Sunday Signal 040724

Budget-Friendly Ways to Update a Wardrobe

An individual’s appearance can speak volumes. For many, that underscores the importance of having a wardrobe that presents the image they want to project.

Unless you have unlimited funds, the process of curating a wardrobe can take time. Life brings with it many expenses, but it’s possible to update your wardrobe each season without breaking the bank. Check out these seven money-saving suggestions before visiting retailers.

Investigate your closet (and others’)

Take stock of what’s already in your closet and drawers. You may forget what you have, particularly if you pack away seasonal items. In addition, check with roommates or family members to see if they have any pieces they don’t use or would like to swap. This keeps everyone looking fresh.

Turn pants into shorts or capris

Who hasn’t had the dryer shrink an item that once fit? Over time, the hemline on a dress may creep up or pants just don’t hit at the right spot on the ankle any longer. Rather than wasting an item, with some minor tailoring you can transform pants into shorts or capris and transform long dresses into short ones.

Invest in basics

Keep a cheat sheet in your pocket or purse when

The Basics

shopping so you can pick up items when they are on discount. Staples to stock a wardrobe include a basic black dress, classic black dress pants, white dress shirt, A-line skirt in a neutral color, any occasion tops, and well-fitting darker wash jeans. For men, basics include slacks and blazers or a well-fitting suit, dress shirts in a few neutral colors, casual khaki slacks, well-fitting jeans, and casual polo shirts.

Set your budget and shopping plan

Some people like to establish monthly shopping budgets, while others updating their wardrobes prefer to shop seasonally. Figure out how much you can devote to new clothes (after taking inventory of current items) and stick to that amount. If you’re a person who has difficulty saying “no” when shopping, shop with cash instead of card. When your funds are depleted, exit the store.

Shop from the back

Sale and clearance racks tend to be at the back of

department stores and other retailers. Start there to grab some pieces before working your way forward to where the newer, more costly items are displayed.

Stick to a neutral color palette

It’s easier to mix and match newer items with pieces you already have if the colors blend. If you want to add pops of color, do so with accessories such as belts, ties, purses, or jewelry.

Shop thrift sales or consignment

Just because it’s used doesn’t make durable clothing any less valuable. Thrift and consignment stores sell products at very low cost. Some places even have days during the week when ticketed items are slashed in price even further. Thrift and consignments stores also are great places to find unique pieces.

Updating a wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank. Some simple strategies can ensure anyone looks their best and has money to spare. (MC) 

Rooibos Tea Pastel Lilac Brilliant White Orangeade Marlin Mushroom Watercress Lemon Drop

Chambray Blue

Capri Brush

From Artichokes

… to Zinfandels

Explore these California Culinary Trails

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Spring is a wonderful time to explore California’s many culinary trails. From artichokes to Zinfandels there are many areas of the Golden State to explore, and to taste.

A is for Artichoke

Monterey County Artichoke Trail

Info www.seemonterey.com/food-wine/features/ artichoke-trail/

Embark on a culinary adventure along the Monterey County Artichoke Trail, a journey celebrating California’s cherished state vegetable.

With more than 40 enticing stops, including restaurants, farm stands and attractions, the trail invites visitors to explore ways to savor the artichoke. Start in the “Artichoke Capital of the World,” Castroville, and meander down Highway 1 through Moss Landing, Marina, Seaside, Monterey, Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach.

Explore immersive artichoke farm tours and savor innovative culinary creations, from artichoke cupcakes to burgers and cocktails. Nearly 100 percent of America’s fresh artichoke supply is grown in California and nearly two-thirds is grown in the small town of Castroville making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Among the highlights

The Giant Artichoke Restaurant

11261 Merritt St., Castroville 95012

This restaurant is more than 50 years old. My family and I visited this restaurant several times in

the early 1990s on camping trips along the California coast. We loved the deep-fried artichoke hearts. Grab a bag for the road and dip them in Ranch dressing!

Artichoke Festival June 8-9

Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey 93940

Info artichokefestival.org

The annual Artichoke Festival features culinary adventures, music, wine tasting and a featured celebrity chef.

Pezzini Farm Walk

460 Nashua Road, Castroville 95012

Info agventuretours.com/half-day-walking-tours

Get up close and personal with artichokes in a commercial farming operation. Walking tours are available Monday to Friday (8 - 9:30 a.m.). Other times are available.

Learn about the Salinas Valley agriculture industry, otherwise known as the “Salad Bowl of the World.” Observe and discuss fresh vegetable production with a focus on artichokes. The walking tour ends with a complimentary tasting of either an artichoke cupcake or deep-fried artichoke hearts. There is also free time for shopping in the Pezzini store. This walking tour covers approximately 0.2 miles with no hills and restrooms are easily available.

The Choke Coach Food Truck

Find them www.facebook.com/TheChokeCoach

If you’ve always wanted to try an artichoke po’boy sandwich with a side of fried artichokes adobo or artichoke tacos, steamed artichokes and a variety of other specials visit The Choke Coach in Castroville.

Z is for Zinfandel

A Treasure Trove of Zinfandels

Info zinfandeltrail.com/featured-routes/goldenhistory-and-a-trove-of-zinfandels

For a memorable trip through California “gold country” history while sipping a treasure trove of Zinfandels, head to Murphys in Calaveras County.

In Murphys, south of Lake Tahoe, you will find a well-preserved gold mining town with a quaint main street featuring dozens of wine tasting rooms, pubs, restaurants and lounges.

Explore the pioneer lore of the Murphy brothers,

wagon trains, prospectors, and fortune-seekers that also became the subjects of essays by literary icons Mark Twain and Bret Harte.

If you stay at the historic Murphys Hotel in Murphys you’ll be able to walk to these popular tasting spots. The hotel has been in operation since 1856.

Downtown Murphys Highlights

Hovey Winery Tasting Room, Wine Garden

350 Main St., Murphys 95247

Info www.hoveywine.com

Don’t miss the signature Hovey Zinfandel from the steep slope of the Dragone Ranch vineyard, a Calaveras classic.

