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J A N UA RY 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 A closer look at Santa Clarita’s 2020 plan 5 Hotshots head to deadly fires in Australia 6 An SCV ‘Imagineer’ shares his inspiration 7 How to avoid the dial-a-victim scams LOCAL NEWS 8 Sheriff traffic deputies step up enforcement effort Vehicle overturns in Newhall 9 Homeless task force prepares for 2020 count 10 WRHS teacher travels world sharing astronomy Exercise might ease chronic anxiety 11 City OKs temporary ban on new drive-thrus FROM THE MAYOR 12 Homelessness in the SCV THINGS TO DO 13 Santa Clarita’s must-attend events SPORTS 14 TMU hoops programs on the rise TECHNOLOGY 15 Five details you shouldn’t share on Facebook DINING GUIDE FOOD 19 Better balance for every day ENTERTAINMENT 20 Jefferson Starship landing in Santa Clarita CALENDAR KIDS & FAMILY 23 Approaching nutrition when eating out with children Tips for tackling picky eaters 24 Donna’s Day: Use salt to paint a wintry watercolor School menu HEALTH 25 What to do before starting a new health regimen PETS 26 When it is time to hire a profession dog trainer SENIOR LIVING 27 Traditions and transitions GARDENING 28 Start the year with a raised bed garden TRAVEL 29 California touted as ‘Dog Friendliest State’ TIME RANGER BUSINESS 31 Marketing strategies for small business owners HOME IMPROVEMENT INTERIOR DESIGN 33 How to create a more functional laundry room OPINION PUZZLES / VILLAGE IDIOT

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J A N UA RY 19, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

A closer look at Santa Clarita 2020 plan

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

Left: This photo shows construction as it continues in December on the Newhall Crossings project and the Laemmle Theatre. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL Below: City, county and sheriff’s officials celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station back in 2018. The station is part of the city’s 2020 Strategic Plan, although it’s expected to be completed in 2020.

SIGNAL PHOTO

F

rom new pedestrian bridges to mobilizing support for families affected by the Saugus High shooting and Tick Fire, Santa Clarita had a lot to both celebrate and reflect upon in 2019.

As the city approaches the final stages of the Santa Clarita 2020 Strategic Plan, which has served as a five-year guide in addressing several work areas , the city has a handful of projects for the community that are set to open this year or reach major milestones as they approach an opening date in the coming years.

“We have several landmark projects under construction that will bring many new, amazing amenities to our community,” City Manager Ken Striplin said at the 2019 State of the City event in October. “We are fiscally sound, our streets are safe, crime is down, businesses are thriving and arts and culture are blossoming in the city.”

A community hub for Canyon Country

After seeing billboards sit lonesome in a large empty lot, residents of Canyon Country can expect to see a new, 25,000-square-foot community center take shape this year at the project site on the northeast corner of Soledad Canyon Road and Sierra Highway.

More than $26 million for construction, which the City Council approved in December, will allow for the buildup of the facility in February, following completion of foundational aspects, such as rough grading of the site and storm-drain improvements, according to Kevin Strauss, a city communications specialist.

Known as phase two of the overall project, this step in the project would include the construction of the center, parking lots, courtyards and plazas, an outdoor basketball court, landscaping and a gateway plaza on the corner of Sierra Highway and Soledad Canyon Road.

When completed, the 6.5-acre center will bring the community a series of programming for youth, parents and seniors. Amenities include a computer room, a demonstration kitchen, community and fitness

rooms, an open turf play area and a gymnasium.

A city-organized event in February is expected to formally kick-off vertical construction of the community center, said Strauss.

The center, built with a design to become “that hub for Canyon Country,” is expected to open in early 2021, he added.

A play area for all

Local children of all abilities now have a place to play together as Santa Clarita’s first city-built inclusive playground is now ready for all to enjoy.

City officials announced this month that the playground is set to open on Saturday, Jan. 25 after the construction of more than $1 million to build a site that incorporated feedback from multiple families in the area, said Elena Galvez, a project manager with the city.

“We had so many parents who have kids with different kinds of special needs at previous meetings that offered great feedback,” she said. “This playground is important for a variety of reasons, especially its promotion of integrated play for everyone. I felt that sentiment, too, from parents in that they want something inclusive for all, not just for their own children and their special needs.”

Features, many of which parents suggested, include multiple swings, sensory-friendly elements, a dual-track inclusive zipline, large shade structures for visitors and accessible connections to existing facilities.

Galvez said the city is considering a larger, inclusive playground at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex in the future depending on funding.

A new home for deputies

In collaboration with the city and Los Angeles County, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station deputies will say goodbye to its current 1970s facility and hello to its new home of more than 46,000 square feet on Golden Valley Road, between Centre Pointe Parkway and Robert C. Lee Parkway.

Construction of the project, which is well underway, is on schedule and slated for completion in April 2021, according to Lt. John Lecrivain.

Passersby might have already noticed the 180-foot communications tower and the rebar layout, indicating that a concrete foundation is ready to be poured.

The location will offer a detention facility, helipad, parking and landscaping to help continue their efforts via public education, special operations, traffic enforcement and the apprehension of suspects.

A growing downtown Newhall For those looking to take “live, work, play” to the next level in Santa Clarita, the Newhall Crossings in Old Town Newhall will have just that to offer as it prepares to welcome residents and open businesses later this year.

“At Newhall Crossings, you are connected. We are conveniently located near public transportation. It is just a three-minute stroll to the Newhall Metrolink Station, providing a connection to L.A. Union Station,” read a recent Facebook post by developers.

The mixed-use development consists of 20,000-square-feet of retail space, 47 residential units placed only a walking distance from a new, 7-screen Laemmle Theatre currently in developing, as well as a 372-stall public parking structure. A central courtyard will connect the site.

While there were rumors of a sale of the theater chain last year, the Laemmle family recently re-affirmed its commitment to the SCV location, which is expected to be completed by the end of spring.

Just around the development are longtime favorites eateries and entertainment destinations such as Newhall Refinery, Egg Plantation, The Main and the Canyon Theatre Guild.

As the new year moves forward, Santa Clarita will also welcome the opening of Fire Station 104 on Golden Valley Road and groundbreaking of the mixed-use development Vista Canyon located in the eastern side of the SCV.

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

Hotshots head to deadly fires in Australia

N E W S F E AT U R E

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

W

hen a wildland fire ravages Santa Clarita, they get called to the front lines. And now the Bear Divide-based group is fighting fires 7,000 miles away.

For two federal firefighters, known simply as Hotshots working out of the Bear Divide station a few miles outside city limits, they heeded the call to fly over the Pacific and help their brothers in arms battle a blaze that’s ravaging the outback.

Both Gabriel Romero and his colleague Josh, who declined to give his last name, volunteered to venture out from their normal posting at Bear Divide, located on the 21000 block of Sand Canyon, and go to battle in Australia.

A few years earlier, Australia had sent a few hundred of their own firefighters to Southern California to help local firefighters battle our own backyard blazes, Romero said. “They were over here to help us in our time of need, and I’m just trying to return that favor, because they came down and helped us.”

“We don’t know what we’re hitting,” said Josh. “All we have is what we’ve already learned, and what we know how to do currently.”

The two local Hotshots left LAX this past week with a crew of 20 of their fellow Hotshot colleagues, flying directly into Australia with their gear in tow. For the next 35 days, they will be battling some of the fiercest flames and terrain that side of the world has seen.

The mission

“Most everybody knows what’s going on in Australia,” said Bear Divide’s Superintendent Brian Anderson. “We’ve had international agreements in place for some years now ... and the Australians ran the proper route to the states through the ordering channels.”

“We’re filling a need that they put a request in for,” Anderson.

Anderson oversees a crew of Hotshots, a branch of firefighters that fall under the authority of the U.S. Forest Service. The Bear Divide Hotshots, Anderson’s station, are a crew that

The men and women of the Bear Divide Hotshots are sending volunteers to Australia to help with the deadly fires, which is also returning the help Australia gave California in 2018.

work off of Sand Canyon, working to battle wildland fires around the Santa Clarita, as well as throughout the world.

The Australian fires, according to a news release distributed Thursday from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, have killed 26 people, the total burned region has increased to approximately 10 million hectares — an area of land approximately the size of Indiana.

As of this past week, there were a few hundred fires burning, with every state within Australia currently being affected, according to an ECHO news release.

“It’ll be the same job, just a different location,” said Anderson, in regards to his two crew members heading overseas. “They’ll be involved in cutting fire line, putting in hose lays, doing mop up, extinguishing hotspots, any sort of structure protection/triage, any sort of wildlife protection that’s needed over there.

Whatever the Australian firefighters their organizational structures need of them.“ When asked what he believed was going through the heads, as they prepared for what is close to a long flight away from home and familiar territo-

ry, Anderson said of his men that it’s business as usual.

“The same things that go through their heads when they’re preparing for fires in (the United States) ... ‘What’s the weather going to be like? What’s the fuel type? What’s the fire behavior going to be like? What are the conditions going to be like?

What’s the public perception of what’s going on?’” said Anderson. “All the same things that go through their heads here.”

Of what the other men and women are thinking, with Bear Divide colleagues going to Australia, away from the protection they usually feel when they have each other’s backs in Southern California, Anderson said the other Hotshots were proud of their two friends and fellow crew members.

“The wildland firefighting community in the United States is probably the most elite in the world, and it’s awesome that they get to be able to provide that service internationally,” said Anderson. “They’re very well equipped, trained and capable of taking care of themselves and the folks that they’ll be working with.”

The crew

Of the 20 or so Hotshots at Bear Divide, Romero and Josh plan to use

their training in order to battle the multiple blazes in Australia.

“It’s going to be new terrain for us,” said Romero. “The fire behavior is going to be different over there … it’s going to be a new experience for most of us to go to a different country to fight those fires.”

For both firefighters, they have traveled to multiple states to fight fires. But the Australia trip would not only be their first to the country, but their first international mission personally.

“Geographically, everything is going to be completely different,” said Josh. “All different fuels than what we’re accustomed to. And then again, the seasonal change is probably going to be one of the bigger ones,” he added, noting that California is currently in it’s winter, but Australia is in the midst of their summer fire season.

Over the course of their mission, the men and women of the international Hotshot crew, will spend over 30 days in country doing whatever is required of them, they said.

However, they both said they’re ready for whatever the elements throw at them.

“We’ll be ready for just anything that comes along with the fire, fire suppression and assignments that could change,” said Romero.

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J A N UA RY 19, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

AN SCV ‘IMAGINEER’

SHARES HIS INSPIRATION

By Matt Fernandez Signal Staff Writer

A

braham Lincoln inspired Larry Nikolai to make robots and work for Disney.

Nikolai, an artist and Disney Imagineer, had always been a fan of Disneyland, but seeing the park’s animatronic Abe Lincoln captured his attention, while the later introduction of “Pirates of the Caribbean” cemented his fascination with animatronics.

Throughout his childhood, Nikolai drew and created 20 of his own versions of the Lincoln he saw, and pirate figures in his backyard. “They were terrible,” he confesses, but the start to building a portfolio worthy of his goal: Disney.

“What fascinated me so much was the idea that these things were lifelike, and you could program them to give a show,” Nikolai said. “It’s the idea of creating life that’s always stuck with me. You get to a certain point when constructing an animatronic figure and they’re alive for you.”

While working as a cast member at Six Flags Magic Mountain after college, Nikolai met David Gengenbach, former vice president of Walt Disney Enterprises, who had worked on rides like the Disney World’s monorail, “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Space Mountain.” Gengenbach saw one of Nikolai’s sculptures and invited him to work on the “Monster Plantation” ride, now “Monster Mansion,” which was being developed for the Six Flags Over Georgia theme park.

For the next five years, he continued to build animatronics, mainly focusing on pizza parlor shows until he left the industry, swearing to only return to animatronics if it was with Disney. Nikolai, who graduated with a degree in fine arts, worked on Saturday morning cartoons for five years as both a sculptor and background designer for shows like “Alvin and the Chipmunks.”

Finally, 12 years after he first applied, Nikolai was hired by Disney as an imagineer and began doing show design for Disneyland Paris. Though it was a long road to reach his ultimate goal, Nikolai recognizes the value of his journey, saying he gained valuable drawing and character

Top: Walt Disney Imagineer Larry Nikolai has worked on many attractions around the world, but his favorite is “The Little Mermaid~Ariel’s Undersea Adventure” at Disney California Adventure. SIGNAL PHOTO Right: Nikolai created artwork like this painting called “Mermaid went to Market” as part of his efforts for Disney.

PHOTO COURTESY LARRY NIKOLAI

design skills that continually helped him develop his earlier dreams.

“My first day was Feb. 12, 1990, Lincoln’s birthday, of all things, and it was like heaven,” he said.

Nikolai once again began to work on building, rehabilitating and art directing animatronics. Some of his career highlights are art directing the Arabian Coast land and the “Sinbad’s Seven Voyages” ride for Tokyo DisneySea, and “Ariel’s Undersea Adventure” at the California Adventure park.

“My favorite animatronic would be Ariel, and I knew about her before, but after I worked on the ride, I formed this bond with her and she became my favorite Disney character,” he said. “We got the motors in her to where she could lip synch, and when I first saw that, even though she wasn’t finished or painted yet, she seemed alive to me.”

Chris Merritt, a lead show designer, first met Nikolai as a mentor while a student at CalArts and was eventually hired by Nikolai for his first Disney job creating character models for “Sinbad.”

“I’m constantly in awe of how clear

and specific Larry’s designs are and how clean his art is,” Merritt said.

“He’s always been very effective at communicating his ideas clearly which is incredibly important in theme park design. He’s always positive, even when giving criticism, which is not a skill that everyone has.

If anyone has a right to brag about their talent it’s Larry, but that’s just not him.”

Model builder Leonard Yee first worked with Nikolai in 1989 on Tokyo’s “Splash Mountain” and the two have collaborated on many projects since. Yee said Nikolai’s firm, but fair style of leadership made him beloved at the company.

“When I was told that I would be working on Tokyo DisneySea, I specifically wanted Larry to be my art director, because he pushes you, but is also reasonable,” Yee said.

