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NEWS FEATURES 5 How Santa Clarita figured into the Oscar landscape 6 Mocktails for ‘Dry January’ 7 What’s new on the tube? 8 Where all the world is a stage LOCAL NEWS 9 Saugus senior creates portraits of those killed in shooting 10 District, coach hit with lawsuits over sex abuse Saugus considers relocating students during constructions 11 Los Angeles County Board of Supes chair lists top concerns 12 City planning OKs Costco, cinema project FROM THE CITY MANAGER 13 Recycle Hero: highlighting SCV’s everyday heroes SPORTS 14 Penberthy bros. continue hoops tradition THINGS TO DO 15 Dine like a star at celebrity-owned restaurants TECHNOLOGY 16 How hackers track you by sending an email DINING GUIDE FOOD 19 Host a Super Party on Feb. 2 ENTERTAINMENT 20 The Beat returns to Canyon Santa Clarita CALENDAR KIDS & FAMILY 23 Safety tips when buying toys for toddlers What are congenital heart defects? 24 Donna’s Day: Bundt pans give form to winter ice lanterns School menu HOLIDAY PETS 26 Three signs of discomfort to watch for in your dog SENIOR LIVING 27 Grandparents as parents HOME IMPROVEMENT 28 Aftermath of leaks, permits are essential TRAVEL 29 Apps you’ll ‘app-reciate’ on your next trip TIME RANGER BUSINESS 31 Three strategies to manage your time more effectively HEALTH 32 Tips for relieving joint pain in the new year GARDENING 33 Controlling common pests while heading into spring OPINION VILLAGE IDIOT

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661-259-1234 The entire contents of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2019 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. If you would not like this delivered to your home, please call (661) 259-1000. COVER PHOTO COURTESY SMALLZ & RASKIND BRAVO

J A N UA RY 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E S

How the SCV figured into the Oscar landscape

Animated films are one of the things the SCV has a well-known influence on, thanks to California Institute of the Arts, which has produced numerous winners. “Klaus,” shown here, was written, produced and directed by CalArts alum Sergio Pablos. PHOTO COURTESY NETFLIX By Matt Fernandez Signal Staff Writer

anta Clarita has long been tied to the entertainment industry, hosting immortal names like Charlie Chaplin and Frank Sinatra. The Western Walk of Stars in Newhall is a tribute to the legacy everyone from silent film stars like William S. Hart to Charles Bronson have left in the SCV’s backyard. Throughout the years, the city has maintained its close ties to Hollywood, so when the nominations for the 2020 Academy Awards season were released Jan. 13, it was no surprise Santa Clarita was an integral part of seven of this year’s distinguished films. Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a

Time... in Hollywood” was partially filmed at the Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio in Newhall, as well as the Saugus Swap Meet. Set in 1969 during the Golden Age of Hollywood, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt as an actor/stuntman duo facing obsolescence in the industry on the eve of the Manson murders. The film was nominated for awards in the Leading Actor, Supporting Actor, Cinematography, Costume Design, Directing, Production Design, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Original Screenplay and Best Picture. “Quentin Tarantino is a historian and the history of Melody Ranch is extremely appealing to him, and he shot the beginning of the film much like they shot films on the ranch back then,” said Melody Ranch daily operations liaison Daniel Veluzat.

“I think the reason why this and his other films are so good is that he’s not concerned with the box office, but with what the movie is trying to say and to make something great. We first worked with him on ‘Django Unchained’ and to have him work with us a second time is the ultimate compliment.” “Ad Astra,” also starring Pitt, was partially filmed at the East Walker Ranch open space in Canyon Country. “Ad Astra” follows Pitt’s character as he travels to the far reaches of our solar system to locate his long lost father and prevent the destruction of the universe. The film was nominated for an award for Best Sound Mixing. Another best picture nominee, “Ford v Ferrari” filmed extensively at the Agua Dulce Airport. Directed by CalArts alum James Mangold, “Ford

v Ferrari” tells the story of Carol Shelby as he races to design a race car for Ford that can compete with Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. The film received nominations for Film Editing, Sound Design and Sound Mixing, as well as being a contender for Best Picture. “I’m proud that we were able to provide locations to the film and how Santa Clarita is such a welcoming community,” said Karen Bryden, president of Santa Clarita Valley Locations. “The people who live in Santa Clarita are always so supportive of the industry.” In addition to live-action feature films, Santa Clarita had a hand in stunning works of animation. Netflix’s Santa Claus origin story “Klaus” See OSCARS, page 21

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J A N UA RY 26, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Serving up mocktail fun for ‘Dry January’ By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

elicately poured into a champagne saucer, a sunset-orange drink adorned with a fruit skewer is served at The Old Town Junction’s bar top in Newhall. At a glance, you would think it’s an adult beverage, but it’s actually a “mocktail,” a nonalcoholic cocktail-like beverage crafted without alcoholic ingredients. Restaurants and bars in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond are now more frequently preparing booze-free drinks to cater to the “sober curious,” or those taking up a “Dry January” challenge, a movement where participants cut out alcohol for an entire month, often for health and wellness purposes. The mindful drinking trend, which is being driven by millennials, is not slowing down, according to a 2019 survey by The Nielsen Company, a global measurement and data analytics company, revealed. Results from the survey showed that 66% of millennial participants made efforts last year to reduce their alcohol consumption, which was above the average 47% among all U.S. consumers 21 and older. Akin to more restaurants adding vegetarian and vegan food options, more bars are also adding nonalcoholic drinks to their menus or offering upon request, said Shane Bothwell, manager at The Old Town Junction. “It’s something that you’re seeing more often and we’re selling very well,” he said of the drinks bartenders at the Newhall eatery prepare. “People love that it’s kind of crafted like a cocktail and that there’s thought put into it, rather than just serving ginger beer or club soda.” From alcohol-free chocolate espresso martinis to bloody Marys, Santa Clarita residents won’t have to travel far to find the trendy beverages as bartenders get creative behind bar tops and bring competitive options at places such as gastropub Newhall Refinery and El Trocadero Steak House on Main Street. “I’ve seen quite a few more people come in and our bartenders are good at offering nonalcoholic Moscow Mules and margarita mocktails,” said Michelle Baker, an employee at Newhall Refinery. With an interest in these Dry January-friendly beverages increasing, Bothwell said the restaurant is considering changing up their menu to bring customers a seasonal list of mocktail options. Already on the menu are four drink options that use ingredients from Seedlip Drinks, which touts itself as the world’s first distilled nonalcoholic spirits. The company’s blends, dubbed Garden 108, Spice 94 and Grove 42, are giving bartenders in and around Santa Clarita more options to create from, among other businesses like MeMento herbal tonics and Kin Euphorics, which is a mood-enhancing dietary supplement in drink form. If mixed-drinks are not your go-to, there are also nonalcoholic sparkling wines and beers on the

The Garden Spice and Orange Blossom, are just two examples of mocktails available at Old Town Junction for those who are recognizing “Dry January” by not consuming alcoholic beverages. PHOTOSBY GILBERT BERNAL / THE SIGNAL

market, including Heineken’s 0.0 booze-free lager that comes with a blue label to indicate it is alcohol-free. Among its five nonalcoholic beer options, Heineken’s zero-alcohol drink is currently among the most popular products sold at Sunrise Spirits & Food Co. on Tournament Road in the Vista Village Center, said owner Wally Diab, who added that offering these options are “a good alternative” for those looking to follow a vegan or low-calorie lifestyle. The company is also expecting to add a new line of nonalcoholic spirits next week, which customers can use to create drinks like mock martinis, he said. Are you sober curious or up for an alcohol-free challenge? Try these Seedlip recipes, some of which are served at The Old Town Junction, before Dry January ends:

From the Field

Misowari

Grove and Ginger Ale

Ingredients Use 2 oz of Seedlip Grove 42 Use 25 ml of Clementine juice Top with cold soda Glass and garnish Flute with edible flower Method: Build

Espresso Martino

Ingredients Use 50 ml or 2 oz of Seedlip Spice 94 Use 50 ml or 2 oz of Sandows cold brew concentrate Use 15 ml or 0.5 oz of sugar syrup Glass and garnish Coupe and 3x coffee beans Method: Shake and double strain

Ingredients Use 2 oz of Seedlip Garden 108 Use 1/2 oz of apple and plum cordial Use 1 oz of sparkling water Glass and garnish Chilled cocktail glass with peapod Method: Combine and stir over ice

Citrus Fizz

Ingredients Use 1-3/4 oz of Seedlip Grove 42 Use 3/4 oz of organic marmalade cordial Top with cold sparkling water Glass and garnish Chilled champagne flute with orange zest Method: Stir and strain

Ingredients Use 50 ml of Seedlip Grove 42 Top with Ginger ale Glass and garnish Highball with a lemon wheel Method Build over ice

Minosa

Ingredients Use 50ml of Seedlip Grove 42 Use 1 bar spoon of caramel Top with cold ginger kombucha Glass and garnish Rocks glass with plum Method Stir and strain

See MOCKTAILS, page 12

J A N UA RY 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E S

What is new on the tube the next two months ‘SURVIVOR’

By Michele Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

T schedule:

he New Year brings much of the old, with an enticing taste of the new, to television in the coming weeks. A few shows you’ll want to add to your viewing

Feb. 5 “Survivor at 40: Greatest Moments and Players” CBS 8 p.m. “Survivor” premiered May 31, 2000 and ultimately changed the television landscape. Since the first group of castaways were marooned on the beaches of Borneo 20 years ago, the game has evolved and adapted. Almost 600 castaways have played the game, and only 38 have been crowned with the title of Sole Survivor. Sandra Diaz-Twine is the only castaway to earn the title on two separate seasons. This one-hour special features new interviews with unforgettable players from the past two decades who discuss their biggest moves and favorite moments of the game. The show includes previous winners Rob Mariano (“Redemption Island”), Amber Mariano (“All-Stars”), Jeremy Collins (“Second Chance”), Parvati Shallow (“Fan vs. Favorites”), Ben Driebergen (“Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers”) and other fan favorites. Feb. 12 “Survivor: Winners at War” CBS 8 p.m. The milestone 40th edition of “Survivor,” hosted by Emmy Award winner Jeff Probst, premieres with a special two-hour episode. The series will feature 20 previous winners of “Survivor” including Sandra Dias-Twine and Rob and Amber Mariano, who met on the show and eventually married. Also competing is Ethan Zohn, winner of the third season, “Survivor: Africa” in 2001. Zohn has survived two battles with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, receiving his last clean bill of health in 2013 after receiving stem cell treatment. Feb. 16 “Zoey’s Extrordinary Playlist” NBC 9 p.m. This is the “must watch” show of the New Year.

Rob Mariano

Amber Mariano

Sandra Diaz-Twine

From left: Rob and Amber Mariano met on “Survivor” and eventually married. The Mariano’s have each won the $1 million top prize in separate seasons. Sandra Diaz-Twine is the only two-time winner of “Survivor.” PHOTOS COURTESY CBS

The incredibly touching and entertaining series pilot ran Jan. 7, but new episodes don’t begin until mid-February. Catch the pilot on demand on Spectrum or the NBC streaming app. The show stars Jane Levy in this high-concept drama as Zoey Clarke, a computer coder. Suddenly she starts to hear the innermost wants, thoughts and desires of the people around her, including her family, co-workers and complete strangers, through popular songs. The series also stars Skylar Astin, Alex Newell and John Clarence Stewart, with Peter Gallagher and Mary Steenburgen. Feb. 16 “Outlander” Starz 8 p.m. The long-anticipated Season 5 of “Outlander” with Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) and Claire Fraser (Caitriona Balfe) is almost at hand. The time-traveling drama will be based on the fifth book of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, “The Fiery Cross.” Feb. 16 “The Windsors: Inside the Royal Dynasty” CNN 10 p.m. The recent news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, wish to transition to a more private life should make this six-part CNN original series a compelling “watch,” as it tells the dramatic and emotional tale of the British Royal Family through archival footage and interviews with experts. Jane Levy stars on the NBC high-concept show “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” with Peter Gallagher and Mary Steenburgen. PHOTO COURTESY NBC

Feb. 16 “American Idol Season 18” ABC 8 p.m. Host Ryan Seacrest returns with the show’s third season since it transitioned from FOX to ABC. Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will also return as judges for their third season. Feb. 19 “Criminal Minds Series Finale” CBS 9 p.m. After 15 seasons the long running police procedural crime drama “Criminal Minds” will wrap up with a two-hour series finale. The series follows a group of behavioral profilers who work for the FBI and stars Joe Mantegna, Paget Brewster, Matthew Gray Gubler, A.J. Cook, Aisha Tyler, Kirsten Vangsness, Adam Rodriguez and Daniel Henney. Feb. 21 “Hunters” Amazon Prime Video Streaming Al Pacino’s first regular TV series role in a 10-episode thriller on Amazon Prime Video. The action features on a group of Nazi hunters in late1970s New York City who uncover a conspiracy to create a “Fourth Reich” in America. March 19 “Top Chef, Season 17” Bravo 10 p.m. Foodies rejoice! This season “Top Chef ” returns to Los Angeles in “Top Chef, All Stars LA.” The competition cooking show will feature 15 finalists, front runners and fan favorites from seasons past who have all returned to finish what they started, and battle it out for the coveted title. The second season of “Top Chef ” was previously held in LA. Among the fan favorite chefs are Bryan Voltaggio, Jennifer Carroll, Brian Malarkey, Lee Anne Wong and Angelo Sosa.