Newsome Harlow Wines

403 Main St., Murphys 95247

Info www.nhvino.com

This family operation sources prime Zinfandel from several noteworthy vineyards including Shake Ridge, Dalton Ranch and Roland Rosario. With five single vineyard Zins, Newsome Harlow has established itself as a leader of the Zin category in Calaveras. And, every label has a vineyard story.

Hatcher Winery Downtown Tasting Room

425 Main St., Murphys 95247

Info www.hatcherwinery.com

Brothers Matt and Sewell Hatcher grow and produce five Zinfandels from their estate in nearby Angels Camp and other surrounding vineyards.

Milliaire Winery

276 Main St., Murphys 95247

Info www.milliairewinery.com

Specializing in Zinfandels from the historic Ghirardelli Vineyard in Calaveras County and the famed Clockspring Vineyard in Shenandoah Valley, Amador.

Stevenot Winery Wine Lounge & Tasting Bar

458 Main St. #3, Murphys 95247

Info https://www.stevenotwinery.com/

Established in 1978, Stevenot is one California’s premier boutique wineries at the heart of the Sierra Foothills. Wine, gold, history, and heritage all contribute to the rich and colorful tradition embodied by Stevenot Winery. 

Three Ways You Can Boost Your Mental Health

Mental health issues have garnered considerable attention in recent years, but the scope of the global mental health crisis may be even greater than people realize. A recent study co-led by researchers at Harvard Medical School and the University of Queensland that was published in The Lancet Psychiatry in Fall 2023 concluded that one out of every two people in the world will develop a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime.

That makes mental health disorders a more common problem than cancer, heart disease and other physical ailments that tend to garner more attention than mental health issues.

Anyone experiencing mental health issues is urged to speak with a medical professional who specializes in such areas. Mental health issues may not manifest with symptoms like broken bones that common sense suggests require the assistance of a licensed medical professional, but that does not mean issues affecting the mind or a person’s outlook do not require the help of someone trained to deal with them. Much like people can heal from a broken bone after seeing a medical professional, individuals confronting mental health issues have much to gain from working with a mental health specialist.

A 2021 study from the United Kingdom-based Mental Health Foundation published in the American Journal of Health Promotion found 29 strategies people can employ to protect their mental health. The study considered mental health research and the views of mental health experts, but also input from the general public regarding ways they confront mental health issues. It’s important that anyone dealing with mental health issues not conflate these strategies with treatment. Though they can help protect mental health, they should

be seen as a supplement to treatment overseen by a licensed mental health professional. A rundown of the 29 strategies can be found at mentalhealth.org. uk, but the following are three recommendations that anyone can apply in their daily lives.

1. Spend more time in nature.

The calming effects of nature have been noted for centuries, if not longer. The American Psychological Association notes that spending time in nature benefits both physical and psychological well-being in humans. Perhaps that’s one reason why participants in the MHF study reported walks in nature was their preferred way to cope with stress stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The Japanese practice of forest bathing has been

noted for its positive effects on mental health, but even those without ready access to wooded areas should know that simply spending more time outdoors each day can positively affect mental health.

2. Avoid using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.

The MHF notes that any relief offered by drugs and alcohol is temporary and can even exacerbate existing mental health issues. The American Addiction Centers reports that coping mechanisms are compulsions or habits formed over time that serve to hep people manage particular situations or issues, including stress. However, the AAC also notes that not all coping mechanisms are beneficial and some, including drug and alcohol use, are maladaptive and destructive. After a particularly stressful day, or during times when people are experiencing anxiety and/or depression, avoid looking at drugs or alcohol as means to coping.

3. Get enough sleep.

The MHF notes that adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. Some may see seven hours or more per night as a luxury, but it’s important that such an outlook changes. The Columbia University Department of Psychiatry notes that there is now robust evidence to support a link between sleep and mental health. Insufficient or even poor sleep has been found to increase negative emotional responses to stressors. Perhaps even more noteworthy is that poor or insufficient sleep decreases positive emotions. So it’s vital to recognize the important role that adequate, good-quality sleep has on mental health.

These are just a handful of approaches individuals can take to boost their mental health each day. (MC) 

The bonds found in friendships and other relationships are an important factor in health and wellness – even science says so.

According to the American Psychological Association, forming and maintaining social connections at any age is one of the most reliable predictors of a healthy, happy and long life. Studies show having strong and supportive friendships can fend off depression and anxiety, lower blood pressure and heart rates in stressful situations and change the way people perceive daunting tasks.

However, statistics show approximately half of U.S. adults lack companionship and feel socially disconnected, according to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community. In fact, 12% don’t have anyone they consider a close friend, per the Survey Center on American Life. This “epidemic of loneliness,” as coined by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, can take a severe toll on mental and physical health.

As people age, the risks of isolation increase. With America’s older population growing rapidly — the 65 and older population reached more than 55 million in 2020 — discussing how older adults can combat loneliness is relevant to public health and individual well-being.

Consider volunteering, which is one of the best and most rewarding ways to combat loneliness.

Volunteering Combats Loneliness

People often volunteer to find a sense of purpose, learn new skills, improve their communities or establish new routines after retiring or becoming empty nesters. For many, making friends through volunteer work is a welcome bonus. The act of volunteering provides proven benefits for older adults.

Forming connections can make all the difference in a person’s volunteer experience and sense of well-being. People who meet through volunteer work inherently share a common interest and

something to bond over.

These friendships can carry over outside of volunteer work and lead to bonding over other hobbies and interests.

Connection-Focused Volunteer Opportunities

In addition to making friends with fellow volunteers, many older adults also form relationships with the people they’re serving, especially if those recipients are their peers.