“He’s the kind of guy who you know

is in charge but he never has to say it, because you just respect him so much. His passion is infectious. At his retirement party, we wanted to do a roast, but no one had anything bad to say about Larry.”

Though retired from imagineering since 2018, Nikolai still works for Disney painting for their galleries.

One of his friends even began a Facebook page “The Art of Larry Nikolai,” which Nikolai has since taken over.

He’s uploaded photos of his work over the years.

“My favorite part of my career is having worked for Disney with characters people know and love, and having my work become part of Disney history and stored in the archives,” he said. “It’s just being a part of the Disney family, because I believe Disney is a force of good in the world.

What Mickey Mouse represents is the good side of humanity.”

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

How to avoid the dial-a-victim scams

nology and we always encourage our customers to report any kind of scam that happens to them,” said Flato.

“It helps us stay ahead of the curve on identifying and blocking those perpetrators.”

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

I

n 2018, Americans filed 1.4 million fraud reports, with 25% of those reports the result of people losing money in a scam, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

These calls and reports resulted in $1.48 billion being lost to scammers, a 38% increase from 2017 — meaning these fraud cases are only getting worse.

While California is the home of Silicon Valley and one of the most tech-savvy places there is, Californians still made the top-three lists for number of ID-theft cases.

However, local law enforcement officials have a variety of tips and tricks residents can use to keep themselves, their families and their finances secure.

Edison

One popular scam involves residents being told their power will be shut off unless they make some form of immediate financial payment to “SoCal Edison.”

According to Susan Cox, a spokeswoman for SoCal Edison, this scam, as well as number of other similar scams, was reported to the SoCal Edison 17,674 times in 2019, Cox said. These reports resulted in nearly $427,000 being lost by SoCal Edison customers who believed they were speaking with their power provider.

“The best way for people to protect themselves against becoming a target is to educate themselves, their family, friends and coworkers, to know what the red flags are,” said Cox. Popular scams Cox has heard of involve people pretending to be a SoCal Edison official and asking for personal information over the phone or by asking them to “make a payment” over the phone.

“If someone calls up and claims that they’re with SoCal Edison and that their electricity or services are going to be turned off in 30-60 minutes, unless they make an immediate payment, that’s a red flag,” Cox said.

“We don’t do that.”

Cox said that if someone asks you to make a SoCal Edison payment with a debit card, they’re most likely

N E W S F E AT U R E

Fake police

Phone scams cost Americans more than $1 billion last year, and the Santa Clarita Valley was not immune. However, there are ways you can avoid becoming a victim.

not with Edison. Cox said Edison would also not ask you to go meet at a gas station or parking structure to make a payment.

She added she has heard of doors being knocked on with someone posing as a SoCal Edison employee asking for personal information, or the homeowner is told by the person walking door to door that they need to call a number and give them financial information, or that they are from the “Southern California Edison Disconnection department.”

“We don’t have a ‘disconnection department’ … We don’t ask customers for personal information, pin numbers, account numbers,” said Cox. “We have that information already and we would not ask people for that.”

Cox said the best way to be certain about one’s interaction with SoCal Edison is to call the company’s customer service number and speak with a customer service representative.

“Please call that number before you go and do any kind of transaction with someone over the telephone that you don’t know,” said Cox. (The SoCal Edison customer service line is (800) 655-4555.)

Phone companies

Phone and communication networks across the country have seen an increase to the amount of phone scammers who operate against customers, and they’ve been updating their technology to match it, according to Heidi Flato, a spokeswoman for Verizon.

“It’s always been an issue that all of the communications companies have faced over the years,” said Flato.

“Whether it’s landline or wireless, but now that you know just about everybody has a cell phone,” the scams have increased in number, Flato said.

One issue that has arisen in recent years that companies are working on dealing with is “spoofing,” or a scammer knowing how to call someone’s phone and have the number show up as a call from a family member or close friend.

“The scams have gotten more and more sophisticated, so it’s more important than ever that they protect their personal information and don’t give it out freely,” said Flato. Additionally, the major cell phone companies provide online articles and support that they provide to their customers as it pertains specifically to robocalls, spoofs and scammers.

“We’re always upgrading our tech-

Another means the phone scammers is that they’re pretending to be law enforcement.

“No government agency will ever call to solicit money for fines,” said Los Angeles County sheriff ’s Deputy Juanita Navarro. “We’ll never ask you to give a money transfer or ask for your personal information over the phone.”

“These scammers are thieves and they’re going to try and trick you into getting your information,” Navarro added.

Navarro warned of similar things as Flato, saying that the technology scammers are using is evolving.

Scammers now, Navarro said, can both hide their number as someone the person knows or even change the phone number to make it appear as though it’s a local number.

Sometimes the calls are from someone claiming to be a deputy or law enforcement officer, and the person will claim the intended victim can rid themselves of jury duty, a warrant or other minor infractions if they pay a reduced fee or turn themselves into their local Sheriff ’s Station.

“And remember when you give someone your debit card, you point them toward a pile of money,” said Navarro.

In order to protect yourself, people must remain vigilant in keeping themselves informed on what the latest scams are, as well as ensuring that they never hand out their personal information over the phone.

Navarro said if someone believes they have become the victim of a scammer, or that a scammer had called them, they should contact their local Sheriff ’s Station immediately or call the Department of Consumer Affairs.

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

LOCALNEWS

Sheriff traffic deputies step up enforcement effort

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

W

hile kids headed back to school, deputies with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station sought to ensure that traffic laws around campuses were being followed.

On Monday, four deputies from the SCV Sheriff ’s Station issued 40 citations in a single day to drivers passing through school zones, for everything from unsafe speeds to driving with a suspended license.

While the operation, funded by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety, was an uptick in the daily average for deputies, it was a mere statistical blip among the more than 19,000 citations handed out in 2019, according to Sgt. Scott Shoemaker of the Sheriff Station’s Traffic Unit. Last year’s total represents a slight increase over the 18,700 or so tickets the station issued in 2018 — which comes out to roughly 50 per day.

“It’s approximately 40 extra citations that we normally wouldn’t have on top of a week,” Shoemaker said in reference to the Jan. 6 tally. “On average, it’s about 300 or 350 citations a week.”

Shoemaker said the goal is to increase the level of safety that occurs on the roads.

“Writing citations is one issue, but just the presence of a radio car or a motorcycle, if they’re within a block

An SCV Sheriff’s Station deputy looks out for speeders during a previous trafficsafety operation. Deputies issued over 19,000 citations in 2019 as part of their effort to keep SCV roads safe, according to station officials. SIGNAL PHOTO

of a school … it’s that reminder that there’s deputies here,” said Shomemaker. “(Drivers) see the flashing lights and it gets that reminder of, ‘Hey, these guys are here. I need to have a little bit more extra awareness of what I’m doing, making sure I’m doing it safely.’”

Since Dec. 1 of last year, at least eight pedestrian-vs.-vehicle collisions have occurred in Santa Clarita. When asked about the collisions, Shoemaker said that both pedestrians and vehicles need to be paying more attention on the roads.

“The last time we looked at this with the city, it was pretty evenly split

between the pedestrians’ fault and the vehicle drivers being at fault,” said Shoemaker. “So there’s awareness that needs to be on both sides of the coin.”

On Tuesday, a 12-year-old child was hit in front of Sierra Vista High School. Shoemaker said he had not yet seen the report, but advised people to take more caution when in a school zone, even if they do not see deputies present.

“They need to be abiding by the speed limit and have their head completely outside the windows — looking around, looking between cars, looking in the intersections, things like that — to make sure that

you don’t have a young kid that’s not paying attention, not aware of the rules completely, and just darts in front of them.”

Santa Clarita City Councilman Bob Kellar on Wednesday said that City Hall was aware of the ongoing issue with traffic safety, adding the city would continue to work closely with law enforcement to address the challenges, some of which are inevitable due to growth.

“Those are big conversations we’ve carried out with our contract with the Sheriff ’s Department,” said Kellar.

“That’s why we’ve increased our traffic enforcement throughout Santa Clarita, and we will continue to do whatever is necessary to maximize safety for all of our citizens.”

One of the ways Santa Clarita would see a decrease in pedestrian-vs.-vehicle collisions, as well as vehicle-vs.-vehicle collisions, is through the spreading of awareness, Shoemaker said. He advised bicyclists to wear reflective clothing, for pedestrians to make sure they’re looking both ways before crossing the street and for people not to be on their phones while driving.

“If our guys can go out and work an operation and write zero tickets because they saw zero violations, that’s kind of a perfect day,” Shoemaker said. “Unfortunately, that’s not what happens.”

Vehicle overturns in Newhall

By Vivianna Shields Signal Staff Writer

A

traffic collision involving an overturned car on Newhall Ranch Road and Gateway Village Tuesday morning resulted in no injuries.

“It was a no persons trapped and they also canceled the squad,” said Marvin Lim, spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

“There was no transport needed.”

Two vehicles were involved in the collision, leaving one overturned,

according to witnesses on the scene.

“There were no injuries,” said Henry Narvaez, L.A. County Fire Department inspector.

The Fire Department initially received the call at 8:33 a.m. and firefighters were on the scene by 8:38 a.m., Lim says.

On Thursday afternoon, a fatal car collision involving a vehicle plunging down an embankment occurred not far from the site of Tuesday’s rollover, near the intersection of Newhall Ranch Road and West Rye Canyon Road.

First responders assist an injured patient Friday afternoon following a traffic collision in which a vehicle reportedly struck a pedestrian in downtown Newhall.

SIGNAL PHOTO

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

LOCALNEWS

Homeless task force prepares for 2020 count

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

T

he Santa Clarita homeless task force is set to deploy a new game plan for the 2020 homeless count in an effort to generate a more accurate tally on the local homeless population.

On Wednesday, the three dozen or so members of the group gathered at The Centre to discuss a two-session count and train ahead of Tuesday, Jan. 21, the scheduled point-in-time count for the region.

The count, which the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority coordinates annually, is conducted on a single night by volunteers and offers a look into who is experiencing homelessness and where they are located. Data also calculates how much Measure H and federal funds local jurisdictions would receive for its homeless programs and services.

Results from the 2019 PIT count determined that there were 256 homeless individuals, which increased from the 156 counted in 2018, but decreased from those in 2016 (279) and 2017 (331).

Still, members of the task force and others in the community who have worked with those experiencing homelessness have indicated that the counts are significantly lower than the actual number.

In the Newhall School District alone, there are nearly 140 homeless students, according to District Superintendent Jeff Pelzel. And across washes and open spaces in the Santa Clarita Valley, the SCV Sheriff ’s Station has identified more than 40 active homeless sites.

“Accuracy is of utmost importance,” said Jerrid McKenna, assistant to the city manager. “The more accurate we can be, the better we can align services, but also funding.

A lot of funding that comes from Measure H is directly tied to the homeless PIT count.”

To help reach accuracy, the task force has coordinated with LAHSA a second count at washes and open spaces during the early morning hours of Jan. 21, one of several recommendations to the task force by UCLA graduate students on how to

Bridge to Home staff prepare tally sheets for volunteers ahead of a 2019 Los Angeles County Homeless Count briefing at The Centre in Santa Clarita. This year’s count is set for Tuesday night. SIGNAL PHOTO

generate an improved count methodology.

Said locations are often missed by the PIT count due to visibility and geographic challenges during nighttime hours but can miss tallying several individuals, according to the students’ analysis.

The morning group would consist of LAHSA representatives, sheriff ’s deputies, code enforcement officers and city staff.

“This is the first time that we’re dedicating a lot of resources to really split this into two very efficient operations,” said McKenna. “Our hope is to implement this process that we’re doing for the first time at this level and learn and grow as we go.”

Besides the addition of a morning count, the task force also implemented improved training for volunteers and multi-person teams, each with experienced team leaders, to do the counting.

Participating members of the task force only make up part of the needed 200 volunteers for the Jan. 21 count. Residents interested in volunteering can visit theycountwillyou.org.

10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

LOCALNEWS

WRHS teacher travels world sharing astronomy

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

F

rom eastern to western hemisphere, from teaching students in the city to becoming a student in the desert, from Mandarin-speaking to Spanish-spreaking, West Ranch High School science teacher Christine Bernhardt taught and learned from them all this past summer.

Kicking off her summer teaching a program in Hong Kong, and eventually moving on to Chile later in the summer, Bernhardt said she taught all those students she encountered about the importance of astronomy and how the subject impacts their lives.

Conference connection

During one of her industry con-

After kicking off her summer teaching gig in Hong Kong, West Ranch High School science teacher Christine Bernhardt spent time working with the ALMA telescope and at the Gemini Observatory in Chile, in addition to teaching astronomy.

COURTESY PHOTO

ferences regarding astronomy at the Johnson Space Center, Bernhardt said she encountered someone from Hong Kong looking to create a summer camp designed around teaching kids

Exercise might ease chronic anxiety

By Vivianna Shields Signal Staff Writer

D

iverting the symptoms of anxiety can be accomplished with exercise. For many, chronic anxiety is a debilitating disorder that significantly affects their everyday life.

Anxiety disorders affect 40 million Americans each year, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They’re also the most common form of mental illness in the United States.

Though exercise can help soothe symptoms of anxiety, those suffering from chronic anxiety should reach out to their personal physician to discuss options.

“On its own, exercise may not completely solve your anxiety issues,” said Tim Eckard, co-owner and clinic director at Kinetix Advanced Physical Therapy. “When possible, though, studies show that regular exercise should be part of any natural, longterm treatment for anxiety.”

Exercise can also prevent other health-related complications as a result of anxiety.

The effects of anxiety go past

psychological and tend to eventually affect an individual’s physical health.

“High stress and anxiety have been linked to higher blood pressure and a greater risk of heart disease and stroke,” said Eckard. “Also, those who have high levels of anxiety tend to be more sedentary and avoid challenging situations, which can also have longterm health consequences.”

Individuals can work alongside physical therapists and trainers to find the best exercise routine that aligns with their lifestyle.

“It depends on what someone responds best to,” said Colleen Adam, physical therapist at Henry Mayo Fitness and Health. “Some people benefit from yoga while others would benefit more from a high-intensity workout.

Activities that trigger an increased heart rate are always good because they produce anti-anxiety chemicals.”

At Henry Mayo Fitness and Health, someone experiencing anxiety can be referred to the gym to work alongside trainers at the facility.

