Sunday Signal March 10, 2019

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MARCH 10, 2019

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CLIMBING CULTURE IN SANTA CLARITA

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College of the Canyons Foundation

silver spur CELEBRATION HONORING

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T U O D L SO

March 16, 2019

the Petersen Automotive Museum

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M A R C H 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

The Gnomes are coming April 13th!

Castaic Lake Dam Run and Gnome Festival

Schedule of Events: Marathon 7am- Half around Castaic Lake & Dam 7:30am- 5k around Castaic Lake 8am- Lyons Pancake Breakfast Garden & Vendor 8am- Beer Booths Opening 9am- Runner Award’s Presentation 10:30am- Kids & Family Gnome Parade 10:45am- Gnome Costume Contest 11am- Live Music Begins

7:15pm- Family movie night

Brought to you by Castaic Town Council and

Sherlock Gnome

SignalSCV. com

4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 10, 2019

LEATHER FURNITURE

SALE!

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS FEATURES

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LOCAL NEWS

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5 6 7 8

Drones: enjoying the view from above Keep on climbing in the SCV Why Sun Air loves to share Helping hands for Gentle Barn

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10 11

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Thunderbirds honor local pilot with ‘Captain Marvel’ flyover District starts investigation into mobile home park Workers sweep water from tarps on failing slope SCV firefighters, deputies save child from fall Man’s family alleged wrongful death in local deputy involved shooting Bridgeport Elementary PTA enlists CalArts help

SPORTS 13 13 Ogrins on the ball

CITY MANAGER

14

THINGS TO DO

15

TIME RANGER OPINION

17 18

CALENDAR

21

HOME IMPROVEMENT

22

14 The Cowboy Festival is coming 5 5 places to see in SCV 1 23 Enjoying St. Patrick’s Day 18 Our View • David Hegg • Tim Whyte

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22 Your Home Improvement

SCHOOL 24 24 How to set parental controls

ENTERTAINMENT 25 5 Finding ‘Star Wars’ on location 2 26 Faster Pussycat at the Canyon 27 Life after Oscar night

FOOD 28 28 Enjoying comfort food in the cold

SENIORS 29 29 A little help with arthritis

TRAVEL 30 30 Fun family destinations

PROFILE 31 31 SCV’s Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

HEALTH 32 32 The hydration game

REAL ESTATE

36

BRAIN GAMES

37

VILLAGE IDIOT

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36 Conversation about conversions 37 Games • Crossword 38 The baggage game 100 YEARS

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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 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.

PHOTO BY AUSTIN DAVE / THE SIGNAL

M A R C H 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Drones allow for a bird’s-eye view of the SCV

By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer

A

bird’s eye view of some of the most beautiful places in the Santa Clarita Valley isn’t a view most get to see — unless, of course, you have a drone.

“Drones have a bad rep,” said David Jay, Canyon Country resident. “When you mention the word ‘drone,’ people think of these evil machines. There are many positive uses for them.”

Drones are used for both recreational and commercial use, and are part of a growing industry. In fact, the “small model hobbyist fleet” is forecast to more than triple in size from 1.1 million vehicles in 2016 to 3.55 million units in 2021 — the average annual growth rate over the 5-year forecast period is 26.4 percent.

It is flying machine and a controller, Jay said. “Often times your phone is a part of the controller; others have built in screens to the controller.”

The machine itself is generally made up of two to three parts.

While being used to capture the bird’s eye view of things, you can take both take stills and video.

“Drone stills are beautiful,” Jay said.

Drone stills and video can often be seen on real estate listings, to give a greater perspective of the home for sale.

Jay has seen them used for roof inspection, search and rescue, policing, radiation detection, or even a portable cell tower for an event to give attendees cell service, he said.

He began flying drones with his cousin loaned him one, Jay said. “I flew it, and I loved it.”

Jay flies for recreational use and has filmed videos and taken stills with a view like no other.

“It’s a hobby for me,” he said. “It is something fun to do.”

Those who fly drones are required to get an FAA registration number.

“You don’t have to own a drone to get an FAA registration number or license,” said Kavi Amarasinghe, CEO of Aerialpixels.

“Whether you’re a new drone pilot or have years of experience, rules and safety tips exist to help you fly safely in the national airspace,” according to

Safety tips and rules • Do not fly in 5 miles of an airport.

• There is a no fly database, use it to find out where you can and cannot fly.

• You are not suppose to fly over large group of people.

• You are never allowed to fly over a fire or an emergency as it could prevent first responders from doing their job.

Canyon Country resident David Jay is one of millions of small-model hobbyists that enjoy the many uses of drones. PHOTOS BY AUSTIN DAVE / THE SIGNAL

the Federal Aviation Administration.

to www.faa.gov/uas/ for more infor-

There are different rules and regu-

mation on the rules and regulations

lations for different types of users, go

Pilots

for the type of drone flier you are.

Facts about drones, pilots

• The number of remote pilots is forecast to increase from 20,362 in 2016 to 281,300 in 2021. The average annual growth rate over the 5-year forecast period is 69.1 percent.

• FAA has also developed high and low ranges around the remote pilot forecast, reflecting uncertainty in the ratio of remote pilots per commercial UAS vehicles.

• In a high case, the number of remote pilots in 2021 is 422,000; in a low case the number is 211,000.

In the skies • FAA has also developed high and low ranges around the hobbyist fleet forecast reflecting uncertainty about the public’s continued adoption of this new technology: In the high case, the small model hobbyist fleet by 2021 is projected to be about 4.5M units. In the low case, the small model hobbyist fleet by 2021 is projected to be about 2.75M units.

• The commercial, non-hobbyist fleet is forecast to grow from 42,000 in 2016 to 442,000 in 2021. The average annual growth rate over the 5-year forecast period is 58.6 percent.

• The FAA’s non-hobbyist (commercial) UAS fleet size forecast contain certain broad assumptions about operating limitations for small UAS during the next five years based on the basic constraints of the existing regulations including daytime operations, within visual line of sight, and a single pilot operating only one small UAS at a time. The main difference in the high and low end of the forecasts is the differing assumptions about how quickly the regulatory environment will evolve, enabling more widespread routine uses of UAS for commercial purposes.

• In a high case, the number of non-hobbyist units is 1.62M in 2021; in a low case, the number is 237,900.

“You are not registering your drone, you are registering you,” Jay said.

“With a drone comes a lot of responsibility because it is a flying object,” Amarasinghe said. “Just because you have a drone license doesn’t mean you can fly a drone anywhere you want.”

If you are planning to fly a drone, or are interested in flying a drone, make sure you know the rules, city restrictions and county restrictions.

“Safety is the utmost concern,” Jay said. “Use them responsibly, fly safe, follow the rules,” Aerialpixels fix about 70 drones a week, Amarasinghe said.

“A handful of residents in santa clarita that are interested in them,” Jay said.

He began a group called Santa Clarita Drones, UAV and Multi-Rotors in 2017.

The group has been fairly inactive, but he is trying to find someone who is wanting to take it over, he said. “Getting it off the ground, pun intended.”

If you are interested in the group, or taking it over, it can found at www. meetup.com/Santa-ClaritaDrones-Meetup/. Aerialpixels is located in Canoga Park and be contacted at (818)688-5088 or aerialpixels. com/contact-us/. They offer drone training for users, repairs and custom designs for commercial users. 

6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 10, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Reaching your peak in the Santa Clarita Valley

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

W

e’ve seen it done in movies like “Mission Impossible,” “Point Break” and “Cliffhanger,” but did you know there’s a niche, yet passionate following of rock climbing here in Santa Clarita?

From indoor to outdoor facilities, the rock climbers of the SCV, whether novice to expert, have an abundance of resources available to them. Whether just starting out or looking to hone their skills; interested in learning more about the sport or been climbing their whole life and need to find a nearby gym; wanting only to boulder versus prepping for a free climb outdoors, there is something for everyone.

And according to local enthusiasts, the benefits of rock climbing stem far beyond just re-enacting the best height for an Instagram photo or being able to re-enact movie scenes featuring Stallone of Cruise.

Howard Konishi, owner of Top Out Climbing Gym here in Santa Clarita, said that rock climbing is not only a good workout and there are different styles people can try, but the hobby has a tight-knit community they all belong to, and they’re always looking for new members.

“This sport attracts a lot of people who want to workout, but don’t like the normal gym setting,” said Konishi. “And I’d say it’s normal to be scared, but anytime someone faces something different there’s an anxiety that comes with that. But there’s a social aspect to this and people can make a lot of new and encouraging friends.”

There are a handful of gyms, such as Top Out, in Santa Clarita offering indoor climbing training classes, with the curriculum ranging from bouldering to belay climbing, beginner to advanced. Also, there happens to be a number of outdoor climbing opportunities located in or near the Santa Clarita Valley, and one needs only to look and group trips and/or events are happening at the base of natural rock faces regularly.

So, whether you’re someone who has never considered having an

Aston Martin climbs a rock wall inside Top Out Climbing Gym in Santa Clarita.

PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

interest in climbing, wanting to get started but don’t know how or are an experienced climber who is in the market for a new gym/climbing community, here is what you’ll need to know about rock climbing in Santa Clarita.

The Sport

Rock climbing has both indoor and outdoor option, and the two most practiced types are bouldering and belay climbing.

A majority of climbing is either with bouldering, which is unroped and not as high up, and the other is free climbing which goes higher up, uses ropes/belays and has a number of subset styles to go along with it.

“And there’s a bunch of different reasons people will go rock climbing,” said Konish. “But as for the workout, it’s total body.”

Whether your scurrying up a 10foot boulder with a pad underneath you, or ascending one of various rock walls or enclaves, climbers are using upper, core and lower body strength and to reach the top.

“Some think that it’s only upper, but the lower body is also used to propel yourself upwards and a strong core is also needed to stabilize the body while your hands keep you on the wall,” said Top Out’s owner.

“It’s working out by climbing and having a good time,” he said, “so it doesn’t feel like a traditional workout.”

The Climbers

Skill level or previous knowledge should not be a deterrent for getting into climbing.

“We have beginner-level climbs, like where you’re climbing up a ladder — and then we have the experts,” said Konishi. “I usually tell newbies to take it slowly, because they’re not adjusted, and they don’t have to go up very high.”

According to Konishi, climbing is a learned ability and it’s a good idea to go at the pace you’re comfortable with.

And for those who are interested in climbing, but are worried about not knowing anyone at the gym, Konishi says that people are always there, after their climbs, to hangout and assist one another.

“For a lot of people, it’s about the whole social aspect that comes with climbing,” said Konishi. “They come in say on a Thursday after work and they find their new friends climbing.

Our space is wide open, and everyone is always interacting with everything going on around the facility.”

Many climbing gyms like Top Out, whether they’re in Los Angeles or not, give people the option to purchase day passes and/or memberships, and offer a supportive environment for all those new to the sport.

The Martin family, who were at Top Out Climbing Gym on Tuesday, said their oldest brother Aston has been climbing for five years, while Alex

and Ian said they have been climbing for about a year.

“We’re not members here at Top Out, but we come here sometimes because when you go to another gym it feels like people are doing their own thing, not wanting to talk to anyone,” said Alex. “But when you’re rock climbing (in a gym) there’s people here you can always talk to, learn different holds and routes from.”

“People are just really friendly,” said Ian, the youngest of the three Martins.

“It’s not for everyone, but everyone should at least try it,” said Alex. “If you enjoy having fun and testing your abilities, body and mental capabilities, than you should try rock climbing.“

The Locations

According to officials at the Los Angeles County Departments of Parks and Recreation, there aren’t many places immediately available in the north division of the county for places to rock climb. However, there are a few famous places nearby.

Officials at the Stoney Point in Chatsworth said that while there’s no specific rock-climbing activities, people are allowed to go out their at their own discretion.

And Konishi said that there a couple places like Texas Canyon on the outskirts of Santa Clarita, as well as further away places, but still manageable drives, to climb such as Joshua Tree, the Angeles National Forest and Yosemite.

However, according to the Top Out gym owner, while those options are available, there’s plenty of challenge keeping the climb indoors.

So if you’re someone that is looking to getting into climbing, know that the only thing you need to start learning is workout clothes and coming in with “a good attitude,” according to Konishi, and rentals for climbing shoes and harnesses are offered at most climbing gyms.

“Many climbers don’t know how to climb outdoors, and they don’t know where to start so they need to learn from a friend that can take them outdoors,” said Konishi. “But for most people, the indoors is enough for them.” 

M A R C H 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Vintage aerial archive a thrill for military buffs

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

D

ennis Nobile, owner of the world-renowned supplier of vintage aircraft engines and parts, Sun Air Parts in Valencia, is a guy who likes to show people his cool stuff.

And he’s got cool stuff.

Nobile isn’t braggadocious about it, he just owns things like jet engines, historical memorabilia and even whole biplanes, and wants to share with those around him — from his two grandsons who are regularly spotted working at the shop, to the members of the Southwest Chapter of the Company of Military Historians who came out to Nobile’s airplane parts shop in Valencia, to an 84-yearold former Air Force pilot who wanted to look at the jet engine block that was in the very same aircrafts he used to fly many years ago.

Even the President Donald Trump took a keen eye to his collection recently.

D-Day & historical society

A former Marine veteran who hires veterans, as well as an invested history buff, Nobile built his business from the floor up, literally.

“I started (learning about plane engines) pushing a broom on a factory floor,” Nobile said. “And I just started to learn more and more.”

Sun Air now regularly ships both

Left: Sun Air Parts owner Dennis Nobile (right) stands with grandsons, Jake (left) and John next to a completely refurbished, vintage, Pratt & Whitney DC-6 radial engine. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL. Right: Iwo Jima Veteran Jim Blane stands in front of Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima, Japan. The 95-year-old Blane will be presenting one of the commissioned bronze replicas of the Flag Raising on Iwo Jima to President Trump. PHOTO COURTESY JIM BLANE

replacement parts and custom fix jobs to clients all over the world.

For instance, when the planes used during the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the June 6, 1944, landing of Allied forces on Normandy beach in northern France, fly over the crowd of world leaders and veterans gathered on the beach once again this June, Dennis will look up and know what role he played in the historic commemoration.

“I’ll be in France for the ceremony … and a third of Douglas C-47 Skytrains used during the ceremony will have engine parts from us,” said Nobile.

Last month, Nobile had invited the Southwest Chapter of the Company of Military Historians to come and visit his vintage aircraft engines and view his rare variety of historical memorabilia, firearms and accoutrements.

Several of those in attendance said many of them had seen vintage WWII aircraft at airshows, but Noble gave them the opportunity to see many of the rotary engines partly or entirely on display — because he likely built parts of the engines they saw at the air shows.

Nobile also shared with them a B-36 airplane, the largest mass-produced piston-engined aircraft ever built, which was capable of dropping a nuclear payload.

Donald Trump & Larry Rebman

Sun Air Parts owner Dennis Nobile (left) and Jim Hackett, project coordinator for the Greatest Generations Foundation prepare to ship a 240-pound bronze statue of the Flag Raising on Iwo Jima. The bronze was commissioned by Nobile and created by sculptor Dave Venell in 2015. Nobile donated the statue to the foundation and four U.S. Marine survivors of the 55-day battle for Iwo Jima. PHOTO

BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

In 2013, Nobile had commissioned statues that will each be exactly identical to one another, and in the detailed likeness of the Iwo Jima Flag Raising.

“It took 18 months to create, cast, assemble and finish, and as you can tell, this is a beautiful bronze,” said Nobile. “I think the artist is a genius.”

The top of the last Marine’s helmet is 20 inches from the base, his arm is 24 inches high, the flag is 36 inches high and it is two feet in length.

“It weighs about 90 pounds,” he said.

He had five of them commissioned

and he has two in his building, and he gave the other two away.

The fifth, six years after it was cast, will be presented to President Donald Trump at the White House by 95-year-old Iwo Jima Veteran Jim Blane on behalf of Nobile and the Greatest Generation Foundation. The statue has already been packed up and shipped.

“They’re going to give it to him any day now,” said Nobile, who noted he wouldn’t be present when Trump is given the statue, but six Iwo Jima survivors will be. “Jim Hackett, a former captain in the Santa Clarita Sheriff ’s Station and a Marine Corps Veteran will also be there.”

The president isn’t the only person who has received a gift from the vintage plane collector and manufacturer. Following the publication of a Signal portfolio done on him in honor of his time as an American pilot back during the 50’s, Santa Clarita resident 1st. Lt. Lawrence Rebman.

It had been decades since the last time Rebman had seen the engine of the R-1340 or Lockheed T-33 trainer, but only a few blocks from where he lived, he was invited by Nobile to come see one at Sun Air Parts.