For example, AmeriCorps Seniors is the national service and volunteerism program in the federal agency of AmeriCorps that connects adults aged 55 and up to local service opportunities that match their interests. Its Senior Companion Program pairs volunteers with other older adults or those with disabilities who need companionship or assistance. Volunteers may help with tasks such as paying bills, shopping or getting companions to appointments. In some cases, volunteers may also provide support and respite for family members

Meet Friends Who Connected Through Service

Ray Maestas felt unfulfilled post-retirement and began volunteering with the AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program. He was connected with Bob Finnerty, a man with blindness looking for assistance a few days each week. They quickly struck up a routine of errands, reading and conversation that’s since become a friendship they both cherish.

“The Senior Companion Program has provided an avenue to enrich the lives of not only the participants but the people who are volunteering,” Maestas said. “Bob and I have gotten to the point where he’s a very important part of my life.”

Finnerty echoed those sentiments and shared his own appreciation for Maestas’ friendship. “I’ve always relished my independence and I feel Ray is not just a person who reads for me — he’s a friend,” Finnerty said.

In the last few years, Maestas moved and now serves with a different chapter of the Senior Companion Program. He and Finnerty keep in touch. Maestas said they talk about every third day. (Family Features) 

caring for loved ones with chronic illnesses.

“We often think of volunteering as ‘giving back,’ but we’ve seen firsthand that it often becomes so much more than that,” said Atalaya Sergi, director of AmeriCorps Seniors. “By spending a few hours each week with another older adult in need of support, our volunteers are not only giving back to others, but they’re adding meaning to their own lives and establishing new connections. They’re helping to fight the loneliness epidemic one visit at a time.”

Growing older can come with challenges, but some of those can be minimized with a positive mindset and commitment to remaining connected and engaged — whether with friends, relatives or fellow community members. Fostering relationships is a key ingredient to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

For more information and to find volunteer opportunities near you, visit AmeriCorps.gov/Your Moment. (Family Features) 

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Travel Back in Time at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

Each spring the City of Santa Clarita proudly showcases its cowboy culture and pays homage to its rich Western heritage during the one-of-a-kind Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival. As you enter William S. Hart Park (24151 N. Newhall Avenue) on Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21, you will find yourself immersed in the Old West. This year’s 28th Annual Cowboy Festival will come fully equipped with living history experiences, musical performances and activities for all ages that will take you back in time to our City’s Wild West days.

To fully experience the rich history embedded in the heart of our City, take a stroll with your friends and family through the Santa Clarita History Center, a short walk from the entrance of Hart Park. Learn about the locomotive that proudly rests at the Saugus Train Station, which dates back to 1887. Alongside this historic station stands other carefully preserved structures that will transport you years into the past: the Mitchell Schoolhouse Adobe and the historic Ramona Chapel, to just name a few.

The Ramona Chapel has been used as a movie set by John Wayne, and has been visited by notables such as Wyatt Earp, Will Rogers, Joan Crawford and many other early stars of the silver screen. You may even witness a cowboy wedding at the Ramona Chapel!

The Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival wouldn’t be complete without a full lineup of unique cowboy, country, folk and bluegrass performances. With live acts taking to the Mane and Whistle Stop Stages, as well as Hart Hall, you’ll discover a blend of artists and bands to enjoy. For a complete schedule, as well as a biography of each artist, please visit CowboyFestival.org.

Looking to immerse yourself even further into the cowboy way of life? Stop by the blacksmith’s forge to meet Wishbone McCray and Manflo Jones, who are happy to share their stories of life on the frontier. They’ll even make you a custom horseshoe! You won’t want to miss a photo opportunity with Dave Thornbury, the skilled trick-roper who’ll be roaming around the park. Head over to Gilchrist Farm’s Pioneer Corner, where you can learn the art of wool spinning, candle making, leather stamping, panning for gold and more. If you want to freshen up your western style, shop along the vendors row where you can find everything from custom cowboy hats to authentic boots. Then test your wild west skills as you try to stay on the mechanical bull for more than an eight second ride. Next try your luck and aim for the bullseye in hatchet throwing and inflatable archery. There will be no shortage of family-friendly fun and activities at this year’s festival.

I encourage everyone to round up their friends, family and neighbors to come experience all the 28th Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival has to offer, especially the always-popular Cowboy Peach Cobbler. To learn more, visit CowboyFestival.org.

Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@ santaclarita.gov. 

Protein to Fuel Everyday Adventures in the Kitchen and Beyond

Achieving your goals each day starts with your own health and well-being, both physically and mentally. To ensure you've got the energy needed to take on that to-do list and enjoy your favorite activities, turn to familiar ingredients and recipes that pack the protein your body craves.

To help reach nutrition goals and fuel your everyday adventures, Chicken of the Sea Tuna and Salmon Packets can follow you anywhere you go and make healthy eating a delicious endeavor. Everything you love about your favorite tuna and salmon products now fits into your busy lifestyle and unique dietary needs — keto, paleo or Mediterranean.

They're flavorful, convenient and fit seamlessly into your daily routine, making them a perfect solution no matter your mood, cravings or occasion. Whether you're bringing tuna along as an afternoon snack or incorporating salmon into a tasty meal, the responsibly sourced protein allows you to eat healthy and live happy without compromise.

For example, you can rethink lunchtime routines with a colorful

twist on the viral social media salmon rice bowl. Bring together the lively flavors of Everything Bagel-seasoned pink salmon with your favorite toppings like carrots, radishes, Sriracha mayo and more for a simple yet flavorful afternoon protein-packed pick-me-up.

Long days away from home can lead to meal complacency when you walk through the door. However, keeping high-quality, responsibly sourced protein options on hand can help you avoid takeout cravings and a desire to leave the cooking to someone else. It doesn't get much easier than these Lemon Garlic Tuna-Stuffed Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers for an appetizer or low-carb snack that takes just 20 minutes to prepare a handful of everyday ingredients.

When you find the right solutions for you, it's time to stock the pantry. Try all the flavors Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Tuna and Alaskan Pink Salmon Packets offers, from creamy or citrus to spicy and beyond. Visit chickenofthesea.com to find more nutritious recipe inspiration. 

