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FEBRUARY 4, 2024

PICTURESQUE SMALL-TOWN SKYLINES PAGE 7

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VALENTINE’S TRADITIONS

BEHIND THE SCENES MAKING OF ‘WE ARE THE WORLD’

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT PREDIABETES

F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES

CITY MANAGER

FOOD

ENTERTAINMENT

SENIOR LIVING

HOME

CELEBRITY EXTRA BOOK REVIEW GARDENING

13 13 12

PETS

HEALTH

GARDENING

AUTOMOTIVE

PUZZLES OPINION

18 19

4 5 6 7

Three Steps Toward a Healthier Heart Valentines Day Worldwide Traditions Get Ready for Spring Veggie Planting Picturesque Small-Town Skylines

8 Tackling Homelessness in Santa Clarita

9 Valentine’s Day Breakfast BLT Eggs Benedict Valentine’s Day Mimosas 10 Behind the Scenes: ‘We are the World’ 11 Prediabetes

12 Ways to Give Your Living Room a New Vibe

12 Creating More Privacy for Your Backyard 17 Some Plant Risks for Cats and Dogs 15 Foods to Promote Eye Health 16 2024 Green Thumb Award-Winning Plants 17 Vehicle History Reports

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4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

N E W S F E AT U R E

Three Steps Toward a Healthier Heart February is American Heart Health Month

ll aspects of health are important, but heart health is a crucial component of overall well-being. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans but it doesn’t need to be - lifestyle choices play a key role in heart health and it’s never too soon to adopt healthful habits. From exercising and getting proper sleep to healthy eating — including heart-friendly snacks like grapes — consider these simple steps.

Eat Right

Adopting a balanced and nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats can impact heart health. One way you may lower your risk for heart disease is by eating foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol including grapes. As an easy, convenient, heart-healthy food, grapes are a perfect ingredient for a heart-friendly eating plan that includes recipes like Grape, Broccoli and Avocado Salad with Toasty Oat Topping. Savory broccoli slaw pairs with the delicate sweetness of crisp, juicy Grapes from California while the toasted oat topping provides a crunchy finish. Grapes are low in sodium and a good source of vitamin K, which promotes heart health, and contain 7% of the daily recommended intake of potas-

sium, a nutrient critical to heart health. Grapes are a natural source of beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols and help maintain healthy circulation by promoting the relaxation of blood vessels. In fact, according to a study published in the “Journal of Nutrition,” men with metabolic syndrome who consumed 1 1/2 cups of grapes every day showed reduced blood pressure, improved blood vessel function and a decrease in a key marker of inflammation. Women who consumed 1 1/4 cups of grapes every day as part of a separate study published in the “Journal of Nutrition” benefited from reduced blood triglyceride levels, LDL cholesterol levels, inflammatory proteins and other markers of heart disease.

Get Quality Sleep

Sleep is also critical for a healthy heart. Most experts recommend 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults. To help achieve that goal, create a bedtime routine by waking up and going to sleep at consistent times. Also ensure a comfortable sleep space by turning off electronics and setting the thermostat to a cozy temperature.

Exercise

A regular exercise routine can have a positive impact on many areas of health. It can be especially beneficial for heart health by lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation and aiding in maintaining a healthy weight. At least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity is recommended by the American Heart Association. Fuel your workout and recovery with heart-healthy and hydrating foods such as grapes. Find more heart-healthy recipes at GrapesFrom California.com.

Grape, Broccoli and Avocado Salad with Toasty Oat Topping Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time 5 minutes Servings 6

Toasted Oat Topping 1/2 tablespoon butter 1/3 cup sliced almonds, coarsely chopped 3 tablespoons steel-cut oats 1/8 teaspoon seasoned salt 1/4 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning

Dressing 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/3 cup quartered red or green Grapes from California 1/4 cup wine vinegar 1 tablespoon honey 1/4 teaspoon sea salt freshly ground pepper, to taste

Salad 1 bag (12 ounces) broccoli slaw 2 cups lightly packed torn curly kale 1 1/2 cups halved Grapes from California 1/2 cup minced red onion 1/3 cup chopped dried figs freshly ground pepper, to taste 1 large, firm but ripe avocado, diced To make toasted oat topping In medium skillet over medium-low heat, cook butter, almonds, oats, salt and Italian herb seasoning about 5 minutes, or until lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring frequently. To make dressing In small blender, puree olive oil, grapes, wine vinegar, honey, sea salt and pepper, to taste, until smooth. To make salad In large bowl, mix broccoli slaw, kale, grapes, red onion and figs; season with pepper, to taste, and drizzle with dressing; toss well to coat. Add avocado and toss lightly. Transfer to six serving plates or bowls and sprinkle with toasted oat topping. (Family Features) 

F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

WORLDWIDE TRADITIONS

alentine’s Day is a day of love nestled in the middle of February. Sweethearts use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to show the people they care about just how deep those feelings run. A 2023 survey from the National Retail Federation found consumers expected to spend $25.9 billion on Valentine’s Day, up from $23.9 billion in 2022. Forecasters suspect spending is likely to increase this year as well. Valentine’s Day is awash in many different customs. Here’s a deep look at some of those enduring traditions and others that some may feel should be brought back into favor or adopted entirely.

Handwritten Cards

It’s a common scene each year in card retailers and pharmacies: people three-deep in the aisle trying to pick out Valentine’s Day cards in the eleventh hour. People can save themselves the hassle of fighting the crowds if they make their own handmade cards. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, sweethearts created unique cards from scratch, according to Country Living. And prior to products produced by Hallmark and other greeting card companies, people used to send one another cards customized with personalized messages.

Pampering Gentlemen

It is common in North America for Valentine’s Day celebrations to lean significantly toward favoring women, who are often on the receiving end of flowers and chocolates. However, in South Korea and Japan, it is the men who are pampered with such gifts. Women purchase chocolates for their male partners, family members and coworkers as tokens of appreciation and affection. Never fear, a month later on White Day (March 14) men reciprocate with candy, cake and flowers.

Bouquets

These days a dozen long-stemmed red roses might be the norm for Valentine’s Day gifting. However, roses weren’t always the preferred flower for the holiday. History.com reports that, in the nineteenth century, bouquets might contain

all sorts of flowers, each chosen to convey certain messages. Individuals can research the meanings behind certain flowers and put together a Valentine’s Day gift this year that expresses exactly what they are feeling.

Puzzle Purses

Sweethearts in Victorian England created “puzzle purses,” which were a series of love letters that could be read separately, but also fit together to create a design and message. These intricately folded sheets of paper had parts of messages or verses written on different corners and were meant to be read in a specific order.

Heart-Shaped Chocolate Boxes

British chocolatier Richard Cadbury is credited with creating the first heart-shaped box for Valentine’s Day. The boxes were intended to be so beautiful they would be kept to hold trinkets or love letters. Ornate chocolate boxes are not quite as common today, although the gifting of chocolate for the holiday is still strong.

Celebrating in June?

