Sunday Signal Feb 3, 2019 by Signal

1 Î&#x2021; S U N D AYS I G N A L

SEPTEM DAT B E RE 00, 30, 2018

FEBUARY 3, 2019

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Oldest Breakfast Spots in the SCV Page 6

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F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

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4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES

5 A look at Pace bikes in the Santa Clarita Valley 6 History, tradition keeps ‘em coming back 27 Where to go, what to do this year in the SCV

TRAVEL 8 8 Finding an hotel that fits your travel needs 29 RVs in the SCV

LOCAL NEWS

“The Kellar-Davis Real Estate Family is looking for Full Time and Part Time Agents to join a company dedicated to clients coming first and implementing only the highest standards of integrity and ethics.” Feel free to stop by our Canyon County Office at 16670 Soledad Canyon or call us at 661-510-0987 or 661-212-3771

9 10 11 12

Castaic man warns others not to fall for scam call Business group gives Wilk, Lackey 100% vote score Steve’s Valencia Florist to close after 45 years Newhall man gets 6 years in prison for weapons offenses Defendant enters no contest plea to felony count City announces upcoming Cowboy Fest events

SPORTS

13 Hockey team comes in second at Midwinter Classic

BUSINESS 14 14 Old meets new Barn & Charm

CITY MANAGER

REAL ESTATE

TIME RANGER OPINION

17 18

15 A new way to pedal through Santa Clarita 16 8 mistakes to avoid when buying and selling 18 Our View • David Hegg • Tim Whyte

CALENDAR 21 22 HOME IMPROVEMENT 22 Discussing drywall and energy-efficient pumps

SCHOOLS 23 23 Great reasons to visit your local library

KIDS & FAMILY

4 Donna’s Day: Box Puppet “Play” in 3 Easy Steps 2 7 ways newspapers benefit students

ENTERTAINMENT 25 5 Neil Diamond tribute band wants you to come out for Valentine’s Day 2 26 The return of ‘Poppins,’ a ‘Favourite’ and the ‘Queen’

GARDENING 30 30 Drainage isn’t sexy, but it saves

PROFILE 31 31 For the love of law and travel

Kellar Davis has over 18 years of experience and specializes in the Santa Clarita market. With 35 professional agents, we know how to make selling or buying your home a dream come true.

THINGS TO DO

SENIOR LIVING

VILLAGE IDIOT

BRAIN GAMES

2 Single on Valentine’s? Take care of you 3 35 Celebrate love in February

CANYON COUNTRY OFFICE

16670 Soledad Canyon Rd. Santa Clarita, CA

661.299.5570

33 Friends: All you need is a handful 34 YOLO: You only live once 37 Games • Crossword 100 YEARS

SignalSCV. com

FRIENDLY VALLEY OFFICE

19310 Ave Of The Oaks Ste #C, Newhall, CA

661.252.9000

Bob Kellar 661.510.0987

kellar@earthlink.net CalBRE#01290507

Richard Budman Perry Smith Tim Whyte Brad Lanfranco Doña Uhrig Karen Bennett • Abner Gutierrez

Publisher Sunday Signal Editor Signal Editor Advertising Director Production Manager Graphic Designers

26330 Diamond Place, Suite 100 | Santa Clarita, CA 91350

661-259-1234

NEWHALL OFFICE

26364 Sierra Hwy Ste. #C, Newhall, CA

661.252.3942

The entire contents of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2019 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necesarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

A look at Pace bikes in the Santa Clarita Valley By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

his bike ride felt different. Usually, Valencia resident Jeffrey Thompson leans forward on his Cervelo P3 triathlon bicycle as he picks up speed along the Santa Clarita paseos. But not this time. “The sights, the sounds all around; it was quite wonderful,” he said. “This ride was slower. I saw so many things that I’ve never really noticed before because I go so fast.” This bicycle didn’t have the flexibility or aerodynamic advantage that he commonly thrills over, but this model was ideal for the morning ride. It’s not part of his collection of triathlon models, nor did he purchase one for the occasion. He simply stopped by a nearby park and accessed a bike for himself and his daughter Kendall through the Pace app. Pace bicycles, a bike-share service owned by Boston-based company Zagster, first rolled into Santa Clarita in December and have since garnered significant attention from cycling enthusiasts like Thompson and firsttime riders, too. The service, a pilot program with the city and Zagster, allows residents and tourists alike to check out a “lock-to” dockless bike for $1 per 30 minutes and ride it around Santa Clarita. Customers need only download the Pace app on their mobile device to start riding. A total of 50 beach cruiser-style bicycles and 12 stations, including at the Iron Horse Trailhead, Old Town Newhall Library, and the Valencia Heritage Park, are now readily accessible. Thompson first came across the micro-mobility concept, compact-sized vehicles designed to self-transport one or two passengers at a time, in Paris. “I first saw these same-colored bikes everywhere in Paris and even New York City and I thought, ‘What are those things?’” he said. “It was an interesting concept but it looked messy.” Messy is what some residents

and local governments have labeled dockless bikes, electric bikes, smart bikes and scooters — the new breed of transportation lauded as replacements for cars. Whether in Los Angeles County or in Europe, these small vehicles have raised debate over being sidewalk nuisances or a solution to traffic congestion. That’s been part of the conversation since Pace arrived in Santa Clarita, with some residents saying it’s only a matter of time before the bikes start getting left in all sorts of places. Dan Petkunas, Pace bike mechanic for the Santa Clarita area, said there have already been some instances where bike parts such as tires and seats have been damaged or stolen or left in places other than on Pace or regular bike racks, where they belong. “When that happens, Zagster sends in replacement parts and we get the bikes and relocate them back to the stations,” he said. “For the most part, I’d say 99 percent of people have been responsible with them. So far, so good.” Zagster spokeswoman Stacy Sebeczek said, if problems persist, “We

will likely respond with off-station parking fines.” She added that the community is advised to alert Zagster of any bikes that have been improperly parked by sending an email to bikesupport@zagster.com. What some have said the city and Zagster can improve on is accessibility. Some residents have said that stations are “spotty” and adding more bikes at various other locations can improve a rider’s transportation experience with the aim of reducing car use. When it comes to using Pace bikes with the whole family, the app reads that riders must be at least 18 to ride. If children come along, adults are encouraged to have younger riders bring their bikes along or rent from a daily rental bike shop. Petkunas said that hasn’t been the case as he has seen some parents give their bikes to children, “which is contrary to the agreement. I’ve brought this up with Zagster that the agreement needs to be changed or more clear.” When it came to convenience, however, riders shared their satisfaction. Thompson said, “You don’t have to invest in a bike or the hassle to

Left: Pace Bikes now available to ride across Santa Clarita. Top: All the instructions are easy to follow and on the bike. Right: Byron Martinez (on right) and friend Benjamin Vargas test out the new Pace bikes at Valencia Heritage Park. PHOTOS BY TAMMY MURGA / THE SIGNAL

drive to a park. You get the benefit of being able to ride in something that is safe, sturdy and in a great area. Santa Clarita has all these paseos around the city, and you don’t have to maintain or buy your own bike. This is for the person that wants simplicity.” Pace user Sarah Whitford said, “I don’t own a bike, so it has been really convenient and fun to rent one and ride around the trails with my kids.” Former Canyon Country resident and first-time Pace customer Byron Martinez said the last time he used a bike was nearly a decade ago, but his recent experience “was really easy and the ride was smooth. I also like that the bike has a bell.” On Jan. 31, the city held a ribboncutting to celebrate the launch of the Pace bikes. 

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F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E

History and tradition keeps ’em coming back By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

here are three things Santa Clarita residents take great pride in: Christmas, football and breakfast. Whether it’s whose side of town has the best Christmas lights; who will win the annual Foothill League rumbles under Friday night lights or which breakfast diner they pledge their loyalty to; the conversations and traditions are fiercely important. And none more so than when it comes to our unifying appreciation of the most important meal of the day. Probably recognizing this aspect woven into the very fabric of the town, restaurant and coffee shop owners have come and gone through the years, continually trying to leave their mark on the local Sunday morning scramble. But there are three solidified breakfast spots that are always going to be brought into any discussion. Spots that have seen the valley change and grow over the decades, and despite the constant turnover in competition, continue to draw their regulars: Way Station Coffee Shop on Main Street; Saugus Cafe on Railroad Avenue; and The Halfway House Cafe on Sierra Highway. As historic as they are busy on any given morning, these three restaurants have drawn longtime residents into the restaurant rivalry. They all speak highly of one another, but each one claims to have the best coffee, customers and/or breakfast in town. What you’ll find is, history aside,

these three restaurants have been able to solidify themselves as local institutions all for the same reasons: tradition. And those traditions effect what makes them popular: their history, their staff and their menus.

Way Station Coffee Shop

The Way Station Coffee Shop, or just “Way Station” to their regulars, has always been a family-owned and operated business. Starting in 1971, the restaurant was opened by the mother of current owner, Eric Leeser. “And not much has changed since then,” said Leeser. “We have kept the 70s look going on here, and we’ve made the food in the same way since we did when we first started.” Leeser took over the business in 1990, and has made a conscious decision to keep not only the same atmosphere and menu over the years, but much of the staff, as well. “It’s been the same staff for 15 years, and we’ve even had (the staff ’s) kids come and work here,” said Leeser. “Victor Gonzalez has been our short order cook for close to 40 years, and three of his kids have worked here.” Known locally for his unbroken presence behind the Way Station grill, Gonzalez is seen everyday with either a mountain of hash browns cooking in front of him, pouring gravy over biscuits or plating up the restaurant’s popular ham and eggs meal. “Something really special just happens here everyday,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez manages all the food that comes through the restaurant and says that he can go through hundreds of pounds of hash browns in a single

Servers Efrain Salas and Gail Johnson are part of the team that have kept The Original Saugus Cafe a local favorite for more than 130 years. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

week. And during the Christmas season, he says he’s cooked up to halfa-ton of shredded potatoes in a single seven day span. However, according to both general manager and cook, what draws many people in over the years has been the Kris’ Special: two eggs, two strips of bacon and hashbrowns all served on a muffin and covered in either chicken

or sausage gravy. “It’s named after a waitress that worked here a while back named Kris who came up with the idea,” said Leeser. “And we’ve always tried to keep our prices for it, and the whole menu, the same.” “I’m proud of what we’ve done over the years … and we’ve not only see the grandkids (of our customers)

Forty-year employee, Server Gail Johnson pours coffee for long-time customer Larry McKinley at The Original Saugus Cafe.

F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E

Regulars enjoy breakfast at The Original Saugus Cafe.

grow up, we’re now seeing the great grandkids grow up,” said Leeser. “We’ve watched the community grow and we’ve always been a restaurant for everybody.” The Saugus Cafe is open yearround except for Christmas Day. It opens daily at 5 a.m.

The Original Saugus Cafe

First opened in 1886, 33 years before The Signal newspaper had published its first edition on Feb. 7, 1919. (The Signal will continue to share stories of its 100 years of history with subscribers to our print edition.). Longtime owner Alfredo Mercado said that the name on his menus was famous before he had even started working there as a busboy. But after working his way up from cleaning tables to running the entire kitchen, he decided in 1996 to buy the place from the previous owners with the help of another coworker, in order to keep history alive. “He never had plans to own a restaurant of his own... but he had

been working here since he was a teenager,” said Yecenia Mercado, Alfredo’s daughter. And since taking over, Mercado says he takes pride in rarely ever changing the menu, staff or atmosphere of the building. And he should know, he’s been involved in operations for about a quarter-century, including his time as an employee. “I think he still does it because he wants the plate to come out like he’s always seen it and wants it to stay consistent,” Yecenia said. “He’s kept the menu the same, the recipes the same. He’s never wanted to change anything … except for the Alfredo Bloody Mary, which we named after him.” In addition to keeping the menu the same, Mercado has also tried to keep the staff the same, making his business a family-run operation, with close to 20 members of his family currently working or having worked in the restaurant. And those employees that are not related to him by

Above: Twenty-plus-year employee Chef Sanchez Baudelio prepares homemade biscuits and potatoes for the lunch crowd at Halfway House Cafe. Right: Andres Aguilar pours coffee for long-time customer Tim Sgrignoli at The Way Station Coffee Shop.

blood are related to him by history, according to Yecenia. “We’re such a good team and we can actually count on another. I could not see the place running the same if it weren’t a family,” said Yecenia, who’s Dad apparently calls her the restaurant manager to other people, she says she was never given the title formally. “I grew up here and behind the scenes — I would always throw on the apron when I was a little girl. I’d always try to reach the register to hit the buttons, but couldn’t reach. That’s when Karen, a waitress who worked here, would come pick me up so I could play with the register.” The Saugus Cafe is open 364 days a year, with Christmas being the only exception. Their most popular breakfast item, according to the owner’s family, is the country-fried steak.

The Halfway House Cafe

Occupying a building that has been around since the early part of the 20th century, when Santa Clarita was still a mining and railroad town, the current owners of The Halfway House Cafe in Canyon Country, Bob and Sally Lima, first bought the place in 1994. “We weren’t married at the time, but my husband, Bob, bought the building and then had to shut it down until 1996 for remodels,” Sally said. The historic building had been damaged by flooding in Sierra Canyon, and in the nearby Santa Clara riverbed. “He’s the one that put the train rails in to make sure that didn’t happen again when he reopened.” After getting married 20 years ago, Bob and Sally have ran The Halfway House together, and watched as the

valley expanded, traffic increased and their business grew. The reason for their success: They didn’t change their winning formula. “I grew up seven miles down the road from here, and grew up going to Halfway House,” said Sally. “And we keep doing what the Halfway House has always done, by making everything fresh.” According to Sally, the restaurant has rarely, if ever, changed its menu or how it prepares food. For years, the most popular dish, eggs benedict, is served every time with potatoes that are never frozen; they’re hand-peeled by the staff everyday. The pork chops are locally cut, and even the biscuits are made from scratch everyday. She attributes the restaurant’s popularity, which sees people throughout Southern California come visit, as the result of the reliability of her employees. She describes them as her family running a “well-greased machine.” “Me and my brother would come in here for breakfast and lunch when we were kids... but I know I’m working here and doing a little bit of everything,” said Shannon Corder, who works side-by-side with her mom, Dessa Canada. “I get to spend a majority of my time here with my mom, serving and talking to our fantastic customers and regulars... I have no desire to work anywhere else.” “Our employees are what are valuable and we have some fantastic customers that come in,” said Sally. “We’re all one big family who have worked together for years, making the same food for the same great community.” “If it ain’t broke,” Sally added, “don’t fix it,”. 

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F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

T R AV E L

Finding an hotel that fits your travel needs By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

inding the right hotel is paramount to any successful trip. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, where you fall asleep and wake up in the evening and morning can truly define the experience you’re going to have. “Businesses are moving to Santa Clarita, and those that started here are choosing to expand,” said Holly Schroeder, CEO and president of SCVEDC. “And they’re looking for more amenities to take care of their (traveling) employees and vendors who come into meet with them.” It’s not only people wanting to visit Magic Mountain for the weekend anymore, but also business travelers who are looking for a wider variety of experiences and activities. “Our businesses need those amenities and places for employees hosting clients that might be from out of the region,” she said. “So it’s important for us to have good hotels because they bring good meeting spaces and good restaurants.”