Lemon Garlic Tuna-Stuffed Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers

Total time 20 minutes

Servings 2-3

1 packet (2 1/2 ounces)

Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna Lightly Seasoned by McCormick, Lemon Garlic

3 mini sweet peppers, halved, seeds removed 2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup sliced green onions fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 400 F. Lay parchment or foil over baking pan.

Everything Bagel Salmon Brown Rice Bowl

Total time 10 minutes

Servings 1

1 packet (2 1/2 ounces) Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Alaskan Pink Salmon with Everything Bagel Seasoning

1 cup cooked brown rice, roasted nori seaweed sheets or pieces, crushed

1 small avocado, sliced

2 tablespoons shredded carrots

2 tablespoons shredded radishes

2 tablespoons minced cilantro

2 teaspoons furikaki seasoning (Japanese rice seasoning)

2 tablespoons Sriracha mayo

In bowl, top cooked brown rice with crushed seaweed sheets. Add sliced avocado and top with salmon.

Add carrots, radishes and cilantro. Sprinkle with furikaki seasoning and drizzle with Sriracha mayo. 

Place halved mini sweet peppers on prepared baking pan and lightly brush both sides of peppers with oil.

Divide lemon garlic tuna evenly between six mini pepper halves.

Top with cheese and bake 8-10 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.

Allow to cool and top with sliced green onions and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste. (Family Features) 

ENTERTAINMENT

Esposito Creates a Memorable Character in this Crime Drama

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Parish’

 1/2 (out of four)

A six-episode series on AMC and streaming on AMC+.

From "Breaking Bad" to "Better Call Saul" to "Revolution" to "Dear White People" to "The Mandalorian" to the recent Netflix limited series "The Gentlemen," Giancarlo Esposito has been a brilliant contributor to myriad high-quality television series for the last quarter-century — and it's great to see him bringing his unique on-screen presence to center stage as the titular character in the stylish, sleek and at times brutally effective AMC series "Parish."

Over the course of just six fastpaced episodes, Esposito creates a memorable character in this crime drama based on the BBC One series "The Driver."

Making great use of its New Orleans setting, "Parish" takes place in the present day but has the look and feel of an entertainingly lurid 1990s thriller. Esposito's Gracian "Gray" Parish, flexing a gruff New Orleans accent, has some of the same fastid-

ious attention to sartorial detail and well-mannered comportment as Gus Fring from "Breaking Bad" and "Saul," as well as Stanley Johnston from "The Gentlemen," but Gray is no powerful drug kingpin or wine-collecting billionaire. He's a low-key family man and the proprietor of a luxury car service in New Orleans that has taken hard financial hits in large part due to the popularity of ride-sharing services. Still in deep mourning for the son who was murdered a year earlier and in danger of losing his business and his home, Gray is reluctant, yet eventually willing, to return to his past in exchange for a much-needed cash influx.

About that past. Nearly 20 years ago, Gray was a highly sought-after wheelman — but after he met a woman named Ros (Paula Malcomson, "Ray Donovan") in Chicago, they settled down in New Orleans and started a family, and Gray left the life. That all changes when Gray's lifelong friend Colin (Skeet Ulrich), who is out of prison after serving a long stretch, comes to Gray, begging for help. Colin is one of those guys who can't get through the day without getting into trouble, and he's deep in debt to a ruthless local crime family. In order to make it right, he needs to pull off a high-risk break-in, and he needs a driver, and Gray owes Colin because Colin did hard time and never once sang to the authorities about Gray. Convenient plot-device alert!

As you'd expect, the job goes side-

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© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

ways, REALLY sideways, and the obligatory One Last Job premise quickly turns into something ongoing, complicated, violent and dangerous.

We're introduced to a number of characters, nearly all of them embroiled in a New Orleans underworld that involves human trafficking, the building of a new casino, an unsolved murder and a key political race.

Gray finds himself entangled with a Zimbabwean crime family that has moved its base to New Orleans. Zackary Momoh is chillingly effective as the gangster known as The Horse, with Bonnie Mbuli as his cool and calculating sister, Shamiso Tongai, and Ivan Mbakop as his volatile brother, Zenzo Tongai.

The outstanding ensemble cast also includes Bradley Whitford as Anton, a powerful and wealthy industrial businessman with deep ties to the criminal world; Amanda Brugel as Sister Anne, a nun, who like Gray, has left a much darker life behind; and Arica Himmel as Gray and Rose's teenage daughter Makayla, who knows nothing of her father's past. For now.

It's an interesting turn to see Esposito playing a character who, unlike Gus Fring, has never been in charge of any operation, and that includes Gray's home life. Tensions are high between Gray and Ros, especially after their son's death, and their daughter feels isolated and invisible to her father. Gray keeps telling The Horse that he just wants to go home to his family, but we all know that's not happening.

"Parish" benefits greatly from a keen sense of pacing. The filmmakers know exactly how much time to devote to various subplots before returning to the main storylines that have Gray at the center. There are moments of shocking violence (including one scene that plays like a callback to one of the most famous and notorious moments in "Breaking Bad"), and given that Gray is a driver, yes, there are some well-choreographed chase scenes. The supporting cast is excellent, but this is Esposito's vehicle, and he's in command throughout.

PHOTO CREDIT IMDB

What Foot and Ankle Issues

Warrant a Doctor’s Visit

Most people have a foot or ankle problem at one time or another. So how do you know when to seek help?

Many symptoms —even those you can tolerate — require the professional attention of a foot and ankle surgeon to keep the underlying condition from worsening. According to Danielle Butto, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and a Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, “It’s important to remember that foot health is an important part of your overall health.

“You need to take care of your feet, which includes going to the doctor when you have pain, sustain an injury or develop a condition needing professional evaluation and treatment.”

Here are five examples of when you should make an appointment with your foot and ankle surgeon.

When you have diabetes Living with diabetes means being more prone to a variety of conditions that affect the feet, including foot sores and ulcers. At the same time, diabetic nerve damage makes it harder to detect when there’s a problem.

Regular visits to a foot and ankle surgeon should be part of your holistic diabetes treatment plan. The doctor can screen for the loss of protective sensations in the feet, as well as diagnose and treat any structural issues leading to ulcers and wounds.

