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F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 Holistic healing and its popular techniques 5 Chiefs, 49ers battle in Super Bowl LIV SCV to the Super Bowl 7 Training to save lives from tragedy TECHNOLOGY 6 Five ways to limit your phone’s location tracking LOCAL NEWS 8 Supervisors discuss future of voting in county SCV Cub Scouts compete in annual Pinewood Derby 9 SCV basketball community grieves loss of Kobe Bryant 10 SCV’s first inclusive playground opens in Canyon Country Deputies search home of Saugus gunman 11 City plan calls for 5 new SCV fire stations FROM THE MAYOR 12 Explore the city’s film history at the Newhallywood Festival SPORTS 13 Viking hopes to continue winning ways THINGS TO DO 14 Gather the clan for the Highland Games TRAVEL 15 Romantic retreats HOLIDAY 16 Countdown to Valentine’s day with weeklong fun How did ‘XO’ come to symbolize kisses and hugs? DINING GUIDE ENTERTAINMENT 20 Take in Air Supply at Canyon Santa Clarita FOOD 21 Go Long on Game Day CALENDAR KIDS & FAMILY 23 Time-saving kitchen shortcuts that won’t sacrifice quality Several ‘must-have’ clothes for your kid’s closet 24 Donna’s Day: Fun indoor play chases bad weather away School menu HEALTH 25 Things that happen to women’s bodies after birth PETS 26 Tips to make your home more cat-friendly SENIOR LIVING 27 Beware of ‘free genetic testing’ Medicare scams HOME IMPROVEMENT 28 Replacing, repairing concrete roof tiles BRIDE’S GUIDE 29 Wedding planning 101 30 Put more ‘you’ into your wedding day 31 Five tips to enhance your wedding decor BUSINESS 32 Money goals for financial health in 2020 TIME RANGER GARDENING 34 Winter gardening that you can do indoors OPINION VILLAGE IDIOT

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4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Holistic healing and its popular techniques By Vivianna Shields Signal Staff Writer

olistic medicine has recently grown in popularity as healing methods have gained mainstream attention. Though these methods have been around for thousands of years to ancient Chinese medicine, their effectiveness and affordability continue to appeal generations seeking health directly from nature. Specifically, acupuncture and herb supplements are some of the most popular holistic techniques for healing today, according to holistic professionals.

What is holistic medicine?

“Holism is a term used to describe something in its entirety,” said Michael Salas, director of the Holistic Health Center. “For this reason, holistic health care focuses on the person as a whole, as well.” For example, when treating a sore throat, medical doctors will test for infection and prescribe medication for the infection, while holistic doctors would explore different alternatives, such as home remedies to help treat the infection as they focus on the individual’s overall wellness. The key difference between scientific medicine and all other forms of medicine is the educational qualification of practitioners to a particular scientific standard, according to the American Medical Association. Forms of holistic medicine include chiropractic services, massage, acupuncture, meditation, exercise and more, according to Dr. Randy Martin, a holistic medicine doctor in Valencia. In Martin’s 30 years of practice, he has treated depression, insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure and more with holistic medicine. “Most of my patients are sent to me by their doctors or their insurance company,” said Martin. “If they are seen on insurance, I’m only allowed to treat the pain.”

What is holistic healing?

“Holistic healing is a process whereby an individual balances all three parts of the equation, physical, mental and spiritual attributes to obtain a result that is favorable to an illness or disease process,” said Salas.

Dr. Randy Martin specializes in providing alternative treatments to patients, including acupuncture and homeopathy. PHOTO BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

Facilitating a patient’s own healing is an underlying trait in holistic healing. “I work with my clients to help them empower themselves and facilitate their own healing,” said Kiara Akasha, owner of The Truth House. “I am simply their guide.” According to Akasha, holistic professionals do not mask symptoms, but instead, they heal the underlying issue. Holistic healing techniques do not necessarily fall within the definition of conventional medicine, but a lot of times they work alongside traditional medicine.

Acupuncture

Holistic healing can be practiced in conjunction with medical treatment, according to Salas. In many cases, utilizing both natural and medical medicine can be beneficial for a patient’s healing. “Some people also integrate holistic approaches in more serious illness such as cancer, in these cases, we work

with the person’s primary care provider to ensure adequate care in handling the physical and chemical attributes of the illness while we work on the mental and spiritual,” said Salas. Holistic healing methods, such as acupuncture, have been used to help ease patients with side-effects from medical treatments they’ve received. Specifically, acupuncture claims to work as post-operative pain control. “Acupuncture is effective for control of pain, of local swelling post-operatively, for shortening the resolution of hematoma and tissue swelling and for minimizing use of medications and their attendant side effects,” said Dr. Eugene Mak, from the American Academy of Acupuncture, on his website. Treating pain is 70% of Martin’s practice, he said. Though acupuncture is seen as an alternative health care treatment, many medical professionals are beginning to prescribe acupuncture as a

way to treat different symptoms. For example, some Blue Cross health plans cover acupuncture. “Our doctor may prescribe acupuncture to treat: chronic pain that has lasted at least six months and did not respond to more conservative forms of treatment, like drugs or physical therapy and nausea due to surgery or chemotherapy,” according to the Blue Cross website. Herb supplements “More and more people are interested in their nutrition and want to be sure they are taking the right supplements and herbs,” said Martin. Since most holistic healing methods are not covered by insurance, so patients who want to practice other methods will need to pay out of pocket. At Martin’s practice, patients can receive other holistic services such as traditional Chinese medicine herb therapy. Herb supplements are “products made from botanicals, or plants that are used to treat diseases or to maintain health are called herbal products, botanical products, or phytomedicines,” according to a John Hopkins Medicine news release. These herbal supplements are used in different ways including swallowed as pills, powders, or tinctures, brewed as tea, applied to the skin and added to baths, the release adds. “Herbs are just as effective (as traditional medicine) in many cases, as long as their medical doctor doesn’t have a problem with them switching over,” said Martin.

Herbs and natural alternatives can be as effective as traditional medicine in some cases, Martin said, but it’s a good idea to make sure a primary care physician is on board with trying such options. SIGNAL PHOTO

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Chiefs, 49ers battle in Super Bowl LIV

s the annual championship game of the National Football League, the Super Bowl is one of the world’s most watched events every year. And for good reason, as the game is never short on dramatic moments. The following are a handful of the many notable plays in the recent history of the Super Bowl.

• Malcolm Butler’s interception Super Bowl XLIX, Feb. 1, 2015

An epic battle between the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots effectively ended when one of the most questionable play calls in NFL history resulted in a goal-line interception by Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler. With just 26 seconds to go and trailing 28-24, Seattle decided to pass the ball from New England’s 1-yard line. The more conventional play call would have been to hand the ball off to running back Marshawn Lynch, who had already scored a touchdown and run for more than 100 yards in the game. But Seattle chose to pass, and Russell Wilson’s throw was intercepted, resulting in the Patriots winning their first Super Bowl in a decade.

• David Tyree’s catch Super Bowl XLII, Feb. 3, 2008

It’s fitting that this Super Bowl is widely regarded as one of the greatest upsets in Super Bowl history, as it also featured one of the most unlikely heroes in the sport’s history. With his team trailing the New England Patriots 14-10 late in the fourth quarter, New York Giant David Tyree, a little-used wide receiver and special teams stalwart, made a miraculous catch on third down, leaping into the air and pinning the ball to his helmet. That 32-yard reception kept the eventual game-winning drive alive.

ISTOCK

The loss would mark the Patriots’ only defeat of the season.

• Mike Jones’ tackle Super Bowl XXXIV, Jan. 30, 2000

A thrilling affair that featured a 16-point comeback from the Tennessee Titans, Super Bowl XXXIV came down to the final play of the game. With just six seconds remaining, the Titans trailed the St. Louis Rams 23-16 but had the ball at the Rams’ 10-yard line. Titans quarterback Steve McNair completed a pass to wide receiver Kevin Dyson, only to see Rams linebacker Mike Jones tackle Dyson at the 1-yard line as time expired, stopping another Titans comeback and earning the Rams their first Super Bowl victory.

• James White’s touchdown run Super Bowl LI, Feb. 5, 2017 While the moment itself may not be as amazing as other Super Bowl plays, it remains among the most

Cover: On Feb. 2, Katie Sowers will become the first female to coach in a Super Bowl. She has been the offensive assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers since 2017. As many NFL coaching professionals, her love for the game started at a very young age. COURTESY PHOTOS

memorable for what it represented. Trailing the Atlanta Falcons 28-3 midway through the third quarter, the New England Patriots were written off by viewers across the globe. But those eulogies proved premature,

as the Patriots orchestrated the largest comeback in Super Bowl history, culminating with White’s 2-yard overtime scamper into the end zone to seal the victory for New England. (MC)

SCV to the Super Bowl By Doña Uhrig Signal Special Sections Editor

anta Clarita has sent several football players to the Super Bowl, and that number increases by one with SuperBowl LIV. William S. Hart High School alumus Matt Moore will enter the Hard Rock Stadium on Feb. 2 as a Kansas City Chiefs quarterback.

Shane Vereen

Valencia High School alumnus Shane Vereen played in Super Bowl XLIX for the New England Patriots. On that Feb. 1, 2015, he caught a game-high 11 passes for 64 yards.

Joe Kapp

Joe Kapp is another Hart alumnus to play in the Super Bowl. Kapp led

Hart High School Head Coach Mike Herrington (left) with NFL quarterback Matt Moore. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

his Minnesota Vikings to a berth in Super Bowl IV by defeating the Los Angeles Rams (23-20). He is the only player to play quarterback in the Super Bowl, Rose Bowl and Grey Cup, which is the championship game of the Canadian Football League.

6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

TECHNOLOGY

Five ways to limit your phone’s location tracking By Kim Komando Signal Contributing Writer

ou can bolster your privacy, diminish targeted ads and even stop your phone from tracking you altogether. Here’s how: 1. Review your location settings If you take extra steps, you can prevent iOS and Android from tracking you. Known as “Frequent Locations,” this feature pinpoints your movements, your home, your work, and everything else you permissioned. If you find this unsettling, turn the feature off. Here are the basic steps, but depending on your specific model and operating system, the steps may be different. Turn off location settings on Apple devices: • Click Settings and select Privacy

from adding your movements to your Timeline, location data is still being saved on your Web and App Activity.

• Select Location Services and scroll down to System Services • Choose Significant Locations to see the logged record of where you’ve been and toggle it off. You can also clear your history by clicking Clear History.

4. Use a browser that doesn’t track you Private web browsers include Mozilla’s free Firefox Focus app. This anonymous mobile web browser blocks advertising, analytics and social trackers by default. It also erases passwords and browsing history after each session. The mobile versions of Google’s Chrome and Microsoft’s Edge also have incognito and InPrivate modes you can use. For a more independent browser, you can try Dolphin browser. Alternatively, iPhone users can use the default Safari browser and access a private window for stealthy browsing. Just tap the window icon in the bottom right corner and select Private.

To adjust these settings on Android devices: • Open Settings and scroll down to tap Location • At the top, turn Use location off. • To delete your device’s location cache, tap Delete Location History at the bottom of the screen under Location History 2. Put a cap on the advertiser tracking Android and iOS provide built-in options to minimize ad tracking. Here’s how to limit ad tracking on iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch:

• Toggle Limit Ad Tracking to On

• Go to Settings

• Tap Ads

• Tap Privacy

• Toggle on Opt out of ads personalization

• Tap Advertising

• To limit ad tracking on Android: • Go to Settings • Tap Google

5. Check location and access to your phone’s camera and mic Before you install apps, read the app’s terms and conditions. I get it, they’re long and tedious, and no one ever reads them. If you’re on Android, at least check the app’s permissions posted on their Google Play page. It’s good practice to thumb through the app’s permissions on your phone and make sure you are comfortable with certain apps having access to your location, camera, or microphone.

3. Stop the mighty Google Google knows more a ton about you, down to what you like, where you go, and exactly what you search. Tap or click here for an in-depth look at what the search giant does with all that information. Here’s how to turn off web and app activity tracking: • Sign in to your Google Account • Click on Data & personalization • Under Activity Controls, tap Web & App Activity and turn it off

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.

Pausing Location History doesn’t completely turn off Google’s location markers. Although it stops Google

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

Training to save lives from tragedy

N E W S F E AT U R E S

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

n the wake of the Saugus High School Shooting on Nov. 14, the actions taken by Saugus High Choir teacher Kaytie Holt were repeatedly recognized. Using school-shooter training she acquired before becoming a William S. Hart Union High School District teacher, Holt was able to save the life of a child that had been shot that morning. “I mean, ‘prepared’ isn’t the right word either, because I don’t think you can ever be prepared for that,” Holt said. “But knowing some of the things that if I were, say, in a situation where I would actually have to engage with someone, I think I just saw a little more confidence after having the training, which allowed me to be calmer in the situation.” Earlier this month, Holt was recognized for her actions by the very same company she had done training under, American Tactical Defense. How the training helped Holt and the possibility of expanding this knowledge base has been a hot topic in the last couple of months.