As they walked around and exchanged jargon only the mechanics or pilots of these planes would understand, Rebman was visibly touched by the gesture.

See HISTORY, page 35

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 10, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Eagle Scout candidate’s project helps The Gentle Barn

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

T

he chicken coop at The Gentle Barn is getting a makeover thanks to an SCV Boy Scout who decided to take on the task as his Eagle Scout Service Project.

Chandler Reeves loves animals “with a passion,” he said, and remembers visiting The Gentle Barn, a nonprofit animal sanctuary that rehabilitates abused animals, as a child.

“I began bringing him here when he was 6 or 7,” Amy Reeves, Chandler’s mother, said. “We would always come on weekends and let them play with the animals.”

When it came time to pick his Eagle Scout project, Chandler knew right away he wanted to come back and help the animals at the sanctuary.

In just two weeks, Reeves surpassed his goal of raising $2,000 on GoFundMe to make the project

The Gentle Barn cofounder Ellie Laks and Eagle Scout candidate Chandler Reeves formed a partnership to rehab the Gentle Barn chicken coop.

PHOTOS BY AUSTIN DAVE / THE SIGNAL

possible. He plans on donating the extra money to The Gentle Barn.

Reeves says he plans to build a bigger and better chicken ladder, six new nest boxes and, his favorite part, a brand-new chicken house.

“The chicken house is going to

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be even bigger, the doorway will be much better and there will even be windows on its side,” Reeves explained. “It’s going to look really nice.”

With the help of his father, an electrical engineer, Reeves has drawn up his renovation plans and is set to begin construction this weekend.

“The chicken room definitely needs an upgrade,” Laks said. “It’s been too long. We try and clean the best we can, but it’s really old, so Chandler has come to save the day.”

Laks says the project is “perfect timing” as they have just rescued five chickens from a slaughterhouse, and by the time they are ready to start the integration process with the other birds, they will be able to move into a “clean, new house to welcome them home.”

The Gentle Barn has been going above and beyond to rescue animals that “nobody else wants” for 20 years now according to Laks. Since she was 7 years old, she has been on a quest for better ways to care for animals, and doesn’t take “no” for an answer.

“This is an amazing organization with what they do for animals, and this is just my way of giving back,” Chandler said.

Ellie Laks, the founder of The Gentle Barn, said without the generosity of people like Chandler, The Gentle Barn wouldn’t be possible.

Laks believes that there is no one way to treat animals because there is not one type of animal or one

type of injury. She has found a way to bring life back to these abused animals, who were typically destined for slaughter, by integrating many treatment options that no one before would’ve thought to use on animals, including things like super foods, acupuncture and chiropractic, which has allowed these farm animals to live years over their natural life expectancy.

Chandler is leaving his mark at the barn, and Laks says he’ll be always remembered and play a part in the chicken’s lives for years to come.

“This is everything I’ve been waiting for my whole boy scout career,” he said, adding he plans to have many animals of his own when he gets older.

Laks hopes that she can further expand The Gentle Barn’s reach throughout the country and wants to help show the world the intelligence, affection and magic of farm animals.

The Eagle Scout project is where candidates demonstrate their leadership of others while doing a project that benefits nonprofit groups and the community, among other things.  The website for C.J. Reeves’ GoFundMe is gofundme.com/eagle-project-for-a-local-animalsanctuary. The Gentle Barn is located at 15825 Sierra Highway in Santa Clarita. More information is available at GentleBarn.org or by calling (661)252-2440. The Gentle Barn is open to the public on Sundays.

M A R C H 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

LOCALNEWS

Thunderbirds honor local pilot with ‘Captain Marvel’ flyover

By Matt Fernandez Signal Staff Writer

S

anta Clarita Valley residents watching the skies on Monday caught a glimpse of air power in action when the Air Force Thunderbirds flew over Santa Clarita Del Bagno and Hollywood.

Six F-16 Fighting Falcons flew across Santa Clarita and Los Angeles at 12:15 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m. as part of the “Captain Marvel” premiere in Hollywood, and as a tribute to fallen pilot Maj. Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno, who was part of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, more commonly known as the Thunderbirds.

MSgt. Chrissy Powers, public affairs superintendent for the Thunderbirds, said she is humbled by the opportunity to bring the Thunderbirds to the Los Angeles community.

“The cool thing is that ‘Captain Marvel’ is a pilot, and the movie shows everything she went through to become a pilot, so this is an amazing opportunity for us to come to California since we’re based in Las Vegas,” she said.

“Maj. Del Bagno loved to fly and inspire the next generation to fly and to join the Air Force. The fact that we get to do this so close to his home, there are no words for it.”

Del Bagno was a Valencia resident and Saugus High alumnus who flew as the No. 4 slot pilot for the Thunderbird Squadron. He flew with the Thunderbirds for approximately six months and participated in two shows before he died in a crash during a routine training exercise.

Before he became a member of the Thunderbird squadron, he served as an F-35A evaluator pilot and chief of standardization and evaluation, 58th Fighter Squadron, Eglin AFB, Florida. Outside of the military, Del Bagno was a civilian flight instructor, corporate pilot, skywriter and a banner tow pilot. He logged more than 3,500 total flight hours in more than 30 different aircraft, with 1,400 hours as an Air Force pilot.

Maj. Will Graeff is a member of the Thunderbirds who trained with Maj. Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno and participated in the flyover Monday to promote “Captain Marvel” and to honor Del Bagno. PHOTO BY MATT FERNANDEZ / THE SIGNAL

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly over Santa Clarita on Monday afternoon en route to the Hollywood premiere of “Captain Marvel” and as a tribute to fallen pilot Maj. Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno, who flew with the demonstration squadron. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

Hernan Posada, a NASA research pilot, watched the flyover from Saugus with the Del Bagno family.

“It was a moment of tremendous pride, sorrow and emotion from the family and everyone who knew Stephen,” he said. “It was a lot of effort for the Thunderbirds to put this together and they’re not showboating, but they’re only inches from wingtip to wingtip, which is a standard part of their training. It was amazing to see this tribute come together.”

The week before his death, Del Bagno consulted on the set of “Captain Marvel,” whose protagonist is an Air Force pilot turned superhero, to advise the cast and crew, including director Anna Boden and star Brie Larson, on fighter pilot traditions,

more special because the Thunderbirds rarely perform flyovers — typically only one or two per year.

Ironically, Graeff believes Del Bagno was someone who would not have wanted people to go out of their way to honor him.

“The film crew couldn’t have picked a better dude to give them an accurate insight into the Air Force than Cajun,” he said.

“The fact that the ‘Captain Marvel’ crew invited us out here to fly and to honor him is a testament to the impact he had on them. There isn’t a day that I don’t go up and fly that I don’t think about him and the tremendous influence he had on this team and the world, despite his short tenure.” 

culture and practices in order to make the film accurate, according to Thunderbirds community relations team member Stephanie Engler.

‘The best of us’

Maj. Will Graeff, Thunderbird 2/ left wing pilot, was Del Bagno’s fellow pilot and went through training with him. Graeff recalled Del Bagno’s infectious passion for the job Monday.

“He was the best of us as far as loving aviation and recruiting, retaining and inspiring people,” Graeff said.

“He was a great dude with a positive attitude that always had a big smile and a hug to make you feel better about yourself.”

Graeff said that being able to perform a flyover to both promote the film and honor Del Bagno is even

AQMD starts investigation into mobile home park

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

W

ith demolition work conducted over the last couple of days at Soledad Trailer Lodge, staff with the South Coast Air Quality Management District visited the site Tuesday to investigate, officials said.

Parts of the abandoned mobile home park in Canyon Country had quickly turned into piles of debris covered by large clear tarps. Crews that were seen maneuvering bulldozers and trucks for demolition late last

week had halted work Tuesday due to what could have been wet weather conditions and South Coast AQMD inspectors on the site.

“Inspectors responded to asbestos and were on site earlier today as part of an ongoing investigation,” Patrick Chandler, senior public information specialist with AQMD, said Tuesday.

When asked about the details or initial findings, he responded, “I can only state that (the) investigation is ongoing.”

Chandler said inspectors received a notification from the city of Santa Clarita’s Building and Safety Department, but city building official John

Caprarelli said, “None of our staff contacted AQMD. We don’t have regulatory authority at the mobile home park.”

While inspectors visited Soledad Trailer Lodge for their investigation, their work did not involve the topic of whether a permit to demolish was obtained. That’s because the district does not issue permits. According to AQMD, a city or county may require the owner or operator to apply for a permit to conduct the work.

City Communications Manager Carrie Lujan said, “Because this is a mobile home park, it is all under See MOBILE PARK, next page

10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 10, 2019

LOCALNEWS

Workers sweep water from tarps on failing slope

By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

N

early 2 inches of rain fell on the Santa Clarita Valley in the past 24 hours, and residents of two local neighborhoods are concerned about the impact this could have on a failing slope threatening their homes.

It’s been almost two full weeks since Stephanie and Luis Estrada first noticed a crack in their backyard up on Terri Drive in Canyon Country.

Since then, five homes have been yellow-tagged by the city, multiple residents have evacuated and the muddy slope continues to slide.

The black backyard fencing, which

The backyards of homes on Trestles Drive shows drain pipes and sandbags to hold back the mud from the slopes of the houses above on Terri Drive, which are covered with plastic sheeting as heavy rains fall. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

used to separate the American Beauty and Trestles developments and the falling slope, is now almost completely horizontal and as high as one home’s second-story window.

Up above in the American Beauty tract, dozens of gravel-filled bags line the Estrada house and surrounding yards, and family belongings lay stacked together on the side, away from the puddles of rain that were collecting in various spots.

Landscape Development Inc. workers set up a ladder just to get to and from the sunken levels of the

Workers used brooms, hand pumps and hoses to drain away collected water from the black sheeting secured by sandbags in the backyards of homes on Terri Drive in Santa Clarita. PHOTO

BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

NOW OPEN BARBERS WANTED

backyards, and those on the scene Wednesday afternoon furiously swept puddles of muddy water off of the tarp and into pumps that would carry the liquid to the street.

There was so much rain collecting on the tarps that some crew members could be seen manually pumping water into buckets so the pumps would have more time to take in water.

On Tuesday, City Engineer Mike Hennawy said the consultants of the two homeowners associations would contact the city if there were any updates.

No new information was received Wednesday, according to city officials, but workers on the scene said the slope is still moving “little by little.”

The rain is expected to cease for the remainder of this week, which is positive news for the residents and workers who were concerned that the precipitation could cause the slope to give way.

Landscape Development Inc. is expected to return today to continue the ongoing mitigation efforts. 

MOBILE PARK

Continued from previous page

HCD (the California Department of Housing and Community Development) and they would be the ones requiring the permits.”

HCD does not require permits for demolition, either, according to Alicia Murrillo, a communications analyst with the state agency. “Since we don’t require demolition permits and they are not violating our regulations, we would not stop the work,” she said.

What is required by AQMD, however, is that the owner or operator of any building demolition or renovation activity complies with a series of requirements to limit asbestos emissions. Those requisites include a facility survey, a notification of intent

A mobile home slated for demolition sits behind a metal fence amid turmoil surrounding the circumstances of the Soledad Trailer Lodge’s closure. PHOTO BY AUSTIN DAVE / THE SIGNAL

to the AQMD to conduct work no later than 10 working days before demolition or renovation activities, cleanup procedures, and storage, disposal and landfilling requirements for asbestos-containing waste materials.

Exposure to asbestos can bring about severe health conditions and is now considered an “infamous public health menace,” according to The Mesothelioma Center. Asbestos is a

group of silicate minerals and cannot be seen, smelled or tasted; when exposed to fibers, the symptoms aren’t immediately noticed. But once in the body, “they never dissolve, and the body has extreme difficulty expelling them.” Trapped fibers can cause inflammation, scarring and may lead to genetic damage to the body’s cells. 

M A R C H 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 11

LOCALNEWS

SCV firefighters, deputies save child from fall

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

D

espite the raindrops steadily pelting them in the face, deputies and firefighters refused to take their eyes off a little girl pushing on a second-story window screen from the inside of an apartment Wednesday.

At approximately 1:50 p.m., a resident called the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station regarding the small child, saying she was suspected to be home alone and was crying and leaning on a window screen from inside an upper-level apartment, said Shirley Miller, spokeswoman for the SCV Sheriff ’s Station.

Los Angeles County Fire Department officials received the call at 1:53 p.m., and were asked for a public assist by sheriff ’s deputies, according to Fire Department spokeswoman Vanessa Lozana.

“Sheriff ’s (deputies) on the scene required assistance to make entry through a door or window,” Lozano said.

Witnesses on the scene, in the 27000 block of Isabella Parkway in Canyon Country, reported that as more and more emergency personnel arrived, Deputy Ben Sanchez remained fixed on the toddler, who at that point was pushing directly on the window screen of the second-story

Above: A firefighter carries a child to an ambulance after first responders worked to keep her from falling through a secondfloor window on 26700 block of Isabella Parkway in Canyon Country. The child apparently was left home alone. Right: Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Deputy Ben Sanchez keeps a close eye on a child in case she falls through a window screen on the second floor of an apartment building. PHOTOS BY AUSTIN DAVE / THE SIGNAL

apartment window.

Deputies were preparing to catch the young girl if the screen gave out, while others yelled up to her repeatedly to “go sit on your bed” or “step back from the window,” to which the young girl was unresponsive, according to witnesses.

However, at approximately 2:10 p.m., responding personnel were able to force entry and secure the child in the window.

Firefighters had to force entry into

the apartment as no adult or guardian was present inside, according to sheriff ’s Lt. Ignacio Somoano. The child was wrapped in a deputy’s jacket and carried to an ambulance by a firefighter.

“The patient was transported (to a local area hospital) by ambulance,” said Austin Bennett, a Fire Department spokesman. “The incident closed at 2:37 p.m.”

After conducting an investigation, law enforcement personnel were able

to locate and arrest the child’s mother, Lucia Romero, 28, and father, Gerren Mitchell, 28, on felonious charges, according to Miller.

“They’ve both been arrested for child endangerment,” said Miller at approximately 9 p.m. Wednesday.

“Bail was set for both of them at $100,000.”

Their child has been handed to the Department of Child and Family Safety, said Somoano. 

Man’s family alleged wrongful death in local deputy involved shooting

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

C

ounty supervisors authorized a $4.6 million settlement in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Bill Bowers, who was shot and killed by a local sheriff ’s deputy in 2016.

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to authorize payment in the civil case filed by the deceased man’s widow, Vanessa Bowers, vs. the County of Los Angeles.

Investigators with the Los Angeles County Claims Board recommended

supervisors authorize the settlement of two lawsuits that were later consolidated into one.

The two lawsuits filed by Bowers’ widow and his four children alleged wrongful death and civil rights violations by the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department.

County lawyers, explaining their recommendation to settle, wrote in a case summary submitted to supervisors: “Given the risks and uncertainties of litigation, a full and final settlement of these two cases is recommended.”

The $4.6 million settlement includes more than $190,534 in lawyers’ fees.

In a document made available to supervisors, investigators with the Los Angeles County Claims Board summed up the Bowers shooting this way:

Stolen Vehicle report

On Aug. 2, 2016, shortly before 9 p.m., two uniformed deputies on patrol in Castaic responded to reports of a stolen vehicle at the Rodeway Inn Motel.

Deputies spotted Bowers riding his bicycle in the parking lot.

Bowers, lawyers pointed out in their summary of the shooting, was “known from several prior contacts as a local transient, who sold drugs, and was on active probation for theft

and narcotics.”

As Bowers rode his bike, they say, deputies drove up next to him and “illuminated him with the patrol car’s spotlight.”

The first deputy said through an open window, “Hey, Bill, can we talk to you?”

When Bowers looked over his shoulder at the deputies he yelled, “--k you!” and began pedaling fast as he rode away, followed by deputies.

County lawyers reported in their summary that Bowers twice threw “a small object” from his right hand as he pedaled away.

See BOWERS, next page

12 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 10, 2019

LOCALNEWS

Bridgeport Elementary PTA enlists CalArts help

By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

W

ith an increasing number of schools beginning to focus more heavily on arts programs and education, the Parent Teacher Association at one local elementary school decided to enlist the assistance of the California Institute of the Arts.

“Years of research have established the importance of arts education in a child’s life,” a CalArts news release stated, adding arts programs in primary schools have been proven to increase spatial reasoning, improve reading comprehension and promote collaborative thinking. “However, in California, only 38 percent of students receive arts instruction.”

CalArts’ Community Arts Part-

BOWERS

Continued from previous page

Tossing small objects

Deputies believed Bowers was throwing drugs away.

Bowers then rode his bike between two motel buildings and was out of sight.

