin” in her life.

Despite loving the ease of the service, Witten made the choice to cancel her subscription.

“I ended up canceling my subscription because I’m just one person and it was too much food,” she says.

“I think for a family that gets the family box or a couple, it is definitely affordable.”

Witten says another drawback to the service is that some of the cooking times were not accurate.

“They always advertise that it’s dinner in 30 minutes or less, and it never took me 30 minutes,” Witten said. “It always took me 45 minutes to an hour.”

She speculates that the cooking might have taken the predicted amount of time if there had been a second person helping her chop and prepare the ingredients.

“Just me alone, it took longer,” she said.

HelloFresh is similar to Blue Apron in that customers must order a min-

“ Be your own chef! ”

TOP LEFT: Cajun-spiced pork chops with gravy, a potato and collard greens.

TOP RIGHT: Chicken under a brick with roasted rosemary potatoes, onions, and broccolini with a squeeze of lemon.

BOTTOM LEFT: Dukkah-crusted chicken breast with roasted dukkah sweet potatoes, sauteed snap peas, and a citrus crema.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Pork luau burger with a side salad. PHOTOS BY SARAH WITTEN

imum of two recipes per week. Each recipe serves either two or four people.

Meal kit services provide fresh ingredients and cooking instructions delivered to your door. Blue Apron has options starting at $9.99 per serving for two servings and $7.49 per serving for a family of four.

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J A N UA RY 13, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

LOCALNEWS

New skate park voiced by local skating community

By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

N

athan Benaflor has been spending his winter break in eight-hour days at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex, endlessly trying to perfect his skills.

Only a sport like skating could inspire the 18-year-old to come to the Santa Clarita Skate Park every day.

Kids like Benaflor, and long-time skaters like Mike Riederer, have been congregating at the skate park for many years.

“It’s a place for us to learn new tricks and meet new people,” Benaflor said. “And everyone here is so friendly.”

When the new skate park was built in 2009, the skating community saw an uptick in people as they came out to the new “transition”-styled park.

This one has bigger “bowls,” a term to describe the shape where the ground caves in up to 10 feet deep, and also had a “plaza” with flat ground for the skaters to cover.

There are also stairs for them to jump off, more ramps and rails to practice tricks such as the “kickflip,” where a skater rotates the board underneath their feet while jumping

in the air.

Some skaters sit on the sidelines to watch their friends take long laps around the park, dipping and swaying in time to music playing on headphones or sometimes even just the way of the wind.

“On a regular day, you’ll see so many people coming here as part of the skating community,” Riederer said. “Some people here are as young as 4 to 5, and then you have old guys like me who are 45.”

The skate park is chock full of aspiring skaters, even if sometimes it can get a little dangerous.

Julian Gonzales, 15, recently broke two of his fingers and had to get staples in his leg. Despite the injuries, he was back at it within days. He’s currently on winter break, but during the school year, he still makes sure to skate from the time school gets out at 3:30 p.m., to when the park closes at 8 p.m.

“I’ve been coming here for about a year,” Gonzales said, waving his pink cast in the air. “And there’s so many cool people here — there’s even people like scooters and bikers.

Everyone here trades tips, everyone’s friendly and no one fights. It’s such a chill place.”

A new skate park is under con-

Man accused of killing three gets prelim date

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

I

t’s been almost three years since a crash in Commerce killed three people, including two Valencia residents — and the Whittier man accused of killing them has yet to have a preliminary hearing.

Dealio Lockhart, 38, appeared Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court to set a date for a preliminary hearing. He’s charged with murder in a crash that killed Brian Lewandowski, 18, and Michelle Littlefield, 19, both of the Santa Clarita Valley.

“We’re just trying to get closure,” Littlefield’s father, Willy, said Wednesday.

“It’s been almost three years to the date of the crash,” he said.

In fact, the latest scheduled date for Lockhart’s preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 25, two days before the threeyear anniversary of the fatal traffic collision.

During a preliminary hearing, prosecutors will present evidence in the case, and the defense can respond; the judge can then decide if the case should go to trial.

Both Lewandowski and Littlefield had been enrolled as students at College of the Canyons.

Lockhart is suspected of racing See PRELIM, page 11

struction at the Castaic Sports Complex, anticipated to be done in the upcoming months. Riederer lives in Castaic, but said he will still come to the skate park at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex quite a bit.

Although it was approved two years ago, the need for a skate park at the Castaic Sports Complex was a long time coming because of the growing interest in skating throughout the SCV, Riederer said. That need was voiced by the community in various community meetings in the years leading up to the new Castaic skate park’s approval in 2016.

Riederer has lived in the Santa Clarita Valley since 1998 and feels a sense of camaraderie with the younger skaters.

“Even if you don’t know someone’s name, you start seeing them every time you’re here,” he said. “It is a really good community.” 

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10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

LOCALNEWS

Man suspected of starting fire released

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

L

ocal sheriff ’s deputies detained a 52-year-old Saugus man suspected of starting a fire that gutted a handful of storage units Monday, but later released him with no charges pending.

After detaining the suspect, a detective assigned to the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department’s Arson/ Explosives Detail deemed the fire “non-criminal,” ruling out arson as a cause, Shirley Miller, spokeswoman for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station, said Tuesday.

The fire at Extra Storage at the end of Hollywood Way off of Cinema Drive proved extensive, however, destroying equipment owned by the Santa Clarita Valley Artists Association that was stored in one of the units.

“We lost a whole lot of lighting and panels,” said Patty Koscheski, whose husband Ted is an association board member.

“We’re going to need corporate sponsors to help us replenish all of what we lost,” she said.

The association is a nonprofit that has remained a fixture in Santa Clarita since 1989, offering “free art for community,” Koscheski said.

Some association members were at the storage unit Tuesday afternoon, picking through the charred rubble.

Firefighters work to contain the fire, which burned multiple storage units.

The Santa Clarita Artist Association lost equipment in the fire. PHOTOS BY AUSTIN DAVE / THE SIGNAL

Deputies with the SCV Sheriff ’s Station, meanwhile, continue to investigate what they believe was a purposely set fire.

Fire at the storage facility was first reported at about 6:50 p.m. Monday, and the blaze quickly spread through the facility, gutting five storage units, Fire Department spokesman Michael Pittman said.

At 9 p.m., deputies arrested a 52-year-old unemployed Saugus man on suspicion of arson of a structure or forest land — a felony — but later dropped the charge and released the man, Miller said.

The mission of the Santa Clarita Artists Association, according to member Zony Gordon, is: “To promote art in the Santa Clarita Valley by ‘making visual art visible.’ Our community outreach programs help with this endeavor, and are always educational, child-friendly and free to the general public,” said Gordon.

Koscheski said the association needs the burned property replaced in order to continue with its scholar-

ship program.

The association awards scholarships to art students, from high school to college, in Santa Clarita.

The SCAA gallery is located at 22508 6th St. in Newhall (just off Main Street beside the public parking lot near the Canyon Theatre Guild.) It is generally open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In addition, members display and sell art at many venues throughout the city of Santa Clarita. 

Council halts landscape, lighting district processes

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

I

n its first meeting of the new year, the Santa Clarita City Council hit the gavel on one of the most pressing citywide topics of 2018: the landscape and lighting district processes.

Council members voted unanimously Tuesday evening to terminate the landscape and lighting district assessment proceedings and cancel a public hearing that would have taken place Jan. 22.

“I have one thought: the reality is that the cost of maintaining anything does not stay static,” Councilwoman

Laurene Weste said. “But 2018 doesn’t allow (the city) to just increase the cost …”

That increase was proposed to be 560 percent for annual streetlight maintenance rates, which were to rise from $12.38 to $81.71. More than 33,000 residents were notified via letters in November, with directions to vote either “yes” to indicate support for maintaining services or “no” to show opposition. The result left recipients confused and angry over what many called confusing language.

“The community has made it clear that additional outreach and information is necessary,” Mayor Marsha McLean said in a city news release, sent

out on Dec. 31, explaining the City Council’s plans to consider terminating the assessment processes.

Six community members expressed their thoughts during public comment, all recommending council members to go through with ending the processes.

“Staff needs to go back to the drawing board,” said James Farley, a Valencia resident. “Provide a clear narrative to the voters about the reasons for the increases requested and the specifics of what is being done. Citizens should not be expected to dive into an engineer’s report to learn this.”

Farley also suggested that on

future ballots, city staff should not couple together zones where one receives an increase and another a decrease on separate items. “This only comes off as a sneaky way to engineer a ‘yes’ result overall.”

Canyon Country resident Alan Ferdman said he hopes to see a follow-up mailer, one that is “easy for a nontechnical person to understand, explain the assessment election in detail.”

After hearing from several residents, Mayor Pro Tem Cameron Smyth asked the staff if there was an opportunity for the City Council See OFFICIALS, next page

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 11

LOCALNEWS

Rare bird and permits delay cleanup

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

C

iting evidence of a bird hardly anyone ever sees and dealing with permit paperwork they see all too much of, officials supervising the cleanup of the Whittaker-Bermite site said their year-end cleanup target date has now been pushed into 2019.

How far into this year will the cleanup of nearly 1,000 acres at the heart of the Santa Clarita Valley take?

City of Santa Clarita officials revealed this week that the multi-jurisdictional task force has scheduled regular meetings on the cleanup throughout the year until November 2019.

The task force includes all stakeholders in the project such as: the city of Santa Clarita, SCV Water

Agency, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, and Meggitt-USA Inc., representing the Whittaker Corp.

Task force meetings are scheduled March 6, July 10 and Nov. 13, each date being a Wednesday between 3 and 5 p.m., in the Century Conference Room at Santa Clarita City Hall.

At each of the last few multi-jurisdictional meetings, cleanup officials confidently projected the cleanup could be completed by Dec. 31, 2018.

Asked this week if the cleanup on Whittaker Bermite was complete, the answer was “no.”

“But, we are making steady progress toward completion,” said Hassan Amini, project manager with the cleanup firm Amec Foster Wheeler.

Year-end was the target cleanup date until cleanup crews hit a snag when a biologist found a nest belonging to the threatened California

PRELIM

gnatcatcher.

With that discovery, bulldozers ground to a halt, work stopped and the completion date was pushed back.

“We had projected that most of the soil cleanup activities would be completed by the end of 2018,” Amini said.

“The gnatcatcher sighting and permit delays have affected our completion date,” he said, citing frustrating efforts to obtain permits from various agencies including the Department of Fish and Wildlife, “We should be able to complete our soil remediation work within the first three to four months of this new year, if we do not encounter an intense rainy spring,” he said.

Once the cleanup is done, the 996 hilly acres at the center of the city could become a site for potential development or use as open space, or some combined use.

OFFICIALS

Continued from page 9

Continued from previous page

his Dodge Challenger with another driver on Interstate 5 on Feb. 27, 2016, in Commerce, causing a chain-reaction collision that killed the two Valencia residents and Scott Treadway, 52, a UPS truck driver from Mira Loma.

Littlefield and Lewandowski were passengers in a Nissan with two other young people who were critically injured.

All four occupants of the Nissan were employees of Six Flags Magic

or a subcommittee to review the language and materials planned to go out as a follow-up to “provide some impact prior.”

City Manager Ken Striplin said yes.

McLean also suggested having a chart to indicate what most residents are paying and what the city is asking so that all ratepayers are in line.

The city has said terminating the assessment proceedings

Littlefield

Lewandowski

Mountain returning from a trip to Disneyland.

If convicted, Lockhart faces up to life in state prison. 

“Technically, once the soil cleanup is done to DTSC’s satisfaction and approval, there should be no environmental hazard or restriction for the public,” Amini said.

“The physical hazards, such as steep slopes, uneven grounds, wildlife, snakes, ticks … etc., will be the remaining hazards, just like any undeveloped property,” he said. “However, being a private property, access to the property needs to be obtained from the property owner.”

The California gnatcatcher, according to environmentalists manning the website Paloverdes.com, is a songbird about 4 inches long that survives in coastal sage scrub habitats in California.

They are highly territorial and mate for life. Once paired, gnatcatchers do not normally migrate beyond a 1- to 2-acre territory all year. 

will not affect its decision to purchase the streetlight system from Southern California Edison or the planned installation of LED fixtures. Conversion to energy-efficient fixtures will be conducted in phases, with completion anticipated by the end of the year. The approved action will not affect future services for streetlight maintenance, city officials also said.

With the cancelation approved, staff will take no further action on the current process and recipients will receive a letter explaining the termination of all proceedings. 

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J A N UA RY 13, 2019

LOCALNEWS

Law enforcement officer extricated from vehicle

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

P

ersonnel with the Los Angeles County Fire Department worked late Saturday night to extricate a Santa Clarita driver, later identifIed as a law enforcement officer, from his totaled vehicle.

The injured driver is expected to recover from his injuries, officials with both the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station and the California Highway Patrol said Monday.

Dubbed the “Hasley Incident” by first responders, the call initially came in at 9:20 p.m. of a vehicle versus pole traffic collision near the intersection of Cambridge Avenue and Hasley Canyon Road.

“We heard a report of one person being trapped,” said Dispatch Supervisor Martin Rangel of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

When officials arrived on the scene they found a vintage Chevrolet Nova had wrapped its front end around a pole and that the victim inside the vehicle had suffered severe injuries due to the crash.

As paramedics quickly prepped a stretcher and firefighters worked

Firefighters work to extricate a man from a vintage Chevrolet Nova that collided with a light pole on Hasley Canyon Road, near Cambridge Avenue, in Castaic on Saturday night. The man was later identified as a law enforcement officer. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

to remove any obstructions for the trapped individual, first responders temporarily closed all traffic on the westbound side of The Old Road at Cambridge Avenue.

“We’re still working on trying to extricate the patient,” said Rangel

shortly after 10 p.m., nearly a half hour after emergency personnel had first arrived on the scene. “There is only one patient.”

After what fire dispatchers described as an “extensive extrication,” the man was successfully removed from the ve-

hicle at 10:11 p.m., according to Supervising Fire Dispatcher Michael Pittman of the L.A. County Fire Department.

“He was then transported to a local area hospital,” Pittman said.

The status and ID of the victim has not yet been released. 

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

W

ithin 24 hours of having asked the public to identify a man whose image was captured by surveillance camera at the scene of a vandalized fountain in Stevenson Ranch, sheriff ’s deputies say they were able to arrest a suspect for the crime.

The suspect is a 32-year-old man, said Shirley Miller, spokeswoman for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station.

On Tuesday, local sheriff ’s detectives made public surveillance camera images of a person and a car seen near the Stevenson Ranch fountain after it was allegedly vandalized with what they believe was dishwasher

detergent soap.

The incident allegedly happened on New Year’s Eve, around 10 p.m., Miller said Tuesday.

Dumping detergent into the rushing water creates an abundance of soap bubbles.

“It’s one of those pranks you keep seeing, but they (fountains) are expensive to fix,” she said, noting the damage would require about $2,000 to fix.

Surveillance cameras posted in the area captured what detectives are calling “a person of interest” whom they wanted to interview.

“The individual pictured below was captured by surveillance cameras getting out of the pictured vehicle, a light colored Jaguar sedan with a ‘Klass’ dealership plate,” Miller said Tuesday .

COURTESY PHOTO

32-year-old suspected of vandalizing fountain

Sheriff’s detectives released surveillance camera footage of a car that was seen near a Stevenson Ranch fountain that was vandalized.

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

SPORTS

Former COC star eyes draft-day dream

NOW ARRIVING

By Haley Sawyer Signal Sports Editor

W

hen Marquise Brown was 10 years old, he went to the Super Bowl with teammate Shaddrick Lowery. The Pop Warner Super Bowl, that is.

“We went to the Super Bowl three times,” Lowery said. “We won one.

We were the best every year — (we) were always the best players on the team.”

Now, if Brown makes it to another Super Bowl, it could be in the NFL. The former College of the Canyons and University of Oklahoma receiver declared for the NFL Draft on Wednesday.

“We're extremely proud of Marquise,” said COC head coach Ted Iacenda. “I kind of felt and I said as such to a few people before he had made a decision, what more else is there really for him to do a that level?”

“Gosh, he's been one of if not the most electrifying players in college football the last two years, and now it’s time for him to chase another level.”

In two seasons with the Sooners, Brown caught 132 passes for 2,413 yards and 17 touchdowns. In his one season at COC, he hauled in 50 passes for 754 yards and 10 touchdowns.

He dazzled with his speed throughout his college football career, but according to Lowery, Brown has been quick ever since he was a kid.

“Marquise was always the smallest, but he was always the fastest,” Lowery said. “It’s always been that way.