The training

Bryan McKenrick, co-owner of American Tactical Defense, said the training he and his staff provide — through their combined experience in law enforcement and responding to school shootings — is generally three-pronged: empowerment, stopping the shooter and knowing how to treat someone who has been shot. “We are responding to a need that this world’s gone into chaos, there is evil running rampant,” said McKenrick over a phone call Monday. “Every teacher should know what to do; how to stop that coward; how to create pain so he stops shooting; and how to medically treat anybody that was shot and save their lives.” During a “reality-based scenario active shooter” training, which takes place on a school site, teachers are given a short introduction to the course. And then it’s hands on from that point. “Every school site gets trained in their own classrooms at school

American Tactical Defense co-owner Bryan McKenrick educates teachers on the mechanics of a firearm and what to do in the event of a school shooting. PHOTO COURTESY AMERICAN TACTICAL DEFENSE

because they’re familiar with it,” said McKenrick. At the time of Holt’s training, she was a student-teacher in a district that had a contract with ATD. “If you start from where they’re at and they don’t have to visualize it, they can actually do it.” McKenrick said one of the goals of the training is to stymy hesitation, and develop a teacher’s brain to have a response, under stress, that can save lives. “They’re just going to kick that memory into auto drive,” he said. “If they haven’t seen that before, the probability of them just freaking out and stalling, and just standing there … you know it’s probably almost 50/50.” During the training, teachers are given an opportunity to react to a “shooter” that is walking the campus holding a red rubber gun. While no rounds, blank or otherwise are used, McKenrick says the stress of the situation can help prepare a teacher for when it’s no longer pretend. Additionally, teachers are taught the various components of a gun, how to inflict self-defensive pain to a subject, and how to decide between trying to get off of campus or how to barricade oneself inside a classroom and be ready.

Santa Clarita educators

While ATD and private companies

that conduct similar training haven’t been used frequently in the Santa Clarita Valley, that doesn’t mean educators aren’t preparing teachers for the tragic possibility that an incident like the Saugus shooting happening again. “When I first got into teaching, which would be 28 years ago, we talked about lockdown for teachers but they were more for Stranger Danger on campus or situations that were happening in the community that spill over into campus,” said Colleen Hawkins, superintendent of the Saugus Union School District. “We never talked about something like a mass shooting.” Hawkins said she recently spoke with members of the U.S. Secret Service to gain insights from them based on their experiences. “It is a multi-pronged approach because there is no one-size-fits-all criteria for who would be a school shooter,” said Hawkins. “There are some commonalities to look at, and certainly safety factors and training and around safety is important.” SUSD, like many other districts around Santa Clarita, has engaged with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station, and run drills with them, Hawkins said. “All of our school sites engage in impromptu active shooter drills ran by the Sheriff ’s Department in the

fall,” said Newhall School District Superintendent Jeff Pelzel. For his district, Sheriff ’s Department officials are speaking with teachers and parents at each campus. Pelzel said the plan is for LASD officials to visit each school site to access the campus and create a customized training for each school based on his expertise. Almost every school site in SUSD has had electronic door locks that have been installed that allow for the entire school to be shut down if needed. A number of districts in Santa Clarita also believe that being proactive is important as well working with the students on their social emotional health. “As we continuously evaluate and update our safety and security protocols, we’re also making important investments of time and resources expanding social and emotional learning for all students and staff,” said Julie Olsen, president of the SUSD board of trustees. “Social and emotional learning creates a positive and safe foundation from which everyone can be our best selves while learning and interacting with our peers, with empathy and respect for one another.”

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

LOCALNEWS

Supervisors discuss future of voting in county By Vivianna Shields Signal Staff Writer

ver the past decade, Los Angeles County has been re-inventing the voting experience to suit everyone in the county by introducing new voting machines, expanding the voting period and implementing vote centers throughout the county, according to county officials. “I put this (agenda item) up because there has been a lot of questions in the community and a lack of understanding,” said county Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the 5th District, which includes the Santa Clarita Valley. Dean Logan, registrar-recorder and county clerk, recently led a presentation on the new voting system and was available to answer any remaining questions from the board at the Board of Supervisors meeting. This system will be used to its full capacity, for the first time, on March

3, during the presidential primary election, according to Logan. “We can be proud that the Los Angeles County adoptBarger ed a methodology that meets voters where they are at, and we are focused on providing an experience where the voter is first,” said Logan. Vote centers will replace previous polling places, and will be located throughout the county, Logan said Tuesday. Voters will not have to report to a specific polling place because they now can vote wherever is most convenient to them. Voters can find nearby vote centers by visiting lavote.net. Additionally, the voting period has been extended to 11 days, so voters will have more opportunities to vote.

“

We can be proud that the Los Angeles County adopted a methodology that meets voters where they are at, and we are focused on providing an experience where the voter is first. More choices means more voices. ... The more options we give voters, the higher the opportunity for people to participate in the election.” Dean Logan,

of the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s Office

“More choices means more voices,” said Logan. “The more options we give voters, the higher the opportunity for people to participate in the election.” According to a video created by the county, voters can select their language, change the font size and adjust the contract for easy viewing on the voting machines. After voters are done filling out

their ballot, voters can feed the paper ballot into the ballot marking device, never having to interact with a vote center assistant. The device voters fill their ballot on is where they also cast their vote. Post-election, the county will be revisiting the process and seeing how they can improve the system for future elections, Barger says.

SCV Cub Scouts compete in annual Pinewood Derby By Vivianna Shields Signal Staff Writer

ub Scout Pack 490 held its annual Pinewood Derby for its third year at the AutoNation Chevrolet Dealership, where the Scouts raced their homemade derby cars. Over the past few weeks, Scouts designed and carved their own unmanned miniature cars to race at Saturday’s derby. Before the races began, Scouts crowded around the wooden track waiting to see how their cars placed. “I love the Pinewood Derby races and activities,” said Tynan Reagan, a Cub Scout participating in the race. His father, Clint, and other Scout parents cheered along the sidelines during every race. In total, there were 15 cars participating in the race. Every car had a chance to race in each of the three lanes, so the cars could experience each lane, according to Eden Reagan, Cub master of Pack 490. The races were split into heats, so the Scouts could race different cars during each heat.

“Eden is a rockstar,” said Jeff Shrewsbury, district executive for the Boy Scouts of America Western Los Angeles County Council. “She negotiated this deal with the general manager of the AutoNation Chevrolet Dealership to make this derby happen each year.” Between each race, Reagan passed the time with Cub songs and jokes. Once she began telling jokes, other Scouts did not hesitate to chime in with their own. Trophies were awarded to the Scouts for the cars’ speed and design. A first-, second- and third-place trophy was awarded to those in the specific categories. The biggest trophy of them all went to the Scout who showed the most sportsmanship. Throughout the event, practicing sportsmanship was most important, according to Reagan. Even when Scouts were not racing, they continuously cheered on their friends as each car race started. The speed category was placed as follows: Xander DelHoyo was first, Eli Onder was second and Sandor Ladanyi was third. For design, Ty

Cub Scouts from Pack 490 watch cars racing in a Pinewood Derby, held Saturday at AutoNation Chevrolet in Valencia. PHOTO BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

Reagan won first place and Asher Regan and Ryker Reagan won second and third place. Drawdyn Stacey and Pierce Ojeda were awarded the Scout’s Choice achievement. And, Logan Rodriguez

was recognized for his sportsmanship. “These events provide positive energy in the community and bring families and friends together,” said Shrewsbury.

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

LOCALNEWS

SCV basketball community grieves loss of Kobe Bryant By Haley Sawyer Signal Sports Editor

unior Camacho was raised as a die-hard Lakers fan. As a kid, he sat on the couch with his dad and watched every game, paying special attention to Kobe Bryant. When he wasn’t watching the games, he was outside mimicking Bryant’s signature moves to the best of his 5-year-old body’s ability. On Sunday, Camacho saw Bryant on TV once again, but this time his emotions were much different. “I broke down and started crying,” said Camacho, who plays basketball for Valencia High School.

Helicopter crash

Kobe Bryant and eight other people, including his daughter Gianna, died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas on Sunday morning. Bryant was 41 and his daughter was 13. The Santa Clarita Valley prep basketball community, along with the basketball community as a whole, is grieving the loss. Some coaches, like Saugus boys coach Alfredo Manzano, were too emotional to speak when contacted for interviews. “His mentality was just great,” Camacho said. “I loved his work ethic, and he never backed down. Even if something bad happened, he fought through it and kept going. … I worked on the same moves just to be like him and try to get the same work ethic.” Vikings coach Bill Bedgood sent a group text message to his team as soon as he heard of Bryant’s death. Growing up, Bedgood watched Michael Jordan and recognized the similar role that Bryant took on for his players. “For the generation of players I coach, it’s been Kobe,” Bedgood said. “Kobe was that huge star that everybody wanted to shoot like and play like and be like. When he changed his number from 8 to 24, guys were so excited because they could wear his number on a high school team.”

Encounter as teens

Golden Valley girls basketball coach Sixx Johnson had the opportunity to play basketball against Bryant, who had freshly moved to L.A., at Balboa Park, when they were

both 17 years old. Although his NBA career wasn’t full-fledged quite yet, Johnson got to experience Bryant’s competitive nature firsthand. “He was really confident, you could see it then,” Johnson said. “He was on another level. He walked around with that chip on his shoulder, and you knew he was a competitor. You could tell he was always about business and wanted to dominate anyone who was in front of him in the court.”

Lakers teammate

The Master’s University alumnus Mike Penberthy also had the opportunity to experience Bryant’s nature as his teammate on the Lakers for two seasons. Penberthy was with L.A. from 2000-’02 “Kobe was an incredible competitor. He wanted to play one-on-one all the time. He never took a day off. He worked hard on his game every day,” Penberthy said via text message. “He made so many difficult shots and he made so many important shots. I’m truly sad for his family and for all the families involved.” Penberthy now has two sons who play basketball for Hart High School — Ty and Jaden. They’ve had a few interactions with Bryant growing up and have heard their father recount myriad stories about him throughout their childhood. “He was a good guy,” said Ty, a senior at Hart. “You could just tell how focused he was all the time. (We heard) tons of stories of him in practice just competing and going at it, and he did everything he could to win.” Bryant was also just starting to make an impact on the prep basketball community. He coached Gianna’s team, as well as opened Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks.

Impact on hoops

SCV basketball players like Ty and Camacho have had the chance to train at the facility, and give it rave reviews. Johnson also saw the impact that Bryant and Mamba Sports Academy were having on prep hoops, especially for girls basketball. See KOBE, page 11

Above: Saugus boys basketball coach Alfredo Manzano (left) and his family had the opportunity to meet the late Kobe Bryant. PHOTO COURTESY ALFREDO MANZANO Right: Kobe Bryant hangs from the rim after one of several slam dunks during a preseason game at the University of Hawaii during his days as a Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXANDRA WALT

10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

LOCALNEWS

Everyone’s welcome

SCV’s first inclusive playground opens in Canyon Country By Vivianna Shields Signal Staff Writer

he playground on the lower lot of Canyon Country Park has been transformed into a playground three times the size of the previous playground, where children of all abilities can play. On Saturday morning, the community and city officials celebrated the playground’s opening with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. “People of all abilities can learn and play in the same environment,” said Santa Clarita Mayor Cameron Smyth. “We would not have this project if it weren’t for input from the community.” What sets this playground aside from other parks in the city are the features the playground offers to fulfill any child’s wish of playing on a playset. For example, the park includes wheelchair-accessible entrances so children with disabilities also have the opportunity to play on a playset. The play area was designed with Western Elements to align with Santa Clarita’s heritage, but more contemporary elements were included, too. Near the playground was a station where children could play the xylophone and bongos. “Thank you for having this vision, because I believe every child deserves a great childhood,” said state Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita. “I’m very excited about this park.” Following the ribbon-cutting, children ran toward the playset to break in the playground for the first time. Children were seen with broad smiles as they slid down different slides and explored the playground in its entirety. “I think there are so many children who have been left out at traditional parks, so to have this available to us is great,” said Sarah Wilde, a parent attending the event with her children. “This is our park, and it has been closed since September, so my children are excited to go and play at the new park.”

Reece Wong, 2, plays on the new structure at the inclusive play area at Canyon Country Park Saturday morning while supported by her mother, Stacey Wong. PHOTO BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

Deputies search home of Saugus gunman By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

etectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department served a search warrant at the home of the deceased Saugus High School shooter earlier this month. The search was conducted at the home where Nathaniel Berhow lived with his mother in Saugus on Jan. 8, according to Lt. Brandon Dean of the Los Angeles County Homicide Bureau. “We did serve a search warrant,” said Dean, “just to look further into the case.” The home of Berhow, who was identified as the shooter who killed two students and wounded three others before turning his .45-caliber handgun on himself, also was searched in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and

Firearms tracked down six firearms associated with the shooter. On Tuesday, Dean declined to say what, if any items were recovered from the home in the most recent search, which occurred nearly two months after the shooting. “It’s a sealed search warrant. At this point, we know how it happened,” Dean said, in Will and Linda Cierzan enjoy some relaxing moments reference to the fatal outdoors. COURTESY PHOTO shooting. “Now, we’re looking for the ‘why.’” “At this time, we haven’t preDetectives also did not know spesented a case to the (Los Angeles cifically the way in which Berhow was County District Attorney’s Office) able to come into possession of the about the mom,” he said. gun he used, Dean said. Berhow’s mother had dropped “We’re still waiting on a lot of elechim off at school the morning of tronic and digital information,” said Thursday, Nov. 14, Sheriff Alex VilDean. He declined to discuss whether laneuva said in the days following criminal charges could be pending. the shooting.