Deputies tried to find him, then spotted Bowers riding toward Castaic Road.

The first deputy then turned on the overhead lights of the patrol car, used the siren and air horn as they drove toward Bowers.

Bowers, however, continued to ride his bike on a dirt sidewalk between a chain-link fence and a tractor-trailer parked on Castaic Road.

As he continued to flee, he used one hand to reach into his pocket and appeared, one more time, to toss something over the fence. Deputies shouted for him to stop his bicycle.

Lawyers noted in their account of that night that Bowers appeared to be out of character compared to previous encounters with deputies. Deputies interpreted this to suggest Bowers may “have drugs and/or could be armed.”

“Due to poor lighting, fences, fixed objects, a parked tractor-trailer and a nearby taco truck with several pa-

nership, or CAP, has offered free after-school and school-based arts programs for youth at public schools, community centers and social service agencies throughout Los Angeles County, a news release stated.

And after seeing the success of CAP’s long-running classroom-based arts program at neighboring West Creek Elementary School, parents at Bridgeport decided to enlist CAP to help the children of the Saugus Union School District.

CAP brings the expertise of the CalArts faculty, alumni and students who have undergone extensive training to deliver comprehensive, culturally diverse visual and performing arts curriculum, according to the release, which is one of the reasons why PTA members decided to reach out.

“Bridgeport was looking for a program that offers students an experience different from what they might typically get during their school curriculum,” said Lisa Sawyer, president of the Bridgeport PTA. “Having teacher workshops, parent workshops, as well as family nights and the CAP workshops was a great way to extend the learning beyond the six- to eight-week sessions we had on campus. We were also looking for programs that would easily loop into the extra-curricular classes at the junior high and high school levels.”

Thanks to the partnership between CAP and Bridgeport, students can now enjoy the benefits of a comprehensive arts education, school officials said.

The program will introduce

movement and rhythm classes to pre-kindergartners, and subsequent grades will explore hip-hop dance, audio production, stage acting, African drumming and musical theater beginning as early as this month, Bridgeport Principal Carin Fractor said.

Parents are also expected to have the opportunity to see their children’s work showcased in a series of family nights, as well as a larger presentation at the end of the semester that culminates the body of work created by the students.

“These nights are designed to be interactive,” the release states, meaning parents will participate alongside their children in their art demonstrations. 

trons, the deputies again lost sight of Bowers,” according to the report.

As they drove past the tractor-trailer, they spotted Bowers’ bike left on the dirt sidewalk.

Foot pursuit

Taco truck patrons indicated to deputies that Bowers was moving north. One of the deputies began moving on foot.

The other deputy drove alongside his partner. In a bid to head Bowers off, the patrol car driver drove past the tractor-trailer and stopped, practically blocking the driveway of the Rodeway Inn. The driving deputy got out of his cruiser and moved in front of the tractor-trailer until he spotted Bowers walking toward him.

“The first deputy sheriff contacted the decedent, pointed his firearm at him, activated the gun light, and said, ‘Bill, stop, let me see your hand.’”

Bowers, the lawyers contend, did not comply and continued walking toward the first deputy.

Cupped hands

The first deputy saw Bowers raise his hands up from his waistband toward his chest, they wrote. “The decedent cupped his hands together and appeared to be holding an object, now at chest level.

“The first deputy sheriff feared the

People gather for a candlelight vigil to remember Bill Bowers in 2016, when Bowers was shot and killed by a local sheriff’s deputy. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

decedent was continuing to advance, had a gun in his hands, was taking a shooting stance and was about to shoot him.”

In fear for his life, the first deputy fired one round from his pistol, which struck Bowers on the left side of his chest, from about 5 to 10 feet away, according to the report.

Bowers fell on the dirt sidewalk next to the passenger side of the tractor trailer.

Deputies held Bowers at gunpoint until backup units arrived. When they checked Bowers for signs of life, they found none.

No weapon, no drugs

Paramedics with the Los Angeles County Fire Department carried out “life-saving efforts” that proved unsuccessful. Bowers was pronounced dead at the scene.

“No weapons were found on or near the decedent’s body,” lawyers wrote in their summary.

When the path Bowers rode on his bike was checked, no weapons or narcotics were found.

Blood tests later showed Bowers had amphetamine, methamphetamine and marijuana in his system. 

M A R C H 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

SPORTS

Vikes’ Ogrin has that next-level love of baseball

By Diego Marquez Signal Staff Writer

T

he Ogrin family loves baseball.

It’s apparent through brothers Scott and Sean Ogrin’s dedication and passion to the sport over the course of their early teenage years and into their high school careers.

Sean Ogrin is in his junior year at Valencia High School and entering his second year as shortstop for the varsity baseball team under head coach Mike Killinger.

Scott is junior at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, in the middle of his third year playing for the Mustangs.

Having the opportunity to coach both brothers, Killinger has seen some differences and similarities.

“They both have tremendous work ethic that is equal to or above the best players I’ve ever had,” Killinger said.

In June 2016, Scott was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 27th

Valencia High School infielder Sean Ogrin is entering his second year as shortstop. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

round with the 813th selection in the draft, which Sean said was a high point for him and his family. Scott ultimately decided not to sign with the Twins and opted to continue with his collegiate career and education at Cal Poly.

“They were very supportive and let him make his own decision,” Sean said. “He picked the school that he wanted go to instead of going straight to the MLB, but my parents were very

supportive of his decision.”

Sean worked his way up from the junior varsity team in his freshman season after finishing the season with a .338 batting average recording 24 hits and 12 RBIs in 28 appearances in the 2016-17 season, according to MaxPreps.com He joined the varsity squad a year ago, making an appearance in two games.

“I was excited and ready to get in

there and make a difference for my team and support my brothers,” Sean said about getting the call up to varsity. “I did as much as I could running the bases pretty much.”

Now, nine games into the 2018-19 season, Sean has recorded two hits, two runs and two RBIs in 20 at-bats for the Vikings. Valencia baseball currently sits atop the Foothill League standings at 2-0 tied with West Ranch and Canyon, but is latent with a core of juniors just like Sean that are hungry to make a name for themselves.

“Sean just has a lot of experience to gain,” Killinger said. “He will have the opportunity by the time he’s gone to have a choice of a few different places to go play, but for sure he’s going to have a chance in the college ranks. And you just never know how kids grow and develop, he might be another guy who gets drafted at some point, as well.” 

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14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 10, 2019

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival set to return

By Ken Striplin City Manager

W

hat’s your favorite part about the annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival in Old Town Newhall?

Do you enjoy challenging your children to an archery contest or listening to great country and Western music while shopping for authentic cowboy gear?

Or maybe you’re looking forward to immersing yourself in the rich western history of Santa Clarita while learning about the life of famed actor William S. Hart.

No matter your pleasure, the Cowboy Festival will offer fun for the entire family when it returns to Old Town Newhall this April.

The 26th Annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, presented by

18 0 2

• • • •

California Resources Corporation, rides into William S. Hart Park in Old Town Newhall April 13 and 14.

Guests will once again receive free admission to the Cowboy Festival both days, which enables you to participate in a variety of western activities, and listen to concerts throughout the weekend on five different stages.

As soon as you enter Hart Park, be sure to ask the helpful Cowboy Festival volunteers for your free program, which will show you not only a map of the park, but also a schedule of events.

Start your day with a cup of Cowboy Coffee from our friends at the Rotary Club of the Santa Clarita Valley, and don’t forget to return for a generous helping of Cowboy Cobbler.

Two new additions that are sure to be crowd pleasers this year are the Cowboy Cook-Off on April 13, and the Chili Cook-off on April 14. These

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two events will excite your taste buds as barbecue masters and generations of chili chefs battle it out for ultimate food glory.

If competing isn’t your thing and you would rather participate as a taste tester, you can do so by purchasing tasting tickets for just $10 each. This allows you five 2-ounce samples and one powerful vote to help determine the winner of the People’s Choice category.

I encourage you to make a special point of purchasing tasting tickets for the Chili Cook-off on Sunday, April 14, as all proceeds will be donated to Bridge to Home. The money will help Bridge to Home accomplish its mission of providing support services, including an emergency shelter, case management and other resources, to help individuals and families transition out of homelessness in the Santa Clarita Valley.

It’s not just about great music and one-of-a-kind food at the Santa

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Clarita Cowboy Festival. Take time to explore Santa Clarita’s rich western history with a tour of the William S. Hart Mansion and see the herd of American Bison on your way up!

You will also want to learn about the railroad’s contribution to our community in the early days, so stop

by Heritage Junction to see the famed Saugus Train Station and explore the numerous historical buildings that have been saved and preserved in our community.

You can learn more about all the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival has to offer this year by visiting our website at cowboyfestival.org. I look forward to seeing you and your family exploring Hart Park when the Cowboy Festival returns in April.  Ken Striplin is the Santa Clarita City Manager, and can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are his own and not necessarily those of The Signal.

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M A R C H 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

THINGS TO DO

Five places on the Santa Clarita Valley bucket list

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

F

rom Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park to the magnificent mansion of silent movie star William S. Hart, these five landmarks in the Santa Clarita Valley are a “must see” for every SCV resident.

The list combines nature and history, as well as one “offbeat location,” the Lady of the Charred Tree.

Here’s the “’short list” to visit before you have to play tour guide to visiting friends and relatives this summer.

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park 10700 Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce, 91350. Hours: Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Info parks.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/ dpr/Parks/Vasquez_Rocks_Natural_ Area Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a 932-acre park located in Agua Dulce and visible from the Antelope Valley Freeway (state Route 14). The unique Vasquez Rocks formations are a familiar sight having been the background for many films and commercials. Rock climbing is the primary sport, but for a less perilous workout walk along the many hiking trails.

In 1873 and 1874, Tiburcio Vásquez, one of California’s most notorious bandits, used these rocks to elude capture by law enforcement.

Vasquez Rocks was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 because of its significance as a prehistoric site for the Tataviam people.

Vasquez Rocks is probably most famous for its use as “alien” planet locations on the original “Star Trek” television show. The most famous of which is “Arena”, where Captain James T. Kirk fights a reptilian alien called a Gorn (played by stunt man Bobby Clark, a resident of Agua Dulce).

William S. Hart Park, Mansion and Museum Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last tour of the day starts at 3 p.m. 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall (661) 254-4584.

Info www.hartmuseum.org.

Guided tours are offered hourly.

As Hart’s gift to the public, the tours are free, guests are requested to wait outside the front door of the Mansion until the next tour begins, which is noted on a sign posted at the entrance.

The William S. Hart Park and Museum is the former retirement home of the famed silent film actor, author and director of more than 60 hit Western movies in the early 1900s.

His most well-known film may be the silent film “Tumbleweeds” originally released in 1925. It was rereleased in 1940 with a filmed “talkie” prologue.

Hart is also the author of almost a dozen books, the best known may be “My Life East and West,” his autobiography. Published in 1929, the book has been deemed as “culturally significant” by literary and historical scholars.

To reach the museum and mansion guests are asked to walk a quartermile up the hill in Hart Park to the Hart Mansion for the tours.

The Lady of the Charred Tree

This can be tricky to find and the best way to get here to take the Antelope Valley Freeway, state Route 14, to the Agua Dulce exit. Turn left and follow the road all the way through Agua Dulce until to reach Sierra Highway. Turn left. You will pass Le Chene French Restaurant, (on your right) and then the previous home of the Canyon Theatre Guild (on your left). Look for a tree on the shoulder to your right that is decked out with notes, candles and other memorabilia.

The tree is easiest to spot going south on Sierra Highway from Agua Dulce.

However, a beautiful drive north up Sierra Highway also brings you to this unique spot on the left-hand side of the road. (It’s easy to miss going north).

To find The Lady of the Charred Tree from the SCV, take Soledad Canyon Road to Sierra Highway and turn left. Drive past The HalfWay House Café (site many and Davenport Road on Sierra Highway and look to your left for the shrine. If you’ve reached the site of the old Canyon Theatre Guild (formerly Callahan’s Old West) you’ve gone too far.

What is the significance of this tree? When the fierce Buckweed fire

The lone charred tree left from the Buckweed fire. Many see the image of the Virgin Mary in the burned trunk. A quirky place that is worth the effort to find. PHOTO BY MICHELE BUTTELMAN

of 2007 tore through this area, it left this lonely tree alongside the road charred and burned. Yet, the tree survives. Many see in the burned trunk the image of the Virgin Mary.

It is a unique and quirky place that is worth the effort to find.

St. Francis Dam Disaster Site Info http://saintfrancisdam.com Completed on May 4, 1926, the St. Francis Dam stood nearly 200 feet tall, 700 feet long and covered 600 acres.

It was the largest arch-supported dam in the world, with the ability to hold more than 12 billion gallons of water and it cost $1.3 million to build. Less than two years later, the dam collapsed at 11:57 p.m. March 12, 1928.

Nearly 500 people (maybe more) lost their lives as the wall of water swept down San Francisco Canyon to the Santa Clara River at Castaic and on toward the Pacific Ocean at Ventura.

All that is left of the dam are some mounds of the dam’s aggregate concrete, if you know where to look.

The dam site is not for the faint of heart and now takes some determination to reach. Use caution and

common sense. It is difficult terrain, with jagged rocks, sheer cliffs and rattlesnakes.

Find the remains of the St. Francis Dam approximately seven or so miles from the intersection of Copper Hill Road and San Francisquito Canyon Road.

Heritage Junction 24101 Newhall Ave., Newhall, 91321, 661-254-1275. Hours: 1-4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays.

Info www.scvhs.org.

Heritage Junction is home to the 19th century Saugus Railroad Station and many historical buildings from old Newhall. It is located adjacent to William S. Hart Park. Tours of the train station (which includes a small museum and a 1900 Mogul Engine #1629, a class M4 train, weighing 75 tons) are given by the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society.

Buildings of interest include: The tiny six pew 1927 Ramona Chapel, 1860 Mitchell House Adobe, Pardee House, Saugus Train Station, Newhall Ranch House, Edison House and Kingsbury House. 

16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 10, 2019

M A R C H 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

TIMERANGER

Nudes, Shark Frenzy & SCV Wife Swapping Top of the SClarita morn to all y’all saddle pals. C’mon. These hairy creatures with four legs and saddles aren’t dogs. I’ve trailered them all here for you. Hop up on the ponies and we’ll proceed to mosey into the most fascinating valley in the history of valleys. Lots of Santa Clarita vistas to explore. Shall we ride into yesteryear and inspect what used to be?

WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• And, he was a nudist Tom Thorkildsen was known as The Borax King in the early 20th century. He bought the old Sterling Mine in Canyon Country for $30,000, later selling it to U.S. Borax for $3 million. Thorkildsen was a crook, egomaniac and lived a wild life, hosting lavish parties in his Beverly Hills mansion and sometimes posing nude after dinner for the guests. He once caught a man in bed with his wife at home and chased the naked man down the street.

Returning for his clothes later, his wife’s lover slipped into the pool and drowned, or so the police report read.

Though making tens of millions, Thorkildsen died penniless in 1950 in a La Crescenta nursing home.

• Our oldest church Before Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church was on Lyons, at Wayman Street, it sat at the corner of what would be Lyons and Walnut streets today. The original wooden chapel was a little 15- by 30-foot building and seated about 100, uncomfortably.

Father Bergin was the original priest there in 1914. OLPH was rebuilt in 1939, when it was replaced by a new stucco building about twice the size of the original. Of course, even before that, friars were holding services at the Rancho San Francisco in the mid19th century here.

MARCH 10, 1919

• The SCV’s first film review Blanche Brown penned a review on the Norma Talmadge silent flick: “Her Only Way.” Story line? Returning from boarding school, Norma discovers she has lost her fortune and must marry a rich albeit nasty man to save her from a fate worse than death.

Hate that when that happens …

• Big giant detour and then some The state’s major north-south artery — the old Ridge Route — was

closed for paving. The project went from March to mid-autumn to grade and asphalt a 17-mile stretch. Traffic was diverted through Bouquet and Mint Canyon roads.

MARCH 10, 1928

• Two days, little did anyone know The second-worst man made disaster in California history, next to the San Francisco Fire, occurred on March 12, shortly before midnight.

The St. Francis Dam burst, sending a wall of water nearly 200 feet high to the valley below. Of course, by the time the flood poured out of San Francisquito Canyon, it had shrunk to 10 to 20 feet high. Around 500 people were killed. Houses, horses, boulders weighing hundreds of tons — pretty much everything in the water’s path — washed out to the Pacific Ocean, 60 miles away. At dawn that morning, fishermen off Ventura/ Oxnard reported a shark feeding frenzy in the Pacific from the corpses, animal and human.