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J A N UA RY 26, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Where all the wORlD’s a sTAgE

By Vivianna Shields Signal Staff Writer

scaping reality and being immersed in a world of fantasy is a fun pastime for some, and a profession for others. The life of an entertainer at amusement parks, such as Six Flags Magic Mountain and Universal Studios Hollywood, comes with interesting guidelines and stories that aren’t generally known to the public. Several former and current entertainers, some we could name and others who could not reveal their identities, shared their stories. Paula Wahla: Lorraine-Lurane and Mrs. Claus at Six Flags Magic Mountain For the past nine years, Paula Wahla has become one of the most memorable characters at Fright Fest as Lorraine-Lurane, a witch character who does cosmetology and stand up comedy. With glowing eyes, blackened teeth and a severed foot in hand, Wahla makes her way through the Twisted Fantasy scare zone offering her services. “I love making people laugh and seeing that they were happy to meet me,” said Wahla. “I even scare myself with the things I say.” Offering pedicures that involve the removal of limbs, chiropractic services and a chunky pumpkin latte on the side is Lorraine-Lurane’s specialty. “Lorraine-Lurane has become a scare actor who people look for at the park and connect with,” said Pam Bugbee, entertainment and events manager at Six Flags. “We created buttons with iconic characters from the park and we included her.” In addition to work as a scare actor, Wahla is also Mrs. Claus during Holidays in the Park, a role that’s pretty much the polar opposite to her character during Fright Fest. Many actors from Fright Fest stay on for Holidays in the Park, Bugbee says. “I’m more like Mrs. Claus so it is

Guests enjoy escaping reality at theme parks like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and for some of the park entertainers, it’s not bad work if you can get it. PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSAL

Speaking of acting range: For the first half of the holiday season, Santa Clarita resident Paula Wahla is a wicked witch named Lorraine-Lurane (left); and for the latter part, she’s Mrs. Claus (right). PHOTOS COURTESY ERIC KAUTIAINEN

easier to get into character, but Lorraine-Lurane is still a part of me,” said Wahla. Najahre Gomez-Herrera: Former scare actor at Six Flags Magic Mountain When Najahre Gomez-Herrera auditioned for her role as a scare actor at Six Flags’ Fright Fest, she said the tryout resembled an “American Idol” audition. “We all had numbers we had to wear,” said Gomez-Herrera. “Once we were in the bungalow, we were split into groups and we were assigned a character we had to act out.” In these auditions, judges, including Bugbee, searched for a specific candidate. “We look for people who have a high level of energy,”

said Bugbee. “We care most about their personality and how outgoing they are, before anything else. We want them to like to scare.” Once she was hired, she was casted as a scare actor for “Aftermath,” a post-apocalyptic themed maze. Each night, she would dress in all black, wear red contacts and complete the look with realistic gashes and wounds on her face. In the shadows of the maze, Gomez-Herrera would prey on incoming maze-goers and scare them when they least expected it. While Gomez-Herrera worked, a friendly competition sparked among the surrounding mazes. Behind the scenes, scarers organized a competition, judged by park managers, to see who could get the most scares. The

group with the most scares would be awarded a trophy. “It was an exciting job and I loved the people I worked with every night,” said Gomez-Herrera. Josh Thomas: Wizard at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood At Universal Studios Hollywood, Josh Thomas was able to live out every Harry Potter fan’s dream of being a wizard in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. “Every day I would be able to act out my fantasies of living in that world, and still get paid to do my required duties,” said Thomas. As a wizard in food service, Thomas was responsible for serving butterbeer and taking orders in the wizard’s dining hall. “I’d walk through the world, take pictures with guests and serve them,” said Thomas. “I couldn’t say I went to Hogwarts, so I said I was just a regular wizard who was home-schooled. I couldn’t say I knew the characters, only that I had only heard of them.” Instead of an audition, Thomas experienced a standard job interview, except with “Harry Potter” trivia. “We just needed to know the lore of Harry Potter and what we can and cannot say,” said Thomas. Each wizard in the world was dressed in a uniform designed by J.K. Rowling’s costume designer. When employees clocked into their shifts, they would change into their uniform in the wardrobe department and once their shift was over, they would change back into their regular attire. Uniforms never left the park, Thomas said. To make anyone who wanders into the world feel as if they just landed in Hogwarts, wizards were expected to remain in character at all costs. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was meant to be a fully immersive experience for both park-goers and employees. “People would try to make me break character all the time by asking me about things in the movies,” said Thomas. “Even when I went to lunch, I couldn’t be seen in my uniform outside of the world. Dressed wizards were only allowed to be seen in the world.”

J A N UA RY 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

LOCALNEWS

Saugus senior creates portraits of those killed in shooting By Vivianna Shields Signal Staff Writer

hile Saugus High students continue to pick up the pieces and heal from the deadly campus shooting that took place Nov. 14, Kiki Egetoe picked up a paintbrush. Egetoe is currently a senior at Saugus High School. To cope with the tragedy, and make something beautiful in the process, Egetoe painted victims from the Saugus shooting and gifted the paintings to their families. “Painting is my escape and it is something that will always make me happy,” said Egetoe. “Making these paintings made the grieving process a lot better because I found a way to memorialize them.” Egetoe is an expressionist artist, who decided to use her talent to create portraits of Gracie Anne Muehlberger, Dominic Michael Blackwell and Nathan Berhow, and gift them to their families in their time of grieving. On the morning of Nov. 14, Egetoe was found hiding behind choir dresses in teacher Kaytie Holt’s choir closet, waiting for help. Once she was found by deputies, Egetoe describes how she went into “helping mode” and began thinking of ways she could assist others in this situation.

A gift of paints

Initially, Egetoe did not have the proper paints to paint the portraits and, only after she received a fresh pack of Grumbacher paint from a woman at church, did she begin painting. Egetoe did not know Gracie or Dominic, but she did share mutual friends with Berhow. “I painted his picture first, because I thought about his mom and how she needed support during this time because of the hate and sadness she was experiencing,” said Egetoe. “I really wanted to capture him for who he was before those 16 seconds.” With bright colors and thick paint strides, Egetoe painted Berhow at a younger age with his pet. Through the help of Kavuko Forbes, a friend’s mother, Egetoe was able to give the portrait to Berhow’s mother at his

funeral in December. “I let the portraits speak for themselves,” said Egetoe. “I do not expect anything in return because I did this out of the kindness of my heart.” Over this past week, Egetoe completed Gracie’s painting and has plans to meet with her family this weekend to give them the portrait. “Even though I didn’t know Gracie before, her face is in my memory forever,” said Egetoe. “I stared at her face for hours while I painted.” Currently, Egetoe is completing Blackwell’s portrait and hopes to finish it soon to give to the Blackwell family. Each painting is completed over a period of weeks, but on average each painting takes a total of 30 to 48 hours, Egetoe says.

A longtime love

Egetoe’s love for art spans back to when she was a child; however, as she grew up she drifted from painting until she took an art class at Saugus. “Before the class, I didn’t have the supplies at home to start painting,” said Egetoe. “I fell right back in love with it again.” In her free time, Egetoe volunteers at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, drawing with patients and comforting them with conversation, as well. In the future, Egetoe wants to pursue a degree in both art and psychology to become an art therapist who helps others through different art forms. With two months having passed since the shooting, Egetoe has been able to heal through her art, and hopes to provide some comfort to

Kiki Egetoe, a Saugus High School senior, works on a portrait of shooting victim Dominic Michael Blackwell. Right: A finished portrait of Gracie Anne Muehlberger. PHOTOS BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

those affected by the tragedy. “Trial was given to make us stronger,” said Egetoe. “I know I needed

to show love to these people, so I decided to do it through something I love, which is painting.”

1 0 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 26, 2020

LOCALNEWS

District, coach hit with lawsuits over sex abuse By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

ultiple lawsuits have been filed by victims of Jeremy Haggerty, a former basketball coach in the William S. Hart Union High School District who was convicted of sexual abuse charges. Haggerty was sentenced in July after being accused of sexually assaulting nine victims over the course of nearly a decade, who ranged between 14 and 17 years old. For pleading no contest to six counts of a lewd act upon a child and three counts of sexual battery, all felonies, Haggerty was ordered to serve nine years in prison. Three lawsuits, filed last year by former student-athletes who were coached by Haggerty, allege Haggerty gained access to his victims through Hart District schools and private facilities and training camps. The lawsuits seek monetary damages for the victims. The Hart District is not commenting on the cases. “We do not make

comments about ongoing district, lawsuits have also been litigation,” said Hart District filed against Mike Penberthy, a board President Linda Storli. former Los Angeles Laker and In one lawsuit, filed by a John Master’s College (now known Doe 1, the complaint states as Master’s University) basketthe victim was abused for four ball player. The lawsuits, filed years by Haggerty, with the inin September 2019, allege that stances beginning his freshman Penberthy owned Starting5, a year, and lasting until Haggerty Haggerty basketball and fitness training was fired in the student-athprogram that two of Haggerty’s lete’s senior year. victims were enrolled in while they The instances, according to the were victims of Haggerty in Santa complaint, occurred in the “locker Clarita. room area” the team used, and inPenberthy’s attorney did not immevolved sexual touching. diately return a request for comment. “Plaintiff alleges that the (Hart DisWhile both lawsuits name the Athtrict), and the Canyon High School letic Club, Swish3, Michael Penberthy basketball coaching staff, including, and Jeremy Haggerty as defendants, but not limited to, Chad Phillips, one lawsuit involving John Doe 3 continued to be aware of Haggerty’s — with John Does 1 and 2 being a interactions with plaintiff and other different victim and his father — also boys during (the) school year,” the names Fitness Edge as a defendant. court documents said. The complaint states Haggerty The lawsuit lists a variety of causes worked for Penberthy’s company of action against Haggerty and/or as a basketball instructor, and that district staff, including intentional in- Haggerty abused them at the Athletic fliction of emotional distress, failure Club, on Wiley Canyon Road, and Fitto report and negligence. ness Edge, on Town Center Drive. The In addition to a lawsuit against the lawsuit also alleges that the two fitness

centers failed in their duty to control the conduct of Haggerty and that Haggerty had a key to both gyms, giving him access to the facilities during both open and closed hours. The defense for Penberthy submitted an answer to the complaint denying the charges. “Each cause of action contained therein fails to state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action against (Penberthy),” said the answer. Further down, in the fourth point of defense, Penberthy’s response states: “Plaintiffs failed to exercise for their own protection the proper care and precautions which prudent persons under the same and similar circumstances would have exercised.” On Jan. 16, 2020, the Athletic Club filed its answer to the complaint, stating there was insufficient evidence, citing a statute of limitations and denying John Doe 3 “suffered any injuries or been damaged in any sum whatsoever.” Calls placed to the legal representation for the parties involved were left unanswered as of the publication of this story.

Saugus considers relocating students during construction

By Raychel Stewart Signal Staff Writer

he superintendent of the Saugus Union School District proposed a plan to board members Tuesday to relocate some of the students at Charles Helmers Elementary School to North Park Elementary School at the beginning of the 2020-21 school year to allow for campus upgrades to take place. The proposal, if approved, would also impact the availability of transitional kindergarten enrollment at Helmers for the duration of the upgrades. Superintendent Colleen Hawkins said she would like to have multiple community meetings before making a final decision with board members, which she said would happen sometime in March. Helmers Elementary is set for construction work at the beginning of next year to replace multiple portable classrooms with a permanent building, which will include classrooms, a science laboratory and playground.

“There are 281 students that will need to be relocated,” said Hawkins. “That’s about 12 or 13 classrooms that have to be relocated in some fashion.” During the meeting, Hawkins said Helmers Elementary is a small campus, meaning there would be no place to put additional temporary housing. Hawkins proposed providing a bus that will relocate fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders to North Park Elementary School before the school day begins, and back to Helmers Elementary after school ends, for the duration of construction, which is anticipated to finish in 2023. The bus plan, if enacted, would mean parents with more than one Helmers student wouldn’t have to drop their children off at two different locations. “We will provide a bus, that is the most economical and respectful solution,” said Hawkins. “We’re not going to ask all the moms and dads to start driving to two locations to drop their kids off at school.”

Community meeting Feb. 11

The board is scheduled to hold a community meeting 6-8 p.m. Feb. 11 in the multipurpose room at Helmers Elementary so parents can ask questions and voice concerns about the proposal. The proposal will then return to the board for further discussion. Parents looking to enroll their children into transitional-kindergarten programs at Helmers Elementary would not have that option for the 2020-21 school year, under the proposal. Hawkins said parents would have to look at other programs offered at nearby schools, such as Bridgeport Elementary School, if the plan is approved. The construction will temporarily decrease the number of classrooms available to the more than 700 students who currently attend the school, and require construction vehicles to drive through the single fire lane on the campus. Hawkins said the decision to possibly relocate fourth- through sixth-graders was proposed because the kindergarten play area is ap-

propriate for children up to 8 years old, which is the average age for third-graders. Board members David Powell and Laura Arrowsmith voiced concerns for incoming sixth-graders who would be spending their last year away from the Helmers campus. Hawkins said the idea of moving kindergarten through third-graders was discussed, but because of the facilities in the classroom, having young students being transported by bus, and a limited play area, it led to the proposal of relocating the higher grade levels instead. “These are the kinds of discussions I want to have with the community,” said Hawkins. Students involved with after-school programs at Helmers Elementary will be bused back to the school’s campus after school ends to attend those programs on the Helmers campus. “While the kids will still participate in activities with (North Park),” said Hawkins, during the discussion of the proposal, “they would function as students of Helmers school.”

J A N UA RY 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 11

LOCALNEWS

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors chair lists top concerns as homelessness, mental health, school safety Barger sets priorities By Vivianna Shields Signal Staff Writer

resource officers on campus and expanding mental health resources to be accessible to all students on campus is what Barger believes will make SCV students feel safe in their community again.

mid vital debates going on over a housing crisis, homelessness and a growing need for mental health resources, among a number of statewide issues that are impacting Los Angeles County and the Santa Clarita Valley, Supervisor Kathryn Barger sat down with The Signal to discuss leadership priorities for 2020. Barger, who comes to the office with more than 30 years of experience in L.A. County — including a long stint as chief of staff to her predecessor, former 5th District Supervisor Michael Antonovich — was recently named chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors by her peers for a one-year term. Barger represents the county Board of Supervisors’ district that includes the Santa Clarita Valley, and extends to San Bernardino County in the east, Ventura County heading west and Kern County in the north, with a population of approximately 2 million people. She spoke with The Signal recently to discuss everything from the challenges of speaking on behalf of more than 100 individual communities from Acton to Wrightwood to school safety to her re-election bid. Over the past three decades, Barger, who was elected her current position in 2016, has seen a transformation of the 5th District, as the issues facing her constituents have continued to evolve, she said. “The 5th District has changed, even in terms of boundaries, from when I first started,” said Barger. “I’ve seen the demographics change and, additionally, I’ve seen the complexity of the issues change.” Campus security, for example, is a huge issue that has created a completely different environment for students in the past three decades, which is something Barger just met with local superintendents to discuss. There are also a number of new challenges that come with the new issues, such as making sure mental health services are available to help the youth. “This is a huge change for me,”

Addressing homelessness

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger visited The Signal recently to discuss ideas and goals she plans to accomplish during her time as chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Barger represents the 5th District, which includes the Santa Clarita Valley. PHOTOS BY GILBERT BERNAL / THE SIGNAL

said Barger. “I think that society as a whole has changed.” “What is working in La Verne is not going to work in the Antelope Valley,” she said, referencing the large area the 5th District encompasses. With that in mind, she tries to put politics and partisanship aside when working with county residents, she added. “Even when it comes to setting aside my own personal beliefs, it’s about doing what is right for your constituents,” said Barger. In her time as a supervisor, Barger has introduced motions to address these concerns, with measures that have expanded capacity for hospital beds and services for veterans who experience homelessness. With every issue that Barger addresses, she goes after the root cause, she said, which is the only way to fully addressed an issue.