Always is a hard worker, always had the most heart. He was a little feisty, too, always.”

Iacenda concurred. He remembers Brown as a player who was always willing to help, whether it was with his own team or helping out in community outreach efforts.

“The thing that strikes you immediately, and struck us immediately, was his humility and his work ethic — it was just so contagious,” he said.

Brown, like Lowery, is from Holly-

SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

wood, Fla. Lowery said that Brown is the main reason he ended up at COC. After not receiving NCAA clearance out of high school, he contacted Brown for advice.

Brown reached out to his coaches, who showed interest in Lowery immediately. The childhood teammates worked out together at Canyons and Lowery returned home quickly made his decision.

Soon after, Brown was waiting at LAX to pick up Lowery.

“He's a living testament that's coming from the same area and going the same route,” Lowery, who recently committed to University of New Mexico, said. “That motivates me, it pushes me to go harder.”

If Brown reaches the NFL, he’ll join several other former Cougars who have joined the pro ranks. Domata Peko is currently a lineman for the Denver Broncos, while Jason PierrePaul is a defensive end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

ESPN projects Brown as the No. 1 wide receiver prospect and the 18th overall in the NFL Draft, which will begin April 25.

At College of the Canyons, however, he’s already famous. Iacenda said that his name alone is attracting players to the football program. Players who want to be the “next Marquise Brown,” the coach said.

“We kept track all year. We watched him all the time,” Lowery said. “For the most time we watched him. if we couldn’t watch him, we watched the highlights.”

“I would tell him congrats, but truly it’s not done yet. Got a lot more to accomplish. It’s been a long time coming. he's a true testament to turning nothing to something.” 

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14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

BUSINESS

Santa Clarita’s WorkWell program offers more than just benefits

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

P

aid vacation time? Check.

Health insurance? Check.

Retirement plan? Check.

There’s no doubt that the city of Santa Clarita offers its employees a stable benefits package. But with many more companies improving their focus on perks, the city has revamped a program that’s helping its staff in more direct and effective ways.

Listed under additional employee benefits, the city offers WorkWell, a program that strives to “create a productive and performance-driven workplace by helping employees reach their personal health and fitness goals.”

The program offers informational and interactive sessions that focus on four major points: financial wellness, stress reduction, exercise programs and healthy eating.

Experts in different fields are invited to lead information sessions on each focus point, which rotates every quarter from January to December, to share their knowledge, said Joe Oerum, clerk and contract services manager with the city, who co-chairs the program.

A WorkWell committee, with subcommittees for each topic, meet monthly and strategize what will be offered to staff depending on their needs and goals. “(WorkWell) got revamped about two years ago to better work with employees’ input,” said Michael Villegas, management analyst for administrative services and co-chair of the program.

After hearing back from multiple participants, WorkWell leaders have held information sessions on how to save for retirement, operated weightloss challenges and healthy cookoffs.

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and softball tournaments for some friendly competition. But these company outings don’t just benefit Santa Clarita staff.

“On top of helping employees reach their goals, we send out surveys to select a nonprofit to support them,” said Oerum. “Any items or donations that we collect goes to benefit a local organization.”

In September, more than 150 city staff traded a day at the office for a game of kickball, gathering donations that benefitted the Domestic Violence Center of SCV. Bridge to Home has also received help from WorkWell participants and this year, employees have selected the SCV Youth Project as the nonprofit of choice, according to Oerum.

“Whether it’s time, money or needed items like water, food or socks for organizations like Bridge to Home, we give back,” he said.

Volunteering or giving back, a nontraditional perk, has become increasingly popular among several companies. An October study by Robert Half International Inc. showed that offering time for volunteer activities was among the top five perks that workers wanted.

“We learn each year what works and what doesn’t and what staff wants to learn about,” said Oerum. “Overall, though, everyone benefits from WorkWell, whether it’s a 45-minute lunch session or a kickball tournament.” 

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lead activities. Ryan Arditty with The Brandolino Group and Keith Renno with WinTrust Mortgage have recently collaborated.

One of the most successful sessions was on how to buy a house, which resulted in a handful of employees receiving the keys to their very first home.

“I had been considering buying a home for some time,” said project technician Christine Saunders.

“After attending a workshop hosted

by WorkWell to learn more about the home l-buying process, I felt like I had a much better understanding of the steps I would need to take to move forward. It definitely gave me the confidence boost I needed to take the plunge.”

In June, WorkWell partnered with Afterburn Fitness and organized a fitness challenge to help employees not only set a goal but keep their healthy habits building throughout the journey.

“After the challenge was complete, I didn’t want to stop because I was feeling better and more confident in my ability to keep up with the regulars at the gym,” said Evelyn Glasgow, an administrative analyst with the city.

“Seven months later and 20 pounds lost, I still get up at 3:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, to work out.”

WorkWell’s success stems from the testimonials by those who participate, said Villegas. “It’s a good program and it is also self-funded. We raise money through sponsorship and businesses.”

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J A N UA RY 13, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Driving toward safer streets

By Ken Striplin City Manager

A

s we embark upon another year in Santa Clarita, I want to share information on a topic that is at the top of many residents’ minds: traffic safety.

Keeping all of our community members safe on the roads is one of the most important things we do as a city.

I am happy to report that 2018 proved to be one of the safest on record — thanks to the coordinated effort of city staff, our sheriff ’s deputies and residents who heeded the call to be a “heads up” driver, pedestrian or cyclist.

One key metric that shows our streets are safe is the fact that there were zero pedestrian or cyclist fatalities resulting from collisions in 2017 and 2018. This is something we can

all be proud of and it is the result of road enhancements and measures taken to improve cyclist and pedestrian safety. In my monthly message last September, I discussed the dangers of distracted driving. At that time, I shared that the collision rate in Santa Clarita was tracking below numbers from 2017 and that collisions involving cyclists or resulting in injuries were also on the decline.

With 2018 behind us, there is now a clearer picture of the statistics gathered by the city’s traffic safety team, which includes personnel from the Sheriff ’s station and the city’s traffic engineers. Based on available data through October 2018 and using a five-year monthly conservative average to project November and December, the city’s annual collision rate is down to 651 (per 100,000 population). This represents a 14-percent decrease in the number of overall collisions in the city and is our lowest the collision rate since 2001.

This result is due to the work put in by residents and the traffic safety team. Through increased enforcement of traffic laws, including concentrated patrols in high-risk areas, motor deputies with the Sheriff ’s Department increased productivity by 13 percent last year. Analyzing data, engineering solutions to traffic congestion, and education through public safety messaging and programs also contributed. Together, the three E’s show that unsafe driving behavior, such as speeding, running red lights and using a cell phone, will not be tolerated.

City staff work hand in hand with the Sheriff ’s Department to analyze key metrics related to collisions that do occur on our streets and discover trends that can contribute to the problem. The team also studies major corridors and intersections in the city to determine what road and traffic improvements need to be made to improve safety for residents, includ-

ing protected left turn signals, speed humps in residential areas and recommendations for changes to posted speed limits.

The third and most critical group that is instrumental in keeping Santa Clarita streets safe is the public. I want to thank you all for your overwhelming response to traffic safety messaging, like the city’s award-winning “Heads Up” campaign, and your commitment to reducing collisions and injuries. With your support, Santa Clarita has shown that it can be a growing and vibrant city while remaining safe for all who use our roads.

In order to build on the momentum from 2018, I ask you to take time to review good habits with drivers in your family and reinforce with your children how they can stay safe on bikes and when crossing the street.

For more tips and statistics related to traffic safety in Santa Clarita, visit our “Heads Up” campaign website at santa-clarita.com/HeadsUp. 

16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

R E A L E S TAT E

Who are the Santa Clarita Valley home buyers in 2019?

L

ast week we detailed why many experts see a shift in the California housing market, with a modest decline in the sale of existing single-family homes this coming year and a general cooling trend for prices. This shift began in the middle of last summer and was noticed by many local Realtors. What was a seller’s market in the Spring decidedly changed to a more balanced market in the last half of the year.

We expect that to continue, barring any sudden large macro-economic event. The recent gyrations of the stock market have likely cooled any inclination of the Fed towards interest rate increases, at least for now. Increased job creation and employment opportunities both nationally and locally show a solid economic foundation that bolsters consumer confidence.

What I’m trying to say is that this is a buying opportunity for those who are on the cusp of a decision, otherwise known as ‘sitting on the fence.’ When housing inventory is low, buying can present some challenges. The perfect home might not show up for you, but frankly speaking, among the home buyers I’ve worked with starting in 1986, only a handful found their ‘perfect’ home. There is nearly always some compromise, whether it is the price, condition, location, interest rate, amenities, upgrades, schools, family approval, or any one of a hundred things buyers condition their purchase on. Right now, we are in a Goldilocks period of the housing market, that is neither too hot nor too cold. It’s time to buy.

So who are the home buyers in the Santa Clarita Valley for 2019?

After years of tepid action, this year the Millennials will be buying homes. Trulia commissioned a recent survey that showed more Millennials will become homebuyers in 2019, and will drive purchases in the starter home and condo/townhome market. The largest gains in homeownership rates in recent years were among those under 35 years old, with more of these younger Americans saying they intend to

buy a home soon. Of Americans aged 18 to 34, 21 percent say they plan to buy within the next 12 months, up from 14 percent last year.

Another significant group of homebuyers this year will be home sellers. Once an acceptable offer comes in on a home listed for sale, these home sellers will be looking for their next home as home buyers. The majority will likely be looking locally for a better home for them, however they define what is ‘better.’ It could be a larger home, a smaller home, a newly-built home, another neighborhood, or any number of motivators. Sometimes changes in the family drive the decision, which could be newly-blended families, divorce, or an empty nester decision.

These contingent buyers are motivated, and their purchase is subject to a successful and often a concurrent close of escrow. Home sellers would be wise to seriously consider the purchase offers from these buyers.

Changing demographics will also be a driver of home buying activity. The Santa Clarita Valley is a diverse community, and many home buyers of varied ages and backgrounds will continue to come to the SCV for all of the reasons we love to live here: friendly people, relatively good schools, suburban safety, good local government, parks and recreational activities, and increasingly, more entertainment and leisure venues.

Home buying can be stressful, especially for the first-time buyer or for those who last bought a home decades ago. For one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make, work with a trusted and experienced guide, your Realtor®.

Ray “the Realtor” Kutylo is the team leader of the SCV Home Team at Keller Williams VIP Properties. The Team brings experienced and professional service, commitment and value to every transaction, whether you are a home buyer or seller. Ray can be reached at (661) 312-9461 or by email at rkutylo@gmail.com. The views expressed are his own and not necessarily those of The Signal. CA DRE 00918855

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY CLOSED SALES 12/28/18 TO 1/4/19 AREA/St#

St Name

Sold Price

SqFt/Source

CANYON COUNTRY 18008 18223 16003 28843 16711 19328 28327 30030 27135 29450 17433 15531 27531 15201

Saratoga WAY #520 Soledad Canyon RD #39 Baker Canyon RD Marilyn DR Minter CT Newhouse ST Winterdale DR Grandifloras RD Red Maple CT Kristine CT Winter Pine WAY Live Oak Springs Canyon RD Trail Ridge RD Saddleback

$320,000 $339,900 $400,000 $462,500 $475,000 $500,000 $540,000 $540,000 $640,000 $695,000 $720,000 $869,000 $1,015,000 $1,275,000

934/A 1098/A 1600/S 1610/A 1693/S 1750/O 1736/A 2134/ 2335/A 3035/A 2776/A 3102/A 4457/A 4600/

Spanish Oak DR Peachland AVE #260 Vista Del Canon #E Oak Garden CT Peachland AVE Green Mountain DR 8th ST

$265,000 $295,000 $305,000 $325,000 $625,000 $627,500 $900,000

843/A 850/A 809/A 1266/A 1657/A 2440/S 3148/A

Harwood DR Haskell Canyon RD #F Seco Canyon RD #74 Avenida De Sonrisa E Guilford LN Kingscrest DR Jerry PL Connick PL Garza DR Griffith DR Sunrise View PL Evening Star CT

$56,000 $282,500 $363,000 $455,000 $539,000 $575,000 $575,000 $583,500 $635,000 $735,000 $795,000 $840,000

1800/S 870/A 1131/A 1520/A 1565/A 1604/A 1824/A 1658/A 1815/A 2548/A 3114/A 3720/A

$379,000 $640,000 $748,000 $923,000 $990,000

1127/A 1948/A 2932/A 3292/ 3607/A

$220,000 $243,000 $409,000 $424,000 $470,000 $515,000 $545,000 $613,400 $675,101 $720,000 $880,000 $905,000 $955,000 $1,045,000

675/A 722/A 922/A 1390/A 2059/A 1128/A 1784/A 1656/A 2123/A 2780/A 2883/A 3607/A 3736/A 4129/A

NEWHALL 19702 25027 18740 26712 24805 19429 23315

SAUGUS 27941 27668 28134 21149 28126 21069 28463 28427 27479 19531 22036 22207

STEVENSON RANCH 25554 25359 25925 26209 26712

Hemingway AVE #G Splendido CT Clifton PL Beecher LN Kendall LN

VALENCIA & WESTRIDGE 23515 24518 25841 23808 23117 25731 28224 24218 25275 23923 24479 27320 29233 26944

Lyons AVE #107 Nicklaus DR #O10 Mcbean PKWY #2 Toscana DR Kimmore Lupita DR N Via Sonata DR Dalgo DR Via Sistine Rustico CT Stonechat CT Duxbury PL Las Palmas CT Pebble Ridge PL

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

Quakes, Con Men, Turkeys & Mad Dogs

A

men boy howdy ahead do we have an interesting trail ride into the Santa Clarita Valley of yester-

year.

We’ve the murderous and most prolific con man in SCV history, the valley’s first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, epic real estate deals and the age-old story of a turkey closing down a freeway. (Don’t look at me like that; it probably happens more than you think).

C’mon. Climb aboard your ponies.

I know someone who knows someone over at Highway Patrol. This morning, they’ll let all 50,000 of us ride in the diamond lane …

• “Black Gold, Texas T” … For years, the SCV has been known for its lakes of oil. In the early 19th century, stories circulated back east of this valley having so much petroleum, thousands of cattle were drowning in it. While the Civil War raged, Ben Silliman Jr., professor of chemistry at Yale, was exploring this valley and found oceans of oil.

For more than 150 years, the SCV would produce so much petroleum, it sometimes upset world oil prices.

• Our first oil man was a Mr. Gilbert. He refined oil and sold it to the various grape growers here and in Ventura to lubricate wooden axles.

Gilbert, in the 1860s, would send 100 barrels of refined oil to A.C. Ferris in Panama, who was supposed to ship it up the East Coast. Shipping costs were too expensive and Ferris just left the barrels there. Should have asked Tom and Colleen Lee when they were down there in December if they spotted the missing barrels …

• Quite a deal On Jan. 15, 1875, San Francisco businessman Henry Mayo Newhall bought the Rancho San Francisco (today, the entire SCV, 46,460 acres). He purchased it at a sheriff ’s auction sale for about $2 an acre. If that were today, it would be about 1/5th of a single average house.

JAN. 13, 1919

• Cripes. Did I work back there then? It was less than a month away

Peterson called M.O. Benson at the Gorman station and said: “I don’t know where I am, but I’m drunk and I want you to come and get me. I’m not safe on the highway and I want to be put in jail before I get into trouble.” Benson promptly drove to the pay phone at the Young’s Garage.

He tried to sober up Peterson with walks and coffee, but to no avail.

Finally, Benson honored Peterson’s request and locked him in a cell for 24 hours.

before The Signal would publish its very first issue on Feb. 7, 1919. They were moving in everything from office furniture to modest presses and selling classified ads. The very first classified read: “For your cigars, cigaretts (their spelling) and tobacco go to L.G. Pullen, the Barber.” The ad cost but a quarter — money well spent.

JAN. 13, 1929

Downtown Newhall. He was sent to a mental hospital in L.A. • And the double weather forecast for Saugus is … Our sister city of Saugus, Massachusetts, duly noted in their newspaper that while Saugus, California, celebrated Dec. 23 with a baseball game, “ … we’d have to use fur-lined catchers’ mitts.”

WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

In his front-page column, 90 years ago this week in 1929, Signal Editor A.B. Thatcher shared with his readers, a word he had never heard before: “robot.” OK, Dad. This one’s for you. The word, “robot,” originated in 1920 from Czech playwright, novelist and journalist Karel Čapek. It was in the title of his hit play, “R.U.R.,” which stood for “Rossum’s Universal Robots.”