MARCH 10, 1929

• The same sermon The few churches in the valley all had the same theme for Sunday, 90 years back. It was on the dealing with the epic catastrophe that touched everyone’s life here on a personal scale.

• Good bye, bee And speaking of big ol’ avenging on the innocent giant walls of water, on this date, locals rededicated the Bee School in San Francisquito Canyon. The school, all of its pupils and the school marm were washed away in the great dam disaster of 1928.

MARCH 10, 1939

• They should see the place today! Population of Newhall proper was estimated at about 2,000 folks.

That was based upon a figure of

about 400 homes hooked up to the Newhall Water District, plus an estimate of those souls out there still on their own private wells.

comrades, including a chaplain.

Dragging the men out, Hooper also killed 24 North Vietnamese in that firefight.

MARCH 10, 1949

• Fuzzy borders One of the hardest things to do is gauge valley population. In 1969, it was estimated at around 50,000. The problem? Where to draw the borders. We used to cover 1,000 square miles and reach up to Frazier Park, Ventura County, Chatsworth and Palmdale city limits. Just a guess? I’d say that area today would hold about 750,000.

• Placerita long shot A little thoroughbred horse living at Melody Ranch made the headlines. Named after a mule, Toby J took the first race at Santa Anita with a time of 1:10:4/5.

Local yokels thought it was a phenomenal time but one of our saddle pals who always rides with us, my pops, Walt Cieplik, told me years ago that for horse or man, you have to run six furlongs in “1:08:2 just to be decent.” The scrawny horse originally belonged to Hall of Fame cowboy, Andy Jauregui, who sold it to a neighbor. In Toby J’s first race, he surprised everyone — especially Andy — by winning and paying $452 on a $2 ticket. I KNOW Walt would NEVER bet on a 226-to-1 shot …

MARCH 10, 1959

• How do you handle a hungry man? Jerry Lee Beauchamp, already on the lam for stealing a car and busting parole, broke into the home of Mrs. Arrawanah Lechler in Oak Canyon. He whacked her in the knee with a Billy club, then asked for something to eat. She said, “Food’s in the kitchen.” When Beauchamp went into the kitchen, Mr. Lechler limped out the front door to a neighbor’s and phoned the police. After a large manhunt, the 28-year-old Jerry Lee was apprehended in Piru — at the coffee shop there.

MARCH 10, 1969

• Bad jungle karma The gods of nature must have had something against Africa USA. The famous wild animal park up Soledad Canyon was first nearly destroyed by floods a few weeks earlier. Then, a massive fire destroyed the main house, used in the TV series, “Daktari.”

• Joe. Meet Nixon. Sgt. Joe Hooper was just in his new Saugus home when he was called away suddenly to Washington, D.C., to meet with Richard M. Nixon. The president presented Joe with the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Tet Offensive in which, wounded, he crawled underneath Vietcong machine gun nests and rescued five

• Maybe Haan was Palestinian Hart Superintendent C.T. Haan and the trustees voted not to give Jewish teachers any holidays during their religious holidays. One trustee, Ed Duarte, was quoted as asking, rather angrily: “Are the Jews planning to work on Christian holidays?”

MARCH 10, 1979

• Lottery real estate They weren’t waiting for Rolling Stones tickets but a mob of potential homebuyers camped out in a tent city for a week at Centurion Way to line up for the chance to buy a new house.

• Birth of McKeon For decades, Howard “Buck” McKeon was a community leader and our local congressman. He got his start this month 40 years ago. Buck How did Buck McKeon get started? Forty years ago this week, Buck was elected to the Hart High School District board of trustees, garnishing twice as many votes as his next opponent.

I don’t know about you, but I’d surely love to stay a few more hours at least, back in the days when there was such a thing as elbow room and star-filled skies. Sigh. And sigh again.

Thanks for the good company, saddle pals. See you next week with another exciting Time Ranger adventure.

Until then — ten una vida interesante hoy y vayan con Dios! (Have an interesting life today 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.

1 8 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

MA R C H 10, 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

Spring Baseball and a New Home for the Kids

Finding the Security of Personal Accountability

By The Signal Editorial Board

By David Hegg

F

or many sports fans, the end of the football season marks the beginning of that torturous waiting period — the dead, interminable days of winter before the very first sign softball organizations in the SCV — looked highly uncertain, as the league of spring: the day when pitchers and received news that it was being kicked catchers report to training camp. out of its four-year home, a youth With our usual mild winters, perbaseball complex that had been built haps here in the Santa Clarita Valley on the grounds of we don’t place as the Valencia Travel much psychological Village RV park.

This year, we have a weight on baseball The owner of as a sign of the end couple of extra factors Travel Village, Ira of winter, and the Robb, informed beginning of spring. that are making the the league that the However, this year, baseball diamonds we have a couple of onset of spring, and were going to be extra factors that are bulldozed to make making the onset of spring baseball, that way for more space spring, and spring much more exciting. for RVs. baseball, that much The league’s last more exciting. game at Travel First, we’re actually Village would be Nov. 10, and the having a winter. It makes one look forward to spring a little more eagerly. news left league leaders high and dry.

That is, until the office of Los Angeles And second, for the approximately County Supervisor Kathryn Barger 400 families of Santa Clarita Youth stepped in.

Baseball, it means the promise of a Barger and her team coordinated new home has now become a reality.

Last fall, the future of the league See OUR VIEW, page 20 — one of several youth baseball and

I

t is well known that the illusion of secrecy tends to strengthen the will to do evil. That is, we are more likely to do what we know we shouldn’t do if no one is looking, or liable to find out.

The Apostle John pointed this out when He said, “Men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil” (John 3:19). Turns out nobody had to teach us this. We learned it early in life, and the first time we tried to steal something, we looked around to make sure no one was watching.

The trouble is, someone is always looking. Certainly for those who believe as I do that God sees everything, and knows everything, this can and should provide a great deterrent to acting wickedly. And while I have no desire to downplay the role God should play in the life, the truth is that, even for the atheist or irreligious person, someone is always looking … you.

I remember sitting in a college auditorium listening to a successful

businessman as he came to lecture us about how to win in life. Along the path of his speech he showed us the usual steps to success like goal setting, diligence, creativity, and perseverance. And just as I was starting to nod off, he asked a very penetrating question: Who do you want to live with? Of course, we all laughed nervously because we thought he was talking about marriage.

But we stopped laughing as he went on to say there is only one person you can never escape: yourself.

“Do you want to live with a thief?

Do you want to live with a loser?

Do you want to live with a cheat or a liar, or a slob? If not, then pick up your socks, tell the truth even when it hurts, honor other people and their property, play by the rules and change the ones that no longer make sense, but whatever you do, don’t become a person you’d hate to live with, because we have to live with you too!”

I didn’t realize it at the time, but See HEGG, page 19

READERLETTERS

Yes, Katie Hill Is Better than Trump In response to Cardon Ellis’ letter on Feb. 28, “Is Hill Better Than Trump?”: Yes, Katie Hill is better than Donald Trump. And apparently Cardon Ellis likes to use Trump methods. He correctly quoted Katie Hill from a Politico article on Feb. 14 in which she says there are some people who “don’t give a s--about the issues.” Cardon says Hill is referring to her Republican constituents and congressional co-workers — dismissing half her constituency. The problem is, of course, that Cardon is taking the quote out of context. Typical.

Katie Hill was referring to a tactic being used by the minority party to advance key Republican agenda items leveraging a tool called a “motion to recommit.” Republicans add a Democratic hot-button issue item to an unrelated Republican bill and dare the new Congress members to vote against the bill.

If the member votes against the bill, the party can use the vote as a “gotcha” in future campaigning. That’s who and what Katie Hill was denouncing. Users of the tactic don’t “give a s---- about the issue,” but are using the issue as leverage only. Both sides of the aisle should be adamantly opposed to this tactic.

Duane Mooring, Castaic

A Lesson in Real-World Politics A small piece in The Signal’s March 5 edition pointed out that former District 25 Rep. Steve Knight ranked 5th in the 115th Congress’ House of Representatives in effective lawmaking based on empirical metrics. This ranking system professes to be an objective method to evaluate lawmakers in their effectiveness See LETTERS, page 20

MA R C H 10, 2019

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

Opinion

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

D R AW I N G CO N C LU S I O N S DAV E G R A N LU N D

BLACK&WHYTE

The Straws Are Hiding with the Porno Mags

By Tim Whyte Signal Editor

O

ne of my habits is that I like to stop at my neighborhood Circle K every morning and get a 44-ounce iced beverage to get me through the day.

It's sort of a slow caffeine drip.

The vehicle of caffeine delivery used to be diet soda, but I’m trying to be a little more health-conscious, so a year or so ago I switched to iced tea. They have good iced tea at the Circle K. I can’t say it’s served me any better than the soda did, health-wise, but I feel less daily guilt about my iced tea than I would if the drink had bubbles.

So I stumble in there on my way to work, pack one of their “Polar Pop” cups with ice and fill it with tea (unsweetened, because sweet tea is gross). I pop a lid on the Polar Pop, grab a straw, pay $1.97 for the tea and a lottery ticket and I’m on my way.

But a couple weeks ago, something interrupted my routine.

The straws were gone.

Now, thanks to new laws and ordinances courtesy of the state of California and Los Angeles County, we have to “request” a straw at the front counter.

You know. Because so many of us have been taking plastic straws and

Since we apparently can’t be trusted with a foot-long plastic tube, convenience stores are hiding the straws back there behind the counter...

walking them directly to the Pacific Ocean.

Yes, yes, I know.

There’s a percentage that becomes pollution and I don’t mean to completely dismiss that. But dammit, my straws end up being disposed of properly. I don’t want to put plastic in the ocean any more than anyone else does.

Further, I’ve tried paper straws at a restaurant or two, and they’re fine. I’d have no problem if the entire straw-making industry switched from plastic to biodegradable paper. So I’m not here to defend plastic, per se.

But I am here to stand up for straws.

Now, since we apparently can’t be trusted with a foot-long plastic tube, convenience stores are hiding the straws back there behind the counter with the cigarettes, chewing tobacco, porno mags, condoms and other things that require an extra barrier between them and the common man.

Or man-child.

I’ve joked with the clerks. It’s not their fault, after all.

“Can I just give you guys a letter saying, ‘I hereby request a straw every day, Monday through Friday, for the calendar year 2019’?”

They seemed a little uneasy, like they weren’t sure whether I was serious, kidding or just plain scooters-cuckoo-crazy.

So every day, I’ve been asking. And to their credit, the clerks at the Circle K have dutifully followed the rules imposed by the nanny-state that is becoming California and Los Angeles County.

I’d considered it a minor inconvenience until the other day. I was in a rush to get to the newsroom so I hurried through my normal Circle K See WHYTE, page 20

HEGG

Continued from page 18

that speaker succinctly shaped my box of practical, daily ethics by indelibly printing on my memory the dictum that whatever I do, whatever I become, whatever I allow myself to think, feel, and say will ultimately define the person I am, and that’s the one person I can never escape.

Personal accountability is the foundation of a consistent ethical system, and certainly it is the best and most cost-effective means of maintaining a thoughtful, compassionate and righteously ordered society. Internal control is always better than external compulsion.

Yet, today the idea of individuals being asked to take responsibility for their own actions and be accountable to improve themselves for the betterment of society is regularly mocked, and even described as an infringement on their rights to do as they please. We are becoming a society that believes unless there is a law against it, I am free to do it.

Yet, much that freedom allows is actually harmful to the person doing it, and to those in their sphere of influence. And the greater problem for us is that, in the absence of

individual control and accountability, our legislatures feel called upon to stack up more and more laws to cover more and more of the things in life that used to be covered by common sense, civic pride, and the belief that we all were responsible to be the best people we could be for the common good.

In the auditorium that day it became clear to me I didn’t want to live with a thief, or a liar, or a greedy person, or a person who thought the world revolved around him. I wanted to live with someone who was a life-long learner, who appreciated beauty, who believed that God existed and knew best how this life should be lived.

I know who I wanted to live with, and I’ve been diligent to become that person since that day.

My question for you today is this: Who do you want to live with?

And my hope is your answer also describes someone we all want to live with, and who will be a positive influence in our neighborhood.

David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church and a Santa Clarita resident.“Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

2 0 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

MA R C H 10, 2019

Opinion

WHYTE

Continued from page 19

process. Got the Polar Pop cup. Got the ice. Got the tea. Snapped on the lid. Paid for it.

And I ran out. Straw-less.

What does the government expect me to do? Suck on the hole?

That’s the rub on a 44-ounce tub of icy goodness.

You really need a straw.

I guess that won’t be a problem for long, though, because Sacramento Democrats, who want to regulate and tax everything that can possibly be regulated and taxed, have their eye on my 44-ounce Polar Pop, too.

There’s legislation pending in the state Capitol that would prohibit the sale of any “sugary drink” in containers larger than 16 ounces.

That, obviously, shouldn’t include my unsweetened iced tea. However, if you or anyone else wants to pound 44 ounces of syrupy, sugary soda, should it really be the government’s place to tell you that you can’t? Isn’t that particular bad choice yours to make, not Big Brother’s?

There’s some serious legislative overstepping going on in Sacramento and the proposed ban on large sodas is just the tip of the iceberg.

Further, it’ll have ripple effects even on those of us who don’t drink sugary drinks. After all, if it comes to pass that 7-Eleven can’t sell a Super Big Gulp of Mountain Dew and the Circle K can’t sell a 44-ounce Polar Pop filled with Coca-Cola, would those outlets bother to continue stocking the 44-ounce cups just so Tim can get his daily iced tea fix?

Probably not.

So there I’d be. If California gets its way, I’ll be pulling out of Circle K toting a 16-ounce cup with

no straw. It’ll spill all over the place, because I’m sure lids will be the next thing to go. And it’ll probably cost the same 97 cents I’m paying for the big one now.

I won’t stand for it. I don’t know how, but we need to find a way to stop Sacramento’s increasing intru-

OUR VIEW

Continued from page 18

with county Parks and Recreation Department officials to find a new home for the Santa Clarita Youth Baseball League.

The new location is the Castaic Sports Complex — also the home to a new skate park that just opened last month.

And, as of this writing, the kids, parents and coaches were scheduled on Saturday to kick off their spring season with the traditional youth baseball opening day ceremonies and player parade. Kathryn Barger was slated to be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

It’s an exciting time, not only as a harbinger of spring, but also as the payoff for the efforts of people including parents, league organizers and county officials who worked together to make something positive happen for the kids.

Congratulations to all involved on a job well done. Now play ball! 

LETTERS

Continued from page 18

in crafting legislation and moving it through the legislative process. However, when I looked at the rankings of other California representatives, I found the current ranking member of the House, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R- Bakersfield, only placed 60th. And the current House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, D- San Francisco, achieved a ranking that placed her last, 204th of 204. This led me to recall the idiom, “figures lie and liars figure.”

I could not find any obvious partisanship in the authors, both academics, from the Center for Effective Lawmaking. Rankings do obviously seem to favor the party in power. The metrics

sions on individual decision-making.

If California wants to take my Polar Pop, they’ll have to pry it from my cold, dead hands.

Tim Whyte is editor of The Signal. His column appears Sundays. On Twitter: @TimWhyte. 

may also need to be modified to reflect positions taken by the representatives that align or fail to align with home district priorities.

A vote for the tax reform legislation, which wasn't uniformly popular with Californians, may have been consequential for Knight, who lost his campaign for re-election. And the lowest ranking representative was Pelosi, who has recently taken President Trump to school. Welcome to the real world of politics.

Thomas Oatway, 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.

M A R C H 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

= 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 Wednesdays, 8 a.m. Developed by Kaufman Foundation and based on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and engage with their communities over a million cups of coffee, the free weekly 1 Million Cups event is designed to educate, engage, and inspire entrepreneurs around the country. American Family Funding, 28368 Constellation Rd., #No. 398.

Info: 1millioncups.com/santaclarita Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Drop in to Pocock Brewery weekly trivia night with Trivia with Budds. Trivia night. The weekly night also includes a rotating selection of food trucks.

Pocock Brewing Company, 24907 Ave. Tibbitts, Ste B, Santa Clarita Info: triviawithbudds.com/trivia-locations Thursdays, 6 p.m. Come to the Canyon Club every Thursday for an 18+ night of line dancing lessons and county music presented

by Borderline Bar & Grill. Canyon Club, 24201 Valencia Blvd., #No. 1351, Santa Clarita. Info: wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/canyonsanta-clarita/# 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 St., Newhall. Info: oldtownnewhall.com/old-townnewhall-farmers-market/ Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to noon. Each weekend, 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 & 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 Saturday 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 dream catchers, and so much more!. The event is free. Activities are geared towards younger participants, but anyone who enjoys crafts will have a grand ol’ time, so don’t miss it. 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 & Chairs are provided & it is handicap accessible. There is a grassy knoll to picnic on, fly kites or Frisbee.