Providing school security

Last week, Barger met with William S. Hart Union High School District officials to discuss school security, following the Saugus High School

shooting on Nov. 14. “We don’t want to build fortresses for these kids to go to,” said Barger. “The goal is to speak with one voice and reassure the community that the schools are safe.” From the county’s perspective, they want to support the school district by providing resources for mental health and continuing the implementation of school resource officers on every campus. “I have no authority over gun control, but I can talk about mental health resources,” said Barger. “I made the commitment that day (of the Saugus Shooting) that (the superintendents and I) are going to work together and help students in the community.” Getting back to a sense of community is a crucial step toward recovery, according to Barger. “Schools are focusing on getting back to the basics and forcing kids to understand a sense of community, which I think is lost now,” said Barger. “I’m going to work with them on that.” Continuing the use of school

In December, the former director of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority stepped down in the midst of the rollout of Measure H, a voter-approved quarter-cent sales tax created to combat homelessness, leaving the board to find a replacement to manage the multibillion-dollar assistance plan. “We are looking at LAHSA and the structure as it relates to a new director,” said Barger. “I think it is time for us to pivot and put together something that is going to be countywide and is going to be willing to bend, while realizing that every city has different needs.” LAHSA was initially seen as the solution to battling homelessness on a countywide level; however, constituents in Barger’s cities thought the program was more city-centric and mainly served the city of Los Angeles, and they were not getting their fair share. “We looked at how slowly the bureaucracy was rolling the money out, and they were right,” said Barger. “I realized that LAHSA is not structured in a way to address the needs of countywide homeless programs.” “I believe we need to rethink the whole premise of what LAHSA does,” Barger added. Building capacity in the community starts with more beds, Barger said. To address the shortage of mental health hospital beds, Barger moved to add 500 beds over the next two years. This addition would help prevent the cycling of homeless individuals with mental illness and often co-occurring substance use disorder in and out of hospitals and on and off the streets with no sustainable path to recovery, according to a motion report. “A month ago, I brought in a motion to instruct (the Department of) Mental Health to begin purchasing See BARGER, next page

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J A N UA RY 26, 2020

LOCALNEWS

City planning OKs Costco, cinema project By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

he city’s Planning Commission approved plans Tuesday for the proposed Patios Connection project at Westfield Valencia Town Center, which includes Santa Clarita’s second Costco and several other new businesses. The Planning Commission unanimously approved the $100 million project and approximately 101,000-square-foot addition to the mall. The Patios Connection project consists of demolishing the former Sears building, and constructing a Costco, with parking on the roof, as well as a gas station, health and fitness center, luxury cinema, expansion of the existing Canyon music venue and additional retail and restaurant space. “The parking on top of Costco is specifically designed to supply new parking to the patios,” Chris Kitchen, vice president of development for Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said. “It represents approximately a 64% increase in supply directly for the patios. ... We oriented Costco to face the lower-level parking so that the demand for parking is really based on the area where we don’t have demand for that (currently).” Among concerns discussed was the possibility of increased traffic congestion to an already busy area, along with further parking issues the increase would cause. “It seems like every time I come in there (parking is) full, and this just may be because we’re going to the hot spots,” said Commissioner Dennis

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Santa Clarita Valley residents gather to discuss the proposed Patios Connection project at Westfield Valencia Town Center during a city Planning Commission meeting. PHOTO BY EMILY ALVARENGA / THE SIGNAL

Ostrom, adding he believes traffic is most dangerous when people are searching for parking spots. “The maximum parking spaces we ever found was an 80% occupancy on the Saturday before Christmas,” responded Pat Gibson, president of Gibson Transportation Consulting. “There are over 700 empty parking spaces during the busiest hour of the year. Were they all right next to the door? No.”

Traffic mitigation

Together with mall officials, city staff has looked into six possible mitigation measures in regards to traffic, as the proposal would generate 3,700 more daily trips and significantly impact traffic at six intersections, according to a city traffic analysis. Among those measures would be reconfiguring those six major intersections, as well as the existing surface parking lot and all access points into the mall to improve circulation into the property. Still, business owners on Citrus Street voiced concerns regarding exiting their parking lot with the increased traffic from the nearby Costco gas station. “Will that flow stop so that we can exit our property?” property owner Margaret Lundgren asked. “I don’t know how this will affect us or our

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clients or customers and those of our tenants.” The reconfiguration of Citrus would add a designated center lane for turns, which would increase the capacity and reduce queuing currently faced by those property owners, according to Ian Pari, senior traffic engineer with the city’s traffic division. “We all have really busy lives, and a shopping center that creates the opportunity for a working mother like myself, to have a one-stop-shop is a huge advantage, that the addition brought with the Patio connection project will do just that,” Realtor Liz Tolentino said.

BARGER

Continued from previous page

beds because I didn’t feel we can wait that long,” she said. Part of the goal is to create increased synergy, so agencies can work together to support the growing needs, according to county officials, who have recognized the efforts Barger is making toward improvement. “Supervisor Barger is an incredible leader in the mental health space, and her work in the county is unparalleled,” said Dr. Jonathan Sherin, director of the Department of Mental Health Los Angeles County. Barger plans to apply for the Institute for Mental Diseases waiver, which could provide the county with a stable funding stream for more beds over the next two years, she said.

Assisting veterans and first responders

Barger also is working to improve access to veterans services, the latest move being the addition of a designated Veterans Administration representative for her office, who will be available to go over veterans’ entitlements, as well as any other potential

Amy Daniels, executive director of the WiSH Education Foundation, agreed, adding, “It’ll save the soul time, energy and money. We can shop, work out, get entertainment, low-cost gas and it will lessen the cross-valley traffic, which is amazing.” Commissioners also directed the applicant to look into ways and strategies to help enhance pedestrian safety, parking mitigation for construction during special events and ensuring no reductions in the number of disabled parking spaces. The project does not need approval by the City Council because of its conditional use permit status, which requires only a Planning Commission vote, so if the following 15-day appeal period passes without petition, the applicant will be free to submit structural drawings for approval prior to construction. Mall officials said they’re “ready to go” for construction this year and estimate completion by late 2022. resources that might help. Barger was shocked to learn how many veterans were unaware of the status of their benefits. “You should never have to use the word ‘homeless’ and ‘veterans’ in the same sentence, especially when you see how much money the federal government puts into veterans programs,” she said. Barger lauded the Santa Clarita Valley’s Homes 4 Families veteran communities, which allow veterans to put sweat equity into building their own homes and which the program then assists them in purchasing. The first-of-its-kind community was built off Centre Pointe Parkway in Canyon Country. Barger also said she wanted to increase the resources available to help first responders, including those who are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. With the introduction of peer-to-peer training, those in the same line of work are able to help one another. “What first responders and sheriff ’s deputies see on a daily basis, is the best and the worst,” said Barger. “You’ve got to balance it out with services to support their mental well-being.”

J A N UA RY 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Recycle Hero: highlighting SCV’s everyday heroes By City Manager Ken Striplin

anta Clarita is a community filled with residents who protect our beautiful City every day. Thanks to the hard work of our community members, we have made tremendous progress in protecting our environment. In addition to the 80 local businesses that are subscribed to the City’s food-waste recycling program, and multiple other businesses donating edible food to local charities, our residents continue to dispose of their special waste properly at Household Hazardous Waste and E-waste Round-Ups and battery drop-off locations. Even with all these valuable programs, we can still learn how to be more effective and efficient recyclers. The foundation of an environmentally friendly community is proper

waste disposal; without our residents recycling right, local waste haulers are faced with hours of unnecessary work and high costs. That’s why the City is excited to announce a new campaign that teaches residents and businesses that anyone can do recycling right. The Recycle Heroes are assembling to protect their community. Join them in their efforts to combat myths and encourage the right ways to recycle. Whether you are a student, parent or professional — anyone can be a Recycle Hero! Different types of waste including cardboard, paper, tin and aluminum cans, glass and numerous types of plastic containers are just a few of the basic items that can be recycled. The items are taken to the Materials Recovery Facility — or MRF, where a combination of machines and diligent workers sort through each item, which are then baled and repurposed by packaging manufacturers and paper mills. Unrecyclable items,

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including plastic bags, garden hoses and toys, are often mistakenly placed in recycling bins. When these types of items make their way into the recycling bin, additional labor and costs are required to place these items back on trucks for proper disposal. Residents and businesses can avoid confusion by researching which items belong in the recycle bin. Lists of recyclable items can often be found in your waste hauler’s newsletters and also on GreenSantaClarita.com. We are fortunate to live in a City where protecting the environment is the norm. We have done a great job with recycling construction and demolition debris. More than 106,000 tons produced in Santa Clarita have been recycled to date. Our residents come out by the thousands every fall to help clean up the Santa Clara River at our annual River Rally event. Now is the time to make the commitment to recycle right and make the most of reusable materials. You too can be a

Recycle Hero and set a positive example for our community. Residents and businesses can become involved in the City’s recycling efforts by merely adjusting their everyday routine. GreenSantaClarita.com is a great place to start. There you can find multiple resources including tips that will strengthen your understanding of what belongs in the recycle bin. Be on the lookout for our Recycle Heroes as more faces of this exciting campaign will soon be revealed. Use the hashtag #RecycleHeroSC and show your community how you recycle right for a chance to be featured in this exciting new campaign. For more information about the City’s efforts to preserve the environment, please visit GreenSantaClarita.com. Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.

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J A N UA RY 26, 2020

Save

SPORTS

During the Exclusive

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Penberthy bros. continue hoops tradition

Sale ! A

By Ryan Stuart Signal Staff Writer

Featured Offer: Up to $338* In Value on Select 2020 Holland America Line® Cruises

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AAA TRAVELS WITH YOU CALL: (800) 741-1605 CLICK: AAA.com/TravelSale VISIT: Your Local Auto Club Branch Cayman Islands *The value listed is per booking and equals the total of the featured Holland America Line Onboard Credit of $35 – $1501, plus the Dine Around Package of $44 per person for two people2, plus the $50 beverage card per person for two people3. 1Featured Holland America Line Onboard Credit offer is based on double occupancy and for new bookings made between January 25 – February 8, 2020. Onboard credit is for guests 1 and 2 sharing a stateroom and varies by length of sailing. Onboard credit is offered in the following stateroom amounts: cruises 7 – 14 days: $35 for interior, $50 for ocean view, $75 for lanai, $75 for verandah staterooms and $100 for suites; cruises 15 days and longer: $50 for interior, $75 for ocean view, $100 for lanai, $100 for verandah staterooms and $150 for suites. Single travelers receive half the stateroom amount. Onboard credit is in U.S. dollars and is nonrefundable, nontransferable, not for cash value, expires at the end of that cruise, and may not be used in the casino. Onboard credit cannot be used to purchase or reserve shore excursions or onboard amenities in advance (must be done on board). Offers are capacity-controlled and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Other restrictions may apply. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands. 2Dine Around Package includes one dining experience at both Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto. Applies to passenger one and two only, in stateroom/suite. Maximum one dinner package per stateroom. Reservations must be made once onboard the ship. Gratuities not included. 3Applies to passenger one and two only, in stateroom/suite. Maximum two beverage cards per stateroom. Can be used for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Age restrictions may apply. 4Gift Card offer only valid on bookings made through Automobile Club of Southern California. Minimum purchase required to qualify for Gift Card offer. Maximum one (1) Gift Card offer per household. Offer valid only on new bookings made on or after January 25, 2020 which are under full deposit no later than February 8, 2020 for travel commencing no later than December 31, 2020. Gift Card will be provided to lead client/trip payee following trip final payment. Bookings of $5,000 – $9,999 qualify to receive a $50 Gift Card; bookings of $10,000+ qualify to receive a $100 Gift Card. Valid only on cruise or tour bookings provided through one of AAA’s preferred travel providers; not valid on Fly/Drive packages. The program’s gift card merchants are subject to change at any time and are not endorsed by or affiliated with AAA, nor are such merchants considered sponsors or co-sponsors of this program, and AAA disclaims responsibility for any products or services purchased using a gift card provided under the program. Gift cards/certificates are subject to the issuing merchant’s terms and conditions. A U.S. address is required for delivery. Offers subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Travel Sale will take place January 25 – February 8, 2020 during normal business hours. Certain restrictions may apply. AAA members must make advance reservations through AAA Travel to obtain Member Benefits and savings. Member Benefits may vary based on departure date. Rates are accurate at time of printing and are subject to availability and change. Not responsible for errors or omissions. The Automobile Club of Southern California acts as an agent for the various travel providers featured at the sale. CST 1016202-80. To learn how we collect and use your information, visit the privacy link at AAA.com. ©2019 Automobile Club of Southern California. All Rights Reserved.

nyone can agree; family time is quality time — and the Penberthy clan takes that to the next level. They are a basketball family through and through. The family is headed by Mike Penberthy, a former professional basketball player who had a short stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. Now, he supports his family as a shooting coach for the team. And the lineage looks to continue at the local level for right now. Both of his sons, Ty, a senior, and Jaden, a junior, play varsity basketball at Hart High. “We’re lucky,” Ty said. “A lot of brothers don’t get a chance to play with each other with their age differences so far apart. It’s been a lot of fun.” The Penberthy brothers have been playing basketball together their whole lives, for the most part. Last year’s basketball season at Hart was their first time getting to play on the same team since childhood. “Up from like elementary school to high school he was always a little bit lower than me grade-wise,” Ty said of their separation throughout youth basketball. Despite the separation, the two never missed a beat when meeting up again on the floor. “We’ve been practicing together all our life, so it’s fun to actually play games and the chemistry is there,” Jaden said. The two brothers have been extremely efficient on the court. Both are solid scorers in an explosive offense. They are also able to feed off of each other. On multiple occasions this season, they have been able to create plays for each other to take a wide-open shot. The duo even put a run together between just the two of them to dash Canyon’s hopes at a comeback earlier this season. Not only did they turn a 4-point lead into a 12-pont lead in less than two minutes, but they did it themselves, assisting each other on every shot.