Guest-centered accommodations

It’s often the small things that make the biggest impact when you’re traveling far away from home. So, when looking for where you’ll be spending the time away from the core purpose of your trip, explore hotel accomodations and look for those that are most

thoughtfully designed around your needs. For example, the newly redesigned, all-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton offers the bonuses one might expect in a Valencia hotel, with the tworoom suites with separate seating area, complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, a complimentary evening reception and much more. A priority for those traveling through or in Santa Clarita needs to be rooting out and discovering those hotels that effectively blur the lines between business and leisure. Places such as the Hilton Garden Inn Valencia offer convenient access to Magic Mountain and the freeway, a complimentary 24-business center and that much sought after complimentary wifi in all 152 rooms.

Better basics

Waking up well-rested after a long night is a start, but an exceptional breakfast experience can take your day to the next level. Hotels such as the Hyatt Regency in Valencia now feature upgraded break buffet options that feature regional recipes California eggs benedicts, western omelets, smoked salmon and breakfast wraps. “Good for your health, our communities and our planet,” reads the menu at the in-house Hyatt restaurant, Greater Pacific. “Fresh local ingredients that reflect the season

During the summer, Santa Clarita has a trolley service that connects visitors staying at the Marriott Embassy Suites; Hyatt Regency (where the Westfield Valencia Town Center Mall is); and Holiday Inn, all hotels located around Interstate 5.

and the local flavors.” Hyatt also offers in-room dining that mirrors much of the actual in-restaurant dining and promises that the restaurant they “only serve cage-free eggs, hormone-free milk and naturally cured bacon.”

Lifestyle options, amenities

Whether relaxing with the your morning paper and coffee or mix and mingle following a day’s work, it can be liberating to know you have options outside your hotel room. No matter the time of day, public areas like a spacious lobby and lounge, 24-hour fitness center or indoor or outdoor pool, can provide a chance to enjoy new scenery. A number of local Santa Clarita hotels offer amenities that become the necessities for travelers, such as free wifi in rooms, convenient dining options, a business center, remote printing, freshly prepared food offerings available throughout the day and a number of other traveling needs being covered. Hotels such as the La Quinta Inn and Suites and also the Hampton Inn on the Old Road all offer this level of convenience for a reasonable price.

Thoughtful service

The front desk is often the most veteran members of the hotel staff, and it’s pretty simple to spot a hotel that puts real effort into their guest experience. Checking in feels more

Above: Executive Chef Harout Hadjinian offers a variety of meal options at the Grove Restaurant and Bar at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Valencia.

like a welcome than process with hosts offering a friendly smile, a greeting in the hallway or a friendly conversation. A big help to find out about this customer experience before traveling is using the internet much like you would the restaurants you’re going to try for the first time during your Santa Clarita adventures: checking the online reviews.

Visiting Santa Clarita

There are a number of travel sites and review platforms available for your stay in Santa Clarita or anywhere you travel for that matter, but for the best information available that’s specific to Santa Clarita hotels and tourism, officials say the city website is the best option. Run by City Hall’s Santa Clarita Tourism Office, visitsantaclarita. com bills itself as the best source for pricing out hotels and travel in Santa Clarita, acting as a direct line between you and the local hotel that third-party review and booking sites fail to do, according to Evan Thomason, an economic development associate with the City of Santa Clarita. “It’s a common misconception that booking through a third-party site will get you a better deal,” said Thomason. “But on the very front page of our site, you can search directly for Santa Clarita hotels and compare all of them. Then you can go directly to book.” Officials with the Santa Clarita Tourism Office say the site compares prices and informs potential tourists and visitors about the smorgasbord of options Santa Clarita has to offer, such as open space trails, theme parks and seasonal events. It also shows how staying in Santa Clarita means being at the “gateway to Los Angeles.” So whether you’re visiting Santa Clarita for business or pleasure, for the city or beaches, visiting family or attending a wedding, Thomason said, the SCV hotel industry and visitsanta clarita.com have you covered. “We’re a great jumping off point for people wanting to discover Southern California,” Thomason said. “We’re 20 minutes of so from Universal Studios and the city and Ventura Beach is just down the 126.” 

F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

LOCALNEWS

Castaic man warns others not to fall for scam call By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

astaic resident Bruce Tracy knew the message on his answering machine was no different from the rest of the usual scam messages. So, he deleted it. “The message was to get me into the Santa Clarita Court to appear on a grand jury but it seemed fake,” he said. Several weeks later, he connected the dots after receiving a call from a person claiming to be Capt. Mark Bowman from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station. The man told Tracy he had to stop by the station to clear up a warrant for failing to appear for a grand jury.

Confusing process

The call with the man impersonating law enforcement extended as he took Tracy through what he called a confusing process of what he had to do, which included driving to the

station and meeting with deputies who would help. The scammer also provided fake deputy names, and citation and court numbers. “So far, there was no reason to doubt what I was hearing,” he said in a Facebook post about the scam. “I had received a call to appear on a grand jury, which I had ignored, and I wasn’t being asked to do anything that would make me suspicious.” Tracy then prepared to head to the station, but the individual impersonating law enforcement said he would have to remain on the line until he arrived at the station. During the ride, the scammer attempted to convince Tracy to get $3 nonrefundable vouchers with citation numbers printed on them to avoid an hours-long process without the vouchers. At some point he was told to pay a much larger amount of more than $3,000, which would be refunded. When he arrived at the station, without the vouchers, deputies ran his license and found no existing warrants.

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The goal of the scam was to get Tracy to pre-pay the fines he supposedly owned. The scammer had also targeted someone else he knew, Tracy said, adding that he saw a social media report of a similar scam attempted several years ago in Arizona. When it comes to any kind of scam, sheriff ’s Lt. Ignacio Somoano said, “Don’t take every phone call to be 100 percent legitimate. Any time someone gets a call for personal information or money, we recommend to take down their information and say you’ll follow up with them.” For cases similar to Tracy’s, Somoano said looking into the source the scammer claims to represent, such as calling

the sheriff ’s station about his situation, is one way to verify the situation. He adds that any situation where money is requested via an unusual pay method such as prepaid cards or third-party money orders is a red flag. Telephone fraud involving jury duty has occurred for several years. For those who have already been contacted or provided personal information, the FBI recommends monitoring one’s account statements, and credit reports, and to contact the local FBI office.  For more information about fraud and to find a local telephone directory, visit fbi.gov or call the SCV Sheriff ’s Station at (661) 255-1121.

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10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

LOCALNEWS

Business group gives Wilk, Lackey 100% vote score By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

he National Federation of Independent Business recently released its legislative scorecard, which details the legislation that’s important to the group and the way Senate and Assembly members voted. State Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, and Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, were two of 25 elected representatives in the state to earn a 100 percent on the NFIB’s legislative scorecard, according to the organization. Wilk said in a release on Wednesday that it was an honor to be recognized for his efforts on behalf of small business owners in the area,

before adding that he will continue to prioritize policies that encourage job growth in the state and stop the ones that don’t. “Small business is the economic engine of California, representing 99.8 percent of all California businesses and creating two-thirds of all private sector jobs. These companies come in all shapes and sizes, but most importantly, they employ almost half of all Californians,” Wilk said in the release. “Supporting small business is supporting my community, my constituents and their families.” Lackey, whose district includes a small eastern portion of the Santa Clarita Valley, agreed that small businesses are the backbone of both the national and state economies.

“I’ve always been a person who’s believed that the benefits of small businesses far outweigh those found in large corporations,” Lackey said, citing an increased sense of community and lesser commute. “But it’s truly becoming more and more difficult for small businesses to comply with certain statutes.” This is why the NFIB identified eight issues that it believed were important to the 20,000 members the organization represents in California. The legislation highlighted in this year’s score card included bills that help small businesses comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, support the creation of an economic development strategic action plan and others that could assist small

businesses throughout the state. Sen. Henry Stern, D-Calabasas, received a 38 percent on the scorecard and his office did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday. His district includes a western portion of the SCV.  To view how other elected officials fared on the organization’s score card, visit the website bit.ly/2sS3ycC.

Wilk

Lackey

Steve’s Valencia Florist to close after 45 years Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys. “It just used to be much easier to be in the flower business,” she said. “People would call you for all occasions, or no occasions. And nowadays, maybe they call you twice a year.”

By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

hen you enter Steve’s Valencia Florist, a small business off Lyons Avenue in Newhall, the door always chimes a cheery “Ding dong.” In recent years, it has chimed a little longer. On repeat, on repeat, on repeat — mostly because Penny the pit bull, the resident pet, likes to sit in an exact spot a foot from the door that will cause the sensor to keep pulsing. Penny will greet anyone on a quest to find the best flower with a droopy look in her eyes, and a slight, friendly pant of her tongue, enjoying the company each time a customer walks through to find the best pot, the best plant, the best bloom to suit their occasion. “She gets mad if she doesn’t get to come here,” her owner, Jan Hanauer, said with a chuckle. But Penny is the last to know that, on Saturday, she will lie there for the last time as Steve’s Valencia Florist closes its doors after 45 years of business. “Penny doesn’t know we’re closing,” Hanauer said on Wednesday, three days before the last day of op-

Florists welcome

Steve’s Valencia Florist owner Jan Hanauer picks out long-stemmed roses from the cooler on Wednesday. After 45 years in business, Steve’s Valencia Florist will close its doors Saturday. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

erations and three days before she’ll sell the last of the roses, last of the gerberas, the last of the starflowers that had made many a wife happy on anniversaries and Valentine’s Days for years.

Waiting for customers

Hanauer stood at the front register, waiting for the door to ding, ding, ding ding, as it had for many years throughout a space with glass displays and shelves full of fresh-cut flowers. “Soon, she won’t get to play with everyone, and she’ll just be stuck in

the house with little old me,” she said of her pit bull, who has become just as attached to this place as the owner. Penny is Hanauer’s companion of the past 19 months, adopted after the death of Steve Hanauer, namesake of the flower shop and Jan’s husband. Steve hit his head one day, she recalls, and the resulting blood clot in his brain meant he never awakened. So Jan Hanauer took it upon herself to carry on his legacy. She wanted to keep open the business that had once brought flowers from a local grower up the coast in Carpinteria, to the San

Before Santa Clarita became a city, the florists were welcomed left and right. Hanauer remembers Steve, a Saugus resident for many years, making deliveries every weekend, to destinations including the Catholic church just down the street. That church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Newhall, got its final delivery last weekend, with one of the many small cards Hanauer spent the last few weeks typing up. Every other business that had had Steve’s flowers adorn their front desks for years got the same message: Steve’s Valencia Florist was giving out its swan songs this week. It was time, as competition was edging them out. The economy was turning, telling Hanauer it was time to close shop. It wasn’t even just the farmer’s markets that sold day-old flowers people would rather pick See FLORIST, page 12

F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 11

LOCALNEWS

Newhall man gets 6 years in prison for weapons offenses By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

Newhall man was sentenced Tuesday to six years in prison after having entered a no-contest plea in August to five weapons offenses. Robert Wayne Mount, 52, who was initially charged with 65 felony counts related to firearms, appeared Tuesday in San Fernando Superior Court. He was charged with: assault with a semiautomatic weapon; assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury; possession of an assault weapon; possession of a firearm near a school; unlawful assault weapon .50 BMG rifle activity (Browning Machine Gun); manufacture, sell or possess a short-barreled rifle/shotgun; possession of a machine gun; and, machine gun conversion, according to the criminal complaint filed by

A domestic disturbance call in Newhall resulted in a four-hour standoff with police Dec. 6, 2017. The suspect was sentenced Tuesday to six years in prison for charges stemming from that incident.

prosecutors with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. In August, however, Mount pleaded no contest to:

• Assault with a semiautomatic firearm. • Assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury. • Unlawful assault weapon/.50 BMG Rifle Activity.

• Possession of a machine gun. • Machine gun conversion. “He faces six years in state prison, will have to surrender all firearms seized to law enforcement and to stay away from the victims in the case for 10 years,” Santiago said in August, referring to the plea arrangement. Mount was arrested Dec. 6, 2017, following a four-hour standoff with

deputies of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station. On the morning he was arrested, deputies responded to the 25200 block of De Wolfe Road, regarding a man with a gun and a domestic disturbance call, Shirley Miller, spokeswoman for the SCV Sheriff ’s Station, said at the time. When they arrived, deputies contacted two victims who told them the suspect had pointed a semiautomatic handgun at them and threatened them during a domestic incident, she said. No shots were reported fired during the incident. “This apparently stemmed from an unreported spousal assault from the previous evening,” Miller said in December. The victims reportedly told deputies there were numerous firearms inside the home. Deputies found 144 firearms inside the house. 

Defendant enters no contest plea to felony count By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

Long Beach man was ordered to attend a year of sex-impulse counseling after pleading no contest Tuesday for trying to sexually assault a 5-year-old girl at a wedding reception in Valencia last year. Jeff Boulter, 40, appeared Tuesday in San Fernando Superior Court for what initially was scheduled to be a routine pretrial procedure. Boulter was charged with one

felony count each of kidnapping to commit oral copulation, kidnapping for child molesting, kidnapping a victim under age 14, lewd act upon a child, forcible lewd act upon a child and attempted forcible oral copulation of a victim under 14 years old. Instead, the Long Beach resident entered a plea. Deputy District Attorney Ani Bailey said Boulter entered the plea to one felony count of attempted lewd act upon a child and one misdemeanor count of indecent exposure.

Questions put to the DA’s office Tuesday asking why Boulter didn’t receive a jail sentence after pleading no contest to a sex offense involving a child were answered by DA spokesman Ricardo Santiago, who said Boulter has not yet been sentenced. After having entered his plea Tuesday, Boulter was freed from custody. “Boulter has been in custody since the time of arraignment until today,” Santiago said Tuesday. “If he violates any court orders and terms and conditions of the plea, he faces four

years in prison at sentencing.” Boulter will have to complete 52 weeks of sex-impulse counseling before sentencing on March 18, 2020, in Department F of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, San Fernando Branch, Bailey said in a news release issued Tuesday afternoon. Boulter led the victim to a dark corner on May 19, 2018, she said. A server at the wedding saw the attempted assault and confronted the defendant, who then fled, the prosecutor added. 

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F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

LOCALNEWS

By Nate Rodriguez Signal Staff Writer

ould-be cowboys and cowgirls can start to make plans for the city’s 26th annual Cowboy Festival, with Santa Clarita launching an event website next month. Starting Feb. 5, CowboyFestival.org is set to launch, offering information on performances, schedules and pricing for special events. For example, along the streets of Old Town Newhall, imprinted in bronze and tile, are the names of historical western entertainment icons who have contributed to the world of western entertainment. And on April 11, the Walk of Western Stars will unveil its 2019 inductees to kick off the festival’s events. The actual festival is taking place April 13-14. For the sixth year in a row, the weekend of cowboy festivities will be hosted at William S. Hart Park. The festival was moved from its original home at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio in 2014, after the filming schedule at the ranch made it impossible to host the Cowboy Festival. Since its move, however, the festival has proven to be equally successful and was even given more room for activities. Previous years included the incorporation of activities such as archery and mechanical bull riding. At this time, information regarding attractions for this year’s festival

is minimal, but visitors of all ages can expect to see all of the traditionally held attractions, such as history entertainers, food vendors, western merchandise stores and feature performances from returning stars such as Honey County and Kristyn Harris. There also are newcomers set to hit the stage, such as Shannon Rae, 100 Proof and Dirty Cello. Along with these events, the festival this year will welcome a brandnew cowboy cook-off. The cook-off will take place over both days of the festival, with a barbecue competition on Saturday, April 13, and a chili cook-off on Sunday, April 14. Tickets are expected to be available next month, and general admission into the festival itself is free. For those hoping to enhance their festival experience, a limited number of VIP tickets are available for a purchase of $100. These allow visitors access into special event areas such as the VIP cantina where food and beverages will be served, a VIP shuttle service to and from the event, and Cowboy Festival merchandise. The city of Santa Clarita is on the lookout for volunteers to help run the event. Positions include festival greeters, activity helpers, ushers and more. Those interested can contact Volunteer Engagement Program Supervisor Tess Simgen at (661) 250-3726. 