Swelling, temperature and color changes in the feet and calluses, are all telltale signs an ulcer may be around the corner and warrant a trip to a foot and ankle surgeon.

When you’re at risk for falling Falls have become the leading cause of injury deaths among Americans 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the reasons falls occur are numerous, painful foot conditions are a contributing factor, as they make it difficult to maintain balance and coordination. Fortunately, many such conditions are treatable. See a foot and ankle surgeon to alleviate pain and reduce your risk of a life-changing fall.

When you can benefit from medical

advances A loss of cartilage once meant a loss of functionality. Today, joint reconstruction surgery with cartilage regeneration offers real hope for long-term functionality, nurturing the body’s own ability to heal itself — with a little boost from technology and a knowledgeable surgeon. Likewise, new surgical techniques for ankle arthritis, including arthroscopic ankle surgery, total ankle joint replacements and bone or cartilage replacement, are helping people stay active.

Finally, platelet-rich plasma therapy can promote the healing of bones, cartilage, blood vessels, tendons and tissue for many patients, and is associated with easier recovery than traditional treatments. If you suffer from a foot and ankle ailment, ask your healthcare provider about game-changing medical advances. When pain is sidelining you It’s important for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to rest and recover rather than push through foot and ankle pain caused by an overuse injury. If the pain doesn’t improve in three to seven days however, it’s time to see a foot and ankle surgeon for evaluation and treatment.

With the highest level of education, training and board certification, foot and ankle surgeons are the leaders in surgical and non-surgical foot and ankle care. For more information, or to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. (SPT) 

PHOTO CREDIT TOA555

Applying for an Extension on Your Tax Return FINANCE

The Internal Revenue Service reports that the deadline to file a 2023 tax return is Monday, April 15, 2024. The vast majority of taxpayers will have no issue filing by the deadline, but some may not be able to file on time. In such instances, taxpayers can apply for an extension of time to file.

An extension is not necessarily as straightforward as the term suggests. In fact, the IRS urges taxpayers to be aware that applying for an extension does not grant taxpayers an extension of time to pay their taxes.

Failure to pay by the April 15 deadline could incur penalties, even for people who have applied for an extension. The IRS urges taxpayers to estimate any owed taxes by the deadline and submit payments for those estimates by April 15.

Extension requests must be submitted by the regular return due date.

Some taxpayers may not have to

submit an extension return. The IRS notes that taxpayers in certain disaster areas do not need to submit an extension electronically or on paper.

For example, the IRS had already determined by February 2024 that Maine taxpayers impacted by severe

storms and flooding qualified for tax relief. Various deadlines, including the April 15 filing deadline for individuals and businesses, were extended to June 17, 2024. Maine taxpayers are urged to contact a tax preparation professional to determine if they are

eligible for the later deadline.

A list of additional extensions affecting the 2024 filing deadline can be found at https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations.

Individual taxpayers, regardless of income, can use the IRS Free File (https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-filedo-your-federal-taxes-for-free) to request an automatic tax-filing extension.

Filing that form gives taxpayers until October 15 to file a return. If October 15 falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the due date is extended until the next business day. It’s important that taxpayers filing for the October 15 extension deadline recognize that they must still estimate their tax liability on the Free File form and pay any estimated taxes owed.

The deadline to file a 2023 tax return is Monday, April 15, 2024. Individuals who need more information about applying for an extension are urged to visit irs.gov. (MC) 

Over the last three years many of us have put off important routine medical screenings. Please discuss with your physician what screenings you may be due for. These routine medical tests can be life-saving.

For more information, call 661.200.1332 or visit henrymayo.com/screenings.

QWhere can I see the new “Road House” movie? It’s not playing in local theaters, as far as I can tell. The original movie with Patrick Swayze is one of my favorites.

— D.D.

AThe remake of the 1989 cult classic isn’t at your local movie theater. Instead, it’s available now exclusively through Amazon’s Prime Video streaming app. The new “Road House” stars Jake Gyllenhaal (“Brokeback Mountain”) as a former UFC fighter working as a bouncer at a bar in the Florida Keys. There is also a romance (just like there was with Patrick Swayze and Kelly Lynch in the original), this time with a nurse played by Daniela Melchior (“Fast X”).

There are also plenty of fights — lots and lots of fights. Gyllenhaal sports abs of steel as he faces off against real-life UFC pro Conor McGregor, who plays a mouthy hitman in the film. Keep an eye out for another celebrity-turned-actor — Post Malone — as well as familiar actors like Lukas Gage (“The White Lotus”), Billy Magnussen (“No Time to Die”) and Jessica Williams (“Shrinking”).

According to an article on IndieWire, Amazon gave the filmmakers and Gyllenhaal a choice between a $60 million budget and a big-screen release or an $85 million budget and a streaming-only release. They chose the latter, which “typically means a larger upfront payday for the filmmaker and their star(s).”

QWho is the current star of “The Bachelor”? On the commercials, they said he was a tennis player, but I don’t recognize him.

— G.W.

AJoey Graziadei is a 28-year-old instructional tennis pro who is originally from Pennsylvania. He first appeared as a suitor on Charity Lawson’s season of “The Bachelorette,” where he was the runner-up. Before this, he played tennis in college at

West Chester University, where he majored in communication and media studies. He then moved to Hawaii, where he taught tennis before being cast on the ABC reality shows.

Graziadei’s finale choice will have been revealed by the time you read this. Hopefully, he did find true love, but if not, then his newfound fame might lead to a career as a tennis commentator on television.

Q I saw the actress who played Blair on “The Facts of Life” recently, and she hasn’t aged a bit. Is she still acting?

— C.S.

ALisa Whelchel is best known for her role as snooty Blair Warner on the ‘80s sitcom “The Facts of Life.” She actually debuted the role on an episode of “Diff’rent Strokes,” but before this, she was a Mouseketeer on “The New Mickey Mouse Club,” a series which ran in 1977.