Puzzle Purses started in Victorian England. There are several instructions on YouTube to help you make your very own. PHOTO CREDIT KATIE ZOEY FLO

Many Brazilians skip Valentine’s Day in February and choose to celebrate Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage and matchmaking, on June 12. Celebrating both is fine for those who prefer to shower affection on loved ones multiple times a year. Valentine’s Day traditions are still strong and can add a little something extra to celebrations this February. (MC) ❦

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F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

N E W S F E AT U R E

Get Ready for

Spring Veggie P lanting By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

ccording to the calendar spring won’t arrive until March 19, but many Santa Clarita Valley gardeners are very anxious to start planning spring vegetable

gardens. However, John Windsor. a Certified Arborist, California Certified Nurseryman and Horticultural Consultant, says “Hold up, not so fast.” Windsor teaches landscape and gardening workshops for the Santa Clarita Water Agency and the city of Santa Clarita Department of Parks and Rec. He is a consultant for Green Thumb Nursery in Newhall and a former horticulture educator. He said SCV gardeners should be wary of planting their spring vegetables too early. Windsor said the SCV is prone to late cold snaps, He recommends gardeners wait until after March 21. “Most vegetables, particularly tomatoes have a built-in clock which tells them the day they emerge

from the ground it will be a certain number of days until they produce fruit,” he said. For example, the popular Early Girl tomato will produce fruit in 60 days, other varieties including Celebrity take 100 days, Champion, 80 days. Always check your seed packets or the label on your live plants to determine how long it will take before you can expect your plants to produce. Windsor said that veggies planted too early will struggle to grow. “One year at the nursery a colleague and I tested this theory and by June 21 my plants were taller and producing more fruit than his, which had been planted a full month before my plants,” he said. Windsor suggests waiting beyond March if the weather remains cool. Depending on the plant seed packages suggest not planting until the soil is consistently warmer than 50 degrees. Some gardening experts advise that warm-season edibles prefer soil temperature between 70 and 80 degrees. “Warm soil helps the plants sprout and grow, it is as important as the outdoor temperature,” he said. “It is better to procrastinate a bit.” Windsor said there are many rewards in growing your own veggies. “There is great satisfaction of going out into the garden and picking something to eat you have grown,” he said. “You also know how it was grown and what was put into the ground.”

Don’t Germinate Plants Indoors

Encourage vegetables to develop deep root systems with less frequent but deeper watering for a bounty of summer vegetables. PHOTO PIXABAY.

Despite the popularity of germinating plants early indoors in February, Windsor advises against this practice. “Plants do not get enough sunlight indoors,” he said. “This practice of growing starter plants early causes them to etiolate, or stretch, to reach for sunlight that really isn’t there. The plants will be long, thin and not hardy.”

Where Should I Plant?

If you are planning your first vegetable garden Windsor recommends that you carefully choose your garden’s location before you start planning when or what to plant. “Plant veggies in the sun,” he said. “I hear it every day, it is too hot in Santa Clarita, they need shade.” Windsor vehemently disagrees. “Every farm I’ve ever seen has been out in the sun,” he said. Deep, less frequent watering will encourage plants to develop a healthy, deep root system, said Windsor. “Frequent, shallow watering causes roots to remain at the surface where they dry out faster,” he said.

Soil Preparation

If you can’t plant your veggies yet, what can you do now to prepare for a successful summer garden? Windsor said soil preparation is very important to the success of any garden. “One thing I tell my students is that we really don’t have any topsoil here in Santa Clarita,” Windsor said. “All the topsoil has long ago been washed downstream in the Santa Clara River to Ventura and Oxnard, that’s why they can grow those beautiful strawberries. That’s our topsoil they are growing stuff in.” To give your emerging veggies the best start Windsor recommends the following steps to prepare your garden for spring planting.

ӱ Weed removal (cutting, pulling, or spraying). ӱ Remove rocks and debris. ӱ Rototill or dig with shovels to loosen soil. ӱ Rake and remove rocks and debris. ӱ Add fertilizer and organic material as needed. See SPRING PLANTING, page 17

F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E

The Most Picturesque Small-Town Skylines in America

New Bern, North Carolina By Lauren Brown Special to The Signal

ver since the dawn of the skyscraper era with the construction of the world’s first 10-story, iron-framed marvel in Chicago more than 130 years ago, cities globally have embraced and reimagined this architectural marvel — crafting skylines that are a spectacle in their own right. The US, being a haven of architectural innovation, boasts skyscrapers that defy traditional definitions, now being recognized more for their towering heights — anything beyond 492 feet— rather than the number of floors. These towering structures are not merely landmarks; they are a testament to architectural prowess. From the famed Space Needle and Empire State Building to lesser known yet equally awe-inspiring skyscrapers, the US is home to 20 of the most breathtaking skylines. But the allure of skylines is not reserved for large cities alone. Scattered across the American landscape are smaller towns with skylines that are nothing short of picturesque. Salem, Oregon, is a prime example, boasting a skyline that marries historic architecture, like the dignified Oregon State Capitol crowned with a gold-plated pioneer statue, with the lush allure of the Willamette Valley. Similarly, Mobile, Alabama’s skyline is a captivating blend of historic and modern architecture, set against the tranquil Mobile Bay, mirroring the city lights at night — a scene that encapsulates the city’s rich maritime heritage and southern style. MovingFeedback.com recently carried out a survey of 3,000 seasoned domestic travelers to rank the 70 most picturesque small town skylines in America. #1 New Bern, North Carolina America’s most picturesque small town is New Bern in North Carolina: New Bern enchants with its historic architecture and the confluence of the Neuse and the Trent rivers. Its skyline is punctuated by the distinct silhouette of the Tryon Palace, with its colonial-era charm adding to the town’s

scenic riverfront vistas. #2 Walla Walla, Washington Known for its lovely downtown and wine country, Walla Walla’s skyline is a blend of small-town charm and natural beauty. The Whitman College campus adds a stately presence, while the rolling hills of vineyards provide a stunning backdrop. #3 Estes Park, Colorado Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Estes Park’s skyline is dominated by the rugged peaks that surround it, offering a breathtaking panorama. The historic Stanley Hotel stands out, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century luxury. #4 Ojai, California Ojai is celebrated for its picturesque skyline, a perfect reflection of its tranquil and artistic spirit. This small town is nestled in the Ojai Valley, surrounded by the rolling hills and lush landscapes of the Topatopa Mountains, which glow with a famous pink light at sunset known as the “Pink Moment.” The skyline is characterized by Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, giving the town a distinctive and elegant aesthetic. The abundance of orange groves and the presence of verdant landscapes add to its bucolic charm. #5 Hendersonville, North Carolina This charming mountain town boasts a skyline filled with historic buildings and churches, set against the Blue Ridge Mountains. The historic Main Street, with its antique shops and boutiques, is the jewel in Hendersonville’s crown. #6 Leadville, Colorado At an elevation of 10,152 feet, Leadville’s skyline stands high amongst the clouds, with views of the two highest peaks in Colorado. The town’s Victorian architecture recalls its mining boom days, contributing to its distinct character. #7 Bay St. Louis, Mississippi The skyline of Bay St. Louis is a picturesque mix of coastal and historical influences, with the Bay Bridge stretching across the water. Its small-town feel is complemented by the scenic views of the Gulf.