FLORIST

Continued from page 10

NOW OPEN BARBERS WANTED

up — now you could even order flowers online. Hanauer didn’t want to stop selling for a while. She wanted to honor her husband’s memory, even when the bills started adding up and the variety started dwindling down. “I can’t continue putting money into it on a weekly basis and not making money, you know,” she said. “And yeah, it’s the availability of

SIGNAL FILE PHOTOS

City announces upcoming Cowboy Fest events

The Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival this year will feature everything from World Champion gunslingers, to mechanical bull rides, professional ropers and intertribal dances.

flowers, it’s the economy. The quality isn’t the same elsewhere as you get in the florist, but it is what it is.” She couldn’t help but think of how sad Steve would be if he were alive. That part is what hurts, more than the fact that she has to find a new job now to support herself and Penny. It is time to go, but not just for Hanauer. What is Penny going to do? “She’ll be sad,” Hanauer said. “She enjoys coming down to see everyone every day. She’ll miss the people.” 

Owner Jan Hanauer, works on arrangements at Steve’s Valencia Florist in Newhall on Wednesday. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

SPORTS

Hockey team comes in second at Midwinter Classic By Dan Lovi Signal Staff Writer

hile a big part of youth sports takes place on the field, court or ice, one of the most memorable experiences takes place off the field of play. Traveling with a team across the country and sometimes internationally to play in tournaments gives teammates and coaches a unique bonding experience that goes far beyond Xs and Os. The 2018-19 California Heat bantam hockey team got to experience just that, as they traveled to the Midwest to participate in the the Chicago Midwinter Classic from Jan. 18-21. CA Heat head coach Smbat Defterderian was thrilled to be alongside his team as they experienced several firsts. “It was definitely a first for a lot of these kids. We have kids traveling for the first time, traveling out of state to play in the tournament, first time

The California Heat bantam hockey team recently traveled to Chicago to take part in the Midwinter Classic and earned a spot in the championship game. COURTESY PHOTO

in cold weather,” Defterderian said. “At the end of the weekend, a lot of the kids got to play pond hockey for the first time, which is awesome. It’s those moments that are what youth hockey and travel hockey is all about. It’s those experiences. One of the rea-

sons why I coach is to share that with all the kids.” After losing their first two games by a combined score of 11-2, the CA Heat rebounded to win their next two games, defeating the two local Chicago teams in their bracket by a

combined score of 11-4. They finished in second place out of five teams in the round robin portion of the tournament, earning a spot in the championship against the Northern Virginia Ice Dogs, a team that beat them 6-0 earlier that weekend. The CA Heat were able to score a goal this time around, but ultimately fell 4-1. Despite the final result, Defterderian was pleased with the way his team rebounded from the two earlier defeats with their grit and determination on full display. “We may have lost that game, but win or loss, that game was a success to me. The kids battled hard all the way. We made it a pretty good hockey game and lost to a good team,” he said. “Our boys battled all the way to the end so it was cool to see. We showed a lot of character that weekend to start off on a rocky first two games and then just turn it around the way we did.” 

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rom the time she was a little girl, Carol Reesha appreciated the appeal of antiques. “My mom took me to antique stores all the time. I just loved the quality of each piece,” Reesha said. Such items are easy to find at Barn & Charm in Newhall, which features 16 vendors offering vintage and new artisanal items under one roof. Inspired by communal store spaces in San Diego, where she worked in the gift industry for several years, Reesha opened the store in November 2014 upon returning to the Santa Clarita Valley, after raising her family. “San Diego has a lot of multi-vendor stores, but just with new merchandise,” she said. “I thought, let’s make something fun out of this.” Each section of the open-air Barn & Charm offers something special, whether it’s vintage porcelain chickens, an Underwood typewriter or décor that Reesha refinishes on site for sale in the store or by commission. “We upcycle, repurpose and resell, so you can find things here that you can’t find anywhere else,” she said. “Some of our customers come in every week to see what’s new, because things change daily. I’ll keep an eye out for pieces that are perfect for them and text them a photo.” New merchandise are showcased in themed sections ranging from clothing to culinary to bath and body items. There is also a full line of fumefree, all-natural American DIY chalk and clay paints for home projects. Vendor Kathy Tanabe has three sections in the story, including her exclusive “Empress Arts” baby line made with organic materials in neutral colors. She also shares a women’s fashion space with Catherine Lillywhite, which features super-soft Italian linen and knits, as well as jewelry and catseye style reader glasses. “I feel so lucky to have found Carol. She gives us the freedom to be creative and do our very best,” Tanabe said. Tanabe’s favorite space is the “self-love” wall, where one can find a seemingly endless supply of smellgood lotions, soaps, and sugar scrubs

Barn & Charm owner Carol Reesha in her shop in Newhall. The store offers vintage, repurposed, rustic home, retro, furniture, clothing and industrial goods. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

from US Apothecary, Berchberry and Klean Spa, with scents like Orange Vanilla, Lavender Cream, Beach House, and a citrusy Main Squeeze. “What I really want to do is spark a it of joy in people’s lives and get women inspired to take care of themselves,” she said. “It all starts from within and radiates out. It could be something as easy as a scarf or necklace that makes a woman feel better about herself.” In addition to shopping opportunities, Barn & Charm offers workshops from $35 to $150 for the public to learn about such arts as hand lettering, shiplap signs, vision boards, jewelry making, and modern calligraphy. Tina Decker is both a vendor and a class instructor, with a space that focuses on Victorian-era French items and classes on watercolors and succulents. “There’s a really devoted, talented group of people here. We build each other up and support one another’s business. I find it very nurturing,” she said. “This is my happy place. I just love the energy in the store.”  Barn & Charm, 22700 Lyons Avenue, Suite A, Newhall. Open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All purchases come with complimentary gift wrapping upon request. For more information, call (661) 255-5466 or visit www. barnandcharm.com.

F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

A new way to pedal through Santa Clarita By Ken Striplin City Manager

anta Clarita is known for its beautiful parks and miles of paved, offstreet trails that can be explored from sunrise to sunset. We know that our residents and visitors to Santa Clarita enjoy staying active, which is why the city continues to look for new opportunities and amenities that can be added. A new program that I am excited for you to participate in is called Pace, which is a bike sharing program that was recently introduced to the community. Pace allows users 18 and over to rent a bike from one of 12 designated stations currently in the city to use at their leisure. By downloading the free Pace app on your smartphone, you are able to rent a bike for $1 for every 30 minutes of use.

Stations located around town

Stations are located at a number of trailheads, as well as transit centers and tourism hotspots so residents and visitors alike have a fun and inexpensive way to explore the city without needing to invest in a bike — there are 50 available for rent. City staff began researching and gauging public interest in early 2017 to see if residents wanted to bring a bike share program to the community. What staff found was that more than 75 percent of respondents were in favor of the idea, so a plan was made to develop a pilot program.

Registration is easy

It is very easy to register an account with Pace so you can get started renting bikes whenever you want. All you need to do is download the free Pace app on your smartphone. If you are opening an account for the first time, be sure to input promo code RIDESC so you can get $2 in free credits! With the app open, you will be able to see the current position of all

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Give your child the Advantage. at Saugus’s new

Stations are located at a number of trailheads, transit centers and tourism hotspots around the valley. PHOTOS BY TAMMY MURGA / THE SIGNAL

available bikes, as well as all of the Pace stations in Santa Clarita. Simply make your way to a bike station at locations such as the Iron Horse Trailhead or Jan Heidt Metrolink Station in Newhall and follow the on-screen prompts to unlock a bike.

Returning the bike

When you are finished, be sure to follow the instructions on the app to properly lock the bike to a Pace station or public bike rack. Failing to do so, or leaving the bike unattended in a public place like a parking lot or sidewalk, will result in your account continuing to be billed. I encourage you to join the 550 folks who have already registered since Pace first arrived in mid-December and take a tour of Santa Clarita using our bike-share program. I am sure you will agree this is a great way to explore our city.  Ken Striplin is the Santa Clarita city manager, and can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com.

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16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

R E A L E S TAT E

8 mistakes to avoid when buying and selling

e are in a market where many of the home buyers on the market have either sold their previous home and need a replacement home, or hope their home will sell soon. A simultaneous sale and purchase can be stressful. This is a condensation of some of the pitfalls and mistakes to avoid in this type of transaction. 1. Waiting too long to prepare your home for sale Every home needs at least a little work before selling. You may know what needs to be done, things like deferred maintenance, fresh paint, miscellaneous repairs, deep cleaning, getting the exterior in shape and pre-packing or getting rid of excess “stuff.” Some people wait until they find the perfect replacement home before they start the process. That is a bad idea for many reasons. It’s never too early to start on the process of getting your home ready for sale. If you plan to sell this year, start now. 2. Skipping the backup plan When you're buying and selling simultaneously, it can get complicated quickly and if one thing in one of the transactions goes sideways, both transactions can be affected. Jamie Wiebe has some great insights on preparing a Plan B in case everything goes wrong and the schedule goes off the tracks. Keep your emergency fund well-stocked. 3. Buying too big This happens all the time. People overestimate their loan-ability. Just because you have been responsible and paid your existing home loan every month on time, don’t assume you will be able to qualify for and borrow more now to buy your dream home. Get pre-approved for your replacement-home purchase. 4. Working with too little cushion You know what price your house should sell for. But what if the market softens? If you're forced to take an offer that's $20,000 less than expected, it could be a big hit on your down payment. Right pricing with the help of a seasoned real estate professional is essential. 5. Failing to compromise Your concurrent sale and purchase will be

stressful at times, but you are not the only person who is feeling stressed in your transaction. Stuff happens, for example, if the buyers need an extra week of escrow because there was an issue selling their home, or the sellers don't think they need to fix a leaky pipe for you. There are going to be sticking points between the parties. 6. Using two different real estate agents When you are selling your home to buy a replacement home, expect this already complicated process to get even more so if you're juggling agents between your home sale and your home purchase. Simplify things by using the same agent for both transactions. Each transaction already will involve up to 50 people, and one experienced Realtor orchestrating the process on your behalf will avoid many problems, especially if you want to have simultaneous closings of escrow. 7. Closing on a Friday While you should work with your agent to determine the best timing, you'd ideally want to finalize the sale of your current home first, and then close on your new one. Try to aim for closings within two or three days of the other if not concurrently, and never close multiple escrows of a transaction on a Friday.

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY CLOSED SALES 1/18/19 TO 1/5/19 AREA/St#

St Name

Sold Price

SqFt/Source

CANYON COUNTRY 17955 26806 20335 16746 16662 16968 17516 26807 17151 26359

River CIR #2 Claudette ST #324 Rue Crevier #528 Highfalls ST Minter CT Sierra HWY Sarita AVE Cherry Willow DR Hickory Ridge CT Macmillan Ranch RD

$305,000 $319,000 $339,890 $410,000 $435,000 $459,000 $570,000 $645,000 $650,000 $1,450,000

1127/A 910/A 1107/A 1125/A 1553/A 2000/O 1685/A 2432/A 2248/A 5098/A

Onyx LN Marigold CIR Cromwell AVE Woodstock AVE Countryside LN

$370,000 $449,900 $550,000 $580,000 $641,000

1392/A 1368/A 2339/B 1638/A 3092/A

26493 Fairway CIR 23205 8th ST 23511 Heritage Oak CT

$300,000 $560,000 $685,000

1162/A 1215/A 3247/A

$395,000 $425,000 $451,000 $469,000 $495,000 $515,000 $560,000 $575,000 $613,000 $739,000 $960,000

1370/A 1297/A 1850/A 1850/A 1364/A 1874/A 1752/A 1335/P 2520/A 2702/A 2632/A

$360,000 $370,000 $641,805 $685,000 $829,000

1164/A 963/A 2433/A 2005/A 3129/A

$260,000 $407,000 $500,000 $509,250 $538,000 $620,000

987/A 1440/A 1844/A 2034/A 1419/A 1800/P

CASTAIC 27585 30323 29737 28013 31327

NEWHALL

8. Not trusting your team I mentioned before that in every home sale or purchase transaction that there are approximately 50 people involved in the transaction. Hopefully for you, these people work together like a well-oiled machine with one general purpose in mind … making it happen for the buyers and sellers. All of your questions and concerns are important, and your Realtor is your guide through what may be one of the largest financial decision of your life. Good communication with your Realtor builds trust, so be sure your Realtor is a good communicator. 

SAUGUS

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STEVENSON RANCH

20000 28133 28381 19307 22655 22297 21655 27242 22716 28550 25152 25224 25148 25841 25648 26477

Plum Canyon RD #613 Seco Canyon RD #36 Casselman LN Wilson LN #337 Barcotta DR Canones CIR Grovepark DR Seco Canyon RD Flower Fields AVE Curtis Alan PL Karie LN Steinbeck AVE #D Steinbeck AVE #E Wordsworth LN Frost LN Kipling PL

VALENCIA & WESTRIDGE 23515 24493 26828 24516 28335 27833

Lyons AVE #281 Marzal ST Willow Creek LN #23 Windsor DR #B Mayfair DR Sweetwater LN

100 YEARS

SignalSCV. com

F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

TIMERANGER

Ratsville, ‘Ackasses’ & Perfect Pete Calzia Glorious darn day, isn’t it? C’mon, dear saddlepals. A little oomph and up and out of those bunks. It’s time to go history trail-riding. Or, if you’re from the Midwest or Palmdale, “trail-ridin’.” Or, from England, “trailrawydeeeng …” Much to inspect. There’s our forgotten community, Ratsville... well, heck, just come along and I’ll show all y’all.

the bus by pretending to break a glass bottle of oil taken from Pico Well No. 4. You’ll remember that that Pico oil derrick had been pumping oil steadily since the 1870s. FEB. 3, 1959

WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• We should do that today with yuppies. We’d make a fortune Town historian A.B. Perkins in the 1950s noted how the old Catholic sub-mission here took $8 a month in fees for every gold miner in the SCV back in 1842. Later, The Newhall Land and Farming Co. did the same, charging just $2 a head. • Who lives in Ratsville? Raise your hand In 1900, NL&F Co. foreman John Arnett would ride out to present-day Seco Canyon and beyond to collect that monthly $2 rent from all the miners. Often, the grubstakers would see Arnett coming and dive into their mineshafts to avoid paying. Arnett made a large, wooden sign reading: “WELCOME TO RATSVILLE” in honor of the miners who, according to an old Perkins article, “scurried down their holes like rats.” FEB. 3, 1919

• Getting ready to print, 100 years ago So hard to imagine, but a century ago, minus four days, owners Ed and Blanche Brown were getting ready to print the first-ever issue of The Mighty Signal. The town was abuzz with anticipation. That original issue is missing from The Signal morgue, but I have one copy of the Feb. 7, 1919, edition. I don’t know who has the one missing from the archives, but if they’d see fit to return it, I’d be appreciative. • Maybe they meant, ‘Packass’ For some of you grammarian sticklers, the very first typographical error in TMS was, appropriately, leaving the “j” off the word, “jackass.” (Actually, there were three typos in the first issue.) So began a long and venerated tradition of misspelling words… FEB. 3, 1929

• What? Not even a card? Oddly enough, The Signal didn’t even re-

member its own 10-year anniversary. Not one word of mention. • A lovely place to be sick C.G. Bartlett and his wife bought the old hospital on Spruce and 6th Street, changing its name to “Emergency and General Hospital, Newhall.” Doesn’t quite have the same ring as Newhall Hospital, does it? Noted Signal Editor A.B. Thatcher on the big improvement: “From all this pruning and painting, the hospital will emerge in such shape that even the most fastidious will enjoy being installed as a patient.” Nifty thing about the little clinic is that it’s still up and running there in the same spot, albeit under a different name. FEB. 3, 1939

• Wish Randy were around to tease the guy The very first Signal cartoonist was NOT Randy Ray Wicks, the cherubic genius who died in 1996 at 41. Wicks may have been one of the top cartoonists in the world, working here at TMS. But Ray Gardner was the SCV’s first artist/satirist, a syndicated cartoonist who moved to Newhall, taking up residence in Cookie Cook’s old place. • Brrrrrr!!! 2.0 It hadn’t snowed here in the Santa Clarita since 1931 but we got more than a dusting. Eight inches fell in Agua Dulce and half-that in Honby (near where the Metrolink is today by Saugus Speedway). The thermometer clung to 22 degrees ALL DARN DAY. Alas, Downtown Newhall didn’t even get a flurry. If that happened today, we could call The City to complain … FEB. 3, 1949

• Passing of a patriarch Pete Calzia died when he was struck by a car in San Diego. Pete was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1884. One of his sons was Lou

Continuing to tweak the noses of California bureaucrats and The Los Angeles Times, on this date in 1959, millionaire rancher “Big” Bill Bonelli applied for his civil service pension benefits while a fugitive living in Mexico. Bonelli had been falsely accused of accepting bribes for liquor licenses while he was on the state Board of Equalization. Bonelli had claimed it was actually The Times that had the illegal licenses, using editors and reporters as dummy holders of the licenses. Bonelli fled to Mexico rather than face the charges, although he frequently flew back and forth across the border to his various ranches in the Southwest. Bonelli had a wonderful sense of humor, often sending poolside postcards to California Gov. Goodwin Knight. He also wrote the above book, “Billion Dollar Blackjack,” listing The Times and all the corrupt officials.