“Our trainers would get their body moving,” said Adam. “Moving your body reduces muscle tension and lowers your body’s contribution to anxiety.”

about STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) or space.

“He wanted to bring over someone who was involved with and knowledgeable about NASA missions and the space industry,” said Bernhardt.

“I figured it was just a pipe dream, but in February he said he had the funding and all things go.”

Bernhardt said she was asked to go to Hong Kong in July and design, facilitate and lead a space camp for English language learners. Bernhardt, calling the program “Race You to Mars,” said that in Hong Kong she had minimal materials, but the combination of her passion for the subject and the kids’ desires to learn made it a rewarding experience for all involved.

“I had no idea what the age of my students was going to be or their English level was going to be. I had one girl who didn’t speak English at all,” said Bernhardt. “But I was still able to make this whole storyline about going to Mars.”

Bernhardt said that in addition to classroom time, she also took the kids to a public park on the anniversary of the Apollo landing and conducted a rocket launch with them.

After a short honeymoon with her husband in the Philippines, Bernhardt was off to Chile following the conclusion of the Hong Kong camp.

While in Chile -- made possible through an application sent at the last minute to the National Science Foundation -- Bernhardt was acting as an astronomy ambassador.

Stint in South America

While in South America, she was

learning and working alongside other educators and ambassadors in the program -- although she was the only secondary education teacher in attendance -- at the ALMA telescope in the desert of Atacama.

Made up of 66 antennas at 16,500 feet elevation, the ALMA telescope is above 40% of the Earth’s atmosphere and virtually all of the world’s water vapor, according to the website. Made up by a series of smaller telescopes working simultaneously, ALMA can become a 10-mile-wide singular telescope.

“Astronomy in Chile is just being used in so many ways, from maintaining the culture, to the environment, to the economy,” said Bernhardt. “It is just really interesting ... interesting to see that astronomy there is so beyond the science.”

WRHS weather balloons Known by students at West Ranch High School for being a teacher who leads weather balloon experiments that have seen payloads delivered thousands of feet into the atmosphere, Bernhardt said she would be applying for grants from the National Science Foundation to develop new curriculum for her students.

“My goal, always, in teaching something that students see as more abstract is that they can see the relevance of it to their lives,” said Bernhardt. “Astronomy isn’t just about getting to Mars and it’s not just about producing astronauts. It’s about our place in the universe, and what we’re going to do with that responsibility.”

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

LOCALNEWS

City OKs temporary ban on new drive-thrus

2020

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Tom Cole, community development director for Santa Clarita, briefs the City Council Tuesday on a proposed 45-day moratorium on the establishment of restaurant drivethrus. PHOTO BY TAMMY MURGA / THE SIGNAL

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

N

ew restaurant drive-thrus are temporarily banned in Santa Clarita unless applicants looking to build can demonstrate their projects would not result in an extensive queuing of vehicles, the City Council voted Tuesday.

Their unanimous vote immediately established a 45-day moratorium on permitting the installation of restaurant drive-thrus in an effort to prevent traffic hazards caused by long motorist lines as seen at some currently operating fast-food shops.

“This will ensure that future restaurant drive-thru installations continue to be efficient and do not create a public safety issue,” said Tom Cole, community development director for the city. “Although restaurant drive-thru locations are not new, the recent trend in Santa Clarita and elsewhere is for increased drive-thru use and the historic drive-thru queuing standards appear to be falling short in some instances.”

Current standards require sufficient space for the stacking of four cars between the order board and the pickup window and for six vehicles behind the order board. Some establishments have experienced significantly longer lines than 200 feet in length, according to city officials.

Of five pending applications before the city, concerns over increased traffic at a shopping center on Bouquet Canyon Road and Newhall Ranch

Road revolve around a proposed Chick-fil-A at the former Boston Market location in the area.

“The primary concern is with traffic and safety conflicts created by the anticipated long lines in that location,” said Cole, adding that there is a way for projects such as these to receive approval. “While city staff is developing new standards, if that applicant can demonstrate they have onsite capacity to deal with their particular proposal, then staff believes the applicant should be able to move forward with their project.”

Such should be the case for a Starbucks at The Plaza at Golden Valley, which Stephanie DeHerrera, an attorney for the applicant, asked the City Council to except from the moratorium.

The project, which is in its final stages of approval, provides more queuing capacity than is required by the existing requirements and has completed a traffic analysis that shows the project will not create traffic or pedestrian hazards related to queuing, she said.

If Starbucks demonstrates the analysis to the city, “staff would have the ability to move forward with those building permits,” said City Manager Ken Striplin.

The matter is expected to return before the City Council at a future meeting in City Hall on Feb. 25, according to City Attorney Joseph Montes.

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12 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

F R O M T H E M AY O R

Homelessness in the SCV

By Mayor Cameron Smyth

I

t’s hard to imagine what it would be like to be unsheltered this time of year. The weather has turned downright chilly, and some nights drops below freezing.

Days blow by with strong gusts of wind or are soaked with everything from light sprinkles to all-out downpours. For our neighbors, who for one reason or another, are experiencing homelessness, winter can be a bleak time full of hardships.

While homelessness continues to be a major challenge across the southland and the nation, I am proud of the progress we have made here in Santa Clarita. Back in 2017, I recommended the formation of a City Council Ad Hoc Committee on Homeless Issues with a goal to discuss and work toward the most effective strategies for addressing homelessness in our City.

Thanks to a planning grant from the County of Los Angeles, the City hired a research group to develop a comprehensive solutions plan.

Gathering together the key stakeholders and service providers in Santa Clarita, consultants spent months researching and conducting meetings and interviews, which led to the creation of a Community Plan to Address Homelessness.

With the many services and resources being delivered daily by nearly 30 nonprofit organizations through hundreds of volunteers in Santa Clarita — the plan enhanced collaboration and reduced duplication of efforts. This was done through the creation of a Community Task Force on Homelessness. This group has been meeting monthly over the past year, taking on the action items within the plan, which have been broken out into five categories. The five categories are Preventing Homelessness, Increasing Income, Subsidized Housing, Increasing Affordable/Homeless Housing and Create Local Coordination.

In addition to the work our community is doing, Measure H dollars are flowing to cities across Los Angeles County. Santa Clarita was a

recent recipient of $375,000 thanks to the Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative and United Way of Greater Los Angeles, $75,000 of which funds a homeless coordinator and $300,000 goes toward property acquisition of interim family housing for Family Promise. An agenda item regarding this property will be brought to the City Council shortly.

Meanwhile, at Bridge to Home, our community’s primary homeless services provider, great strides have been made which have enhanced services, capacity and facilities. Last spring, Bridge to Home did not close the doors of their emergency winter shelter as they had done for the previous two decades. Instead, they increased their operation, now providing shelter and resources every single day and night, all year long.

In addition, plans are underway to replace the current shelter facilities, which consists of portable units, with an enhanced permanent structure.

All of this progress comes as we prepare for the annual Homeless Count coming up this Tuesday night, Jan. 21. The results of the annual count give us a starting point to measure the progress of our efforts toward ending homelessness. It also helps determine the amount of Measure H and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds that should be allocated to local homeless programs. The Santa Clarita Valley Homeless County will start off at The Centre, 20880 Center Pointe Parkway. Volunteers can sign up at TheyCountWillYou.org.

Please join us for this important event, which will help us better coordinate our local programs and services to maximize impact.

Together we can make a true and lasting impact on homelessness in our community, helping our most vulnerable neighbors find their way back to housing.

Mayor Cameron Smyth is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at csmyth@ santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in her column are those of the city and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

THINGSTODO

O

ne of the best parts of living in the Santa Clarita Valley is the number of fun and charitable events scheduled throughout the year. Here is a list of 2020 “must attend” events. Some event dates are “to be announced.”

February Feb. 14-16 Newhallywood Film Festival William S. Hart Park and Museum 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall Info https://hartmuseum.org/newhallywoodsilent-film-festival During the silent-film era, Newhall became so popular for filmmaking it took on the nickname “Newhallywood.”

Watch screenings of more than a dozen silent films including Mary Pickford’s “Little Annie Rooney,” “The Mark of Zorro” starring Douglas Fairbanks and classic silent horror films “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” and “The Golem.”

View rarely seen props, costumes and other memorabilia, and enjoy family friendly activities in William S. Hark Park and Museum throughout the festival weekend.

Two special kick-off events include the “Bustour” Keaton, a bus tour of various film locations and a Valentine’s Day dinner with a screening of Douglas Fairbanks’ Technicolor feature “The Black Pirate.”

March March 14, 6 p.m.

The 30th COC Silver Spur Celebration Santa Clarita Studios 25135 Anza Drive, Santa Clarita Info College of the Canyons Foundation (661) 362-3737 or james.kneblik@61canyons.edu.

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Santa Clarita’s must-attend events

The annual fundraiser will honor Bruce Fortine, a longtime trustee of College of the Canyons and a member of the college’s original board of trustees.

First elected in 1967, Fortine held office until 1973.

He returned to the board in 1991, where he held a seat until 2016.

March 17, 5-10 p.m.

The Eighth Annual SCV Charity Chili Cook-Off Hyatt Regency Valencia 24500 Town Center Drive, Santa Clarita Info https://scvcharitychilicookoff.com This year’s indoor-outdoor venue will feature 40 homemade chili recipes to sample, full bar, raffles, auctions, live band and DJ, VIP area, green beer and more. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and benefit charities in the SCV. March 29, noon to 5 p.m.

Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley’s Wine Affair: Sip, Savor, Stroll Main Street Downtown Newhall Info http://SIGSCV.org Sip, Stroll and Savor the Sounds along Main Street in Old Town Newhall with businesses opening their doors to serve wine, beer and appetizers.

Event benefits programs to help women and girls

April April 18-19 The 27th annual Cowboy Festival William S. Hart Park 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall Info http://cowboyfestival.org The Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is dedicated to Cowboy music, poetry, shopping and food.

May May 1, 6 p.m.

SCV Man and Woman of the Year Banquet Hyatt Regency Valencia 24500 Town Center Drive, Santa Clarita

Info https://scvmw.org The 54nd annual premier volunteer recognition event, will celebrate honorees and the 2020 SCV Man and Woman of the Year, individuals who have given outstanding volunteer service to the SCV nonprofits. Hosted by 2019 Man and Woman of the Year, Pam Ingram and Ed Masterson.

May 3, noon to 4 p.m.

Taste of the Town Info http://tasteofthetown.com Not officially announced, the annual foodie fest to benefit the Santa Clarita Child & Family Center is expected to be held the first Sunday in May. The event features live entertainment, and live and silent auctions.

May 14, 6:30-10 p.m.

Wine on the Roof 2020 Westfield Valencia Town Center 24201 West Valencia Blvd., Valencia Info www.wisheducationfoundation.org/wine-onthe-roof Benefiting the WiSH Education Foundation, the third annual Wine on the Roof features nine food courses paired with wines, starting with an appetizer/wine tasting hour and followed by a seated dinner. Think “New York Rooftop Party” with live music.

June June 6, 5-11 p.m.

Boys & Girls Club Annual Benefit Auction Hyatt Regency Valencia 24500 Town Center Drive, Santa Clarita Info www.scvbgc.org/auction The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley’s Annual Benefit Auction is the SCV’s longest running charitable event. Supports afterschool programs for local youth. The theme for 2020 will be revealed in February.

14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

SPORTS

TMU hoops programs on the rise

By Diego Marquez Signal Staff Writer

T

he Master’s University men’s and women’s basketball programs are experiencing unprecedented success. Dating back to last season, the women’s team led by 12th-year head coach Dan Waldeck is off to its best start ever, winning 17 straight games to begin the 2019-20 season.

The men’s team is concurrently enjoying similar success beginning the season winning 10 straight, with a 14-2 record.

With the hot starts to the season, the men’s team is the No. 2 ranked team in NAIA Division 1, while the women’s team is ranked No. 3 in Division 1.

“We have great support from the school and administration and I think both teams work really hard at it,” said TMU women’s head coach Dan Waldeck. “One of the big things is that winning isn’t the focus, hon-

estly. Really the focus is trying to see people mature in the walk of God and play sports as an avenue to do that.”

Although the two team’s start to the season is impressive, it’s their home winning streaks that have the onlookers in awe.

Dating back to last season, the women’s team hasn’t rattled off 20 straight home wins at the MacArthur Center since losing to the University of Antelope Valley 68-64 on Nov. 24, 2018. The following home game, the Mustangs defeated Hope International by 29 points and have not looked back.

Winning every game since by double digits, the Mustangs have won eight games at home this season, averaging 78.7 points per game, while giving up 52.4 points to their opponents.

Defense has been the key to the Mustangs success as Waldeck attributes the bloated scores to hard work and confidence.

“Our defense kind of fuels that, but I think that we just keep playing,”

Waldeck said. “We have played so many different styles in the past two years that I think they are supremely confident when they walk into the gym or after the first or second quarter and they keep playing and eventually it wears on other teams.”

The men’s team helmed by fourthyear head coach Kelvin Starr hasn’t lost a game at the MacArthur Center since the 2016-17 season, winning 46 in a row after losing to Hope International 88-56 on Jan. 7, 2017.

“If you’ve been to a home game, you know how much fun it can be,” Starr said. “It’s definitely a loud gym — it’s hard to play in with how loud it is and people aren’t used to it. It’s really hard to explain. Ultimately, we have been blessed in many ways and somewhat have been lucky in other ways. It’s almost been three years since we lost at home.”

Fueled by a mix of experienced players with some young emerging talent over the years The Master’s

Michael Taylor is one of a number of reasons that things are looking up for the men’s and women’s basketball programs at The Master’s University.

PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

University men’s and women’s programs both teams have continued to lay the foundation for a persevered excellence.

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J A N UA RY 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

TECHNOLOGY

Five details you shouldn’t share on Facebook

By Kim Komando Signal Contributing Writer

F

acebook is all about making it easy to share your life with your friends and family. Unfortunately, there are just some things you shouldn’t share online.

1. Your phone number It’s a good idea to avoid having your home or cellphone numbers on your Facebook page. Prank callers, stalkers and even identity thieves can use this information to ruin your day.