26573 Carl Boyer Dr, Santa Clarita.

Info: facebook.com/foodtrucksaturday/ Sundays, 7 a.m.-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 Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Come out and try one of the fastest growing sports in Santa Clarita. Dragon boating has over 2000 years of history behind it but here in Santa Clarita it is still relatively new at about 4 years old. We invite the community to come out to Castaic’s lower lake to give dragon boating a try. All equipment and parking will be provided free. All ages are welcome from 9 years old and up. Castaic Lake Recreation, 32132 Castaic Lake Dr., Castaic, California. For more information please call (213) 447-5707 or visit teamdragoneyes.my-free.website/ Sundays, 10 a.m.-2p.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/ 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 Second Wednesday of the month, 8 p.m. The Dudes’ Brewing Co. welcomes

comedians from Comedy Central, America’s Got Talent, and clubs and colleges across the country for a free night of comedy at their Santa Clarita tasting room. Dudes’ Brewing Co., 24250 Town Center Drive, Santa Clarita.

Info: (661) 263-5133, thedudesbrew.com/ visit/santa-clarita/

EVENTS BY DATE Sunday, March 10, 9 p.m. A hit offBroadway and internationally, this inspiring musical parody shows the funny sides of the “change” that all women experience in midlife. Four ladies with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance at a lingerie sale in a department store. They poke hilarious fun at their woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges. With classic tunes from the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s pushing the action along, these diverse women create a sisterhood as they realize that menopause is truly a shared experience that doesn’t have to be suffered in silence. $25. The Canyon, 24201 Valencia Blvd., #1351, Santa Clarita. Info: wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/canyon-santaclarita/events/ Thursday, March 14, 6-9 p.m. Join Dance Instructors Ingrid Blanco & Willy Arroyo for

a fun evening of line dancing at D’Wilfri DanceArt and Entertainment. This “beginner friendly class is open to adults and children.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. $20 early bird and $25 at the door. Proceeds benefit the IWC Ballroom Dance Youth Foundation and include a raffle ticket and refreshments. 28368 Constellation Rd., No. 340, Valencia. Info: info@dwilfri.com, dwilfri.com Friday, March 15, 7:30 p.m. The award-winning College of the Canyons Jazz Ensemble and Lab Band explore jazz styles, including ragtime, swing, bebop, cool, Latin fusion and rock. A special guest soloist will join the band. Adults $12, children and seniors $6. PAC Main Stage: General Admission, 26455 Rockwell Cyn Rd., Santa Clarita. Info: www3.canyons.edu/Offices/ PIO/CanyonsPAC/jazz101.html Saturday, March 16, 8-11 a.m. The Michael Hoefflin Foundation’s Walk for Kids with Cancer is a celebration of the lives of children and their families who have been affected by children’s cancer. Individuals and teams will walk to raise funds to support the Foundation. $25 registration per person.

College of the Canyons Cougar Stadium, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita.

Info: http://www.mhf.org

! N! !

N I W WI WIN CONGRATULATIONS to TONI SANCHEZ of CANYON COUNTRY — the winner of $100 for correctly identifying the artwork as being from HENRY MAYO advertisement on page 13 of our Feb. 24 issue.

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.

Mail your entry to: The Signal – Contest 26330 Diamond Place | Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Or email to: contest@signalscv.com Advertiser: Page # Name: Address:

Phone:

This week’s entries are due Wed. March 20.

Winner to be announced in 2 weeks.

Saturday, March 16, 11-4 p.m. Explore at your own pace during the Hart Museum’s open house. Bring the questions you’ve always wanted to ask, and challenge our volunteers and staff! Explore the mansion as quickly, or for as long as you want. There will also be a simple craft activity on the back patio for guests. William S. Hart Museum 24151 Newhall Ave., Santa Clarita. Info: hartmuseum.org/events Saturday, March 16, noon-10 p.m. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Pocock Brewery with delicious food from Mad Scientist BBQ and Tomski Sausage, a new beer release, the return of Mahna Mahna Imperial Red, three Live Bands and no cover charge. 24907 Ave. Tibbitts, Ste B, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook. com/events/2021756464791219/ Saturday, March 16, 4-5:30 p.m. Season 8 “America’s Got Talent” finalist Catapult is a magical production that features incredible dancers who work behind a screen to create shadow silhouettes of shapes from the world around us. Be amazed as their bodies transform into a mountain, elephant, dragon, even a helicopter. Packed with hundreds of shape transformations, the show is full of humor, emotion and engaging stories. $30-$50.

Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/events/636257233393991/ Sunday, March 17, 1-4 p.m. Come to Valencia Lanes to help raise funds for Circle of Hope. Men, women, kids, and team competitions will take place with prizes for the highest scores.Don’t forget to wear green. $25 per person, $125 per team of 5. Includes lunch and shoe rental. Valencia Lanes 23700 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita. Info: 661-254-5218 or circleofhopeinc.org/bowling/ Monday, March 18, 6:30 p.m. Come to Barnes and Noble for a watercolor demo by artist David Deyell hosted by Santa Clarita Artists Association (SCAA). This event is free and open to the public. Barnes & Noble, 23630 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita, Info: santaclaritaartists.org.

Wednesday, March 20, 5:30 p.m. Join L.A. Film Locations as they host the SCV’s premiere monthly business networking event this month. Chamber Board Member Monica Harrison will she discusses filming in the Santa Clarita Valley. LA FIlm Locations, 24367 Walnut Street, Santa Clarita. Info: chamberorganizer.com/members/evr/reg_event. php?orgcode=SCVC&evid=46311035

Thursday, March 21, 6-10 p.m. Come celebrate 7th annual SCV Charity Chili Cook-off at the Oaks Club featuring live band, DJ and dancing along with a live and silent auction, kids’ corner and chili cookers far and wide looking forward to presenting their prized recipe in hopes of winning first, second or third prize, People Choice Award or Judges Choice, all critiqued by local celebrity judges.

Our goal has no cap and we are benefiting two charities this year, so we need twice the donation power to help both amazing causes with their continued success. 26550 Heritage View Lane, Valencia, Santa Clarita. Info: scvcharitychilicookoff.com Thursday, March 21, 7-10 p.m. Take a trip to Louisiana as Main Street transforms into Bourbon Street and celebrates Mardi Gras for this month’s SENSES block party!

Grab a drink from the on street bar, dance the night away to high energy performers, and order a bite from the food trucks or local restaurants. Don’t miss this fun and festive adult setting right here in Santa Clarita. Main Street and Market Street, Santa Clarita. Info: thursdaysatnewhall.com/senses/ Friday, March 22, 5:30-10 p.m. Lady Luck can be yours at Casino NIght presented by Assistance League Santa Clarita. Your $100 ticket includes a 3-course dinner followed by Las Vegas gaming fun including crap tables, roulette, blackjack and poker. Proceeds of the evening benefit Assistance League Philanthropic programs in the Santa Clarita Valley. Hyatt Regency Valencia 24500 Town Center Drive, Valencia. Info: https://assistanceleaguesantaclarita.org Saturday, March 23, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy light appetizers, live music, and meet artist Michele Boyer at her featured sculpture exhibition. Michele spent years working with Italian master sculptors in Pietrasanta, the sculpture center of Italy. Today she sculpts in her own studios in California and Italy, clay modeling and carving marble in small and large scale formats. Westfield Valencia Town Center, Town Center Art Space, 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia. Info: santaclaritaarts. com/2019/02/07/michele-boyer-a-retrospective

22 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 10, 2019

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Caution with deck coating and mold remediation

By Robert Lamoureux Signal Contributing Writer

Deck Coating Robert, My name is Isaac M. I live in Santa Clarita in an HOA, but am not on the board of directors.

Our association is having a topcoat put onto the decks of our balconies and it is my understanding that you need to use a proper waterproofing paint designed for this application. They are actually using a product directly from Home Depot, its Behr patio paint.

I researched online and found that this is incorrect and, when I challenged the handy man that is doing this work, he assured me that he knows what he is doing and that this is acceptable.

I tried to talk to the board and was essentially told to mind my own business. I feel that this is my business, though the HOA owns and is responsible for the patio, it is at my unit and ultimately the quality of work done on it will affect me and the value of my home.

What are your thoughts on this?

— Isaac M. Isaac, You are spot on.

Though the application of this paint won’t in itself cause leaking, you are sure to see flaking within about six months, sooner depending on the amount of traffic and weather this area has to endure. It will be just like

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661.298.0261 26858 Ruether Ave, Unit A, Saugus, CA 91351

www.ValenciaCustomShowerDoors.com Lic #852216

Don’t risk your health or that of your family — leave mold remediation to the professionals.

dandruff, and any winds that come up you’ll see this paint fly everywhere.

The correct thing to do for top coating any decking system, is to first know what system has been put down to begin with.

Each type of system has its own topcoat that is designed to go with the decking and there are methods to applying it so that it is a successful application.

If it is not documented in the HOA’s records, it will need an experienced set of eyes to determine the exact system such as Fibercrete, urethane, or acrylic, and then have the appropriate preparation done in order for the system to receive the new topcoat.

Some require primers and others don’t, but they all need to be pressure washed and have the correct solvents used to prep properly.

There are specific drying times and, then, depending on the amount of times it’s already been top-coated you may have to add additional product such as abrasives, in order to prevent slips and falls.

Your HOA likely chose the less expensive route, but I can guarantee that when these decks start peeling that handy man will not be standing behind his work and redoing it at no charge.

It’s always better to spend a little more to do it right, and have the

guarantee that your single biggest investment (home/property) is well protected.

— Robert Mold Remediation Hi Robert, I own a home here in Valencia that since the rains I have discovered that I have mold in it.

My wife has respiratory problems and I need to know the best way to handle this, mostly due to my wife’s health.

Do I need to hire a mold testing company, then a mold remediation company?

I’ve attached pictures for you and I really need your sound advice.

I know that there is a lot of newness to this mold thing and not sure if it’s as big of a deal as it’s made out to be or if I can safely handle my situation in my home, and still do the right thing and solve the mold problem all the while keeping our health?

— Bill G. Bill, You and many others are experiencing this same issue since the rains.

It only takes 72 hours under the right conditions for mold spores to grow, and especially if the area is not somewhere easily visible, it can become a bit bigger until it’s noticed. My sound advice to you is to not risk your and your wife’s health, and to leave this abatement

to the professionals.

I don’t believe that there is a need, especially if what you’re seeing is identifiable as mold, for you to test prior to abatement, it would be futile.

Either way this will be treated as mold and by not doing the testing prior, you’ll save about $600.00 or so.

I would absolutely recommend to you though, that you let the pros do the abatement for you, as they have a protocol and techniques to follow that will not only protect the surrounding areas from becoming contaminated, but the transport and disposal of the abated materials must be done per protocol as well.

They set up a containment area to contain the affected area and then they proceed to remove all affected materials and to clean/disinfect the areas as needed to remove all traces of mold.

Once this is done, and this is a very important part: they leave this containment up and it cannot be passed until a certified mold testing company comes in to take samples of the area inside the containment as well as outside of the containment.

Usually, within 48 hours, you’ll receive your results and if you find that the results are clear (they rarely have to return for additional abatement).

The abatement company can then return to tear down their containment.

It is a process, but one that is vital to keep the environment and people safe during the process of removing the mold.

Once all of this is complete, you’ll need to follow up with your repairs.

As I always do, I’d like to remind you to ask for insurance information and licensing from whomever you hire.

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

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

M A R C H 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 23

THINGS TO DO

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day here and there

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

I

t seems St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, is as popular as ever … and you don’t have to be Irish to enjoy a pint, or two, and a parade, as well.

The “wearing o’ the green” will be celebrated throughout Southern California, along with a few festivals farther afield, as well. Erin Go Bragh!

(Ireland until eternity).

For 2019, revelers are starting St Patrick’s Day celebrations one day early with most events held on Saturday, March 16.

In the SCV “An Irish Blessing:

Sunday, March 17, 4-7 p.m. Valencia United Methodist Church, 25718 McBean Parkway, Valencia.

The Santa Clarita Children’s Choir Presents, “An Irish Blessing”

OLPH Dinner/Dance

Saturday, March 16, 6 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Hall, 23233 Lyons Ave, Newhall.

Knights of Columbus St. Patrick’s Day dinner and dance.

JJ’s Bar & Grill

Sunday, March 17, 11:30 a.m. to March 18, 2 a.m. 25848 Tournament Road, Valencia, 91355, (661) 7997557.

Info jjsbarangrill.com.

Enjoy a special St. Patrick’s menu and cold beer. Ages 21+ only after 9 p.m.

Daryl Goldes of the Scoil Rince Daryl Rose school of dance introduces her Irish dancing students, (L-R) Shannon Botkin, 11, Kayley Gunning, 8, and Hannah Botkin, 11, at last year’s St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

Le Chene French Cuisine

Sunday, March 17, 5-9 p.m. 12625 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce, 91390, (661) 251-4315.

Info lechene.com.

Celebrate St. Patty’s with a genuine Irish Bagpiper, Green Beer and traditional Irish food, Le Chene style.

Salt Creek Grille

Sunday, March 17, 24415 Town Center Drive, Valencia, 91355, (661) 222-9999. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. St. Patrick’s Day Brunch.

Info saltcreekgrille.com/Valencia.

Noon-close special menu additions include corn beef sliders, Guinness corn beef soup, corn beef and cabbage entree, Irish Coffee cheesecake.

In the bar, green beer and a special Irish cocktail.

Pocock Brewery

Saturday, March 16, Noon to 10 p.m. 24907 Avenue Tibbitts, Suite B, Valencia (661) 775-4899.

Info pocockbrewing.com.

Expanded outdoor beer garden with second bar, food from Mad Scientist barbecue and Tomski Sausage, new beer release. Three live bands and no cover charge.

Shamrock Shuffle 5K and Fun Run

Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Free. Agoura Hills Calabasas Community Center, 27040 Malibu Hills Road, Calabasas, 91301.

Info www.ahccc.org.

Live music, entertainment, food, activities, contests, games and drawings for prizes. Face painting, rock climbing, inflatable rides, photo booth.

Queen Mary St. Patrick’s Day Pub

Saturday, March 16, 2019, 7 p.m.-midnight. The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, 90802. Tickets: $22-25, $15 parking on-site.

Info www.queenmary.com.

The St. Patrick’s Day Eve pub stroll will transform the Queen Mary’s historic spaces into Irish Pubs for one night only. Stroll and dance through the ship’s Iconic salons and rooms while enjoying authentic Irish food, drinks and family fun. Explore the ship to the sounds of traditional Irish music performances by artists including The Poxy Boggards, Sportive Tricks and The Merry Wives of Windsor. The entire family can experience authentic Irish food, drinks, dancing, and music on the eve of the Irish holiday.

The 31st annual Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saturday, March 16, 2019, 10 a.m.

Free.

Info www.venturastpatricksdayparade. com The 31st Annual Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts on East Main Street in front of the San Buenaventura Mission and makes its way up East Main Street. The reviewing stage is located at N. Chestnut Street and East Main Street. The parade continues up Main Street and ends at the corner of North Ann Street and East Main Street.

After the parade, revelers can raise pints of green beer at restaurants and bars in Downtown Ventura offering St. Patrick’s Day specials.

25th annual Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m. Free.

Info hbchamber.net/pages/stpatricks-day-parade1 More than a 100 local businesses, civic organizations and school marching bands will take part in the seven-block parade down Pier Avenue. The Irish theme of Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated by the many participants in the festivities including bagpipers from the Emerald Society, floats, marching bands, cars decked out in green, horses and four-legged friends from the Irish Setters Club of Southern California.

After the parade enjoy the day in beautiful Hermosa Beach, enjoy dining, shopping and trying some green beer. 

24 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 10, 2019

SCHOOL

Parental controls can reduce online time for kids

T

he internet is a valuable tool that can benefit kids in the classroom and beyond.

But as parents know, the internet also can be a danger to youngsters.

As hard as parents may try to govern their children’s internet usage, kids’ curiosity often compels them to go online when parents aren’’t keeping watch.Parental controls are a great way to protect youngsters while they’re online. Setting up such controls may vary depending on the type of devices kids use, and the following guide can help parents whose children use popular Android, Amazon Fire and iOS devices.

Android

The types of controls vary depending on the type of devices the kids use.