THAT word originated from the Slavic word, rabata, which means “universal forced slave labor.” In the play, these robots take over all human tasks. People even forget how to have children and the robots take over the world. All but one human is left. The robots realize they don’t have anyone left who can make more robots. A male and female robot magically develop feelings, fall in love and repopulate the world. So. That’s how the word, “robot” came into being, A.B….

• Nope. He ‘tweren’t a wrestler They called him Lunatic Lopez and he fit the bill. Double-L was arrested for trying to push his 10-yearold son in front of a speeding car in

TIMERANGER

• That’d be a $500,000 fine today Prohibition was the law of the land. It was illegal to drink, produce or sell booze by constitutional amendment. Evidently, that fact escaped a couple of local bootleggers. L.G. Kline was arrested for the second time for making hooch. He drew an $800 fine and 90 days in jail — MIGHTY stiff considering that complete houses on an acre sold for $600 back then. Then, a whiskey maker renting out the old New England Ranch made off with all of Mrs. Babcock’s furnishings, right before the law closed in.

JAN. 13, 1939

• What a great way to go I suppose there’s worse ways to die. August “Gus” Crusey fell asleep during a movie in San Fernando and never woke. Gus owned the Newhall Bakery and was one of the SCV’s most popular figures. Of course, it wasn’t a great night for his wife. She was sitting next to him at the movies.

• Here’s a great letter to the editor We actually ran this LTTE: “Night before last my husband came home yesterday. Last night he came home today. If he comes home tonight, tomorrow, I won’t be home.”

• A call our CHP would love to honor daily times 100 Guy R.

• Yup. From Sloan Canyon Local heavyweight Bud “Haystack” Sloan won his 8th straight prizefight back in New York City.

• Dog days The L.A. County Health Department quarantined all dogs from Ramona Hills to Saugus. Little Junior Burrows had been bitten by a stray and it was feared he had hydrophobia. He didn’t. But the dogs had to stay fenced in nonetheless. Oh. By the way. Ramona Hills is what they used to call Val Verde.

JAN. 13, 1949

• Wrong winter to run away from home Two local sheriff ’s deputies picked up a pair of extremely unhappy hitchhikers. The youths had run away from home in Racine, Wisconsin, “ … to get away from the weather.” They picked the worst snowstorm and cold snap in the last 150 years to plan their vacation. It was 8 degrees on the highway where they were blessedly captured.

As always, surely appreciate the company on these time rides through SCV history. I’ll see you next week with another exciting Time Ranger history adventure. Until then — no olvides extrañarme y vayan con Dios!  John Boston, aka, Mr. Santa Clarita Valley, has been writing about and teaching the history of the SCV for more than 40 years. Read his historical tome, “Images of America: The Santa Clarita Valley.” It’s available on Amazon.com. Don’t forget to check out his weekly series on the history of The Mighty Signal in every Saturday’s paper.

1 8 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

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

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

OURVIEW

These Leaders Were Right, Losing Respect: Is Society Until They Flip-Flopped in a Downward Spiral?

By The Signal Editorial Board

H

ere’s what some of our nation’s leaders have said in the past about illegal immigration: 1) “It is wrong and ultimately self-defeating for a nation of immigrants to permit the kind of abuse of our immigration laws we have seen in recent years, and we must do more to stop it.”

2) “Real reform means strong border security, and we can build on the progress my administration has already made — putting more boots on the southern border than at any time in our history and reducing illegal crossings to their lowest levels in 40 years.”

3) “When we use phrases like ‘undocumented workers,’ we convey a message to the American people that their government is not serious about combating illegal immigration, which the American people overwhelmingly oppose. If you don’t think it’s illegal, you are not going to say it. I think it is illegal and wrong, and we have to change it.”

4) “I voted numerous times when I was a senator to spend money to build a barrier to try to prevent illegal immigrants from coming in. And I do think that you have to control your borders.”

5) “I think we should enforce our borders. To have a situation where 40

By David Hegg

percent of the babies born on Medicaid in California today are born of illegal immigrants creates a very real problem for the state... to have 17 percent of our prison population at a cost of $300 million a year, the illegal immigrants who come here and commit felonies, that’s not what this nation is all about.”

6) “We do need to address the issue of immigration and the challenge we have of undocumented people in our country.

We certainly do not want any more coming in.”

S

o, who made these statements? Did any of them come from President Trump? Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell? Former President George W. Bush? Nope.

The first one was former President Bill Cinton. The second was former President Barack Obama. The third was Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer. The fourth was former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The fifth was California’s own Sen. Dianne See OUR VIEW, page 20

I

n society, respect plays an essential role.

At its foundation, respect means to act in alignment with certain societal rules, even when to do so is to go against how we feel. For example, respect for the law means obeying it even when we don’t want to.

Respect for others means valuing them as fellow human travelers on the road even when we disagree with them. If we break it down, respect is one of the few fundamental foundation stones of an ordered, civil society.

And we’re losing it at an alarming rate.

Many of our national leaders recognize that acting disrespectful toward their opponents actually increases their popularity with their supporters.

And, at the other end of the societal spectrum, children in the home and students in our schools often suffer no repercussions for blatantly disrespectful words and actions.

At the risk of great oversimplification, I’d like to offer three reasons we are losing all semblance of respect in our country, and our world.

First, we have undermined respect for truth.

This happens when we shift the genesis of truth from outside us to inside us. That is, does truth reside outside of the human heart and mind, or is it formed and verified inside us through our own perceptions, desires

and feelings?

History has always insisted on the former. Truth exists. Absolute truth exists, and it is our human task to recognize it, codify it and submit to it.

Of course, this is where ethics come into play. Regardless of what you and I take as authoritative, be it the Bible, or natural law, or personal experience, we all know some things just are true, and how you feel about them doesn’t alter that.

But, this has all changed. Now, truth is what each individual wants to believe. I can now decide what is true for me, and you must at least respect it, even if it means you have now disrespected the whole meaning of truth itself.

Second, our erosion in understandSee HEGG, page 19

READERLETTERS

Hypocrisy and the Wall Aahh, the Wall. By 1916, Mexican bandits/revolutionaries had raided border towns in Texas and New Mexico to rob and/or find sanctuary so often that the U.S. Army, under Gen. John Pershing, retaliated by campaigning deep into Mexico to stop them. In 1918, U.S. and Mexican troops exchanged fire in Nogales, causing both governments to agree to build a wall (actually a chain link fence) to fortify the border in order to: “Stop smuggling,” “collect custom duties,” and halt illegal border crossings. So much for history.

In 2008, one of the Democratic campaign planks was, “border security.” Border security was estimated to cost billions, but, Barack Obama, Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton all agreed that: “We just can’t continue to

let undocumented aliens enter our country.” Recent media reports showing Latino children sleeping in cages, and telling “family separation” stories, have rekindled the accusations of a “humanitarian crisis,” blaming President Trump.

So he wants to build a wall to stop illegal entries, smuggling, and human/drug trafficking. The answer: “He’s making it all up,” “It’s just to throw red meat to his base,” “It’s to distract us from his REAL crimes (?)” and, “He’s holding the country hostage for a stupid campaign promise.”

My question for all those who oppose the “Wall”: How many live in gated communities? How many fence in their property? How many lock their cars, homes and businesses? How many post signs in their front yards that proclaim: “Sanctuary house, undocumented welcome,” and, why would you Continued on next page

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

Opinion

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

BLACK&WHYTE

Letters, continued from previous page

A Ticky-Tack Ticket and a Bitter-Tasting Victory

deny our country the same security measures you enact for yourself?

Richard La Motte, Santa Clarita

away. A little more than that, really. But let’s round down to be conservative.

They had me dead to rights, I thought. But damn, that’s nitpicky.

I can guarantee you that if I was a code enforcement officer and I drove past a vehicle that was clearly not intended to be crowding the hydrant, and it generally passed the “eyeball test,” I’d keep driving.

Not this guy. Whoever it was, they were intent on fixing my wagon for daring to put my bumper only 13 and a half feet from a fire hydrant. They must have measured because you couldn’t tell just by looking.

I pictured the code enforcement guy stopping, and calling in a football chain gang from the sidelines.

“Do we have a first down here???”

(Chain gang guys stretch the chains, pausing for dramatic effect before setting them down...)

“No, it’s short! Fourth down!”

It’s a $68 ticket, you know. That’s only $32 less than the fine the city slapped on the Vista Valencia golf course last summer for a poorly maintained water hazard that stunk up an entire neighborhood for weeks on end.

I was ticked off. I made a post on Facebook and I tweeted it, too.

It blew up. More than 100 comments. Most of those who commented on the post agreed with me that it was a bull-you-know-what ticket. But a few said I should not consider myself above the law. And I agree. If I was too close, I was too close, even if it was a ticky-tack ticket.

After I cooled down, I called the city’s chief of code enforcement, Community Preservation Manager Daniel Rivas. He was very generous with his time and explained the ins and outs of

Concerning Byron York’s column on Jan. 8: It’s hard to believe many people could agree with the viewpoint Byron York takes on the border wall in his column titled “When Democrats Embraced the Fence.” A

By Tim Whyte Signal Editor

M

y son was home on holiday break from college, and he had an early-morning doctor appointment to get one of his various hockey injuries checked out. When he arrived back home, he came to my bedroom where I was getting ready for work.

And he was laughing his sarcastic little ass off.

“You got a parking ticket,” he said, guffawing at my misfortune.

I got a what?

A parking ticket. Across the street from my house. Apparently, the night before — at 10:50 p.m. — an extremely zealous city code enforcement officer wrote me up for being parked too close to the fire hydrant across the street from my house.

In general, I consider myself a law abider, not a breaker. And our neighborhood has been evacuated twice in the 17 years we have lived there due to imminent wildfire danger, so the last thing I want to do is block a fire hydrant.

I ran outside to investigate.

I looked at where my truck was parked. It appeared fine — a nice gap between my truck and the hydrant.

Any mildly athletic firefighter would have absolutely no problem connecting his hose to the hydrant.

This must be some mistake, right?

I ran back inside and grabbed a tape measure. I looked up the code online. It says 15 feet is the minimum distance, but it doesn’t say where on the vehicle you should measure from.

Bumper? Tire? The law is not specific.

Eyeballing it, I thought it was pretty close, in any case.

I measured. The very tip of my front bumper was about 13 feet, 6 inches

See WHYTE, page 20

A Fence Isn't a Wall

HEGG

Continued from page 18

ing the existence of absolute truth has fatally damaged our respect for authority. If I can make up my own truth, then I can override the truth that certain positions, such as parent, law enforcement officer, teacher, manager, senator, or even president rightly demand respect. I can justify acting disrespectfully, even unlawfully and certainly discourteously, and still consider my actions ethical.

Lastly — and I say this knowing this column of 788 words cannot do justice to the issue before us — all this has caused us to lose respect for one another. Having jettisoned an objective standard for truth, and along with it, respect for positions of authority, we have conjured up a corrupt ethic that actually allows us to feel good about acting badly. We are no longer courteous, but cynical, critical and often outrageous in our personal interactions.

We’ve determined that disagreement with someone’s truth proves you’re not only wrong, but also so dangerous you need to be punished.

Two things make this even worse.

First, too many of our leaders in politics, entertainment, athletics and religion are slashing their opponents to death with disrespectful, barbed-wire tongues. Second, the media, both professional and social, are making sure we see and hear about it while making sure we see it their way.

Years ago, while working in the banking world, I was privileged to

sudden switch from wall to fence has not been made. Sure, the president tried to call a redesigned wall made of steel slats with pikes along the top a “barrier” – even maybe a “fence,” but that doesn’t turn a wall into a fence.

Duane Mooring, Castaic Submit a Letter to the Editor

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

work with an amazing boss who taught me so much about how the world works. I can remember him saying, “David, never come into my office with a complaint or problem unless you also have thought about how to solve it. Never bring a problem without offering a solution.”

Certainly that applies here. So here goes. First, we have to agree that the fundamental truths of right and wrong, of interpersonal relationships, and most of all, personal identity, are not up for grabs to be altered by personal feelings or desire. Second, we must train our hearts and our children to respect authority and act with civility even when they don’t feel like it. Lastly, we must re-commit to loving our neighbor, to doing unto others as we would want them to do to us.

You all know I am a Christ-follower, and believe the Bible is the very words of God breathed out to human authors who were preserved from error in their writings. Yes, I’m one of those.

But I also believe that what we believe should make us better people, better husbands and wives, better moms and dads, better neighbors and better citizens. Whatever your worldview, let’s agree that proper respect, courtesy, honesty and love for one another are essential if we’re to recover the ethical system that once made America the greatest country in the world.

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

2 0 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

Opinion

WHYTE

Continued from page 19

how the city enforces parking ordinances — including the fact that it’s a 24/7 operation, so it shouldn’t necessarily be surprising that I was cited at 10:50 p.m.

Me? I thought it seemed like the code enforcement officer must have been lurking near my house waiting for me to test the limits of how close I could get my truck to the fire hydrant.

Rivas also explained that such enforcement is often precipitated by complaints in a neighborhood. So, maybe Gladys Kravitz has been complaining about my parking habits.

But the most important piece of information he gave me was this: Their normal standard of enforcement is to measure from the front of your front tire, not your bumper.

I couldn’t run to my truck fast enough with my tape measure in hand.

I measured from the bumper to the front tire.

Eighteen, count ’em, 18 inches.

Last I checked, 18 inches plus 13 and

OUR VIEW

Continued from page 18

Feinstein. And, the sixth was current House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, speaking a decade ago.

Democrats, all of them.

All of these Democratic leaders in recent years expressed a “get tough” attitude on illegal immigration. You can easily find the video clips online and on social media.

Clearly, not so long ago, the nation’s top elected Democrats favored tough border enforcement, including physical barriers, to protect American taxpayers from the negative impacts of illegal immigration.

But now, they call it “immoral.”

In the midst of a government shutdown that’s reminiscent of the 16-day shutdown during the Obama administration in 2013, President Donald Trump has drawn a line in the sand: He won’t sign off on legislation to restart government operations unless the package includes approximately $5 billion in funding for a wall — or some

a half feet equals 15 feet.

I was in compliance.

So, I followed the directions and submitted my photos online — the city uses a third-party vendor for these code enforcement tickets, citationprocessingcenter.com.

I submitted the original photo showing the distance to my bumper and an additional shot showing the 18 inches from bumper to tire. I wrote a statement explaining that, by the city’s own enforcement standard, my ticket should be dismissed because I was, in fact, 15 feet from the hydrant as measured to the front of my front tire.

Once I hit “submit,” I was perfectly smug in how right I knew I was.

A couple weeks later, I got a notice in the mail indicating they had completed the review of my citation and my argument against it.

The good news is, they dismissed the ticket.

The bad news? They said it was being dismissed as a “one-time courtesy.”

“The following comments have been provided as a result of the administrative review,” the notice said. “Dismissed as a one-time courtesy. This will be

dismissed as a one-time courtesy. However, future violations will be upheld.”

What????

I do NOT want to be that guy who gets his ticket dismissed as a “courtesy.”

If I’m wrong, I’ll pay the damn $68 fine.

But I was in compliance, based on the city’s own description of the enforcement standard on an admittedly vague ordinance.

Why couldn’t they just admit I was right? Based on the city’s own enforcement standard, I was in compliance, and had evidence to support it.

You’d think I would have been happy with the dismissal, and sure, I’m glad I saved $68. But I was steamed none the less. I should have beat that ticket on merit, not because they decided to do me a @$%$#& favor.

Here’s where insult gets added to injury: After Christmas dinner at my mom’s house, we arrived back home to find that our street was packed — lots of people in our neighborhood were having company for the holiday. Every on-street parking spot was full.

And there was one car, parked about 6 feet in front of the hydrant, and another about 6 feet behind it. I didn’t measure. Didn’t have to. They were clearly too damn close.

But there were no tickets on their windshields. I guess the code enforcement guy took that night off.

A belated Merry Christmas to him.

other physical barrier — along the nation’s southern border.

In response, House Democrats have drawn their own lines in the sand: No border wall funding, period. They say the wall isn’t needed and it’s an unacceptable expense.

They’re kidding, of course. It’s not really about the money. Our congressional leaders spend billions on numerous things without batting an eye. Just look at how much foreign aid pours out of the United States: In fiscal year 2017, a total of $50 billion in U.S. taxpayer funds went to aid foreign countries, according to usaid.com. Yes, $5 billion is a lot of money to just about any individual, but in the context of the federal government’s $4 trillion budget, it’s like a gnat on an elephant’s hindquarters.