Go to Facebook and click on your name at the top of the page. When your profile page loads, click the “About” tab just below your cover image. Go to “Contact and Basic Info” in the left column and click the hyperlink that says “Add a mobile phone.”

Click the audience selector icon to

the right, which is a silhouette of two people and change it to “Only me.”

Now no one but you can see your phone number, and it won’t show up in searches.

2. Your home address Almost any person trying to steal your identity, or rob your house, could take advantage of knowing your home address. Be sure that none of that information is visible anywhere on your Facebook profile.

Follow the directions in the last section to get into the “Contact and Basic Info” section of your profile information. Look for “Add your address,” and click on the hyperlink, if there’s an address there, delete the information.

Then click “Save Changes.”

3. Anything work-related Try not to leave any information on your Facebook that reveals where you work. You don’t just have to worry about identity thieves when it comes to your employment.

If someone from your workplace

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tries to search for employees on Facebook, then they might find something that they don’t like. Similarly, if hackers wanted to figure out who to target if they wanted to break into your workplace’s computers, social media would be their first stop.

If you have posts about previous jobs, you might want to remove those, as well. A current coworker or supervisor you decide to friend might see them and it could color their opinion of you.

4. Your relationship status Including your relationship status on your Facebook page just invites awkwardness. The number of “likes” that you might get from people after you change your status from “married” to “it’s complicated” will creep you out.

It’s easier to just remove your relationship status entirely. Go back to the “About” section on your timeline, click “Family and Relationships” and click “Edit” next to your relationship status to switch it from “Public” to

“Friends,” “Only Me” or “Custom.”

Switching to “Friends” or “Only Me” will remove the information from your timeline.

5. Your birthday When you signed up for Facebook, it asked for your birthdate.

Your birthdate is a piece of information that identity thieves will need if they want to pretend to be you.

In your Facebook profile, click your name at the top. Then beneath your cover photo click “About.” Under “About” in the left column, choose “Contact and Basic Info.”

Next to “Birth Date” click the “Edit” icon. Then click the audience selector icons for both day and year and choose “Only Me.” Then click the “Save Changes” button.

For information on Kim Komando on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks, visit her at Komando.com.

16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

The Old Town Junction 24275 Main Street, Newhall (661) 702-4888

The Old Town Junction 24257 Main Street, Newhall (661) 702-4888

The Social 23329 Lyons Ave, Ste A, Valencia (661) 799-9155

Saugus Cafe 25861 Railroad Avenue, Saugus (661) 259-7886

Thelma’s Cafe 22876 Copperhill Drive, Saugus (661) 263-8283

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

Wing Stop 18547 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-9700

BBQ AMERICAN Backwoods Inn 17846 W. Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 252-5522 The Backyard Grub n’ Brews 26509 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 286-1165 Bergie’s 16404 Delone Street, Canyon Country (661)251-3133 Black Angus 27007 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 288-2000 Black Bear Diner 23626 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 799-4820

23414 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-2237 27530 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 254-2237 Grilled Cheese Factory 24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 888-1508 Iconic Eats 23460 Cinema Dr, Valencia (661) 481-9404 Islands 24180 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 284-5903 Lazy Dog Cafe 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 253-9996

Brooklyn Bar & Grill 25860 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 284-6057

The Local Pub & Grill 26876 The Old Road Stevenson Ranch Ca 91381 661.495.9192

The Cheesecake Factory 24250 Town Center Dr #110, Valencia (661) 286-1232

Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 284-5988

Claim Jumper 25740 The Old Road, Valencia (661) 254-2628

Marston’s Restaurant 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 253-9910

Crazy Otto’s Diner 25373 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 291-1733

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

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

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

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Route 66 Classic Grill 18730 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 298-1494 Saddle Ranch Chop House 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 383-0173 Salt Creek Grille 24415 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 222-9999 Souplantation 24303 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 286-1260 Stonefire Grill 23300 Cinema Drive, Valencia (661)799-8282

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

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

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

BURGERS/SANDWICHES Bricks 23820 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 286-1091 Brother’s Burgers 20655 Soledad Canyon (661) 299-9278 Burgerim 23740 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 670-8939 Corner Bakery 24290 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 259-2813 Cousins Burgers 19318 Soledad Cyn Rd, Canyon Country (661) 298-4200 Everest Burgers 18645 Soledad Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 252-3412 Final Score 23754 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 254-6557 Firehouse Subs 23630 Valencia Blvd. Valencia (661) 255-3473 Five Guys 24201 W, Valencia Blvd #3672, Valencia (661) 255-0981 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Jimmy Dean’s 22941 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 255-6315 JJ’s Bar and Grill 25848 Tournament Road, Valencia (661) 799-7557 Panini Palace 23120 Lyons Ave., Santa Clarita (661) 678-0552

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

Pita Pit 28253 Newhall Ranch Road (661) 702-9977 Red Robin 27063 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 260-2411 Route 66 Classic Grill 18730 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 298-1494 Rustic Burger 24025 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 254-1300 Rustic Eatery 25343 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 254-8100 Submarina California Subs 26517 Carl Boyer Drive, Canyon Country (661) 259-4782

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

Pick Up Stix 25960 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 288-2090 WaBa Grill 19120 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 367-7297 31739 Castaic Road, Castaic (661) 295 9222 Wokcano 24201 Valencia Blvd. #3452, Valencia (661) 288-1913 Wok’s Cookin’ Chinese Restaurant 31565 Castaic Road, Castaic (661) 257-2890

CUBAN

The Habit 25948 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 291-1575 23120 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 678-0552

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

Tiny’s Submarine Sandwiches 27251 Camp Plenty Rd, Canyon Country (661) 251-5885

Bob’s Country Meats

CHINESE China Express 19417 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-8783 China Wok 20655 Soledad Canyon Rd. #38, Santa Clarita (661) 91351 Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-254-0351 Golden Wok Restaurant 16668 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 424-0888 Grand Panda 23802 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 253-1898 27924 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 297-9868 Mandarin Wong Chinese Restaurant 23758 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-5823 Moon Wok 23460 Cinema Drive Suite H, Valencia (661) 288-1898 New Moon 28281 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 257-4321 Panda Express 26529 Golden Valley Rd., Santa Clarita (661) 284-3011 26913 Sierra Highway., Santa Clarita (661) 298-7733 26447 Bouquet Canyon Rd. Santa Clarita (661) 296-3213 Pei Wei Asian Diner 24250 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-600-0132

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

JAPANESE & SUSHI

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

AAchita Sushi 22913 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 476-5522 Asako Sushi 27540 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country (661) 251-6010 Bonsai Garden 19358 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-9008 Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Dining 27025 McBean Pkwy, Valencia (661) 254-2355 Hibiki Restaurant 27625 Shangri La Dr., Canyon Country (661) 298-0273 I Love Sushi 26526 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-673-5200 Kabuki 24045 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 799-8655 Kisho Japanese Teppan Grill & Revolving Sushi Bar 23430 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 284-3856

23120 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall

Continued next page

(661) 288-2217 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069

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Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-6261

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

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

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

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11am-4pm • Dine In Only 1) Individual Cheese Pizza......................................$4.05 2) Italian Feast For One ..........................................$7.75 Slice of Cheese Pizza, Spaghetti, Garlic Bread and a dinner salad.

3) Soup and Dinner Salad .........................................$6.25 4) Individual One Topping Pizza and Dinner Salad .$7.45 5) Spaghetti & Dinner Salad .....................................$7.75 6) Full Lasagna & Dinner Salad ..............................$8.75 7) Meatball Sub, Italian Link Sub, or Deli Sandwich ..$7.95 Includes Dinner salad

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18 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

DININGGUIDE Continued from previous page

JAPANESE & SUSHI Masa Ramen 27051 McBean Pkwy, #101, Valencia (661) 254-4229 My Hot Pot 26238 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 288-1998 Shogun Sushi Japanese Restaurant 26807 Seco Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 513-0015 Sushi 661 26850 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita (661) 252-9831 Sushi Song Japanese Restaurant 22896 Copper Hill Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 297-5659 Xevichez Sushi Bar 24250 Town Center Dr #180, Santa Clarita (661) 288-1477 Yamato Restaurant 24947 Pico Canyon Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 799-0707

KOREAN & MONGOLIAN Charcoal Korean BBQ Restaurant 19158 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-9292

Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-0351 Gogi House 26524 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 263-0048

Manoushee Mediterranean Restaurant 27131 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country (661) 251-6666

Kogiya 2 Korean BBQ 23410 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 678-0999

Sam’s Flaming Grill 24802 Orchard Village, Santa Clarita (661) 222-9060 19433 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 298-0115 25347 Wayne Mills Pl, Valencia (661) 254-2154 23874 Copper Hill Dr, Valencia (661) 294-1100

Lee’s Korean BBQ & Tofu House 23360 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 254-2307 ZingGa Grill 26910 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita (661) 250-7592

MEDITERRANEAN Cafe O 20655 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 424-0401 Flame & Skewers 25870 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 799-7538 Grill Kabob 27653 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 263-7445 Kebab House 24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 799-5844

Olive Terrace Cafe 28261 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 257-7860

Zankou Chicken 24463 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia (661) 705-7265

MEXICAN Azul Tequila 25387 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 254-5500 Betito’s Mexican 18902 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661)251-0557

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23043 Soledad Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-4040 Guido’s Pizza & Pasta 26322 N. Friendly Valley Parkway, Newhall (661)252-4111 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Magic Pizza SCV 26870 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 291-1921 Mama Mia Pizza 25708 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 286-9183 Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-3895 Pieology Pizzeria 28295 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia (661)678-0234

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

Pizza Di Marco 27674 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia 661-295-8769

El Trocadero Mesquite Grill & Cantina 24274 Main Street, Newhall (661) 284-6615

Pizza Rev 24341 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia (661) 260-1257

La Cocina Bar & Grill 19915 Golden Valley Rd. (661) 250-7141 28022 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 297-4546 28076 Bouquet Canyon Rd. (661) 513-0142 Las Rocas Mexican Grill 27923 Sloan Canyon Road Castaic (661) 257-6905 Medrano’s Mexican Restaurant 19319 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 367-4945

Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 3:00-5:30pm Brunch: 8:30am-2pm Sat. and Sun. Lunch: Menu starts at 11am

Chi Chi’s Pizza 27117 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 252-4405

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

La Charrita Restaurant 24225 Main St, Newhall (661) 288-1204 Voted “Best CHEF” 2 YEARS IN A ROW!

PIZZA Ameci Pizza & Pasta 28013 Seco Canyon, Santa Clarita (661) 296-6131

Rosarito Grill 19425 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-2732 Solita Tacos & Margaritas 24201 Valencia Blvd., Suite 3470, Santa Clarita (661) 291-1399

Tomato Joes Pizza & Taps 19167 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 250-7550 (805) 385-4444 Toppers Pizza 23710 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita (805) 385-4444

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

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

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

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

FOOD

D

iscovering a better version of yourself is all about striking balance. That’s especially true when it comes to making smarter food choices that you can maintain over time.

A sustainable, long-term healthy eating approach, such as the Atkins low-carb lifestyle, emphasizes variety and balance. Start planning a low-carb menu filled with high-fiber carbohydrates, optimal protein and healthy fats with these tips from Colette Heimowitz, vice president of nutrition and education for Atkins.

Fill up with fiber-rich foods. Foods like vegetables, nuts, seeds, low-glycemic fruit (like berries) and whole unrefined grains are considered carbohydrates, but they don’t raise your blood sugar the way processed carbs do. Fiber slows the entry of glucose into your bloodstream so you don’t experience insulin spikes that encourage your body to produce and store body fat. Try to eat between 25-35 grams of fiber a day.

Reduce inflammation. A low-carb approach eliminates refined and processed foods and sugars that can cause inflammation. Focus on foods that decrease inflammation, such as colorful low-glycemic vegetables, low-sugar fruits, protein and healthy fats such as olive oil. The ground turmeric in this Golden Milk recipe offers an easy way to fight inflammation without sacrificing flavor.

Kickstart your morning. Start your day with a protein-packed choice such as these Chocolate Banana Protein Overnight Oats. You’ll get the

Spicy Crispy Chickpeas Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 8 Net carbs: 8.3 1 1 3/4 1/2 1/4 1/4

can (15 1/2 ounces) chickpeas tablespoon ghee (or clarified butter), melted teaspoon salt teaspoon garlic powder teaspoon chili powder teaspoon chipotle chili powder

Heat air fryer to 390 F 3 minutes.

Using fine mesh sieve, drain and rinse chickpeas. Use towel to gently pat chickpeas dry, removing skins. In small bowl, toss chickpeas with ghee and salt.

Cook in single layer in air fryer 6 minutes.

Pause and shake bowl; cook 6 minutes. Pause and shake bowl; cook 3 minutes.

In separate small bowl, sprinkle chickpeas with spices and toss to evenly coat. Chickpeas can be stored in open container at room temperature up to 3 days.

omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants from the chia seeds along with protein and healthy fats to keep you energized while avoiding high-sugar breakfast alternatives. (Family Features) Find more recipes like these for Salmon and Asparagus Sheet Pan or Spicy Crispy Chickpeas and ideas for a balanced, low-carb approach to eating well at Atkins.com.

Chocolate Banana Protein Overnight Oats Prep time: 5 minutes Chill time: 3 hours Servings: 2 Net carbs: 6.84 1 Atkins Chocolate Banana Shake 2 tablespoons rolled oats 2 tablespoons chia seeds 2 tablespoons hemp hearts 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut shreds 2 tablespoons sliced almonds fruit, such as sliced bananas or berries (optional) In jar with tight-fitting lid, combine shake, rolled oats, chia seeds, hemp hearts, coconut and almonds. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.

Top with fruit, if desired.

PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES

Salmon and Asparagus Sheet Pan

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 2 Net carbs: 4.41 1 bunch thin spear asparagus 1 tablespoon, plus 1/4 teaspoon, extra-virgin olive oil 1/8 teaspoon salt, divided 2 salmon fillets (4 ounces each), no more than 3/4-inch thick 1 pinch black pepper 3 tablespoons olive oil-based mayonnaise 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon minced or pressed garlic 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese Heat oven to 425 F. Wash asparagus and remove woody ends. Place on rimmed baking sheet and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and pinch of salt. Arrange in single layer, leaving space for salmon. Place salmon skin-side down on sheet. Brush with remaining olive oil and season with remaining salt and pepper. Place in oven and bake 12 minutes.