Brothers Jaden, left, and Ty Penberthy are enjoying the opportunity they’re having to play together for Hart High. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

“Like he said: It’s just chemistry,” Ty said. “We work out together every day. I know what he does well, and he knows what I do. We try to use that to work together during the game.” Not everything is basketball with these two, though. Off the court, and outside of school, they spend a lot of time together. Food has become a staple of their relationship together. “Oh man, we eat Chick-fil-A a ton,” Jaden said. The reaction between the two brothers suggested that some classic Penberthy moments have been shared over a chicken sandwich and a milkshake, but that’s for them to have with each other. Ty and Jaden will have to cherish the memories they have, as the time they have to build more is fleeting. Ty will graduate from Hart in June and move on. He doesn’t have an official plan, yet — but he is weighing his options. “It went by too fast,” Ty said. Jaden said the time he spent playing with his brother will always play in head like a highlight reel. He doesn’t look back on the big plays, but just the small moments they had on the court together. “I think our memories will come from like the basic things,” he said. “Looking back and seeing little clips in my mind replaying. It’s pretty cool.”

J A N UA RY 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

THINGSTODO

Dine like a star at celebrity-owned restaurants By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

elebrity-owned restaurants are spread throughout the United States. As such, it should come as no surprise that with the number of “stars” — music, pro sports, film and television — residing in California, that bars and restaurants owned by celebs are fairly common in the Golden State. Here is a small selection of some of those celebrity-owned restaurants where you can taste food imagined by your favorite star. The variety of offerings ranges from luxury fare to some of the best tacos in town. Clint Eastwood The Restaurant at Mission Ranch 26270 Dolores St., Carmel, 93923 Info missionranchcarmel.com/restaurant.htm Eastwood starred in the Western TV series “Rawhide” (1959-65), and as the Man with No Name in Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone’s trilogy of spaghetti Westerns, as well as antihero cop Harry Callahan in the five “Dirty Harry” films. He has starred in, and/or directed, more than a dozen films. Eastwood’s “Unforgiven,” won him “Best Director” and “Best Picture” Oscars. The Restaurant at Mission Ranch is one of the most spectacular spots to dine on the Monterey Peninsula. The view includes sheep grazing in the meadow, spectacular sunsets, the Santa Lucia Mountains and Point Lobos with the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Moderately priced. Classic American cuisine. George Lopez Brewing Co. 21770 Del Amo Circle E, Torrance, 90503 Info thebrewshall.com Comedian George Lopez stared on “The George Lopez Show,” a sitcom on ABC-TV from 2002 to 2007. Located in Torrance’s first multi-concept brewery and food hall, it serves authentic Mexican-style beers, while the George Lopez Chingon Kitchen dishes up traditional Mexican eats and eclectic sides.

Nobu Malibu is one of two Nobu restaurants in Los Angeles co-owned by actor Robert DeNiro. PHOTO COURTESY NOBU MALIBU

Tony Hawk GuacAmigos Tequila & Tacos 2607 Pacific Coast Highway Newport Beach, 92663 Info guacamigos.com Skateboard legend Tony Hawk and former Playboy Playmate Nicole Dahm Kelly teamed up to offer shelf tequila, tableside guac preparation and elevated Mexican dishes like Wagyu carne asada tacos to Newport Beach. Ryan Gosling Tagine 132 N Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90211 Info taginebeverlyhills.com Gosling starred in “Blue Valentine” (2010), “Crazy, Stupid, Love” (2011), “The Place Beyond the Pines” (2012), “The Nice Guys” (2016) and “La La Land” (2016). Tagine is a secluded and cozy Moroccan hideaway in the heart of Beverly Hills. Co-owned by Chef “Ben” Benameur. Offers an impressive drink collection, featuring imported wines and beers from around the world. Danny Trejo Trejo’s Tacos Seven locations 1048 S. La Brea Ave., L.A., 90019 1556 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, 90028 21550 Oxnard St., Ste 125, Woodland Hills, 91367 835 W Jefferson Blvd., USC Village, L.A., 90089 The Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd St #322, L.A., 90036 11419 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 90025 1 World Way, LAX Terminal 1, L.A., 90045 Info trejostacos.com

Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts in Santa Monica. PHOTO COURTESY TREJO’S COFFEE AND DONUTS

Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts 6785 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 90038

Info trejosdonuts.com Trejo is an actor seen in many of director Robert Rodriguez’s films and star of two “Machete” movies, as well as a famous Snicker’s commercial. He has seven “taco shacks” in Los Angeles and a Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts in Santa Monica. Robert DeNiro Nobu LA and Nobu Malibu 903 La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 90069 22706 CA-1, Malibu, 90265 Info noburestaurants.com/losangeles/home/ Actor and director DeNiro co-founded the first Nobu, an upmarket Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant, in 1994, with co-founders celebrity chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa (the Japanese chef who made black cod with miso famous) and film producer and entrepreneur Meir Teper. Nobu Hospitality is now an empire with 39 restaurants and eight luxury hotels across five continents. Two locations of Nobu are open in SoCal. Mark and Donnie Wahlberg Wahlburgers Three locations 185 University Ave., Palo Alto, 94301 USC Village, 835 W. Jefferson, Unit 1710, L.A., 90007 8615 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 90069 Info wahlburgers.com/all-locations/california Mark Wahlberg is best known as the frontman for the group, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. As an actor he starred in the 2001 “Plant of the Apes,” as well as a score of other films. Donnie Wahlberg is a founding member of the boy band New Kids on the Block. He currently stars in the CBS drama series “Blue Bloods” as Danny Reagan.

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J A N UA RY 26, 2020

TECHNOLOGY

How hackers track you by sending an email By Kim Komando Signal Contributing Writer

t’s hard to believe that a single pixel could ruin your life. After all, a pixel measures about 0.0104 inches. If you took a mechanical pencil and drew the smallest mark you could, this dot would be much larger than a typical pixel. With the advent of pixel-tracking, cybercriminals have a whole new weapon at their disposal. That’s why it’s important you take control of your email. Since pixel-tracking is still unfamiliar to many users, let’s start with how it works before getting into what to do about it.

How pixel-tracking works

To review, these are common telltale signs of an email scam: • writer requests that you enter personal information. • unknown sender (“from” address). • instructions require immediate

attention. • poor spelling or grammar. • requests you click on a link.

as a valuable kind of surveillance for cybercriminals, too.

Even if you’re super careful, details can go unnoticed. Technically, this microscopic pixel is computer code, embedded within the body of an email. The purpose of this code is to track a large amount of personal information, such as: • the number of times you open an email. • the operating system you use. • the time you opened the email. • your ip address. • what type of device you used to open the email. Pixel-tracking allows marketers, advertisers and other companies collect data about you. This kind of tracking is legal, despite the fact that most consumers have never heard of it. As if collecting your info for marketing purposes without your consent isn’t bad enough, pixel-tracking can also serve

A little-known, widespread threat

Though it’s been used for years, this technique drew very little attention from the media or public; however, pixel-tracking was thrust into the limelight after a 2006 lawsuit revealed that HP employed a commercial email tracking service to trace an email sent to a reporter in an attempt to uncover her source. As the use of pixel-tracking grows in popularity, consumers, data protection advocates and industry leaders have raised user privacy questions and supported regulations that call for placing limits on technologies like pixel-tracking. Here are a few steps you can take to help you avoid this marketing trap.

How to block it

The simplest way to prevent pixel-tracking is to block images from displaying in your emails. If the pixel

isn’t displayed, the code probably won’t work. To block images in Gmail, click on the gear icon and select Settings. Scroll down and click on Ask before displaying external images under the Images option. Click Save changes (at the bottom of the page). If you’re using Outlook or another third-party email client on a desktop or mobile device, you can enable this setting as well, typically located within the app’s settings.

Track the trackers

Why not turn the tables and track those tracking you? Using a browser extension, like PixelBlock, you can block tracking pixels and receive an alert indicating which emails contain the tracking code. 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.

SMILE CITY DENTAL

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(Corner of Whites Canyon in Ralphs Center)

J A N UA RY 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

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 AMERICAN Backwoods Inn 17846 W. Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 252-5522 The Backyard Grub n’ Brews 26509 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 286-1165 Bergie’s 16404 Delone Street, Canyon Country (661)251-3133 Black Angus 27007 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 288-2000 Black Bear Diner 23626 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 799-4820 Brooklyn Bar & Grill 25860 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 284-6057 Crazy Otto’s Diner 25373 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 291-1733 The Daily Harvest Cafe & Juicery 22722 Lyons Ave #6, Newhall (661) 383-9387 Eat Real Cafe 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 Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 284-5988 Marston’s Restaurant 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 253-9910 Nealie’s Skillet 25858 Tournament Road, Valencia (661) 678-0031 Newhall Refinery 24258 Main St, Newhall (661) 388-4477 Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co 18810 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 252-7883 Route 66 Classic Grill 18730 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 298-1494 Saddle Ranch Chop House 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 383-0173 Salt Creek Grille 24415 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 222-9999 The Old Town Junction 24275 Main Street, Newhall (661) 702-4888 Thelma’s Cafe 22876 Copperhill Drive, Saugus (661) 263-8283 Wing Stop 18547 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-9700

BBQ Dickeys Barbecue Pit 18742 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 251-0840 L&L Hawaiian BBQ 18727 Via Princessa, Canyon Country (661) 251-8333 Lucille’s Bar-B-Que 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 255-1227 27674 Newhall Ranch Rd #55 Valencia CA 91355

661-294-9069 italiavalencia.com

Q&Q Hawaiian BBQ 27530 Newhall Ranch Road #101, Santa Clarita (661) 383-9098

Casa Canela 27647 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 523-7282 Crazy Otto’s Diner 25373 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 291-1733 Egg Plantation 24415 Walnut Street, Newhall (661) 255-8222 Eggs N Things 27560 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 702-8664 Halfway House 15564 W. Sierra Highway, Saugus (661) 251-0102 Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 284-5988 Marston’s Restaurant 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 253-9910 Mimi’s Cafe 24201 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia (661) 255-5520 The Old Town Junction 24257 Main Street, Newhall (661) 702-4888 Saugus Cafe 25861 Railroad Avenue, Saugus (661) 259-7886 Way Station Coffee Shop 24377 Main Street, Newhall (661) 255-0222

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 Cousins Burgers 19318 Soledad Cyn Rd, Canyon Country (661) 298-4200 Everest Burgers 18645 Soledad Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 252-3412 Five Guys 24201 W, Valencia Blvd #3672, Valencia (661) 255-0981 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Panini Palace 23120 Lyons Ave., Santa Clarita (661) 678-0552 Pita Pit 28253 Newhall Ranch Road (661) 702-9977 Red Robin 27063 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 260-2411 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 The Habit 25948 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 291-1575 23120 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 678-0552 Tiny’s Submarine Sandwiches 27251 Camp Plenty Rd, Canyon Country (661) 251-5885

CHINESE China Express 19417 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-8783 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 Continued next page

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DININGGUIDE Continued from previous page Mandarin Wong Chinese Restaurant 23758 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-5823 Pei Wei Asian Diner 24250 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-600-0132 Pick Up Stix 25960 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 288-2090 WaBa Grill 19120 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 367-7297 31739 Castaic Road, Castaic (661) 295 9222 Wokcano 24201 Valencia Blvd. #3452, Valencia (661) 288-1913 Wok’s Cookin’ Chinese Restaurant 31565 Castaic Road, Castaic (661) 257-2890

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

DELICATESSEN

Bob’s Country Meats 19012 Soledad Cyn Rd, Canyon Country (661) 251-5995 Cathy’s Delicatessen 23120 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 288-2217 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-6261 The Sandwich Shop 25530 W. Avenue Stanford, Valencia (661) 257-4811

FRENCH

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

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

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

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

JAPANESE & SUSHI

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 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

KOREAN & MONGOLIAN Charcoal Korean BBQ Restaurant 19158 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-9292 Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-0351 Gogi House 26524 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 263-0048

Kogiya 2 Korean BBQ 23410 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 678-0999 Lee’s Korean BBQ & Tofu House 23360 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 254-2307 ZingGa Grill 26910 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita (661) 250-7592

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

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

PIZZA Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Magic Pizza SCV 26870 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 291-1921

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

Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-3895

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

Pieology Pizzeria 28295 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia (661)678-0234

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 Casa Pasilla 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 295-1989 Dario’s Mexican Restaurant 24523 Newhall Avenue, Newhall (661) 255-6868 El Trocadero Mesquite Grill & Cantina 24274 Main Street, Newhall (661) 284-6615 La Charrita Restaurant 24225 Main St, Newhall (661) 288-1204 La Cocina Bar & Grill 19915 Golden Valley Rd. (661) 250-7141

Pizza Di Marco 27674 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia 661-295-8769 Pizza Rev 24341 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia (661) 260-1257 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 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 19

FOOD

Host a

on Feb. 2

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

he biggest entertainment days of the winter season might be behind us, but there’s still one amazing party day left before spring and summer entertaining

begins. Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 2! Invite your family, friends and neighbors to celebrate a rare New England Patriots-less Super Bowl. In honor of the “final four” teams, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers, select unique regional foods and hors d’oeuvres to serve your guests. A fun way to decorate is to include streamers and balloons in the colors of all 32 NFL teams. Party stores offer a variety of football themed decorations. Include a few Nerf footballs for guests to toss around, as well.

Kansas City, Missouri Charcuterie

Considered by many to be the best barbecued meat in the world, Kansas City Burnt Ends is the iconic Kansas City dish, however, spending 10 hours cooking a brisket in a smoker might be a big ask for a Super Bowl party. Nearly 200 years of German, French and Italian influence make for an eclectic food history in Missouri. A charcuterie board can reflect the best of Kansas City food heritage. Assemble your board using a combination of cured deli meats, a variety of cheeses, different kinds of olives, nuts, dried fruit, crackers and fig jam.

San Francisco Sourdough Crostini

San Francisco is known for seafood, including abalone, Dungeness crab, sand dabs and bay shrimp, but crusty sourdough bread may be its true claim to fame. 3 sourdough baguettes 4 heads of garlic 4 tbsp. olive oil 1 cup spreadable goat cheese 1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 400 F. Chop 1/4 inch off of the top of each head of garlic and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap garlic in foil, bake 30 minutes. Slice thin pieces of the baguette and place on cookie sheet. Toast in oven at the same time garlic is roasting. Spread goat cheese over warm baguette slices. Spread roasted garlic over goat cheese. Top with chopped walnuts and serve warm.

Nashville Fried Pickles with Comeback Sauce

Tennessee is known for Southern favorites like Nashville Hot Chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, sweet potato fries and banana pudding, along with a large assortment of fried food. Try this Southern favorite: fried pickles with Comeback Sauce for dipping, (because you’ll surely come back for more).