#8 Valley City, North Dakota Known as the ‘City of Bridges,’ Valley City’s skyline is characterized by the Highline Bridge towering over the Sheyenne River, adding structural elegance to the city’s panoramic views of lush river valleys. #9 Bath, Maine Bath’s skyline is defined by its maritime heritage, with the mast of historic ships and the Bath Iron Works shipyard. The Kennebec River provides a stunning waterway that enhances the city’s coastal skyline. #10 Jonesborough, Tennessee Tennessee’s oldest town, Jonesborough, offers a skyline that is a mix of historic homes and buildings, with the mountains providing a timeless backdrop. The town’s storytelling tradition adds an intangible charm to its scenic views. California had two additional entries included as having among the most picturesque skylines in the country: #36 Ferndale The town’s skyline is dominated by beautifully preserved Victorian buildings, which line its well-kept Main Street, giving it the nickname “The Victorian Village.” These ornate and colorful structures, including the iconic Ferndale Museum and numerous historic homes, showcase exquisite examples of Queen Anne and Eastlake architectural styles. Situated in the lush, green Eel River Valley, Ferndale is surrounded by pastoral landscapes and dairy farms, adding a bucolic charm to its setting. #46 Calistoga Calistoga offers a skyline that beautifully captures its identity as a charming Napa Valley town known for its vineyards and hot springs. The town’s skyline is marked by low-rise buildings with a rustic and Western-style architectural aesthetic, reflecting its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. Notable landmarks include the Old Faithful Geyser of California and the historic Calistoga Depot, which add unique natural and historical elements. The surrounding Napa Valley vineyards and the nearby. 

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F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Tackling Homelessness in Santa Clarita By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

round the country, homelessness is on the rise and unfortunately, Santa Clarita is not immune. That is why the City, in collaboration with local agencies and organizations, have been working together to address this challenge and help the most vulnerable members of our community. Much of this work has been done through the Santa Clarita Community Task Force on Homelessness, which was formed in 2018 and made up of more than 30 local key stakeholders. Councilwoman Marsha McLean is the current c hair, a seat that was previously held by Mayor Cameron Smyth, and facilitates quarterly meetings to track progress outlined in their action items. Through these meetings, a new, two-year Community Plan to Address Homelessness was created in 2022, after successfully completing the first Plan. This new Plan focuses on Advocacy and Coordination of Resources, Prevention, Direct Services and Housing. Last month, in partnership with the Los Ange-

les Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) and Bridge to Home, volunteers came together for the 2024 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. The data allows LAHSA to better direct and advocate for vital services to support the needs of our unhoused neighbors. Additionally, the count helps to determine the amount of Measure H and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds are given to our local programs. This year marks a key milestone for our community in addressing homelessness. Bridge to Home’s permanent homeless shelter is in the final phases of construction, with a grand opening slated for this spring. This facility will be the first of its kind within the City, offering interim housing for 60 individuals and eight separate apartment-style units that can accommodate up to 32 people. This shelter will provide our community’s unhoused neighbors a safe place to stay and access to resources and support as they transition into permanent housing. The City is proud to have donated the land this new shelter sits upon and $2 million in much-needed funding. Another vital facility in the works is Family Promise’s shelter, which will provide an emergency overnight unit and four interim housing units. Family Promise provides resources such as shelters,

meals and support services to families who are facing homelessness. Anticipated to open their doors by the end of the year, this new addition is a momentous step for this nonprofit to continue aiding some of our most vulnerable population. The success of these shelters is thanks in part to our City Council for donating the land and funds to jumpstart the process. While there is no easy fix to homelessness, I am proud to see our City come together and work towards a better future for our community, and even more proud that we have been ahead of the curve in addressing these sensitive issues. Great strides have been made, but there is still work to be done. For more information, or for additional resources, please visit SantaClaritaHomelessAction.org. Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@ santaclarita.gov. 

F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

FOOD

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

Valentine’s Day Breakfast

alentines Day is one of the days for food … decadent food. So, try starting your day with delicious eggs Benedict and mimosas. The rest of the day is for you to enjoy.

BLT Eggs Benedict By Makinze Gore

Think a BLT sandwich is the best thing to do with ripe summer tomatoes? The classic trio — bacon, eggs, and tomato — gets even better when cooked in the style of eggs Benedict. Crispy, candied bacon and a spiced hollandaise make this eggs Benedict a little different from a traditional one, but you’ll love this fun, savory twist on the classic brunch recipe. If you’ve never made hollandaise before, don’t panic. The sauce is quite simple—the trick is to make sure it doesn’t get too hot. While the melted butter is still warm, whisk it into the sauce slowly. It helps to stop pouring a few times to make sure the mixture is emulsifying and then continue to pour. As soon as the sauce thickens, remove it from the heat, and you’ll have a silky, smooth hollandaise. Yields 2 servings Prep Time 20 mins Total Time 1 hr

Ingredients Bacon 4 2 2 1/4

slices bacon, cut in half crosswise tbsp. maple syrup tbsp. packed light brown sugar tsp. cayenne pepper

Hollandaise

2 large egg yolks 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted 1 tsp. chili powder 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika Kosher salt

Poached Eggs & Assembly 4 large eggs

2 English muffins, split and toasted Softened unsalted butter, for muffins 2 small handfuls of arugula 1 medium heirloom or beefsteak tomato, sliced Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper

Directions Bacon Preheat oven to 350°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and arrange bacon in an even layer. In a small bowl, whisk maple syrup, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. Brush syrup mixture over bacon. Bake until bacon is golden and edges are crispy, 28 to 32 minutes. Bacon will continue to crisp as it cools.

Hollandaise Bring a medium saucepan filled about halfway with water to a simmer. In a large heatproof bowl, whisk egg yolks and lemon juice. Place bowl over pot of simmering water, ensuring bottom of bowl isn’t touching water. While whisking, slowly pour in butter. Continue to whisk until butter is incorporated and mixture

is smooth and creamy and the texture of a loose mayonnaise, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove bowl from heat and whisk in chili powder and paprika; season with salt. If mixture thickens too much, add 1 teaspoon hot water at a time to loosen.

Poached Eggs & Assembly Bring a large pot of water to a simmer over medium heat. Crack 1 egg into a small ramekin and gently drop into simmering water. Quickly repeat with remaining eggs and simmer 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer eggs to a paper towel-lined plate. Spread cut sides of English muffins with butter and top with arugula. Top with a tomato slice; season with salt and black pepper. Top with 2 pieces reserved bacon and 1 poached egg. Spoon hollandaise sauce over.

Valentine’s Day Mimosas By Lauren Miyashiro

Yields 4 serving(s) Prep Time 10 mins Total Time 10 mins

Ingredients

1 bottle Champagne, chilled grenadine Strawberries, cut into hearts

Directions Using a paring knife, cut strawberries into a heart shape. Pierce about 2-3 onto skewers. In champagne flutes, fill each glass about twothirds full with champagne. Pour in about a tablespoon of grenadine on top. Garnish with strawberry skewers. (Delish.com) 

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F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

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

Behind the Scenes of the Making of ‘We are the World’ By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘The Greatest Night in Pop’

 (out of four)

Netflix presents a documentary directed by Bao Nguyen. On Netflix.

eep into the night of Jan. 28, 1985, when arguably the greatest collection of pop and rock and country stars ever assembled in one room had gathered at the A&M Recording Studios in Hollywood to record the PHOTO CREDIT IMDB charity single “We Are the World” to raise funds to combat starvation in atres • Santa Clarita Signal adsource@exhibitorads.com don’t know what that means.’ And we Lionel Richie, who co-wrote “We Africa and specifically Ethiopia, the lost Waylon right there.” Cut to the Are the World” with Michael Jackp. 888.737.2812 f. 203.438.1206 5.9” great Stevie Wonder pitched the idea archival footage, with an off-camera and was essentially the Talent of singing a chorus in Swahili. Februaryson 4-8, 2024 date: Sunday-Thursday, voice noting, “They don’t speak SwaWrangler the night of the recording, It was a well-intentioned suggeshili in Ethiopia.” delivery date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024 atrecalls 10:24:23 AM CASCS_LEM0204-0208.qxp the moment in a present-day tion, but it stopped the recording Bob Geldof, whose “Do They interview for “The Greatest Night in session cold. Someone heard the Know It’s Christmas?” the year priPop,” a fascinating and breezy docugreat Waylon Jennings exercise his or was the inspiration for the USA mentary about that night’s recording right to be xenophobic by saying, for Africa fundraiser, respectfully “Well, ain’t no good ol’ boy ever sung session. “Waylon walks out the door, lobbied Wonder to drop the idea. saying, ‘I’m not dealing with this, I Swahili. Think I’m outta here.’” “There’s no point in talking to the

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Bringing the Finest in Film to the SCV! AXCN: PAPrikA - SAtoShi koN FeSt E SUBTITLED; Wed: 7:30 PM

The last ﬁlm ever made by visionary director Satoshi Kon with his mind-bending thriller PAPRIKA, which has been restored in 4K for the ﬁrst ever. When a machine that allows therapists to enter their patients’ dreams is stolen, all hell breaks loose. Only a young female therapist, Paprika, can stop it.