In small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard and garlic.

Remove sheet pan from oven, sprinkle asparagus spears with cheese and cook 3 minutes, or until fish reaches 145 F and asparagus spears are tender and beginning to brown on tips.

Plate one fillet and half the asparagus, drizzle each plate with about 2 tablespoons mayonnaise sauce and serve.

20 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

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

Jefferson Starship landing in Santa Clarita

By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

B

etween 1974 and 1984, Jefferson Starship released eight gold and platinum albums, 20 hit singles, and sold out concerts worldwide.

The group actually “rose from the ashes” of another legendary San Francisco band, Rock and Roll Hall of

Fame Inductees, Jefferson Airplane, and now music fans can see them when the band comes to Canyon Santa Clarita The lineup still knows how to put on a great show, featuring: original and historic members David Freiberg, who’s also a founder of San Francisco luminaries Quicksilver Messenger Service); drummer Donny Baldwin; Chris Smith on keyboards and synth

bass; Jude Gold on lead guitar; and Grammy nominee Cathy Richardson anchoring the female lead vocal spot made famous by the inimitable Grace Slick, according to the Canyon Santa Clarita website, where you can get tickets when the band comes to the SCV on Jan. 31 Melted Vinyl and Guilty Pleasures are the opening acts. If you enjoy hits like “Volunteers,” “White Rab-

bit,” “Wooden Ships,” “Somebody to Love,” “Today,” “Miracles,” “Count on Me,” this is a show you’ll want to see.

Find the Canyon Santa Clarita on the ground floor of the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Get tickets at the box office 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday, by phone at (888) 645-5006, or via TicketMaster.com. For more info, visit WheremusicmeetstheSoul. com.

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

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22 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

ONGOING Saturdays, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

Come and enjoy group drumming with your family at our Kids Rhythm Club.

Our 45-minute drumming session helps build self-confidence, self-esteem, expands the musical imagination and nurtures creative thinking. All ages and levels of ability are welcome. Drums and percussion instruments provided at no extra cost and reservations are not required. Adults $5, kids 12 and under free. Remo Music Center, 28101 Industry Drive, Valencia. Info: remo.com/ experience/post/kids-rhythm-club-remomusic-center-2 Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. California farmers and specialty food purveyors come together rain or shine, to bring you a farmers’ market with the finest in fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, including organic, baked goods, flowers, herbs, cheeses and prepared foods. Old Town Newhall, 24500 Main St., Newhall. Info: oldtownnewhall. com/old-town-newhall-farmers-market Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to noon The Santa Clarita Certified Farmers’ Market offers locals a breakfast prepared onsite from one of the market’s several food vendors, or you can try some of our wonderful artisan bakery products.

Open year-round, rain or shine. College of the Canyons, Parking Lot 5, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: vccfarmersmarkets.com/santa-clarita Thursdays, 4-9 p.m. The Vegan Exchange SCV at Wolf Creek Brewery is a weekly 100% vegan market

= Family Friendly Event

featuring local food, beverage, apparel, cosmetics and lifestyle vendors. Pocock Brewing Company, 24907 Ave. Tibbitts, Suite B, Santa Clarita. Info: veganexchangeevents.com/vxscv

EVENTS BY DATE

Sunday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Painting with a Twist Santa Clarita will have our very first art Thursdays, 5:54-7 p.m. Join Runners show in support of Children’s Hospital Lane Santa Clarita for a free 5K fun run/ Los Angeles! There will be hundreds of walk. You can go the entire distance or if paintings to choose from so don’t miss out! you’re just starting out you can go by time.

19115 Golden Valley Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: paintingwithatwist.com/studio/santa-clarita Our goal is to get the community out and moving whether your fast or slow Sunday, Jan. 19 2-3 p.m. Come or just in the middle. We encourage all to Placerita Canyon Nature levels to join us. Walkers too! 22959 Soledad Center for a presentation of “How to Use Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ Rocks.” Stone Age doesn’t exactly mean events/956668621334188/?event_time_ primitive. People in the past, living here, id=956673478000369 used stones for all their technologies. There were stones for all uses, and the stone was Fourth Thursday of the month, 7-9 p.m. the universal tool. Learn about some of these You’re the Best is an outrageous and ridiculous evening of entertainment, fun, and uses at our workshop.19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ mayhem. The competition is open to all levels events/1073225946360124/ of experience and all ages. Finding inspiration from old school television variety shows, such Monday, Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m. Annie as “The Gong Show,” performances will include Hoffman will demonstrate oil painting at the meeting of the Santa Clarita Artists comedians, dance groups, magicians, Association. Hoffman will discuss color satuanimal acts, singers and more! Winners ration, broken color, limited palette, from each month will have the chance to win atmosphere and space. The meeting is $500 in the grand finale. The MAIN, 24266 free and open to the public. Barnes and Main Street., Newhall. Info: atthemain.org/ Noble, 23630 Valencia Blvd. Santa Clarita. youre-the-best/ Info: santaclaritaartists.org First Saturday of the month, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 1-2 p.m. Come to the 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Flutterby is a SCV Senior Center for a Scholar Series preno-charge open art studio for kids and sentation on the Bill of Rights. Join Professor their parents to stop by and make their own Lissa Brassfield for a discussion on the artwork to display. All art materials are importance of the Bill of Rights to the provided and no prior registration necessary, history of our nation. SCV Senior Center as it’s free. ARTree Community Arts Center, at Bella Vida, Room H 27180 Golden Valley 22508 6th St., Newhall. Info: (661) 673-7500, Road, Santa Clarita. Info: Blyth Birchall, http://theartree.org/events/ bbirchall@scv-seniorcenter.org Tuesday, Jan. 21, 1-3 p.m. Join the Valencia Library for a screening of “All the Difference” as part of the Reel Stories documentary screening series. Accompany CONGRATULATIONS to DANNY MOORHEAD for two African-American teens from the correctly identifying NUMERO UNO on page 16 South Side of Chicago on their journey to Identify this advertiser and the page number in this week’s achieve their dream of graduating from issue, and you will be entered to win a $100 gift certificate for college. 23743 W. Valencia Blvd., Santa a local restaurant. One game and one winner each week.

Clarita Info: santaclaritalibrary.evanced.info/ Mail your entry to The Signal – Contest signup/calendar 26330 Diamond Place | Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Wednesday, Jan. 22, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Or email contest@signalscv.com Dodgeball is a great, fun, and friendly team building game that is a great form Advertiser: _____________________________ Page # ______ of exercise. Join the Santa Clarita Soccer Name: _____________________________________________ Center for Dodgeball Scenario Night where you can sample a game, learn the rules, Address: ___________________________________________ Lic # 197607592 24305 W. Lyons Avenue | Newhall, CA 91321 | PacificaSeniorLiving.com and have a ton of fun for free! Grab Phone: _____________________________________________ some friends and put together a team, and if you don’t have a team we will find you This week’s entries are due Wed. January 29 Winner to be announced in 2 weeks. one! Ages 16+. 25385 Rye Canyon Road,

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Valencia, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ events/2603489073219835/ Friday, Jan . 24, 5-6 p.m. The Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Public Library is hosting an ASL story time event! This one hour event will be a feast for the eyes and include rhymes and rhythms tailored to young signing children, movement activities, and a few stories produced in ASL. All storytime activities will be conducted in ASL. If your child is deaf or you have a CODA child who knows ASL we would love to have you join us. We hope to see you there! 18601 Soledad Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita. Info: santaclaritalibrary. evanced.info/signup/calendar Friday, Jan. 24, 7:30-10 p.m. Take an unforgettable journey through the Polynesian Islands with Kalakeke Pacific Island Dance Company with the “SCENES Music Series:A Journey through the Polynesian Islands.” Enjoy the exciting drumbeats and exotic dances of Ori Tahiti; appreciate the graceful and melodic story telling of the Hawaiian Hula; connect with your inner warrior while witnessing the mighty Maori Kapa Haka chant and poi balls from New Zealand. Have fun with the island of the happy people as we present the high energy Samoan Sasa. $15-$20. The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Santa Clarita. Info: atthemain.org/tickets/ Saturday, Jan. 25, noon to 3 p.m. Do you have any books that are falling apart, that you think can be repaired?

Bring them to The Open Book’s book repair workshop. We provide the materials, all you need to bring is one to three books, and $15 to cover materials. If you do not sign up in advance, a space cannot be guaranteed for you. 19188 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ events/1205071673215608, (661) 255-1400 Saturday, Jan, 25, 8 p.m. Come to the opening night show of “Matilda” at the Canyon Theater Guild.

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers.

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl’s “Matilda: The Musical” is a captivating masterpiece that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. $19 juniors/seniors, $22 adults.

24242 Main Street, Newhall. Info: canyontheatre.org/matilda

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 3

K I D S & FA M I LY

Approaching nutrition when eating out with children

C

hildren can be picky eaters. Parents know that getting kids to eat anything, much less healthy foods, can sometimes make the dinner table feel more like a battlefield than a place to break bread.

That’s especially so when the dinner table is in a restaurant, where savvy youngsters might know less nutritious dishes like macaroni and cheese or fried chicken fingers are on the menu.

But the benefits of a healthy, balanced diet are so numerous for youngsters that it’s worth doing whatever it takes to get kids to embrace nutrient-rich foods, both at home and when dining out.

The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that a healthy diet can stabilize children’s energy levels, help them maintain healthy weights and potentially prevent mental health conditions, including anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

However, recognizing the importance of a healthy diet and getting kids to embrace one are two different things, especially when kids are dining out and being tempted by unhealthy alternatives.

In recognition of that, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following strategies to parents who want their kids to eat healthy when they’re away from home.

Make meals all-inclusive

When preparing school lunches or taking youngsters out for a night on the town, make sure to offer a mix of foods from the five food groups.

The AAP recommends parents offer vegetables, fruit, grains, low-fat dairy, and/or quality protein sources, which can include meat, fish, nuts, seeds, and eggs. Offering each of these foods at every meal may not be feasible, but kids should eat foods selected from the major food groups at every meal.

Avoid highly processed foods

The National Institutes of Health notes that studies have suggested there’s a link between highly processed foods and health problems.

Such foods, which typically contain ingredients such as hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup and flavoring agents, are typically high in

calories, salt, sugar, and fat.

Highly processed foods tend to be easier to make and readily available at restaurants. Serving them to youngsters can start kids down the road to poor dietary habits.

When packing snacks for school lunches or taking kids out to restaurants, be sure to include or bring along healthy whole foods, such as

M

fruits and vegetables. This can ensure kids get some healthy fare during mealtime.

Enhance foods if necessary

While high amounts of sugar, salt and fat can jeopardize the health of adults and youngsters alike, the AAP notes that small amounts of these substances can be used to enhance

kids’ enjoyment of healthy foods and increase the likelihood that they will eat them.

Parents may not have much control over what their children eat while away from home. But a handful of strategies can increase the likelihood that kids enjoy healthy fare when eating at school or at restaurants.

(MC)

Tips for tackling picky eaters

any a parent understands the problems posed by picky eaters. Dinner table confrontations over vegetables can try parents’ patience, and kids busy refusing to eat their broccoli may not be getting all the vitamins and minerals they need to grow up healthy and strong. Recognizing that parents sometimes face an uphill battle when confronted with picky eaters, the American Heart Association offers the following tips for dealing with picky eaters.

Let kids pitch in on prep The AHA recommends allowing picky eaters to help shop for groceries and prepare meals. Youngsters who pitch in may be more invested in their meals and therefore more

likely to eat them.

Steer clear of unhealthy foods Kids imitate their parents’ behaviors, and that extends to the foods mom and dad eat. Parents who set bad examples by eating unhealthy meals and snacks may find it especially difficult to convince youngsters to forgo pizza and potato chips in favor of healthy fare. Avoid sugary drinks, such as soda, in favor of water or 100% juice.

Stick to a snack schedule The AHA advises that many kids like routine and will grow accustomed to eating at certain times. When parents and kids stick to a snack schedule, the AHA suggests kids are likely to eat what they’re given. Choose healthy snacks, ideally incorporating two food groups.

Add healthy foods to dishes kids

already like Another way to get picky eaters to embrace healthy foods is to introduce such foods into dishes kids already like. For example, add antioxidant-rich blueberries to pancakes. Kids might like that extra burst of flavor, and parents can rest easy knowing kids are eating something healthy.

Don’t be afraid to serve the occasional ice cream or brownie When eaten in moderation, foods that are not often associated with nutrition, don’t pose much of a threat. Plus, if kids’ diets never include such indulgences, youngsters are more likely to overindulge when they do get their hands on forbidden foods, such as at birthday parties or other special events.

(MC)

24 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Use salt to paint a wintry watercolor Here’s the stuff you’ll need:

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

L

et it snow, wherever you live, with this colorful watercolor art project your young kids will enjoy indoors on a wintry day this month. Grains of salt sprinkled over watercolor drawings mimic snowflakes to change your budding artist’s landscape drawing.

While the watercolor paint is still wet, a sprinkle of salt creates dimension and transforms the look of the painting to a snowy winter scene.

When young children explore and create with this salty technique, the activity is bounded only by their imagination.

watercolor or heavy art paper small brush water in a small dish washable watercolor paint cakes in a tin such as Crayola brand, or watercolors that come in tubes that you dilute with water inexpensive table salt and/or kosher salt

Here’s the fun:

Paint a picture with the watercolor paints. While the paint is still wet, lightly sprinkle salt here and there or over chosen portions of the painting.

As it absorbs the paint, it creates little crystal-like designs. Let dry completely. Rub or shake off loose salt.

Encourage your painter to sign the art. Frame and display.

To make a scene of wintry bare trees using masking tape: First, grab some scissors and masking tape. Cut thin and thick strips from the masking tape for a tree or trees, and adhere to a plain sheet of watercolor paper. Start with a wide

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strip for the trunk and add thinner strips off the sides for the branches.

You might want to cut pieces to make a circle for a sun or full moon to tape near the top of the paper. Cut in a sliver for a half moon.