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

LOCALNEWS

County plan calls for 5 new SCV fire stations By Vivianna Shields Signal Staff Writer

he Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has adopted a plan for increased developer fees in the Santa Clarita Valley to support the development of five new fire stations, according to county officials. “The annual evaluation for the (Santa Clarita Valley) determined that a fee rate increase of 4% ($1.2357 to $1.2831) per square foot of new development is necessary to recoup the costs associated with financing the five new fire stations in the Santa Clarita Valley,” Michelle Vega, spokeswoman for county Supervisor Kathryn Barger, said in an email. This increase will be effective April 1. In the 2023-24 term, Fire Station Nos. 175, 179, 133, 176 and 177 are set to be developed in the SCV, according to the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County’s Five Year Plan Update. According to the update, the new Five Point Valencia development will include three stations: 175, 176 and 177. Station 175 will be located in the Landmark Village area; 176 within the Potrero Valley project area; and 177 within the Mission Village project area. These facilities will range from 10,000 to 11,500 square feet, according to the plan update. The Lyons Ranch development is set to include Fire Station 179, which will cover 10,000 square feet. But at this time the official station site is unknown. Lastly, the Gate-King Industrial Park development is expected to

KOBE

Continued from page 9

“Just being a fan of sports and the fan of fathers in their kids’ lives,” Johnson said, “I thought that was huge to have that facility fairly locally. It was huge what he was doing for the sport. It was going to get even bigger as time went on …

include Fire Station 133, a 10,000-square-foot facility stationed near Eternal Valley Memorial Park. With the cumulative financing costs, equipment costs and administrative costs associated with the developer fee program in the SCV alone, this 4% increase was necessary for function in the area, according to Daryl L. Osby, fire chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, in a letter to the supervisors. “Without the requested developer fee increase, fire station construction will be outpaced by development, resulting in insufficient fire protection for the growth areas,” Osby said in the plan submitted to the Board of Supervisors. Rate adjustments are recommended based on the annual review of the developer fee program completed by the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County, Osby added. “In 1990, the board established a developer fee program to fund the acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping of fire station facilities in high-growth areas such as Santa Clarita,” said Vega, “and includes annual evaluations to determine whether rate adjustments are necessary.” Areas of Benefit 1 and 3, which are outside the SCV, will not experience the increase because their fee was adjusted in November 2016, according to Osby. It just sucks that we had to miss out on such a promising first phase of (Gianna’s) life and second phase of Kobe’s life.” Camacho will never see Bryant on live television again. He’ll never see his vision for prep basketball come to fruition. But he’ll also never be able to shed the work ethic and skills that were inspired by his idol.

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F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

F R O M T H E M AY O R

Explore the city’s film history at the Newhallywood Film Festival By Mayor Cameron Smyth

he Santa Clarita Valley holds a special place in cinematic history, and movies from every genre have been filmed in our neighborhoods, on our streets and throughout our thousands of acres of open space. From silent westerns starring William S. Hart to this year’s Oscar nominee for Best Picture “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood,” Santa Clarita’s roots are intertwined with those that have created defining pieces of entertainment enjoyed by people worldwide for generations. Residents and visitors alike can explore the early years of filming in Santa Clarita at the inaugural Newhallywood Silent Film Festival, which is scheduled for Feb. 14-16. This festival will give attendees the unique opportunity to see not only some of the classic silent films made

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in our City but also some props, costumes and memorabilia from the time period that are rarely available for public viewing. The festival begins on Valentine’s Day with a pair of special events you won’t want to miss. That Friday morning at 10 a.m., ticketholders can hop aboard the “Bustour” Keaton, which will take attendees to dozens of sites in and around Hollywood that held prominent roles in the history of silent filmmaking. You’ll see places like Edendale, where Fatty Arbuckle, Mable Normand and Charlie Chaplin made their first films, as well as Poverty Row, where hometown hero William S. Hart’s old studio still stands today. Tickets for “Bustour” Keaton are $55 per person, and include the bus tour and lunch. On Valentine’s night at 7 p.m., celebrate the 100th wedding anniversary of Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. — Hollywood’s first “power couple” — with a romantic dinner

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at William S. Hart Park. The dinner will also include a screening of the technicolor film “The Black Pirate,” starring Douglas Fairbanks. Attendees will get a sneak peek at the festival’s pop-up exhibit that will be on display throughout the weekend, featuring timeless Fairbanks and Pickford artifacts. Tickets for the Valentine’s Day Dinner are $60 per person or $100 per couple. Tickets for both special events are available for purchase by visiting NewhallywoodFilmFest.org. The main Newhallywood Film Festival will take place Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16, with the screening of more than a dozen films at venues throughout Newhall, including The MAIN and the Newhall Family Theater for the Performing Arts. See all-time classics such as “Singin’ in the Rain,” “The Mark of Zorro” and “Ramona,” and be sure to visit the William S. Hart Museum inside Hart Park to get a behind-the-scenes

glimpse at how silent film stars lived. Also at Hart Park, families won’t want to leave without a stop at Heritage Junction. The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society is transforming the Saugus Train Station into “Slapstick Junction” and will screen short comedies in a nickelodeon-type atmosphere. On Saturday and Sunday, admission to the screenings around Newhall is completely free! I hope you will take this opportunity to transport yourself to the Santa Clarita Valley’s silent film days and discover why we call the area Newhallywood. To see a full screening schedule and location information, please visit NewhallywoodFilmFest.org. Mayor Cameron Smyth is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at csmyth@ santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in her column are those of the city and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.

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F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

SPORTS

Viking hopes to continue winning ways By Diego Marquez Signal Staff Writer

hen former Valencia hoops and current Fresno City College men’s guard Richard Kawakami stepped foot on the school’s campus for the first time in the summer, he didn’t quite know what to expect. Making the 190-mile-plus trek and arriving in Fresno on June 15, Kawakami committed to playing for the Rams and head coach Ed Madec because of the legacy the team’s built over the last two decades. Winning 18th straight Central Valley titles, the Rams have been a force to be reckoned with and their hardware proves it, and are the favorites to repeat once again. Waking up at 6 a.m., practicing for two hours, lifting weights and adding an extra shoot-around or lifting session, the freshman’s schedule is arduous, but it doesn’t keep Kawakami from seeing the bigger picture. “At the end of the day, that’s one of the reasons I came here: was to be focused on school and basketball and try to get out and make it to a four-year college; try to matriculate and win a state championship,” Kawakami said. “I just feel like this work will pay off in the long run and we will get that state championship like we all want to. That’s the reason I came to Fresno, that’s why my teammates came to Fresno, to be a contender and uphold this legacy at Fresno City.” Grinding day and night, on and off the basketball court, Kawakami has contributed mightily to the team’s 16-3 overall record and 6-0 start in league play. Standing 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, the freshman’s gritty, hustler style play has made him a pivotal cog on the team. Kawakami comes off the bench, ranking second on the team at 4.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. He hasn’t had to score too much (5.6 points per game), but he’s taken an interest in being a facilitator to his teammates. Kawakami even recorded seven

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Fresno City College men’s guard Richard Kawakami looks to continue the success he had in the backcourt for the Vikings as a Ram this year. PHOTO BY HALEY SAWYER / THE SIGNAL

blocks in a 103-61 win over West Hills Coalinga on Jan. 15, and leads the team in field-goal percentage (50%). “When I come in with my unit, I just want to get my unit going and get into the flow, so I look to facilitate a lot because I have a lot of scorers around me,” Kawakami said. “I just want to get them going and continue to do the dirty work that I’ve been doing. Trying to hustle for those rebounds, loose balls, get my teammates going with assists and taking charges.” Growing with his teammates throughout the season, Kawakami cannot stress just how far the team has come from their first days together and now have a common goal. “We have a bunch of players that can do multiple things, we don’t really have one-trick ponies, so that helps,” Kawakami said. “That translated off the court, fast. At the end of the day, we all came here for one reason and that’s to go to a four-year and win a state championship.”

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14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

THINGSTODO

Gather the clan for the Highland Games athletics will include the caber toss, weight-forheight, shot put, hammer throw and the “Farmer’s Walk” (seeing how far a competitor can walk carrying a 150-pound weight).

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

ith the increasing popularity of DNA testing, more and more Santa Clarita Valley residents are finding links to their Scottish heritage. The number of Americans of Scottish descent today is estimated to be 20 to 25 million, more than 8% of the total U.S. population. A fun way to reconnect to your “clan” is to attend a Highland Games event. Many of these festivals also include a “gathering of the clans.” If you aren’t sure of your clan name, you can find a variety of resources on the internet (www. scotclans.com), to help you search for your clan. Or, you can visit with other guests at a clan gathering to learn tips and tricks to track down your clan. Some clan gatherings have a dedicated booth to help newbies search for their particular clan. California is home to several large Highland Games festivals, including the largest games in North America.

What are Highland Games?

A Highland Games is a festival that can include Scottish food, drink and competitions in bagpipes, drumming, Scottish dancing and “heavy” sports. Men and women compete in shot put, tug-o-war, caber toss, weight-for-height and hammer throw. The caber toss involves lifting a full-length log, then running forward and tossing the caber into the air so it turns end over end. Cabers can be 20-feet long and weigh as much as 175 pounds. Different competitions will have varying heights and weights for men and women. Weight-for-height involves throwing a 56-pound weight with an attached handle over a horizontal bar using only one hand. Successful clearance raises the bar to a greater height for the next try.

Most Highland Games festivals include a “Gathering of the Clans.” PHOTO COURTESY QUEEN MARY

California Highland Games

Feb. 15-16 Queen Mary Scots Festival & International Highland Games XXVII 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach Info www.queenmary.com Celebrate the Scottish heritage of the Queen Mary at their Scots Festival. This unique ship is proud to be the most famous ship built on the River Clyde, Scotland. The festival features professional and amateur competitions in piping, drumming, massed bands, darts, Highland dancing and Highland athletics. There will also be exhibitions of falconry, sheep herding, ax throwing and archery. The games welcome elite, professional Scottish athletes to compete in the all-new North American LightWeight Women’s Championship and, returning for the second year, the North American Professional Male Championship.

June 27-28 San Diego Scottish Highland Games & Gathering of the Clans Brengle Terrace Park 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista Info https://sdhighlandgames.org More than 50 vendors of Celtic, Scottish and British goods will be on site. There will be Irish bands, a marketplace, food vendors and heavy athletics, including caber toss, hammer throw, weight-for-height, several “stone” throws and sheaf tosses, which resembles a bale of hay being tossed into a barn loft. In addition, you can see solo pipe and drum competitors and sheepdogs herding in live sheep dog trials. Youth and adult Highland dancers will compete in five dances. Sept. 5-6 The 155th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games Alameda County Fairgrounds 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Alameda Info https://thescottishgames.com This is the largest Highland Games and Clan Gathering held in North America. Events include archery, British cars, birds of prey, Celtic heritage, a children’s glen, Clydesdales, concerts, the gathering of the clans, heavy athletics, Highland dancing, Irish dancing, a kilted mile race, living history and so much more

April 4-5 Tartan Day Ardenwood Historical Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont Info www.eastbayscots.org Tartan Day celebrates all things Scotland. It includes Scottish heavy athletics, Nor-Cal Shinty Scrimmage, historical re-enactments, clan tents, European martial arts, Scottish and Irish-themed shopping and Scottish animals.

Women compete in “heavy athletics” at the Highland Games, including the hammer throw. PHOTO BY MICHELE E. BUTTELMAN

May 23-24 ScotsFest Orange County Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa Info www.scottishfest.com The massed bands will perform at the opening ceremony at noon on Saturday and at the closing ceremonies on Sunday at 5 p.m. Find your heritage at one of the many clan booths and enjoy the clan parade that will be held on the Clan Mile at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and 11:15 a.m. on Sunday. Heavy

Birds of prey are often on display at a Highland Games festival. PHOTO BY MICHELE E. BUTTELMAN

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

H O L I D AY

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

s luck would have it, Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday in 2020. It’s the perfect time to make this year’s “Most Romantic Day of the Year” a special occasion by planning a long weekend getaway. California offers a variety of unique, romantic destinations to explore with your “significant other.” Consider visiting one of these unique romantic getaways during this “off-season” weekend:

Charming Cambria

Info: https://visitcambriaca.com This uncrowded seaside gem may be the ultimate romantic getaway. Things to do: Walk Moonstone Beach. An idyllic spot to stroll along the sand, or on the boardwalk, while taking in the gorgeous horizon. Visit Cambria’s historic East Village. These beautifully maintained buildings date back to the 1800s. It is the perfect dining and shopping destination. Wine tasting at Fermentations. Sample award-winning regional wines. Take a historic walking tour. Developed by the Cambria Historical Society, the tour has 28 stops exploring back to when Cambria was a bustling mining town. Visit La Cuesta Encantada, or “The Enchanted Hill.” This is home to one of America’s most impressive National Landmarks: Hearst Castle.

Victorian Village of Ferndale

Info www.visitferndale.com Only five miles from the Pacific Ocean, the quaint and cozy village of Ferndale is renowned for its old-fashioned Americana. The town’s Main Street is lined with beautifully restored Victorianera buildings. Ferndale is located in quiet Humboldt County and tucked away between the California Redwoods and Humboldt Bay. With only 1,300 residents, Ferndale is the perfect, restful romantic getaway. Things to do: Take a scenic drive along the Lost Coast. The Lost Coast is California’s only coastal wilderness, where no development or major roads come near the ocean. This wild and spectacular scenic drive starts in Ferndale and runs through high alpine

Cambria is an uncrowded seaside gem. Be sure to visit downtown Cambria. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

forests, to the water’s edge, along the northern edge of King Range and then to the redwoods of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Road can be narrow, windy and bumpy in places. Visit Humboldt Botanical Garden. Founded in 1991, with the goal of being a world class botanical garden, the 44.5-acre gardens are home to a diverse collection representing Mediterranean and Pacific Marine species. Ferndale history. This tiny dairy town is home to some of the most ornate, well-preserved Victorian architecture in the United States; in fact, the entire town resides on the Register of Historic Places. Step back in time with the magnificent facades of Main Street’s Painted Ladies and neighborhoods lined with row after row of Queen Anne, Eastlake-Stick, Italianate, neoclassic, bungalow and mission-style homes. Visit the Mind’s Eye Manufactory and Coffee Lounge. Enjoy organic espresso from locally roasted coffee beans, then explore the creative maker’s space of the Manufactory, home to craftspeople and artists. Ferndale’s Victorian-era inns and quaint bedand-breakfast hotels. They are perfectly suited for romance: The Gingerbread Mansion Inn, an elegant High Victorian edifice with an ornate facade and a plush interior featuring period furniture and decor. The Victorian Inn dates back to 1890. The boutique hotel offers a fine-dining restaurant and authentic furnishings. The Shaw House Inn has the distinction of being California’s first bed & breakfast hotel. It is a lovely Victorian house surrounded by an acre of tranquil, tree-shaded grounds and private stretch of coastline.