Her acting career stalled for a while once “Facts” ended, but she had a resurgence about a decade ago with roles in several Christmas movies. Also, in 2012, she appeared as a contestant on the competitive reality show “Survivor: Philippines,” and she currently hosts “Collector’s Call” on the MeTV channel. The new season about “surprising collections, fascinating collectors and exciting trades” premieres on Sunday, April 7.

Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.Inc. 

©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Jake Gyllenhaal (“Road House”) © Depositphotos

GARDENING

Spring Tips: What Works Best For Gardens, Lawns

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

As temperatures warm in Santa Clarita, the likelihood of rain dwindles away. After a year of generous precipitation the sunshine is welcome, but garden plants will need irrigation just as the cost of water rises for the summer. Lawns are the biggest water guzzling part of the landscape. So as you do spring cleaning, consider where, when and how to use your lawn to get the best possible use of your water consumption.

Use your lawn as a functional or design element only, not as a way to fill empty space. Then, enliven your chosen lawn areas with a spring tuneup.

Spring cleaning means it’s time to reset your irrigation system so you water slowly and deeply early in the morning before the heat and dry air steals away the moisture. Make watering appropriate for spring; long enough to thoroughly sink in, but short enough that the water doesn’t wash away.

As temperatures warm and weather begins to dry, it’s time to plant warm-season vegetables into your garden. You can comfortably plant seeds of root crops like carrots, beets, radishes, parsnips and salsify.

Some edible plants can be planted from seed. Root vegetables are always better off planted from seed in soil without fresh manure. Manure can

cause roots to fork. Transplanting usually is less successful with these vegetables, so just thin seedlings of root crops, and leave the strongest one in place to grow on.

Grow vegetables in amended soil with plenty of compost. Soil in all parts of Santa Clarita tends to be low in organic matter. It doesn’t matter whether your area is primarily sandy, clay or decomposed gravel. Make provisions for regular, efficient watering. Most vegetables are not very drought tolerant so make sure they do not dry out. Artichokes are an example of one of the more drought-tolerant vegetables that will grow well here. Water vegetables efficiently by growing them in well-defined, raised gardens or by using carefully designed drip systems.

quire less water if you plant them with attractive, low-growing ground cover plants like Dymondia, sedum, festuca grass or other attractive low plantings. Non-living, permeable stone or cement alternatives, like pavers, stepping stones and brick, offer decorative alternatives to plain gravel. Or, convert small open spaces into seating areas, build in a small hot tub, or a fire pit, or fence them in as play areas for kids or pets.

We are at the end of the cool-season garden, so the best time to plant California natives, seed flowers, and woody trees and shrubs is coming to a close.

to explore our local neighborhoods and enjoy the native flower displays happening on hillsides and ravines everywhere. Due to years of drought, this year’s rain has woken up a storehouse of native wildflowers and set them into a colorful celebration. They serve as a reminder just how decorative our natural native plants can be. And that you can actually buy seeds for many of them to fill in areas of your yard where you don’t want to spend a lot of time, effort and money in fussing over a garden. Natives can provide amazing color, beauty and ease of care while helping out our local butterflies and bees — all with minimum work.

Lots of herbaceous flowering plants, ornamental grasses and annual flowers will enjoy being planted, divided and transplanted in April. Potted trees can also be added to your landscape now. All of these will need supplementary watering to help them grow strong before scorching summer sun arrives.

For more information about gardening in the Santa Clarita Valley, visit Jane Gates on YouTube at https://you tube.com/user/Janieg8s. 

Give your vegetables at least 6 hours of sunshine and keep your growing area well weeded. Watch carefully for insects like aphids, and hose them off right away before they become an infestation. Avoid planting cool-season vegetables, like head lettuce, cabbages, broccoli and peas. They no longer have time to reach maturity before they wilt under the coming heat.

Look at the design of your landscape. You may find that areas with little traffic will look better and re-

Keep all plants trimmed and cleaned, but wait for autumn for severe pruning. You can certainly plant and prune whatever you want at any other time of the year, but your chances for success with the big jobs are considerably reduced heading into summer.

One other thing to do this April is

Pink Sugar arctotis is a colorful addition that will love to be planted in your garden this April!

Our local cactus, the Beavertail opuntia, blooms in a rich hot pink naturally in the hills of Santa Clarita

Poppies

Ways to Make Some of Your Spring Cleaning Easier HOME

The sun is shining, and the weather is warming up, so you know what that means: it’s spring cleaning season! When it’s time to deep clean your kitchen and bathroom, you probably wish there were ways to make the job quicker and easier.

To help you maintain that sense of accomplishment that comes with a sparkling clean home, Delta Faucet has thoughtful kitchen and bathroom products that can help you maintain your hard work this spring (and beyond!).

Make Kitchen Cleanup Easier

The kitchen is the heart of your home, so it’s important to keep it looking and feeling clean. However, heavy usage throughout the day makes this especially challenging.

When spring cleaning, use the topdown method. Start at the top of the room, wiping down kitchen cabinets first, then cleaning the counters, sink and stovetop and saving the floors for last.

After you’ve done a thorough cleaning, try to establish the habit of wiping spills between food prep tasks and right after cooking; this helps prevent caked-on food that becomes harder to remove. Keep a damp cloth handy to make this easier.

Ensure that everything you need for cleaning is in an easily accessible place. An under-sink bin can hold essential kitchen cleaning products, but make sure they’re meant for kitchen use only. Avoid making this a catchall for other items, to make it easier for anyone to find kitchen cleanup tools.

Stay away from abrasive products or “all-purpose bathroom cleaners,” as they can damage some kitchen or bathroom finishes.

Upgrading Your Faucet Can Help

One of the most common kitchen pain points is keeping your faucet looking clean and free from streaky fingerprints, debris and water spots. Thankfully, you can prevent buildup and keep grimy hands off with the new Trinsic® Touch2O® Kitchen Faucet with Touchless™ Technology from Delta®. This technology elimi-

nates the need for daily interactions that make your kitchen faucet look dirty and you get to choose a function that is easiest for your family. Like using the back of your hand to gently touch anywhere on the faucet to start and stop the water? No problem, Touch2O® Technology has your back. Want to avoid using hands altogether? With Delta’s Touch2O® with Touchless™ Technology, just place your hands anywhere near the faucet to turn it on or off, helping you cut down on cleaning time.