No. This is not about fiscal responsibility. It’s about winning. Democrats only flipped 180 degrees on immigration when they saw two things happening: One, they identified illegal immigrants and their progeny as a powerful potential voting bloc for the left.

And two, Trump made the issue a

cornerstone of his 2016 presidential campaign. The Democrats hate Trump and will do anything to stop him from getting a “win” on one of his core issues.

This is not a new phenomenon, by the way. Our flawed two-party system has created an environment, over the course of multiple administrations, in which the two sides would rather sacrifice the good of the public than reach meaningful compromise on key issues.

Trump gained fame as a negotiator.

He knows the power of leverage, and he is attempting to use it. He also recognizes that the border crisis is real — as acknowledged previously by Obama, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Feinstein, Schumer and even Pelosi.

But Trump also knows the power of compromise. Both sides need to harness that power, for the good of the country. The ideal solution here is one in which each side gets some, but not all, of what they want. There has got to be a reasonable middle ground somewhere.

At one time, there seemed to be a consensus among government leaders that there’s an important distinction

between legal immigration and illegal immigration. This debate is not, and should not be, about those who follow the rules and come into this country legally. We are, after all, a nation of immigrants, and proudly so. Sure, broader immigration reform is a legitimate discussion point. But so is border security, and the use of fencing and barriers as one of many tools to enforce it.

The Democrats were, at one time, right about illegal immigration, and the need for a physical barrier on our southern border. But they abandoned that position purely as a political strategy, for their own gain, at the expense of the American people. They’ve indicated an unwillingness to even talk about making any concessions, despite the fact that they are on record as favoring strong security and barriers on the southern border.

It’s not “immoral” to enforce a sovereign nation’s borders. What’s really immoral is holding Americans hostage rather than negotiating a fair compromise. 

Too close? The offending parking job.

Tim Whyte/The Signal

Tim Whyte is editor of The Signal. His column appears Sundays. 

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

= Family Friendly Event

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

ONGOING Every Monday, 10 a.m. Join us for baby and toddler Storytime in the Barnes & Noble children’s department. This time is designated for children 6 to 36 months old and their grown-ups.

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

Tickets are nonrefundable but rain checks are available upon request. The Gentle Barn, 15825 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita. Info: https://www.gentlebarn.org/california/ Second Sunday of the month, 5 p.m. SCV Blues Society Monthly Blues Jam features host band and guest artists. Bring your friends and family and enjoy the show.

Food and a full bar are available. All ages are welcome. Host bands start at 5 p.m., open jam starts at 5:45 p.m. There is a $7 entry fee at the door; $5 for current members.

American Legion Post 507, 24527 Spruce St., Newhall. Info: http://www.scvblues.com.

Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Join us for a funpacked evening of music and dance. We kick the night off with some awesome house music, then a live musical set and might even throw in a little comedy. Doors open 6 p.m. and the party Starts 7 p.m. Musicians and singers are invited to join the All-Star Jam portion of the evening. $10 + applicable fees; $5 at the door when you bring a charitable donation. If you purchase a ticket at a table you are required to purchase dinner. Minimum spend is $25 per person.

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

See the library website for film selection each week. Canyon Country Library CC Meeting Room, 18601 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: (661) 259-0750 or visit http:// www.santaclaritalibrary.com Fourth Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. Note by Note Showcase. This is a free music showcase presenting audiences with a

variety of genres. Wide range of music styles including rock, folk, Celtic, Americana, blues, jazz, country, experimental, Western, etc. The MAIN, 24266 Main St., Newhall. Info: http:// thursdaysatnewhall.com/notebynote.

EVENTS BY DATE Sunday, Jan. 13, noon - 2 p.m. CBS Film Series presents “93 Queen.” 93 Queen follows Rachel “Ruchie” Freier, a no-nonsense Hasidic lawyer and mother of six who is determined to shake up the “boys club” in her community by creating the first all-female ambulance corps in New York City. Set in Borough Park, Brooklyn, the EMS corps has long been the province of men and has steadfastly banned women from its ranks. Ruchie and an engaging cast of women, risk their reputations and the futures of their children by taking matters into their own hands to provide dignified emergency medical care to the women and girls of Borough Park. An absolute must see!! For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/CBS-FilmSeries-796896293671394/ Thursday, Jan. 17, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Teen Trivia at the Old Town Newhall Library, Teen area. Test your knowledge on the topic of the month. Score high enough and you could potentially win a prize. See the Young Adult library staff for details or email Allan Balangue at abalangue@santa-clarita.com.

Friday, Jan. 25 - 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 26, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 27, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. “Wizard of Oz” Escape Theater presents the classic tale with more than 300 youth and teens from the SCV on stage. Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Valencia. Info and tickets: (661) 299-5264, escapetheatre.org.

Friday, Jan. 25, 8 p.m. The Wardens present original music and stories from the Canadian Rockies. The Wardens are a Banff National Park-based trio whose stories rise from the very land they’ve protected as rangers in the Rocky Mountain national parks for the past 60-plus years. With haunting three-part harmonies and chilling tales, The Wardens’ mountain music is a piece of Canadiana reflecting the pristine wilderness of the Rocky Mountains. Seating is first come, first served. Tickets: $15. The MAIN, 24266 Main St., Newhall. Info: atthemain.org/tickets/the-wardens Saturday, Jan. 26-Feb. 24, times vary by date “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” Follow the

Pevensie children into the wardrobe straight to Narnia. Based on C.S. Lewis’ beloved fantasy tale about love, faith, courage, giving and the tri-umph of good over evil. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, check for time. Canyon Theatre Guild, 24242 Main St., Newhall.

Tickets: $17 Adults, $15 Juniors (18 and younger) and Seniors (62+), $10 Kids 12 and younger. Box Office: (661) 799-2702. Info: canyontheatre.org.

Jan 25-Feb 23, times vary by date “Steel Magnolias” A heart-warming comedy about the bond of friendship between six Southern women. Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. Canyon Theatre Guild, 24242 Main St., Newhall. Tickets: $17-$19. Box Office: (661) 799-2702. Info: http://www. canyontheatre.org.

Sunday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m. Rita Coolidge.

Grammy-winner Coolidge’s hits include “We’re All Alone,”“The Way You Do the Things You Do,”“All Time High” and “(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher.” Doors open 6 p.m. Music 7 p.m. Headliner 9 p.m. Opening set by Nick Marechal. Tickets: $24-$38 and applicable fees. The Canyon Santa Clarita, Westfield Valencia Town Center, 24201 Valencia Blvd., No. 1351, Valencia. Box Office:

(888) 645-5006 or call Ticketmaster (866) 448-7849. Info: wheremusicmeetsthesoul. com/canyon-santa-clarita/events.00 Sunday, Jan. 27, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. The Italian Catholic Club of the Santa Clarita Valley is returning to Pechanga Resort & Casino. The group will meet at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 23233 Lyons Ave., Newhall in the back parking lot at 8:00 a.m. return at 6:00 p.m. The cost is $25 per person, prepaid.

Coffee & doughnuts will be served prior to leaving for the casino. Also, birthdays will be celebrated on the way back home. For music lovers, we may even sing some songs. Casino credit of $5 per person. Call Anna Riggs to reserve your place (661) 645-7877 Thursday, Feb. 7, 4-7 p.m. OMG Social Mixer at The Paseo Club. OMG, Inc., The Paseo Club and Crown Capital Lending join forces to offer Santa Clarita a one-of-a-kind social mixer experience. 100-percent free mingling event to bring together real estate agents and other professionals to make new friends and business connections. For full details: http://oksanamanagementgroup.com/ omg-mixer

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22 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

THINGS TO DO

Music, Movies, Theater: What’s Entertaining in 2019?

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

W

hat’s your favorite “special” arts and entertainment event from 2018? Was it a movie you looked forward to viewing? A special theater performance?

A long-anticipated concert by your favorite performer? It’s a new year and it’s time to schedule your 2019 memories. Here are my suggestions of the top 10 options for entertaining fun in 2019.

Concerts

Elton John: Farewell Yellow Brick Road Jan. 22-23, 25, 30 Staples Center, Los Angeles.

Feb. 1-2, 8 p.m. The Forum, Inglewood.

Sept. 10-11 Honda Center, Anaheim.

Kiss: End of The Road World Tour Feb. 12 Honda Center, Anaheim.

Feb. 16 The Forum, Inglewood.

Justin Timberlake: The Man of The Woods Tour Feb. 22 7:30 p.m. Honda Center, Anaheim.

From left: Elton John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, Hugh Jackman in “The Man. The Music. The Show,” Kiss’ “End of The Road World Tour,” and “Falsettos” at the Ahmanson Theatre. Elton John, Hugh Jackman and Kiss photos courtesy CBS, Falsettos courtesy Center Theatre Group.

Ariana Grande: Sweetener World Tour May 10, 8 p.m. The Forum, Inglewood.

April 15, 7:30 p.m. Staples Center, Los Angeles.

April 19, 7:30 p.m. The Forum, Inglewood.

P!nk: Beautiful Trauma World Tour April 13, 7:30 p.m. Honda Center, Anaheim.

The Rolling Stones: 2019 No Filter Tour May 11, 7:30 p.m. Rose Bowl, Pasadena.

Date-night ideas that won’t break the bank

By Taylor Villanueva Signal Staff Writer

D

ate night doesn’t have to be expensive to be romantic and fun, and the price tag shouldn’t keep you from having a good time with your partner.

There are several budget-friendly date ideas right here in Los Angeles County.

For a night out that will keep you laughing, head to a comedy show.

Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank offers tickets for as little as $15. Flappers is located at 102 East Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. For tickets, call (818) 845-9721.

The Laugh Factory in Hollywood has tickets starting at $17. Not only is this an affordable date option, but it will also almost guarantee a hilarious time. The Laugh Factory is located at 8001 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. For tickets and informa-

tion, call (323) 656-1336.

Watch the sunset while enjoying a throwback movie. The Rooftop Cinema Club hosts movie nights on the rooftops of buildings in Los Angeles. This is the perfect twist to a traditional movie date night. The two venues also offer a snack and drink bar, along with dinner for purchase.

Past movie screenings have featured “Top Gun,” “Clueless” and “Die Hard” among many others. General admission seats are first come, first served, so make sure to get to the theater early. The Rooftop Cinema Club is located at 6121 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. For information on tickets and seating, call (863) 434-8725.

For a date night in which you can express your creativity, opt for an evening of painting and wine.

There are places like Pinot’s Palette, located at 25850 McBean Parkway at See DATES, page 36

Hugh Jackman. The Man. The Music. The Show July 19-20, 8 p.m. Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles.

The Happy Together Tour 2019 The Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie, Chuck Negron, Gary Puckett & Union Gap, Mark Lindsay, Cowsills (admit it, you want to go)…

July 21, 8 p.m. The Pacific Amphitheater, Costa Mesa.

Ozzy Osbourne: No More Tours 2 July 29, 7:30 p.m. Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles.

Alice Cooper and Peter Frampton Aug. 1 Greek Theatre, Los Angeles.

Movies Release dates can change depending on current events, as well as strategic marketing plans.

For the adults Jan. 25 “Serenity” My favorite actors Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway star in a thriller about a man who is visited by his ex-wife, who begs him to save her from her abusive second husband. But … is everything as it appears?

March 8 “Captain Marvel” Set in the 1990s, “Captain Marvel” follows Carol Danvers (played by Brie Larson) as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes at a time when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races.

April 26 “Avengers: Endgame” The fourth Marvel Studios’ “Avengers” film made history when its trailer broke the record for the most views in 24 hours. I am hoping this film is more satisfying than 2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War.” May 17 “Rocketman” The story of rock icon Elton John’s life stars Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard and Taron Egerton.

May 31 “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” Godzilla is back along with Mothra, Rodan and King Ghidorah for a fullon kaiju war. Stars Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown (“Stranger Things”), Kyle Chandler, Sally Hawkins and Ken Watanabe.

June 14 “Men in Black: International” No Will Smith or Tommy Lee Jones, but the fourth “Men in Black” movie does have “Thor: Ragnorok” stars Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth, accomplished comedic action heroes.

See SHOWS, page 24

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

W

ith cymbals crashing, dragons dancing and fireworks exploding, the Chinese Lunar New Year, this year will be welcomed on Feb. 5.

Celebrated with colorful and dramatic pageantry throughout the world the holiday is especially visible in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

San Francisco

As Californians, we don’t need a reason to visit San Francisco, but Chinese New Year is a good excuse.

The Chinese New Year Parade and Festival in San Francisco has been held since the 1860s. It is considered the largest and oldest Lunar New Year’s parade outside of China and one of the biggest Asian cultural events in North America.

The highlight of this rare nighttime parade is the appearance of an immense 288-foot dragon that requires a team of 180 people to operate.

Named one of the 10 best parades in the world, the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade will be held Saturday, Feb. 23, at 5:15 p.m.

The route through downtown San Francisco starts at Second and Market streets. goes around Union Square and ends at Kearny Street and Columbus Avenue. The distance of the parade route is about 1.3 miles.

More than 100 units will appear including floats, elaborate costumes, ferocious lions, exploding firecrackers and of course newly crowned Miss Chinatown U.S.A. and her court. The spectacular Golden Dragon (“Gum Lung”) is carried by members from the martial arts group, White Crane, through the streets. Info: https://chi neseparade.com.

Los Angeles

The Golden Dragon Parade in Los Angeles has been staged since 1899, and is the premier cultural event for Southern California’s Asian community. Los Angeles’ Lunar New Year festival also features martial arts demonstrations, art workshops, live music, a culinary stage for cooking

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 23

lessons and a lineup of acclaimed food trucks.

The 120th Golden Dragon Parade will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. The parade route begins at Hill Street at Temple in downtown Los Angeles. The parade turns right on Bernard, right on Broadway, back to Broadway and then Temple. The Freeway 110 exit on Hill Street will be closed between 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Be aware of surrounding street closures. Info: www.lagoldendra gonparade.com.

Before the parade visit the Chinese American Museum, 425 N. Los Angeles St., L.A., located in the redbricked historic Garnier Building at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument across from downtown Los Angeles’ Union Station. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: $3 adults, students and seniors $2. Info: http://camla.org.

Year of the Earth Pig

According to the traditional Chinese calendar, Chinese New Year 2019 will usher in the year of the Earth Pig. The Earth Pig is a representation of diligence, kindness and generosity. In Chinese culture, pigs are the symbol of wealth.

The outlook for the Year of the Pig includes the chance of something unexpected happening. Most people will focus on income, properties, finance and economy.

The pig is the 12th in the 12-year cycle of the “Chinese Zodiac” calendar.

In Chinese element theory, each zodiac sign is also associated with one of the five elements: Gold (metal), Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. In the complicated zodiac calculations an Earth Pig comes once in a 60-year cycle.

The origin of the Chinese zodiac is shrouded in myth. According to one story, the Jade Emperor said the order of animals in the calendar would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. Pig was late because he overslept. Another version claims that a wolf destroyed his house.

He had to rebuild his home before he could set off. When pig arrived, he was the last, earning 12th place.

The 12-year cycle of the Chinese

Zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao, runs in the order of the signs of the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

Chinese New Year Traditions

“Gong hei fat choy” is the most common Chinese New Year greeting in Cantonese, which is spoken in parts of southern China and Hong Kong. It directly translates to “wishing you great happiness and prosperity.” In Mandarin, the same greeting is “gong xi fa cai” (pronounced gong she fa tsai).

Before New Year, it’s important to decorate with flower vases, plates full of oranges and tangerines (symbolizing great happiness) and a tray with sweets with eight kinds of dry fruit. Other pre-New Year activities include cleaning house to chase away bad luck and repainting doors and windows, usually in red.

On the walls and at the doors red paper strips are placed (Chun Lian), on which greetings are written such as: “May you enjoy a perpetual health” or “The Star of Happiness, the Star of Health and the Star of Longevity may shine upon you.”

All debts must be paid by New Year’s Day. Nothing should be loaned

on this day, as tradition states that anyone who does so will be lending all year.

It is important that on the first of the Chinese New Year you don’t do anything to chase away good luck, such as cleaning or washing your hair.

At midnight, family members fling open doors and windows to let the old year out.

Chinese New Year is also a time of gift-giving and red envelopes that contain “lucky money” are usually given by married couples to children and to single people. The amount should be an even number, and the numbers eight and 88 are considered especially lucky.

Chinese New Year Food

As in most cultures, food plays an important part in the Chinese New Year.

Lucky foods include: Fish which represents “to have enough to also give others,” garlic means “what lasts” and turnips refer to “good premonitions.”