AXCN: PAPrikA - SAtoShi koN FeSt E DUBBED; Thu: 7:30 PM

Argylle C Sun: 10:00 1:00 4:00 7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00

Bryce Dallas Howard is Elly Conway, the reclusive author of a series of best-selling espionage novels, whose idea of bliss is a night at home with her computer and her cat, Alﬁe. But when the plots of Elly’s ﬁctional books - which center on secret agent Argylle and his mission to unravel a global spy syndicate - begin to mirror the covert actions of a real-life spy organization, quiet evenings at home become a thing of the past.

the PromiSed lANd E 1:10 7:10

In 1755, the impoverished Captain Ludvig Kahlen sets out to conquer a vast uninhabitable land with a seemingly impossible goal; to cultivate valuable crops and build a colony for the King in exchange for a desperately desired royal name for himself.

the BoyS iN the BoAt C Sun: 10:20 4:10; Mon to Thu: 4:10 PM

This inspirational true story follows a group of underdogs at the height of the Great Depression as they are thrust into the spotlight and take on elite rivals from around the world.

AmeriCAN FiCtioN E 1:20 4:20 7:20

Jeﬀrey Wright stars as author Thelonious “Monk” Ellison in this smart comedy that marks acclaimed writer Cord Jeﬀerson’s (Watchmen, Master of None, Succession) feature directorial debut, based on Percival Everett’s award-winning novel Erasure.

WoNkA B Sun: 10:20 4:10 7:10; Mon to Thu: 4:10 7:10

An origin story that explores the vivid, mythical beginnings of the imaginative young inventor before he becomes the renowned scrumdiddlyumptious Mozart of chocolate

the ZoNe oF iNtereSt C Sun to Tue: 1:30 4:30 7:30; Wed & Thu: 1:30 4:30

The commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife Hedwig, strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp.

Poor thiNgS E Sun: 10:00 1:00 4:00 7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00

Bella Baxter is a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter. Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs oﬀ with Duncan Wedderburn, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents.

the holdoverS E Sun: 10:10 AM

follows a curmudgeonly instructor (Paul Giamatti) at an elite New England prep school who is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to babysit the handful of students with nowhere to go.

ANAtomy oF A FAll E Sun: 10:00 AM

For the past year, Sandra, her husband Samuel, and their eleven-year-old son Daniel have lived a secluded life in a remote town in the French Alps. When Samuel is found dead in the snow below their chalet, police start investigating it as a murder, and Sandra becomes the main suspect.

the teACherS' loUNge; Sun: 10:30 AM

Carla Nowak is a dedicated, idealistic young teacher in her ﬁrst job at a German middle school. Her relaxed rapport with her seventh- grade students is put under stress when a series of thefts occur at the school, and a staﬀ investigation leads to accusations and mistrust.

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people who ARE starving,” he tells Wonder. “We’re talking to the people who’ve got the money to give.” The notion is scrapped. It’s these little hiccups and anecdotes that make the documentary such a compelling watch, e.g., when Paul Simon looked around the room filled with superstars and joked that if a bomb landed on the studio, John Denver would be back on top, or when Ray Charles said he needed to use the bathroom, and Stevie Wonder offered to show him where it was. Directed by Bao Nguyen, who expertly combines the multicamera recordings from the night of the session with new interviews with Richie, Cyndi Lauper, Kenny Loggins, Huey Lewis, Smokey Robinson and Bruce Springsteen, as well as technicians who were on hand that night, “The Greatest Night in Pop” is a terrific behind-the-scenes chronicle of the making of a single that sold some 20 million copies worldwide, won multiple Grammys and most importantly, of course, raised more than $60 million in 1985 dollars. “We Are the World” was a commercial for compassion. Springsteen, who had just completed the “Born

in the USA” tour and was running on fumes the night of the recording, notes that the song was primarily a tool to deliver a message, a rallying cry for help, and as such, it succeeded brilliantly. In the early stages of the 95-minute documentary, we’re taken through the songwriting process, with Richie and Jackson hurriedly crafting the tune in order to have it ready on the night of Jan. 25, when dozens of the world’s biggest stars would be in Los Angeles for the American Music Awards. With Quincy Jones producing and a handwritten sign saying “CHECK YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR,” the 46-member supergroup knocked out the song over the course of eight hours. It’s great fun to watch Dionne Warwick’s honey-coated voice meshing with Willie Nelson’s raw but still smooth vocals, and to see how Wonder used his incredible mimicry skills to show Bob Dylan how Dylan could contribute his lines. There are also some bittersweet moments, as when Sheila E. recalls how the organizers kept prodding her to get Prince to show up: “They kept asking, ‘Well, do you think you can get Prince here?’ I just started feeling like … I’m being used, [that I’m] here because they want Prince to show up. … I told Lionel, I said, ‘I’m gonna go.’ They never intended on me singing a verse, which was a little bit heartbreaking.” (Prince wanted to play a guitar solo in another room, and there was no guitar solo in the song, and the whole idea was to have everyone in the same room. He was a no-show.) Mostly, though, “The Greatest Night in Pop” is a celebration. Looking back all these years later, it’s something of a miracle that in the days before texts and emails, when you had to communicate by fax and messenger and landline phone calls, that so many performers who were used to being the biggest star in the room agreed to get together on relatively short notice and figure out a path to record one of the most impactful singles in music history.  Copyright 2024 Chicago Sun-Times

F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

SENIORLIVING

What to Know About Prediabetes

ost seniors recognize that routine visits to their physicians are an important component of preventive health care. Annual physicals are important for everyone, but they’re especially important for individuals 65 and older who may be more vulnerable to disease and various other health conditions than younger adults. The National Institute on Aging reports that millions of individuals 65 and older have visited their physicians and learned they have a condition known as prediabetes. For some, the day they receive a prediabetes diagnosis also marks the first time they’ve heard of the condition. Since so many seniors are affected by prediabetes, it can behoove anyone to learn more about it.

What is prediabetes?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that prediabetes is a serious health condition characterized by higher than normal blood sugar levels. When a person has prediabetes, his or her blood sugar levels are not yet high enough to indicate type 2 diabetes, but that could change if prediabetes patients do not make changes to prevent such a progression.

How common is it?

A 2023 study published in the journal Diabetes Care indicates that 464 million individuals across the globe had impaired glucose tolerance and 298 million had impaired fasting glucose in 2021. Each of those conditions are hallmarks of prediabetes, cases of which the study indicates are expected to rise significantly by 2045.

What causes prediabetes?