Calzia. Many of you know the Genoan’s grandson — former Hart High math teacher, Pete Calzia. The grandson a few years back was awarded The Signal’s Behind the Scenes/Newsmaker of the Year Award. Cool trivia? Pete’s dad, Lou, played on the CIF championship football team at San Fernando High and holds a record still standing today. The Tigers were the only unbeaten and UNSCORED-UPON school in CIF history. • Black Gold. Texas T. California’s Centennial Commission visited the SCV on a big, customized bus looking like it just came out of Buck Rogers. A local beauty queen “launched”

• At least they didn’t call it Dirtville The Newhall School District board of trustees named the valley’s newest elementary school. Folks in the neighborhood were invited to come up with names and nominations like Golden Oak, Happy Valley, West Newhall, Valley Wood, Atwood and A.B. Perkins Elementary School were handed in. The school was eventually called, “Peachland.” (NOTE TO NEWHALL DISTRICT — It would be a GREAT idea to name a school after Perkins … Do some homework on this and call me…) FEB. 3, 1969

• We scooped the nation’s media again A Signal photographer caught a priceless photo of then-Gov. Ronald Reagan flipping off a group of protesters at a UC Board of Regents meeting in Berkeley. “I saw him do it once, but didn’t have my camera ready,” said The Signal photographer. “So, I raised my camera and he obliged me by doing it again.” Commenting on Reagan’s use of the middle digit, Signal Editor Scott Newhall wrote: “The Reagan gesture thus has ample precedent in both honorable and dishonorable circles. It is true that a gesture is worth a thousand words; in the case of this particular governor its meaning is expressed by only two words.” GOOOoooooo, Ronnie! Here we are, back in the here&-now of our hometown. Thanks for the wonderful companionship, saddlepals. See you next week with another exciting Time Ranger adventure. Until then — conviértete en ti mismo y vayan con Dios! (Become yourself and ride with God!)  John Boston, aka, Mr. Santa Clarita Valley, has been writing about and teaching the history of the SCV for more than 40 years. Read his historical tome, “Images of America: The Santa Clarita Valley.” It’s available on Amazon.com. Don’t forget to check out his weekly series on the History of The Mighty Signal on the front page of every Saturday’s paper …

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Opinion

F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

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

OURVIEW

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

A Tale of Two Plea Deals, One of Them Disturbing

Bitterness Abounds: Why, and Can We Overcome It?

By The Signal Editorial Board

By David Hegg

he two Superior Court plea deals provided an interesting and potentially disturbing juxtaposition of how our court system handles crime and punishment. On Wednesday, a Long Beach man pleaded no contest to a felony count of attempting to commit a lewd act upon a child, and a misdemeanor count of indecent exposure. The two charges were among six that had been filed against 40-yearold Jeff Boulter in connection with an incident at a Valencia wedding reception last year. Boulter was accused of leading a 5-year-old child into a dark corner at the reception, exposing himself and attempting to sexually assault the child. A server at the wedding reception saw what was happening and intervened. The suspect fled. In pleading no contest, Boulter did not admit guilt — but “no contest” pleas result in convictions, because the defendant has chosen not to mount a defense. So, we have a 40-year-old pleading no contest on a felony charge of trying to molest a 5-year-old and a related misdemeanor indecent exposure

charge. What’s the logical sentence? There’s got to be prison time, right? Apparently not. The court ordered him to complete a year of "sex-impulse counseling" and return for his official sentencing in March 2020. He was set free. If he violates any terms or conditions of his plea, he faces four years in prison. Meanwhile, in the same San Fernando courthouse, Robert Wayne Mount, 52, of Newhall, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading no contest in August to five weapons charges relating to a 2017 domestic disturbance incident that culminated in a four-hour standoff between Mount and responding sheriff ’s deputies. Mount never fired a shot, but was accused of threatening two victims with a semiautomatic weapon during the domestic incident, and once he was arrested, he was charged with more than 60 counts related See OUR VIEW, page 20

have noticed lots of bitterness floating around our society recently. People are bitter over wrongs suffered, and their bitterness fuels their anger. Too often this anger drives their behavior, and their angry behavior hurts others around them. Then, those they hurt get bitter and the cycle becomes self-perpetuating. Just what is bitterness? Ethically, bitterness describes a two-sided situation. One side of the coin is an unwillingness to forgive a wrong suffered. This is coupled with an intentional desire for revenge or retribution. Not only won’t I forgive, but I intend to do something to even the score, even if it hurts those who hurt me. While we would all decry bitterness as harmful, the dirty little secret is that bitterness actually can become a welcomed inhabitant in our hearts. Here’s why: Bitterness is the residue of wrongs suffered that allows us to feel good about acting badly. As long as we can keep the fire

of pain burning brightly, we can justify angry, hurtful feelings and actions. Bitterness is that raging resentment we use as the reason for our own unreasonable actions. We are seeing it played out in the headlines and video segments every day. We have front-row seats on a “Hatfields and McCoys” phenomena that is flooding our nation. And no matter how far you are from the front lines of the cultural battle, eventually you’ll be forced to take a side. Why? Because bitterness demands to be heard and felt, and reasoned discourse in pursuit of mutual understanding in a context of kindness and respect just won’t scratch its itch. But bitterness has never been the driving force behind substantive improvement in society. Anger does not form a strong foundation for lasting change. Violent behavior may grab public attention, but separated from the moral high ground it will only produce fear, pain and more bitterness. See HEGG, page 20

READERLETTERS

The Failure of Socialism Is Inevitable Gerald Staack’s letter (Jan. 29) reminded me of my youth. Visions of crowds storming barricades of the powerful elite to overthrow the bastions of capitalism that was responsible for so much poverty and inequality. Then came the realities of: Castro’s Cuba, the Berlin wall, the Hungarian revolution, Mao’s “Great Leap Forward,” postwar Vietnam’s “Boat People,” the collapse of the Soviet Union and eastern Europe, and now Venezuela. In every instance, starting with the Bolshevik revolution but including the French, Haitian, Mexican and Chinese, the “grand dream” of a Utopian socialist society has collapsed into national bankruptcy and refugees, costing over a hundred million lives and tens of thousands sent to “re-education” camps,

national survival only realized when “free market reforms” and “limited capitalism” have been allowed for economic movement from the bottom up. The conceit of the American left is that the murderous aftermath that followed those socialist victories, and the subsequent consignment of whole populations to a life of meager government handouts and an absence of personal freedom and civil rights, wouldn’t, couldn’t happen here. They are wrong. Think not? Find a historical situation to the contrary. Socialism writ large is dependent on a system of a full-time, unelected, administrative bureaucracy, who sees to its own needs first, and its first need is to stay in power, so it depends on a police state and popular repression. What some fail to realize is the same power-seeking, corrupt, self-serving inSee LETTERS, page 19

F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

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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

D R AW I N G CO N C LU S I O N S D R E W L I T TO N

Tell It to The Signal vs. Whatever We Have Now By Tim Whyte Signal Editor

ack when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, before we all knew about the internet, and social media was just a twinkle in Mark Zuckerberg’s eye, there was Tell It to The Signal. It was the brainchild of a former Signal publisher: We set up a dedicated phone line, and connected it to an answering machine. (Kids, ask your parents what an “answering machine” was.) We invited local residents to call in on the phone line, and leave a recorded message about whatever they wanted to get off their chest. We asked them to leave their name and phone number, but that was really kind of pointless because we were not printing their names, much less their phone numbers, and we very rarely called them back. We had an editorial assistant at the time — a full-time person — who basically spent half her day transcribing those answering machine recordings and the other half typing up letters to the editor that came in by mail and fax. (Kids, ask your parents what a "fax" was.) That job, by the way, doesn’t exist anymore. It’s obsolete. I’m reminded of it every three or four weeks when someone actually mails in a hard copy of a letter to the editor and I have to find someone to type it up. Anyway, we’d edit those transcribed phone messages, and toss out the most objectionable stuff — things that were in bad taste or might get us sued — and then we’d publish those comments in the newspaper. Boy, did people get riled up about some of the comments we published, especially since they were published without the caller's name.

Truth be told, I never liked the anonymity of it all. I’m a First Amendment advocate and I think everyone should have a chance to be heard, but I also think it’s cowardly to do so anonymously, firing from the bushes and hiding rather than standing up and being accountable for what you’ve said. Later, when the internet became more than just a passing fad, we moved Tell It to The Signal — which one of our columnists had dubbed “TITTS” — to our website. That was the beginning of my own personal nightmare. We didn’t exactly invent the online bulletin board, but that’s what it was. And, we persisted in allowing people to post their comments anonymously. It became a giant time suck. Instead of a full-time person transcribing phone messages and typing letters to the editor, we now had several staffers — including me — trying in vain to keep up with Tell-It and remove all the objectionable material people tend to post online when they are unaccountable. Prison rules commentary, basically. Potentially libelous comments. Cheesy plugs for their own businesses so they could avoid buying advertising. Vulgarity. Potty humor. You name it. It was even worse than social media. At least on social media, for the most part, people are who they say they are. We spent way too many hours managing Tell It to The Signal. Sometime after I left the paper in 2007, the paper got rid of it. Thank goodness. Don’t get me wrong. Tell-It had its See WHYTE, page 20

LETTERS

Continued from page 18

terests they condemn as a product of free-market capitalism are, regrettably, broad HUMAN qualities, and are found at the upper reaches of socialist governments also. (Do barefoot farmers run China?) I have come to believe that the only real hope for people on a broad scale is FREEDOM. Freedom to educate yourself, to work, contribute, to live by your better judgment, and to take personal responsibility for your actions, without blaming others for your unhappiness. Either that or abdicate yourself to live under a system of emotional slogans and government-mandated mediocrity. P.S. President Trump’s government shutdown and the teachers strike were moral equivalents. Both used suspension of labor to gain leverage favorable to negotiations. Richard La Motte, Santa Clarita

An Investment Tip Investors take note: It’s been said that when it comes to investing “There is no such thing as a SURE THING.” I’m here to tell you that is no longer true. I’m no investment wizard. Quite the opposite is true. I

don’t do research but this opportunity is so obvious it’s hard to ignore. I’m going to tell you where to put you money and why. Get into CARDBOARD. That’s right, invest in companies that manufacture cardboard and you can’t go wrong. (Well, at least it’s not probable.) Here’s why. Amazon! You’ve heard of them, right? They ship. They ship overnight. They ship quick, they ship fast, they ship now, they ship and ship and ship. What do they ship? Boxes! Yep, CARDBOARD boxes and, because they are in a hurry, it is faster for them to ship a small item in a larger box than to take the time to look for the perfect size box. That means more cardboard usage. Since I’ve told you I don’t do research, you might ask how I know all this. The answer is simple. I’m married. While Amazon is shipping, shipping, shipping, my wife is buying, buying, buying so on my doorstep are boxes, boxes, boxes. And folks, I’m sure my wife is not alone. So — Buy Into Cardboard. Richard Myers, Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

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

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Opinion

HEGG

Continued from page 18

It seems to me that the issue of “identity” has a lot to do with why we become embittered in the first place. It is all too easy to minimize our identity down to some homogeneous label, even one that is important to us. What I mean is this: we all are much more than our ethnicity, our color, or our political views. We are much more than just a member of some demographic group the sociologists have concocted. What is most important about us – and should be to us – is that we are human beings, unique, noble individuals who can love and learn and change and grow and who must refuse to be swept along with a crowd that wants to represent us in ways that do not align with our deepest-held values and convictions. For me, this all comes from understanding I have been created by God to represent him. The Bible calls this being “created in the image of God.” And while this certainly means that humanity forms the crown jewel in all creation, it also means human life has great value – each and every life! It also means the way I choose to live my life matters, both to God and to those who

OUR VIEW

Continued from page 18

to firearms. It seems Mr. Mount had quite a stockpile of weapons in his home, including — are you ready for this? — a Browning Machine Gun. He pleaded no contest to two machine gun possession and conversion charges, and also to assault with a semiautomatic firearm; assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury; and unlawful assault weapon/.50 BMG rifle activity. So, does the punishment fit the crime? Seems reasonable enough, right? Regardless of one’s position on our Second Amendment rights to bear arms (we are generally in favor), it’s also clear that no private citizen needs a machine gun. And, if you’re going to go threatening people with semiautomatic weapons and holding law enforcement officers at bay for four hours, you should expect to do some time, even if you never fire a shot. So, we’re not saying Mount’s sentence seems out of line. What we are saying, however, is that it provides a pretty stark contrast

will feel the effects of my behavior. I am an individual, but I do not live alone. I live in relationship with my world and all those in it. I don’t have the right to allow my personal bitterness to become an obstacle to their pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness no matter how badly I have been hurt. We live in a risky, broken and violent world. Those who hate America are committed to attacking us from without. But even worse is the thought that we could unravel from within, as the bitterness of past hurts is stockpiled by those who would stir up emotional fires with flimsy rhetoric and challenge the rule of law. Democracy only works when good people remain good during bad times. Let’s pray that the bad times bring out the best in all of us even as we recognize bitterness and its fruits as the real enemies. Let’s also pray that we will live up to the nobility and privilege that is ours as human beings, made in the image of God. David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church and a Santa Clarita resident.“Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.  to the de facto sentence for the man who tried to molest a 5-year-old child. That the two outcomes occurred on the same day just made the molestation case seem all the more odd: A man pleads no contest to attempting to molest a 5-year-old child and the court orders him to... sex-impulse therapy? And all he has to do to avoid prison is go to therapy and be on his best behavior for a year (read: avoid molesting kids) and he will, almost certainly, avoid a prison sentence? The information provided by the district attorney’s office did little to ease the unsettling feeling one gets when hearing about what happened in court on Wednesday: He hasn’t officially been sentenced yet. Yes, that won’t happen until more than a year from now. Meanwhile, he walks free. It’s a head scratcher to say the least. Are our prisons so overcrowded that there isn’t room for someone who exposes himself to, and tries to sexually assault, a 5-year-old child? We’re hoping there are some compelling behind-the-scenes factors that affected the way the court and the district attorney’s office are handling this case — because on the face of it, there’s something terribly wrong with this picture. 