Oranges represent luck. Pomegranates symbolize fertility and the red color thas the power to keep evil spirits at bay. For many, hot pot is the centerpiece of Chinese New Year dinners. 

Michele’s favorite Chinese New Year Hot Pot Broth 3-4 lbs. whole chicken 3 lbs. pork bones 8 cups cold water

Fresh ginger to taste 2 green onions, finely chopped 3 tbsp. chopped garlic Hot Pot add-ins 2 oz. glass noodles 1 lb. beef thinly sliced Cooked chicken from the broth 2 lbs. Napa cabbage and/or bok choy Seafood of your choice: shrimp, spot prawns, calamari, mussels, scallops Dipping sauce 1/2 cup soy sauce 3 tbsp. of the broth you prepare 1 tbsp. chunky peanut butter 2 tbsp. sesame oil 1 tsp. ground ginger 1/2 cup ketchup 1/2 cup mustard

1. Place the chicken and pork bones in a large pot. Add enough water to cover by 1 inch.

Bring to a boil over high heat for 5 minutes 2. Drain and discard liquid. Rinse the chicken and pork bones. Drain. Return to a clean pot and add 8 cups water. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer. Skim off form as it forms.

Cook covered with lid for 2 hours. Strain the broth and set aside. Discard the bones and save the chicken meat for guests to add to their hot pot dish if desired.

3. Combine the broth, ginger, green onion and garlic in a large pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce to a simmer for about 30 minutes.

4. Mix ingredients for dipping sauce.

5. Keep the broth on a gentle boil/simmer.

Place all the raw ingredients you will eat for the hot pot on a serving plate. Have guests line up and cook their meals individually in the broth. Add dipping sauce to top off each cooked dish.

24 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

THINGS TO DO

SHOWS

iconic score includes “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life.”

Continued from page 22

July 26 “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood” Quentin Tarantino’s ninth film will be a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood in 1969 set against the backdrop of the Manson Murders. Stars Hollywood heavyweights Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Dakota Fanning, James Marsden and Al Pacino.

Sept. 20 “Downton Abby” Fans who miss this beloved British series will be excited to see this bigscreen sequel that will reunite much of the show’s cast.

Oct. 4 “Joker” Joaquin Phoenix stars in an origin story for the Batman supervillain.

Oct. 18 “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” Tom Hanks channels Mr. Rogers in this biopic of the children’s entertainer. I would watch Tom Hanks read a phone book, so this is truly a “mustsee.”

Dec. 20 “Star Wars: Episode IX” I’m not a J.J. Abrams fan after his poorly conceived trashing of the “Star Trek” franchise. However, I was gratified that he didn’t destroy “Star Wars,” as well. “Star Wars: Episode IX,” written and directed by J.J. Abrams, is the conclusion of the Star War’s sequel trilogy. The film will include Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, despite her death last year. Mark Hamill and Anthony Daniels (Luke Skywalker and C-3PO), will also appear in the latest installment of the sci-fi series alongside Billy Dee Williams, (Lando Calrissian).

For the Kids Feb. 8 “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” Chris Pratt’s LEGO Movie hero Emmet returns along with Elizabeth Banks, Charlie Day, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Tiffany Haddish, and Maya Rudolph. This movie should be fun for adults, too.

Feb. 22 “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” A tale about growing up, finding the courage to face the unknown … and how nothing can ever train you to let go.

April 16-May 19 “Falsettos” Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles.

Tickets: www.centertheatregroup.org.

The Tony-award winning musical Falsettos is a hilarious and achingly poignant look at the infinite possibilities that make up a modern family … and a beautiful reminder that love can tell a million stories.

Feb. 26-March 24 “Cats” is appearing at the Pantages Theatre.

PHOTO COURTESY BROADWAY L.A.

March 29 “Dumbo” A live-action remake of the classic Disney cartoon of a circus elephant with the ability to fly. (I have to admit that Dumbo never really spoke to me.) Directed by Tim Burton.

yesterday that Walt Disney’s Pictures’ animated 2013 mega-hit “Frozen” had us all singing “Let It Go” with Indina Menzel. Elsa (Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell) will travel go far out of Arendelle in this film.

May 10 “Pokemon: Detective Pikachu” Ryan Reynolds voices anime superstar Pikachu in this live-action comedy that has a film noir setting.

Theater

May 25 “Aladdin” This live-action Disney film directed by Guy Ritchie stars Will Smith stepping into the bottle to play the Genie made famous by the late Robin Williams.

June 7 “The Secret Life of Pets 2” More antics from our favorite furry friends. Voiced by Harrison Ford, Patton Oswalt, Tiffany Haddis, Kevin Hart, Eric Stonestreet and Yarrow Cheney.

June 21 “Toy Story 4” Almost 24 years after the debut of the original “Toy Story,” Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) welcome a new toy named Forky, a spork with googly eyes and pipe cleaners for arms.

July 19 “The Lion King” Another remake of a Disney classic “The Lion King” will star the voices of Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Donald Glover and James Earl Jones.

While it has the appearance of a “live action” movie in reality it utilizes photorealistic computer-generated animation.

Nov. 8 “Sonic The Hedgehog” A “fish out of water” story with Sonic, voiced by Ben Schwartz, who finds himself in the present-day world.

Nov. 22 “Frozen 2” Can it be that it has taken six years for a “Frozen” sequel? Seems like

Feb. 8-10 “1776 The Musical” The Soraya, the Valley’s Center for the Performing Arts, Northridge.

Tickets: www.thesoraya.org.

The 1969 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical showcases Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, the imperfect men who first strived for a more perfect union, in a gripping reminder that democracy has never been easy.

Feb. 26-March 24 “Cats” Pantages Theatre, Hollywood. Tickets: www.hollywoodpantages.com.

“Cats,” first performed on Broadway in 1982, is a Tony-award winning musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot.

April 5-6 “William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play (abridged)” The Broad Stage, Santa Monica.

Tickets: https://thebroadstage.org/ reducedshakespearecompany.

In this “tale told by idiots,” The Reduced Shakespeare Company weaves all of The Bard’s famous characters, greatest lines and magnificent speeches into a Shakespearean smorgasbord. This comic misadventure will feel strangely familiar, yet excitingly new.

April 16-May 5 “Fiddler on the Roof ” Pantages Theatre, Hollywood. Tickets: www.hollywoodpantages.com.

The Tony-award winning “Best Musical,” which opened in 1964, had the first musical theater run in history to surpass 3,000 performances. Its

May 15-June 30 “Happy Days” Mark Taper Forum, Los Angeles.

Tickets: www.centertheatregroup.org.

Academy-award winner Dianne Wiest stars in Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece “Happy Days.” Absurdly funny and compassionate portrait of the human spirit.

May 21-June 9 “Noises Off ” A Noise Within Theatre, Pasadena.

Tickets: http://www.anoisewithin.org.

This joyfully out-of-control British farce about the auspiciously titled play-within-a-play “Nothing On” is a must see for anyone who loves theater.

June 11-July 14 “Mysterious Circumstances” Gil Cates Theatre at the Geffen Playhouse, Los Angeles. Tickets: http:// geffenplayhouse.org.

This world premiere play tells the true story of Richard Lancelyn Green, a world-renowned expert on the works of Arthur Conan Doyle, who was found dead in his apartment. The investigation revealed uncanny similarities between the case and the plot of a Sherlock Holmes mystery.

July 9-14 “The Book of Mormon” Fred Kavli Theatre at the Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks. Tickets: http://civicartsplaza.com This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word.

Wednesdays-Sundays year-round “The Groundlings” The Groundlings Theatre, Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles. Tickets: www. groundlings.com.

Offering a completely new and different experience every time to you visit, The Groundlings are the gold standard of improvisation and sketch comedy. 

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

S

ometimes, as I’m pulling candle stubs and melted wax from candlesticks and votive holders at the end of the holidays or a birthday party, I think about how another celebration has passed. Picking through the leftover wax, I remember the happy moments all over again.

Those candle bits also can continue to offer pleasure as firestarters in your wood-burning fireplace.

Here’s the stuff you need: • nature finds such as bark, twigs and small pinecones • 1 tin can, such as a large soup can with lid removed (pinch rim of the can with pliers to form a spout for easy pouring) • saucepan • candle stubs, extra paraffin if needed (available in the canning section of supermarkets and craft stores)

• muffin tray

an inch of wax into each muffin cup.

• paper muffin liners

• Now consider your wicks. If you have a longer one from a melted candle, you might want to use that, or use fresh ones from the craft store. Place a 3- to 4-inch wick in the wax in each cup so that the wick hangs out on the side, then set a medium-size pinecone in each cup.

• candle wicking (available at craft stores — also use wicking remaining from melted candle wax)

Here’s the fun: • Take a walk outside with your kids to pick up some of nature’s treasures, such as small pinecones, bark fallen on the ground and twigs.

• When you get inside, an adult should fill a saucepan with a few inches of water and set the tin can in the center. Put candle stubs and a chunk of paraffin (if needed) in the can. As water gets hot, the wax will melt quickly. Stir occasionally, keeping a constant eye on it, since it is flammable.

• Meanwhile, your kids may fill a muffin tray with paper liners. Using a potholder, an adult should lift the tin can out of the water, let contents cool down and then pour about half

• Pick through outdoor finds and design an arrangement, quickly placing a few twigs, leaves and bark into the rapidly hardening wax.

Once the nature collage is complete, add a little more liquid wax, if you wish. Let harden. Store in a recycled net produce bag or arrange in an attractive basket or bowl near your fireplace.

• To use, an adult should place one firestarter between kindling and logs in a wood burning fireplace and light the wick. It will quickly ignite the kindling.

Safety Note: The firestarters are

COURTESY PHOTO

Firestarters with recycled starters

not intended for gas fireplaces. Never leave a fire unattended and keep out of the reach of children.  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.” © 2019 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

Making your kids’ Valentines day extra special

V

alentine’s isn’t just for grown­ups anymore, and it isn’t just about romance and candy hearts.

Valentine’s Day is a chance to say I love you to anyone you really care about. Children in particular cher­ ish hearing those special words. Why not make your children’s Valentine’s a day they will never forget!

Even Little Girls Like Flowers I remember the first time my Dad bought me flowe rs . I was seven or eight years old and he came home on Valentine’s Day with a bouquet for my mother and a tulip for me. I thought that tulip was the most beautiful flower I had ever seen.

After the blossom wilted, we planted the bulb in the back yard and enjoyed watching it bloom for several years after that. Win your daughter’s heart this year by bringing her own bouquet of her favorite flowers. She

can place them in a vase right next to Mom ‘s. Boys may not be as fond of flowers, but a balloon bouquet might do just the trick!

Fill The Day with Giggles and Hugs Many kids celebrate Valentine’s Day at school by sharing Valentine’s cards and eating treats like cupcakes and candy hearts. Why not continue the celebrating at home? Create fun messages by gluing candy hearts on graham crackers with frosting. Play ‘Old Maid’ or ‘Go Fish’ with Valentine’s cards . Cut out construction paper hearts and give a neighbor a ‘heart attack’ by taping them to their front door and windows. Or go on a Valentine treasure hunt.

Make Valentine’s a Family Affair Have you ever prepared an ele­gant meal by candlelight for that special someone in your life? Well, guess what! Kids love getting the candle

treatment, too. Before heading out for dinner, cook your child’s favorite food and serve it on your best china.

Even mac & cheese tastes better on Wedgewood! Light a couple of candles and use your flower bouquet as a centerpiece. For an added touch, lay a paper doily on each plate and load it with Hershey’s kisses, and for desert serve a big heart-shaped cookie with a frosting message just for them!

Tuck Them In With a Little Extra Love Before you snuggle up with your sweetheart, don’t forget to snuggle up with your kids first. Take a few extra moments to discuss what Valentine’s Day means to you. Put on some ‘romantic’ music and teach your child how to dance. Read a story or two that emphasizes your love for them, books like “I’ll Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch, “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney, or “I Love You This Much” by Lynn Hodges. Then, gather the family around

COURTESY PHOTO

By Laurisa White Reyes Signal Staff Writer

Many kids celebrate Valentine’s Day at school, continue the celebration at home and make it a family tradition to make it a memorable holiday.

and browse through your wedding and family albums. Afterwards, be sure to give each child an extra squeeze to let them know how much you love them not only for today, but for always. 

26 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

FOOD

Find foodie heaven during Restaurant Month lights, serving up the best dishes and celebrations from Mendocino to San Diego.”

There are many destinations, near and far, that might encourage Santa Clarita Valley residents to indulge in a little “foodie travel.”

Below is a sampling of the culinary experiences foodies can enjoy during California Restaurant Month.

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Taste of Alhambra Restaurant Week

alifornia starts 2019 with the ninth annual California Restaurant Month for January, celebrating the restaurants, chefs and culinary creations that have given the state a reputation as a world-class “foodie” destination.

Restaurants across the state will offer special menus with exclusive promotional pricing.

It is a great opportunity to explore the California restaurant scene and discover new California travel destinations at the same time.

California has a record number of 40 destinations in 2019, each with distinct programming, festivals and experiences.

“California’s ever-evolving food culture and innovative culinary offerings makes it the perfect destination during our ninth annual California Restaurant Month,” said Visit California President and CEO Caroline Beteta. “Communities across the state will showcase their dining high-

Downtown Alhambra, located in the San Gabriel Valley, is holding its second Taste Alhambra Restaurant Week. Restaurants will present two- and three-course menus priced from $15-$30 for lunch and $20-$50 for dinner. Diners can enjoy Italian, American continental, Asian Fusion, Japanese, Thai, Hawaiian, Korean, Irish, Peruvian, Indian, Mexican and more. Info: Tasteofalhambrarw.com.

C

Jan. 27 to Feb. 2

Berkeley Restaurant Week Jan. 17-27

The seventh annual Berkeley Restaurant Week is offering special value lunch and dinner menus at more than 30 restaurants citywide to celebrate the fresh, seasonal fair of Berkeley's Cali cuisine. Berkeley Restaurant Week participating kitchens offer a world of flavors from Asia, Italy, Mexico, France and Germany to Yemen, Africa and the Mediterranean using locally sourced, seasonal produce.

Creative hors d'oeuvres and local libation pairings will sweeten the deal at many restaurants. Info: Visitberkeley.com/dine/berkeley-restaurant-week-info.

Calistoga Restaurant Week Jan. 20-27

Calistoga Restaurant Week is an opportunity to experience tastes and culinary experiences from the northernmost part of the Napa Valley, some of which aren’t available any other time of the year. Info: Visitcalistoga. com/calistoga-restaurant-week.

Concord Comfort Food RestaurantWeek

drink/california-restaurant-month.

Concord is celebrating the second annual Comfort Food Week, where more than 30 restaurants will feature a unique dish or beverage that represents their idea of comfort. A few of the menu items listed: Uni pasta, Poutine, Bone Marrow Burger, Braised Pork Adobo, Fried Mac ‘n Cheese Balls and many more. Info: visitconcordca.com/eat-drink/con cord-restaurant-week.

Jan. 11-25

Jan. 18-27

Dana Point Restaurant Week Jan. 20-26

Dana Point restaurants are celebrating the unique cuisine, artisan cocktails and decadent desserts offered in the region by providing special menu options and promotions. Info: http:// aboutdanapoint.com.

El Dorado County Fork in the Road Jan. 1-31

Do you have a sense of adventure?

“Fork in the Road” is a collection of culinary gems along the highways of California’s Gold Country. This is a perfect opportunity to discover amazing cuisine, seasonal specialties, innovative chefs and unique experiences in this historic Gold Country region of California. With a growing culinary scene and a relatively unknown wine region, El Dorado County may surprise even the most jaded foodie.

Info: visit-eldorado.com/fork-in-theroad.

Escondido Dine Out Escondido!

Jan. 27-Feb. 2

Dine Out Escondido! has something for everyone, whether it be a craft beer and burger pairing, local farm-to-fork delights, chef-owned culinary experiences, high tea or home cooking. More than 30 restaurants are participating. Info: https:// visitescondido.com/dine-outescondido-restaurant-week.

Los Angeles dineL.A. Los Angeles’s premier culinary event, dineL.A., takes place twice a year and showcases the city as a premier dining destination. dineL.A.’s programs are designed to introduce new customers to a variety of restaurants located in the many neighborhoods throughout L.A. County. Info: www.discoverlosangeles.com/dinela-los-angeles-restaurant-week.