Fried Pickles 2 1 1/2 2 1 3

cups flour tsp. salt tsp. pepper eggs cup milk cups drained dill pickle slices Oil for frying

In one bowl, combine flour, salt and pepper. In another bowl, beat eggs and milk. Blot pickles with paper towels to remove moisture. Coat pickles with flour mixture, dip in egg mixture; coat again with flour mixture (this makes the pickles crispy). In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375F. Fry pickles, about 10 at a time, for 3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain well on paper towels.

Comeback Sauce 1/2 2 2 1 1 1/2 1/2

cup mayonnaise tbsp. ketchup tbsp. hot sauce tsp. Worcestershire sauce tsp. garlic powder tsp. salt tsp. black pepper

Wisconsin Booyah Stew

Wisconsin, home of the Green Bay Packers, is famous for its cheese and other dairy products, such as frozen custard. Other notable foods unique to the region include bratwursts, beer, Old Fashioned cocktails, butter burgers, fish fries, fish boils and “Booyah Stew.” 3 tbsp. olive oil 1 1/2 lbs. boneless chicken thighs 1 lbs. beef stew meat 1 1/2 cups chopped onion 1 tbsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper 4 cups beef or chicken stock 1 1/2 cups sliced celery 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots 1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage 2 1/2 lbs. diced potatoes 2 14.5 oz. cans diced tomatoes 1 1/2 cups frozen cut green beans 1 cup frozen corn 1 cup frozen peas 4 cups water 2 bay leaves 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 3 tsp. soy sauce In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat olive oil then add chicken, stew meat and onion. Brown the meat, then add salt, pepper and stock. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer two hours. Add celery, carrots, potato, cabbage, tomatoes, frozen vegetables, bay leaves, water, Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. Cover pot, simmer for an additional two hours. Serve with crackers or garlic bread.

Mix together. Serve with warm fried pickles.

From a meat and cheese plate to fried pickles to Booyah Stew, load your Super Bowl table with foods that recognize the final four teams in the playoffs.

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J A N UA RY 26, 2020

The Beat returns to Canyon Santa Clarita By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

he group known as pioneers and legends in the “British Two Tone Ska movement,” English Beat and original singer and guitar player Dave Wakeling continues the band’s legacy of hits like “Mirror in the Bathroom” and “Save it for Later,”

among many others. Touring throughout California this month with other well-known acts like Rancid, English Beat remains an influence on countless ska musicians. While the band lost original member Roger Charlery, aka Ranking Roger, early last year, the group’s fan can still enjoy the original sound when English Beat comes to Santa Clarita as the headliner on the day

after Valentine’s Day. With four decades of music since the band released “a classic Smokey Robinson tune ‘Tears of a Clown,’” for its first single in early 1979, according to the band’s website, and the English Beat still plays its lengthy catalogue to generations of fans. Next week’s show promises “The English Beat with an amazing allstar ska backing band playing all the

hits of The Beat, General Public and songs from (Wakeling’s) new album ‘Here We Go Love,’” according to the Canyon Santa Clarita website. Find the Canyon Santa Clarita on the ground floor of the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Get tickets at the box office 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, by phone at (888) 645-5006, or via TicketMaster.com. For more info, visit WheremusicmeetstheSoul.com.

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J A N UA RY 26, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Left: Christian Bale and Matt Damon starred in “Ford v Ferrari,” which was directed by CalArts alum James Mangold and partially filmed at the Agua Dulce Airport. PHOTO COURTESY 20TH CENTURY FOX. Above: CalArts alum and “Proud Family” creator Bruce W. Smith co-directed the film “Hair Love.” PHOTO COURTESY SONY ANIMATION Below: Melody Ranch, one of the Santa Clarita’s more storied filming locations, played host to “Once Upon a time … in Hollywood. PHOTO COURTESY MELODY RANCH

OSCARS

Continued from page 5

was directed, written and produced by CalArts alum Sergio Pablos, and adds the nomination for the Best Animated Film Oscar to other accolades, including BAFTA and Annie Award nominations. To date, 12 Best Animated Feature Oscars have been directed by CalArts alumni, including the last seven consecutive winners. Two-time Oscar-winner Andrew Stanton co-wrote “Toy Story 4,” which is competing with “Klaus” for the Best Animated Film award. Fellow alum and “Proud Family” creator Bruce W. Smith co-directed the film “Hair Love,” helmed by former NFL player Mathew A. Cherry, about a black father doing his daughter’s hair for the first time. “Hair Love” received an Oscar nod for Best Animated Short. Additionally, Siqi Song’s film “Sister” received a nod in the Best Animated Feature category. “Sister,” Song’s thesis film, is a stop-motion picture that deals with the one-child policy, and was screened in festivals like the Sundance Film Festival, the London International Animation Festival and the China Independent Animation Film Forum. In an interview with Animation Magazine, Song said, “Through films, we are able to experience different lives and empathize with the emo-

tions we have in common as human beings. I want to make films that can connect people and make us know and understand each other and ourselves a little better than before.” Over the past six years, the city has issued approximately 500 filming permits per year, which translates to 1,300 days of filming, according to Evan Thomason, who runs the city’s Film Office. He also estimated the economic impact for Santa Clarita for those shoots is about $30 million per year directly spent related to filming, such as catering or renting homes rather than city revenue. The Santa Clarita City Council appreciates the film industry’s economic impact and the city’s film-friendly policies look to support everything from high-end productions to independent producers. “Filmmaking is a large part of our local history and I think that having Oscar-nominated films is a source of pride for the community,” said Thomason, whose title is economic development associate for the city of Santa Clarita. “The fact that we have so many high-profile films shot out here is just a testament to the infrastructure we have in place and just the city in general.” Santa Clarita boasts over 25 sound stages and 10 movie ranches with even more in development all within the “30-mile zone,” or TMZ, surrounding Hollywood. He also credits the variety of looks and locations

within Santa Clarita for its popularity with film productions. Other Oscar nominees and winners that were shot in Santa Clarita include “A Star is Born,” “La La Land,” “Vice,” “Roman J. Israel, Esq.,” “The Revenant,” “Whiplash,” “American Sniper,” “Django Unchained” and “Titanic.” “We have such a diverse community with older neighborhoods, newer neighborhoods and everything in between so we can really double for anywhere in the world or even other planets if you’ve seen ‘Star Trek,” Thomason said. “We have a very good, film-friendly reputation within

the film community. If you think you’re seeing Santa Clarita in TV or movies, you probably are.” As far as Oscar nominations go, Thomason says, it’s a big pride point for the community. “Hollywood and the Oscars are so ingrained in our culture, especially here, and everyone has an emotional connection to films,” he said. “Parents pass down films to their children. The entertainment industry is very precious to all of us and we like to celebrate the Oscars as entertainment’s biggest night.”

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J A N UA RY 26, 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 Wednesdays, 8-10 p.m. Citadel Krav Maga is helping women in the Santa Clarita Valley empower and protect themselves by

WIN

= Family Friendly Event

offering a evening course called “Women’s Wednesday.”“Women’s Wednesday” is a drop-ins service offered to all women, and does not require a monthly membership to the school to attend. $10. 17749 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country. Info: citadelkravmaga.com Thursdays, 4-9 p.m. The Vegan Exchange SCV at Wolf Creek Brewery is a weekly 100% vegan market featuring local food, beverage, apparel, cosmetics and lifestyle vendors. Pocock Brewing Company, 24907 Ave. Tibbitts, Suite B, Santa Clarita. Info: veganexchangeevents.com/vxscv Thursdays, 5:54-7 p.m. Join Runners Lane Santa Clarita for a free 5K fun run/ walk. You can go the entire distance or if you’re just starting out you can go by time. Our goal is to get the community out and moving whether your fast or slow or just in the middle. We encourage all levels to join us. Walkers too! 22959 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ events/956668621334188/?event_time_ id=956673478000369 Fourth Thursday of the month, 7-9 p.m. You’re the Best is an outrageous and ridiculous evening of entertainment, fun, and mayhem. The competition is open to all levels of experience and all ages. Finding inspiration from old school television variety shows, such as “The Gong Show,” performances will include comedians, dance groups, magicians, animal acts, singers and more! Winners from each month will have the chance to win $500 in the grand finale. The MAIN, 24266 Main Street., Newhall. Info: atthemain.org/ youre-the-best/

WIN

! WIN

CONGRATULATIONS to BONNIE KELLER for correctly identifying VALENCIA SHOWERS on page 25 Identify this advertiser and the page number in this week’s issue, and you will be entered to win a $100 gift certificate for a local restaurant. One game and one winner each week.

Mail your entry to The Signal – Contest 26330 Diamond Place | Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Or email contest@signalscv.com Advertiser: _____________________________ Page # ______ Name: _____________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________ This week’s entries are due Wed. February 5 Winner to be announced in 2 weeks.

First Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Flutterby is a no-charge open art studio for kids and their parents to stop by and make their own artwork to display. All art materials are provided and no prior registration necessary, as it’s free. ARTree Community Arts Center, 22508 6th St., Newhall. Info: (661) 673-7500, http://theartree.org/events/

EVENTS BY DATE Sunday, Jan. 26, 2 p.m. Our 2020 SCV Relay Kickoff. The event will be held at Santa Clarita Lanes.All are invited to participate. Registered Relay For Life teams will receive credit towards their fundraising goals. 100% of the proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. To make this event as exciting and fun as possible, we need your help! $25 per bowler, $230 per 6 person team. Santa Clarita Lanes, 21615 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ events/998919813804400/ Sunday, Jan. 26, 4-7 p.m. Join Glowhouse Gaming to celebrate our one-year anniversary with a special friends and family night! We’ll have food and different ways to entertain. You’ll get the chance to win prizes and play video games. 25061 Avenue Stanford, Suite 40, Santa Clarita Info: glowhousegaming.com/event-calendar/ friends-family-nite/ Monday, Jan. 27, 6-8 p.m. Please join Pocock Brewing Company in supporting Soroptimist International Of Valencia’s trivia night, the first event in the 10th annual Gentlemen For A Cause! The teams will be competing for points as well as bragging rights. The $25 entrance fee gets you in the trivia game and proceeds from the nights activities go to support our programs for women and girls in the SCV community. 24907 Avenue Tibbitts, Ste B, Santa Clarita. Info: one.bidpal.net/gfac2020/ ticketing(details:ticketing-summary) Wednesday, Jan. 29, 5:30-8 p.m. Join NextSCV as we host a “Ted Talk” format with Ken Striplin and get an inside look at what it takes to be a city manager. We’ll be going into detail about Ken’s journey, what day to day operations look like and the future of the City of Santa Clarita. $10. City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd. Santa Clarita. Info: scvchamber. com/events/nextscv-with-ken-striplin Thursday, Jan. 30 5-8 p.m. Join Startup Grind for our annual Winter Party! Let’s get together to kick off 2020 and celebrate our community entrepreneurs, startups,

business leaders, inventors, innovators, creators, media mavens, connectors and more. Let’s recognize successes and look forward to a new decade of breakthroughs! Wolf Creek Brewery, 25108 Rye Canyon Loop, Valencia, Santa Clarita. $10. Info: .facebook. com/events/2731913323554500/ Thursday, Jan. 30, 7-8:30 p.m. Parents of high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors, register for this free college planning workshop and learn how to save thousands on college costs! What families do to disqualify themselves from financial aid? Are some schools more generous than others? RSVP Code 859389. Mimi’s Cafe, 24201 W. Magic Mountain Parkway, Santa Clarita. Info: mylocalworkshop.org Friday, Jan. 31, 6-8 p.m. Attention teens!! The Jo Ann Darcy Canyon Country library challenges you to an snowball fight! Join the fun as we play games and enjoy snacks. 18601 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: santaclaritalibrary.evanced.info/ signup/calendar Friday, Jan. 31, 8 p.m. Come to the opening night of “The Tree’s Dream,” an immersive experimental puppet show with marionettes, bunraku puppets, masked dancers and electronic music. Join a quest by two puppet characters to save the last tree standing in a deserted wasteland. Journey with them through the subconscious dreaming mind of the tree to try to use the magical powers of empathy and courage. Children $14, Adults $17. The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Santa Clarita. Info: atthemain.org Sunday, Feb. 2, 2-5 p.m. It almost Super Bowl Sunday which means football and food. The Agua Dulce Winery will be having our annual Tailgating Appetizer Cook Off. Bring your “go-to” appetizer to our pre game contest. Compete in our Quarterback Challenge for prizes. 9640 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita. Hot dogs will be served to all. No Cost. No Reservations Necessary. Info: aguadulcewinery.com/wp/ event/super-bowl-sunday/ Friday, Feb. 6, 8-10 p.m. Comedy Mashup returns to The MAIN for another great evening of comedy and improv. Comedy Mashup is a group of working comedians and improvisers from all over the Valley and Hollywood that come together once a month to put on a show that is one half stand up other half improv comedy. Suggested audience age is 18+. $10 online in advance, $15 at the door. 24266 Main Street, Santa Clarita. Info: atthemain.org

J A N UA RY 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 23

Safety tips when buying toys for toddlers

oys play a pivotal role in the lives of young children. While fun is always a consideration when buying toys for kids, toys can do more than entertain. The National Association for the Education of Young Children notes that toys for young children should match the youngsters’ stages of development and their emerging abilities. When those matches are made, children’s imagination and coordination will develop, all while they’re having fun. Safety is another factor adults must take seriously when buying toys for children. Unfortunately, safety is not always foremost on the minds of toy shoppers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that more than 251,000 toy-related injuries were treated in American hospital emergency rooms in 2017. Thankfully, such injuries are almost always

K I D S & FA M I LY

these toys are less likely than age-inappropriate toys to put youngsters’ safety in jeopardy. • Recognize even stuffed animals can present safety hazards. Stuffed animals may not appear to pose as safety risks, but poorly made stuffed animals may have small parts that can easily come off. Poorly made stuffed animals may prove no match for the prying hands of curious youngsters, so make sure any small parts on stuffed animals, such as eyes and buttons, are securely fastened before making any purchases. avoidable, especially when shoppers follow a handful of safety strategies when buying toys for young children. • Avoid toys with lots of pieces. Stanford Children’s Health notes that toddlers and small children tend to put things in their mouths, increasing their risk of choking as a result. When buying toys for toddlers or

small children, avoid toys with small parts that can be choking hazards. • Pay attention to age recommendations on packaging. Age guidelines on toy packages are designed to ensure that kids play with toys suited for their age and abilities. Children are more likely to enjoy playing with toys designed for kids their age, and

• Teach kids how to use toys. When giving children advanced toys, take the time to show the youngsters how to use them. Such demonstrations can clear up any confusion about the toys, reducing kids’ risk for injury as a result. Safety should always be a priority when purchasing toys for kids. (MC)

What are congenital heart defects?

regnancy is an exciting time for expecting parents. As due dates draw closer, expecting parents’ anticipation and to-do lists grow. With nurseries to design, baby books to read and clothes and toys to buy, it can be easy for parents to overlook prenatal care. But prenatal care is vital, as it not only monitors Mom’s health, but also keeps a watchful eye on the child growing inside her. Expecting parents may not know what to expect during pregnancy well visits. Updates on the health of mom and her baby are the norm, and doctors also may share information about birth defects. No parent wants to imagine their unborn child being diagnosed with birth defects, but the American Heart Association notes that minor defects rarely produce symptoms, and many such defects can be corrected before birth or shortly after. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defects. Recognizing that and making an effort to understand these particular types of defects

flows through the heart and out to the rest of the body. Some CHDs are considered mild, while others are classified as severe.