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)

BREAKFAST

Monday, March 11

Yogurt & Crackers Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

Tuesday, March 12

Breakfast Bagel Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Wednesday, March 13 Thursday, March 14 Friday, March 15

Maple Burst’n Mini Pancakes Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Fruit Juice Breakfast Pizza* Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Cherry Muffin & String Cheese Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

LUNCH ‘Lil Kahuna Double Dog Chicken Sandwich Spicy Chicken Sandwich Cheesy Stix & Marinara Smart Choice Pizza* Seasonal Salad Bar Pork Carnitas Taco* Chicken Nuggets PBJ Sandwich & String Cheese Smart Choice Pizza* Seasonal Salad Bar BBQ Chicken Sandwich Corn Dog Smart Choice Pizza* Seasonal Salad Bar Chocolate Chip Cookie BBQ Meatballs & Mashed Potatoes Dippin’ Chicken & Sauce Deli Sandwich Smart Choice Pizza* Seasonal Salad Bar Macaroni & Cheese Chicken Nuggets Smart Choice Pizza* Manager’s Choice* Seasonal Salad Bar Luck O’ the Ice Cup

The parental controls on Android devices allow moms and dads to restrict access to various types of content, including television shows and movies, games and apps.

The Family Link app, which can be downloaded through the Google Play store, enables parents to track their kids’ online usage and even set up limits on how much time they can spend online each day, as well as monitor the location of the device and when it is on.

When using the Family Link app, parents will need to create a separate Google account for their children.

Amazon Fire

Amazon Fire is another popular, user-friendly tablet that many children use. Each Fire device comes with FreeTime built-in.

FreeTime bans advertisements and restricts purchases so kids cannot spend mom and dad’s money without permission. In addition, FreeTime allows parents to restrict content, ensuring kids will only be able to see content approved by their parents.

Adults also can set up time restrictions to limit the amount of time their kids spend online, and they can even prevent access to certain activities, including video games.

iOS

The Screen Time function on iOS devices allows parents to restrict the use of and downloading of certain apps, including those built-in on iOS devices. Parents can specify which websites their children are allowed to visit, preventing them from visiting sites that kids should not see.

Screen Time also allows parents to block purchases made through iTunes, ensuring kids won’t run rampant spending money on music, television shows and music.

Parental controls can help parents’ monitor their youngsters’ tablet usage and protect them from visiting websites designed for adults.  — Metro Connection

M A R C H 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

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

In a galaxy not that far, far away …

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

L

ocations shoots for the 10 “Star Wars” films have covered a wide variety of landscapes across the world.

There is not a continent on the planet that hasn’t been visited in the making of “Star Wars.”

Australia has the least “claim to fame” in the “Star Wars” universe. No location shoots have occurred there, but the Fox Studios in Sydney was used for movies II and III. Among some of the international locations for “Star Wars” are Tunisia in Western Africa, Iceland, Spain, Italy, China, Thailand, Norway, Croatia, Bolivia and Ireland.

Seeking out and visiting the actual locations where “Star Wars” was filmed in California can be a fun hobby. Get the family involved. Start by watching the movies that have portions filmed in California including “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” (1977), “Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones” (2002), “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” (2005) and “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi” (1983).

‘Star Wars’ Films

•

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

•

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

•

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

•

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

•

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

•

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

•

Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)

•

Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)

•

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

and some locations, like the forest used to shoot the land of Endor backdrop where rebels and Ewoks fought the evil empire in “Star Wars Return of the Jedi,” no longer exist.

The most accessible of the California locations used in “Star Wars” were locations used in Death Valley National Park.

Most of the scenes in early “Star Wars” films were shot in the national park a few decades ago, when that type of filming was permitted.

Those scenes would be impossible to shoot now as the vast majority of the filming that was done is now prohibited due to commercial filming bans in protected wilderness areas.

Buttercup Valley, Imperial Sand Dunes

Buttercup Valley is a region of the Algodones Dunes that’s more commonly known as the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. The valley is located in the southeastern portion of California near the border of Mexico.

The Imperial Sand Dunes are the largest mass of sand dunes in the state. Formed by windblown sands of ancient Lake Cahuilla, the dune system extends for more than 40 miles in a band averaging 5 miles wide.

This remote location was used for the Great Pit of Carkoon scene on the

Left: Located in the southeast corner of California, the Imperial Sand Dunes are the largest mass of sand dunes in the state. This remote location was used for the Great Pit of Carkoon scene in “Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi.” PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

Right: Death Valley is home to many of the most accessible and most easily recognizable locations from “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” and “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.”

Dune Sea in “Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi.”

The location was also used for additional footage in the special edition of “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.”

Scenes of stormtroopers finding evidence of droids was shot there and cut in with original shots from La Grande Dune, Tunisia.

Northern California

There is much online debate as to the actual locations used for the forest scenes on the moon of Endor.

• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

California and ‘Star Wars’

California is where “Star Wars” was born and boasts several significant “Star Wars” locations.

Some locations are difficult to find,

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where a scene was shot of when R2D2 goes his separate way after he and C3P0 crash their escape pod on Tatooine.

The National Parks Service claims on its website that Endor scenes for “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi” were filmed in the Tall Trees Redwood Grove in the northern part of Humboldt County.

However, reliable first-hand reports place the land of Endor backdrop location in Del Norte County.

Lucasfilm shot scenes for moon of Endor near Smith River on Miller-Rellim Redwood Company land April to May, 1982. The forest location was subsequently clear cut, leaving no remnants of the lush forest location.

A few side by side photos and screenshots online suggest some Steadicam sequences were also shot in the Owen Cheatham Grove in Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park. The shots of Luke and Leia, while pursuing stormtroopers on landspeeders, has been placed as having been shot in the Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park.

Other footage has been credited to being captured along the Avenue of the Giants, the world-famous scenic drive, which is a 31-mile portion See GALAXY, page 35

26 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 10, 2019

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

Faster Pussycat ready to rock The Canyon

By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

S

elf-proclaimed “Hollywood sleaze rockers” Faster Pussycat came on the scene more than 30 years ago with their eponymous debut album in 1987.

Coming onto the Sunset Strip scene the same time as Guns ‘N’ Roses and Motley Crue, their sound is described in a similarly

take-no-prisoners fashion.

And one of the latest stops on the bands more than three-decade rock odyssey brings them to Canyon Santa Clarita at the Westfield Valencia Town Center on Saturday, March 23.

Taking its name from the 1965 Russ Meyer cult exploitation film “Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!”, the band broke up in 1992, with its various members becoming involved in acclaimed projects before the band

re-formed in the early 2000s. (One of the band’s songs from its early years, “Bathroom Wall” was featured on “Guitar Hero Encore: Rock the 80s,” the popular game by Activision.)

The group put out “The Power & The Glory Hole” in 2006 with Full Effect Records, the band’s first full-length LP in 14 years, which is described as “raw grinding shards of truth that cut straight through our

illusions about sex, love, reputation and death,” according to the band’s website.  Find the Canyon Santa Clarita on the ground floor of the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Get tickets at the box office 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday-Saturday, by phone at (888) 645-5006, or via TicketMaster.com.

For more info, visit Wheremusic meetstheSoul.com.

M A R C H 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 27

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

A look at ‘Greta,’ ‘Family’ and ‘The Upside’

By Dianne White Crawford Signal Contributing Writer

A

fter two weeks, the dust has finally settled from Oscar.

I’ve been asked to review the films currently in the theaters.

This usually isn’t a time for any great finds, but hopefully, I can find some good entertainment.

This week, we took a look at “Greta,” “Fighting With My Family” and “The Upside.”

(From left) Isabelle Huppert and Chloë Grace Moretz in “Greta.” ©Widow Movie, LLC and Showbox

“Greta (General Release)

“Don’t touch anything on the subway.” That should be a warning posted in all New York City tourist brochures. Recent NYC transplant Frances didn’t get the memo. She not only picks up a “lost” handbag, but also wants to personally return it to the rightful owner — despite the counseling of her streetwise roommate. Oscar winning director Neil Jordan (“The Crying Game” 1992) co-wrote the screenplay and blends in many elements … not the least of which is making friends with someone you shouldn’t.

Chloe Grace Moretz plays Frances, as the good-hearted, Boston-raised girl who is almost too innocent to believe, given the day and age we are in. When Frances returns the purse, she is greeted warmly and appreciatively by a kindly Greta (Isabelle Huppert). The two bond over their individual loneliness: Greta says her daughter lives abroad, and Frances’ mother passed away about a year ago.

It’s easy to see how a friendship forms through a substitute mother-daughter gap-filling.

There are stylistic and story elements reminiscent of movies like “Fatal Attraction” (1987) and “Single White Female” (1992), and Jordan’s camera angles and lighting combine with Javier Navarrete’s score to dish up some B-movie type comically dark moments. Maika Monroe is terrific as Frances’ roommate. She’s the direct type who tells Frances that “this city will eat you alive,” but is also extremely supportive and protective (and good at yoga).

This film is not for everyone, but the fun you have here is directly related to how you buy into the Greta versus Frances web. It’s rare to see an onscreen female predator, but neither Jordan nor Huppert round off any edges. We are reminded that being nice doesn’t always pay off, but having friends certainly does. There is some creepy evil fun to be had, as well as a key life lesson: Never trust a woman with too many purses.

“Fighting with my Family” (General Release)

This movie is a true story based upon the Wright family in Norwich, England, which found redemption in wrestling (almost a religion).

After a period on the wrong side of the law, Mr. Wright just knew where his downward spiral would lead and to save his life, his marriage and his family he turned to wrestling. Mr. Wright believes profoundly in the power of wrestling, its discipline, its camaraderie, its training, its teamwork to keep his family on the straight and narrow and if it could work for him, it could work for the community to transform lives.

The impossible dream for these amateur wrestlers is to make it “big” and be signed up for the American wrestling circuit. But to have a distant dream and then that dream present itself, and then see it through is quite a different thing. This is a carefully crafted movie with a tight script brilliantly acted by the entire ensemble. The two main leads, Florence Pugh and Jack Lowden, demonstrate an emotional intensity well beyond their years.

DVD Recommendation:

Kevin Hart (left) and Bryan Cranston in “The Upside.” PHOTO IMDB

“The Upside” (General Release) “Some people are walking around with full use of their bodies and they’re more paralyzed than I am.” — Christopher Reeve This remake of the highly successful French film “The Intouchables” (2011) is a potentially very sappy setup. Dell (Kevin Hart) is an excon in need of work. Phillip (Bryan Cranston) is a wealthy author and investor who becomes quadriplegic from a foolish paragliding incident who needs help. In the film’s unavoidable cliché, black man becomes white man’s assistant, the two bond through their differences. While sharing with each other Figaro and Aretha, they become happy buds who easily bridge the considerable racial and economic gulfs.

What makes this comedy work is the obvious respect between the leads and a sincerity about the need to appropriate other cultures for the bounty they offer in different perspectives and temperaments.

Hart has never been better playing a smart street guy from The Bronx; Cranston is magnetic with the simple use of his face, a great one that deserves all the close-ups director Neil Burger can offer.

The setups are acceptable because the film sees the humanity rolling on the screen in the form of a wheelchair and into our hearts with endearing characters. Be prepared to have a few pleasant tears.

Dolores Claiborne (1995) Kathy Bates made quite an impact, so to speak, on the movie-going public with her bravura performance in another Stephen King adaptation, “Misery” (1990). But showy (and fun) as that role was, it wasn’t really much of an acting part — the real heavy lifting in that film was done by James Caan in his quieter, subtler role as the object of Bates’ affection.

In this film, Bates finally gets a King role fully worthy of her range and subtlety. She pulls off the age transformations beautifully— I actually wondered at times whether young Dolores or old Dolores was closer to her real age. She still gets to have fun with King’s trademark Maine dialect (“Now you listen to me, Mr. Grand High Poobah of Uppah Buttcrack!” is a line that gets me every time), but she never goes too far, and her every gesture tells of her great loves for her daughter and her friend, without ever exaggerating or sentimentalizing them. It’s a remarkable performance, and the actress is probably right to remember it as her best role.

The film is an artistic success, done in a classic American style and using the simple but effective device of changing the color scheme to ease us from the present to the past.

The supporting cast more than stands up to Bates, too. Judy Parfitt is all too believable as Vera Donovan, especially in her younger incarnation.

But the part isn’t a simple caricature— those tears of anger and pride that Vera cries for Dolores and her daughter feel very real indeed. Christopher Plummer, with his mushy red nose and schoolteacher’s diction, overdoes it a bit, perhaps, but it basically goes with the character he’s been given. And David Strathairn’s Joe St. George surely deserves a high place in the canon of Stephen King movie villains.

Strathairn makes him as bad as can be, and yet there’s occasionally a playful touch that *almost* makes us see why Dolores married him in the first place. A very good film that most haven’t seen. 

28 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 10, 2019

FOOD

Comfort foods made fast and healthy Sensational Chicken Soup There is nothing more comforting than a great bowl of soup on a cold winter’s night.

2 (16-ounce) cans fat-free chicken broth 1/4 cup water 1 cup thinly sliced carrots 1 cup thinly sliced celery 1 scant cup uncooked noodles 1 1/2 cups (8 ounces) diced cooked chicken breast 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1. In a large saucepan, combine chicken broth, water, carrots and celery. Bring mixture to a boil.

2. Stir in uncooked noodles, chicken, parsley flakes and black pepper. Lower heat, cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until vegetables and noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.

Serves 4 TIP If you don’t have leftovers, purchase a chunk of cooked chicken breast from your local deli.

Each serving equals: 179 calories, 3g fat, 23g protein, 15g carbs, 498mg sodium, 34mg calcium, 2g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Meat, 1 Vegetable, 1 Starch; Carb Choices: 1.

Parmesan Bread The perfect side to go with any soup supper you’re having.

1 1/2 cups Bisquick Heart Smart Baking Mix 1 tablespoon Splenda Granular 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 2 tablespoons I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Light Margarine 1 egg or equivalent in egg substitute 1/2 cup fat-free milk 1/4 cup (3/4 ounce) Kraft Reduced-Fat Parmesan Style Grated Topping 1. Heat oven to 400 F. Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with butter-flavored cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine baking mix, Splenda, onion flakes and parsley flakes. Cut in margarine. Add egg and milk. Mix well to combine.

2. Spread batter into prepared cake pan. Evenly sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes. Place cake pan on a wire rack and spray top lightly with butter-flavored cooking spray. Let set for 5 minutes. Cut into 8 wedges. Serve warm.

Each serving equals: 115 calories, 3g fat, 3g protein, 19g carbs, 366mg sodium, 47mg calcium, 1g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch; Carb Choices: 1.

Cheesy Tuna Pie Whether you’re reaching for a can of tuna for Lent or because it’s just an economical staple, this dish will make you think you should have tuna more often.

1 cup shredded Kraft 2 Percent Milk cheddar cheese 1 cup frozen peas, thawed 1 (6-ounce) can white tuna, packed in water, drained and flaked 1 (2-ounce) jar sliced pimiento, drained 3/4 cup Bisquick Heart Smart baking mix 1/2 cup fat-free milk 1/2 cup fat-free half & half 2 tablespoons non-fat sour cream 3 eggs or equivalent in egg substitute 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1. Heat oven to 400 F. Spray a 9-inch pie plate with butter-flavored cooking spray.

2. In medium bowl, combine cheddar cheese, peas, tuna and pimiento.

Evenly spread mixture into prepared pie plate. In same bowl, combine baking mix, milk, half & half, sour cream and eggs. Mix well using a wire whisk. Stir in onion and parsley flakes, and black pepper. Carefully pour batter over tuna mixture.

3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Place pie plate on a wire rack and let set for 5 minutes. Divide into 6 wedges.

HINT Thaw peas by rinsing in a colander under hot water for one minute.

Each serving equals: 220 calories, 8g fat, 17g protein, 20g carbs, 505mg sodium, 228mg calcium, 2g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Meat, 1 Starch; Carb Choices: 1. ©2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

M A R C H 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 29

SENIORLIVING

How occupational therapy can help with arthritis

O

ccupational therapy may sound like something exclusive to people who are injured on the job.

Though occupational therapy helps people in the workplace every day, it also helps men and women, including those with arthritis, perform everyday activities that may or may not be work-related.

Though occupational therapy helps people in the Arthritis can take workplace every day, it also helps men and women, both a physical and including those with arthritis, perform everyday financial toll. The activities that may or may not be work-related.

Arthritis Foundation work or recreation while striving to notes that it’s difficult to determine help patients enhance their quality just how many people currently sufof life. fer from arthritis, as treatment often Because there are more than 100 isn’t sought until symptoms become different types of arthritis, men and severe. women diagnosed with the condition Conservative estimates from the foundation suggest 54 million adults can benefit greatly from individualized care. One-size-fits-all solutions in the United States currently have arthritis, though the organization re- may not work for arthritis sufferers, ports that a recent study suggested as who can benefit from one-on-one inmany as 91 million might be dealing teractions with OT practitioners.