The CDC notes that when a person has prediabetes, the cells in his or her body do not respond normally to insulin, which is a hormone produced by the pancreas that enables blood sugar to enter cells, which then use it for energy. The pancreas then makes more insulin to get cells to respond, but eventually the pancreas cannot keep up, resulting in a rise in blood sugar.

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Does it produce symptoms? Many people have prediabetes for years and do not know it. In fact, the CDC reports that more than 80 percent of the 98 million American adults who have prediabetes are unaware that they do.

How can I determine if I it?

The sheer volume of people who have prediabetes but are unaware that they do begs the question of what individuals can do to learn if they have the condition before they develop type 2 diabetes. Recognition of the risk factors for prediabetes is a good start. The CDC urges anyone who has any of the following risk factors to speak with their doctor about having their blood sugar tested:

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• Being overweight • Being 45 or older • Having a parent, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes • Being physically active less than three times per week • A history of diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than nine pounds • Having polycystic ovary syndrome • Being African American, Hispanic/ Latino American, American Indian, or Pacific Islander. Some Asian Americans also are at greater risk for prediabetes. Prediabetes can be a precursor to type 2 diabetes, which only highlights how important it is that older adults recognize their risk for the condition. (MC) 

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F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

HOME

Ways to Give Your Living Room a New Vibe

n “out with the old, in with the new” mentality can extend to people’s visions for their homes. A home in need of repair or renovation can serve as a catalyst to take inventory of personal style and help make interior spaces reflect one’s unique vibe. A living room can grow stale over time and often serves as a catch-call for clothing, blankets, gadgets, and other items. Upon recognizing a living room has seen better days, individuals may decide it’s time to give the space a new vibe. That transformation can start with these strategies.

Organize First

Clutter frequently is the culprit behind a living room that may not give off the vibe individuals desire. As families grow and people add belongings, space may be at a premium. Less is more has never been a more important concept. Remove extraneous items before purchasing new

furniture or transitioning to a new design. You may even want to remove everything and start from scratch before reintroducing desirable elements to the space.

Seek the Assistance of Professionals

Some people are adept at decorating and designing spaces. But just as you wouldn’t perform your own medical procedures, you should leave jobs like interior design and renovations to the professionals. Hiring a professional interior designer and contractors can really bring a living room together in ways homeowners may have never imagined. These pros can build off of your ideas and truly create a space that may be worthy of a magazine spread.

Promote W ellness

You may want to consider adding natural materials in the design to promote well-being. Eco-friendly furnishings, raw fibers and organic textures will create an environment

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from sustainable choices. Plenty of plants also can create a welcoming environment that helps you surround yourself with positive energy and the items you love.

Light it Up

One of the easiest ways to transform a room’s vibe is to utilize lighting. Change draperies to allow more natural light to shine in. Consider additional windows or skylights if yours is a particularly dark home. If you desire to create a more vivid or cozy ambiance, use a combination of accent, task and supplemental lighting in the space so there are no dim corners.

ertain areas of a home are more likely to draw the interest of prospective buyers when a house goes on the market. When that day comes, many realtors and homeowners rely on staging to make a home as attractive as possible during an open

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Create an Industrial or Urban Vibe

Industrial-chic design celebrates the bones of a building. It’s what makes city lofts so appealing, with their exposed beams and brick. Even those who live in suburbia or out in the country can give a living room this look with subtle nods to the style. Unadorned windows, clean lines on furniture, oversized, gallery-style art, and metal accents can add touches of this popular look to your home. Revamping a living room doesn’t have to be difficult. With an idea in place and some professional touches, an entirely new vibe can be achieved. (MC) 

house or appointment viewing. According to a 2019 report from the National Association of Realtors, staging the living room is most important for buyers with 47% of buyers indicating a well-staged living room had an effect on their view of the home. The owner’s suite (42%) and the kitchen (35%) were found to be the next most important rooms to stage. Though the report is generally concerned with selling a home, the conclusions in the report are something renovation-minded homeowners can keep in mind. If prospective buyers are most impressed by wellstaged living rooms, owner’s suites and kitchens, it stands to reason that those same rooms, when well-designed and recently renovated, will elicit a similarly positive reaction if homeowners ultimately decide to sell their homes in the future. (MC) 

F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

CELEBRITYNEWS Blonde,” opposite Reese Witherspoon. there going to be another Q Isseason of “The White Lotus” on Coolidge has won two Critics’ Choice

is Jeff Goldblum up to Q What these days? I only see him on

commercials for apartments, but not in any movies lately. — P.T.

Despite having what is surely a lucrative gig as the spokesman for Apartments.com, Jeff Goldblum is still very much a beloved and sought-after actor in Hollywood. Originally from Pittsburgh, Goldblum started out as most actors do when they move to California — landing guest-starring roles on hit primetime shows. He landed small but memorable roles in movies like “Annie Hall,” “The Right Stuff ” and “The Big Chill.” In 1986, he starred in the sci-fi/ horror film “The Fly,” but it would be

HBO? If so, where will it take place? I hope they return to Hawaii. — G.J. There definitely will be a third season of “The White Lotus,” but not until sometime in 2025. Once again, the story will be set at a luxury resort, but instead of Hawaii and Italy, it’ll be Thailand. Natasha Rothwell, who played spa manager Belinda in season one, will be returning to the series. Joining her is an impressive cast that includes Carrie Coon (“The Gilded Age”), Parker Posey (“Best in Show”), Jason Isaacs (“Archie”), Walton Goggins (“Justified”), Michelle Monaghan (“True Detective”) and Leslie Bibb (“Popular”). “White Lotus” creator Mike White and his cast have been a strong presence at the Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for the past two years. The series has also relaunched Jennifer Coolidge’s career since she starred in Christopher Guest’s satiric film “Best in Show,” then later in “Legally

Jeff Goldblum (Upcoming in “Wicked”) Photo Credit Depositphotos

the “Jurassic Park” movies that would bring him his greatest box-office success. He’s caught the eye of other big-name directors, including Taika Waititi for “Thor: Ragnarok” and Wes Anderson for “Asteroid City,” the latter of which was just released last year. So, yes, Goldblum’s acting days are far from over. He even has a role in the highly anticipated film “Wicked,” which is based on the hit Broadway musical.

Awards, one Golden Globe and two Primetime Emmys for playing ditzy Tanya, so it’s no wonder that stars are lining up to work for White. I saw a headline that said singers Alanis Morissette and Ciara are distant cousins? Did they just find this out? — L.B. The two singers aren’t related; however, both did appear on the same PBS show “Finding Your Roots.” In Ciara’s case, she learned that one of her distant cousins is former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. The two actually met almost 10 years ago at the ESPY Awards and were even photographed together, but didn’t know that they were related at the time. Alanis Morissette was informed on “Finding Your Roots” that she also has a famous relative. In fact, her distant cousin is someone she already considered a friend — actress Claire Danes (“Homeland”).  ©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

BOOKREVIEW

BookTrib’s Bites

Three Cozy Reads to Keep You Toasting this Season Chivalry

By Patrick Girondi

From the eccentric and riveting author/singer/CEO Patrick Girondi, an aspiring author stumbles onto a manuscript that became a bestseller. He must find the true author, a peculiar war vet from Iraq who lives as a homeless person. Isa, a Gulf War sergeant, silenced a snitch to save his platoon from a murder rap. He now lives namelessly on the streets of New York, shielded by police, formerly of his old platoon. For now, in limbo, Isa writes books. He spots his daughter, who has no idea who he is, on the bus. Full of emotion, he accidentally forgets a manuscript. Bob Herman finds a woman who plagues his dreams and a manuscript he can’t put down. Herman wins Isa’s daughter. To keep her, he needs another bestseller and sets off to find the true author.