The Hotel Ivanhoe, built in the 1870s, is one of the oldest hotels in the West. The hotel has a casual restaurant and guest rooms that are well appointed with Victorian antiques.

Unspoiled Half Moon Bay

Info www.visithalfmoonbay.org Visiting Half Moon Bay, 30 miles south of San Francisco, is like escaping to another world. The diverse landscape encompasses miles of wide sandy beaches, lush bluff-top meadows, fog-shrouded cliffs, deep-green cypress groves and rolling forested hills. This sleepy fishing town is a slow-paced coastal community famous for unspoiled beaches and scenic hiking trails. Things to do: Visit Half Moon Bay State Beach. The weather can be windy and misty, but the dramatic scenery is worth the trip. Explore historic Main Street. Don’t miss the bridge over Pilarcitos Creek, at the north end of Main Street. This bridge was among the first steel-reinforced concrete bridges in the world. The Mill Rose Inn (built in 1901). This is the most romantic place to stay in Half Moon Bay with exquisite guest rooms featuring antiques and vintage-inspired decor. Visit Pillar Point Harbor. With docks of colorful fishing boats and charming waterfront eateries, this cozy, seaside hamlet offers a taste of New England. Hike Gray Whale Cove Trail, one mile each way. This hike promises to “take your breath away.” Below you, the Pacific Ocean crashes against granite outcrops. To the north, looms gray-green San Pedro Mountain and inland views of pristine Montara Mountain.

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F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

H O L I D AY

Countdown to Valentine's Day with weeklong fun

illions of people eagerly await the arrival of the shortest month of the year for the opportunity to show their spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends, companions, and many other special people in their lives how much they are loved. Even though Valentine’s Day is just one day a year, that doesn’t mean it should be the only time one expresses his or her love for a special someone. With this in mind, individuals can count down the days to Valentine’s Day with these daily events that precede the day of love.

February 7: Rose Day

Celebrate love with a vase filled with roses. Red symbolizes love, and many other colors represent heartfelt emotions. The flowers will add to home decor and ambiance.

February 8: Proposal Day

Couples ready to tie the knot can use this day as an opportunity to propose. Those already engaged or married can spend Proposal Day celebrating the events that led up to their own engagement or betrothal, and toast how their relationships have evolved.

February 9: Chocolate Day

Lavish a loved one with all the decadent treats they enjoy. These can include store-purchased chocolates, chocolate fudge sundaes or warm brownies fresh out of the oven.

February 10: Teddy Day

This day can be interpreted in different ways. Couples adding spice to their relationships can celebrate Teddy Day with the lingerie of the same name. Those looking for a more G-rated experience can gift each other with an adorable stuffed bear. Make-your-own stuffed animal retailers at nearby malls are a place to turn for customizable teddy bears.

February 11: Promise Day

Promise Day provides an opportunity to make promises to each other that are specific to couples’ relationships. These can include being more patient, traveling more or spending more time together.

February 12: Hug Day

On this day the world celebrates the uplifting and comforting power of hugs, which can be powerful expressions of love.

February 13: Kiss Day

Couples can pucker up and spend a few extra moments showing their affection with some kisses. The lips are quite sensitive to touch, and kissing is one of the more renowned expressions of intimacy. Show love all week long leading up to Valentine’s Day. (MC)

Don’t wait for Feb. 14. Start the celebration the week leading up to that special day.

How did ‘XO’ come to symbolize kisses and hugs?

ove letters are a great way for couples to express their affection and devotion to each other. The sentiments expressed in love letters are as unique as the couples who write them. However, love letters often contain one particular turn of phrase regardless of their authors. When signing a love letter, it’s customary for writers to include at least one “XO” near their names. “XO” is widely recognized as symbolic of wishing “hugs and kisses” to a letter’s intended recipient. This tradition is such an ingrained part of romantic letter writing that few may stop to pause and wonder just how the letters “XO” came to symbolize hugs and kisses. The origins of “XO” are not definitively known, though many historians note that signing letters with “X” dates back to the Middle Ages. Few people could read and write in the Middle Ages, but signing “X” did not require either of those abilities. Christianity played a big part in many people’s lives during the Middle Ages, and “X” was seen as a representation of the Christian cross. So when people signed “X” on legal documents, they were essentially stating the contents of the document were true in the name of Jesus Christ.

“XO” is widely recognized as symbolic of wishing “hugs and kisses.” This tradition is such an ingrained part of romantic letter writing that few may stop to pause and wonder how this came to be.

While Jesus Christ’s teachings are rooted in showing compassion for one’s fellow man, signing a letter with “X” did not symbolize love in the Middle Ages. In fact, that development did not come about until much later. The Oxford English Dictionary attributes the first use of “X” to symbolize

love and/or kisses in a letter to English naturalist Gilbert White. However, some historians debate the accuracy of that attribution, saying White’s use of the letter “X” in his letter was likely meant to convey blessings on the letter’s recipient. Researcher Stephen Goranson found many uses of the letter “X” to convey love and/or kisses in or after the 1880s, so it’s very likely that this was the first time that including the letter “X” at the end of a letter took on the meaning so many people give it now. As for “O” symbolizing hugs, even less is known about how that came about. The late American writer Leo Rosten, whose writings included 1968’s “The Joys of Yiddish,” suggested that including “O” at the end of a letter might have a similar origin story to “X.” Rosten theorized that “O” was used by Jewish immigrants who did not want to sign a document with “X,” which they, like the people in the Middle Ages, interpreted as symbolic of the Christian cross. Exactly when “O” was paired with “X” and came to symbolize hugs is unknown, though various historians suggest the two were not paired until the latter half of the 20th century. (MC)

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

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

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

Stevenson Ranch Ca 91381 661.495.9192 Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 284-5988 Marston’s Restaurant 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 253-9910 Nealie’s Skillet 25858 Tournament Road, Valencia (661) 678-0031 Newhall Refinery 24258 Main St, Newhall (661) 388-4477

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

Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co 18810 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 252-7883

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

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

Claim Jumper 25740 The Old Road, Valencia (661) 254-2628 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 Islands 24180 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 284-5903 Lazy Dog Cafe 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 253-9996 The Local Pub & Grill 26876 The Old Road

Q&Q Hawaiian BBQ 27530 Newhall Ranch Road #101, Santa Clarita (661) 383-9098 Rattler’s BBQ 26495 Golden Valley Road, Canyon Country (661) 251-4195 Smokehouse on Main 24255 Main St, Old Town Newhall (661) 888-4585 Wood Ranch Bar-B-Que & Grill 25580 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 222-9494

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH Casa Canela 27647 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 523-7282

Saddle Ranch Chop House 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 383-0173

Stonefire Grill 23300 Cinema Drive, Valencia (661)799-8282

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

Feb. 14-16

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

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

Eggs N Things 27560 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 702-8664

Special Valentine’s Da y menu & drink specia ls

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

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

Egg Plantation 24415 Walnut Street, Newhall (661) 255-8222

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Salt Creek Grille 24415 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 222-9999 Souplantation 24303 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 286-1260

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

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24275 Main St. Santa Clarita

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F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

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

Everest Burgers 18645 Soledad Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 252-3412 Final Score 23754 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 254-6557 Firehouse Subs 23630 Valencia Blvd. Valencia (661) 255-3473 Five Guys 24201 W, Valencia Blvd #3672, Valencia (661) 255-0981 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Jimmy Dean’s 22941 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 255-6315 JJ’s Bar and Grill 25848 Tournament Road, Valencia (661) 799-7557

Brother’s Burgers 20655 Soledad Canyon (661) 299-9278

Panini Palace 23120 Lyons Ave., Santa Clarita (661) 678-0552

Burgerim 23740 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 670-8939

Pita Pit 28253 Newhall Ranch Road (661) 702-9977

Corner Bakery 24290 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 259-2813 Cousins Burgers 19318 Soledad Cyn Rd, Canyon Country (661) 298-4200

Red Robin 27063 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 260-2411

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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 Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-254-0351 Golden Wok Restaurant 16668 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 424-0888 Grand Panda 23802 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 253-1898 27924 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 297-9868 Mandarin Wong Chinese Restaurant 23758 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-5823 Moon Wok 23460 Cinema Drive Suite H, Valencia (661) 288-1898 New Moon 28281 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 257-4321 Pei Wei Asian Diner 24250 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-600-0132

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

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Small Cheese Pizza, Two Orders of Spaghetti, and Two Dinner Salads

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

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

DELICATESSEN Bob’s Country Meats 19012 Soledad Cyn Rd, Canyon Country (661) 251-5995 Cathy’s Delicatessen 23120 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 288-2217 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

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

JAPANESE & SUSHI Achita Sushi 22913 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 476-5522 I Love Sushi 26526 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-673-5200 Kabuki 24045 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 799-8655 Kisho Japanese Teppan Grill & Revolving Sushi Bar 23430 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 284-3856 Masa Ramen 27051 McBean Pkwy, #101, Valencia (661) 254-4229 Sushi Song Japanese Restaurant 22896 Copper Hill Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 297-5659

KOREAN & MONGOLIAN Charcoal Korean BBQ Restaurant 19158 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-9292 Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-0351

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 19

Gogi House 26524 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 263-0048

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

MEXICAN

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

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

Lee’s Korean BBQ & Tofu House 23360 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 254-2307

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

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

Voted “Best Of” Most Romantic Restaurant 6 years in a row by Signal Readers

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

LE CHÊNE French Cuisine

PIZZA Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Mama Mia Pizza 25708 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 286-9183 Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-3895 Pizza Di Marco 27674 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia 661-295-8769

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

Best Happy Hour in Town 25% off

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20 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

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

Take in Air Supply at Canyon Santa Clarita By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

ot many bands can lay claim to creating a hit that became the fastest-selling single in the world, in addition to a chart topper that was named Song of the Year. However in 1980, Air Supply accomplished just that feat with their hit “Lost in Love.”

The pair who founded the group, Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock, met May 12, 1975, at rehearsals for “Jesus Christ Superstar” in Sydney, Australia. The two found an instant connection with their common love for The Beatles and, of course, singing, and the rest, as they say, is music history, according to the Canyon Santa Clarita website. Seven top-five singles later, Air

Supply albums “Lost in Love,” “The One That You Love,” “Now & Forever” and “The Greatest Hits” sold in excess of 20 million copies. The band’s trademark sound can still be heard when the duo comes to the Santa Clarita Valley on Friday, Feb. 21 For this upcoming show, the venue also has a special offer: There’s a limited number of “Lost In Love”

Experience tickets, which include a premium reserved seat, an invitation to the band’s soundcheck and a meet and greet. 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.

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

FOOD

hen game day arrives and your crowd is ready to crank up the heat, turning to appetizers and dishes that feed the whole group can help save the season. You can defend against overly complicated recipes with long cook times by instead opting for finger foods and handheld snacks that allow for more pregame prep and less cleanup after the final whistle. For example, setting up a chili bar allows for convenient eating throughout the game as it’s easy to keep warm for hours. To give your guests a variety of flavors to choose from, these recipes for bacon-wrapped potatoes and ribs glazed with a sweet-hot sauce involve short ingredients lists and simple preparation to keep you out of the kitchen and into the game. To find more recipe inspiration for game day, visit Culinary.net. (Family Features)

Score Big with Little Potatoes

Part of the fun of the Big Game is the food, and you can score big points by serving up crowd-pleasing sides and snacks. For a familiar spin on a football-watching favorite, try these Pigskin Potatoes: a classic combination of little potatoes and melted cheese wrapped with bacon. There’s no fumbling around with this game day snack made with Creamer potatoes from The Little Potato Company. With no washing or peeling required, little potatoes cook in next to no time whether they are boiled, roasted or smashed. You can be the MVP of your kitchen without missing a second of the action. Visit littlepotatoes.com/gameday for more game day recipe inspiration and to find a store near you.

Pigskin Potatoes

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 44 minutes Servings: 8 1 bag (1 1/2 pounds) Dynamic Duo or Terrific Trio Little Potatoes 6 ounces plain cream cheese at room temperature 1/3 cup finely shredded orange cheddar cheese 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 jalapeno, finely diced (optional) 1 pound thinly sliced bacon, rashers cut in half Heat oven to 400 F. Boil potatoes until fork tender, approximately 1520 minutes. Cut in half and allow to cool. In bowl, use spatula to combine cream cheese, cheddar, chives, salt, pepper and jalapeno, if desired. Once chilled, spread cream cheese on half of cut potatoes and sandwich each with other halves. Wrap each potato using half rasher of bacon

Pigskin Potatoes from The Little Potato Company

around cut middle to ensure cheese doesn’t escape. Bake on middle rack 10 minutes. Flip and bake 10 minutes. Turn oven to broil. Broil 2 minutes, turn once and

broil 2 minutes until bacon reaches desired crispiness. Tip Boil potatoes 2 days ahead. Fill and wrap potatoes 1 day ahead then bake and serve on game day.

A Sweet-Heat Snack

inger foods and watch parties go handin-hand, which is why these baby back ribs are ideal for grabbing a couple (or more) and heading to your favorite spot on the couch. Glazed with a mixture of honey, chipotle peppers and mangoes for some sweet heat, they’re cooked low and slow for fall-offthe-bone flavor. Just wrap the ribs and sauce in aluminum foil, place over low indirect heat and let your grill do the work. To help simplify game day, try cooking a day in advance and warm in the oven a couple hours prior to kickoff. Find more game day recipes at honey.com. Baby Back Ribs with Honey, Chipotle and Mango Glaze Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board Servings: 8 2 racks baby back ribs 1 tablespoon salt

1 1 4 1

teaspoon pepper can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce ripe mangoes, cubed cup honey

Remove ribs from package; rinse and pat dry. Remove membrane. Place in shallow pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper and set aside. In small saucepan over medium heat, cook chipotle peppers, mangoes and honey, stirring constantly, until cooked down and thick enough to coat back of spoon. Heat grill to 225-240 F. Wrap ribs and 2/3 of sauce mixture tightly in aluminum foil and place over indirect heat. Close lid. After 2 hours, flip ribs and cook 2 hours. Open aluminum and remove ribs, place directly on grill and brush with remaining sauce. Cook 30 minutes. Remove from grill and serve hot.