Paint over the paper using natural wintry colors. Sprinkle some salt over the paint while still wet. Let dry completely.

Shake off loose salt and carefully remove the tape to reveal the trees, sun/moon or whatever you created.

It’s always a moment of surprise!

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.” © 2020 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

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J A N UA RY 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 5

H E A LT H

What to do before starting a new health regimen

E

xercise plays a significant role in disease prevention.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, physical activity helps to reduce individuals’ risk of chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, various types of cancer, and dementia.

As vital as exercise is to a healthy lifestyle, many people simply are not getting enough of it. A 2018 National Center for Health Statistics report found that only about 23% of American adults between the ages of 18 and 64 are meeting the benchmarks for physical activity guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. And that problem is not unique to the United States.

A recent study from Statistics Canada found that only about 17% of adults in Canada were meeting the minimum guidelines for weekly phys-

ical activity established by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.

Such figures illustrate the emphasis that many adults must place on getting more physical activity. But returning to physical activity after a long layoff or becoming physically active for the first time is not as simple as lacing up a pair of running shoes.

In fact, the American College of Sports Medicine notes the importance of preparticipation health screening for adults about to engage in physical activity after a period of inactivity.

What is a preparticipation health screening?

A preparticipation health screening is an examination conducted by a physician that looks for particular issues that may interfere with one’s

ability to exercise.

Doctors will likely ask patients about their medical histories and their family histories as well, as each of these factors can be used to determine whether a person is ready for physical activity or any restrictions need to be put in place to protect them.

After a preparticipation health screening

Once a physician conducts a health screening, he or she will conclude if an individual can exercise and how much he or she can exercise. Adults who are cleared to exercise but have never been physically active or have gone years without exercising will likely be advised to take it slowly at first.

Doctors may provide specific exercise recommendations or refer

patients to a sports medicine professional who can help them devise an appropriate workout regimen.

Doctors also may recommend followup appointments to track patients’ progress. Such appointments can be invaluable, as they can help people whose overall health has improved after limited exercise ramp up the intensity of their workouts, which can help them continue on the course to a healthier life.

However, it’s important that people consult their physicians before increasing the intensity of their workouts. A second screening might even be worthwhile, helping people and their physicians alter workout regimens that reflect their improved overall health.

Many people aspire to exercise more. In many instances, a preparticipation screening is a vital component for people looking to become more physically active after a long layoff.

(MC)

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26 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

PETS

When is it time to hire a professional dog trainer?

P

eople welcome dogs into their lives for many reasons.

Some want to selflessly rescue dogs from poor situations and provide a forever home in which the animal can be loved and grow, while others may want to provide a companion for their kids and to teach lessons of devotion and responsibility.

Sixty-seven percent of households in the United States own a pet, according to the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association.

Ipsos says approximately 35% of Canadian households have a dog.

While most dogs are inherently affable, affectionate creatures, not every puppy is obedient right out of the gate. Many dogs exhibit behaviors that may seem cute when dogs are young, but become problematic as the animal ages.

Thanks to a wealth of readily available information, both online and in

print, many dog owners can address minor issues on their own. However, when certain behaviors persist, a professional trainer may need to be brought in.

Certified dog trainers have been taught how to recognize and interpret the unique language of dogs and educate others so owners can recognize how to interact with their pets more effectively.

Dogs are committed to pleasing their owners, but they may not always realize what their owners are asking.

Trainers can help bridge this gap more quickly.

Trainers also are more likely than owners to see problem behaviors from an unbiased perspective. A pet owner may think their dog is acting out or being spiteful, while a trainer can explain that isn’t the case and that boredom or another factor may be behind the behavior. Putting problems in an objective light can make it easier to find solutions.

Trainers may specialize in treating certain behaviors, so it’s a good idea to seek a recommendation from a veterinarian or speak with a rescue or humane society group. Wordof-mouth recommendations from friends who have had success also is a smart idea.

A number of behavioral problems may indicate a trainer is needed.

These behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following:

According to the California-based Break It Down Dog Training, if more pet owners were proactive about seeking professional training from the start of the pet-owner relationship, that could preempt many of the problem behaviors that tend to spring up.

• • • • • • • •

Resource guarding of food or toys Separation anxiety Pulling on the leash Door-dashing Pica, or eating inappropriate items Jumping up on people Nipping and growling Severe fears and shyness Many trainers can resolve common problems in a few sessions and give dog owners innovative techniques to try. (MC)

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A SECOND WIND

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 7

SENIORLIVING

Traditions and Transitions

By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

T

he Christmas decorations have been taken down and carefully packed.

The lights have been removed and boxed until next year. The tree languishing at the curb has been collected. Furniture has been repositioned and each item is back in its place.

But despite its tidy order, my house feels sad and bare.

Each year, we decorate, shop, bake, cook meals and make preparations to gather with friends and family over the holidays. It’s a hectic scramble to get everything done. And then, in a flash it’s over.

After hosting a houseful of visitors for ten days, my home is eerily quiet with only echoes of festive holiday voices. This takes some adjustment.

There is a peaceful relief to getting back on a routine, getting back to normal, whatever that means. But for me, accompanying this is a sort of melancholy ungrounded feeling, like what now?

After an especially celebratory holiday season, we had to say good bye to my son-in-law’s family visiting from England, including his nephew who turned one year while they visited.

We shared our holiday traditions — baking cookies and watching Christmas movies, making grandma’s Jello recipe and fresh cranberry relish. We compared stuffing recipes and Christmas meals.

They shared their Christmas traditions from across the pond: Yorkshire pudding, mince pies and fruitcake with cheddar slices. The mulled wine was delicious. Sitting down together for a traditional Christmas dinner filled me with gratitude, and I reflect-

ed on the importance of cultural and family traditions.

Traditions are the glue that bonds families and cultures.

Bedtime routines, family dinners and annual summer vacations create lasting memories for children and form deep bonds that are comforting and stabilizing.

Religious and cultural traditions provide a shared history and common identity which is especially important for children. Knowing their family’s stories and rituals provides them a sense of security and belonging.

It is the foundation for the family’s values and unites young and old family members.

Winter with its cultural holidays is brimming with not only traditions but transitions. This season is signaled by the winter solstice, which marks the shortest day and longest hours of darkness. It is a time of quiet energy, dormancy and rest.

But the winter solstice also heralds the return of the sun, longer days and spring’s hope for rebirth. In a personal way, the winter solstice is our time for patience and quiet introspection so necessary for growth. It’s a time of refocusing, of letting go of the past and embracing the unpredictability of the future.

So as I sit in quiet melancholy, poised to take a step into the new year, I take comfort in knowing that this is a natural part of the steady rhythm of life’s seasons. In the blink of an eye, we will be celebrating spring with its holidays, then summer and fall. All too quickly, the Christmas decorations will be hauled out of the attic for next year’s celebration in the ongoing cycle of life.

Mary Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, 30-year SCV resident and two-time breast cancer survivor.

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28 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

GARDENING

Start the year with a raised bed garden

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

H

ere’s a way to start 2020 that is not only doable, but will make you healthier and happier for years to come: do some gardening this year!

Gardening is good for your physical well-being, mental and emotional health, fun to do (especially with friends and family), and can add beauty, food, herbs, medicines or crafting materials to your lifestyle.

And — here’s the trick — to make gardening easier and more efficient, you can do it in raised beds.

Raised garden beds are money-saving, easily controlled and comfortable to work in. Because they have so many advantages over planting on level ground — easier to plant, maintain and harvest — you might want to consider building your own.

Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to start out this year’s garden to look great, be water-wise, easy care and highly productive with your own raised garden bed.

For most plants, choose a location that gets plenty of sun. For growing edibles, this is a must. And if you are growing fruits and vegetables or herbs, site your garden where it will be easily accessible from the kitchen.

You can fill a raised bed with organic composted soil that needs no amending and you can even create a growing area where there might not be one already conveniently located.

If you have gophers on your property, line the bottom of your raised bed with ½-inch gauge, hardware cloth where it meets the soil so the sides of the screening extend to the outside of the garden bed walls.

In other words, lay the bottom gopher-protection layer and build your walls on top of it, effectively sealing off entry points from below. This gauge hardware cloth still allows soil-friendly worms and other helpful micro-residents to travel up and through to populate the growing medium above.

For edible gardens, avoid treated wood, railroad ties or any other chemically treated materials unless you line the garden bed with a safe, waterproof fabric. You do not want toxins leaching into the growing medium or soil.

For a long-lasting liner, I use a sheet of rubber pond liner. It protects the inside of wooden walls from the soil moisture, works as a tough barricade to keep water in and pests out. It also keeps soil from filtering out between container wall gaps. And it won’t fall to pieces or tear should you scratch it with a gardening tool. It is expensive, but it can give you twenty years or more of protection — very economical in the long run!

Sides can be constructed of any stable material. Wood is most commonly used, and cedar and redwood are the most durable. Metal will work; steel being the safest for use with edibles, but it only looks good in an industrial type design. Most metals will rust or discolor over time.

Beware metals that leach toxins into beds with edible crops. Metal can

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also form a decorative patina over time and can create an attractive effect in an old-fashioned/antique or a contemporary style garden. Lining with plastic or rubber can keep soil and plants safe in metal raised beds the same as it does with wooden structures — an especially good idea if you are not sure of the metal content in the material you are using.

Stone can come designed as bricks, blocks, stacked slate, cast rounds or flagstone. Or it can be applied using the decorative facings. There are plastics and composites that will offer little Design a raised planter to accent a garden maintenance since they will not theme like this Mediterranean-tiled garden. rot, rust, crumble or split over time. garden bed on a patio or balcony by Make your raised garden bed attrac- stacking up artistically placed, readytive. Echo the design of your house or made containers. Just make sure that garden in the materials you choose. A however you build your raised garden brick-walled raised garden bed with bed you factor in drainage and some a decorative miniature white picket form of irrigation. fence on top might look perfect in a Hopefully, these tips will help you cottage garden. Or a rustic, stacked design and build a raised garden bed stone raised garden may be perfect for that will make gardening easier and a woodland styled landscape. more fun. By using drip irrigation you Wooden raised beds will last longer can be water-wise in your landscape if painted, stained or water-proofed.

— even with areas of thirsty plants. If This becomes an opportunity to you control your system with a timer, decorate the sides with color or even the important watering schedule will designs or pictures. be less likely to be forgotten. Or you Add to a theme garden by drapcan create a special growing space for ing outdoor fabrics, dressing with special-needs plants! bamboo or wicker, surrounding with Make your beds ornamental and rocks, logs, metal sheets, old lattice or they can become the focal point of anything else. It’s a fine opportunity your garden. Use your imagination to recycle left-over building or crafts this coming year. Add raised beds materials. Have fun designing your to your landscape. You may end raised garden bed. up thanking yourself for years to You can even construct a raised come.

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J A N UA RY 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 9

California touted as ‘Dog Friendliest State’

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

F

or those who consider a pet their “furbaby,” traveling isn’t the same without your best “furfriends.” Living in California, you won’t have to “work like a dog” to figure out where to go on vacation.

Touted as the “Dog Friendliest State” by Reader’s Digest in 2019, California boasts many dog-friendly restaurants, parks and attractions that make pets, everything from dogs and cats to parrots, and their human hosts feel like the top dog.

In days past, most travelers would have to go to great lengths to find accommodations that accepted pets. However, much has changed in the last decade, many, if not most, national hotel and motel chains now accept pets, for an additional fee.

California is home to a wide variety of pet-friendly hotels and resorts, many of which offer special amenities for furry friends.

Luxury Vacations

Everyone, including your pet, can savor a luxury vacation.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 92629 Info www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/ laguna-niguel/hotel-overview Hang out with your “best friend” as you play on the lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This beach retreat offers spa treatments, an eco-adventure center for surfing and whale watching and is adjacent to the Monarch Beach Golf Course with ocean view links.

This hotel offers a “Posh Pooch” gift bag, hand-painted bowls, beds, doggy dining menu and monthly Yappy Hours with libations of flavored water, bacon, chicken, beef or vegan, with dog-inspired wines for the humans.

Rules for the Road

Be sure to be a courteous guest and obey these “rules for the road.”

1. Every pet-friendly hotel has its own rules.

Read the rules thoroughly before you go.

Consideration and courtesy for others is the “golden rule.”

2. If your nickname for your pup is “Sir Barksa-lot” you might be better off leaving your pooch at home.

3. Do not let your dog approach strangers. It is hard to believe, but not everyone loves dogs.

4. Bring your own bowls, food, treats and toys.

Dogs in particular can experience digestive upsets when exposed to new food and treats.

5. If your pet causes damage, report it immediately. Don’t try to “sneak” out, or pretend you didn’t see it. It’s a privilege to be able to bring a pet, don’t ruin it for future guests by being inconsiderate.

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort 7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad, 92011 Info www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/ park-hyatt-aviara-resort Visit the beautiful garden that lies between the hotel and the ocean, a fantasia of palms, with orange blossoms, jasmine, hibiscus and parrot lilies.

Amenities include an upscale spa, tennis, volleyball, badminton and bocce courts.

Frolic in the Southern California sun at these dog-friendly parks and beaches in and near Carlsbad: Main Beach area (northern end of Powerhouse Park to 29th Street), South Beach area (Powerhouse Park south to Torrey Pines border at 6th Street), San Elijo State Beach, Cardiff By the Sea (2050 S. Coast Highway 101), San Elijo Lagoon Trail, Encinitas, (3200-3298 Manchester Ave.), Alga

T R AV E L

Norte Community Park, Carlsbad (6565 Alicante Road) and Ann D. L’Heureux Memorial Dog Park, Carlsbad (2600 Carlsbad Village Drive).

Great Getaways

Enjoy a weekend getaway at these special pet-friendly accommodations.

Beachcomber Motel & Spa, Mendocino Coast 1111 N. Main St., Fort Bragg, 95437 Info www.thebeachcombermotel.com/overview/ pet-friendly/ Pet guests get a welcome kit with treats, waste bags, sheet and towel and can stay in specially designed rooms for dogs. The Dog Suite features a dog house, lowered pet shower and a doggy door to the dog park and human amenities such as a kitchenette and ocean view.