Abandoned By MHR Geer

It should have been enough. In this newest Anne Wilson thriller following the author’s debut “Assumed,” our protagonist had the perfect boyfriend and the perfect Caribbean villa. It should have been her happily-ever-after. But her past overshadows her sunny life. On an impulse, she ditches all of it and flies to Guadeloupe. A new island. A fresh start. But starting over is impossible with so many loose ends. Only twenty-four hours after Anne arrives in Guadeloupe, Sandy’s friend

hands her a backpack full of cash, and Anne is plunged back into Sandy’s world. When someone breaks into her motel room, Anne goes on the run. Someone knows about the money. Someone wants her off the island. She has to decide: Keep running or risk everything to protect her perfect life? “My characters end up with my flaws, and I get to work through solutions. It’s like beta-testing better versions of myself,” the author says..

Happiness & Heroism By Y.P.R.

Do you wake up every day with a sense of purpose, inner peace, and

knowledge that you are living your very best life? Your emotional state and the actions you choose to take each day are at the very basis of your success as a human being. The ideal state of emotional fulfillment is what author Y.P.R. refers to as Happiness. The ideal form of noble day-to-day action is what he calls Heroism. Happiness & Heroism: The School of Being, The School of Doing is a two-book series consisting of two letters from a father to his children that impart lessons on loving life and walking a noble path. The first book teaches the philosophy of the fundamental goodness of existence; mindfulness of true reality; humanity’s innate tendencies to feel stress, fear, anger, boredom, and depression— and the antidote. BookBites is presented by Book Trib.com. 

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F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

PETS

The Risks Some Plants Cause for Cats and Dogs

lants can be beautiful additions to a home and provide a natural way to filter interior air. Many homeowners prefer to enhance their spaces with greenery and various flowers. Though that’s a great way to design a home’s interior, pet owners must exercise caution with plants to safeguard their furry friends. Adults understand that they may need to wash their hands after handling certain types of plants, and that it can be unsafe to consume them. Children are instructed by their parents to do the same. Even though many pets can be trained to steer clear of certain dangers, their natural propensity to gnaw on various items out of curiosity or even boredom may entice them to investigate plants. Some plants are more dangerous than others. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, more than 700 indoor/ outdoor plants contain toxic substances that are not safe for cats and

dogs. Learning about common plants and their hazards can help keep pets safe. The following are some plants that are toxic to cats and dogs, courtesy of the ASPCA.

Adam and Eve (Arum, Starch Root) This plant can cause oral irrita-

tion, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing.

Aloe vera

and difficulty swallowing.

Amaryllis

This may cause cardiac arrythmia, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, and death.

While the gel is considered edible, the rest of the plant may cause lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting. There are many different types of amaryllis, and most will cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and tremors in cats and dogs.

Azalea

These plants of the rhododendron family cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and potential cardiac failure.

Begonia

The most toxic part of this plant is underground. Still, it may cause vomiting and salivation in dogs and cats.

California ivy

The foliage is more toxic than the berries, and could contribute to vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and diarrhea.

20 0 2 21 0 2 22 0 2

Clematis

Salivation, vomiting and diarrhea are common if the plant is ingested.

Daisy (and other chrysanthemum species)

Dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and incoordination may occur.

Elephant ears

This plant may cause oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling,

Foxglove

Geranium

Ingesting geranium may lead to depression, dermatitis and vomiting.

Holly

Vomiting, diarrhea and depression may occur. However, leaves and berries are low toxicity.

Mother of millions

This succulent could cause vomiting, diarrhea, and, in rare instances, abnormal heart rhythm.

Philodendron

Oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing could occur.

Sago palm

The Sago palm can cause vomiting, increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage, liver failure, and death.

Snake plant

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea could occur if pets ingest this plant. For a complete list of plants that can be toxic to cats, dogs and horses, visit www.aspca.org. Those who suspect their pets may have ingested a potentially toxic substance should call their local veterinarians as soon as possible or the ASPCA at (888) 4264435. (MC) 

F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

Five Foods That Promote Long-Term Eye Health

nutritious diet is often touted in relation to its link to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing risk for chronic disease. Though healthy foods certainly provide each of those benefits, a nutritious diet also can protect vision. The World Health Organization estimates that at least 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment, and roughly half of those instances could have been prevented or have yet to be addressed. Vision loss is often characterized as a natural byproduct of aging, and the National Institute on Aging notes that it’s normal for individuals to notice changes in their vision as they age. But it’s a mistake to think there’s little people can do to protect their long-term vision. In fact, a nutritious diet can be a great ally as individuals aspire to protect their long-term eye health. According to the Optometrists Network, a collective that includes clinical optometrists and respected researchers, the following are five foods that can help people protect their eyes.

sion development and can reduce a person’s risk of developing dry eye, a condition marked by chronically dry eyes that either don’t produce enough tears or produce tears that cannot adequately lubricate the eyes. Various types of fish, including salmon, anchovies, herring, and trout, among others, are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Individuals who don’t like eating fish can consider various nuts and legumes, such as walnuts, lentils and peanuts, which all contain omega-3 fatty acids as well.

Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids help with vi-

Sweet potatoes Though their popularity spikes in fall, sweet potatoes

Seeds Flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and sunflower seeds contain either omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin E, which the Optometrists Network notes can help to prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Leafy green vegetables WebMD reports that lutein and zeaxanthin are potent antioxidants that can help to prevent age-related eye disease and protect the eyes from the harmful effects of exposure to ultraviolet rays in sunlight. Leafy green vegetables such as collards, kale and spinach are high in lutein and zeaxanthin.

Age and Glaucoma Age is one of the major risk factors for glaucoma. However, the National Glaucoma Research BrightFocus Foundation indicates that there are congenital forms of glaucoma that affect children within the first six to 12 months of birth. Some children also develop juvenile glaucoma. Still, glaucoma is more prevalent among adults. Every adult should have a baseline comprehensive eye exam at age 40,

recommends the American Academy of Ophthalmology. An eye doctor can assess risk and determine if comprehensive exams are needed yearly or more frequently. The National Eye Institute recommends comprehensive eye exams that include testing for glaucoma for everyone over age 60. Learn more about glaucoma by visiting www. aao.org. (MC) 

are available year-round. That’s good news for sweet potato afficionados hoping to use diet to protect their eyes, as the Optometrists Network reports that sweet potatoes are high in beta carotene, which helps the eyes adjust to darkness. Sweet potatoes also are high in vitamin C, which may help individuals reduce their risk for cataracts. Eggs Like leafy green vegetables, eggs are high in lutein and zeaxanthin. The Optometrists Network also reports that eggs are rich in vitamins C and E and a good source of zinc.