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F E B R UA RY 2, 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 First Thursday of the month, 7-9 p.m. 10 by 10 is a variety night giving 10 selected entertainers the chance to take the stage for a 10-minute performance of their choosing. Audience members will enjoy storytelling, magic, comedy, improv, music and other forms of entertainment at this ever changing event. Admission is free. The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Santa Clarita. Info: thursdaysatnewhall. com/10by10.

WIN

! WIN

CONGRATULATIONS to GINNY MURRAY for correctly identifying PACIFICA SENIOR LIVING on page 32 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 12 Winner to be announced in 2 weeks.

EVENTS BY DATE 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/ Tuesday, Feb. 4, 7-9 p.m How do you deal with creative blocks in your life? Creative blocks are frustrating and sometimes frightening. Come to Art Tank’s workshop on “How to Overcome Creative Block.” Art Tank is a series of informal discussions by creative community members that are designed to assist artists and performers with expanding their knowledge, and solving challenges about a variety of topics. 4266 Main St., Santa Clarita Info: facebook.com/ events/2979824558715282/ Thursday, 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 and the 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 Friday, Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m. Gather your trivia geek posse, and join Wolf Creek Brewery for a music lovers trivia night! It is free to sign up and teams can have up to 6 members. Themed dress will be awarded. 25108 Rye Canyon Loop Santa Clarita. Info: triviainthetent.com Saturday, Feb. 8, 9-11 a.m. The Little Green Monster project supports the well-being of diverse families impacted by cancer and engages children’s imaginations to help them thrive during the cancer journey. This workshop is intended for children 5-13 years of age who have a loved one in cancer treatment or recovery, and for children who have/had cancer themselves. The workshop will include a reading of ‘The Little Green Monster’ book, a chance for the children to make monsters of their own and a book to take home. Community Education at Henry Mayo Fitness and Health, 24525 Town Center Drive, Valencia.

Info: henrymayo.com/classes-events/classes-events-details/?Event=11293 Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. Come to Green Thumb Nursery learn about creating a backyard orchard at our fruit tree seminar! Mike will be sharing his knowledge on fruit trees at 10 a.m. with a repeat performance at 2:00 pm. 23734 Newhall Ave, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ events/478732636354768/ Sunday, Feb. 9, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come on out to the SoCal Etsy Guild Market! This is a one day event taking place at the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Check out some Southern California handmade artisan vendors, artist, food, live art and giveaways! All vendors will be located in front of the mall entrance, Saddle Ranch Chop House and The Cheese Cake Factory. 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/events/474461200151140/ Friday, Feb. 14, 7-10:30 p.m. Celebrate your loved ones on Valentine’s Day with an evening full of wonderful food, wine, laughter, and audience participation at Le Chene’s Murder Mystery Theater hosted by Sharpo. $145 includes dinner and show. 12625 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita. Info: lechene.com/event/valentines-day-2020-murder-mystery-dinner-theater-at-le-chene/ Friday, Feb. 14, 7-10:30 p.m. Kick off the Newhallywood Silent Film Festival with Valentine’s Day Dinner at Hart Park! Dinner will include a presentation on the use of technicolor in the evening feature film, “The Black Pirate,” starring Douglas Fairbanks. Attendees will get a sneak peek at the pop-up exhibit of Fairbanks and Mary Pickford artifacts which will be on display at William S. Hart Park throughout the festival weekend. $60 single ticket, $100 per couple. 24151 Newhall Ave, Santa Clarita. Info: hartmuseum.org/calendar/valentines-day-dinner Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m. This year’s Valentine’s weekend, join Karli Webster, her band, and performer friends, in the romantic Spiegeltent for an evening of love songs through the decades. Heck, knowing Karli, you might even end up on the dance floor. This Sweet Valentine After Dinner Show includes a buffet of decadent desserts prepared with love by Wolf Creek’s own pastry chef Meghan Launier. $35 in advance, reserved seating only. Wolf Creek Brewery, 25108 Rye Canyon Loop Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ events/1401631013356474/

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 3

K I D S & FA M I LY

Time-saving kitchen shortcuts that won’t sacrifice quality

f coordinating schedules to gather the family around the dinner table is a victory in its own right, finding enough time to prepare a well-rounded, flavorful meal may just be a medal-worthy accomplishment. Whether a weeknight dinner or special occasion, you can shave precious minutes off your kitchen work and dedicate more moments to doing the things you love with these time-saving ideas that don’t sacrifice quality.

its labor when you return home or a food processor that takes the effort out of slicing and dicing. Find more ideas to put meals on the table quickly at Idahoan.com.

Time-saving upgrades for delicious sides

Plan ahead

Organizing your thoughts and scouring the kitchen for ingredients can take as much time as preparing the meal itself. Instead of wondering what you’ll make and whether you have what you need to make it, take time to plan meals a week ahead whenever possible. Think through a complete menu, including main dishes and sides, and take inventory of the pantry and refrigerator so you can build an efficient grocery list.

Use ingredients in multiple recipes

When planning and shopping for your weekly meals, consider which ingredients you may be able to repurpose. Not only does using ingredients across multiple dishes help minimize waste, it cuts down on prep time. If you’ll be using chopped onion in multiple recipes, go ahead and chop enough for every meal and save the

unused portions in the refrigerator or freezer.

Turn to your pantry for simple sides

Flavorful side dishes can be surprisingly simple. For example, Idahoan helps you put real mashed potatoes on the table in just 5 minutes. They start with 100% real Idaho potatoes from local growers then wash, peel, boil and mash them like you would at home. After cooking each batch, they simply fresh-dry the mashed potatoes so they’re ready for you to prepare at home.

Make larger portions

Cooking once and eating twice (or more) is an easy equation for saving time. Intentionally making more than you need ensures fuss-free lunches

or plenty of leftovers you can heat up quickly for nights when the family is running in different directions.

Pre-cook proteins

For many meals, the main dish protein takes the longest to prepare. If you can carve out some time over the weekend or one night a week, multitask and make several batches of proteins to use later in the week. Cooking the proteins concurrently lets you pack multiple days of preparation time into a single super-sized session.

Use time-saving tools

Traditional methods have their time and place, but a weekday dinner isn’t it. Rely on tools to get the job done faster, like a slow cooker that works hard all day so you can enjoy

Mashed potatoes are a crowd-pleasing dish that can be incorporated in a wide range of menus. While they can often be time-consuming, an option like Idahoan can help you put real mashed potatoes on the table in just 5 minutes because they take the time to create mashed potatoes from scratch so you don’t have to. This allows you to embrace the staple side dish’s versatility by freeing up time for you to incorporate simple twists like these. Mix it up with all the fixings. From vegetables like corn or caramelized onions to classic garnishes like chopped fresh herbs, you can mix and match toppings for a new take on a loaded smashed sensation. Embrace Tex-Mex flair. Create your own version of ethnic favorites like traditional Mexican papas. Add lightly sauteed red and green peppers, green onion, green chilis and shredded cheese for a Tex-Mex potato dish perfect for pairing with tacos or enchiladas. Get garlicky. Add minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese for a savory burst of flavor that complements the traditional potato taste. (Family Features)

Several ‘must-have’ clothes for your kid’s closet

s a parent, it can be difficult to decide what to buy for your kids. You want clothes that are trendy and versatile, but also items that will last. Even more, you want your kids’ unique personality to shine through! Stocking your kid’s closet with clothing that is unique, fun and durable will help find a balance between your needs as a parent and their wants as kids.

kids’ closet this season are denim jackets and hoodies. A classic denim jacket is perfect for every kid as it adds additional style to every outfit while also keeping them comfortable during those chilly mornings. Likewise, cozy hoodies are great to have on hand. They are comfy and go with just about any outfit. If you’re running out the door or picking them up after practice, hoodies are perfect during those transitional seasons.

Jackets and hoodies

Jeans and leggings

Layers not only provide extra warmth to keep kids comfortable, but they also add additional style to any outfit. The best items to add to your

Getting kids’ pants that are versatile and long lasting can be tough. With changing styles and a growing kid you are constantly challenged with finding

the perfect pair of jeans. In just a few wears, parents often dread finding worn knees or holes in pants. Your best bet is to stock up on denim that is strong and matches with virtually any top. For young kids, adjustable waistbands are easy and grow with your kids. For girls, leggings are popular, comfortable and go with just about any top or dress you have for your kid.

Graphic tees

Got a kid with a big personality? No matter his or her interests, graphic tees are an instant hit that will be worn time and time again. These comfortable tees are printed with fun designs and catchy phrases,

with some even featuring interesting details. They are easy to wash and are great for layering with that jean jacket.

Shoes and socks

When designing a child’s closet, you need to consider head-to-toe looks, and that means looking down at those feet. Basic dress shoes in black should cover all your more formal needs. Comfortable sneakers are great and last all day. As for socks, basics are a necessity but fun colors can add pop to an outfit. For younger kids, socks with grippers are a must. (BPT)

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K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Fun indoor play chases bad weather away By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

t was a very cold day. How cold was it? When I tossed a pitcher of water up into the air from our Minneapolis front door a couple of weeks ago, fireworks of ice crystals instantly appeared and exploded in all directions. I braved opening the door again because I couldn't resist blowing multitudes of soap bubbles to observe flash-frozen icy spheres dance as they descended and bounced on the ground. We were frozen in our tracks as the polar vortex shut us down, giving our loyal mail carrier a day off and closing schools.

“No outdoor play” recommendations because of dangerous wind chill had parents scrambling for indoor ideas. Letting children create on a free day was the mantra of a friend who cared for two school-age girls. While one did an “alphabet search,” hunting for objects around the house beginning with letters A-Z and photographing them with grandma's cellphone, the other went online to Target's website to pretend shop by jotting “purchases” on a sheet of paper, the challenge to “spend” less than $50. A preschool teacher said her grandkids enjoyed creative thinking by making up clever activities based on nursery rhymes. For example, before

preparing hard-boiled eggs for lunch, they recited “Humpty Dumpty” and came up with ways to protect him (bubble wrap) from cracking on a “fall” from a shelf.

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While you're not likely to get the brutally cold slap in the face we experienced, there are still stormy and rainy days that will keep your kids inside in the weeks ahead. Here are three more fun indoor activities: Be weather watchers. Check the weather online and in this newspaper. What are the conditions in another state or country where your friends and relatives live? Older kids can be reporters in a pretend weather center. One can be on location (by a window) while the other is in a mock “studio.” What's the weekend prediction? Get moving! Physical activity is a fun and natural part of life. Challenge kids to come up with an exercise routine to their favorite music. Be their student and let them teach the moves to you. Tell stories. Cut out a picture from this paper, or use a printed photo from your last vacation. Encourage your child to tell a story, real or imagined, about it. Start by saying where it occurred, when it happened and what the character was doing. If your child gets stuck, encourage her by asking “And then what happened? 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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F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

H E A LT H

Things that happen to women’s bodies after birth

long with the joy of bringing a baby into the world, physical changes from pregnancy and postpartum conditions may cause unexpected effects on the body. It’s important to proactively discuss these topics with friends and physicians to stay informed, know you aren’t alone and understand what effective solutions are available.

Hair loss

Triggered by a change in estrogen levels, approximately 40 to 50% of women experience telogen effluvium — the excessive shedding of hair that occurs one to five months postpregnancy, according to the American Pregnancy Association. The good news is that it’s usually temporary. Women can protect their hair by being extra gentle with it, particularly when it’s wet and more prone to breakage. Foods rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, biotin, zinc and vitamins B, C and E can also

promote strong, healthy hair.

Stress incontinence

Commonly referred to as light bladder leakage (LBL), stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine when sudden pressure is placed on the bladder, like when you sneeze, cough, jump or laugh. One in three women of all ages experiences LBL, and it’s especially common among women who’ve given birth. “Carrying the weight of a baby in the pelvis and the childbirth process can do quite a number on the pelvic floor and bladder, making it difficult to control urine flow, especially when you’re exerting yourself,” says Poise women’s health expert Dr. Jessica Shepherd, OB/GYN. Dr. Shepherd notes that unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking, drinking alcohol and using artificial sweeteners can increase one’s chances of experiencing LBL. Spicy, more acidic foods can also trigger LBL if you already have it.

“Knowing how your bladder reacts when you consume various foods can help you identify and avoid triggers,” says Dr. Shepherd. Though common, many women are embarrassed by LBL. However, acknowledging it can help you find solutions. Here are a few to consider: • Early on in your pregnancy, incorporate pelvic floor strengthening exercises into your fitness routine like Pilates, tai chi and Kegels. • Try over-the-counter solutions specifically designed to protect against leaks. According to a survey conducted by Poise, 63% of women have used a sanitary napkin or period pad to address bladder leaks. These products weren’t designed to absorb moisture from urine and fail to provide LBL protection needed to stay comfortable and confident. Brands like Poise offer a variety of solutions designed to move with women’s bodies, including pads, ultra-thin pads, liners and microlin-

ers, in multiple sizes and absorbency levels. They also have an internal bladder support device called Impressa that’s inserted like a tampon, but instead of absorbing fluids, helps keep your urethra closed, stopping leaks for up to 12 hours a day. For more information on LBL and to find the right products for you, visit Poise.com.