For example, the AOTA notes that with this painful inflammation and OT practitioners may recommend stiffness of the joints. personalized adaptive equipment to As if the pain from arthritis patients with arthritis who are expeweren’t enough, the condition also riencing pressure and discomfort in can cause financial problems for those who cannot work or only work their hands when holding or workpart-time, with annual medical costs ing with objects. Before making such recommendations, OT practitioners and earnings loss estimates in the may analyze patients’ daily activities hundreds of billions of dollars. to ensure they get equipment that Occupation therapy can help will provide the support and relief people with arthritis overcome their specific condition calls for. their conditions. The American Arthritis is a global concern that Occupational Therapy Association, the Arthritis Foundation estimates Inc., notes that most joints have the will only become more prevalent in potential to develop arthritis, which the decades to come. Occupational can affect mobility, cause pain and therapy can be just what arthritis even lead to deformity. sufferers need to overcome their However, the AOTA also states conditions and improve their quality that OT practitioners aim to help of life.  people with arthritis maximize their ability to participate in activities like — Metro Connection

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30 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 10, 2019

T R AV E L

March travel fun from the desert to the mountains

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

M

arch is full of opportunities for fun with your loved ones.

Here’s a few places to go explore, and some ideas for a few family fun days in March.

Death Valley

Death Valley is the largest national park outside of Alaska, with 3.3 million acres of designated wilderness and hundreds of miles of backcountry roads.

Winter and spring are the best times of year to visit Death Valley National Park.

When temperatures rise (which can include early April at times), summer hiking is not recommended in the park. During the summer, it’s recommended visitors limit outside exposure to 15 minutes away from air conditioning.

Panamint City Ghost Town

Panamint City was founded by outlaws who, while hiding from the law in the Panamint Mountains, found silver in Surprise Canyon and gave up their life of crime. In 1874 the town was at the height of its boom with a population of 2,000 citizens. By the fall of 1875 the boom was over, and in 1876, a flash flood destroyed most of the town.

GOLDEN CANYON — A LABYRINTH LANDSCAPE OF GOLDEN COLORED HILLS AND WINDING NARROW CANYONS CREATE HIKING OPTIONS RANGING FROM EASY STROLLS TO STRENUOUS ADVENTURES.

Left: The hike from Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral in California’s Death Valley National Park is about 3 miles and takes about 2 hours roundtrip. The trailhead is located 2 miles south of CA190 on Badwater Road. PHOTO BY VISIT CALIFORNIA

Rhyolite Ghost Town

The “Queen City” was the largest town in the Death Valley area with a population of 5,000-10,000 people.

During its heyday from 1905-1911, it contained two churches and 50 saloons. The town contains numerous ruins including the Bottle House, Sen. W.A. Clark’s train depot, remains of a 3-story bank building and the jail.

It is on Bureau of land Management land and accessible by passenger car.

Golden Canyon

A labyrinth landscape of golden colored hills and winding narrow canyons create hiking options ranging from easy strolls to strenuous adventures. Every imaginable shade of gold, from orange to apricot to school-bus yellow, is visible in the wrinkled Golden Canyon cliffs, whose folded and eroded layers glow at sunrise and sunset.

P

Sunrise at Zabriskie Point

Wake up early and watch the badlands glow gold as the first light of day reaches Zabriskie Point. The morning sun also paints the Panamint Range across the valley with gorgeous pinks and purples.

Below: Panamint City is one of several ghost towns in Death Valley National Park.

It is accessible by a 5-mile hike from Chris Wicht’s Camp. ©Michael Lanza/The Big Outside

Mesquite Flat Dunes

This is an easy hike only 2 miles (3.2km) round trip out and back, a short hour and half. The difficulty level is rated easy to moderate with only 185 feet elevation gain. Located in Stovepipe Wells Village 30 minutes, 24 miles west of Furnace Creek.

See EXPLORE, page 32

Full moon over The Racetrack at dusk.

Nestled in a remote valley between Cottonwood and Last Chance ranges is the stunning beauty and mysterious playa called The Racetrack. It is a dry lakebed best known for its moving rocks. ©Christian Heeb

M A R C H 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 31

PROFILE

Marhevka reflects on 25 years with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

By Matt Fernandez Signal Staff Writer

W

hen Glen Marhevka first picked up his trumpet, there was an instant connection.

But he never planned on becoming a professional musician. Now, his band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Marhevka moved to the Santa Clarita Valley in seventh grade during the 80s and joined the band programs in both junior high and high school while also taking private lessons.

While attending California State University, Northridge, Marhevka majored in music before briefly working as a freelance musician.

“I chose the trumpet in fifth grade even though my dad, who played the saxophone and clarinet, wanted me to start on clarinet,” Marhevka said.

“I remember hearing trumpets at my sister’s band concerts, and was enamoured by the instrument. Somehow, I convinced my parents to get me a horn, and from the moment I picked it up, I loved it.”

In the early 90s, against the backdrop of angsty grunge rock bands like Nirvana, a jazz/swing revival band called Big Bad Voodoo Daddy began to form and was looking to replace their trumpet player. Marhevka, who played in various reggae and ska bands at the time, was recommended to the band members by a mutual acquaintance. He clicked with the members of the band right off the bat, and has been BBVD’s featured solo trumpet ever since.

Being the youngest original member of the band helped earn him the nickname “The Kid,” and it didn’t help that he ordered a hot dog and fries during one of their first meals on tour — while the other members ordered “sophisticated” items, such as salmon and steak.

“Our lead singer Scotty said, ‘Oh my God, dude, you really are a kid,’” Marhevka recalled with a laugh. “Then, when we performed later that night in San Luis Obispo, he started calling me ‘The Kid’ — then other people started doing it and it stuck. Plus, my last name is hard to pronounce.”

BBVD did not want to just be a revival band that played classic oldies,

Glen Marhevka is the youngest original member of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. PHOTO COURTESY ANDY ROWLEY

and though they do play some covers Marhevka said that from the outset the band sought to craft their own sound and create their own original work. By creating a dynamic onstage presence, providing original songs that were a sort of foil to the grunge movement and capitalizing on prominent media appearances, Marhevka feels that the band was able to create a concrete following.

“The 20s through the 40s was the real heyday for big band music, but around the time we started, there was a resurgence in interest in that sound,” Marhevka said. “People came out to listen to us and liked it, but that interest came and went after the early 2000s; but we kept pushing forward and making new music.”

In addition to staying true to their original vision, the band has managed to retain its original seven members in addition to adding two other members, which Marhevka credits to clear communication between the members, respect and their commitment to highlight and support each others’ strengths.

Outside of playing with the band, Marhevka developed a passion for music education that he credits to the care his junior high and high school music teachers showed towards him.

He also recalled a meeting he had with Doc Severinsen, former band leader on “The Tonight Show,” for further cementing his desire to inspire young musicians.

“My teacher brought our class to

the set of ‘The Tonight Show,’ and he knew Doc, so he brought me over to talk to him,” Marhevka said. “I was a really big fan of his, and he took an hour out of his day to just be cool and talk to me. At that point, I told myself that if the ambassador of trumpets for the world could take the time to talk to me as a nobody kid, then if I had the chance to do the same for other kids I would do it.”

As the band gained mainstream traction, they formed a partnership with an instrument manufacturer. The trumpet player approached the company with the idea for a national high school band competition and held a clinic and concert for the winning schools. He continues to hold these concerts and clinics. He also teaches private lessons and mentors high school students.

“I think it’s really important to engage kids and if you can spark an interest in music in just one kid, then in my opinion it’s totally worth it,” Marhevka said. “The rest of the band is totally on board with it too and the importance of education has become one of our mantras.”

Last April, BBVD celebrated its 25th year and began an anniversary tour that will conclude this April. One of the tour stops included a The Canyon in Valencia, which Marhevka used as an opportunity to catch up with old friends.

“We rarely ever play in Santa Clarita, I think we’ve only done it twice before, but it’s really fun to come back to my

hometown to play,” he said. “When I grew up here, there was nothing where The Canyon Club is at the mall except for fields, and nothing much in Valencia — so it was cool to come home and see how it’s changed.”

When he is not playing with the band and teaching, Marhevka likes to spend time with his family, golfing once a week if possible with friends and also works on side projects like creating original music scores for film.

When the 25th year celebration ends, BBVD still has some performances planned, but the band will also begin recording some new material and revamp some old material.

Marhevka said that he didn’t anticipate playing in the same band for over two decades, but he doesn’t know where his life would have gone otherwise.

“I have no backup plan,” he said, and adding he’s happy for the bonds and camaraderie he has built with his bandmates.

The musician said he doesn’t have a favorite moment of his career, characterizing the beginning of his days with the band as a “whirlwind” of activity; while more recently he’s been trying to “soak up the experiences.”

“It’s hard to describe this experience because we’ve been all over the world, played over 3,000 concerts, and I never anticipated anything like playing at the Super Bowl or in movies,” he said. “It’s been an amazing experience.” 

32 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 10, 2019

T R AV E L

EXPLORE

Continued from page 30

The summit of the highest dune is only a mile each way. No formal trail.

Of the seven sets of dunes in Death Valley, these are the most famous and accessible.

Death Valley National Park is approximately a 3-hour drive from the Santa Clarita Valley, north along the Antelope Valley Freeway.

Info nps.gov/deva/index

Big Bear

Families will benefit from the recent epic snowfall in Big Bear with Big Bear Snow Play, Southern California’s largest snow-tubing park, expected to provide great snow conditions through April.

So far this winter, Mother Nature has delivered 52 inches of natural snow to Big Bear. February has accumulated more than half of the season total with 28 inches of fluffy white flakes. More snow is expected, too.

Big Bear Snow Play is open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for snow tubing.

Glow tubing is 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Snow tubers must be 36 inches tall.

General admission passes, which includes tube rental and Magic Carpet lift are $35, and small children (36 inches to 42 inches tall) are $20 with a paying adult.

Big Bear Snow Play is located at 42825 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear (three miles east of Big Bear Village, next to Motel 6).

Info (909) 585-0075 or BigBearSnowPlay.com.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park protects

Big Bear Snow Play was once a ski hill known as Rebel Ridge. Today, it sports one of the longest runs in Southern California. The uphill lift (right) eliminates the tiring struggle of getting those tubes uphill. PHOTOS BY BIG BEAR

nearly 800,000 acres in Southern California. Originally declared a national monument in 1936, Joshua Tree became a national park in 1994.

Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in the park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain.

Because summers are particularly harsh in this area of Southern California now is the time to plan a family camping trip, or weekend trip, to see the wondrous landscape of Joshua Tree National Park.

Keys View

This popular destination provides panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and is well worth the 20-minute drive from Park Boulevard down Keys View Road. Take the 0.2-mileloop trail up the ridge for especially nice views.

Look for the shining surface of the Salton Sea, which is 230 feet below

sea level, on the far left. To the right, the Santa Rosa Mountains are behind Indio and, along with 10,800-foot San Jacinto Peak behind Palm Springs, form the high points of the Peninsular Ranges. Further right, the usually snow-covered peak of 11,500-foot San Gorgonio Mountain is visible.

The southwest side of the ridge drops nearly a mile in elevation into the Coachella Valley.

Skull Rock

Skull Rock was formed when rain drops accumulated in tiny depressions and started to erode the granite.

As more rock eroded, more water accumulated, leading to more erosion until, as time passed, two hollowed-out eye sockets formed and the rock began to resemble a skull.

Located along the main east-west

park road, Skull Rock is a favorite stop for park visitors.

Joshua Trees

These grizzled looking plants can reach up to 40 feet-tall. Find them growing on mostly level, well-drained areas throughout the park at elevations from 2,000 to 6,000 feet (the Black Rock Canyon area and Queen’s Valley have some of the best stands).

Given the right conditions, Joshua trees put out clusters of gorgeous white-green flowers from March into April.

There are four visitor centers located in Joshua Tree National Park which is located near Twenty-Nine Palms and Palm Springs.

Info nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/ visitorcenters 

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Zabriskie Point in California’s Death Valley National Park. ©MAX WHITTAKER

M A R C H 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 33

To Your Good Health ­­— In Hydration Game, Coffee Counts Dear Dr. Roach I drink a lot of coffee, about 80 ounces per day. I feel no ill effects and have no stomach discomfort, but my wife says water is better. A kidney specialist basically said, “fluid is fluid” and that as long as I am hydrated, coffee is fine. With studies showing that coffee has antioxidants and reduces certain cancers, what should I do? ­— M.K.

Answer People with long memories may recall that in the early 1980s, coffee was linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. However, the study has become a textbook example of poor design, and further studies have suggested that coffee drinking may be associated with lower risk of breast, prostate and oral cancers. I wouldn’t recommend drinking coffee just for this reason, as the effect size, if it really exists, is pretty small.

As far as hydration goes, your kidney specialist is completely right. The caffeine in regular coffee is perceived as a diuretic (a substance that makes

coffee is fine — though I still think that, as your wife says, water is better for many people.

Dear Dr. Roach I am a 64-year-

you urinate excessively), but that turns out to be myth as well, at least in regular coffee drinkers.

One potential ill effect of caffeine is that it minimally decreases calcium absorption. However, this amounts to the equivalent of calcium in a tablespoon or two of milk, so it is unlikely to affect overall calcium balance significantly.

Eighty ounces of coffee is a lot of caffeine, and some people will get jittery or have sleep disturbances. It also can have variable effects on gut motility (that’s a delicate way of saying that it commonly causes diarrhea, but it also can cause constipation). All that said, if you aren’t having any ill effects from drinking so much coffee,

old male. I had a stroke and lost vision in my right eye in 2005. I am right-handed. I had very high blood pressure at the time, and it’s now under control with drugs. Since then, I can no longer wear polarized sunglasses. I have light-sensitive eyes, but most over-the-counter sunglasses are polarized. My ophthalmologist and other eye specialists tell me they’ve never heard of my problem occurring. With polarized glasses on, I see in 3-D. Blue lines in the roadway and sewer lids or any metal covering appear to be 3-D to me. I have to be careful stepping over the handicap space lines because they look like curbs. Have you ever heard of this, or am I unique? If I can locate nonpolarized lenses, then I have no problem.

Thank you.

— J.O.

H E A LT H Answer While everyone is unique, this is a condition I have heard of before. In fact, I know people who deliberately watch television with one eye in order to enhance the 3-D effects. Polarized light does tend to accentuate lines and edges, so it doesn’t surprise me that with your one working eye you have an accentuated 3-D sensation — your brain has learned to use cues that people with two working eyes might miss. In your case, the brain has interpreted things so strongly that you are having some optical illusions. Sadly, I don’t have any practical advice beyond finding nonpolarized lenses.  Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med. cornell.edu. © 2019 North America Synd., Inc. All rights reservedAll Rights Reserved

34 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 10, 2019

GARDENING

Why gardening is just what the doctor ordered

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

G

ardening can be a fun hobby or a way to make our homes look more attractive. To lower our water bills and help the environment, we have fixed up our landscapes to keep our houses cleaner and more comfortable. Some of us dive into gardening to support local wildlife, or embrace the garden as a way to extend our living space for fun and entertainment. We’ve even rediscovered the old-fashioned delight, convenience and superior flavor of growing our own fruits and vegetables.

However, did you know gardening also is one of the best things you can do for your health?

We have become so focused on indoor living and technology, we ignore that our lifestyles are not good for our health. Sitting for hours at work, in front of your computer, laptop, or iPad, slumping over a cellphone, or lounging in front of the television is doing nothing good for your body, or those of your family.

You can certainly take out a gym membership or sign up for active hiking or workout classes. You may even manage to attend some. But getting out into the garden will require no subscription fees nor will you have to fight traffic to drive anywhere. You can actually improve how you look and feel while making your home

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space better in every way — including increasing your property value.

Try becoming involved in the land that surrounds where you live. You might be surprised at the changes gardening can offer to your health.

Here are just some of the benefits your doctor — and you — might notice when it’s time for a check-up.

Would you like to cut down on injuries?

Gardening strengthens, stretches and adds flexibility to muscles and bones. You can accomplish a lot more growing plants, weeding and digging than many home workouts.

When you are busy being productive, the time feels well spent rather than obligatory and boring.

What about being ill less often?

Working in the garden increases blood circulation oxygenating and strengthening your organs and making you better at fighting off infections — especially during cold and flu season. But you won’t be thinking about building up your resistance because you’ll be too distracted by enjoying the birds, butterflies, sunshine and focusing on your outdoor project.

Achy and sore?