Napa Valley Restaurant Week Jan. 20-27

Napa Valley Restaurant Week showcases the region’s legendary food and wine culture through multicourse menus for lunch ($20) and dinner ($36 or $46). Napa’s farm-totable practices and Michelin Star-rated restaurants make the region an epicurean’s destination. Info: visitnapavalley.com/napa-valleyrestaurant-week.

Newport Beach Restaurant Week Jan. 14-27

Newport Beach Restaurant Week serves to showcase Newport Beach as Orange County’s premier dining destination, offering guests a wide variety of culinary experiences.

Participating restaurants are offering special prix-fixe menus with lunches available for just $10, $15, $20 or $25, and dinners for $20, $30, $40 or $50.

Info: Visitnewportbeach.com/restaurant-week.

Oakland Restaurant Week Jan. 11-21

Participating Oakland restaurants are celebrating the most diverse restaurant week in the region by offering foodies pre-set lunch and/ or dinner menus at $10, $20, $30, $40 and $50 price points. Info: Visitoakland.com/events/annual-events/ restaurant-week.

Greater Palm Springs, DineGPS

Ojai Restaurant Week

DineGPS is taking over the Greater Palm Springs area with special events and culinary offerings to showcase the amazing food of the desert. Some of the unique culinary experiences include winemaker dinners, culinary tours, beer tastings and more. Info: visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/eat-and-

Ojai Valley is showcasing its incredible food and tasty wines during Ojai Restaurant Week, where participating eateries are offering select sample menus at discounted prices. Info: edibleventuracounty. ediblecommunities.com/event/ojairestaurant-week.

Jan. 1-31

Jan. 17-27

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 27

San Luis Obispo County offers a full menu of fresh seasonal food and wine selections to make a foodie’s mouth water.

Downtown allows foodies to experience the Farm-to-Fork Capital’s best cuisine where local chefs create special 3-course dinner menus priced at $35.

Info: Godowntownsac.com/events/ signature-events/dine-downtown.

San Diego Restaurant Week Jan. 20-27 Fresh strawberries are one of the many fresh produce items you can enjoy at Oxnard farmers markets and restaurants.

Oxnard Tacos, Treats and Tastings Jan. 18-27

Restaurants of Oxnard are joining together for a week-long fiesta highlighting the city’s culinary culture with signature taco menus, special treats and featured beverage tastings at special price points. Info: visit oxnard.com/restaurantweek.

Sacramento Dine Downtown Jan. 11-21

Named the “Next Great American Food City” by Southwest Magazine, Sacramento is quickly becoming an industry leader in the fine dining scene. In its thirteenth year, Dine

During San Diego Restaurant Week more than 180 participating restaurants will offer three-course dinner menus for $20, $30, $40 or $50 per person and/or two-course lunch menus for $10, $15 or $20 per person.

Info: sandiegorestaurantweek.com.

San Francisco SF Restaurant Week Jan. 23-31

This year during SF Restaurant Week, more than 130 restaurants are featuring two-course lunches and three or more course dinner menus at varying prices ($15 and $25 lunch menus, and $40 and $65 dinner menus). Info: www.sfrestaurantweek. com.

Obispo are offering special pre-set menus of three- and four-course meals for the price of $30-$40 per person. As a hotspot for craft beer production and a hub of area wineries, guests can pair their dining experience with local wine or craft beverage flights. SLO CAL is showcasing the finest and most unique cuisine, ranging from Moroccan food to clam chowder. Info: slocal.com/ events-and-festivals/signature-events/ restaurant-month

Restaurants throughout San Luis

Temecula Best of the Best Menu Items Jan. 1-31

Sonoma Valley Delicious!

Temecula Valley chefs are presenting the “Best of the Best” on their menus.

Catering to virtually every personal palate preference, Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country offers a multitude of cuisines to experience. Info: visittemeculavalley.com

presenting unique culinary events throughout wine country as res-

For more locations, expanded culinary content, chef interviews, culinary guides and an interactive map, visit DineInCA.com. 

San Luis Obispo SLO CAL Restaurant Jan. 1-31 Sonoma Valley Delicious! is Month Jan. 1-30

taurants, wineries, farmers, cheesemakers, brewers, distillers and food artisans create delicious experiences for diners. Info: http://www.sonoma valley.com/delicious.

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28 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 6, 2019

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

Buckcherry to rock Canyon Santa Clarita in January

By Stephen K. Peeples Signal Contributing Writer

N

otorious rock band Buckcherry will celebrate 20 years on the charts and the imminent release of their eighth album when they play the Canyon Santa Clarita Thursday night, Jan. 17.

“Warpaint,” due March 8, adds to Buckcherry’s impressive legacy,

capturing the energy of their incendiary live show and the personal, anything-goes lyricism of lead singer Josh Todd.

Founded by the SoCal native in 1995, Buckcherry scored gold for their eponymous debut in 1999, sparked by the hit single “Lit.” They followed with the albums “Time Bomb” (2001), “15” (2006), “Black Butterfly” (2008), “All Night Long” (2010), “Confessions”

(2013) and “Rock ’n’ Roll” (2015), with 2014’s “F**k” EP sandwiched between the last two.

For the “Warpaint” sessions in November, Todd’s bandmates included Stevie D. (guitar, backing vocals, joined in 2005); Kelly LeMieux (bass, backing vocals, 2013); Kevin Roentgen (lead guitar, backing vocals, 2017); and Sean Winchester (drums, 2005).

Francis Ruiz replaced Winchester for

the upcoming “Warpaint” tour.  The Canyon Santa Clarita is on the ground floor of the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Tickets are available throught the box office open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, by phone (888) 645-5006, or visit TicketMaster. com. For more info, visit Wheremusic meetstheSoul.com. Stephen K. Peeples has covered the SCV music scene since 2004. His email is stephenkpeeples.com.

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 29

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

‘A Star is Born,’ ‘The Old Man’ and more nominees

By Dianne White Crawford Signal Contributing Writer

T

his week, following the snubs and surprises from the Golden Globes, we’re continuing our look back at a few of the nominees and winners from 2018, including “A Star Is Born,” “The Old Man and The Gun” and “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”

“A Star Is Born”

(Released) (Golden Globe Nominations for Best Motion Picture, Drama; Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama: Lady Gaga; Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama: Bradley Cooper; Best Director, Motion Picture: Bradley Cooper; Best Original Song, Motion Picture: Shallow; SAG Nominations for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role: Bradley Cooper; Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role: Lady Gaga; Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role; Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture) The audience reactions are in.

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga blow away the 1976 version, and where they rank versus the other two versions, comes down to personal preference.

Cooper delivers an odd, yet effective, performance as the boozy, aimless rocker Jackson Maine. Not only does he mimic Sam Elliott’s speaking voice and cadence, his performance seems purposefully close to that of Kristofferson from 42 years ago.

The great Sam Elliott does play Cooper’s (much) older brother, so the oratory choice makes some sense … it’s just a bit off-putting at first. Cooper is believable as the rocker thanks to his stage presence and charm. We never doubt Jackson Maine is a rock star.

The most stunning and pleasant surprise here is Lady Gaga as Ally.

Prepare yourself for astonishment!

Her beautiful and powerful voice is

on full display throughout the film.

In fact, her songs and singing are the highlights of what is a terrific film that should have wide appeal. The first song she sings, “La Vie en Rose” is quite simply jaw-dropping in its beauty.

Ally is a pretty grounded woman from humble means. She works as a waitress and sings whenever she can … having been held back from pursuing her dreams by a well-meaning father (Andrew Dice Clay) who says she doesn’t have the looks to be a star. When Jackson and Ally meet, a complex romance and professional partnership forms. We know those rarely end well. As Jackson shuns his protective brother, battles an ever-worsening hearing issue and a self-destructive drinking problem, Ally tries to remain loyal to the man she loves … even as her own career explodes down a path Jackson barely recognizes.

Cooper does a nice job tackling such a large scale and familiar project for his first directing gig, and we are certainly appreciative of his avoiding inclusion of Streisand’s “Evergreen,” and instead showcasing the talents of Lady Gaga.

It’s likely Lady Gaga will receive a bit more credit for her acting than is probably deserved (an Oscar nom is possible), but her impact on the movie cannot be understated. Thanks to Lori and Jim for preparing me for this emotional ride and I just can only say: WOW!

“The Old Man and The Gun”

(Limited) (Golden Globe Nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy) Robert Redford claims this is probably the end of his nearly 60 year acting career. If that’s true, he couldn’t have selected a better project for his victory lap. The film itself is a nice

mixture of mass appeal and the independent projects that Mr. Redford has long supported. As for the character he plays, it too fits him like a glove.

Filmmaker David Lowery has adapted the story from a 2003 “New Yorker” article by David Grann, and it’s based on a true story — one that’s a bit difficult to believe … well, at least until Mr. Redford brings Forrest Tucker to life. Mr. Tucker escaped from San Quentin at age 70, and it was just one of his 16 prison escapes during a lifetime of robbing banks and getting caught. The story is that Tucker simply enjoyed the work, and went about it in the most gentlemanly possible way — often described by bank employees as polite and nice.

It’s the perfect character for Redford’s trademark twinkle and grin acting style.

Most of the story takes place in 1981, and the film captures not just the era, but also the essence – something much deeper than clothes and cars. Starring alongside Mr. Redford is Sissy Spacek as Jewel, and their chemistry allows the quiet moments between their characters to work as effectively as their (sometimes) playful verbal exchanges. Tucker’s “crew” is manned by Danny Glover as Teddy, and the great Tom Waits as Walter. They are referred to as “The Over the Hill Gang” (in contrast to “The Hole in the Wall Gang” from Redford’s classic “Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid”).

Casey Affleck is Austin Texas detective John Hunt. He spends a great deal of time chasing Tucker, and actually puts the puzzle pieces together. Other far too brief appearances include Keith Carradine (weirdly brief) and Elisabeth Moss. Having these familiar faces can be a bit distracting, but it’s understandable why they wanted to work with Lowery and Redford.

The cinematography is terrific, and the film is oddly devoid of violence.

If not mistaken, I believe we only see Tucker’s gun once … and that’s in a glove compartment. There is a certain easiness and warm fuzzy to the film, somewhat conflicting with what we would expect following an armed bank robber!

Of course, the reason we buy into

the gentlemanly outlaw is the performance of Robert Redford. Charming and easy-going comes pretty easily to a man that is charming and easygoing. Director Lowery even treats us to a quick clip from young Redford’s film “The Chase,” and does so within a delightful montage of Tucker’s prison escapes. Few actors get such a perfect farewell tribute, and though it’s not quite Ted Williams hitting a homerun in his final at-bat, at least Redford gets to tip his cap to the fans. Since he’s moving his career off screen, let’s bid a fond and appreciative farewell to this amazing actor.

“Can You Ever Forgive Me?”

(Limited) (Golden Globe Nominations for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama-Melissa McCarthy; Best Supporting Actor in any Motion Picture-Richard E. Grant; SAG Nominations for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role-Melissa McCarthy; Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role-Richard E. Grant) At a literary party near the beginning of this film an author comments that he doesn’t believe in writer’s block, that it is just an excuse for laziness. But for Lee Israel (Melissa McCarthy), that stumbling block is only too real. Though she has already had a biography on the New York Times Bestseller list, her current project, the story of Fanny Brice, has stalled and has been discouraged by her agent.

Trying to get money to help her sick cat (a being she admits to liking more than people), she sells a letter from Fanny, that she finds while doing research at the public library, to a used book shop. Discovering that these items can bring in big money and in desperation for capital, she starts forging letters from people like Noel Coward and Dorothy Parker to pay off her debts.

The premise seems too preposterous to be true, but it is. In fact, Israel’s own book “Can You Ever Forgive Me: Memoirs of a Literary Forger” was the basis of the film. This sharp writing provides good material for McCarthy, who should be grateful for this film rescuing her from recent duds like “The Happytime Murders.”

In this film she delivers her best See MOVIES, next page

30 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

Michele makes quiche

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Q

uiche is a fancy way of serving eggs and cheese. Quiche is a wonderful treat for breakfast or lunch. It is surprisingly easy to make.

Most people think that quiche was invented by the French, but quiche actually originated in Germany, in the medieval kingdom of Lothringen, under German rule, and which the French later renamed Lorraine. The word quiche is from the German word “kuchen,” meaning cake or tart.

When talking about quiche most people immediately think of Quiche Lorraine which typically features eggs, Swiss cheese, cream and bacon.

However, nearly anything can be added to a quiche recipe to make it to your own taste.

When I am asked to share a recipe I am often asked, “Do I really need to use the Morton Nature Seasons Seasoning Blend?” My answer is always, “Yes, it is the reason you asked for my recipe… it is the game changer!”

Here is my favorite basic quiche recipe with several different variations.

2/3 cup cheddar cheese ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese ½ large bulb diced sweet onion, approx. ½ cup-plus (I like a rustic chop with bigger pieces which translates closer to a cup of chopped onion)

1. Preheat oven to 350F. 2. Wisk together eggs, half-and-half, Morton Nature Seasons Seasoning Blend, garlic and salt until well mixed.

3. Into the still-frozen pie crust toss together the bacon, cheeses and onion. Put pie crust onto a cookie sheet.

4. Pour egg mixture over the top of the bacon, cheese and onion mixture.

5. Fill the pie shell to the brim with the egg mixture.

6. Bake 50 minutes or until knife interested in the center comes out clean.

Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Cut into wedges.

Michele’s Red Pepper Quiche 1 Marie Callender’s (or similar) 9-inch frozen pie crust 1 cup half-and-half or milk 4 eggs, slightly beaten 1 tsp. Morton Nature Seasons Seasoning Blend ½ tsp. salt 1 tbsp. chopped garlic 2/3 cup diced sweet red pepper 2/3 cup shredded Swiss cheese 2/3 cup cheddar cheese ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese ½ large bulb diced sweet onion, approx. ½ cup-plus Preheat oven to 350F.

1. Whisk eggs, half-and-half, Morton Nature Seasons Seasoning Blend, garlic and salt. Stir until well mixed.

Mix crumbled bacon, onions and cheeses for Michele’s Favorite Quiche.

PHOTOS BY MICHELE BUTTELMAN / THE SIGNAL

Michele’s Favorite Quiche 1 Marie Callender’s (or similar) 9-inch frozen pie crust. You can also use any variety of refrigerated pie crust as well.

1 cup half-and-half or milk (I prefer half-andhalf, but heavy cream can also be used for more decadent quiche) 4 eggs, slightly beaten 1 tsp. Morton Nature Seasons Seasoning Blend ½ tsp. salt 1 tbsp. chopped garlic 8 strips of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (or, take the easy way out, as I do, and use 3/4 cup Kirkland Bacon crumbles) 2/3 cup shredded Swiss cheese

ble and cheese mixture.

7. Fill the pie shell to the brim with the egg mixture.

8. Arrange slices of tomato on top of the quiche.

Sprinkle top with more Morton’s Nature Seasoning.

9. Bake 50 minutes or until knife interested in the center comes out clean.

2. Into the still-frozen pie crust mix red pepper, cheeses and onion. Put pie crust onto a cookie sheet.

3. Pour egg mixture over the top.

4. Fill the pie shell to the brim with the egg mixture.

5. Bake 50 minutes or until knife interested in the center comes out clean.

Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Cut into wedges.

Michele’s Ham and Broccoli Quiche 1 Marie Callender’s (or similar) 9-inch frozen pie crust. You can also use any variety of refrigerated pie crust as well.

1 cup half-and-half or milk 4 eggs, slightly beaten 1 tsp. Morton Nature Seasons Seasoning Blend ½ tsp. salt 1 ½ cups cubed (1/4 inch) cooked ham 1 cup chopped broccoli florets 2/3 cup shredded Swiss cheese 2/3 cup cheddar cheese ½ large bulb diced sweet onion, approx. ½ cup-plus

Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Cut into wedges.

Michele’s Whidbey Island Quiche Michele’s Favorite Quiche just out of the oven.

1. Preheat oven to 350F. 2. Whisk eggs, half-and-half, Morton Nature Seasons Seasoning Blend and salt. Stir until well mixed.

3. Into the still-frozen pie crust mix ham, broccoli, cheeses and onion. Put pie crust onto a cookie sheet.

4. Pour egg mixture over the top.

5. Fill the pie shell to the brim with the egg mixture.

6. Bake 50 minutes or until knife interested in the center comes out clean.

Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Cut into wedges.

Michele’s Loaded Vegetarian Quiche 1 Marie Callender’s (or similar) 9-inch frozen pie crust. You can also use any variety of refrigerated pie crust as well.