Excess sweat

Many women sweat more, particularly at night, in the first few weeks after giving birth. This is caused by the natural process of your hormones working to rid your body of the excess fluids that supported your pregnancy. To combat this issue, wear loose-fitting, light garments and remember to stay hydrated. Caring for a new baby can be overwhelming at first, but it’s important not to ignore your own wellness. Taking good care of yourself will help make your transition into parenthood more comfortable. (Statepoint)

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F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

PETS

Tips to make your home more cat-friendly

illions of people cannot imagine life at home without their cats. Cats make wonderful pets, bringing their own unique personality into a home and providing companionship to their owners. As great as cats are, millions still enter animal shelters every year. According to the ASPCA, roughly half of the 6.5 million companion animals that enter United States animal shelters each year are cats. And while figures are thankfully on the decline, hundreds of thousands of those cats end up being euthanized. Local animal shelters are home to many cats that would make great pets, and prospective cat owners are urged to visit such shelters to find cats that would make welcome additions to their homes. For those who find cats to take home, the following are a handful of ways to make a home as cat-friendly

as possible. Take stock of appliances that pose as safety risks. Certain appliances pose potentially significant threats to cats’ safety. For example, International Cat Care notes that open washing machines or tumble dryers, particularly those with warm clothes inside, may be too tempting for cats to ignore. Unsuspecting homeowners may close the doors to washers and dryers, trapping cats inside, or even turn the appliances on without recognizing the cats are inside. Always keep doors Observing how your cat acts around the house to such appliances closed, and will tell you a lot about what the cat likes or check to make sure cats are not doesn’t like. inside before using these appliances. flaps. Some cats respond positively Paper shredders and work stations to cat flaps, while others do not. Cat with lots of wires also pose a safety flaps also may invite other cats into a risk to cats, so make sure these appli- home, which can upset your cat and ances and areas are inaccessible. make it vulnerable to attack. While Watch how cats behave around cat

some cats may want the freedom a

cat flap allows, others may be on edge around the cat flap. Let cats’ behavior dictate if you will keep the cat flap or not. Watch how cats drink water. International Cat Care notes that the presence of water near food may deter some cats from drinking enough fluids. That’s because cats naturally hunt for food and water separately. Some cats may be fine if food and water are in the same bowl, but if you notice your cat is ignoring its water bowl, try placing it elsewhere in the home to ensure your cat gets enough fluids. Provide high but safe resting places. Cats want to rest and observe their surroundings from on high. Don’t deter cats from resting in such places, but make sure they’re positioned in such a way that cats can safely get down when they want to. Cats make wonderful pets, particularly when welcomed into cat-friendly homes. (MC)

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 7

SENIORLIVING

Beware of ‘free genetic testing’ medicare scams

WE LOVE TO

HELP YOU

HEAR! Since 1987 our mission at Advanced Audiology has been helping the community of Santa Clarita hear better.

ver the past few years, DNA tests have become more popular across the country. However, unscrupulous people are taking advantage of the buzz around these tests to scam Medicare beneficiaries. Scammers target Medicare beneficiaries through telemarketing calls, booths at public events, health fairs and door-to-door visits. They offer “free” genetic testing to help recipients avoid diseases or find the right medications. The scammers claim the testing is covered by Medicare, and therefore is free to the beneficiary. In reality, Medicare only covers genetic testing in limited situations, and only when ordered by the beneficiary’s physician. If a company bills Medicare for genetic testing, and Medicare denies the claim, the beneficiary could be responsible for the entire cost of the test, which can total around $10,000. In other cases, the scammers are simply trying to obtain Medicare numbers they can use to steal a beneficiary’s medical identity or to fraudulently bill Medicare for services they did not provide. Such fraud can hurt not just Medicare beneficiaries, but all American taxpayers who contribute to Medicare. To avoid being scammed, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) offers this advice to beneficiaries:

PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

• Do not accept genetic testing services, including a cheek swab, from someone at a community event, local fair, farmer’s market, parking lot or other large event. • Always be cautious about giving out your personal information, including your Medicare number.

Individualized hearing care customized to your needs. If you’re not happy with your current hearing aids, schedule a FREE consultation and we will see if we can adjust them for you.

• If you receive a genetic testing kit in the mail, don’t accept it unless it was ordered by your physician. Refuse the delivery or return it to the sender and keep a record of the sender’s name and the date you returned the item. • Always review your Medicare Summary Notice or explanation of benefits. The terms “gene analysis” or “molecular pathology” may indicate questionable genetic testing. If you received a cheek swab or screening that was not ordered by a trusted provider or have concerns about billing errors or possible fraud, contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol. The SMP program, funded by ACL, helps Medicare beneficiaries protect themselves from fraud, errors and abuse, and detect and report problems if and when they occur. To find your local SMP, visit smpresource.org or call (877) 8082468. (Family Features)

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28 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

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HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Replacing, repairing concrete roof tiles By Robert Lamoureux Signal Contributing Writer

Replacing concrete tiles Robert, My name is Damon C. and I live in Canyon Country. We have a roof that has concrete tiles and four of them

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are split completely in half, just like a cookie would break. I sent photos to you and hope that you can help guide me, I’m retired and don’t have a lot of resources so is there something that I can do, maybe a glue or something other than replacing the tiles that I can use to put it back together? The paper below is torn also, not sure how this happened but I need some guideance, please. – Damon C. Damon C. Hi Damon, thank you for writing in and I see clearly in the photos that you sent, you can do this repair and it should hold until you can make permanent repairs. Go to the big box store and get Henry’s 208. They sell it in 1 and 5 gallon buckets as well as caulking tubes. In your case a caulking tube will be sufficient, but you’ll need the gun to go with it for dispensing. Access your roof safely, remembering good ladder safety, and begin by using the Henry’s first to the paper where the tear is, and essentially you’re going to glue this back togeth-

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er. This is a very thick, pliable product that can be used even in the rain, but know that this is just a temporary repair and will need to be addressed with permanent repairs perhaps in the summer once the weather is good. Literally glue the pieces back together, slipping the tiles back into place. I see also in the photos, that the vent stacks nearby are showing signs that they need sealing. While you are up there, check all of these areas and anything that looks like previous mastic was used and is cracked, chip away the old cracked product and re seal them. You can follow this up with spray painting this product to match your roof, this keeps it looking great for you. You can use this same idea on the vent pipes themselves, so they match the roof also, if you wish. This will get you through this season, likely with no further water intrusion issues. Remember though Damon, this is temporary and you’ll need a roofer to make the permanent repairs once you are able to fund that. 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.

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 9

Wedding Planning 101

irst comes the proposal then comes the wedding planning. There are dozens of decisions that need to be made before it’s time to walk down the aisle, which can be overwhelming for brides and grooms. To help make it less stressful, these tips from Macy’s can help couples through the entire wedding-planning process, from on-trend apparel and accessories for the entire wedding party to all the essentials to create a perfect registry.

Dressing the ladies

When it comes to bridesmaid dresses, the mix-and-match approach is trending in popularity. Start by deciding on a color palette, such as lilac, champagne and petal pink. Then have each bridesmaid choose her favorite style within that range of hues. Bring it all together by choosing a uniform look for makeup, shoes and accessories. There is no better time to thank the ladies than the morning of the big day. A few thoughtful gifts can go a long way, such as matching robes, tumblers to stay hydrated throughout the day and cosmetic cases to stow makeup essentials.

Dressing the gents

Similar to bridesmaid dresses,

GETTY IMAGES

groomsmen attire can be dependent on the venue and overall event aesthetic. While a suit can fit the bill for a country club wedding, a city affair may call for the sleek finishes of a tux. Tuxedo accessories, such as cuff links or bow ties, make great groomsmen gifts and are classic pieces they can use time and time again.

Creating the perfect registry

When building a registry, it’s never too early to start. People want to give gifts as soon as they know a couple is engaged. Start by taking inventory of what you already have, what you need and what you want to upgrade. It’s also recommended to update the registry regularly so there are enough gifts to choose from, especially if there is an engagement party and bridal shower coming up. To get started, some popular registry items include stand mixers, craft beer glasses, Dutch ovens, bath towels and vacuums. For extra guidance, couples can speak to advisors who can help with the full registry building process at Macy’s stores. For more wedding ideas and inspiration, and to find the right attire and gifts for your wedding planning, visit macys.com. (Family Features)

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Put more ‘you’ into your wedding day

wedding day is filled with symbolic tradition, from varied religious customs to the never-ending circle reflected in the rings and the types of flowers accentuating the celebration. Even with all the traditional rituals to consider, nearly every bride and groom can find ways to give their special day some unique

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touches that reflect their personality and love. Music sets the mood for every wedding, and it’s an easy place to put your own spin on the celebration. Whether you forgo the traditional bridal march entirely or simply look for an arrangement that gives an updated twist to the classic version, let guests know this isn’t your average wedding by setting the festivities against a soundtrack that lets your true character shine. The wedding party is intended to be a collection of those nearest and dearest to the bride and groom, who help ensure the day goes off without a hitch and who lead fellow revelers in celebrating the start of the new couple’s life together. That being said, there’s no reason this group must be limited to women on her side and guys on his, or even that it’s limited to humans — a beloved pooch can make for an adorable ring-bearer, after all.

Photography is an essential element of your big day, but think beyond the images you’ll capture throughout the wedding and reception. Photos lend a personal touch, no matter what your color scheme or theme. Integrate photos of the two of you at various stages of life, together as a couple and with loved ones (perhaps even some you’re honoring in memoriam). You can display these at a table with the guest book or as part of the table centerpieces. Or take things digital and load all your images into a slide show set to music. Make favors meaningful. Forgo more common items like bubbles and chocolate, and instead send a little of yourself home with your guests. Maybe it’s a memento from a place with special meaning to you both, or a bottle opener shaped like a bicycle to represent the way you met. Just think about the moments and things that define you as a couple and do some searching online. You’ll

probably be surprised by how quickly the options pile up. Serve up a menu that shows guests more about your life together. Your loved ones can order basic beef or chicken anywhere. Instead, give them a glimpse into you. Make your main course the same food you enjoyed on your first date or during another monumental moment in your courtship. Or plan the entire menu around a region that you hold close to your heart. Weddings are filled with traditions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put your own touches that will make the day uniquely your own. Find more advice for life’s special moments at elivingtoday.com. (Family Features)

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F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 1

Five tips to enhance your wedding decor

MAKE YOUR EVENT UNFORGETTABLE!

PHOTO MANIA BOOTH

edding days are meant to be filled with love and celebration, and what better way to ring in the new stage of life as newlyweds than with a well-decorated venue to match the joyous occasion. Whether a couple is on a tight budget or picky when it comes to theme ideas, these decorating tips can help add more flair for the big day.

Use a natural venue

Many couples choose wedding venues that require immense amounts of decorations, but a venue with organic scenery or a beautiful view can help alleviate the stress. Consider having the ceremony near a garden or beach with enough natural surroundings to keep guests in awe.

Make the cake a centerpiece

Wedding cakes are almost guaranteed to be filled with flavor, but they can also serve as a decorative centerpiece for the reception. Choosing a cake topped with flowers, highlighting bright colors and placing it in a prominent spot at the reception can grab guests’ attention while also keeping them eager for a bite.

Choose table accessories that pop

Leave guests in amazement as they make their way to their seats for the reception with beautifully decorat-

GETTY IMAGES

ed tables. Table accessories can be anything ranging from patterned table runners to flowers in full-bloom placed in simple, elegant vases. If you are not having a formal sit-down reception, try using paper lanterns or hanging flowers from the ceiling to create an eye-catching atmosphere to remember.

Add classic lighting

At times, finding the right lighting to match the mood of a wedding venue can be tricky. In this case, less may actually be more. Try opting for a classic candlelit ceremony or reception to create a more romantic setting. This can save both money and countless hours spent attempting to configure elaborate light fixtures, and also provide a timeless feel.

Place engagement photos around the venue

With any wedding, you want the day to feel personal and intimate for the couple and guests alike. Consider decorating the venue with engagement photos of the soon-to-be spouses as they popped the question. This can allow the newlyweds to reminisce while guests view those cherished moments and revel in the occasion. For more tips to prepare for life’s special moments like marital bliss, visit elivingtoday.com. (Family Features)

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32 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

BUSINESS

Money goals for financial health in 2020 By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

s another new year and another decade begin, many are setting new financial goals for them-

selves. Though many have already given up on their New Year’s resolutions by the start of February, there are plenty of ways to help yourself keep on track. Whether you’re looking to start saving up to buy your first home, looking to pay down debt or simply trying to create better spending habits, here are some tips from financial experts to help you do just that.

Make it emotional

“To me, in life, whether that’s fitness, health or money, it feels like it has got to be emotional and not mechanical,” said Erick Arndt, a financial adviser at Virtue Wealth. Though both emotion and habits play a significant part in your actions, it’s emotion that gets you to take action, Arndt said. “The right habits get us through the chasm, or the bump, but emotional charge helps to keep that going,” Arndt added. “The year is going to come and go, but little things add up.” Figuring out why you are creating these financial goals will help to put the right habits in place, until it becomes almost unconscious, he said. Patti Handy, a senior mortgage adviser, agreed, adding that though it can be hard to make that mindset shift, it’s important to have that why tied to emotion. “Whether it’s because you want stability, peace of mind or to be able to give back, it has to be something that’s a trigger for you,” Handy said. “When you get into that mode of wanting to spend more, you’ve got to be able to stop and say, ‘Wait a minute.’” Handy said it also helps to have it written out and posted somewhere so you don’t lose focus.