WHYTE

Continued from page 19

up sides. It provided an easy way for people to connect to The Signal. It provided lots of people an opportunity to have their voices heard. It provided a lot of very interesting content. It was, if nothing else, a super-entertaining read. But man, that anonymity, and the nastiness that emerged — those things bugged me. Fast forward to 2019 and I have spent a good chunk of this week trying to learn how to better manage the comments function on our website. It differs from Tell-It in a few key ways, but also has some key similarities. One difference: You don’t go to one place, as you did with Tell-It, and find all of the comments on various topics in one place. Rather, the comments, which are managed through a program called Disqus, appear beneath each online story we publish. They post in real time, so they’re not pre-screened by a human being, but the system automatically blocks posts that include a set of specified key words and their variants, so there’s little risk of Actual Profanity finding its way into publication. But as I’ve seen this week, people are creative. They can find ways around that. In fact, we had to delete several posts from, of all things, the comments section below a story about the ribbon cutting for the city’s new Pace rent-a-bike program. Innocuous story, right? Yeah, you’d think so. But somehow those comments had devolved into name-calling and one reader giving another one some very specific instructions on a sexual act they should go perform on themselves. Ahem. Delete. Then we have the anonymity rearing its ugly head. Except now, unlike the Tell It to The Signal era, we at least aspire to have some standards when it comes to anonymous posts, or people using fake names. Our policy is this: You can post on the site, but we ask that you follow basic rules of decorum — no profanity, no vulgarity, no libelous material, no name-calling — AND, use your real first and last name. You can disagree with us if you like, you can criticize our coverage or our columns and editorials, but at least do so using your real name. No shooting from the bushes. It’s hard to police it, though. People get creative on that front, too. One person — pretty sure I know who he is — used the pseudonym “Will Randolph,” an apparent nod to a certain historic newspaper magnate. Blocked. Until he agrees to use his real name. Likewise with several other users who were posting under fake names — from both sides of the political aisle, by the way. So, do I miss Tell It to The Signal? Nah. What we have now — even as we attempt to apply some standards of conduct and decorum — is waaaaaay too similar to TITTS for me to miss it. Tim Whyte is editor of The Signal. His column appears Sundays. On twitter: @TimWhyte. 

F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

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= Family Friendly Event

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

ONGOING Mondays, 10 a.m. Join Barnes & Noble every Monday morning at 10 a.m. for a special Toddler Storytime at the Children’s Stage. Barnes & Noble, 23630 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita. Info: stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2642 Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. California farmers and specialty food purveyors come together each Saturday, 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. The market offers patrons a chance to come face to face with their food source. Old Town Newhall, 24500 Main Street. Info: oldtownnewhall. com/old-town-newhall-farmers-market/ Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to noon. The Gibbon Center is open to the public and a tour is given at roughly 10 a.m., no reservations are required. $15 Adults, $12 teens and students, $10 Seniors, $5 Children 6-12, Children under 5 are free. 19100 Esguerra Road, Santa Clarita. Info: gibboncenter.org Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grab the young’uns and mosey on up the hill in William S. Hart Park to the glorious hilltop Mansion, where you can not only take a free guided tour, but your young ones can have some free craftin’ fun. Set up right outside the Mansion’s back door, on the covered back patio, is the new weekly Crafterday craft table. The young ones can try their hands at simple crafts like making their own totem poles, designing their own rope art, making their own dreamcatchers, and so much more. It’s free and all are welcome. Activities geared towards younger participants, but anyone who enjoys crafts will have a grand ol’ time. 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall. Info: (661) 254-4584, hartmuseum.org Saturdays, 5-8 p.m. Every Saturday night, we find a great group of Gourmet Food Trucks to get together and create community fun in the Santa Clarita Valley. The food trucks rotate so that each week, there are different options of food to try. Tables and chairs are provided and it’s handicap-accessible. There is a grassy knoll to picnic on, fly kites or Frisbee. 26573 Carl Boyer Drive, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/foodtrucksaturday Sundays, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop and save every Sunday at the Santa Clarita Swap Meet. Hundreds of vendors selling new merchandise, collectibles, plants, home decor,

clothing, tools and so much more. Live entertainment, food trucks and good cheer every week! $2 admission. 22500 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: saugusspeedway.com/ content/Meet-our-Swap-Meets.aspx Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come hug the cows, give the pig’s tummy rubs, cuddle the turkeys and enjoy a beautiful day at the Gentle Barn Donation: Adults $22, Kids $12. Tickets are nonrefundable but rain checks are available upon request. The Gentle Barn, 15825 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita. Info: gentlebarn.org/california First Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m. The Stage Door at the Keyboard Galleria hosts a free monthly open mic for all musicians, lyricists, comics and entertainers. KGMC always provides a great back line, so don’t worry about bringing your gear. Of course, if you’re attached to your favorite guitar, you can bring it. The stage is complete with amps, drums, digital piano and a Bose PA system. It’s a great room to play and a great way to meet other like-minded musicians in the community. If you’re not a performer or not ready to step on the stage, come check out some of the great talent here in Santa Clarita. 21515 Soledad Canyon Road, Ste. 120, Santa Clarita. Info: keyboardgalleria.com

coaching session and an actors evening showcase. Class size is limited. $200. Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 South 7th St., Santa Paula. Class will be held on the BackStage performance area. Info: Taylor Kasch (805) 201-5066, flyinghgroup@yahoo.com Wednesday, Feb. 6, 3:30 p.m. Join artist and author David Heredia in creating a mixed-media art project. This is a free program for children in grades third to sixth. All supplies provided. Participation limited to materials on hand. Canyon Country Library, 18601 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: David Janning, djanning@santa-clarita. com Wednesday, Feb. 6, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy light appetizers, live music, and meet the artist Skye Amber Sweet in this new exhibition open at The Old Town Newhall Library. Organic, soulful, emotional work is the heart of Skye Amber Sweet’s art. Her tree paintings are filled with the wonder of life, embracing leaves, bark, branches, and roots. Old Town Newhall Library, 24500 Main Street, Newhall. Info: (661) 259-0750, http://www.santacla ritalibrary.com

Thursday, Feb. 7, 7-9 p.m. Kevin Young has been selected as the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) 2019 Katie Jacobson Writer-in-Residence. Young will present a public reading at the school. Langley Hall on the CalArts campus, 24700 McBean Parkway, Valencia. Info: Office of Critical Studies, (661) 253-7803 Saturday, Feb. 9, 8 a.m. to Sunday, Feb. 10 3 p.m. Come to the Castaic Lake Recreation Area to try out the Warrior Dash obstacle course. Castaic Lake State Recreation Area 32132 Castaic Lake Drive Castaic. Info: parks.lacounty.gov

N!IN! IN! WIW W

EVENTS BY DATE Sunday, Feb. 3, 1-5 p.m. Join the pregame festivities at Agua Dulce Winery. Bring your ultimate tailgate recipe to the annual Appetizer Cook Off. Root on your team and get your throwing arm in shape to participate in the Quarterback Challenge for prizes. Enjoy watching the entire game, hang out till halftime or pick up wine on your way to a party. Hot dogs will be served! No cost and no reservations required. Agua Dulce Winery, 9640 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita. Info: (661) 268-7402, aguadulcewinery.com Sunday, Feb. 3, 2 p.m. What: The Sierra Hillbillies invite you to the Super Sunday Tailgate Party! Cheer on your favorite team while the caller-cuer team of Scott and Erin Byars call the plays for squares and rounds. SCV Senior Center, 22900 Market Street, Newhall. Info: (661) 254-4272, www.sierrahillbillies. org Monday, Feb. 4, 7-10 p.m. Santa Paula Theater Center presents monologue and scene study classes with Taylor Kasch “Acting with Intent.” Kasch, an award winning actor and director, has designed the class to suit the needs of both beginners and professionals alike. Series includes 7 classes, 1 private

Thursday, Feb. 7, 4-7 p.m. OMG, Inc., The Paseo Club and Crown Capital Lending join forces to offer Santa Clarita a one-of-a-kind social mixer experience. This monthly free mingling event brings together real estate agents and other professionals to make new friends and business connections. Paseo Club, 27650 Dickason Drive, Valencia. Info: Alex Concas, (323) 284-7930, mgmt@ oksana-k.com

CONGRATULATIONS to CHARLOTTE RUTH WIECK of NEWHALL — the winner of $100 for correctly identifying INSURANCE the artwork as being from Santa Clarita Autosound advertisement on page 33 of our Jan. 20 issue. Life Insurance Specialists Identify this piece of artwork and the page number that it is on in one of the advertisements in this week’s issue, and you will be entered to win $100. One game and one winner each week.

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This week’s entries are due Wed. Feb 13. Winner to be announced in 2 weeks.

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F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Discussing drywall and energy-efficient pumps By Robert Lamoureux Signal Staff Writer

Drywall and permits Robert, Due to the rains recently, we had a significant amount of water get into the house. I know you’re a stickler about permits, and since we may sell the house at some point, I want to do this right. They had to remove about 2 feet of drywall all the way around our living room and kitchen area. Is this something that we need a permit for? We want to do everything right and don’t want problems down the line, especially when the time to sell comes along. Thank you for your wisdom and willingness to help others, — Jacob F. Jacob, Good question, thank you. The answer is no — in a situation like this, where there is only 2 feet from the ground of drywall removed, you are OK. Building and Safety are there of course for safety, and truly no one will be hurt from this area of drywall. This is also a repair and not new install, so all things considered, this is a no for this situation. Just be sure that moisture meters are used to ensure that all affected areas are at 0 percent for moisture. You need those areas completely dry and all leak sources fixed properly, before

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beginning the put-back of your home. When all is confirmed and you are ready, be sure that insulation is installed back to the area if these are exterior walls, and that the work is done properly. You should not see a seam when your contractor is finished, nor should you see a difference in paint color or sheen. A good contractor will make this area look like it wasn’t touched. Be sure to either be present when moisture meter readings are taken, or that they provide photos to you, showing the moisture readings at 0 percent. You don’t want any moisture left in the area because it will, in the right conditions, turn into mold. Good luck to you, Robert Pool pumps Robert, I’m an avid follower who reads

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most of the articles. I even file and categorize them. Sometime back, you wrote about a pool pump that you recommended for energy savings and durability, and so on. I’ll be darned if I can’t find this one and am in need of the information for my own pool now. Is there a way you could elaborate on this, please? — Jim L. Jim, The type of pump is a variable speed, whisper quiet pump. There are several manufacturers, so do your homework on ratings/ reviews and make your decision. The variable speed option is efficient in many ways because you can set it to run at higher speed for a period of time in the day, perhaps when rates are lowest, then at the lower speed for the remainder of the day. This keeps the water circulating

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constantly for efficiency but the high power you can set for once or twice a day at the non-peak hours which will save you money. Go to your pool supply and speak to them about the pumps. There are varying prices and usually, of course, the most efficient are higher-priced but they’ll be the best for you in the long run. Good luck to you, Robert

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F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 23

SCHOOL

any people have a wonderful resource at their disposal just minutes from their homes. This resource can transport them to distant lands, teach their children valuable lessons and serve as a great place to meet new friends. So what is this magical place? The local library. Libraries are filled with books for adults and children. But libraries have even more than books to offer, making them an invaluable resource for the entire community. The following are just a handful of the many great reasons to visit your local library.

• Reading may help improve longterm mental health. A 2001 study from researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that patients with Alzheimer’s disease were less active in early and middle adulthood in regard to intellectual, passive and physical activities than people who did not have AD. Young adults and middle-aged men and women who visit their local libraries and check out a good book might decrease their risk for cognitive decline later in life. • Reading can improve your vocabulary, even as you get older. Reading for pleasure as a child has long been linked to helping young people age 16 and under develop strong reading and math skills. But a recent study from researchers at the University of London that examined how the vocabularies of more than 9,400 people developed between the ages of 16 and 42 found that vocabulary continued to improve long after teenage years. By continuing to read books from their local libraries into adulthood, adults can further develop their vocabularies. • Libraries provide lots of free entertainment. Libraries are home to thousands of books, but that’s not all you can find at your local branch. Newspapers, magazines, CDs and DVDs are some examples of the forms of entertainment available at local libraries. Better yet, such entertainment is free to card holders. • Libraries offer age-appropriate

programs for kids. Some parents may lament the lack of programs available for their youngsters. Such parents are urged to visit their local libraries, which are often home to many programs that can inspire kids to read and foster their creativity. The scope of kid-friendly programs at your local library is wide and may range from sing-a-long sessions for toddlers to group art programs for preschool-aged children to STEMbased programs for elementary and secondary school students. The local library is an invaluable resource than can benefit people of all ages.  —Metro Connection

COURTESY PHOTO

Great reasons to visit your local library

Young adults and middle-aged men and women who visit their local libraries and check out a good book might decrease their risk for cognitive decline later in life.

CLIP N SAVE Elementary School Menus Menus courtesy of Santa Clarita Valley School Food Services which serves these school districts: Castaic USD • Newhall USD • Saugus USD • Sulphur Springs USD

(choice of one entree, seasonal fruit and milk)

Monday, Jan. 28 Tuesday, Jan. 29 Wednesday, Jan. 30

BREAKFAST Breakfast Burrito Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice Egg & Sausage Wrap Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Breakfast Quesadilla Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Thursday, Jan. 31

Pancake Sausage Stick Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Friday, Feb. 1

Buttermilk Bar Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

LUNCH Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes Mini Corn Dogs Dippin’ Chicken & Sauce Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Turkey Taco Dippin’ Chicken & Sauce Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Toasty Grilled Cheese Sandwich Chicken Nuggets Bean & Cheese Burrito Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Celebration Cookie Meatballs & Marinara Sub Corn Dog Dippin Chicken & Sauce Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Brownie Cup Maple Burst’n Mini Pancakes & Sausage Patties PBJ Sandwich & String Cheese Smart Choice Pizza Manager’s Choice Seasonal Salad Bar

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K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Box puppet ‘play’ in 3 easy steps

urn a dreary winter’s day into a “play day” filled with whimsical box puppets your family can make in three easy steps. Pick characters from a favorite book and retell a story “puppet show” style. Or mix and match characters from several books. You might even create some puppets that look like family members for an even livelier troupe. Use extra props and make funny voices and sound effects for a memorable performance. Before you begin making your puppets, collect a few empty food boxes, such as single-portion cereal boxes, which are quite easy for younger children to manipulate. As your cast of puppet characters grows, it’s definitely fun to use boxes in a range of shapes and sizes. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 single-portion cereal box, paper lining removed and open end glued shut. (For a larger puppet, use a standard-size cereal box.) • Poster paint and brushes • Markers • Construction paper • Glue and scissors • Odd and ends, such as felt, pingpong balls, cotton balls and yarn for beards and hair. Here’s the fun: With the front of the box facing you, draw a horizontal line around the middle of the box. An adult should cut along the line on the front and two narrow sides of

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the box. Do not cut the line on the back of the box. Instead, make a fold on that line so you can bend back the two connected halves of the box. Insert your fingers and thumb in the openings to test moving the “mouth” of the puppet. Paint the outside of the box or cover it with construction paper. If you are making safari-style puppets,

you might want to use adhesive-backed paper in tiger, lion or zebra prints. Add craft supplies to represent the appearance of a book character or person in your family or neighborhood. Glue on pingpong balls or plastic milk-jug lids for eyes. Make a dot in the center of each one with a marker. Add yarn or cotton balls for hair, and felt or craft

foam for ears. Don’t forget to make a tongue and glue it inside where the box opens and closes. Draw teeth or lips on the outside of the box. Add other details to create a distinct personality.  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.”