How many babies are born with heart defects?

The CDC notes that CHDs affect nearly 1% of births in the U.S. each year. Roughly one in four of those babies is born with a critical CHD, the treatment of which requires surgery or other procedures in the first year of life.

What causes CHDs?

can calm expecting parents’ anxieties and better equip them to handle a congenital heart defect diagnosis.

What are congenital heart defects?

Congenital heart defects, or CHDs, can affect the structure of a baby’s heart and how it functions. For example, a CHD may affect how blood

According to the CDC, the causes of CHDs among most babies are unknown, though some theorize that CHDs are caused by a combination of genes and other factors. Those additional factors may include the mother’s diet or her medication use during pregnancy. Mothers’ preexisting health conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, have been linked to heart defects in babies. Smoking during pregnancy also has been linked to heart defects.

What are the symptoms of CHDs?

The type and severity of CHDs may

dictate the symptoms. The CCHA notes that there are more than 40 types of CHDs, some of which may produce no symptoms at all, which only further underscores the importance of prenatal and postnatal care. If a CHD is not diagnosed prior to a child being born, parents who recognize any of these potential CHD symptoms should report them to their child’s pediatrician immediately: • Blue-tinted nails or lips • Fast or troubled breathing • Tiredness when feeding • Sleepiness

What is the prognosis for children diagnosed with CHD?

The CCHA notes that 60 years ago only about 20% of children diagnosed with a CHD survived to adulthood. Since then, that figure has improved to roughly 90%. A CHD diagnosis can be troubling for expecting parents. But learning how to recognize and potentially prevent them can calm parents’ nerves. (MC)

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J A N UA RY 26, 2020

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Bundt pans give form to winter ice lanterns By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

ce is nice! Especially when you create a warm welcome to your home with a creative, icy greeting on a dark winter’s night. From popular snowball-size ice candles to large blocks, they all sparkle and glow to line a pathway to your front door. Easy for me to say, I know, since I live in snow-covered Minnesota, where it’s usually below freezing all winter long. But I proved that I could light the night and create an ice luminary in a moderate climate when I invited friends to our California cabin recently.

Two days before the party, I rooted through cupboards in search of a Bundt pan. I then filled the mold with water and let it freeze in our freezer. Before friends arrived, I popped the beautifully shaped “ice lantern” out of the mold, set it on a rimmed tray (to catch melting ice) and placed it on the front porch step with a lighted votive in the inside cavity. Once guests arrived, oohing and ahhing with “How did you make that?” queries, I brought it inside for a magical buffet centerpiece. Although it was partially melted by evening’s end, another luminary was prepping in the freezer for another night. If you have a Bundt pan hiding in your cupboards, bring it out and

make ice lanterns with your kids. The price is right with this enjoyable craft — your only cost is water and candles! Here’s how:

Bundt pan ice lantern

Here’s the stuff you need: one metal Bundt pan water votive or small pillar candle citrus slices, floral greens and sticks, etc. (optional) • food coloring (optional) • • • •

1. Fill the pan with water to within an inch of the rim. Wedge in floral objects between the sides of the pan, if you wish. Small objects, such as plastic fish, add whimsy. Or, add a drop of food coloring.

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Wednesday, Jan. 29 Thursday, Jan. 30 Friday, Jan. 31

LUNCH

2. Place pan in the freezer or outside if it is below freezing. 3. When frozen, turn upside-down in a sink. Let it thaw a bit, and slowly lift pan. Or, run water over pan to release. 4. Set a candle inside. At sunset, an adult can light the candle. Note An adult should always be present when burning candles.

“Happy Brrrrr-thday” idea

If you live in snow country, make two Bundt pan ice lanterns to create an ice cake. Go outside and stack them on top of one another, with snow spread like icing in-between layers. Top with pretend candles nestled in snow. “A slice of ice, anyone?” 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 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

H O L I D AY

Simple tips that have a impact

ersonal hygiene isn’t about just looking good. The effects of maintaining personal hygiene are myriad, and include reducing one’s susceptibility to infection and decreasing the risk for disease. Because personal hygiene can have such a profound impact on overall health, some may feel that they need to go to great lengths to maintain their hygiene. But that’s not the case. In fact, the following are a handful of simple ways that men, women and children can maintain their personal hygiene. Wash your hands The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that is one of the most important steps a person can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. After using the toilet, changing a diaper or handling raw meats that have invisible fecal matter from animals on them, people who do not wash their hands can spread germs such as salmonella, E. coli and norovirus. In addition, such contamination from people or animals can contribute to the spread of respiratory infections, including adenovirus and hand-foot-mouth disease. A 2008 study into the efficacy of handwashing published in the American Journal of Public Health found that improvements in hand hygiene resulted in a 31% reduction in gastrointestinal illnesses and a 21% reduction in respiratory illnesses. Clean and trim your fingernails Some may consider cleaning and trimming one’s fingernails a purely cosmetic activity, but proper grooming of nails can reduce a person’s risk for infection. For example, keeping fingernails clean and short can help to prevent and control pinworm infection, which the CDC notes is the most common worm infection in the United States. Pinworms are small, white roundworms that sometimes live in the colon and rectum of humans. People infected with pinworms may itch or scratch infected areas, ultimately

Maintaining clean, short fingernails can reduce a person’s risk for potentially harmful infections.

spreading the pinworms if they do not wash their hands and trim and clean their fingernails. Reinfection may occur among people infected with pinworms who do not clean their hands and fingernails and keep their fingernails short. Brush and floss your teeth There’s more to personal hygiene than cleaning hands and fingernails. The American Dental Association notes that the mouth is filled with bacteria, some of which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease, which has been linked to problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and bacterial pneumonia. The presence of periodontitis, an advanced from of gum disease that can result in tooth loss and, in pregnant women, can even increase a woman’s risk of delivering preterm and/or delivering low-birth-weight infants. Brushing your teeth thoroughly twice per day and flossing between the teeth once per day can improve your overall health and contribute to fresh breath. Personal hygiene can help people look their best, but the most significant benefit to emphasizing personal hygiene might be the effects that such an emphasis has on overall health. (MC)

J A N UA RY 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 26

PETS

Three signs of discomfort to watch for in your dog

ogs are the best. The best welcome home greeters. The best snuggle buddies. And, the best road trip companions. But, just like humans, dogs have ruff days and health problems from aging and their active lives. They don’t always know how to tell us where they hurt or why they are acting differently, but there are some signs that pet parents can watch for.

prone to developing joint issues as they age,” says Dr. DeLomba. “One of the first and best ways to manage these changes is with a daily joint supplement like GlycoFlex from VetriScience.”

1. Less pep in their step. It’s natural for dogs to be less active as they age, but with four legs and boundless curiosity, injuries can happen any time. If your fur family member isn’t sprinting around the backyard like normal, or they’re walking up or down stairs instead of running, they may be experiencing leg or paw discomfort. A prolonged change in the way they walk or run could be a sign of hip or joint discomfort indicating a chronic condition, according to veterinarian Elizabeth DeLomba. “Medium to large dog breeds in particular are

2. Missing your snuggle buddy. They’re always curled up beside you during a Netflix binge or keeping your feet warm in bed every night. But, when your best snuggler starts being anti-social, it may be a sign that they need something more than a cuddle. “A dog acting anti-social may be an indication of a physical problem or discomfort that they are trying to hide,” says Dr. DeLomba. A dog acting sensitive to petting or a gentle touch may signal underlying issues.

3. What’s that smell? Doggie kisses are also the best, but not so much with bad doggie breath. If your dog has consistently bad breath despite special treats and regular teeth cleanings, they may have a tooth or gum issue. Likewise, if your dog is needing to “go” more often, or you start finding accidents in the house, it may be an indication of a urinary issue or problem. If Fido isn’t finishing meals or is not that interested in

treats, that’s another sign of possible gastrointestinal distress or other internal issues that may not be obvious physically but may be detected with blood work. Talk to your veterinarian if your dog is demonstrating any of the above behaviors. Depending on the circumstance, your dog may benefit from a simple change such as a new diet or supplement regime. For serious issues, you should always contact your veterinarian, who may need to prescribe medication. If your dog isn’t exactly a champ at swallowing pills when they need them to feel better, Dr. DeLomba recommends new VetriScience PinchersTM pill-hiding treats with probiotics. Our pets are with us for far too short a time. Watch for their signs of discomfort to keep them happy, healthy, and at your side for as long as possible. (BPT)

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 27

SENIORLIVING

GETTIN’ UP THERE

Grandparents as parents:

A journey of love and support free support groups facilitated by qualified professionals; advocacy services to help caregivers as they mapopular Facebook meme neuver in the juvenile court system; says that the best thing referrals and education, such as help about grandparenthood in raising “at risk” children; advois being able to spoil cacy/intervention to offer support our grandchildren and then give with county/state agencies, schools, them back to their moms and dads. doctors and courts; and peer and While many grandmas and grandcaregiver family socials/outings that pas would chuckle at this thought, help with overcoming the isolation most would agree that “giving them felt by many caregiver families. back” is not necessarily high on their Grandparents often have worries priority list, particularly when those that are unique to their situations. child-to-grandparent bonds are tightMany are concerned about getting ly woven. older and stress over who will care for For more than 10% of American these children if grandparents, anything happens NEARLY 6 MILLION giving back is not them. Some even an option. CHILDREN UNDER AGE to have special needs Owing to their 18 LIVE EXCLUSIVELY grandchildren and own children WITH THEIR significant longbeing unable or term concerns. GRANDPARENTS. unwilling to care Many grandparfor their offspring, ents fear that what might have “gone grandma and grandpa’s home is wrong” with their own children could where the grandchildren live. repeat itself with their grandchildren Nearly six million children under (including anything that they as parage 18 live exclusively with their ents might have done). grandparents. California leads the “There are many things that we nation in such households. do to support them, to empower Becoming parents for the second them, and help them plan ahead,” time around in life can present myriad Davies said. “These grandparents challenges, and with such drastic have declared, ‘Yes! I’ll take these kids changes in family dynamics, it can be even though we have already raised a complicated path. For many of the children, even though at some point children, anxiety, depression, abanwe were going to be retiring. We will donment issues and anger are experimake this sacrifice for our grandchilential byproducts of what they’ve lived. dren.’ These grandparents are wonAfter all, by the time these youngderful human beings.” sters are taken in by their grandThe Grandparents as Parents group parents, many have already known meets at Bella Vida on Mondays from abuse, neglect, and/or other forms of 6:30-7:30 p.m. (helpful for working hurt, disappointment, confusion, and grandparents/those who cannot chaos. attend during the day) and ThursLinda Davies, who facilitates the days from 10-11:30 a.m. Childcare is Grandparents as Parents program at available. A group also meets in the Bella Vida senior center, hails these Antelope Valley on Tuesday from grandparents as selfless heroes striving to raise their grandkids in nurtur- 6-7:30 p.m. (call for the specific Anteing, safe and structured environments. lope Valley location). Bella Vida, is located at 27180 “They are stepping up to the plate Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita. to take on their grandchildren and For more information on the Grandkeep them out of the foster system, which is so important,” stated Davies, parents as Parents program call Linda Davies at (661) 259-9444, ext. 113. who has an extensive background By Diana Sevanian Signal Staff Writer

in childhood education, domestic violence, and senior issues. The program, Davies notes, offers

Diana Sevanian is a retired registered nurse and a longtime Signal columnist and features writer.

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2 8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J A N UA RY 26, 2020

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Aftermath of leaks, permits are essential By Robert Lamoureux Signal Contributing Writer

Neighbor’s issues causes leaks I live in a townhouse and have just experienced a leak from the unit above, and the damage is quite extensive. I’ve heard of horror stories before, where people have experienced this and ended up not getting reimbursed for the full amount of damages, through insurance. Can you give me a sort of step-by-step guide on what the proper steps are that I can take, to ensure I am not sitting in that same situation through this? Thank you for all of your help through The Signal, we read your column weekly. — Sam P. Sam, First things first, take a ton of photos. You can never have too many, and I’d take video, as well. You need not only close-ups of the damaged areas but you need broad view pictures in order to show perspective and also to show what is installed in your home prior to damages. This will help with documenting any personal items that may have been damaged also, it doesn’t hurt to have these in your records. Dealing with insurance companies can be a nightmare so the more well-armed you are, the more smoothly things will go. I’d log everything; dates, times and people you’ve spoken with and what was told to you, for your reference through the process. Definitely work closely with your

property manager, as they’ll be the contact and hiring vendors for the necessary work. Above all, be sure that proper drying out of your unit happens, and that the leak source is determined and repaired. Mold spores only need 72 hours to develop, so drying out is imperative, immediately. Once the affected areas are proven dry with a moisture meter, you can relax and work your way to getting things repaired. The more you can make yourself or someone available for access to your unit during the repair process, the faster this is likely to go. We often deal with access issues which greatly lengthen completion time. We can only work as quickly as we are able to get into any unit. Feel free to reach out with any further questions, and good luck to you. Value of permits I live in Canyon Country and read your article religiously. I wish I had

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listened to some of your advice, because we came home from vacation to find that our entire living room, family room, dining room and small bedroom downstairs had completely flooded. The water made its way out the back door, which was unfortunate because out the front perhaps a neighbor may have seen it. We don’t know how long the water sat, but we had remediation people here and we have the biggest mess on our hands. Ultimately, it was our water heater that went bad and my husband being handy, changed this himself. He is of the mindset that because we are the owners doing the work, we are exempt from getting permits for this change. Are we bound by law to get permits even though we are the property owners? — Gina P. Gina, Absolutely you are required to permit such a thing. I’ve said it 100

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times and I’ll keep saying it: The city is there for safety. The reason permits are required is because they go handin-hand with inspections, ensuring that work is done properly and safely ensuring the safety and well-being of all concerned. A water heater deals with gas — meaning it’s a potentially explosive situation in an earthquake if the installation isn’t done properly — so a water heater needs to be properly strapped. In the event of an earthquake, you don’t want to budge, which could cause gas lines to become disconnected. Ventilation is also an important safety factor. The inspector is there to verify that all concerns are tended to, not only for your sake, but for those around you also. A water heater explosion can cause catastrophic damage for quite a distance. So yes, Gina, call the city and get them out to inspect this work, for everyone’s sake. Hope the advice helps and remember: the city is there for safety. Good luck. Robert Lamoureux has 38 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at robert@imsconstruction.com.