The presence of zinc is notable in relation to eye health, as it’s been shown to help the body utilize lutein and zeaxanthin found in the yolk. Zinc also has been found to protect the retina from potentially harmful blue light and helps to increase the amount of protective pigment in the macula. Many benefits associated with a nutritious diet are widely known. But even the most devoted healthy eaters may not recognize how much certain foods are helping to maintain their long-term eye health. (MC) 

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F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

GARDENING

Grow Like a Pro — Award-Winning Plants For Your Garden

new year means a new garden! It’s time to start thinking of what you’ll cultivate indoors and outdoors in 2024. Whether large or small, in sun or shade, there are many choices of plants to fill your indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as the tools that make things easier. Looking for inspiration? Check out The National Garden Bureau’s 2024 Green Thumb Award winners. These plants and products are perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners and will make your garden a success this year and beyond! Hydrangea First Editions Eclipse The Eclipse® Hydrangea is a new variety of dark-leaf mophead hydrangea that offers season-long beauty! The shrub’s intense, dark purple leaves hold their color, even in sunny, warm climates. The striking foliage and gorgeous dark purple or cranberry-colored blooms will pair perfectly with anything in your garden, adding dramatic impact. Maturing at 3-5 feet tall and wide, Eclipse® will stand out as a focal point in the garden or decorative containers. Hardy in zones 5-9. Catmint Chartreuse on the Loose Chartreuse on the Loose is a perennial perfect for lining the front border. The foliage allows for a full three seasons of interest with bright chartreuse yellow leaves. Clusters of lavender blue flowers bloom just above the foliage and appear all summer long. Unlike most catmint, Chartreuse on the Loose doesn’t need to be cut back to produce flowers. Hardy in zones 3-8. Begonia Stonehedge Rose Bronze Leaf Stonehedge begonias are as iconic as their namesake! These annual begonias have extreme vigor, excellent heat tolerance and a wellbranched mounded shape that grows up to 48 inches tall! You can even plant them in large containers. Eye-catching bronze foliage shows off rich

rose blooms. Best of all, there’s no need to deadhead these low-maintenance begonias. Centaurea The Bride Centaurea The Bride is a large annual featuring pure white flowers with a gorgeous feathery texture scented with sweet vanilla. The bushy plant grows 2 to 3 feet tall and works well in containers or beds, a must-have for any pollinator garden. Cucumber Quick Snack Winner of both the Professional’s Choice and People’s Choice awards in the edible category, the Quick Snack Cucumber produces deliciously crisp and sweet cucumbers in a matter of weeks. In just a month or so, you can eat handfuls of cocktail-sized cucumbers fresh off the plant or add to a vegetable platter or salad. You can enjoy cucumbers indoors and out with Quick Snack because the blooms do not require pollinators to produce fruit. An excellent way to enjoy homegrown vegetables all year long without an outdoor garden space. Echeveria Coral Reef Red Winner of both the Professional’s Choice and People’s Choice awards in the houseplant category, Echeveria Coral Reef Red lives up to its name with strongly pronounced ruffled foliage, perfect for adding intense indoor and outdoor colors! Elegant stems produce bell flowers throughout most of the year. This drought-tolerant beauty grows to just under 12 inches tall in full sun or shade. Better Boxwood Skylight™ Be a more successful gardener with this new boxwood! Better Boxwood® is the first collection of blight-resistant boxwood resulting from two decades of revolutionary breeding and plant trialing. Skylight™ is one of four varieties, including Babylon Beauty™, Heritage™ and Renaissance™. Skylight™ is the faster growing of

the collection with medium green leaves, suitable for pruning into shapes, in mass plantings and medium hedges. Hardy to zone 5. Agapanthus Blackjack™ Blackjack agapanthus offers superior performance and exceptional blooms, near-black, purple flower clusters soaring atop tall stems. This resilient agapanthus combines a compact semi-dwarf growth habit with abundant blooms, offering an extended flowering season surpassing conventional varieties. Hardy in zone 8-11 and can be grown as an annual in all other zones. Named the Royal Horticultural Society 2023 Plant of the Year. Petunia AMAZONAS Plum Cockatoo AMAZONAS™ Plum Cockatoo petunia will certainly attract attention in your garden! These petunias bring a bit of the rainforest to gardens everywhere. Lush green hues pair with vivid, tropical purples to create a truly unique petunia. The variety creates a calming backdrop of natural color that pairs well with foliage plants. Large blooms grow on plants 12 to 18 inches tall. Sunshine® Black Bear™ Potting Mix Garden more sustainably with this new product! Black Bear™ is pure carbon captured and stored as a beneficial growing media formulated for growing in containers, hanging baskets, window boxes and fabric pots. The potting mix is produced by wood waste that would otherwise be burned or sent to landfills, releasing carbon into our atmosphere. The innovative potting mix provides exceptional aeration and drainage for both indoor and outdoor plants. Try these exciting new plants and products to make your gardening life easier this year, making you more successful than ever! To learn more, visit NBG.org. (BPT) 

F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

AUTOMOTIVE

How to Understand a Vehicle History Report

he value of a new vehicle depreciates considerably the moment it is driven off a dealership lot. Bankrate reports that a car loses between 9 and 11% of its value the moment it leaves the dealership, and over the first five years a vehicle loses roughly 40% of its value. The fact that vehicles are expensive and lose value so quickly compels some consumers to consider preowned cars and trucks as more affordable and financially savvy options. However, preowned vehicles come with their own risks, such as the potential for hidden problems. A vehicle history report is something every prospective preowned vehicle buyer should ask to see before buying a car or truck. Sometimes these reports are a free service offered by a seller, particularly an established dealership. But buyers may have to pay to get a vehicle history report, which typically cost between $25 and $40. Kelley Blue Book says a vehicle history report is a collection of records that provide information on a used vehicle that are pulled from thousands of sources. A report may be referred to as a “Carfax®,” which is the name of a firm that offers these types of reports. However, Car & Driver indicates that Carfax® only provides information that was reported, so their reports may not paint the full picture. A typical vehicle history report will indicate, among other

things, how many people owned the car; whether or not the vehicle has been in a collision; the mileage on the vehicle; if the car is current on inspections; and if the vehicle is branded a lemon. Consumers should know what to look for when reading a report. While some of the data will be obvious, there are some less apparent points to consider as well. Title Make sure the vehicle never had a salvage title or other title problems. A salvage title, for example, is a vehicle that has been declared a total loss from collision, flood, theft, fire or vandalism. Additional issues may arise when the seller’s name is not on the title. A rebuilt title means the vehicle was once salvaged but then refurbished. Ownership The vehicle history report will indicate how many owners have had the vehicle. A car that has changed hands many times may not be the best investment. VIN It’s important to make sure the vehicle identification number (VIN) for the vehicle matches what is on the vehicle history report. Location of sales The locations where the vehicle was used and stored also is important. For example, some may be hesitant if a vehicle was kept by the coast due to moisture and salty conditions that could cause premature wear and tear on components. Fleet vehicle Carfax® says that the history report will indicate if the vehicle spent time in a fleet. This

includes rental vehicles, government vehicles, company vehicles and dealer vehicles. A fleet vehicle may have had many different drivers over a short period of time. Auto City suggests paying close attention to the most recent parts of a vehicle’s history. If there have been multiple changes in ownership or increased service records for certain parts, that may indicate there is something seriously wrong with the car. Vehicle history reports are another tool buyers can use when vetting preowned cars or trucks. (MC) 

SPRING PLANTING

Continued from page 6

ӱ Rototill or turn with shovels to mix

ӱ 5 Pounds of Azomite and or Rock

ӱ Rake smooth and level. ӱ Check irrigation.

ӱ 5 Pounds of Greensand and or Sul-

all ingredients.

Improve Your Soil

If you are starting a new vegetable garden Windsor recommends the addition of the following materials to improve a 100 square foot area and give your seeds the best chance to flourish. Mix together

ӱ 12 cubic feet of organic materi-

al which can include leaves, grass clippings and compost.

ӱ 5 pounds all-purpose natural fertilizer with pro-biotics.