Figure out where your money is going “The first step is to look back at 2019 and see where your money went,” said Jerrod Ferguson, vice

Teachers with the William S Hart Union High School District trained over the summer before a recent financial advisement class was introduced into the local school district.. The experts advise those looking to save to write down their goals so they don’t lose focus. SIGNAL PHOTO

president at Vance Wealth, adding that information is power. “Lots of credit cards and banks give annual statements, so getting that information shouldn’t be hard.” Though simple, this can be an eye opener for many, as it is often overlooked, Handy said. With that, he, Arndt and Handy suggest creating a spending plan by using your 2019 spending as a basis. “A budget has a sad, depressing connotation, but a spending plan is exciting,” Arndt said. “It’s similar to a budget, but it’s a license to spend money, which you can’t do without a plan otherwise you run yourself into a ditch.” This way, you can decide exactly what you want to be spending your money on. “Don’t look at budget as something that’s restrictive, look at it as cash flow, because at the end of the day, that’s what it really is,” Handy added. Learn to live below your means Arndt compares living paycheck to paycheck to running a car at 5,000 rpm continuously. “Eventually, it’s going to crash,” he said. “Just like you can’t spend 100% of what you earn.” Though the goal is to save 20% of each paycheck, Arndt suggests starting with $25 and working your way up. Similarly, Handy suggests paying yourself first, meaning saving first

before paying your debts, which she said is a habit of the wealthy. “Have it automatically go from your checking to wherever you want to put that money to go to work for you is crucial,” she said. “Until you have some breathing room, that’s important… because life happens. It brings a sense of peace knowing you have a cushion sitting there that you can fall back on.”

Pay off debt

The first step to paying off debt is sitting down and evaluating your finances in order to figure out what’s causing you to be in debt, said Greg Mahnken, a credit industry analyst at Credit Card Insider, and both Arndt and Handy agreed. “Take steps to improve your habits and situation so that you don’t end up in the same spot down the road,” Mahnken added. Whether you choose the avalanche method, where you allocate any extra cash towards paying down the loan with the highest interest rate, or the snowball method, where you put that extra money towards the smallest balance, you must first ensure all of your accounts are in good standing and that you’re making all of your minimum payments, according to Mahnken and Handy. “Eventually that bill is going to go away,” he said. “Now, roll that minimum payment and extra cash into

the next balance.” Each method has its upsides, but regardless of which you pick, avoid spending on accounts while trying to pay off debt, as it’s easy to nickel and dime, but really eats into your progress, Mahnken added. If this is hard, Mahnken suggests putting your card in a safe. Those with large amounts of debt on a credit card with high interest rates may also want to consider trying to negotiate a lower rate with their borrower or a balance transfer, which is basically paying a credit card with another credit card with a fee, according to both Mahnken and Handy. “Fees are often cheaper than the interest you’d be paying, so do the math first with fees in mind to ensure you’ll end up saving money,” Mahnken said. “Also, read the terms of your card, as often, making a late payment could cancel your offer.”

Invest in yourself

“The best investment I’ve ever made is me,” Arndt said. “You earn more the better you are at what you do, so keep learning, take a class, read a book … You’ll be simply blown away of where you are at by 2021.” Arndt also suggests learning about money, as it may cause you to start looking at money differently. “You learn about money from family and are subconsciously picking up those tips,” he added, “and repeating those same habits.”

Keep your goals reasonable

Both Ferguson and Handy also warn to avoid biting off more than you can chew. “Pick two (goals) and focus on that,” Handy said. “You should also be a little kinder to yourself. If you slip and things don’t work out, don’t beat yourself up, just pick yourself up and stay motivated.” She also suggests confiding in someone you can speak openly to to help you stay accountable, whether that’s a friend, family member or financial adviser.

F E B R UA RY 2, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 3

TIMERANGER

So What Do You Give for the 101st Anniversary? Jiminy Christmas wasn’t it Christmas 20 minutes ago? Ditto for February 2019? Putting “BUY BRAKES” on my shopping list so we can apply them to time. We’ve a most compelling trail ride through SCV history ahead, dear friends, neighbors, saddlepals and the rare nemeses. There’s The Mighty Signal’s 101st anniversary, saints, scalawags, rustlers and when the SCV hosted a convention of soft-handed bankers. (We’ll sneak by the camping bankers and see if we can liberate some champagne and lobsters …) C’mon. Saddle up. Or, if you’re a contrary warrior, saddle down. We take all types on these trail rides… WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• Taking good care of it a century later William S. Hart, one of the biggest movie stars in the world, purchased the Horseshoe Ranch in Newhall from Mr. Babcock Smith on Feb. 5, 1921. Hart had been leasing the property from Smith, starting in 1918. Ol’ Babby built the place in 1910. Used to rent out the hill where Hart built his mansion to the Forest Service and they had a huge wooden fire lookout tower there. • Still mighty, a century-plus later On Feb. 7, 1919 — 101 years ago — Ed Brown and his wife, Blanche, published the very first issue of The Signal. Can’t believe I just spent a year, writing a weekly feature about it… FEB. 2, 1920

• Always injured Henry Newhall’s Prohibitionist presidential candidate, Henry Clay Needham, returned from a Los Angeles hospital where a clotted leg vein was removed. It gave the Prohibitionist time to reflect. He wrote a letter about returning to Newhall, his “mountain camp.” Needham wrote of “Blessed Childhood” and enjoying life to the full. Needham’s words: “… for all too soon the years go by and its pleasures become only memories as you meet the sterner duties of life. But it were a blessed thing that it were given to man and woman and to have been young, that the memory of its days may sweeten the shaded and barren years which come with age.” • Adios, Eddie. We hardly knew thee Oregonian Edward H. Brown

arrived safely. It was Nadeau’s dream to build a deer farm with every breed of deer on the planet living in CC. He almost got there. An epidemic would later wipe out most of the United Nations-esque herd. FEB. 2, 1940

founded this newspaper in a little room in the old Swall Hotel in downtown Newhall. Interestingly, old Ed never lived to see his paper’s first birthday, dying right before its anniversary on Feb. 3, 1920. Except for a few tidbits, like being a World War I vet, not much is known about Ed, or his bride, Blanche, who took over operation of The Mighty Signal until 1925. FEB. 2, 1930

• War of editorials The editor of the San Fernando News wrote a letter to The Signal threatening Signal Editor A.B. Thatcher. Seems old “Dad” Thatcher had a bean in his craw about flying and wouldn’t go NEAR an airplane let alone climb into one. Wrote News Editor J.A.C.: “(We’ll get Thatcher) up for an airplane ride and before he gets back he’ll be converted to flying or he’ll have to walk back,” wrote J.A.C. of the News. • Our own saint A movement started to raise money to buy the “Good Shepherd of the Hills,” the Rev. W.H Evans, a house. Rev. Evans retired in July 1930 to Vista, California. He touched the lives of hundreds if not thousands during his pastoring of the Presbyterian Church in Newhall starting in 1914. It was Evans who had virtually no sleep for months after the St. Francis Dam disaster, offering everything from solace, muscle and funeral services for the hundreds who died and the more who survived the St. Francis Dam disaster. • Deer me! Remi Nadeau got another delivery of deer to add to his game preserve (near the Soledad/Sierra Highway intersection today). The Canyon Country millionaire received a truckload of elk and, except for two that were trampled to death, the load

• Our almost forgotten bird man Newhall folks started passing the hat for a fitting monument to Dick Lindsay, who passed on to other realities 80 years back. Lindsay spent years feeding and watering the town’s feathered creatures. Locals built a stone bird bath in “The Birdman’s” honor, complete with a plaque. That dear bird bath has been missing for decades. Shame they never replaced it. • Inch a day makes the drought go away Too bad we can’t fill up our canteens from some of that 1940 rain. We had nearly 4 inches in the first four days of February. • But we about got a war to fight! More than 250 locals signed a petition, asking the Army to move their flying school out of Newhall. The constant flights were bothering both livestock and movie companies. John Wayne, Trevor Howard and a crew from Republic Pictures had to walk off a movie set because of all the airplane racket. You see, there weren’t too many airplanes during the Cowboy Days … FEB. 2, 1950

• Too bad COC wasn’t built yet. They could’ve taken an accounting course Four women were arrested at the old Rancho 49, a motel north of Castaic, and charged with prostitution. They must have not been very good at their trade. Not one had even spare change to make bail or pay a fine. • A.B. Normal? The brain of Wm. S. Hart was center stage at the estate trial of the famed silent film superstar. Hart’s son, Bill Jr., had earlier showed up at his father’s cremation with a court order for the actor’s brain. An autopsy was performed and there was no evidence of any mental disorder in the dad — a crushing headache for his son’s case. FEB. 2, 1960

• And his son, John, got a hernia there moving milk crates Ed Duarte’s little Canyon Country market was burgled of cigarettes on this date. To set the record straight, and,

with apologies to Scott Newhall, ol’ Ed NEVER owned a thoroughbred ranch, hamburger factory or dog-racing farm as Scotty had accused. In a famous front-page Signal editorial, the former publisher of this paper suggested that school board member Ed was feeding his horses to his dogs, selling the dogs to his hamburger factory, and selling the hamburgers to Hart High. Oh. About the mini-headline? John Duarte DID get a hernia. We weren’t allowed to visit him in the hospital because we tended to make him laugh and that stretched the stitches … FEB. 2, 1970

• Sound eerily familiar? The Hart District reported the area’s three junior highs were terribly overcrowded. Of course, we’ve added on since then. FEB. 2, 1980

• Darn kids A report indicated that open lunch on the valley’s three high schools solved more problems than it created. The Sheriff ’s Department disagreed, citing a big upswing on daytime burglaries. The district had 5,625 high school students. • Our little chickadee The U.S. Postal Service issued a new 15-cent stamp, honoring William Claude Dukinfield. You time travelers might know him better by his stage name — W.C. Fields. Why mention him? He used to live on 8th Street in the 1930s, leasing the home of the silent film impresario, Charlie Mack. The home was called, Rancho del Rey and was eventually sold to Cynthia Neal-Harris’ dad. Want to guess his name? W.C. Harris. Same house was sold again a few years back. Charlie Mack’s original intention was to build a huge artist colony for actors, writers, painters and dancers. Never came to be… Appreciate the company, my friends and neighbors. Hope to bump into you around town. That failing, see you all 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 …

34 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

GARDENING

Winter gardening that you can do indoors By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

show to get ideas for new plants, garden furnishings, non-living permeable paving materials or landscape designs.

hen the weather is too chilly, windy or wet to work outside, it doesn't mean you can't still do gardening in comfort. Here are some quick tips on outdoor gardening you can do while indoors.

• Start seeds indoors. Fill seed trays with soil and get a jump on the gardening season by starting an early planting of the more delicate half-hardy vegetables and flowers you want in your garden. January isn’t too early to start some of the half-hardy plants so they will be big enough to set out in April. • Wander around the house and check your houseplants for insect pests, dead leaves, cracked pots or other problems you may not have noticed. Mealy bugs, aphids, whitefly and scale are nasty sap-sucking insects that can show up on the delicate growth tips or hiding on the underside of indoor plants. Washing the affected part of the plant with soapy water will help. Or, spray with an insecticidal soap such as Neem or other organic pesticide. For stubborn sap-sucking insects with a natural coating that protects them from these eco-friendly contact insecticides, you will need to use a systemic insecticide that is poured into the soil and taken up by the roots so the pests will drink the poison. Scale and mealy bugs will require this kind of treatment. (Keep children

Homes for miniature gardens. Here are some interesting containers for planting miniature gardens.

and pets away from treated plants and soil!)

• Catch up on reading gardening articles or books to increase your knowledge or find out about the newest ideas and plant varieties. Apart from my own book, (pardon the shameless self-promotion!) there are garden and landscape books being released all the time. Gardening is a living project so plants, weather, soil, new tools, materials and ideas are a part of this ever-growing industry! • Take some local gardening classes, watch videos and read blog topics that interest you. • Grab those garden magazines and catalogs you've been meaning to check out for articles of interest and some new (or resurrected heirloom) plant releases. You know you've been meaning to get around to checking them out anyway, right? • Sketch out plans of your outdoor

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garden and areas where you want to make changes. Getting things planned out on paper will save you from making a lot of mistakes. If you prefer working online, there are some inexpensive design programs available. You can lay out your own ideas, meet with a professional to help guide you, or hire someone to do the job for you. • Re-pot plants that are root-bound. These can be potted plants from indoors or outside. Giving these plants more space to spread their roots come springtime will give them a whole new lease on life. • Investigate plans and designs for garden projects you’d like to build, like dog houses, trellises, storage sheds or DIY fire pits. If you like to build, you should be able to find help to create just about any structure you could want for your landscape. • Visit garden centers and sites or plan on visiting a regional garden

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• Start a miniature dish garden to grow indoors or out. You can plant a whole landscape in a container by using tiny accessories — furniture, houses, rocks, sculptures — creating small waterfalls, and planting with small-leafed plants that grow with a low profile. There are kits you can buy to get yourself started, or just get creative with small plants from your local garden center and by putting together materials from a craft store. Or how about recycling that piece of junk in your garage, shed or back yard into an artistic container? Too many gardens are turning into dusty havens for dead weeds or seas of boring gravel as some gardeners give up on having a reasonably easily maintained, lovely landscape with the challenging, shifting weather extremes. But don’t give up! There are many new plants, designs and materials that can creatively counter changes and make the garden the outdoor home you always wanted. Use inclement winter days to catch up on all the new possibilities! Hopefully, this list will get you thinking. There are plenty more jobs you can do for your outdoor garden even if you are confined indoors by the weather. Some of them can be practical and some can be just plain fun. See how many more ideas you can come up with on your own. Gardening doesn't have to happen outdoors only when the weather is nice.

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F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 5

NEWLY REFURBISHED CONDO

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

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

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

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36 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020 Kitchen upgraded with granite counters, cabinets, stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, sinks and fixtures. Property upgraded with carpet and hard wood flooring. All bathrooms have upgraded granite, sinks and fixtures and toilets. recently painted. Attached 2 car finished garage with epoxy floors and washer and dryer. This community includes pools, playgrounds and bike path near by. VA Approved! Tres Robles Townhome 2 Master Suites +2.5 baths $344,900

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

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Santa Clarita Valley

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

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5 BD | 3 BA | 1 HB | 4,475 SF Come live on the best street in San Gabriel! This large, beautifully restored and updated Craftsman home has (5) bedrooms, (3) of which are suites overlooking the San Gabriel Country Club golf course. The family room has a fireplace and view of the large deck, refurbished pool, and a park like yard with fruit trees. The master bedroom has a dressing room and beautiful bathroom with a soaker tub, and great stall shower. (4) other large bedrooms are upstairs. (2) new HVAC systems, updated electrical, finished basement, over-sized garage, raised boxed organic garden area and Koi pond make this home a must see!