Lack of vitamin D is often a culprit responsible for tiredness, pain and a whole list of symptoms causing suffering these days. You can go buy supplements to help or you can enjoy working outdoors and let natural sunshine help your body build its own vitamin D cure! Winter can offer some of the most comfortable

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temperatures for working outdoors in Santa Clarita.

Feeling a bit depressed?

Believe it or not, there are beneficial organisms in soil that are released when you dig in your garden. One beneficial fungus called Mycobacterium Vaccae stimulates the body to create more serotonin and has the same effect as taking an antidepressant! Only it has NO bad side effects.

And it’s free! Also, being active outdoors offers fresh air and increases blood circulation that will sharpen your ability to think and will help you feel better about yourself.

Do you like food that is flavorful and rich in vitamins?

Growing your own fruits and vegetables is not only fun and good exercise, but since fresh food starts losing nutrients immediately after being picked, home-grown edibles have more taste and nutrients than anything you can buy.

By planting your own food, you can also grow tasty treats that may be hard to find or expensive to buy like pimento peppers, purple carrots, asparagus peas or black radishes. Herbs and spices are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Grow your own and they can be available fresh whenever you are cooking, baking or need some quick, natural healing from herbal remedies. Many aid with digestion.

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Try digging, planting, pruning, carrying containers of soil or water.

Gardening offers a wide range of exercise to keep your body looking and feeling in top condition. Then

you can show off your healthy-looking body to whomever you want to impress. And you can look great in all the latest fashions for men or women.

Especially in the coming spring and summer!

Want to bring the family together?

Gardening is an excellent way to involve the whole family in a project you can do together. Introducing children to the larger view of life can help them find a powerful sense of worth, belonging and connectivity that will strengthen them for a lifetime of growth and challenges. And there are plenty of jobs that will offer renewed energy and sense of purpose to seniors.

Working in the garden is one of the most basic ways a family can work and play together, a great way to drain stress and open up communications. Nothing is healthier than the strong sense of belonging offered by being a part of a family — your family, a family of friends and neighbors or Mother Nature’s family of which we are all a part.

Now that you see just some of the benefits of gardening for good health, you can see why this is the cheapest, easiest and most fun way to feel good.

Ironically, it’s just what the doctor has been ordering for thousands of years.

Being consumed with time issues and technology, we’ve forgotten some of the best and simplest ways to heal and stay healthy. Gardening is at the top of the list and can be done almost anywhere — including the window sill or a balcony of a small apartment.

Now is the perfect time to start. Are you ready? 

M A R C H 10, 2019

GALAXY

Continued from page 25

of old Highway 101, that parallels Freeway 101, and is surrounded by Humboldt Redwoods State Park in Humboldt County.

Death Valley National Park

Want to visit Tatooine? It’s not as far away as you might think, since scenes of Tatooine were shot in Death Valley National Park, before prohibitions on such location shoots were put in place.

Death Valley is home to many of the most accessible and most easily recognizable locations from “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” and “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.”

Winter and spring are the best times to find these locations in Death Valley National Park. Summer hiking is not recommended in the lower elevations of the park. Visitors in the summer are recommend to spend only 15 minutes out of the car’s air conditioning in the summer heat in the lower elevations.

Look for these locations:

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 35

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is where a scene was shot of when R2D2 goes his separate way after he and C3P0 crash their escape pod on Tatooine (spliced with footage shot in Tunisia).

Artists Palette and Golden Canyon locations where R2D2 is abducted by Jawas (spliced with footage shot at Sidi Bouhlel, Tunisia).

Artist’s Drive is where the miniature Sandcrawler was filmed for the shot of R2D2 being carried up to it by Jawas.

Desolation Canyon is where Tusken Raiders mount Bantha before Luke Skywalker is attacked (spliced with Sidi Bouhlel, Tunisia footage).

Dante’s View provided the panoramic establishing shot of Mos Eisley (spliced with Sidi Bouhlel, Tunisia footage of Luke and Obi-Wan standing on a rocky outcrop). Recognize the view looking down on Mos Eisley?

Twenty-Mule Team Canyon, Death Valley is the location of two Tatooine scenes from “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.” Recognize the landscape around Jabba the Hutt’s palace? You can find this location a short distance down the road in the

Dante’s View in California’s Death Valley National Park, which provided the panoramic establishing shot of Mos Eisley.

canyon. It’s where C-3P0 and R2D2 walk up to the Palace of Jabba the Hutt. The Blu-ray deleted scenes of “Star Wars Episode VI” also include a scene in a small cave (which for safety reasons, is now not accessible) where Luke Skywalker finishes his lightsaber. There are also a few shots from outside the now defunct cave followed by R2D2 and C3PO starting their trek to Jabba’s palace.

The unpaved road through colorful, eroded badlands runs 2.5 miles, one-way. The unpaved road is good for most cars and drivers, but check road conditions before you travel.

Afternoon and morning light will

HISTORY

Continued from page 7

“I always wanted to be independent, to have control over my situation.

That’s what it felt like … that’s how I would describe flying,” Rebman said while describing his past life as a pilot.

The grandsons

Although John is 20 and a student at College of the Canyons and his younger brother Jake is only 17 and a student at Bowman High School, Nobile says he hopes to one day share his business with his grandsons.

Since they were kids, they have come to visit with their grandfather and see what he and his employees were making that day, learning the tricks of the trade from a very young age.

“I’m about the propellers right now,” said John, noting that he hopes to continue to grow in his knowledge of both the engines, and as well as his grandfather’s historical memorabilia collection.

“It’s got to go to somebody”

Lock Stock & Barrel Investments President Spencer Hoglund describes the history of a painted WWII leather flight jacket that he brought to a meeting of the Company of Military Historians held at Sun Air Parts.

because my other family members are too busy to take over the Sun Air operation, said Nobile. “Sooner or later I’m going into the box, and if they’re here they can figure it out.”

They can take you on a tour of place, rattling off the various factoids of each historical and/or unique item

on the airplane factory floor, with each interesting tidbit coming as fluidly and matter-of-factly as their grandfather had when he first told them as children.

“I work here a couple times a week,” said Jake. When asked what he tells his friends at school what

provide a delight of contrast, as the erosion in the hills becomes highlighted and shadowed.

Desolation Canyon is a multihued canyon that also includes a few views of Tatooine. Scenes from “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” were filmed near here. To find the location, walk towards the route into Desolation Canyon. Before the mouth of Desolation Canyon, find another canyon which will look familiar from the movie.

Drive to the Artists Palette parking area where you can enjoy the colors and also notice a few views of Tatooine. 

his day job is, he doesn’t go into too much detail because they “wouldn’t believe” him.

They’re learning everything about the mechanics of pushing a broom to the inner-workings of a plane that won the Allies World War II. They’re being taught how to find a particular engine part — of which was decommissioned by the United States Air Forces decades before they were born — in the massive catalogue that is the Sun Air Parts storage rooms.

And in the same way they’re acclimating themselves to the minutiae of the family business, the grandsons are modeling themselves after their grandfather’s attitude and personality of having been fortunate to acquire these jaw-dropping things.

“It never gets old to me,” said John.

“I mean, because every time we bring someone back here they get that same look on their face of awe … And I get to experience that with them again, like I did when I was first here.” 

36 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M A R C H 10, 2019

R E A L E S TAT E

Are garage conversions to living spaces legal?

By Ray the Realtor Signal Contributing Writer

G

arage conversions come in many forms.

I’ve seen a few things “out in the field.”

I’ve seen garage conversions to studio apartments for family members, with stall showers and efficiency kitchens. Some of these have been well-done and are even “nice.”

I have also seen the above that are in no way awesome, with non-code compliant electrical and plumbing, with plastic pipe for gas appliances, no or limited ventilation with gas water heaters or space heaters, open electrical junction boxes, no smoke or CO detectors, distinct mold smell indicating leaks, limited access, drafty and rodent-accessible — immediate health and safety hazards to not only that space, but the entire structure.

I’ve seen “man caves” that would knock your socks off, with bars, paneling, and huge screen TVs and great sound systems with tiered seating in ultra-comfortable chairs.

I’ve seen some basic efficiency apartments, rented out to students, friends, and sometimes, whole families who might have fallen on hard times. Renting out space can help with the mortgage payment, and I don’t begrudge people who want or need to make some extra cash. I work with a lot of people, and everybody has a story and often, challenges of one kind or another.

However, you started reading this wanting an answer to the question, are garage conversions legal? Short answer: It depends.

Lately, we’ve seen a substantial increase in garage-conversion units, also known as “granny flats” or “Accessory Dwelling Units“ (planning. lacounty.gov/adu), due to California Senate Bill 1069. The bill, enacted in 2017, was designed to increase housing supply by easing on garage-conversion units. The bill also presents an opportunity for homeowners to increase their home value by adding liveable space to

their home without dealing with the previously stringent permitting process.

Prior to the enactment of SB 1069, a legal garage conversion, particularly in the Los Angeles area, was time consuming and expensive due to the permitting process. Among other things, in order to convert a garage to living space, many cities required the addition of replacement parking spaces, large pathways from the garage conversion to the street, a sprinkler system for the new unit, and fees and charges to connect local water and sewer systems even for existing structures. In fact, the permitting system in the city of Los Angeles prior to SB 1069 was so complex that in 2016, the Los Angeles Superior Court had put a hold on garage-conversion permits due to a conflict between state law and local rules.

Enacted in 2017, SB 1069 encourages garage-conversion units by eliminating many of these requirements and simplifying the permitting process. Now, so long as a property is within 1.5 miles of a public transit system, a permit can more easily be obtained for a garage conversion of up to 1,200 square feet that starts within five feet of the property line.

There are potential downsides of a garage conversion. It may trigger a re-assessment for tax purposes, but it will also add value to the home when you sell. However, some home loan programs, particularly those that are federally insured, require garage or covered parking as a condition of the loan, so that might be problematic. I’m thinking of FHA and VA financing in particular. So again, the decision to go fully legal with permits and a complete elimination of covered parking may not be to your advantage when selling.  Ray “the Realtor” Kutylo is the team leader of the SCV Home Team at Keller Williams VIP Properties. The Team brings experienced and professional service, commitment and value to every transaction, whether you are a home buyer or seller. Ray can be reached at (661) 312-9461 or by email at rkutylo@gmail.com. The views expressed are his own and not necessarily those of The Signal. CA DRE 00918855

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M A R C H 10, 2019

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

The baggage game

By Jim Mullen Signal Contributing Writer

I

paid $70 to check two bags on a recent flight so I would be baggage-free. It was worth $70 not to watch after two bags while using the restroom or grabbing a bite to eat in a connecting airport.

There’s a reason they call it luggage.

You have to “lug” it. Many people don’t think it’s worth the money to check their bags. So, in addition to their cell phones and laptops, they also carry coats and shopping bags and fast food, all stacked up on top of a rolling bag or two. If I took a picture of people waiting in the departure “lounge” of most airports and told you it was a group of people who camp beneath an underpass, you’d believe it.

Since absolutely no one except me checks their luggage, the security gates, waiting rooms and the terminal shops are clogged with people carrying more baggage for a four-hour flight than they’d need on a six-week safari. This despite the signs all over the airport stating that all bags bigger than a breadbox must be checked, and that passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item that must fit under the seat.

I followed the rules and got charged $70, thank you very much. Everyone else did whatever they pleased. Talk about rewarding bad behavior. The airlines could save a ton of money by not bothering to post all those signs telling people not to take luggage on to the plane when, obviously, they can and they do.

And it’s not just luggage. Pillows seem popular, especially with college-age kids. Oh, not those little things that go around your neck, but full-sized pillows, the kind most of us leave on the bed. I wonder if kids carry these pillows around campus? I hear it’s hard to fall asleep in the lecture

hall without a good pillow — the seats are sooo hard. I actually know people who have gone an entire day without carrying around a pillow. Not to brag, but I’ve done it myself many times.

Like, every day.

I am all for being comfortable, but this is an airplane ride, not a threemonth-long covered wagon ride across the plains. Why is it that the same people who can sit in front of a TV set for 10 hours binge-watching “The Walking Dead” can’t sit still for four hours on a plane? Most people will get to their destination in hours, not months, and in relative comfort compared to, say, seven days on a dusty stagecoach going from Phoenix to Tombstone. I’m not saying modern travel is fun — the whole airport experience is disheartening — but it’s fast compared to what our recent ancestors had to endure. We’ve probably all taken trips where waiting for the luggage to come off the carousel took longer than the flight, where waiting for the shuttle bus to the airport hotel took longer than the drive to the airport. It’s no wonder everyone wants to carry their luggage with them, but there’s really not much the airlines can do. If one airline enforces the rules, people will just switch to the airline that doesn’t make you check your oversized carry-ons and pillows.

What is in all that luggage? Clothes, of course. But when people get on the plane wearing flip-flops and shorts, and then struggle to put two big, heavy cases in the overhead rack, it’s hard to believe those cases are full of suits and ties. Especially when the plane’s going to Miami. It’s got to be something they simply can’t live without for seven days. Food, maybe?

Their favorite mattress? A comfort animal or two? Gold bars? The world’s heaviest underwear?

No, their stuff is probably just like mine, except I’m not lugging it everywhere I go.  Contact Jim Mullen at mullen.jim@ gmail.com.

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By Brenno Rescuers yourself.” n Dixson Signal Staff owner on social media and arranged for them to Signal file photo Writer pick up the dog. afA tow truck operator watches as a Toyota Corolla reaches the surface After hea lifted about 200 feet by a crane on to Lake Hughes Road north of ter being See LA VAU, A6 his fight ring about Carter

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A tale of two rescues

7 years later, crash survivor glad to be alive at daughter’s book-signing

Missing puppy found after having run away from scene of crash; animal was hungry, dehydrated when saved

City’s re nt gro

wth rate Faith above sta te avera ge Coupons Home Improvement Hya tt joins Carter’s Hotel pla Business News ns event proc to donate fight SCV’s ee child’s ba ds to tr ttle again It’s the Law Column Sanfilippo syndromest to the g ibute reats Concer ts set to retuin the Pa rk serie Right Here Right Now rn to Ce s nt ral Pa rk Color Comics

City’s rent growth rate above state average

9 1 9 1 d e h s i l b a Est

tribute Hyatt joins Carter’s fight SCV’s to the greats

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Hotel plans to donate event proceeds to child’s battle against Sanfilippo syndrome

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By Brennon Dixson Louis Ga Signal Staff Writer of Canyo rasi n Count ry After hearing about Carter Sarkar, his fight with Sanfilippo syndrome and the recent million-dollar movement to fund his clinical trial, the Hyatt Regency Valencia has announced that it will donate every dollar from its upcoming fireworks viewing event to the young boy from Castaic.

“Our entire staff was deeply moved by the article in Saturday’s paper regarding Carter Sarkar and the fight to save him from Sanfilippo syndrome,” said Natasha Zambrano, sales coordinator at Hyatt Regency Valencia. “We at Hyatt would like to contribute to this fight by offering our parking structure to the community to watch fireworks this upcoming Fourth of July.”

Children who are diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome will likely

6

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By Danielle Korzhenyak For The Signal

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Austin Dave/The Signal (See additional photos at signalscv.com)

home In this May 2017 photo, Jennifer Sarkar carries her son Carter to a to get on Ponderosa Street in Castaic. The Sarkar family raised $978,467 a clinical trial that might help Carter’s fight against Sanfilippo syndrome. develop muscle pains, experience seizures and then, ultimately, die in their mid-to late-teens, said Jennifer Sarkar, Carter’s mother.

As a result, the family held a fundraiser in the past month with the goal to donate a million dollars to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Cure Sanfilippo Foundation, which

would fund a clinical trial that could give Carter a chance at life.

“Over the years the structure has been a gathering place to have an unobstructed view of the festivities (and fireworks) from Six Flags,” Zambrano said.

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July 7

Wanted, a Bon Jovi tribute band, is first up in the lineup of Concerts in the Park. Based out of Los Angeles, the band is made up of professional musicians.

The rock ’n’ roll group had immense success, playing to sold out venues and garnering rave reviews. Wanted was finally created after numerous requests from agents and promoters who worked with the band on other projects.

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S H T N O SIX M INDEX

The crowd-pleasing Concerts in the Park series returns to Santa Clarita for a music-filled summer, starting this weekend at Central Park.

Concerts in the Park are free public events put on by the city of Santa Clarita every Saturday night from July 7 until Aug. 25. The shows start at 7 p.m.

Get ready to break out your lawn chairs and blankets, grab some tasty snacks from local vendors onsite and listen to some of your favorite genre tribute bands coming to the Saugus park.

Here’s a breakdown of each band performing at Concerts in the Park:

Good morning to Signal subscriber Louis Garasi of Canyon Country

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