Cypress Inn, Carmel Lincoln St and 7th Avenue Carmel-By-The-Sea, 93921 Info https://cypress-inn.com/pet-friendly-carmelhotel/ An elegant pet-friendly boutique inn located in the heart of Carmel, one of the most pet-friendly cities in the country, a place where dogs can run free on Carmel Beach, walk on-leash throughout the quaint village and often find water bowls and doggie treats at many businesses. This inn welcomes dogs with blankets, beds, bowls, treats, a list of pet sitters and a “Yappy Hour” with Muttinis.

Doggie pick-up bags, and a spot to wash off your pet after a romp on the beach, are located in the courtyard.

Hotel Republic, San Diego 421 West B St., San Diego, 92101 Info http://hotelrepublicsd.com/stay/amenities/ Enjoy all that San Diego has to offer at this hotel near the Gaslamp Quarter, the historic heart of San Diego.

The “Pups & Paws Package” features a dog bed and bowls, blanket and special gifts such as a dog tag, chew toy, daily locally sourced dog bone, daily special menu offering and daily bottled water.

Exploring Nature

Bring your pet as you explore the great outdoors.

AutoCamp Airstream Experience Santa Barbara, Sonoma County and Yosemite Info https://autocamp.com AutoCamp offers more than 40 pet friendly rooms in Airstream trailers at their properties in Santa Barbara, Russian River and Yosemite. Each pet gets a treat, luxury bedding, bowls and a local pet-friendly service guide.

30 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

TIMERANGER

Rain, Snow & The Quiet Heroes of Sloan Canyon Top of a wonderful and quite beautiful Sunday morning to you, dear saddlepals and saddlepalettes. As usual, we’ve a most entertaining trail ride into SCV history ahead, plenty of scenery, plenty of good companionship.

Nothing like a good horseback ride into yesteryear to wash away our woes.

Whoops.

Sorry.

I said “woes” and hope the several hundred thousand horses didn’t hear “Whoas…”

WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• Plug nickel And 122 years ago, the Acton Post Office was founded.

Rudolph Nickel was named first postmaster. Nickel was also the publisher/ editor of the valley’s first major newspaper — The Acton Rooster. It hasn’t printed in a while, but the Rooster seems to come back from the dead every once in a while…

• Made it into a bunch of movies and plays, too And 128 years ago, spinster and dime novelist Helen Hunt Jackson arrived at the Rancho Camulos and interviewed Blanca Yndart for research for her new book. It would eventually become a bestseller and turn the little ranch on what would later be Highway 126 into a major tourist attraction. The book would also be instrumental in bringing tens of thousands of easterners out to sunny Southern California, and, our little SCV novel would be named one of the most influential books in American history. Title of the tome? “Ramona.”

JAN. 19, 1920

• Talk about a speed trap The Board of Supervisors signed some rather crafty legislation to stop speeders and cut the severely high death toll on the Ridge Route. Starting Feb. 4, 1920, two motorcycle cops were stationed at each end of the narrow Ridge Route. Every motorist going north or south was stopped and given a slip of paper with the time stamped on it. If they made it to the other end of the Ridge Route at a rate of speed greater than 15 mph, they were ARRESTED. That practice would eventually be used for motorists driving through Newhall to the San Fernando Valley.

• Sing it with me: “This land is your,

land. This land is Eggland, the big chicken farm that took up a good part of Happy Valley, placed third in the state egg-laying championships. Can you imagine, today, living next to 12 billion hens and roosters?

JAN. 19, 1930

• Life was a little tougher then Big rains delayed the grading and oiling of our roads. Roadmaster Erwin was in charge of taking out the bumps and filling in the holes after rainstorms. We also used to oil our dirt roads to keep the dust down. Hmmm.

Out where I live, if I pour the oil deep enough, I might even be able to catch a few extra horses...

• Snow damage? Here, in the SCV? Really? Local work crews were also busy cleaning up and trimming after an earlier snowstorm broke hundreds of branches of trees in the valley.

JAN. 19, 1940

• Guess it wasn’t Charlie’s time Depending on how you look at it, Charlie Brannen was either very, very lucky. Or, very, very unlucky.

On this date, Charlie drove his car to a desolate Santa Clarita canyon and pulled under an ancient oak tree. He hooked up a hose from his exhaust pipe and ran it to the front seat of his car, flooding the interior with poisonous monoxide gas. Problem was, he ran out of gas and got just enough of Death’s Perfume to make him sick.

Worse, he was about 10 miles to the closest civilization and had to walk.

• Guess it was time for these guys Five hunters nearly — and unintentionally — met Charlie Brannen’s fate on the same day. They had pulled over to catch a nap in the pre-dawn cold of Agua Dulce. Problem was, their old clunker had a leak in the floor boards

and the inside of their car filled with monoxide. A passing and alert motorist saw the smoking car and pulled the men to safety. (HISTORICAL INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE FOOTNOTE: We don’t have as many carbon monoxide suicides today because of unleaded gas. Word is it’s almost impossible to die from inhaling it.)

• The Curse of Newhall Elementary continued The little elementary school had been plagued by fire since its inception, burning completely to the ground four times. On this date, custodian J.L. McIntyre was severely burned when he came in to light the 6th grade furnace. It blew up. The roof separated from the building and the walls bulged off their foundations.

JAN. 19, 1950

• Smile fondly when you pass by Sloan Canyon Bertha May Sloan, one of the most beloved citizens to ever grace the Santa Clarita, died at her home in Sloan Canyon. She and her husband folks called Father Sloan (no Catholic jokes, please) homesteaded in the canyon that still bears their name back in 1910. They earned the nicknames Mother and Father for all the foster children they had cared for over the years. Are you sitting down? The total of the kids they took in was 380. They had 11 of their own.

Bertha’s nickname was well-earned.

She left a note, on ruled paper and written in pencil, about the miracle of life resurrecting in the fields and hills of Sloan Canyon, “wearing shining mantles of greenery.” She wrote of the budding leaves and fruit, of the songs of larks in the meadow, of the cry of a newborn sheep.

• A miracle of biblical proportions Interestingly, when Bertha’s husband died a few years earlier, there was a rather unusual occurrence at his funeral. Father Sloan was a renowned beekeeper. When they lowered his casket into the ground, a swarm appeared out of nowhere, alighted on the flowers for a few minutes, then flew away.

• Not another cave man joke at Tom Frew’s expense We had a communication explosion here a half-century back. There were 177 new telephones added to the SCV, bringing the grand

total to, ching-ching-ching, 1,263.

Tom Frew (Pleistocene Epoch) has a cell phone, but he thinks he has to be in the pokey to use it…

JAN. 19, 1960

• Were the snowballs made from heavy water? Three teens were arrested north of Castaic after they threw snowballs at a Santa Fe bus.

The windshield was cracked in two places and the bus nearly swerved off the road.

JAN. 19, 1970

• On some level, aren’t we all? The Signal launched a new entertainment column. It was called: “Is This Artist A Hippie?”

• The answer to school overcrowding Start banishing kids? Hart superintendent C.T. Haan began discussions on how to solve all the overcrowding in all three of the valley’s junior high schools. The Newhall Land & Farming Co. was blamed for building too many homes.

• Re: Above? Ditto. The board of the Upper Santa Clara Valley Water Agency went to war with Newhall Land and Farming over usage. Too many people. Not enough H2O. JAN. 19, 1980

• Justice is blind. And sometimes stupid. Richard “The Swindler” Schindler received a nine-year prison sentence and $30,000 fine for defrauding SCV investors in his Ponzi scheme. Michael Jernigan, who murdered a popular local teacher and shot a convenience store clerk as he pleaded for his life, was given six years.

When I get back in a minute from this morning’s trail ride, I’m going to call my best pal Phil Lanier in Chicago and torture him about the beautiful SCV weather he left behind. As I do every January, I’ll ask if he thinks I should take a sweater tonight or just wear a long-sleeve shirt. It’s like 2 where he lives. As for the rest of you revered condo monkeys and grizzled saddlepals, see you next week with another exciting Time Ranger history adventure. Until then —¡vayan con Dios, amigos!

John Boston has been writing about SCV history for more than 40 years.

You can buy his books and novels on Amazon.com. Best you do…

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 1

BUSINESS

Marketing strategies for small business owners

S

mall businesses are the backbones of many local communities. Such businesses have helped to revitalize many communities and may benefit communities in ways that would surprise even the most ardent small businesses supporters.

Economists at Penn State University studied data on economic growth and residence status of business owners that was from more than 2,900 rural and urban communities. The researchers found that small, locally owned businesses tend to generate higher incomes for community residents than large, non-local firms.

Small businesses can be vital to the success of a community, and those businesses’ own success may depend on how well they can market themselves to potential customers. The Small Business Administration notes that only one-third of small businesses will survive 10 years. Those that reach that benchmark often find

ways to market themselves and grow revenue.

Whether a small business owner is just starting out or looking to continue growing, these marketing strategies can be effective ways to connect with customers.

• Take advantage of the free Google listing service. Google My Business is a free service that allows business owners to manage how their business appears across Google, including on its Search and Map services.

A Google listing is essentially the new phonebook listing, as the “Local Consumer Review Survey 2018” from the marketing experts at BrightLocal found that 27% of consumers looked online daily for local businesses in 2018.

That’s more than double the number of people who did so in 2017, suggesting that more and more consumers are finding local businesses via internet searches every day.

• Pay attention to your online re-

services. Consumers are most likely to read restaurant reviews, but small businesses, regardless of their industries, can benefit from positive online reviews.

• Take part in local festivals. Local events such as Oktoberfest festivals and holiday shopping bazaars provide great opportunities to connect with new customers. Such events tend to attract residents of the community and even those from neighboring towns, providing ample opportunities for small businesses to connect with new customers.

views. Online reviews can be a mixed bag for business owners and consumers, but reviews still bear considerable weight among the latter.

The BrightLocal survey found that 50% of consumers between the ages of 18 and 34 always read online reviews when shopping for goods or

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• Make your presence known on social media. A 2017 survey from the social media specialists at Sprout Social found that 58% of consumers are more likely to buy from a brand they follow on social media than they are to buy from one they do not follow.

Small business owners who learn to market their businesses can contribute much to their bottom lines and their local communities. (MC)

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32 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Issues on installing electric vehicle gates

By Robert Lamoureux Signal Contributing Writer

Electric gates Hi Robert, My name is Antuan J. I live here in Santa Clarita in a fairly large Homeowner Association community with

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four entrances. We’d like to put electric vehicle gates to our community, but we are currently not in a position to do all four of the entrances at one time.

With that said, we’d like to do two and close the others off, are there any legal issues that we need to be concerned with, on this idea?

We’re going to get contractor bids for this, and if you can recommend someone that you trust, it will help greatly.

What is needed for a project like this, do you need many permits? It sounds like a huge project, and we’d like to be adequately prepared for all that we’ll run into.

—Antuan J. Antuan, First things first — you need to contact the Fire Department and find out what they will allow you to block off, if anything. They are the governing body when it comes to access for communities, for the obvious safety reasons.

Once you have this information, then you’ll move forward with permits. For the gates, you’ll need electrical permits and the rest is done by an installer, with not too many rules on this part.

UL did set regulations in the last few years on Electronic Reversing Devices, which means that if anything or anyone gets in the way of a closing gate, the gate is to be sensitive enough to reverse itself, much like garage doors do now.

If this happens, the gate then goes into a “hold open” mode and won’t close until a service person resets it.

This is a safety requirement and

Lic # 197607592

something to not skip, as the liability could be massive. This feature is life-saving, but it can also create a bit of a nightmare where there are sometimes careless drivers that clip the gate or in other instances, vandalism that occurs and each time it involves a service call/fee. This can add up for an HOA, but there’s just about no way around it because you need the feature. Electrical will need to be nearby, and if not then you’ll need to install DWP pedestals, which can be very costly. So be prepared for all that may come. If needed, one pedestal can run you $25,000. You’ll need a good installer and I’ll follow up with my recommendation for you, I trust this guy implicitly and highly recommend his work. He’ll set you up with the necessary Knox Box, which will hold police and fire keys, which are required for emergency access.

It’s a big undertaking what you want to do, but can be a great asset to a community. Follow the lead of the Fire Department first, then move on to the installer and he’ll guide you through the permit process.

Good luck.

Robert Lamoureux has 38 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia.

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

24305 W. Lyons Avenue | Newhall, CA 91321 | PacificaSeniorLiving.com

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 3

INTERIORDESIGN

How to create a more functional laundry room

A

laundry room may be one of the spaces that you use the most, but cramped quarters and clutter can hinder your productivity. Eliminate the excuses and get your laundry room under control with these tips to add function to your washing routine.

Use space wisely

Your laundry room may not have a big footprint, but you probably have more usable space than you realize.

Install shelves or storage units on the walls and consider the ceiling as a spot to hang a floating drying rack. Don’t overlook the back of the door, where you can mount a storage system or use an over-the-door alternative.

Maximize storage

Many laundry rooms suffer from a lack of storage, which hinders space to fold and manage laundry while making the room less pleasant overall. A durable, attractive organization system like Dimensions by ClosetMaid can add instant organization and style to your laundry room. The system provides numerous design options, convenient accessories and configurations of cabinets and drawers, accommodating virtually any space.

The laundry room is one space that is probably used the most. However, the attention that is paid to the function and design of the room is often an afterthought. PHOTO COURTESY CLOSETMAID

Resist wrinkles

Prevent unsightly wrinkles by hanging garments straight out of the dryer. A hanging rod is easy to install and lets you take advantage of vertical space in smaller rooms. Be sure to also stock up on hangers of various styles so you always have an ample supply ready when the buzzer sounds that another load is ready for your attention.

Promote ventilation

Another common issue in laundry rooms is limited ventilation, which can promote mold, affect air quality and hinder air drying for special garments. A clever way to enhance ventilation while increasing your storage space is ventilated shelving that helps keep air flow moving. For example, ClosetMaid’s Premium Wood Kits feature sturdy slatted shelves to stash your laundry essentials and can include accessories like hanging rods.

Create a folding station

One of the biggest laundry pitfalls is folding and putting away clean clothes. A clear, clean space in the laundry room can help nudge you toward completing the task more

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efficiently. If you have front-loading machines, it may be as simple as adding a counter or sturdy shelf above them. If you use top-loaders, you may need to get more creative. If there’s room, a laundry sorter with a flat top

is a good solution. Or if floor space is at a premium, you might consider a shelf that mounts to the wall and folds down when you need it.