1 cup half-and-half or milk 4 eggs, slightly beaten 1 tsp. Morton Nature Seasons Seasoning Blend ½ tsp. salt 2 tsp. dried basil 1 tbsp. olive oil 2 tbsp. flour 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced 1/2 cup chopped zucchini 1 large tomato, sliced 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese ½ large bulb diced sweet onion, approx. ½ cup-plus

1. Preheat oven to 350F. 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion, green bell pepper, mushrooms, and zucchini in hot oil until soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove vegetables from skillet and set aside.

3. Sprinkle tomato slices with flour; cook in the skillet for 1 minute per side.

4. Whisk eggs, half-and-half, Morton Nature Seasons Seasoning Blend, basil and salt. Stir until well mixed.

5. Into the still-frozen pie crust mix red pepper, mushrooms, zucchini and cheese. Put pie crust onto a cookie sheet.

6. Pour egg mixture over the top of the vegeta-

1 Marie Callender’s (or similar) 9-inch frozen pie crust. You can also use any variety of refrigerated pie crust as well.

1 cup half-and-half or milk 4 eggs, slightly beaten 1 tsp. Morton Nature Seasons Seasoning Blend 1 tbsp. dried dill ½ tsp. salt 1 cup shredded Snow or Dungeness crab 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese ½ cup sliced green onion

1. Preheat oven to 350F. 2. Whisk eggs, half-and-half, Morton Nature Seasons Seasoning Blend, dill and salt. Stir until well mixed.

3. Into the still-frozen pie crust mix crab, cheeses and onion. Put pie crust onto a cookie sheet.

4. Pour egg mixture over the top of the crab mixture.

5. Fill the pie shell to the brim with the egg mixture.

6. Bake 50 minutes or until knife interested in the center comes out clean.

Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Cut into wedges. 

MOVIES

Continued from page 29

performance to date, capturing the brash, detached, and caustic nature of Lee, yet still making her likeable. She’s helped by her one on one banter with Richard E. Grant, playing an equally down on his luck drinking buddy who becomes part of her ploy.

Director Marielle Heller is finding solid footing with this feature film making her an exciting young director to watch. Just as Lee Israel uses the letters to find her voice, Heller is certainly finding hers. The director deftly creates the world of 1990’s New York which, like Lee, is adorned in shades of brown and a little unkempt.

Her sympathetic direction as well as McCarthy’s portrayal provides this biopic the much needed emotional depth it requires to succeed. 

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 31

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Concrete questions, pool deck rising

By Robert Lamoureux Signal Staff Writer

should be able to help if you believe you actually have a leak. Good luck.

— Robert

Concrete flooring Good morning Pool deck rising Robert, Hello Robert, I have read your I am a regular reader of your column on the Dec. column in the Signal newspaper. I 16 issue of The Sighave a section of the decking around nal that incentivmy pool that is rising. It is approxized me to contact imately 8' x 8' in size and bordered you. Coincidentally, with used brick. The other sections we have an ongoing of this decking design seem to be fine problem similar to your reader Linda at the moment. I inherited the pool M., who wrote in. When we bought and decking when I purchased the our home in Dec. 2008, there was home in 2014. I would guess that the this white powdery “rise” has increased material that blanabout 1/4” per year IF THIS OCCURS keted the concrete to now measure DURING THE RAINS garage floor and I approximately observed that it is IT’S A SIGN OF 1.25” above grade still surfacing to at the corner. I HUMIDITY AND IS this day. I am not suspect it is a tree QUITE COMMON quite sure if this is root causing this caused by a water DURING THE problem, although leak under the there is no large WINTER. IF IT’S concrete slab floor tree closer than THERE YEAR ROUND and the source of 30’ or more to this it. I am very much section. Puzzling THEN IT COULD concerned that ... My question: Is BE MORE. I DON’T this might create a this something your serious foundation WANT YOU TO company might be problem down the able to deal with?

SPEND ANY FUNDS road. Who would I’m assuming that I IF THIS IS ALL you think to be the would have to break most appropriate YOU’RE TALKING out the existing professional tradesconcrete pad, find ABOUT. men to handle and and correct the isfix this issue or sue, and pour a new issues expeditiously and with experslab. If your company isn’t a good fit, tise? I wanted to make sure to call the can you recommend a contractor (or most qualified professional. I would multiple resources) to deal with this? very much appreciate your forthright I’m not seeing any problems with the advice. ­— Flora M.

pool so far that might be related, so I’m thinking I might not needing to deal with this until the spring. Any thoughts or feedback would be appreciated. Best, — Ron M. Ron, Good morning and thank you for being one of the readers of The Signal. Once you demo the concrete you’ll be able to see what caused the lifting of the slab. If you don’t see roots then the soil is no doubt the causation. We have a lot of expansive soil here in Santa Clarita that has caused lifting like this over the years in many areas. The clay in the soil is the source of this problem, as it gets

wet it expands and causes the lifting as such. I’ve listed a local concrete contractor, please give him a call. Best of 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.

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If it’s there year round then it could be more. I don’t want you to spend any funds if this is all you’re talking about. If water is actually manifesting itself then you have a leak. I have sent you my local recommendation for a local plumber whom you can trust, he

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J A N UA RY 13, 2019

PROFILE

Santa Clarita’s icon of style

Known by nearly everyone simply as, ‘Margo,’ for decades she dressed the SCV

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

M

argo Miller Hudson was born on a farm in Granby, Quebec Canada as Margo Leduc, and still speaks with a charming French Canadian accent.

Her mother died two months after Hudson was born. She was raised by her father, a farmer, her aunt Elsie, and her stepmother Marie Berthe.

Hudson said Granby was an industrial town, with lumber, textiles, dairy and tobacco as major industries.

“It never grew that much, but it is adorable,” Hudson said.

Hudson’s family, on her mother’s side, arrived in Canada from Liverpool, England, when her grandfather was only between 8 and 10 years of age.

“His father left him at an orphanage after his mother died and in those days they would send children to work on farms in Canada to earn a living,” she said. “His father said he would come back for him, but he never did.”

Hudson’s mother was an English Protestant and her father a French Canadian Catholic.

“Neither one spoke the other’s language,” said Hudson. “But somehow they met, fell in love and married.”

When Hudson’s mother, Ruby, knew she was dying she asked her sister Elsie to “take care of my baby (Hudson).”

“And she always did take care of me,” said Hudson. “Until she died in 1998, my aunt taught me how to cook, how to sew, how to set a table, manners — everything.”

Hudson’s father soon found he needed to supplement his farm income by taking a job in a steel factory in Montreal.

Hudson was left in the care of a woman, named Maggie, until she was 2 1/2 when her father remarried.

“My stepmother, who died in 1975, was wonderful,” said Hudson. “She treated my older sister and I the same as she treated her own children. I never saw a difference in how she treated us, never.”

Hudson said she has been “been very blessed meeting people who have been giving and mentoring to me.”

Coming to California

When she was 19 her fiancé, Georges deSeve, asked her if she would like to live in California after he was invited to follow his boss, who had been transferred to Glendale, California.

“I said, ‘Are you kidding me? You mean where Rock Hudson lives?” said Hudson. “I was 19. As a teenage, I was in love with Rock Hudson.”

In May 1960, the couple moved to the Cadillac Apartments on Glendale Avenue in Glendale.

“It had a swimming pool and was furnished,” she

Margo and Bob Hudson arrive at the Hyatt Regency Valencia for the Henry Mayo Hospital 40th Anniversary Gala.Margo and Bob Hudson arrive at the Hyatt Regency Valencia for the Henry Mayo Hospital 40th Anniversary Gala.

said. “I thought I was in total hog heaven.”

The couple was married June 4, 1960.

Even in 1960’s Los Angeles, Hudson stood out.

“I would go to the supermarket wearing gloves,” said. “I was like an oddity even in 1960, because for me, when you go out you wear gloves.”

Hudson didn’t want to have children until she was 21.

“I didn’t want to be a child, having a child,” she said.

But soon she became bored and applied for a job at Sears.

“In no time at all I went from being a salesgirl to a manager,” she said.

Part of her success in selling jewelry and watches she attributes to her exotic French Canadian accent and the fact she was well dressed and polite.

Sears offered her a position in the women’s department but Hudson became pregnant and left Sears a few months later.

Hudson became an American citizen in 1966.

Moving to the SCV

In 1968 Hudson and Georges moved to the second phase of Orchard Village in Valencia.

Immediately Hudson became involved in philanthropy in the Santa Clarita Valley.

In 1969, she co-chaired the development of the

Foster Parent Organization in Valencia Valley.

Hudson ultimately fostered 11 children. In the same year, she became a founding officer of the Adoption Guild of Valencia Valley.

Through a friend who had contacts with a Los Angeles modeling agency, Hudson soon began doing tea room modeling at World Fashions in Santa Monica for nearly two years in the 1970s.

“It was a popular way to sell clothing at that time,” Hudson said. “I met a lot of celebrities; I met Steve McQueen, Ali MacGraw, Barbra Streisand ...”

In 1974, Hudson became a business partner in Aggi’s, an upscale boutique in Newhall.

“Aggi Lewis asked me to become her partner,” Hudson said. “So I went to the bank, this was in 1974, and I applied for a loan.”

Hudson visited the bank without telling her husband her plans.

“I wanted to have all my ducks in a row before I approached him about this business opportunity,” she said.

In 1974, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act was passed by Congress that allowed women equal access to credit. However, the finer points of the law were apparently yet to reach the SCV. “The bank called my husband and told him that I had been in to ask about a loan,” Hudson said.

“When I came home ,Georges asked if I had been to the bank. I told him about the store. He thought about it and then said ‘yes.’ We had to take a loan out against the house.”

Hudson said she appreciated Georges’ faith in her.

“That’s what he gave me. He believed in me,” she said.

After a few years Lewis asked Hudson to buy her out so Lewis could pursue other interests. Hudson purchased the store in 1978 and renamed it Margo in 1982.

“I named the store M-A-R-G with a heart replacing the ‘O’, I always wanted to do things a little differently,” Hudson said.

Margo Fashion

Making the store a success was not without difficulty, said Hudson.

However, Hudson persevered and the store found a niche catering to SCV women who wanted high quality, timeless fashion with the eye on current trends.

Hudson said customer service was extremely important to her success.

“We dressed our customers from head to toe,” she said. “As we became bigger, people began to rely on us for sportswear, weekend wear, business wear, formal wear. They really didn’t want to shop elsewhere.”

Hudson said her fashion philosophy was to “sell timeless fashion.”

J A N UA RY 13, 2019 “Shopping at Margo’s was an amazing experience,” said Marlee Lauffer, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital foundation president and the hospital’s vice president of the marketing and communications. “It was a comfortable, yet elegant, respite; an escape from everyday retailers; a safe place to explore fashion. I half jokingly called it a ‘club house for women.’

Many Saturday afternoons were spent at Margo’s browsing or buying, sipping coffee or champagne, catching up with friends that worked there or shopped there.”

Lauffer said Hudson “is a true icon, of style, graciousness, independence and success. I miss her store, but am so glad she is still my friend.”

Long-time customer, Shelly Hann, said she heard about Margo in Newhall when she worked as a hairdresser in the San Fernando Valley.

“One of my clients told me it was very expensive,” Hann said. “When I moved to the SCV I didn’t go to the store for 10 years. One day I walked in and I wanted to move in. I fell in love with Margo and the store.”

Hann worked with Margo bringing Margo fashions to the runway to benefit SCV charities including Soroptimist International of Santa Clarita Valley and the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation.

“She is a classy woman. From the minute you walked into the store the staff was always there to help you. It was like going to a friend’s house and shopping in their closet,” said Hann.

“The thing I loved most about Margo was that she had her own style, but she helped everyone else develop their own style. I have clothes I still wear that I bought from Margo 20 years ago. When you buy the best, the classics never go out of style.”

Celebrity and Charity

In 1980, Hudson founded the first Miss Santa Clarita Valley Beauty Pageant. She continued to dress beauty pageant contestants when the store was contacted in 1975 to dress a young women vying for the Miss California USA crown.

Summer Bartholomew not only won the Miss California USA title in 1975, but also went on to win the Miss USA crown. She competed at the Miss Universe 1975 pageant held in El Salvador and was named second-runner up.

Other celebrities dressed by Hudson have included Mary Hart of

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 33

“Entertainment Tonight” and movie star Tippi Hedren (“The Birds”).

Through the years Hudson has supported many charitable events such as the Rocking Horse Derby, Santa Clarita Child and Family Center, Carousel Ranch and Boys & Girls Club of SCV. She still has a program from the very first Boys Club Auction (before it became the Boys & Girls Club of SCV) held at the Ranch House Inn in 1972.

In the early years Hudson frequently participated in the Newhall Fourth of July Parade.

Hudson closed Margo in the Plaza Posada in 2010.

Because of her long involvement with community service in the SCV Hudson was nominated for 2015 SCV Woman of the Year and 2012 Zonta Club of SCV Women in Service Carmen Sarro Award.

In 2012 Hudson started volunteering at Single Mother Outreach, a nonprofit which empowers single parents and their families. January 2013 Hudson founded Closet on Main, a resale shop on Main Street in downtown Newhall, with the help of volunteers which included three of her former employees Maria, Terry and Maggie.

In November 2015 Hudson passed the Closet on Main baton to Laurie Auger.

“I hope Closet on Main continues the tradition of quality, ambiance and camaraderie in the spirit of Single Mothers Outreach,” Hudson said.

Profits from donated clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry and other small items benefit the programs of Single Mothers Outreach.

Each month every member of Single Mothers Outreach client families receives eight pieces of clothing from The Closet on Main.

“That is what got me involved in founding Closet on Main, helping families,” said Hudson. “I knew this would make mothers feel good about themselves. That is probably the biggest reason I became involved.”

Hudson said founding Closet on Main is her proudest accomplishment.

Currently Hudson is mentoring girls ages 13-19 seeking to pursue their dreams.

In 2012 Hudson and Cameron Smyth were named the SCV Woman and Man of Honor at a gala event held at the Hyatt Valencia Regency.

Margo Miller Hudson, seen in 1977, top right, in the Newhall Fourth of July Parade.

“I made my own costume of gold satin,” she said.

Hudson said she has lived “a very interesting life.”

Hudson has two children, Lisa and Steven deSeve and three grandchildren. She and Georges divorced in 1978 and Hudson married Jay Miller in 1980. That marriage ended in 1984. She married C.R. “Bob” Hud-

son in 2008.

“Life is unplanned, sometimes things just happen,” she said. “I love my life. It was not easy. I took a lot of risks. But I was lucky to be at the right time, at the right place with the right people.” 

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34 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

GARDENING

Plenty of garden work to do this winter

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

N

ow, here’s a gardening break from all the holiday activity!

Unlike much of the country where folks are shuttered indoors with frosty weather, we Santa Claritans can enjoy some of the best working weather for gardening.

We may not be building snowmen, but we can bask in sunny, crisp days outdoors and finally take those first steps to make our landscapes better than ever for the new year.

After last year’s lack of rain, this season is starting out more promising. Stormy weather is much needed and we gardeners can make those indoor days productive by flipping through paper or online catalogs for

gifts for others, and some well-deserved ones for ourselves. Now’s the time to order, tools, flower, vegetable and hard-to-find seeds, started plants and trees. Also look for items — or just ideas — for décor, outdoor furniture and practical structures like storage or potting sheds, trellises or shade covers.

Pruning time and shopping time It’s time to cut back woody plants and trees. Sap is slowing, and plants will bleed less from any major pruning that is necessary. It’s also the time to start planting large shrubs and trees.

Once all the Christmas trees vanish from garden centers, look for the best selections (and the best prices) for fruit trees and decorative shrubs.

They’ll likely be displayed for sale in January.

This will be the beginning bareroot season: a short period in winter when stores carry these woody plants

History of Pho Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that is served in a bowl with a specific cut of white rice noodles (called banh pho’) in clear beef broth, with slim cuts of beef(steak, fatty, lean flank, brisket). Variations feature tendon tripe, meatballs, chicken leg. Chicken breast, or other chicken organs. “With the lot” ( made with all or most of the shop’s chicken and cattle offerings, including chicken hearts and livers and beef tripe and tendons) is known as pho dac biet ( “specialty pho”).

The broth is generally made by simmering beef bones ,oxtails ,flank steak, charred onion, and spices, taking several hours to prepare. Seasonings can include Saigon cinnamon or other kinds of cinnamon as alternatives (may use stick or powder), star anise, roasted ginger, roasted onion, black cardamom, coriander seed, fennel seed, and clove.