To prevent mineral buildup and hard water stains on your faucets, Delta® also offers Lumicoat® finishes on select collections, which repels liquids, resists water spots and keeps your accessories looking cleaner longer. Simply wipe it clean with a soft cloth: no cleaners or chemicals necessary.

Battling Bathroom Cleanup

Keeping bathrooms clean can seem like an endless challenge. Again, having all your cleaning supplies close at hand in an easy-to-carry caddy or bin is essential to making this task easier. Start with the dirtiest jobs first — including the toilet — and make sure brushes or sponges you use for that job are kept separate from supplies for your tub and sink.

To tackle hard water stains and soap scum, a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water is extremely effective. You can use this combination in a spray bottle to easily clean surfaces like shower glass. Spray the affected area and let it sit 20 minutes before wiping gently and rinsing.

Bathroom Upgrades to Boost Cleaning Efforts

To help maintain cleaner shower surfaces and keep bathtub grime at bay, try the Delta® ProClean™ 6-Setting Hand Shower. This hand shower cleans shower surfaces at least two times faster than standard sprays, powering off soap scum and shower messes. Perfect for an easy DIY upgrade, the Pro-

Clean™ Hand Shower makes it easier to keep shower and tile clean and reduce soap scum buildup with regular use. Its focused, wide fan spray lets you easily clean hard-to-reach places, even without stepping foot in the shower. While other products gather unsightly mineral buildup over time, the soft rubber Touch-Clean® spray holes allow mineral residue to be simply wiped away for an instantly refreshed look.

Between constant handwashing, toothbrushing and other grooming tasks, it can seem impossible to keep your bathroom sink and faucet neat and clean. One way to combat this challenge is with the Delta® Stryke® Single Handle Pull-Down Bathroom Faucet, which makes quick work of cleaning toothpaste, dirt and small debris from your sink with its nimble pull-down spray wand.

With these tips and updated kitchen and bathroom fixtures, you’ll be able to keep these essential spaces in your home in great shape this spring, and all year round. (BPT) 

HEALTH

Walk Your Way to Better Health

Awalk is not just good for your body, it’s also good for your soul. Physical activity, like walking, is one of the best ways to reduce stress and boost your mood. However, reports show walking rates are declining steadily in the United States.

CDC research shows that, on average, one out of every four adults sits for longer than eight hours each day. This can have negative consequences on physical and mental health.

Regular exercise improves mood, boosts energy and can even help you sleep better. Staying active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy.

American Heart Association has worked for decades to promote policies and strategies that make it easier for communities to get and stay active. For example, National Walking Day was established by the organization to encourage people to move

more throughout the day so they can feel, think, sleep and live better. Indeed, adding more movement can benefit your body and mind in numerous ways, such as:

Lowering disease risk Getting the recommended amount of physical activity (150 minutes of moderate, 75 minutes of vigorous or a combination of those activities per week) is linked to lower risk of diseases, stronger bones and muscles, improved mental health and cognitive function and lower risk of depression, says the Department of Health and Human Services. Increasing sunlight exposure Out-

Adoor exercise is an easy way to get moving and take in the sunlight, which can improve mood, boost immunity and help you get some vitamin D. Spending time outdoors is a no-cost option and has been shown to reduce stress, promote a sense of belonging and improve mood.

Improving cognitive and mental function Physical activity keeps your mind sharp now and later. Studies show higher fitness levels are linked to better attention, learning, working memory and problem solving. What’s more, a study published in the “British Journal of Sports Medicine” shows people who get the recommended amount of physical activity are less likely to develop depression.

Living longer Healthy life expectancy can be positively impacted by increasing activity. According to research published in the “American Journal of Epidemiology,” swapping just 30 minutes of sitting with low-intensity physical activity reduced risk of death by 17%.

Get moving to reduce your stress and step into better health. Learn more at heart.org/movemore. (Family Features) 

Get Inspired to Get Moving

little creativity can go a long way to make your walk more fun. You might think of walking as a solo activity, but a companion makes it even more enjoyable. Ask colleagues, friends or family to join you.

A walk is a perfect excuse to take a break from a long day at your desk. If you work remotely, take a conference call on the go or plan your walk as a reward for completing a project.

Use your walk as a guilt-free opportunity to listen to a new audiobook or create a walking soundtrack of your favorite upbeat music.

Mix up your scenery. Taking new routes keeps your walks interesting and helps prevent boredom from traveling the same predictable path.

If you need an extra nudge to get moving, a pet may help you get fit. Dog parents are more likely to reach their fitness goals than those without canine companions. In fact, according to the “Journal of Physical Activity & Health,” dog parents are 34% more likely to fit in 150 minutes of walking a week than non-dog owners. Pets can also help lower stress, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar and boost your overall happiness and well-being. (Family Features) 

Great Strides Being Made in Fuel Efficient SUVs

Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) may never be as fuel-efficient as more traditional cars, but one segment of the SUV market has made great strides in relation to fuel efficiency since the turn of the century.

Data from the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2020 EPA Automotive Trends Report indicated the small SUV segment had the greatest improvement of fuel economy among all vehicle segments between 2000 and 2020.

Average fuel economy among small SUVs increased by 65% during that period, which began with such vehicles getting 17.9 miles per gallon of gas and ended with them averaging 29.5 miles per gallon. The Chevrolet Equinox FWD, the Ford Edge FWD, the Hyundai Kona FWD, the Jeep Cherokee FWD, and the Mazda CX-30 2WD are among the vehicles that are categorized as small SUVs. (MC) 

Thursday, April 18 | 5:30 pm

A cancer diagnosis can be confusing and overwhelming. At this event, UCLA Health experts will demystify all things cancer for patients and their loved ones, sharing information about what a cancer diagnosis means, as well as details about the world-class treatment options available at UCLA Health Santa Clarita.