ӱ 5 pounds of pelletized gypsum. ӱ 5 pounds of Dolomite Lime. ӱ 2 pounds of Epsom Salts.

Phosphate. Po-Mag.

ӱ The following recipe is useful when planting an individual plant:

ӱ 1 cup pelletized gypsum. ӱ 1 tablespoon of granulized soil sulphur.

ӱ 1 tablespoon chelated iron. ӱ 1 tablespoon of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts).

ӱ 1⁄2 cup all-purpose natural fertilizer with beneficial bacteria, mycorrhizae fungus and Humic acid.

Container Gardening

Windsor also recommends the following recipe for homemade organic potting soil for use with square foot gardening or container gardening. It is a mixture of 50% organic mate-

rial and 50% of mineral material. This mixture will make approximately 15 cubic feet of soil and will fill an area 4 feet by 4 feet by 1 foot deep. Mix together:

ӱ One large bale of peat moss or Coconut Coir = 3 cubic feet.

ӱ One large bag of vermiculite = 3 cubic feet.

ӱ Three bags of sand = 3 cubic feet. ӱ Three bags of pumice = 3 cubic feet.

ӱ To this mixture the following nutrients should be added:

ӱ 5 pounds pelletized gypsum. ӱ 5 pounds of sul-po-mag. ӱ 5 pounds of dolomite lime. ӱ 5 pounds of soft rock phosphate. ӱ 5 pounds of organic fertilizer. For

the organic fertilizer, chose one that contains beneficial bacteria and mycorrhizae fungus and humic acids. 

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F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

PUZZLES CROSSWORD TIME

SOLUTIONS

F E B R UA RY 4, 2024

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

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

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

READERLETTERS

Are They Confused? Recently Thomas Oatway submitted his weekly screed on his irrational fear of President Donald Trump being reelected. In his (Jan. 27) letter he seems to acknowledge that certain demographics that were/are traditionally Democrat voters aren’t feeling the love as much this time around. In the case of one demographic, he even said: “Hispanics, who should be (Joe) Biden’s most loyal supporters, are confused.” He seems to think Hispanics should be grateful for the 8-10 million illegals that have been allowed into our country or that rising prices are really a good thing. How condescending to think that these two issues, among many, might sour certain voters on the greatness of Biden. That if you don’t agree with Oatway and the disastrous Democrat way of governing, surely you must be confused! During the last election, speaking to a Black audience, Biden said, “If you vote for Trump, you ain’t Black.” The Democrat party takes for granted and uses these constituencies to advance their horrible policies, but if there is a change in opinion, even a slight one, the masks come off and “you ain't Black” or you’re confused. I urge all people, not just Hispanics or Blacks or any group, to punish them at the ballot box in 10 months. They clearly don’t think much of you anyway so what do you have to lose? We could always go back to having a secure border, sound economic policies, energy independence, and the knowledge throughout the world that Donald Trump is not someone to be trifled with. Brian Richards Stevenson Ranch

Offended by Treatment Re: College of the Canyons Independent Citizens Bond Oversight Committee meeting, Jan. 10. Agenda Item 3: ACTION 3.1 Financial; “Acceptance of Measure E General Obligation Bond Finance

Audit and Performance Audit for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023” — Brandon Harrison, Eide Bailly LLP. Brandon had started his slide show on the big screen in the meeting room, the size of a small classroom. Mr. Steve Petzold and I were sitting off to left side of the screen, behind (COC Assistant Superintendent) Omar Torres. The sun was making it so that neither of us could read what was on the screen. We got up and went to the back, a few feet behind Committee Chair Fred Arnold. We could then read what was being shown clearly. I went back to my chair and Dr. Torres seemed genuinely concerned with my not being able to see the presentation clearly. I told him not to worry. As I was getting up to go stand by Mr. Petzold, he was admonished that he could not stand at the window behind Mr. Arnold. Mr. Arnold then got out of his chair and walked over to where Steve and I had been sitting, and stated (paraphrasing), “Best seats in the house!” He went back to his seat and continued the meeting. I was so shocked at what I considered his rudeness that I stood up and asked him to please get up and come sit in the seat I was sitting in and tell me he could see. He would not. I apologized to the presenter and said I was leaving before I might lose my temper and say something I would regret. I realize that I had, clearly, ruffled a few of the committee members’ feathers during public comments prior to this presentation by asking for a lot more “transparency” from those in office at COC and their committees. I had brought up a few things, quite nicely, I may add. I am so sad to say, in my opinion, this college administration appears to have no interest in “transparency.” Not in the least. The goal appears to be to keep the community “in the dark.” That is just, plain wrong! Diane Zimmerman Santa Clarita Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone. E-mail: letters@signalscv.com.

Yes, You Need to Vote By David Hegg

ith just over a month until primary elections here in our state, and with November already staring us in the face, it’s time to talk about voting choices. No, you won’t find endorsements in this column but what I will do is suggest some strategies for getting factual information and making wise choices before you enter the voting booth. We all know the barrage is coming. Soon the media will be churning out commercials, testimonials and endorsements meant to make our choices easy. They will start out being informational, and eventually turn into intentional exaggerations and mean-spirited, usually groundless accusations. Just remember, the choice shouldn’t be easy. Next will come the ubiquitous campaign signs. I often wonder about the strategy here. Am I supposed to think a candidate is more worthy if his or her signs are plastered in groups of five? And I always wonder about the color choice. Do you suppose paid political operatives stay up nights arguing with candidates that red and blue beat green and yellow seven out of 10 times? And already, the plague of robo-texts and pre-recorded phone messages has hit. You know, the ones where we’re supposed to think some nationally known figure happens to have the time to text or call me personally and ask me to support a candidate or ballot proposal. Are we really that gullible? I think the answer is “yes.” Here’s the problem. Professional politicos know most voters are lazy and want someone to tell them who to vote for. They have learned we can be swayed by edgy commercials, a flurry of yard signs and celebrity endorsements. They are betting we’ll let them do our thinking for us, but our democratic system only works if we vote and do so intelligently. So, here are a few suggestions: 1. Forget the commercials entirely. Refuse to be manipulated by scripted

sound bites produced by professional filmmakers. Do you really think you’re getting the whole story? 2. Remember, the guy with the most signs is just the guy with the most signs. You’re not electing a marketing team; you’re selecting a person to represent your point of view. 3. Read all you can about candidate views and records. Most election headquarters offer position papers and other materials that will allow you to hear what the candidate really thinks. 4. Attend some “meet and greet” events. Get face-to-face with the candidates and have some well-worded questions ready for them to answer. Then, assess just how knowledgeable they are, how able they are to think and articulate their views, and whether they appear trustworthy. 5. Lastly, if you find a candidate worthy of your support, support them. The best candidates are often the least funded simply because they refuse to toe the party line. 6. Don’t skip out on the primaries. This March, we will decide who will advance to the General Election in November. That means those who vote in the primaries will decide for everyone who we’ll be able to elect in November. 7. Prioritize your local community’s political opportunities. For example, the race for district attorney in Los Angeles County has monumental consequences for all of us. The rise in crime in our region is directly tied to the decision to allow certain levels of crime to go unpunished. We are all paying higher prices because theft has become an acceptable activity in our stores. The elections are coming, and they are critical. Don’t let someone else do your thinking for you. Think, study, discover, and then vote. You’ll be glad you did, as will the rest of us. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

A beauty to the bold. It’s never looked better, offered more, or felt more incredible to drive: Here is the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE

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Drive the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE, an all-electric sedan with a thirst for power.