While a distinctly Vietnamese dish, pho has French and Chinese influences. The specific place of origin appears to be southwest of Hanoi in Nam Dinh province, then a substantial textile market , where cooks sought to please both Vietnamese and French tastes. It was originally sold by vendors from large boxes , until the first pho restaurant was opened in the 1920s I Hanoi.

The variations in meat, broth and additional garnishes such as lime, bean sprouts, ngo gai (cilantro), hung que ( Thai/Asian basil), and tuong ( bean sauce/hoisin sauce) appear to be innovations introduced in the south. Pho did not become popular in South Vietnam until 1954.

Following the Vietnam War, pho was brought to many countries by Vietnamese refugees fleeing Vietnam from the 1970’s onwards. It is especially popular in large cities with substantial Vietnamese populations and enclaves such as Paris in France, the West Coast of Canada, the West Coast and Texas in the United States, and the immigrant areas in the western suburbs of Sydney and Melbourn of Australia, and Hong Kong.

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un-potted. You won’t get better deals or wider choices any other time of year. What’s more, buying plants when they are dormant and their roots encased in bags, makes carting them from store to planting area delightfully easy on the back.

While you are picking through the bare-root plants, don’t forget to look for onion and garlic sets, strawberry, rhubarb and asparagus roots all becoming available. There should also be a nice selection of spring-blooming flower bulbs available. Bulbs only bloom for a short time, but they make up for it with dazzling flower displays. And they will keep the garden colorful while the sleepier garden members are still waking up.

Big and little jobs to do

Keep blown leaves scooped out of ponds and water features. We are not done with windy weather. If you haven’t done it yet, consider turning off your pump for the winter and save on electricity. Do not feed fish.

They don’t digest food well in winter.

Instead, they’ll be hanging out at the bottom in a semi-dormant state waiting for their liquid homes to warm up in the spring.

Weather is now cool and comfortable for doing big jobs in the garden. The winter months are handy for building and remodeling your garden — whether it is just one area or the whole landscape. One caution: Avoid working soil right after rain as it will compress valuable air out of the wet soil. And who needs all that mud stuck to your shoes and tracked everywhere, anyway?

Gardens will appreciate a little extra help when frosty nights are in store.

Add compost and other top-dressings as mulch to retain soil moisture and keep roots warm. Drape material like burlap or shade cloth over any tender plants if a freeze is predicted.

Set up rain barrels or other water collection tubs to reuse rainwater in the garden during dry periods. I just added two rain barrels to my landscape. The water will be used to top up my pond in dry periods. It will not only save me on water consumption, but it will circumvent the potentially deadly chloramine in our city water that can injure or kill fish. To make

Rain barrels blended in with a container garden become both practical and decorative!

my barrels blend with the landscape, I’ve planted pots of dangling strawberry plants on the top. The barrels now create their own ornamental (and tasty, nutritious) container garden.

Continue to cut back on lawn watering. You can even let your lawn go dormant for the winter to save on maintenance and water use. Or, as I always recommend, replace some of your lawn with something more useful, like decorative, drought-resistant gardens, tasty fresh edibles, or a colorfully graveled, low-maintenance seating or play area.

Planning saves time and money

Now is the perfect time to sketch out plans for re-designing your garden so you can get the most beautiful landscape possible to fit with your lifestyle and budget. Call in professional help if you want it done for you or just want some feedback on your own designs. I can’t emphasize enough how important planning is. It gives you an overall layout so you can work on your garden over time and it can save you from making very costly mistakes.

December is a great month to clean up and make your garden efficient. It is also perfect to start creating a gorgeous and efficient landscape. And if that’s not sufficient to convince you to get moving outdoors, there’s this: digging, cleaning and planting stretches and tones muscles, sunshine gives you vitamin D, exercise will help burn off those extra holiday calories, and it is also an excellent way to work off holiday stress. All for free! 

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 35

SENIORS

SCV Senior Center hosts Cowboy New Year event

By Ryan Mancini Signal Staff Writer

W

hile some dancers donned their cowboy hats, a variety of tunes played at the Cowboy New Year, hosted by the Sierra Hillbillies Square and Roundup Dance Club, at the SCV Senior Center on Sunday.

Guests swayed from partner to partner as they line- and squaredanced under the direction of instructor Dale Hoppers. The “Cowboy New Year” theme served to welcome new dancers to the club.

While there was a country theme, songs typically ranged from classical music to classic rock, including The Beatles’ “Drive My Car.” Sierra Hillbillies spokeswoman Karen Geller-Shinn said square dancing typically takes place at the Senior Center on the first Sunday of each month, unless impeded by a holiday.

Square and line dancing have an advantage over other forms of activity

for seniors, Geller-Shinn said in regards to its appeal.

“It combines mental acuity, physical exercise and what’s called high social capital,” she said. “That means you interact with a lot of people. It has the highest social capital of any kind of dance, because when you go to a square dance, if you’re in a square with different people ... you have the opportunity to meet and interact with 48 people or more.”

She added that while square dancing might appear as an “old people’s activity,” she emphasized the mental benefit it offers.

Mike and Mary Schwartz were among the people who stopped by to participate.

“It’s fun. It’s good exercise,” Mike said. “I could exercise or square dance all around the country or around the world.”

The next square dancing event hosted by the Sierra Hillbillies will be the “Super Sunday Tailgate Party,” instructed by Scot and Erin Byars on Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. Admission is free. 

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Residents square dance during the Cowboy New Year event at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center in Newhall Sunday afternoon. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

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J A N UA RY 13, 2019

THINGS TO DO

DATES

for only $13. Finish the date off at the Exposition Park Rose Garden, which features rows of flowers, located right outside the Natural History Museum.

Instead of a traditional dinner date, look up recipes online for a dinner you have always wanted to make. Go grocery shopping together and spend the evening cooking, maybe even while you enjoy a glass of wine. Taste the final product together and see if the dish lives up to your expectations.

If you are set on getting out of the house for dinner, search for local restaurants that host a happy hour.

Instead of ordering a main dish, order a few different appetizers to share off the happy hour menu.

Get outdoors and enjoy the different hiking trails around the city. This activity requires no money and adds the bonus of exercise and getting fresh air. Vasquez Rocks Natural Area

Continued from page 22

Granary Square, that provide guests with professional painting instructors to guide the class. There is also a bar with different drink options. For information on reserving a space in the class, call (661) 260-0846. Couples can also enjoy this date activity at home by purchasing canvases, paint and a bottle of wine.

For a “day-cation” date, head to downtown Los Angeles and explore the museums. Admission to the California Science Center is free, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank. The California Science Center is located at 700 Exposition Park Drive in Los Angeles. More information on hours and exhibits can be found by calling (323) 724-3623.

Within walking distance of the science center is the Natural History Museum, located at 900 West Exposition Blvd.

The museum PHOTO COURTESY EXPOSITION PARK ROSE GARDEN sells adult tickets

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36 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

Park is one of several great places close by to explore and photograph.

The park’s hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For different hiking trails around Santa Clarita, visit hikesanta clarita.com.

Make an outdoor date a little more adventurous. Try searching for geocaches around the city. Geocaching. com gives you a link to a smartphone app with maps that will help on your geocaching hunt.

For a more relaxed outdoor activity, grab your partner and go on a picnic at a local park. You can spend time making the food together before

Classifieds

heading outdoors and enjoying a simple, yet relaxing, activity.

Sing your heart out with a night of karaoke. This musical activity is also a great group date idea. If you don’t want to spend money on a private karaoke room, get to a karaoke bar early and be one of the first to sign up to sing in front of a room full of people.

For another group date, invite your friends over for a game night.

Have each couple bring an appetizer so there is no pressure on the hosts to cook a large dinner. Spend hours switching off on games and playing late into the night. 

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J A N UA RY 13, 2019

Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

BRAINGAMES

Relax

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 37

38 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

CROSSWORD TIME

J A N UA RY 13, 2019

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

Cooking alongside cats

By Jim Mullen Signal Contributing Writer

T

he first mistake was opening the refrigerator door.

I opened it silently, but it emits a silent sound unknown to science that only cats can hear — from under the bedcovers at the other end of the house. And they do not need to walk or run to the refrigerator to inspect what I’m doing. One second, no cats. Half a second later, three cats. One I’ve never seen before.

It happens so fast you can’t see them coming. They appear like those Klingon ships on “Star Trek.” And with the same purpose: your utter and complete destruction.

As you turn away into a previously empty space carrying, say, a carton of eggs, you will feel your foot brush against a furry body that wasn’t there a second ago. There is a short, Olympic-worthy acrobatic move to avoid squashing the cat and yet not drop the eggs. The cat judges gave me a 7.2. The eggs gave me a 0.1. True, you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet, but when you break them on the kitchen floor, for some reason, no one will eat your omelet.

Why NASA is not looking into Stealth Cat Instantaneous Transport, I have no idea. It must be close to the speed of light, and it runs on kibble.

What a money-saver that would be.

I’ve heard that one of NASA’s probes just passed a frozen mini-planet 4 billion miles from Earth called Ultima Thule. It took the satellite 13 years to get there. Had NASA just opened a refrigerator on Ultima Thule, it would have taken a cat around three seconds to get there. We should be seeding all these distant rocks with refrigerators. A refrigerator is what we should be building on Mars. It would save a fortune in rocket fuel.

All we would have to do is figure out how to attach the equipment to a cat.

This gave me something to think

about while I cleaned up the eggy mess.

It will be tricky to make another meal without opening the fridge, but I am up to it. After all, I’m a human.

I have opposable thumbs, and I have close to a three-digit IQ. Take that, Mensa! I decided on instant oatmeal.

What could be simpler? What could be quieter? Open the box and push away the cats that have instantly appeared again on the countertop.

All I have to do is add some hot water and stir. Which would be easier if two cats were not now in the sink. They are fighting over who gets to lick the faucet. The third one has his face in the bowl with the dry oatmeal. This time, I do not fall. I do not stumble.

I grab the sink sprayer and aim it at them. They disappear again.

Opposable Thumbs 1, Cats 0.

While carrying the steaming-hot bowl of oatmeal to the breakfast table an excruciating, sharp pain makes me scream. A cat is crawling up the back of my leg the way a lineman climbs a telephone pole. The claws that I forgot to trim are long and needle-thin.

He is using both the front and back legs. Hot oatmeal is now dripping from the ceiling.

The good news is that my extra pounds are melting away. As a diet, I highly recommend the Multiple-Cat Weight-Reduction Method. You don’t have to worry about snacking on leftovers; you won’t have any. And you can forget about ever eating seafood again. Actually, NASA should look into putting fresh shrimp on Ultima Thule, too. Just to see if a cat can actually go faster than the speed of light.

Stepping barefoot into cat vomit first thing in the morning will put you off eating breakfast; listening to a cat cough up a hairball for five minutes may be the best appetite suppressor ever devised. It certainly worked at our last dinner party. And it turned out to be our last dinner party. Now everyone seems to have “other plans” whenever I invite them over.

Sheesh. I guess some people just don’t like cats.

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

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List “Our enti publicClarita Santa Cla free from July city of 0.2 percent, down by 0.04 per- Salviati, an Apartment eve ritaineveSanta eclipses 7 untitwo-bedroom moved by re staff was Santa Clarita’s rate l Aug. 25. and housing economist. ry Saturdaynts put

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Sign is g Carter 7 p.m. Only 21 of the 100 average ’s on Pon 7 photo, Jenn some tast r lawn cha at inal (See addi the fight to to a as well as the national site and Sark y snac irs and blan tional phot a ies in America have seen rents growth can be attributed ifer Sarkar forkstwo-bedrooms crease listen to som decreased has but from percent, syndrome,”save him from San ar and a clin derosa Street in 1.4 os of -fall over the past year, though general growth in population this at released loca study signalsc national carr l ven CastaicA. The e of yourfor a one-bedroom ies her son ds com ical trial that v.com)to last ban $3 increase online month, ing to the sales coo said Natasha Zamfilippo favorite gen dors on- an additional 24 saw modest in the Los Angeles metro area.

Car ter compared SarkarSanta Clarita’s rent indicates mig week Her Sau rdinator to ht fam bran e’s gus re help a June. ily raisyear hom tribute o, dev park.

Apartmenta List brea from Car ter’srate at Hyatt platform Valencia. e is 8,4renting ed $97 Con growth elop fighfrom Reg certs in the kdown of Clarita’s month-to- gains of less than 1.0 percent, t agayear to 67 to getMonday. to contrib “We at Hyatt wou ency seizures muscle pains, revealed See RENT, A6 Sandecline Park:Santa each band perform is at such as Santa Clarita, said Chris slight at 4.1 percent, ainst filippo synd ute to this exp now ld like and then, ing at ncelastwou our parking The rome.July median rate for a month rent change for July fight by offe their mid ultimatel erie percent.

4.9 month’s from ld stru -to fund y, die ring Sark cture to the late July 7 nity to wat ar, Carter’ -teens, said Jenn in give Carter a clinical trial that a ifer ing Fourth ch fireworks this commuWanted As a resu s mother.

“Over the chance at life. could upcomof July.” lineup of , a Bon Jovi tribute Childre draiser in lt, the family held been a gath years the structur the past a fungeles, the Concerts in the Park band, is first up Sanfilippon who are diagnos ering plac e has month with uno ban ed with goal to donate in . syndrome the (andbstructed view of e to have an a mill The rock d is made up of Based out of Los the the will like the festiviti ly Cur 501(c)(3) nonprof ion dollars to Zam fireworks) from playing to ’n’ roll group professional mus Anes it organiza e Sanfilip icians. bran Six Flag o said. po Founda tion views. Wa sold out venues had immense succ s,” tion, whi requests nted was finally and garnering rave ess, ch from age with the nts and created after num reWeather ban See prom . . . . . . . erou INDEX d on othe CARTER, . . . . . . . r projects oters who wor s A6 Lottery . . . . . . . . ked . . . . . . . . .

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wth rate Faith above sta te avera ge Coupons Home Improvement Hya tt joins Carter’s Hotel pla Business News ns event proc to donate fight SCV’s ee child’s ba ds to tr ttle again It’s the Law Column Sanfilippo syndromest to the g ibute reats Concer ts set to retuin the Pa rk serie Right Here Right Now rn to Ce s nt ral Pa rk Color Comics

City’s rent growth rate above state average

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Hotel plans to donate event proceeds to child’s battle against Sanfilippo syndrome

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By Brennon Dixson Louis Ga Signal Staff Writer of Canyo rasi n Count ry After hearing about Carter Sarkar, his fight with Sanfilippo syndrome and the recent million-dollar movement to fund his clinical trial, the Hyatt Regency Valencia has announced that it will donate every dollar from its upcoming fireworks viewing event to the young boy from Castaic.

“Our entire staff was deeply moved by the article in Saturday’s paper regarding Carter Sarkar and the fight to save him from Sanfilippo syndrome,” said Natasha Zambrano, sales coordinator at Hyatt Regency Valencia. “We at Hyatt would like to contribute to this fight by offering our parking structure to the community to watch fireworks this upcoming Fourth of July.”

Children who are diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome will likely

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Austin Dave/The Signal (See additional photos at signalscv.com)

home In this May 2017 photo, Jennifer Sarkar carries her son Carter to a to get on Ponderosa Street in Castaic. The Sarkar family raised $978,467 a clinical trial that might help Carter’s fight against Sanfilippo syndrome. develop muscle pains, experience seizures and then, ultimately, die in their mid-to late-teens, said Jennifer Sarkar, Carter’s mother.

As a result, the family held a fundraiser in the past month with the goal to donate a million dollars to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Cure Sanfilippo Foundation, which

would fund a clinical trial that could give Carter a chance at life.

“Over the years the structure has been a gathering place to have an unobstructed view of the festivities (and fireworks) from Six Flags,” Zambrano said.

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July 7

Wanted, a Bon Jovi tribute band, is first up in the lineup of Concerts in the Park. Based out of Los Angeles, the band is made up of professional musicians.

The rock ’n’ roll group had immense success, playing to sold out venues and garnering rave reviews. Wanted was finally created after numerous requests from agents and promoters who worked with the band on other projects.

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The crowd-pleasing Concerts in the Park series returns to Santa Clarita for a music-filled summer, starting this weekend at Central Park.

Concerts in the Park are free public events put on by the city of Santa Clarita every Saturday night from July 7 until Aug. 25. The shows start at 7 p.m.

Get ready to break out your lawn chairs and blankets, grab some tasty snacks from local vendors onsite and listen to some of your favorite genre tribute bands coming to the Saugus park.

Here’s a breakdown of each band performing at Concerts in the Park:

Good morning to Signal subscriber Louis Garasi of Canyon Country

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