J A N UA RY 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 29

T R AV E L

PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

Apps you’ll ‘app-reciate’ on your next trip

rom planning your next getaway to managing your vacation budget, there are myriad apps you can use to make your trip a seamless, more enjoyable experi-

ence. Before planning your next trip, make sure you visit your preferred app store to download tools like these that can help with everything from planning to staying on track during the trip to looking back on your experiences when you return home.

Map tools

While the most basic function of these apps is obvious, map apps are also useful tools to research the area you’re visiting, plan your routes ahead of time and find nearby essentials like gas stations and restaurants during your trip. Some apps also allow you to download offline maps so you don’t find yourself stranded if you’re going someplace where you’re likely to encounter poor signal strength.

Discount rate finders

These apps make it simple to research and compare the best rates and deals for multiple aspects of your trip, often packaged for maximum cost-savings.

For example, the Expedia app can be used to research and book everything from airfare and hotels to car rentals and activities. Once you’ve booked, these app makes it easy to keep track of your reservations and itineraries.

Airline resources

Even if you book your ticket through a third party, you can benefit from downloading the app for the airline you’ll be using. Nearly all airline apps include features that make it easier to make changes to your booking, check in, get a digital boarding pass, check your flight status and more. Additionally, most apps will alert you to any changes via push notifications.

Vacation rental bookings

Many travelers are opting for vacation rentals over traditional hotels, in part because of the convenience and personal experience you can create. For example, the Vrbo app provides everything you need to book a vacation rental. As an added bonus, Trip Boards allow you to save, organize and compare your favorite properties. You can invite friends and family who will be traveling with you to discuss the trip using the new group chat feature and add and vote on their favorite properties to

help narrow down the choices.

Unit converters

Handy for international travel, these apps make it easy to compute and convert common units of measurement, such as currency and distance, and many even convert time zones for you. Having a unit converter app is especially important if you may not have reliable access to Wi-Fi or data during your trip.

Budget trackers

Travel expenses can pile up fast, but you can keep tabs on your expenses along the way with an app that tracks the details. Most options allow you to categorize expenses by type and date, and some offer additional features such as splitting balances between friends and families or allowing you to set warning thresholds so you know when you’re getting close to exceeding your budget.

Payment solutions

Fees and structures may vary from one app to the next, but all are designed to make sending and receiving money more convenient. When it comes to travel, you can use an app like Venmo to easily split costs and share payments between family and friends during and after the trip. Find more resources for your next getaway at Vrbo. com.

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J A N UA RY 26, 2020

TIMERANGER

When Hart High was Almost Fremont High A happy Sunday morning to you, dear Santa Clarita saddlepals. As usual, we’ve a most interesting trek waiting for us. Just wiggle a left foot into the stirrup, hoist your fetching heinie up and into the saddle and direct your noble steed to yonder swirling black hole/time vortex. Let’s go see what life used to be like back in those halcyon good old days… WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• The SCV’s JCF United High School District? Savannah, Georgia, is not exactly one of my favorite places, for reasons too numerous to mention here, BUT, it is the birthplace of John Charles Fremont (technically, with one of those little marks over the Frémont). He was born Jan. 21, 1813. Newhall Pass used to be called Fremont Pass, after the famed and controversial general, explorer and land mogul. Our own William S. Hart wanted to name the valley’s first high school and district after him. He was the first Republican to run for president. In case there are those with blotchy records in high school history, Johnny lost … • Should they call it Agua del Muerto? Before Soledad was called Soledad, people knew it as Williamson Canyon Road, after the U.S. Army officer who discovered it, and the spiny stickleback fish. Bill died up in Agua Dulce on Jan. 30, 1850. Cause? Drinking too much cold water. JAN. 26, 1920

• Maybe we were just insular This item sprang from the Jan. 30, 1920, front page of The Mighty Newhall Signal: “There should be more sociability shown among the people of our beautiful burg to newcomers. A party told us the other day that he had been here a year and did not know five people in town and that it got pretty lonesome for he and his wife.” Hmmm. There were only about 500 people in the valley then. JAN. 26, 1930

• Got my fingers crossed for 2020 You know, it seems like eons since it snowed last here in the SCV. Luckily we can time travel to 1930 when we had a pretty nice snowfall in the valley this week. • Thanks, A.B.! Historian A.B. Per-

kins and the local Kiwanis began work on a marker for Placerita Canyon, at the Walker Ranch, to commemorate the discovery of gold by Francisco Lopez in 1842. • Hey! Didn’t we just have a giant dam disaster? This one really made the local residents chomp their lips. The city of Los Angeles announced plans to build a reservoir and dam up Bouquet Canyon. Folks were most uneasy about another dam up one of our canyons, what with the one in San Francisquito bursting not even two years earlier and killing 500 souls. JAN. 26, 1940

• Alas, poor Blanche Nearly 20 years to the day after her husband passed away, former Signal owner, publisher and editor Blanche Brown died, alone, in a nursing home. She had been spending her last years suffering from a long illness while living in a Tujunga rest home. Born in Vermont, she moved to Oregon and met her future husband Ed. They married, moved to Newhall in 1919 and started this very newspaper. Ed died in 1920 and she ran The Signal until 1925. Blanche was nicknamed, “Peanuts,” by the local kids because of her affinity for health foods. She ran the Newhall Library for nine years. She died leaving just one relative, a cousin, Mrs. Sidney Bunker, of Westwood Hills, Massachusetts. • Wonder if the guys carpooled? Two local boxers, Al Meyers of Saugus and Jackie Water of Newhall, ironically battled each other in a middleweight fight in El Segundo. Although Meyers was knocked down 17 times in the 10-rounder, it was called a draw. • Still miss you, Harry On this date, movie legend Harry Carey and family were given a huge send-off at the

Saugus train station. The family left their big San Francisquito Ranch to move to New York City. Harry was returning to his first love, the Broadway stage. The ranch was left in the hands of a caretaker, who cared for all the horses, burros, dogs and cats. The Navajos who helped run the ranch moved back to New Mexico and Arizona. Carey had tears in his eyes when he waved goodbye and said: “I’ll be back for the Newhall Rodeo.” • We’ll never see a spread like this again here The old Dullin Ranch in Placerita Canyon was sold. The Dullins produced some of the finest thoroughbreds in California. The houses were too old to be remodeled and were torn down by the new owners. The fields were enclosed by Kentucky-style fences and dozens of new stables were constructed. The ranch had been purchased by W.C. Gaffers, of the Gaffers & Sattler appliance partnership. The pair had 10 regular racing horses at Santa Anita. JAN. 26, 1950

• Nostalgia includes the profoundly stinky Locals spoke against the growing menace of hog ranches here in the SCV. One person noted that the stench had grown so great, they had to cancel Sunday church services. • Sounds like the current impeachment The grueling trial for the estate of William S. Hart continued. Young Bill Hart Jr. spent six days testifying and was grilled by the defense. One of the key points of testimony was regarding whether Hart Sr. had fought on the side of the Sioux in the Battle of Little Big Horn AGAINST George Armstrong Custer and his forces. Hart Jr. said his dad told him as much. The defense pointed out that the elder Hart had said he had rode with the Indians who had rode against Custer but that this was in a historical reenactment in 1926. Syntax, syntax, syntax. Another highlight of the trial was that neither side could find key witness, Anna Lindt Bastues, Hart’s nurse in his final years. Mrs. Bastues had earlier said she would hightail it before the issue came to trial, not wanting to get involved in what was considered one of the biggest trials of the 20th century. JAN. 26, 1960

• Famous joggers Four Hart High

cross countrymen — Bob McKee, Brad Duncan, Jim Levis and Ben Thomas — helped carry the Olympic torch being passed from the Los Angeles Coliseum to Squaw Valley. The boys ran quarter-mile legs through Saugus. JAN. 26, 1970

• Starving artists? CalArts started recruiting students for its new Valencia campus. Tuition for that first year of classes? A whopping $2,500 a year. Wonder what they’d think of today’s tuition — more than 10 times that amount. • Hey Fran? Whatever happened to Chips? The first-ever Hart-Canyon basketball game was 30 years ago this week. The Indians beat the Cowboys, 69-31. Dave “Chips” Bormann led Hart with 12 points and he would later cause head coach Fran Wrage to grow gray hairs. Bormann would eventually grow to nearly 7 feet tall and would lead small colleges in both scoring and rebounding. Bormann’s dad took Dave out of school so he could play at a bigger high school with more visibility. Mr. Bormann. There is no school with more visibility than Hart. JAN. 26, 1980

• Our worst murderer? The trial continued for Vampire Van killer Ronald Doyle Wilburn. On the stand, deputy medical examiner Joseph Choi testified that Wilburn had bludgeoned hitchhiker Mary Ann Linco to death with a hammer, but that she had taken as long as two hours to die. Wilburn had partially dismembered her body and had confessed to eating part of the girl, then wrapping her body in a carpet and hiding it in his van. Well. That’s the wonderful thing about time traveling. No airports. No lines. No $11 cups of coffee while you wait for your plane. We’ve just had a grand trip and are back at home sweet home without a wrinkle. Try it again in seven days? Be nice to one another. 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 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 31

BUSINESS

Three strategies to manage your time more effectively

usy professionals juggling the responsibilities of work and family often feel pressed for time. Adding a 25th hour to the day might not be possible, but busy men and women can make more time by managing their existing time more effectively. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that stress and time management are linked. People who effectively manage their time may, as a result, prove more capable of handling stressful situations than those who are not as adept at time management. Effective time management is an ongoing process that often requires people to revisit their approaches as their commitments change. In addition to making such adjustments when necessary, men and women can employ these three strategies to manage their time more effectively.

Keep track of yourself.

Maintain a log that indicates how much time you’re spending on the various tasks you perform throughout the day. Without such a log, it can be difficult to determine where time is being wasted and which activities require the most attention. In addition, maintaining an activity log can shed light on when you tend to be the most productive and when your energy begins to wane. That’s an especially beneficial thing to know, as it may compel you to make changes that can boost your energy levels at times of the day when you can most benefit from a little ex-

tra energy. For example, if you notice your productivity routinely slows to a crawl after lunch, you might choose to change your diet so you consume more energy-boosting foods at midday.

Steer clear of your mobile devices.

A 2019 study from eMarketer.com estimated that people will spend an average of three hours and 43 minutes on their mobile devices each day in 2020. The study found that much of that time was spent using social networking apps. Some professionals may need to use social networking apps as part of their jobs, but those that don’t should steer clear of their mobile devices during the day. Doing so may reduce distractions that can have an adverse effect on productivity, thereby helping people get more done in less time. During the workday, turn off unnecessary mobile phone notifications, such as those from sports or social media apps.

Make an effort to clear the clutter.

Clutter might not seem like too big a threat to productivity, but studies have found that it is. The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals notes that 54% of adults are overwhelmed by clutter at home and work, with 78% acknowledging they have no idea how to deal with it. One study even found that the average person wastes more than four hours per week searching for papers. That’s lost time

and time that’s certainly not managed effectively. By clearing away clutter at home and at the office, adults may be saving themselves an untold number

of hours each week. Men and women can manage their time more effectively by embracing various simple strategies.

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J A N UA RY 26, 2020

H E A LT H

Tips for relieving joint pain in the new year

he health benefits of regular exercise are undeniable, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends 30 minutes of exercise at least five times per week. However, high-impact exercises like running and weight training can lead to joint pain, especially if you have a joint condition. The good news is that smart exercises with low impact can alleviate joint pain and deliver the same health benefits. Here are a few tips to consider for a healthy start to 2020:

Keep moving

Trying to protect your joints by not moving actually does more harm than good. Regular exercise can actually help joint pain and ease symptoms of chronic joint conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Just be sure to talk to your doctor about your exercise plan before you get started.

Go low impact

You don’t need to put tremendous weight on your joints or jump up and down in order to break a sweat or elevate your heartrate. When you’re already in pain, this type of exercise can actually make things worse. Instead, opt for high-quality, low-impact workouts. There are now exercise machines available for home use that provide the same quality low-impact workout you’d get in physical therapy. Consider the Teeter FreeStep Recum-

bent Cross Trainer, a seated exercise machine that takes the weight off the joints while torching calories. Unlike other recumbent machines which can be bad for the knees, the FreeStep mimics a natural stepping motion that prevents knees from traveling over the toes, as well as stabilizes the back and hips. And you don’t have to sacrifice workout quality — in fact, research shows that FreeStep users burn 17.4 percent more calories than when using a recumbent bike at the same level of effort. Beyond calorie burn, it also offers full-body resistance training, which is especially important, as weak muscles can be a root cause of pain.

Hydrate

It may seem obvious, but ensuring that you drink the recommended daily intake of water is vital to reducing pain in your joints. Proper hydration helps your body eliminate wastes and toxins that can

lead to painful joint conditions. Plus, it helps to keep the joints lubricated and flexible, reducing friction and inflammation and helping to maintain healthy tissue.

Stretch daily

Stretching increases flexibility and range of motion, improves movement and function, reduces pain and stiffness and prevents further injury. Just remember to move slowly and keep it gentle. At the very least, spend a good five to 10 minutes in the morning stretching your hamstrings, quadriceps, calf muscles and hip flexors. For a free photo guide to “5 Daily Stretches to Relieve Knee & Joint Pain,” plus a code for $75 off the FreeStep (good through Jan. 31), visit teeter.com/freestep-guide. With the right exercises and maintenance program, you can improve your health and get a stronger body, without pain. (Statepoint)

J A N UA RY 26, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 3

GARDENING

How to control common pests heading into spring

ust when winter thaws out and people are anxious to enjoy the blooming flowers and luscious lawns of spring, pesky pests can appear and impact comfort levels and safety. Many pests resume their levels of activity as spring draws closer and temperatures warm up. The presence of these insects and rodents may cause problems in and around a home, which makes it essential to recognize them and avoid issues. The following are some of the more common spring pests and how to remedy infestations.