Introduction and Overview:

Presented by UCLA Health hematologist oncologist

Alexander Black, MD

Keynote Speaker:

Dennis Slamon, MD, PhD World-renowned UCLA Health oncologist, cancer researcher and developer of Herceptin, the “drug that changed the breast cancer treatment landscape.”

Thursday, April 18, 2024 | 5:30 pm

Location: Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd. | Santa Clarita, CA 91355

UCLA Health Santa Clarita-based Panelists:

• Alexander Black, MD | Hematology Oncology

• Rena Callahan, MD | Breast Medical Oncology

• Omar Sahagun, MD | Radiology

• Gregory Senofsky, MD | Surgical Oncology

• Nimit Sudan, MD | Medical/Integrative Oncology and Hematology

• Michael Xiang, MD, PhD | Radiation Oncology

Scan or visit uclahealth.org/events/demystifying-cancer to learn more.

Good Attention and Bad Attention

Recently four presidents were in New York City. Three of them were for a fundraiser, but one was not. As President Donald Trump has done his entire adult life, he was paying his respects to a police officer who was murdered by someone with 21 prior convictions, including for attempted murder. The death of this officer can and should be blamed on a rot that has permeated our country. The rot of prison reform, bail reform, and basically letting these animals run wild throughout our country with little, if any, consequence.

As much as I would like to talk about the lunacy of “defund the police,” that is not the purpose of my letter. The purpose of my letter is to mock the usual suspects on the left who claim President Trump only attended the funeral for political points. These reprobates in the media hop from one faux outrage about President Trump to the next because that’s all they can talk about. If there isn’t a ready-made outrage available to them, they’ll make one up. They ignore that President Trump has been a staunch supporter of law enforcement his entire life. What they really don’t like is when their own asinine policies are highlighted, much like the recent case of Laken Riley. Defund policies and open border policies are causing Americans to be murdered every single day!

Instead of complimenting President Trump for NOTICING the issue while three other presidents play kissy face at Radio City for $25 million, they accuse him of having alternative motivations. He didn’t attend the funeral for any reason other than he cares, unlike the other three who could have also attended if they wanted. But that kind of compassion isn’t allowed on the left and the fact that President Trump highlights their deficient policies really makes them mad.

President Trump gets it and he will continue to do so as he’s done all his life. Being tough on crime used to not be controversial. Recognizing we have a border and that it must be secured used to no be controversial. But not today in the party of the left.

Sadly, the lunatics are running the asylum.

Brian Richards Stevenson Ranch

Plastic vs. Control

Environmentalists have required that every California household receive a plastic tub so their food waste can be collected in plastic bags each week instead of simply going down the disposal becoming sewer treatment compost, fertilizing crops.

How is more plastic and more hassle better for the environment?

It’s not.

Rather, it’s about control.

After all, these are the same people who banned plastic grocery bags.

Rob Kerchner Santa Clarita

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

Your Happiness Can Hurt You

By David Hegg

“What makes me happy sets me free.” While watching NCAA March Madness, I heard this jingle in a commercial, and it set my mind on fire because it is a lie. Freedom, defined as the ability for individuals to do what “makes them happy,” is called chaotic anarchy. Freedom is never about the individual’s desires but the many putting aside personal desires to conform to a mutually agreed-upon standard of behavior. But sadly, the jingle perfectly describes the dangerous ideology that has overtaken our nation.

Biden declared Resurrection Sunday to be Transgender Visibility Day. And, while the religious affront is both heinous and, even for the non-religious, poor form, that’s not my point here.

It is no exaggeration to say we are a “happy-driven” culture. What used to be criminal no longer is. What used to be morally reprehensible no longer is. What used to be common sense no longer is. But how has that worked out? Study after study shows how deeply our culture has fallen into the abyss of severe division, disillusionment, personal despair, governmental distrust, clinical and “everyday” depression, and a growing realization that it is harder to get up and face the day.

Here’s the reason. Too many of us have bought the lie. Not everything that makes you happy is good for you. Every parent teaches their children this fundamental lesson. And, in some cases, what makes you happy can destroy your life.

As an example, we all know alcohol can make the heart merry. But it can also become a ball and chain, and worse. But at least our society has recognized the life-destroying power of alcohol abuse. Many of our elementary schools have programs warning our children against ever getting involved with alcohol and dangerous drugs.

Today, we are watching an unimaginably dangerous turnaround. Our government no longer warns our people, our children, against the destructive kinds of “happiness” that ultimately ruin lives and rot a nation's moral core.

Last weekend, in a blatant fist raised in the face of Almighty God, President Joe

We are watching a damning dereliction of duty at the highest levels of our “of the people, by the people, and for the people” government. Not only is it refusing to protect our nation against the blatantly known, life-destroying power of gender-transforming grooming, therapy, and surgery, but it is supporting and applauding this massively destructive “happiness-driven” ideology for political gain. And sadly, President Biden does it with a giant smile on his face.

For many years, I have refrained from directly criticizing and condemning his ethical foundation out of respect for the Office of the President. I have taken him at his word for being a “man of faith.” But now I understand clearly that his faith is flexible, malleable, and able to be shaped to his political advantage.

Now, anyone who believes that he is a faithful Catholic must wake up. He does not believe in life as God created them, male and female. He doesn’t think the first fetus in Eve’s womb was a person.

But most importantly, he sees no need to acknowledge God Almighty as the supreme authority over all creation, including the White House. His ethics are anything but biblical. And for those who will respond with “judge not lest you be judged,” don’t use the Bible unless you understand the context. And by the way, if you want to know what Jesus was really teaching in that text, email me.

I understand that the United States is, and ever must be, a pluralistic society.

But, when a minority with an anti-theistic philosophy imprisons its unbelievers, we should start apologizing to Russia and China for our hypocritical feelings of superiority.

Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

Redefining fully loaded.

Fiercely designed from headlight to taillight, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA delivers raw power for thrilling drives.

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