7 ways newspapers benefit students

lassrooms have come a long way since the days when pioneering settlers would send their children to single-room schoolhouses. Modern classrooms might be technical marvels, but one less flashy learning tool remains as valuable as ever. Newspapers might not be as glamorous as tablets or other gadgets, but they are still an invaluable resource to educators and students. The following are seven ways in which newspapers in the classroom can benefit students.

Newspapers build vocabulary. Numerous studies have found that reading can improve youngsters’ vocabulary. Each day, newspapers are filled with fresh stories that can introduce kids to new words, helping them to strengthen their vocabularies and make them more effective communicators.

Newspapers improve reading skills. Like the old adage says, “Practice makes perfect.” Reading newspapers each day can help kids develop their reading and comprehension skills. Newspapers promote critical thinking. Newspaper reporters are trained to objectively report the news, sharing facts without allowing their own opinions to influence their sto-

ries. Educators can choose stories from the newspaper to serve as catalysts for discussions that focus not just on the facts listed in the story, but what might be behind them. Such discussions can help youngsters develop their critical thinking skills Newspapers bring ideas and current events to life. Many children are aware of major world events, even if they don’t know or understand the details. Newspaper articles about world events can be used as avenues to discussions about what’s going on in the world. Newspapers build global awareness. Customized newsfeeds funneled through social media outlets can make it hard for young people to recognize and understand the world beyond their own communities and interests. Each days, newspapers include local, national and international stories that can illustrate to kids that there’s a world beyond their own. Newspapers promote social consciousness. Without newspapers, young people may never be exposed to the social issues facing their own communities or those issues that are affecting people across the country

and the world. Newspapers provide unbiased exposure to such issues, potentially leading youngsters to further explore topics that are shaping their world and even encouraging them to form their own opinions. Newspapers make learning fun. Kids younger than 8 spend an average of two hours and 19 minutes per day looking at screens, according to a 2017 report from Common Sense Media. Newspapers provide a welcome break from tablets, smartphones and computers, and kids may have fun flipping pages and getting a little ink on their hands. Newspapers remain invaluable resources that can benefit students in myriad ways.  — Metro Connection

F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

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

Neil Diamond tribute band wants you to come out for Valentine’s Day By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

f you want to have a “fantastic” Valentine’s Day, Canyon Santa Clarita can be your one-stop shop for a night of great fun, where you can hear classics like “America,” “Play Me” or “Sweet Caroline.” And for all the lovebirds looking for a romantic show, the Neil Diamond

tribute band Fantastic Diamond, led by frontman Kevin Hogan, might be the perfect opportunity. Hogan was discovered in 2001 by an entertainment agency in Simi Valley where he was performing karaoke. He now plays regular shows with Fantastic Diamond, giving the Vegas vibe complete with wigs and lots of “Cherry, Cherry” and “Love On the Rocks” callbacks.

Hogan is also in a cover band, Tasty Thieves, but Diamond has been a long-term project and a labor of love. “Neil is someone I’ve been mimicking almost my whole life, because my mom was a huge fan growing up,” he said. If you want to check it out for yourself, Canyon Santa Clarita is hosting the band’s six-person live performance on Feb. 14. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the

headliner begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are $19.50, and can be purchased at wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com.  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) 6455006, or via TicketMaster.com. For more info, visit Wheremusicmeetsthe Soul.com.

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F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

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

The return of ‘Poppins, ‘ a ‘Favourite’ and the ‘Queen’

“Mary Poppins Returns”

(Released) (Golden Globe nominations for: Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy; Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, Emily Blunt; Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, Lin Manuel Miranda; Best Original Score, Motion Picture, Marc Shaiman) The 1964 classic Disney film “Mary Poppins” is much-beloved, and has been shared across generations for more than 50 years. It won five Oscars on 13 nominations, and shifted Julie Andrews from a Broadway star to an international movie star, as she won the Oscar for Best Actress while becoming the ideal nanny for most every boy and girl. Rarely do reboots, remakes or sequels to the classics make much of a dent with the movie-going public, but it’s likely Director Rob Marshall’s film will be an exception. Marshall balances nostalgia with contemporary, and benefits from a marvelous successor to the Mary Poppins role … Emily Blunt.

“The Favourite”

COURTESY PHOTO

ith the Oscars are nearly upon us (Feb. 24), we’re focusing on the nominees for these final few weeks. With that in mind, the chosen films for this week are recaps that take a look at a subject that’s fascinated America since the time we were colonies, the British monarchy, including “The Favourite” and “Mary Queen of Scots,” and a British import, “Mary Poppins Returns.”

Rob Marshall has created a worthy sequel from P.L. Travers’ original books, which is delightful and a joy to watch.

Marshall, who co-wrote the screenplay, has created a worthy sequel (a quite high standard) from P.L. Travers’ original books that is delightful and a joy to watch. The group of original songs by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman serve the story fine, but the one downside to the film is that none of the new songs are as catchy or memorable as those of the Sherman Brothers (Richard and Robert) from 54 years ago. This is a film where those behindthe-scenes are crucial to its success. Oscar-winning cinematographer Dion Beebe and Editor Wyatt Smith both are at the top of their game, and Costume Designer Sandy Powell delivers stunners, not just for the singing nanny, but for all characters. The core of the story remains rediscovering the magic in life, and finding joy in each other — and this sequel also provides the adventures to match the original. It’s simultaneously familiar and Santa Clarita Valley Burial & Cremation Service FD-1952

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(Released) (Oscar nominations for: Best Picture; Best Lead Actress-, Olivia Colman; Best Supporting Actresses, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz; Best Director, Yorgos Lanthimos; Best Original Screenplay, Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara; Best Cinematography, Robbie Ryan; Best Film Editing, Yorgos Mavropsaridis; Best Production Design, Fiona Crombie and Alice Felton; Best Costume Design, Sandy Powell) This Golden Globe-nominated period piece set in the early 1800s takes place in Britain. The film centers around the relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill, and how such relationship is affected when the cousin of the latter arrives seeking employment. The film offers an eclectic mix of dark comedy and great cinematography, but doesn’t completely hold together, which was slightly disappointing. Lanthimos’ unique cinematography is outstanding throughout, as are many of his commendable aesthetic choices that help enrich the film’s unique quality and tone. The acting is strong throughout, with the distinct nature of each performance among the three lead actresses enhancing the viewing experience. Unfortunately, however, the film’s script has a number of concerns. The film’s writing attempts to be witty and funny much of the time, but such lines of wit and humor do not always land. Some of the more raunchy moments are well-placed, but others just feel childishly silly or ridiculous. For a prestige film from an acclaimed director revered by many serious film buffs, the film can end up feeling quite unsophisticated at times, which can alienate the viewer from some of the more serious commentary of the time period Lanthimos is depicting, particularly with regards to the issue of gender roles and the patriarchal nature of the society and culture. The total shifts can be quite jarring, even more so when one stops to consider that not all scenes played for

comedic effect are particularly funny or even amusing at face or literal value. A majority of the film is well-paced, yet the third act can come off as anti-climactic. Ultimately, while I didn’t dislike the film, I did expect a bit more from what some critics have determined will likely be a top Oscar contender.

“Mary Queen of Scots”

(Limited Release) (Oscar Nominations for Best Makeup and Hair; Best Costume Design, Alexandra Byrne) Saoirse Ronan stars as Mary and Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth I (daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn). The two were cousins (not sisters), and the film examines many aspects of this era: the struggle for the throne between the two, the unusual circumstances that found two women in power, the behind-the-scenes maneuvering by men in an effort to wrestle power from the women, the importance of marriage and heirs, the conflicts between Catholics and Protestants, and the bizarre arrangement that caused Mary to spend nearly half her life in custody. The screenplay from Beau Willimon (creator, producer and head writer of “House of Cards”) is based on the John Guy book “Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart.” This matters because Guy theorizes that the two sovereigns actually met in real life, something very much doubted by historians. Either way, it makes for an interesting (if not a bit hokey) segment in the film, as Elizabeth and Mary wander through billowing curtains in a clandestine spot. The costumes from Oscar-winner Alexandra Byrne are so beautiful, they are nearly a character themselves. 

COURTESY PHOTO

fresh, which is key to a successful follow up to a beloved classic. Marshall has delivered a film that is practically perfect in every way.

By Dianne White Crawford Signal Contributing Writer

Emma Stone and Olivia Colman star in “The Favorite,” which centers around the relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill

F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 27

N E W S F E AT U R E

Where to go, what to do this year in the SCV By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

re you new to the Santa Clarita Valley? Or have you promised yourself (for years) that you wanted to be more involved in the city where you live? The SCV has a busy social and events calendar for 2019. Here’s the “short list” of “must-attend” events. There is nearly “something for everyone” to enjoy! Many dates for the second half of the year haven’t been finalized, but they’re listed here so as event’s traditional time approaches, you can firm up the exact date, time and location on your calendar.

SCV Senior Center Celebrity Waiter Dinner Feb. 23, 5-10:30 p.m. Location Sand Canyon Country Club, 27734 Sand Canyon Road, Canyon Country The annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner: “The Greatest Show in the SCV” to benefit the programs and services of the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center is one of the best parties of the year in the SCV. Guests are encouraged to dress up to reflect the theme and there are awards for the best-decorated tables and most money raised. Volunteer “waiters” raise money by “selling” services to table guests. This event is a great opportunity for you and your guests to have a night out on the town and enjoy great music, food and fun. Tickets: $150 per person. Info: www. myscvcoa.org/celebritywaiter

Top: Dallas Nichols enjoys the 2017 SCV Fourth of July Parade. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

26550 Heritage View Lane The seventh annual SCV Charity Chili Cook-off is cooking up great surprises with 40 amateur chefs competing in a judged chili tasting event. Attendees will be able to vote for the People’s Choice Award. Event features a live band, DJ and dancing, live and silent auction, kids’ corner and chili tasting. The event will benefit Shelter Hope Pet Shop and St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary/Lange Foundation. Tickets are $25 in advance by Feb. 14, then $30 at the door. Info: scvcharitychilicookoff. com.

Senses Block Party Top: Thousands gather along Main Street in Newhall for the city’s annual Fourth of July Parade. PHOTO BY MICHELE LUTES / THE SIGNAL.

Second annual So. Cal. Makerspace Festival March 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Location College of the Canyons (Valencia Campus 26455) Rockwell Canyon Road The free Makerspace Festival is a showcase of innovation and creation for all ages and skill sets from art to advanced robotics and engineering. The event will feature demonstrations of 3D printing, cosplay creations and robotics, as well as keynote speakers, planetarium shows, door prizes, food trucks and hand-on science and art activities for all ages. Info: www.can yons.edu/Offices/SchoolofApplied Tech/MakerSpac

Zonta’s 35th annual Women in Service Brunch March 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location The Oaks Club at Valencia, 26550 Heritage View Lane The Zonta Club of SCV’s 35th annual brunch honors women who have served the many SCV nonprofit organizations. Organizations are encouraged to nominate and recognize women throughout the SCV who through their leadership, have made a difference. Nominees are recognized at the brunch with the culmination of the presentation of the The Carmen Sarro Award “for Improving the Status of Women through Community Service.” Tickets: $55 before Feb. 25, after this date $65 per person. Nomination forms and reservation information: scvzonta.org/womenin-service.

2019 Silver Spur Celebration March 16, 6:30-10 p.m. Location Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, 90036 The College of the Canyons Foundation is honoring Don and Cheri Fleming, of Valencia Acura, with the 2019 Silver Spur Award. Info: coc foundation.com

Seventh annual SCV Charity Chili Cook-Off Community members enjoy food and drinks at the Taste of the Town event in Valencia. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

March 21, 6 p.m. Location The Oaks Club at Valencia,

Third Thursdays, from March 21 to October, 7-9 p.m. Location Downtown Newhall on Main Street, Newhall The annual Senses Block Party brings live music, food trucks, themed activities and adult beverages to Main Street in downtown Newhall every Third Thursday from March to October. Free. Info: thursdaysat newhall.com/senses/

College of the Canyons Women’s Conference March 23 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Location College of the Canyons, Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Valencia College of the Canyons invites women of all ages to attend this annual conference. Registration includes choice of breakout workshops, keynote speaker presentation, buffet breakfast and luncheon, boutique shopping, and raffle prizes. Registration: $35/$20 for students. Info: canyons.edu/wc.

The 11th annual Wine Affair March 24, 2-6 p.m. Location Main Street, downtown Newhall Sip stroll and savor the sounds along Main Street in downtown Newhall. Presented by Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley the event offers wine, beer, appetizers and live music in Old Town Newhall. Tickets are $60 for general admisSee EVENTS, next page

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F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E

EVENTS

Location William S. Hart Hall, 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall The annual fundraiser for the Friends of Hart Park. Dinner, Hart Mansion tours, silent auction and a Bill Hart silent Western movie in the backyard of Hart Hall. Look for information: friendsofhartpark.com.

Continued from previous page

sion and $110 for VIP. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Soroptimist programs to help women and girls globally and in the SCV. Info: www. sigscv.org/twa-upcoming-events.

Carousel Ranch 23rd Heart of the West

Seventh annual Sierra Pelona Wine Festival

Aug. 24, 6-11 p.m.

April 6, Noon to 5 p.m. VIP entrance, 11 a.m. Location Reyes Winery, 10262 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce The wine festival features numerous wineries and local wine makers offering tastings of their best wines. Gourmet food and specialty items sampling, handmade crafts from local artisans, live music, live auction and free event wine glass. Benefits the Zonta Club of SCV. Tickets: $65/$90 until Feb. 28; $75/$100 March 1-30; $85/$110 April 1-6. A “21 and older” event. Info: http://reyeswinery. com/events/spv-winefestival; email: winefestival@reyeswinery.com, (661) 268-1865.

Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival April 13-14 Location William S. Hart Park, 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall Celebrate all things “cowboy” at the 25th annual Cowboy Festival. Music, vendors, food and more. Many activities are free, tickets available for select performances. Tickets available in February. Info: cowboyfestival.org.

2019 State of the County Luncheon May 1, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Location Hyatt Regency Valencia, 24500 Town Center Drive, Valencia Join Supervisor Barger at the 11th annual State of the County luncheon as she discusses topics pertinent to our business community and Santa Clarita Valley. From economic development to public safety and homelessness, engage in conversation with the supervisor about the vision for the SCV. Organized by the SCV Chamber of Commerce. Registration required. Info: chamberorganizer. com/Calendar/moreinfo.php?event id=319444

SCV 2019 Man and Woman of the Year

People dance together to Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman” as they learn a line dance at the “Best in the West”-themed Senses block part in downtown Newhall. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

May 3, 6 p.m. Location Hyatt Regency Valencia, 24500 Town Center Drive, Valencia The 53nd annual Premier Volunteer Recognition Event, honors men and women who have given outstanding volunteer service to the SCV area. Tickets: $125 per person. Info: scvmw.org.