Pavement ants

Pavement ants are some of the most common pests residents encounter inside and outside of their homes. These ants are light brown to black with appendages that are lighter than the rest of their bodies. Small in stature, pavement ants have parallel lines on their heads and thorax, according to pest extermination company Orkin. Although pavement ants nest outdoors, they can enter homes through small crevices in search of food scraps. Their large colonies may not disappear until treatment is introduced. Keep foods in tightly sealed containers, clear counters and floors of crumbs, and address water sources, such as leaks. Pesticides may be needed in extreme conditions.

Fleas

Fleas are tiny, jumping, biting pests that must find a host upon which to live. As ectoparasites, they feed on blood while living on the body of liv-

ing hosts. Pets can bring fleas inside the yard and home in warm weather. According to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, flea larvae develop more quickly at higher temperatures. At normal room temperatures, the entire life cycle of a flea is about 18 days. Several flea control products are available to control fleas on cats and dogs. There also may be powders and sprays to alleviate flea infestations in the home. Vacuuming is also very effective in killing larvae in the carpet and at picking up adults.

in a home's foundation and repairing small openings around windows and doors can help keep spiders out. Also, alleviating moisture issues in basements, garages or attics may keep

out other bugs that would be prey to spiders. Homeowners can take the steps necessary to cut down on pests in and around their homes. (MC)

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Wasps

An errant wasp, hornet or yellow jacket may have survived winter and ridden out the colder temperatures within a home. Once the weather warms, queens will begin to look for places to lay eggs and establish colonies. Treating areas where wasps are seen entering and leaving the home is key. Seal holes as soon as possible. Although wasps help control other insect populations, their painful stings and potentially aggressive nature can make them challenging to have around a home. If a nest is found, hire a professional to remove it.

Spiders

Many spiders are not harmful enough to humans and pets to be much of a problem. In fact, spiders can be helpful to have around to control the populations of other insects. Still, many homeowners would prefer these web-slinging friends remain outdoors. Therefore, sealing cracks

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J A N UA RY 26, 2020

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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

Marilyn Garner

REALTOR® Lic. 01484482 Realty Executives Agua Dulce Located in Agua Dulce - $13,500,000

661-904-1323

www.MarilynMerlotinscv.com

csjwood@aol.com

Dean Cox

RE/MAX of Valencia CalBRE #01331788

28657 Farrier Dr. Valencia, 91354

661-644-6120

3 6 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

J A N UA RY 26, 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

Sacramento Has Prop. 13 Re-Thinking the True Repeal in the Crosshairs Meaning of Commitment By David Hegg

By The Signal Editorial Board

alifornia’s Proposition 13 is one of the most important taxpayer protection initiatives ever enacted in our state. And the evidence, past and present, bears proof that we need the protection. Now more than ever, a runaway Democratic supermajority in Sacramento is bringing a voracious appetite to the taxpayers’ table, gobbling up revenue at every turn, and in many cases breaking promises to taxpayers on how the money will be spent. Take, for example, the voter-approved Senate Bill 1, the 12-cent gas tax that was supposed to fund $52 billion in road and highway improvements over 10 years. Remember? The money was going in a roads and highways “trust fund,” or “lockbox,” or whatever device they could tell voters to assure them that the money would be spent as intended. Many voters had buyer’s remorse over SB 1, and an initiative was placed on the 2018 ballot — Proposition 6 — to repeal it. But, Prop. 6 failed, thanks to a cleverly deceptive description attached to it by Democrat Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who dubbed it, “Eliminates Recently Enacted Road

Repair and Transportation Funding by Repealing Revenues Dedicated for those Purposes.” Gotta protect those revenue streams. Then, true to form, Gov. Gavin Newsom heisted the SB 1 funds by executive order and funneled them to programs intended to address climate change. So, your hard-earned tax dollars, instead of funding the road and highway projects you voted for, are going to the governor’s pet climate change projects. That should inform your level of trust in Newsom and the Sacramento Democrats when you vote in November on the “split-roll” initiative. In a nutshell, the split-roll initiative would strip business and commercial properties of the protections created by Prop. 13 in 1978. According to Ballotpedia, Prop. 13 “requires the taxable value of residential, commercial, and industrial properties to be based on no more than 1% of the property’s purchase price, with an annual adjustment See OUR VIEW, page 37

have a really good friend who can often be heard complimenting something wonderful as being “to die for.” But recently I’ve been taking stock of that level of commitment. Here’s the question: What would you really be willing to die for, to give up your life in order to preserve or thwart something else? Commitment has always been an essential value in my life. I was raised to be thoughtful before making a promise, but then once made, to be tenacious in fulfilling it. My father was big on perseverance, and he never missed a chance to push that value deeper and deeper into my soul. And it didn’t take long for me to realize that the whole idea of commitment presupposed that, at some point, the commitment would entail continuing when you felt like quitting, that commitment would eventually come at a cost. There’s an old motivational humor piece that illustrates the essence of true commitment. If you order ham and eggs for breakfast, here’s what

you’ll find: the chicken made a contribution, but the pig made a commitment! Today, commitment, or perhaps better, the value of perseverance under trial and pain, is in short supply. It doesn’t surprise us anymore when marriages end because one of the spouses “just doesn’t feel it anymore.” We just shrug when a highly paid athlete decides to boycott the pre-season because he no longer thinks making millions is enough of a commitment on the part of his team. And it has become commonplace for employees to jump from company to company based solely on how much money they can make. What ever happened to loyalty, and commitment? From my seat in the bleachers of society here’s what I see. I believe we are losing an important value today that undergirds the whole area of commitment. That value is the good of the many being of greater importance than the pleasure of self. Commitment will mean that, at some point, I will need to keep my See HEGG, page 37

READERLETTERS

A ‘Redimensioning’ on Hegg I cannot resist replying to Pastor David Hegg with a redimensioning. Here are my thoughts on his Jan. 13 sermon. Pastor Hegg, I found your inspiring post to be very relevant, useful and a refreshing break from the negativity we humans seem to suffer from. It was another invigorating boost from you for 2020. So, thank you, thank you, thank you. Though I don’t disagree with anything you have said, I am inspired to plate your wisdom with

some practical advice. In your conclusion, you invoked “hard work.” That meme is distinctly not The American Way, nor is it what civilization has been pursuing over thousands of years. “Hard work” is what we have been avoiding, mitigating, protecting against, and engineering out of the world ever since fire was discovered. Recent philosophical ruminations by technologists, holy men, politicians, economists, and many others are considering the end effects of the institution of nonbiological intelligence and

automation that could well supplant the 10,000year reign of mankind as the provisional source for “hard work.” Our avoidance of “hard work” is not only civil, it is practical. NASA engineered a trip to the moon through humans using hand-actuated slide rules, but “the computer” always double checked humanity’s work when the calculation was mission-critical. If I am correct in my understanding of the BiSee LETTERS, page 37

J A N UA RY 26, 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

equal to the rate of inflation or 2%, whichever is lower.” Prop. 13 is the only thing that keeps your property taxes from spiraling out of control. And the people in Sacramento who want to get their hands deeper into your pockets know how much homeowners value that protection. But they see an opening. If they can strip that protection from businesses — which may be an easier “sell” to voters — they can open up a new source of revenue, to the tune of $12 billion annually. But who pays for that? All of us would. Even if you don’t own business or commercial property, if the split-roll initiative passes, you’ll pay for it in higher costs of goods and services, and potentially in terms of employment opportunities, as businesses sick of the unfriendly California climate will continue to leave the state in droves in search of more tax-friendly, business-friendly locations. A study by Joseph Vranich of Spectrum Location Solutions pegged the number at a record 1,800 businesses in 2018, with

their most popular destination being Texas. Approve the split-roll initiative, and watch the businesses’ moving vans line up. “But it’s for the children,” the Sacramento Democrats will tell you, claiming the money will be put in a trust fund or a lockbox to fund public schools and colleges. In fact, it starts with another fake initiative name. They’re calling it the “Schools and Communities First Funding Act.” What utter hogwash that is. Time and again we’ve seen Sacramento can’t be trusted to spend our money in the manners promised. That lockbox is just a gimmick to get you to say yes. Don’t let them slip that into your drink. The split-roll initiative would be the first big step on a slippery slope toward gutting Prop. 13 altogether. California’s already overtaxed taxpayers can’t afford what would come next. We must resist Sacramento’s cynical attempts to strip taxpayers of the protections afforded by Prop. 13 — at every turn, no matter how many times they say, “Trust us.” Because, after all, the record shows they can’t be trusted.

LETTERS

Continued from page 36

ble, we got kicked out of the garden because we ate of the tree of knowledge, but our fate is that the roots of intelligence underlying the tree of knowledge are becoming predominant. We could unwittingly embrace intelligence and then allow intelligence to obviate or eliminate knowledge. It is possible that our freedom from toil will allow us to pursue the meaningful significance and legacy you wisely recommend, Pastor. I truly hope in the core of my being that we can achieve that outcome, but Immanuel Kant would advise that it is unlikely. Since it is also possible that humans will exist as a kennel of well-fed and cared-for free-range Boston terriers, kept happy by the Grand, Intelligent, Universal, Seeking, Triangulating Algorithm, mankind will need to tread carefully in the choice once it is upon us, assuming it has not already passed. Christopher Lucero, Santa Clarita 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 DAV E G R A N LU N D

HEGG

Continued from page 36

promise simply because it is better for others if I do, even if it hurts me. That’s true of marriage and it is especially true if you have children. The best thing a father can do for his kids is keep his commitment to their mother, to stay in the marriage and consistently be a loving, providing, protecting husband. Unfortunately, we are watching our society become one where the individual trumps the group. A few years ago we were told to look out for No. 1, to pull our own strings, and to focus our lives on our own well-being. Well, guess what? We’ve gotten really good at all that, and now we have a society that is increasingly self-centered and pain-averse. If the well-being of the individual is the highest societal value, then the society is certain to dissolve into a million parts. As soon as the good of the group brings pain to the individual, most will opt out of their commitment in order to pursue personal happiness. Only as the individuals are hardy enough to put self aside in favor of doing the hard things it takes to be a successful nation will any society flourish. Right now, on so many fronts, we are at a crucial decision point. And the decision isn’t political or ideolog-

It is a decision that each of us has to make, and then become courageously committed to. It is a decision to be people who are willing to make individual sacrifices for the good of others... ical. I think it is personal and ethical. It is a decision that each of us has to make, and then become courageously committed to. It is a decision to be people who are willing to make individual sacrifices for the good of others, for the good of the marriage, the family, the neighborhood, and the country. And of course you would expect me to preach this kind of thing given that my Boss once left glory to take on flesh so that He could sacrifice His own life in order to bring forgiveness and eternal life to us. Now that’s what I mean by commitment. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.

3 8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

CROSSWORD TIME

J A N UA RY 26, 2020

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

Par for the course By Jim Mullen Signal Contributing Writer

onica hated her golfing ex-husband so much that when she felt it was time to start over, she made it a hardand-fast rule that she would never date a golfer. That would be understandable if golf had been the reason their marriage tanked, but it wasn’t. His string of flagrant infidelities, his drinking problem and his chronic unemployment probably had a lot more to do with it than his golfing. But the last thing anyone wants to hear just after a devastating divorce is: “We all knew it wouldn’t last. No one could ever figure out why you married him.” And even though I said it in the nicest possible way, Monica didn’t speak to me for weeks. Now, she’s past all that, and she’s told all her friends that she’s ready to start dating again. That’s the attitude — when you fall down, get back up again. Even though she dreads the thought of dating, she’s tough, and she’s willing to put up with a lot of disappointment. But even if you say it in the nicest possible way, apparently the last thing a woman over the age of 40 wants to hear is: “You’ve got about as much chance of finding a man as getting hit by lightning.” Her friends have tried to fix her up with nice guys — sweet, good-looking, decent guys — but Monica always shuts them down with, “Does he play golf?” “I think he does, occasionally,” her friend Sandy said, trying to gloss it over. “Maybe twice a year. But he spends most of his spare time as a Big Brother, working in soup kitchens, mowing his elderly parents’ lawn …” “Sounds like a golf-playing jerk to me,” Monica spit out. Last week, Anita and Debbie took Monica to lunch to give it another try. “Joe’s brother Al — the one who just won the award for raising all that money to save koalas from the fires in Australia? The one who spent all that time in the Peace Corps? Well, he just got back in town after spending six

weeks in an ashram in Bhutan,” Anita started. “You mean Al Tompkins? The guy who was named Handsomest Athlete of the Year back in college?” Debbie chipped in, as planned. “Yeah, that’s the guy. Wasn’t he valedictorian, too?” Anita and Debbie were rolling now. “Yes, but he couldn’t deliver his speech because he was donating a kidney to a homeless person that day.” “That’s right. He wanted to donate both kidneys, but the doctors wouldn’t let him.” “And the funny thing is, you’d expect him to be a bit of a snob, coming from such a rich family and all, but he’s really a down-to-earth guy. Too bad he’s never found anyone that pushes all his buttons.” They paused to take long pulls on their strawberry daiquiris, waiting for Monica to ask when she could meet him. “Does he play golf?” “No, he doesn’t. Well, there is that one-day-a-year charity tournament his business sponsors to raise money for starving puppies,” Anita explained. “And you expect me to go out with a creep like that?! Forget it.” “Maybe it’s a little too soon for you to start dating again,” Debbie suggested, which apparently was the last thing Monica wanted to hear, even though Debbie said it in the nicest possible way. “You’re all on his side, I can tell,” she said as she stomped out of the restaurant. The next day, she apologized to Anita and Debbie. And tonight, she’s having dinner with our friend Carl, who follows rock bands around the country, selling their T-shirts and CDs. Even though she might not want to hear it, Anita said, in the nicest possible way, “I like Carl, but I think you should know that years ago, he did time in a country club prison for tax evasion.” “And there was that thing about embezzling the children’s fund from the church, but I don’t think they ever charged him,” said Debbie. “But you’re sure he doesn’t golf?” “Positive.” “I’m dying to meet him.” Contact Jim Mullen at mullen.jim@ gmail.com.

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the SCV Signal

2019

15 Years

661.255.3000 | 23955 Creekside Road, Valencia