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34 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

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3 Bedrooms plus a Bonus Room. 1 Full bath and 2 half baths. Master bedroom on the top floor as well as a recently converted Master Bedroom on the bottom floor. The property is just over a Quarter Acre of USABLE land! Also, close to the heart of Pine Mountain Club where you will enjoy restaurants, the local festivals, golf course, hiking trails, and much more!

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This charming unit features upgraded kitchen and baths. There is Pergo style flooring thru-out and plantation shutters as well as dual paned windows. The delightful entertainers patio is accessed by dual opening sliders and the setting for summer parties is exceptional. Lush landscaping gives added ambiance.

This Senior guard gated community is patrolled 24/7 and has all the usual country club amenities including two golf courses. There are clubs galore and a little theater group, a City of Hope chapter is a great way to get involved in the community as is the community church. Senior lunch program at the church is an added plus. Come join the fun! You can be as active as you wish or just enjoy the quiet life style....$475,000

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

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

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Let’s Make A Deal 4 beds 3 full baths~ 3,194 sqft ~11,217 sqft lot. Built in 1987 Single Family Residence.

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6 beds 5 baths 3,674 sq ft 4 car garage Beautifully upgraded Hasley Canyon Estate. Travertine flooring, crown moldings, plantation shutters, mirrored closets, surround sound and recessed lighting!

Tons of upgrades throughout this spacious open floor plan. Beautiful views looking down on the valley from every room. Private serene country setting with perfect backyard for entertaining. $1,250,000

Sierra Bonita 80 acre ranch SierraBonitaRanch.com

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Gorgeous Executive Home

Located just 40 miles north of Los Angeles.

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

4+5 – 2942 sq ft, Gorgeous executive home behind the gates in West Hills. Loft room with private bath could be 5th bedroom.

Downstairs bed and bath with private entrance. $759,000

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Dean Cox

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28657 Farrier Dr. Valencia, 91354

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3 6 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

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

OUR VIEW

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

Taking the American Side in Iran Dispute

What’s Important: Please Value My Values

By The Signal Editorial Board

By David Hegg

I

n a nation deeply divided by partisanship, few things are surprising anymore. Yet it’s still disturbing to see the reactions of some Democrats in Washington who blame the president for the latest episodes in our nation’s long-running conflict with Iran.

In some cases, we have to wonder whose side they’re on. It should be the American side. Yet, we hear from politicians on the left and commentators in mainstream media who seem more concerned about the well-being of Iran than about Americans, particularly our service members in harm’s way.

When President Trump authorized the airstrike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, it was not the start of a new conflict, regardless of Democratic rhetoric saying otherwise.

This was not the first punch. It was a counterpunch — arguably an overdue one, coming on the heels of many Iranian offenses that have cost hundreds, even thousands of lives.

Soleimani’s rap sheet as a terrorist operating with state backing would fill a legal pad. The State Department announced last year that operations he has led in Iraq since 2003 have killed more than 600 U.S. military personnel.

That’s approximately one in six of the U.S. combat fatalities in Iraq during that time.

He was a military target, reportedly planning yet another attack on U.S. assets and personnel. The airstrike took him out, and in an instant the world was a slightly better place.

Then, when Iran lobbed a dozen or so cruise missiles toward U.S. military installations in Iraq — thankfully, inflicting no casualties — many Democrats essentially said, “We deserved it.

And it’s Trump’s fault.”

Yes, the left hates Trump so much they are siding with our enemy. In fact, Democrats in their talking points were all too eager to adopt the Iran regime’s characterization of the attack on Soleimani as an “assassination.” By actively engaging in attacks on U.S. targets, Soleimani made himself a legitimate military target.

There is, apparently, no limit to their partisan eagerness to blame anything and everything on Trump.

See OUR VIEW, page 37

J

ust for fun I looked up the definition of “value” on my computer’s dictionary.

After sifting through the various ways the word is used in the English language I came to the one that satisfied my quest. I had heard some media folks debating whether or not a political candidate should project his personal “values” into the public square.

The definition I found was this: value: a person's principles or standards of behavior; one's judgment of what is important in life. If this definition can stand up to critical examination, and if the word really can be defined this way, then I submit that it is impossible for a candidate, or any of us, not to project our personal values into every arena of life. To do anything else would constitute grave hypocrisy at best and intentional deception at worst.

The problem with “values” is that their very existence demands that a choice be made by the individual.

This means looking at all the possible “values” in a given area and deciding which is best, and thus, most import-

ant to hold to as a standard for life.

As an example, take the acquisition of money.

There are two competing “values” open to us all.

We can either accumulate money through work, or through taking the short cut of criminal activity.

The first demands hard work, perseverance through the rigors of labor, and a commitment to the belief that my work contributes positively to society. The second demands that I convince myself that, although my actions damage society, the easier accumulation of money is all that matters. But all of this demands that I make a value judgment. It demands that I believe the values of honesty, industry, and service are so important that I reject the easier value of criminally assisted accumulation.

Let’s think about another value area: sexual activity. Again there are two competing values. One says that sexuality is to be reserved for marriage.

Another says such thinking is archaic and stifling to individual pleasure and freedom. The first believes that when sexual activity is reserved for See HEGG, page 37

READERLETTERS

Profoundly Confused Possibly someone with an iota of brain matter can explain the following to me.

The Democrats, led by Adam Schiff, just finished holding a kangaroo court where they filed two articles of impeachment against President Trump.

In those hearings, the Republicans were not allowed to call witnesses and if the rules were not to the Democrats’ liking, they just changed them to suit the occasion. I always thought the accused had a fundamental right to confront his accusers in any

court. But not in this hearing.

Fast forward to today where Nancy Pelosi, the good Catholic girl from San Francisco, goes to the podium demanding to know what and who will testify when the Senate starts its impeachment hearings. She wants to know all the rules that will be applied and dare say if the Senate dismisses the impeachment articles then the Republicans are engaged in a “cover-up”. How is it fair for Democrats and unfair for Republicans?

This hate thing has really gotten out of hand. The good people of the U.S. are the ones suffering from

the idiotic impeachment hearings.

The district(s) that the congressmen represent are really taking a beating by these do-nothing politicians who have been sitting on their duffs trying to get rid of the president while their districts go to waste — especially the good citizens of Burbank and Glendale. If I lived in either of these cities I would want someone else as our representative.

Please explain this to me. Please, no spin rebuttals And don’t forget to sign the RECALL Gov. NewSee LETTERS, page 37

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 3 7

Opinion

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

OUR VIEW

Continued from page 36

There comes a point where we should all be on the same side, regardless of party affiliation. Whose lives do you value more — those of American soldiers, or Iranian generals who wage state-sponsored terrorism? Whose interests matter more — those of the United States or those of a regime that has repeatedly flouted the rules of law and human decency?

Whose side are you on, anyway?

It should be a non-partisan issue: We should all be on the American side.

Iran has committed multiple acts of war against the U.S. through years of terrorist acts, and most recently through its surrogates attacking the American embassy in Baghdad.

Just the attack on the embassy alone — which is sovereign U.S. territory — is an act of war.

Iran has been escalating this conflict for the past year, and all along Trump

LETTERS

Continued from page 36

som petition.

Just one taxpayer’s opinion Dick Cesaroni, Saugus

Memories of Caravalho When I got word of George Caravalho's passing, many good memories came to mind of the man I had the privilege of knowing and working with. I would have loved to attend his funeral, but distance and other commitments kept me from being able to honor him at his service like he deserved. So what would be the next best option? Writing a letter of thanks and gratitude.

George was a gentle, guiding force. I admired his strength, passion and creativity. He taught me to take risks, expand my horizons, work outside of my comfort zone.

As result, I worked outside of my comfy knowledge zone of HR and worked with Parks and Recreation, Street Maintenance, the Clean Water

showed amazing restraint. But he drew a line in the sand: Don’t kill Americans.

When they crossed it, he acted, and sent a message to Iran and the world, including nations that may be thinking about testing U.S. resolve: We mean what we say.

This stands in stark contrast to former President Obama, who drew his line in the sand several times and did nothing — most famously with Syria — leaving him with absolutely no credibility.

This time around, Iran recognized they had poked the bear one too many times. Iran’s response to the Soleimani killing was clearly designed as a face-saving measure only. No Americans were killed and damage was minimal. They knew not to cross Trump’s line in the sand.

We should all unite under a very simple doctrine: That if you kill Americans, you will be killed.

This makes us all safer — everywhere in the world.

Act Commission and other departments on special projects. I thank him for the opportunity of learning from those experiences, as it helped me become well-rounded and enjoy a successful career in HR and teaching. I will always remember his smile and the twinkle in his eye when he was happy. He believed in staff development and I was grateful to participate in leadership training.

It helped shape who I am today.

I joined the city of Santa Clarita as an employee in the city’s early formation. Working together with a small group of individuals to carry out George’s vision was amazing. I grew up personally and professionally during my years with the city. I had the time of my life. I will always hold George near and dear in my heart for all he gave me. Thank you George. God bless and keep you.

Annabelle Baltierra, North Hills Submit a Letter to the Editor

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

D R AW I N G CO N C LU S I O N S R I C K M C K E E

HEGG

Continued from page 36

marriage it produces stronger families, and ultimately, stronger communities and societies. The second believes that individual freedom in the sexual arena is just plain fun, and argues that multiple sexual partners both in and out of marital commitments will have no adverse effects on either the individuals or their society.

Lastly, consider the area of power and authority. One value position considers that power is always to be used for the betterment of the many rather than the few, and never to be exercised for personal pleasure or enrichment. Accordingly, those in power are never to be open to manipulation or intimidation by those who desire to profit from power at the expense of the many. But there seems to be another value position here as well. Some apparently see power as the way to make their own lives better. They value it, not for its ability to improve the lives of the many but as the means of enhancing themselves.

You may or may not agree with my characterizations as presented above.

In the interest of brevity I was reduced to oversimplification, and I readily admit it. But the point is that values in every area of life demand choices, and choices demand that one value be consider “better.” This ultimately means that a pluralistic society will, of

necessity, have a values conflict, and the answer can never be to simply say “don’t bring your values into this.” It is vitally important that values not only be brought in, but also be openly and critically delineated and critiqued.

The only productive answer is to promote the promotion and declaration of values as being just as important as policies. In fact, I would rather that our candidates would carefully and specifically tell me who they are, and what they believe matters in life.

Frankly, I’m already tired of the promises and policies that come spewing out of the mouths of those who truly believe I can be convinced by 15 seconds of generalizations that are just reheated assertions from years past. What we really need to know is this: What kind of person are you? What do you stand for? What will you die for? What do you value? Tell me those things and I’ll be able to decide if you can be trusted with my future, and my vote. And if you can’t lay out your values, or if you’re a values chameleon, I’d rather we all knew it.

I value values, and if enough of us demand that a person’s values are important maybe those who want us to entrust them with power will recognize that they need to be people who can be trusted, who understand and share our values.

Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.

BRAINGAMES

38 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

Relax Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

J A N UA RY 19, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 9

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

Gimme shelter magazines

By Jim Mullen Signal Contributing Writer

“

Hmmm, that looks comfy.”

I was flipping through a glossy home decor magazine and stopped at a section on bathrooms. The featured element, the tub, was a harsh, gray rectangle with knife-edge corners made of gray poured concrete. If it weren’t for the rose petals floating on top of the water, you might mistake it for a particularly cruel and unusual horse trough.

Maybe the rose petals are there to lure alien life forms, because certainly no human will ever sit and soak in that tub. How would you clean it?

Sandblast the soap ring?

If the tub was harsh, the sink looked as if it came from the Country Club Prison Collection. It was a stainless steel basin that jutted from the wall with no pipes showing, presumably so they couldn’t be ripped out and used as a weapon during an escape attempt. The toilet, though, looked as if it came from the future.

You would need special training to use it, like the astronauts on the space station.

As I looked at the pictures, all I could think was, “These guys don’t have kids.” I don’t even think they have adults. There were no wet towels lying across the tub, no half-squeezed tubes of toothpaste by the sink. There were no nail-clippers, brushes or combs in sight. No trash can with a strand of dental floss hanging down the side, no bottles of prescription medicines scattered about. No towels showing their age, no deodorant sticks or cologne bottles visible, no lipstick, no mascara, no mouthwash.

Absolutely nothing indicated human habitation. Who lives here?

Robby the Robot? If so, why does he need a toilet?

Home design magazines call themselves “shelter” magazines now.

I wonder if that’s how the editors talk to each other at dinner parties.

“Nice shelter you’ve got here, Bob! Who does the rose petals in your bathtub? My guy quit, so I’m looking for someone. By the way, have you

got any Band-Aids? I cut my hand on your tub, but I couldn’t find the medicine cabinet. Oh, the medicine cabinet is the thing made out of razor wire? I thought that was a towel rack!

You’re so right, it probably does keep people from snooping.”

I go through shelter magazines now, not looking for the latest trends in furniture or window treatments, but for signs of life. You see the ultra-modern living room, all white, glass and sharp corners; does it say “cool sophistication,” or does it say “We have no kids, no pets and no friends?” Can you imagine having people over for beer and pizza in this joint? Can you see a mom changing a baby’s diaper on a white Italian leather sofa while watching “Ellen”?

You never see a purse plopped down on the hallway table in these magazines, or a newspaper folded over to the sports section. You never see a sweater hanging over the back of a chair, or dirty socks in front of the TV cabinet. You never see crayon drawings and family photos stuck to the refrigerator with magnets.

Here’s a fun game idea: Try to find any five items on this list pictured in an issue of any design magazine: a stack of junk mail, a set of car keys, a branded bottle of dish soap, mismatched pots, refrigerator magnets, an open bag of lime-flavored taco chips, a random pile of notes beside a phone, a jumble of books on a bedside table, a tube of Neosporin, reading glasses, a dog or cat dish with kibble spilled all around it, some ugly thing that a relative gave the owners that they display just to keep peace in the family.

I don’t know what shelter magazine editors do with all their personal junk when company comes. Maybe they just dump it all in the square tub and cover it up with rose petals.

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

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