Taste of the Town May 5, noon to 4 p.m. Location Southern California Innovation Park (formerly known as Mann Biomedical Park), 25134 Rye Canyon Loop No. 300, Valencia Taste of the Town is the premier fundraising event in the SCV. Each year, 2,000-plus visitors enjoy the culinary magic of 40 of the SCV’s (and beyond) very best restaurants, caterers, wine and beer purveyors. Live entertainment featuring platinum recording artist Mark LeVang & Friends, and live and silent auctions. Adults 21 and over only. Event benefits the SCV Child & Family Center’s mental health services to SCV children and families. Info: tasteof thetown.com.

46th annual Frontier Toyota/ Henry Mayo Drive Safe Golf Classic May 11 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Location Valencia Country Club 27330 Tourney Road, Valencia The tournament supports emergency services in the SCV. Info: Annual Giving Officer Laura Chesler (661)

200-1202 or e-mail cheslerlf@henry mayo.com, or henrymayo.com/sup port-henry-mayo/programs-events/ drive-safe-golf-classic/

Boys & Girls Club of SCV Benefit Auction Usually held the first Saturday in June Look for upcoming event information at: https://www.scvbgc.org.

SCV Fourth of July Parade July 4, 9 a.m. Location Main Street, Newhall, 91321 The annual Fourth of July Parade in downtown Newhall is a celebration of “small town” America. Horses, homemade “floats,” dignitaries, antique cars and lots of community spirit. The day begins with the Rotary Club’s annual Pancake Breakfast, 6:45-9 a.m. at 24200 Main St., Newhall Info: scvparade.com.

Concerts in the Park

Location Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus Free series of Saturday, 7 p.m. concerts presented by the city of Santa Clarita usually beginning in early July and ending in late August. Look for upcoming information: santa-clarita.com/city-hall/departments/recreation-community-services-and-open-space/events/concerts-in-the-park.

Silents Under the Stars Usually held in mid-August

Location Carousel Ranch, 34289 Rocking Horse Road, Agua Dulce, 91390 Carousel Ranch’s 23rd annual dinner, auction and children’s riding demonstration will benefit the therapeutic riding ranch that serves children and youth with a variety of disabilities. Tickets: $100 General Seating/$200 VIP Seating. Info: car ouselranch.org.

Evening Under the Stars Gala Usually held in early September Location Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children’s Cancer annual fundraiser. Live entertainment, silent and live auctions. Look for information: www.mhf.org.

Festival of Trees Usually held in mid-November Location This event features decorated full size and tabletop trees as well as gingerbread houses. Silent and live auctions. Tickets available for public viewing of displays. Look for upcoming event information at: scvbgc.org.

Holiday Home Tour Usually held the first Saturday in December For more than three decades, the Holiday Home Tour has been a cherished tradition of the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation Home Tour League, raising funds for Women’s Services at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Attendees view selected Santa Clarita Valley homes exceptionally decorated for the Holiday Season. Each home is professionally decorated and adorned according to a chosen theme. In addition, Holiday Home Tour festivities include a Preview Gala and a Holiday Boutique. Look for upcoming information in the fall at: henrymayo.com/supporthenry-mayo/programs-events/holiday-home-tour. 

F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 29

T R AV E L

RVs in the SCV By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

rom beach-side camping just down the coast to traveling cross-country for a yard sale, Santa Clarita Valley RV owners love a little escape from the mundane. But with so many options available, choosing your first or next RV can cause some dilemma. “RVing is an expanding lifestyle,” said R.J. Craft, a sales associate at All Valley RV Center in Acton and RV owner of 30 years. “The national average is that buyers will change their mind in two years (from purchasing their first RV) and will want different features.” Deciding on your second or third purchase may not be as difficult as the first, as buyers have several factors to consider. To help ease the process, Craft said he asks customers three primary questions: What do you hope to do with the RV? How many people will be expected to sleep inside? And, what kind of truck or vehicle do you own? Craft said most of All Valley’s market, of which 20 percent is made up of SCV residents, purchases a 26-foot RV. “This is a good family start and perfect weekend getaway because you get a bathroom, bedroom, kitchen,” he said. “Anything smaller than that, you give up storage.” Depending on what you envision, size and style can really make a difference, said Craft. These are some RV types:

Travel trailers

These towable models are among the most popular RV types seen on the highway and in campgrounds these days. Travel trailers are known for being cost-efficient and for their flexibility to remain simple or complex as they can come with their own water supply, kitchen, refrigerators and bathrooms. These RVs can connect with a standard ball hitch receiver, which can widen towing vehicle options. Excessive tail swing is one factor drivers should consider.

Fifth wheels

When it comes to towable RVs, fifth wheels are the largest options

out there. They are usually pulled by large pickup trucks with a fifth wheel hitch. They are known for featuring a better connection with a gooseneck rig that attaches to the tow vehicle. They can offer large, comfortable living spaces that are not available in standard travel trailers. One thing to consider, however, is that because passengers are not allowed to ride in a towed vehicle, there is less passenger space on long trips.

Toy haulers

For those with an adventurous agenda, these RVs can haul all your toys. From snowmobiles, to motorcycles and ATVs, toy haulers were built to carry large cargo.

Class A

Whether gas or diesel, Class A motorhomes are a popular choice for long-term trips as they offer a “homeaway-from-home” feel. These models, which resemble a charter bus, include amenities, such as full-sized furniture, washer and dryer, full bath, generous counter space and slide-outs. While comfort is ever-present, its large size, some as long as 45 feet, can make it difficult to maneuver through twisty mountain roads.

Class C

Class C motorhomes are built atop an existing truck and van chassis. These often range between 20 to 33 feet and are designed for larger groups and budget-friendly trips. Their features resemble those of Class

The Page family’s RV has served as their home away from home for many years as they travel the country. It has also served as a guest house for visiting relatives. PHOTOS BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

A models but at an overall lower cost.

RVs in the SCV

Doris Carlson and her husband have relied on travel trailers for their cross-country trips. From a 16-foot Econ trailer to their most recent purchase, a 19-foot Forest River Wildwood, Carlson said this RV type has served well for their cross-country trips. The pair has traveled from the Santa Clarita Valley to Tennessee for a yard sale, Kentucky for museums and South Dakota for a biker event. To accommodate varying weather conditions, Carlson said they have customized their travel trailer by adding insulation and buying a bigger air conditioner unit “for when we travel to the southern or Midwest states during the hot humid summer months.” Saugus residents Renee and Tom Page own a Class A Fleetwood Southwind, their third RV. “We love it,” said Renee. “We tented as children, and as a married couple we got tired of tenting and got a trailer. We’ve been to Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Rocky Mountains.” Depending on their destination, the Pages tow their Jeep for places where RVs cannot pass through. They said their RV “is like having your own bed everywhere you go, and still get to see the best parts of California, Oregon, Washington, New Mexico and Colorado.”

When it comes to traveling shorter distances, often due to busy work schedules, Valencia couple Robin Hirsch-Simons and Joel Simons said they find comfort in camping in their fifth-wheeler. “Our fifth wheel is very roomy, much easier to tow than a regular travel trailer and doesn’t wag like a travel trailer,” said Robin. The couple often camps by the beach or as close as the Valencia Travel Village — just 15 minutes away from their home. While the three families drive different RVs and toward different destinations, they each have something in common: they’re part of a Facebook group called the “SCV Empty Nesters RV Club.” The community group, started by the Simons, aims to connect local residents who are “empty nesters,” or don’t have any children living with them, and coordinate camping and traveling events. “We have met many friends and have done a couple trips together,” said Robin. “We went to Lytle Creek (in San Bernardino County) and Travel Village. We have an upcoming event on St. Patrick’s Day weekend to Lake Casitas (in Ventura County), and would like for more Santa Clarita Valley empty nesters to join.” 

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F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

GARDENING

Drainage isn’t sexy, but it saves By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

good way for you and your landscape to start off 2019 might be expanding your living space outdoors. It can be exciting to start a new project — so exciting it’s easy to rush into the fun, skipping the forethought and preparation. But, like everything else in life, doing a job right the first time will make the experience great (and in this case, a chance to save money and frustration by avoiding future disasters). Start out with good drainage. This is the foundation for your new outdoor world. You can call in a landscaping company to handle the job or you can do it yourself. Here is a little guidance for those of you who are up for a little

money-saving exercise. Ideal digging conditions with hard or clay soils are several days after rain when soil is soft, but not wet. If there is no rain, slowly water the areas you will be digging so the water can seep down and moisten areas below. You just want soil damp enough to dig easily. Place drainage at the lowest point(s) of your backyard. All general land surfaces should have a slope of at least 2 percent toward your drainage area. Look for a swale. A swale is simply a mild depression in the land that will conduct water away from the house. Most properties built in the last few decades, were constructed with one. If you have no swale, look for the lowest point in the lay of your backyard ground surface. This is where water will normally pool making it the best place for placing drains. Dig a trench that follows the existing swale or create your own using the low areas of your yard. This will

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be the collection area for the water to flow. Make sure the channel you create is at least six feet away from the walls of your house. The drainage needs to cross your backyard and angle down the side of your house to open onto a street or other drainage area. Ideally, you should run exiting drainage down both sides of a backyard to make a “U” shape leading past either side of the house and down to the street. Putting together the drainage is the easier part of the job. Lay 3 inch corrugated, perforated or unperforated pipe made specifically for this purpose into your trench at a depth of six inches or more. You can use prefabricated connectors to extend pipes or to turn corners. Slot tee joints along the drainage pipe at least every ten feet, especially where the pipe lines at their deepest levels. Either end of the tee will join the two parts of the main line pipe together. Point the stem of the tee

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upward toward the sky. The open end of the tee should rise up level to the bottom of the swale. Then slot a preformed drainage grid over the open part of the pipe. The grid will keep leaves, stones and other materials from pouring into the pipe. There are plenty of how-to diagrams available online or in printed materials. Depending on your soil, rocks and tree roots, the digging can be the greatest challenge. 

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 31

PROFILE

For the love of law and travel rewarding for me.” Though he no longer practices law, Freixes is still able to continue ike many emigres, Freixes’ his passion for the courtroom as the family left Cuba in the midst faculty advisor and one of the coaches of the country’s turmoil. He of the UCLA’s mock trial program, in now lives out the Ameriwhich students compete against teams can dream here in the Santa Clarita from other schools across the country Valley. to portray either the prosecution or Freixes, which rhymes with gradefense in a fictitious court case. cious, he explains, is a former lawyer “I had started a program in my and now associate dean at the UCLA son’s junior high and high school. Anderson School of Management, Then in the late-90s, one of the who leads the the Executive and Fully students in my business law classEmployed MBA program and the es asked me if I was willing to be a university’s nationally recognized coach in the program, which was only mock trial team. in its second year,” Freixes said. “For Freixes was born in Cuba during the first five years, I coached all four the Cuban revolution. When he was of our teams by myself and thought it 6, Freixes’ father was arrested as a was a lot of work … we’ve expanded revolutionary, and his mother’s famithe number of teams we have had ly’s property was seized by the Castro and in the last 20 years. UCLA has regime. His father was scheduled to be won the national championship four executed, but was saved by Gonzalo’s times, which is something no other godfather, a communist supporter. This university has been able to do.” family then fled Cuba, staying briefly Though he had served on several in Jamaica while they waited for their education councils in Newhall, Freixes’ paperwork to be processed. Ultimately, career as an educator began as a lecthe Freixes’ settled in Los Angeles. turer when one of his friends from law Though Spanish is Freixes’ native school had to take a leave of absence language, he was able to learn read and and asked if he would be interested speak English by reading DC comics in filling her spot at UCLA. After a “I had subscriptions to maybe 12 of few years, he fell in love with teachDC’s comic books ing and left his law and I read those practice to pursue it UCLA HAS WON voraciously, so I full time, teaching THE NATIONAL attribute all of my business law and English success taxation at CSUN CHAMPIONSHIP to DC comics,” he and UCLA. FOUR TIMES, WHICH said. “The funny IS SOMETHING NO Inspired by his thing is that after I interests in public became one of the OTHER UNIVERSITY speaking, written deans of the busiHAS BEEN ABLE TO communication ness school, that and helping people DO. same friend from Freixes graduated law school wanted from Loyola Law to come back to teaching and I was School in 1979 before starting his able to give her her job back,” he said. own law firm where he focused on “There’s an aspect of good karma business law. there I think.” “At first, I was interested in being Freixes said that what interests him a trial lawyer or a public defender about business and teaching business because of the public speaking aspect, are the innovative and disruptive but that didn’t happen,” he said. “In impacts that companies can have on a my law firm, my partner worked global scale. mainly on immigration law and some “I not only enjoy the technical and of those clients had businesses, so my legal aspects of business like tax, but focus was helping them do business also how they can be more effective in the United States. I did get to do leaders and ethical business leaders,” a little bit of trial work so that was he said. “The global aspect fascinates

By Matt Fernandez Signal Staff Writer

UCLA Anderson School of Managment Dean Gonzalo Freixes leans against a Stargate pinball machine in his Valencia home. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

me too because you need to know the local laws and customs in order to be successful in other countries. I often take my students on a trip to France and I bring them to the American cemetery in Normandy and to Omaha beach as an illustration of the alternative to strong international economic relationships.” In 2012, Freixes was elected to serve as the board chair of the world Executive MBA Council. This position allowed him to form connections with educators from all around the world and helped him set up programs for his students to study internationally in countries like South Africa, France, China, Japan, Brazil and Chile. Travel is one of Freixes’ main interests outside of law and teaching. He estimates he has been able to set up programs and visit 28 countries with his students, but has visited 45 countries total. He said that his favorite part about travel is becoming immersed in the different cultures. Freixes speaks Spanish, English, French and basic Catalan, but said he always tries to pick up some of the native language wherever he goes. “Some people get homesick when they travel, but I’m the opposite and I want to eventually live abroad some day, perhaps after I retire,” he said. “Outside of enjoying the culture, I like to explore how business is done in different regions of the world so that I can better prepare my students

to be managers and executives in the future.” Freixes said that so far, his favorite country that he is visited so far is Botswana, and that he’s planning to visit Ecuador, his 46th country, in March. The one country he has refused to visit so far is his native Cuba. “I have not been back to Cuba since my family fled 57 years ago, and I refuse to go back until all of the Castro brothers are dead,” Freixes said. “As soon as the last brother dies, I would love to go and see where I was born. I love Cuban, food, music and culture but after the tens of thousands of people the Castros killed, and after what they did to my family, I refuse to contribute a single dollar to their economy.“ Freixes said that though he is approaching retirement age, he does not want to slow down within the next 10 years. As a personal project, he would also like to pick up some other languages, particularly Mandarin and Arabic. Teaching still holds and strong appeal to him and he would still like to continue teaching in foreign countries or take on another administrative position within UCLA. “Even with everything else that I do in my life, I don’t ever detach myself fully from teaching,” he said. “Being in the classroom with my students is still my first love. “ 

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F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

THINGS TO DO

Single on Valentine’s? Take care of you By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

eing single during Valentine’s Day can be stressful, and many people young or old don’t know what to do. But Tammi Pickle, vice president and international matchmaking expert of Elite Connections, says that’s the perfect time to indulge in some vitally needed self-love. What does that look like? Activities that put a focus on having fun and learning about yourself, rather than things that may trigger any feelings about being single and craving a partner. Elite Connections is a Los Angeles-based company devoted to helping people find their soulmates, Pickle said, but what if you can’t do that in time for Valentine’s Day? Attending one party after another alone isn’t that fun, but Pickle said

Treating yourself to a massage or another relaxing activity is a great way to focus on taking care of yourself for Valentine’s Day.

that sometimes, intimacy can be found through friendships during this time. “Lean on your friends,” she said. “They’re an important part of your life, and Valentine’s Day can be a time to focus on all the love you already have in your life.” Pickle also suggests to get out on Valentine’s Day and do a fun activity, such as swing dancing lessons or going to a cooking class. These community-based activities with other single people can make one feel abundance on a holiday typi-

cally reserved for couples. Making sure to steer clear of establishments that may make you feel jealous or resentful is important, she said. Often, parties at clubs on Valentine’s Day may be “danger zones,” where people feel inclined to look for a romantic or sexual encounter. On that specific day, it can make the sting of being single on that day hurt more, so Pickle suggests steering away. “Being pessimistic is a surefire sign that you won’t find someone,” she said. “And that can make you feel more pessimistic.”