4 beds 3 full baths~ 3,194 sqft ~11,217 sqft lot. Built in 1987 Single Family Residence. Magnificent VICTORIAN one of a kind home with studio above garage could be yours. Exquisite detail from the moment you enter... 661-609-6666

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

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10220 W Charleston Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89135

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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.

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

Beautiful Craftsman Home in San Gabriel 125 Country Club Dr $1,788,000

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F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 3 7

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

Yes, Do Your Laundry and The Influence and True Take a Shower. Please. Meaning of Leadership By David Hegg

By The Signal Editorial Board

hat if the state told you that you weren’t allowed to take a shower and do your laundry on the same day? It’s good to have choices, right? You could either take a shower and go to work, fresh as a daisy — but then you’d still have that ring around the collar. Or, you could skip the shower, do the laundry and put your smelly ol’ self in some clean clothes. Hey, at least no one will invade your personal space. It’s a lose-lose set of options, isn’t it? Fortunately, despite rumors that gained steam on social media after a couple of errant media reports, the state of California is NOT imposing fines of $1,000 for residents who use more than 55 gallons of water per day. But, as with many rumors, this one did start with a kernel of truth. That kernel is still cause for moderate, though not dire, concern. Here’s what has really happened, according to the California Department of Water Resources, which evidently received enough calls, emails, letters and flame-ups on social media that it felt compelled to put out a “fast facts” sheet debunking the 55-gallon-perday, $1,000 fine rumor. In 2018, two California bills were passed — Senate Bill 606 and Assembly Bill 1668 — that are designed to make water use efficiency a way of life for Californians. They set conservation targets that will, in fact, establish an overall efficiency standard of 55 gallons per person, per day, by January 2025, and then lower it further to 50 gallons per person, per day, by 2030. “However, those targets are aggregated across the population in a service area and are not intended as enforceable standards for individuals,” the DWR fact sheet says. In other words, there will be no jackbooted government thugs watching to make sure you don’t shower and

do laundry on the same day. Further, these new laws do not set out fines for individuals. However, the DWR says, “The State Water Board may initiate enforcement actions in 2025 against urban water suppliers if they fail to meet the standards. The standards are scheduled to go into effect in 2023.” In other words, even though individual enforcement is not part of the legislative package, the pressure will be on. If the SCV Water agency is getting fined by the state, we will all come under greater local pressure to comply. The DWR says you should be able to do your part without having to make the draconian choice of a shower OR clean clothes. Yet, it’s clear the state is aiming high when it comes to conservation, and at some point it’s fair to ask: What is a reasonable standard for personal use? Is 50 gallons per day, per person, a reasonable goal? The 55- and 50-gallon goals don’t apply to outdoor water use — there will be separate calculations for that — so we’re talking strictly about indoor uses like showers, laundry, dishwashing, brushing teeth, drinking water, water gun fights, etc. If, collectively, the state’s “vision” is for people to skip these activities each day to meet the goal, we would find that excessive. While California’s cycles of drought are real, and the need to conserve is real, it doesn’t seem unreasonable to expect that we should all have enough water available to both take a shower and wear clean clothes to work each day. The state DWR, for now, is saying we can indeed do those things: “You are still encouraged to shower and See OUR VIEW, page 38

t is popular today to suggest that our country is experiencing a lack of leadership. In the current political discussions I hear it all the time. “We are waiting for someone to show real leadership!” But my question is just exactly what are we waiting for? What is real leadership, and why do we need it? My reading of leadership books over several decades leads me to believe that there are as many definitions of leadership as there are authors hoping to sell books. Most of them have the basics in common. Leadership is a forceful influence that causes a group of people to work together to accomplish a stated purpose. Leadership can also be defined in terms of follower-ship. If you want to find out if you’re a leader, turn around and see if anyone is following. But just how is leadership influence empowered? Today we primarily think leaders lead through the formulation of ideas and mission, which they then communicate in such a way as to gain emotional ownership of those ideas and mission on the part of a larger

group. This group then focuses its combined energy on putting the ideas to work and accomplishing the mission. In other words, we as a society are in danger of simplifying leadership down to this: If you’ve got a good idea that sounds good to us, then you’re a leader we will support. But there is something missing in all this. At some point in the past it became a social sin to suggest that a leader’s virtue was also essential to the leadership process. As a result, we are more and more willing to support an idea even if we are completely ignorant of the ideology behind it. And if someone does raise a question as to a leader’s ideology, or world view, or belief system, they are almost universally branded as intolerant, a bigot or worse. Here’s my question: Why in the world would we even begin to evaluate an idea without first understanding the core values and virtues of the one who formulated it? Are we really so blind to reality that we believe what a person thinks has no relationship to who that person is? It wasn’t always this way. It used to See HEGG, page 38

READERLETTERS

A Need for Integrity Integrity, a word that can mean so much if applied to life. If not applied with purpose it becomes a hollow imitation of reality. Many are searching for integrity in elected representatives and in many cases, they fall far short of our expectations. I am writing on behalf of Mike Garcia. Mike takes integrity as a serious issue. We have had a representa-

tive resign in disgrace from the 25th Congressional District. Katie Hill comes to mind. We now have the second incarnation of Hill in Christy Smith. These two are so similar that their words are interchangeable. Hill told us prior to the election of all the things she was going to do, and when she landed on Capitol Hill, she quickly became a flunky for Nancy See LETTERS, page 38

3 8 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

Opinion

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

BLACK&WHYTE

I Got The Crud and Spent a Week in the Fetal Position By Tim Whyte Signal Editor

got The Crud. We’re not talking about your garden variety case of the sniffles here. This was a bona fide case of, “Hey, maybe you should go to the hospital” influenza. For my regular readers, which I’m guessing doesn’t extend much beyond my mom, my dad and my wife, you might have noticed I’ve skipped a couple columns. The Crud is the reason. And no, thankfully, it wasn’t the corona virus. I never drink Corona, or any other beer that requires fruit to be added to it to make it palatable. It was the flu. And not to be a wimp about it or anything — OK, I spent a full week being a total wimp about it — but this was The Flu to End All Flus. We’re talking fetal position, head spinning, wheezing, aching, chilling, hallucinating, thinking it might not be a bad idea if the Lord would just come take me now kind of misery. I came down with the symptoms a couple days after flying home from dropping off my daughter for the spring at Washington State University — more on that adventure in a column yet to come — and yes, I blame the airplane and the virus-spreading people on it. I did all the right things before I flew home. Took an Airborne. Chased it with an Irish whiskey — overpriced Jameson’s, neat, from the airport bar — and as soon as I boarded my flight I turned off that little fan thingy that blows germ-ridden airplane air on you. I kept to myself. Avoided touching anyone or anything. Didn’t use the pull-down tray table. Avoided touching my face. Washed my hands like an obsessed germophobe, and used a paper towel whenever I touched a bathroom door handle. And still, I got The Crud. Getting a flu shot had been on my

list of “Things to Do,” right there above other un-accomplished tasks like cleaning out the pool filter, getting a haircut — truly, I’m not intentionally trying to bring back the mullet — and trimming back the overgrown trees in my side yard. When I started to cough, I thought, “Uh oh. I might be getting sick.” Next day: down for the count. Except I couldn’t sleep, because every breath I took made an awful whistling sound that kept me awake, like trying to sleep while someone stood over you with acrylic nails, running them up and down a chalkboard. I was miserable. But stubborn. “I can lick this,” I said to myself. I did the whole routine. Soup. Water. Vitamins. Tested the dosage limits of Nyquil to within an inch of unconsciousness. I didn’t get any better. So, on the fourth day, I finally went to the doctor — which was too late. They tested me and confirmed: Yep. It’s the Actual Flu. Then they scolded me a little for waiting too long: They can give you anti-flu drugs if you catch it by day two or three. They gave me the drugs anyway, and I think they helped, some. They put me on a breathing treatment, right there in the doctor’s office, and when it was over the doctor said, “If your breathing gets any worse, don’t come back here. Go to the ER.” She wrote me a note to keep me out of work for the entire following week. “What if I feel better and I want to go to work?” I asked. She laughed. Right at me. And said: “You’re not going to feel better.” She was a real confidence-builder, this one. But she was basically right. The moral of the story? Get your flu shots, people. The Crud ain’t worth it. Tim Whyte is editor of The Signal. His column appears Sundays.

HEGG

Continued from page 37

be that a person’s character and world view were understood as being vital to their place in this world. Pick up any biography of a famous leader and you’ll find the first several chapters exploring family heritage, early years and educational path taken. All of these will be punctuated with stories meant to describe the subject’s growth in terms of certain character traits, life values and the core virtues that would be foundational to their success in life. Who they were was understood to be an essential component of what they would later accomplish. But it seems that has changed. We’ve become so pragmatic that we can’t see beyond our own self-interest to recognize that often we’re being played as patsies by those whose only virtue is a lust for power. They promote ideas without details, plans without measurements and promises without accountability. They create sound bytes

LETTERS

Continued from page 37

Pelosi and the impeachment hoax. We need a representative who will work for the district and at the same time work to better all Americans. Mike has a unique background among those running to represent the 25th District. He graduated from the Naval Academy, became a Navy pilot, flying combat missions over Iraq. Personal bravery is the act of accomplishing something when you are scared to death. Mike is uniquely endowed to represent the 25th District with

OUR VIEW

Continued from page 37

wash your clothes in the Golden State, and even to wash children, pets and dishes. Though there are some easy ways you can take part in making conservation a way of life when using water at home — check out some water-saving tips and

and photo opps to promote themselves and their ideas, hoping to grab our emotions and garner our support. But what I’m hoping for is real leadership. I want to hear good ideas that flow out of a consistent, informed, and authentic understanding of the problems and the hard work it will take to solve them. Anyone who believes the dire situation in our society and our homes can be remedied by some plan built on catch phrases and machine-gunned statistics has bought into the idea that winning an election just means fooling enough people. And that’s not a virtue I will support. What we need are leaders willing to tell the truth even when it is hard because their character and core beliefs won’t let them operate any other way. I believe the best ideas come from the best people, and right now we could use some of both. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. courage, skill and a fearlessness not displayed be the other candidates. The dictionary defines integrity as, “Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.” No single sentence can describe Mike Garcia better. Elect Mike Garcia to the 25th District and let’s end the charade that the House of Representatives has become. Jim Horton, Santa Clarita Submit a Letter to the Editor

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

tricks at: saveourwater.com.” OK. For now, we’ll check out the tips and tricks and see how we do. Our children, pets and coworkers will thank us for washing regularly. But we remain skeptical: In 2030, will individual enforcement become a reality rather than a scary social media rumor? It shouldn’t. And we hope it won’t. Otherwise, the unwashed masses may need to rise up and object.

F E B R UA RY 2, 2020

CROSSWORD TIME

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 9

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

Who will win in Idaho?

“W

ho do you think will win Iowa?” I asked Stan as he replaced the starter on my old beater. Stan watches all those cable TV shows about politics all day long at his garage, so I knew he'd have an informed opinion. It's a well-known fact that the more TV you watch, the smarter you become. “Oh, I don't know,” he said, “I guess it depends on what the people in Boise decide to do.” “Boise? What has Boise got to do with it?” I asked. “What's Boise got to do with it?” He lifted his head from under the hood and spoke to me very slowly, as if I were a preschooler still mastering English. “Boise is the capital of Iowa. It's the biggest city in the state. Whoever wins in Boise is sure to win the whole state.” It was pretty obvious that Stan was confusing Iowa with Idaho, which is a common mistake. Some people confuse Iowa, Ohio and Idaho the way I confuse my left and my right. I can almost guarantee you that if I say “turn right,” I really mean “turn left,” which is what makes traveling with me so much fun. Every day is an adventure. Sue's even invented a word for my syndrome: dysleftia. Stan, however, was suffering from an attack of dysiowa. And since he was giving me a price break on the new starter, I thought I'd correct him as gently as possible. “I think the voters in Des Moines might have a say in it,” I said. He stared at me like I'd just flubbed a “Wheel of Fortune” puzzle with all the letters filled in. “What has the capital of Ohio got to do with it?” Capital of Ohio? This was the worst case of dysiowa I'd ever come across. I should have dropped the conversation right there. Everyone knows you shouldn't talk about religion or politics; now I'm going to have to add geography to the list. “I will never understand why we let a few farmers in Boise, Ohio, elect our candidates,” Stan contin-

ued. “How did Idaho get to hold the first primary? Those hicks will fall for the first fast-talking politician they run into. What do they know about anything?” Should I start to worry about what he's doing to my car — namely, replacing the starter and changing the head gasket? Does he know the difference? Would it be like going in for a liver transplant and having the doctor replace your kidney? Stan shook his head and continued, “Why can't they make Iowa the first primary? Those people have some common sense. They don't call it 'The Land of Lincoln' for nothing.” I couldn't keep my mouth shut on that one. Like an idiot who wakes up in the middle of surgery and starts telling the doctor he's doing it all wrong, I said, “No one calls it 'The Land of Lincoln.' That's Illinois.” It was so quiet you could hear a tool drop. A torque wrench hitting a concrete floor, to be exact. Stan's hands were deep in the guts of my car's engine. No good could come from this. “No, it's Ohio. It's right there in the Declaration of Independence. Watch some educational television for once in your life, would ya? Should you really be voting if you don't know the first thing about your own country? It seems to me they should make you pass a test or something. “Turn the key,” he finally said. “Let's see if this works.” It did. The frustrating tick, tick, tick was replaced with the familiar vroom of the engine catching. He did a great job. Thank goodness he doesn't watch car repair shows on television all day long. Contact Jim Mullen at mullen. jim@gmail.com

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