Skip the singles Valentine’s Day parties. Instead, movie marathons with your friends, going on a shopping spree, doing a Secret Valentine’s exchange, pampering yourself at a spa, watching a comedy special or even taking a trip out of town are all ways to stay busy or distracted. Making sure to not trigger yourself about thinking about your single status can be hard. But even trying to critically reflect on what you want in a partner can be a fun exercise for Valentine’s Day. Whatever you do, moping is not the answer. Instead, focusing on self-empowerment is, Pickle said. “It can be easy to wish you had a partner especially on this holiday,” she said. “But this is a great time to remind yourself of why you should feel awesome, and that will ultimately make your focus shift so you know who you are and how to eventually spot the right person to fulfill that.” 

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F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

SENIORLIVING

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 33

GETTIN’ UP THERE

Friends: All you need is a handful By Diana Sevanian Signal Staff Writer

have 466 Facebook friends. That’s a whopper to some folks, a wee figure to others. But who’s counting? After all, social science experts tell us that when it comes to true friends — the ones who selflessly celebrate our joys, tightly hold us before, during and after a heartbreak, accompany us to scary doctor appointments — would sooner drive toothpicks up their nailbeds than divulge our secrets, and love us because of and in spite of who we are — they comprise, in reality, a small number within the Rubik’s Cube of human relationships. Evolutionary anthropologist Robin Dunbar of England has studied friendships, particularly in this era of Facebook and Instagram. Dunbar reports that while it’s possible to have about 150 friendships — that could include FB friends whose breathing spaces you’ve never actually inhaled and pals with whom you rarely play mahjong — only five are truly, deeply and psychologically manageable as your besties. (Even if it’s three, you’re winning.) I have my handful. And I feel especially fortunate about that because friendship was, early on, an enigmatic phenomenon to me. Having attended five grammar schools between first and fifth grade, I never had any lasting friendships as a kid. But then one day in 11th grade health class my first real friend appeared. From four rows over I knew she was my kind. We were both mildly neurotic, prone to giggling, and sometimes way too serious, smart asses. We also shared a penchant for Creedence Clearwater and need to be with someone who’d understand us, and laugh with us, not at us. Rapidly, we became family. Our kids grew up as friends. It continues. My second soul sister arrived in my 20s during nursing school. I was a Jewish, brunette Valley girl, she was the platinum-haired daughter of a Baptist minister. Click — 40 years later, despite a few periods of being

many miles apart, not communicating, heavy health challenges and finding what life was like after long marriages, we Golden Girls are closer than ever. During my 40s, I became amigas with some special women in my community. I adore them. We’ve shared celebrations, tough times, mid-tolater life illuminations, and charitable causes. One has lovingly helped me to better grab onto hope, resilience, and self-awareness. Another one is politically quite different from me, but we both know that our friendship is more durable than any elephant or donkey. My newest precious pal arrived in 2017. After many years as a volunteer publicist for the American Cancer Society, I was stepping down, and this lovely English professor and two-time breast cancer survivor, was stepping up. As if by kismet, we instantly became two 66-years young sisters in spirit. She’s a keeper. Such treasured ties can help seniors live happier and longer. But what about when one’s beloved circle shrinks? By now, many seniors have lost partners, friends are dying or relocating, and grown children pursue their own lives. In addition, many elders face physical, psychological, and financial challenges, often leading to isolation, loneliness, and declining health. Truly, you have got to have friends. Silver lining alert: It’s never too late to make a new friend and be one. Today, you’re the wisest, most authentic, and grateful you, ever. That’s an excellent start for saying hello. Through community events, social networks, nonprofits, senior centers, support groups, and even becoming a grandparent-like Big Brother or Big Sister, you can add fresh riches to your friendship bank. Audrey Hepburn once said, “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” I could never embrace 466 friends, but a handful is one beautifully manageable number.  Diana Sevanian is a longtime Signal writer and columnist.

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F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

YOLO: You only live once By Jim Mullen, Signal Contributing Writer

ids say it all the time: YOLO. You Only Live Once. It’s the excuse they use when they want to do something silly, stupid or dangerous. “Let’s see how fast Mom’s car will go — YOLO!” “Let’s eat worms — YOLO!” “Let’s put cherry bombs in our pants — YOLO!” You can imagine how those all turned out. Not that I didn’t do stupid stuff when I was a kid, it’s just that I don’t ever remember saying YOLO. I think we usually just said, “Watch this!” before each trip to the emergency room. YOLO came along with all the other internet acronyms: LOL, BRB, IMHO and who knows what else. It’s something you expect from young people. But on a plane ride last week, I heard two women who were well into their golden years talking about their upcoming cruise, and one said, “My children say I’m spending their inheritance, but I say you only live once, and Bob and I are going to spend any time we have left enjoying it.” Even if we don’t use those words, I think more and more older people are joining the YOLO movement. It is a puzzlement as to why the children of the woman I overheard would think YOLO is a good idea for themselves, but not for their parents. Isn’t what’s good for the goose, good for the gander? A bigger question for those who have any money to pass along is: Why would you even think leaving money to your children is a good idea? Sure, it’s tradition, but what makes you believe it would make your children happier, better or wiser people? Have you read a study that says it’s a good idea? Is there a scientific paper that

confirms it? Leaving money to your offspring seems like common sense, but so did the Domino Theory, not so very long ago. We’ve all heard stories of great fortunes left to spoiled, unseasoned children who wasted it — or worse, created great evil with their unearned wealth. Most of us can name a family where money seemed to be a curse, not a blessing. The old TV show “The Millionaire” would show how receiving a million dollars, tax-free, seemed to wreck peoples’ lives, not improve them. Many successful people believe they are successful because they had tough, rocky, almost abusive childhoods. They wonder how their own children will learn the lessons they need to know if they spend all their money giving them a “perfect” childhood. Will they be tough enough? Will they be street-smart? Will they value hard work if they don’t have to work? Any college administrator can tell you stories about parents who will do anything for their kids: do their homework for them, write their admissions essay for them, make sure they never hit a bump in the road. It’s almost hard to imagine a better way to raise an unsuccessful, unhappy adult who won’t be able to afford therapy. It would almost be like your personal trainer saying, “The less you train, the stronger you’ll be.” YOLO encourages bad choices and risky behavior. A better philosophy for an adventure-filled life would be the old phrase, “You’ll be dead for a long time.” It leaves plenty of room for saying “yes” to all kinds of learning and enjoyable experiences, yet it has a built-in warning about trying the truly dangerous stunts. It discourages speeding and cherry bombs, but allows for eating worms and going on cruises. YOLO doesn’t leave room for a next life; the other phrase simply encourages us to make the most of this one. Don’t waste it.  Contact Jim Mullen at mullen.jim@ gmail.com.

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F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 35

THINGS TO DO

Celebrate love in February

alentine’s Day is just around the corner. Here are few special events that will help you make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.

“Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella”

Feb. 5 to March 10 Location Ahmanson Theater, 135 N Grand Ave., Los Angeles Matthew Bourne transforms the classic fairy tale into a wartime romance with a twist of Hollywood glamour. A chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and her dashing young RAF pilot, together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the Blitz. New Adventures returns to the Ahmanson with this dance theatre production. Performed to Prokofiev’s magnificent score, this production is sure to

transport audiences to the heart of war-torn London for a thrilling and timeless story of the power of love. Tickets start at $30. Info and tickets: centertheatregroup.org/ tickets/ahmanson-theatre/2018-19/ new-adventures-matthew-bournecinderella.

Shakespeare & Love

Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m. This unique theatrical walkthrough experience is a fundraiser for the Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival. Spend an evening celebrating love, passion and romance. Includes food, dessert, wine, music and performances of classic scenes of love. All proceeds support the Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival, the free Shakespeare in the Park series, the summer cultural festival, and our summer high school apprentice program. Info: scshakespearefest.org/playsevents, email: Info@SCShakespeare Fest.org or call (661) 799-3378.

COURTESY PHOTO

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Andrew Monaghan and Ashley Shaw with the company in Matthew Bourne’s “Cinderella,” which will be presented by Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson Theatre Feb. 5 through Mar. 10.

Valentine’s Day with Fantastic Diamond

Feb. 14, Doors open 6 p.m. Headliner 9 p.m. Location The Canyon Santa Clarita, 24201 Valencia Blvd. No. 1351, Santa Clarita Fantastic Diamond is a live tribute

show celebrating Neil Diamond’s greatest hits of the last 40 years. Performed by vocalist Kevin Hogan and accompanied by a 5-piece band, this is a great way to enjoy a special Valentine’s Day in the Santa Clarita See LOVE, next page

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F E B R UA RY 3, 2019

THINGS TO DO

LOVE

Continued from previous page

Valley. Tickets: $19.50 + applicable fees. If you purchase a ticket at a table you are required to purchase dinner. Minimum spend is $25 per person. Info: wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/ canyon-santa-clarita/events/

Valentine’s Day Dinner

Feb. 14, 5-9 p.m. Location Maple Restaurant at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge Experience a taste of love with your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day at Descanso Gardens. Enjoy menu highlights like wagyu beef and Maine lobster tail in the breathtaking setting of Descanso Gardens. Reservations required. Reservations: store.patinagroup.com/ events/?id=cafe-descanso.

Sweetheart’s Dinner and Dance

Feb. 14, 6-10 p.m. Location Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential

Drive, Simi Valley The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library will host the 12th annual Sweetheart’s Dinner and Dance under the wings of Air Force One. Guests will dine at intimate tables for two and will enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne. A three-course dinner will be served and includes gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Live music. Tour the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum and Pompeii: The Exhibition and the Air Force One Pavilion. A professional photographer will be available to commemorate this special Valentine’s Day visit. Each couple will receive a complimentary red rose in a bud vase to take home. Tickets are $195 per couple (includes tax and gratuity) and reservations must be made by Monday, Feb. 11, at 8 a.m. Cocktail attire is suggested. For information call 805-577-4057 or visit reaganfoundation.org/prog rams-events/events-calendar.

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Valentine’s Mystery & Murder

Feb. 14, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Location Maggiano’s Little Italy at The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles What could be more romantic than solving a murder on Valentine’s Day? This is every detective’s fantasy come true, an opportunity for people with a passion for murder mysteries including slippery red herrings, diabolical clues and ingenious detective work to get plunked smack-dab in the middle of a hilarious homicide investigation. Enjoy the atmosphere and cuisine of Maggiano’s Little Italy, but remember... you could become the leading suspect. $100 per person includes plated dinner, two alcoholic beverages, entertainment. Reservations: eventbrite.com/e/maggianosvalentines-day-murder-mystery-tic kets-54721069191?aff=ebdssbdest search.

Murder Mystery Dinner Train: The Love Train

Feb. 14, 7 p.m. Location Fillmore & Western Railway, 364 Main St., Fillmore This train trip to murder lasts about three hours and will feature a ‘70s-style spoof of the popular “Love Boat” characters on their Aloha Voyage aboard the Love Train. Meet Julie, our activities director; she’s just too good to be true. There’s Scooter, the Captain’s go-fer, who will do just about anything for his mentor, maybe even murder. What would the Captain do to keep from losing his train? And what’s with Doc, so busy with the lonely ladies that he hardly has time to treat those who really need him? These characters collide for an evening of intrigue and entertainment, done up in `70s Disco style.

Three-course dinner with beer and wine available for purchase. Tickets: $90 per person. Info and reservations: www.fwry.com.

A Night in Old Havana Valentine’s Day Soiree

Feb. 14, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Location Clifton’s Republic, 648 S. Broadway, Los Angeles “Havana is a mistress of pleasure, the lush and opulent goddess of delights.” Experience a night in Old Havana this Valentine’s Day! Clifton’s Republic celebrates the Casino Nacional, The Tropicana, El Floridita and an “Era of Adventure and Romance” featuring champagne, daiquiris, casino games, cabaret and salsa. Travel back to an era of glamour, romance and adventure as Clifton’s historic Forest Glen is transformed into a glistening Art Deco Casino with prizes available to those luckiest at the tables. The iconic Brookdale Ballroom whisks you away to a time when travel was exciting, adventurous and romantic with Salsa, champagne and a Cuban Buffet. The shores of the Pacific Seas offer classic La Floridita Daiquiris, mermaids and Caribbean fantasies. An exclusive Champagne Bar will serve up the finest in bubbles during the event. The Nacional Buffet will be available in three romantic locations and feature Cuban classics, a reserved table for two, a glass of Rose Champagne for each guest and Clifton’s Pesos for play in the Casino. Classic Golden Era inspired costumes are highly encouraged. Tickets start at $25 for general admission. Tables start at $150. Info and tickets: nightout.com/events/a-night-in-ha vana-valentines-soiree/tickets? 

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29641 The Old Road - Castaic, CA. 91384 Phone orders or catering: 661-702-9636 Follow us on Instagram @ itsagrindcastaic for information about specials and entertainment events!

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SUPER SAVER CLASSIFIEDS

Private Party Items for Sale or Wanted Items (excludes garage sales, autos, real estate, business opportunities, employment, services, animals). 25 words = $30 fee. Additional words = 5 cents per word per day. Add one photo per ad in print = $15 fee. *NOTE: Please remember to put EVERYTHING YOU WANT YOUR AD TO SAY within the 25+ words including contact info!

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$500 REWARD FOR MISSING COCKATIEL Missing since 12/22/18 near Orchard & McBean. Possible sighting the same day behind Granary Square. Please contact Gary at (213) 792-6175 if you’ve seen her.

CEMETERY PLOTS TWO PLOTS in Eternal Valley located at Garden of Memory : Lot 219 space G and Lot 219 Space H. Valued at $14,000.00. Contact Greg (760) 577-8629 $8950. TWO PLOTS in Eternal Valley across from Veteran’s area. Includes Cemetery Interment Rights and Endowment Care. Valued at $6995 each. 623-230-2379 SampsonChow@Cox.Net

HELP WANTED Circuit Explorer Air 2, Rose Bundle New in box, never used $275 OBO (661) 505-7180

HORIZON ELLIPTICAL EX 79 Excellent condition, 18 inch stride, low (10”) step on height, power incline, 11 challenging programs, a good fan, comfortable footpad, pivoting foot plate and a very user friendly console. $450 obo (661) 373-7431

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Looking for Multimedia Account Managers. The Santa Clarita Valley Signal is expanding its multimedia sales team! We are looking for energetic, personable, driven team players to provide unique advertising solutions to businesses in the SCV and beyond! The successful candidate will be able to assess advertisers specific needs and build lasting relationships with targeted advertising campaigns. Other requirements include excellent verbal communication, computer, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to meet tight deadlines and sales goals. Compensation package includes base + commissions; medical, dental, vision and life insurance. If interested, please email your cover letter and resume to jobs@ signalscv.com

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