Sunday Signal April 12, 2020 by Signal

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APRIL 12, 2020

Learning at Home Page 5 Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

KEEPING YOUR HOME CLEAN & COVID-FREE

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A P R I L 12, 2020

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TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS FEATURES 4 4 Sanitizing methods to keep homes safe, clean 5 Creating lesson plans that inspire in the new normal 6 Maintaining the beauty look, feel while at home 7 A brief history of SCV quarantines 8 #QuarantineCooking inspired by YouTubers LOCAL NEWS 9 9 A doctor in need receives ‘outpouring of love’ Army sergeant gets payment in hit-and-run Family fight over toilet paper results in arrest 10 COC center schedules 250 tests on first day Newsom talks playbook for dealing with isolation stress 11 Fear, anxiety on rise amid COVID-19 crisis FROM THE MAYOR 12 12 Staying safer — and healthier — at home TECHNOLOGY 13 13 Scammers don’t care about global tragedies KIDS & FAMILY 14 14 Donna’s Day: Spring bouquet sprouts pom-pom ‘blooms’ Newhall School District: Dedicated to every child Mathematics doodle coloring puzzle 15 Get away without going away FOOD 16 16 The comfort of home, the comfort of food Chicken a la king casserole What to do with leftovers? HEALTH 17 17 What you need to know about your thyroid SENIOR LIVING 19 19 Warning signs of arthritis GARDENING 20 20 The differences between organic, inorganic mulch OPINION 21 PUZZLES 22

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A P R I L 12, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

Sanitizing methods to keep homes safe and clean pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The List N includes the primary EPA-registered products and allows you to search for the EPA registration listed on the item to identify the product.

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

ew information surfaces everyday about COVID-19 and how we can keep our loved ones safe. Knowing the safest cleaning supplies to what procedures you can follow before and after you leave your home to how to disinfect packages can help keep you and your family virus-free.

For more information about List N or to check your products against their database, visit https://bit.ly/EPAapprovedCleaners.

Centers for Disease Control

Henry Mayo

There are a number of small ways people can protect themselves further while in the safety of their own home, starting with their delivery packages, according to Larry Kidd, clinical director at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Kidd said that one of the ways to make sure the virus isn’t coming into your home via packages is to unbox them either outside or in your garage, leaving the shipping containers out there. There is no conclusive research, according to Kidd, that he is aware of that discusses the virus coming into someone’s home due to them not removing their shoes before entering. However, people can take extra measures with their groceries. Kidd said that while in the grocery store it is important to wipe down the cart you use, with some of the grocery stores not providing sanitizing wipes near the carts, to maintain social distancing while in the store and if possible to wear a mask while in the store. “Use your own bags when you go to the store,” said Kidd. “And when you get it’s recommended minimally that when you take things out of the containers, out of the bags, that you wash your hands right after you’ve done that.” Fruits and vegetables should be washed and it’s not recommended that you use chemicals, but follow the normal process you would do to clean them. Cans and items with wrapping can also be cleaned. “A tip that I’ve seen by some nutritionists is that when you go home with your groceries that you draw an imaginary line, or you could actually

Rachel Nelson, left, packages some of the 24 finished masks as Wade Morrison disinfects the MERV-13 filters that are inserted in the fabric masks assembled at No Strings Attached Costumes in Saugus on Wednesday. The experts agree it’s important not to take shortcuts when trying to keep yourself or your family safe from COVID-19. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

tape it off and you have what’s called a dirty side and a clean side,” said Kidd. Another post-grocery store type is to remove whatever possible from their original containers, and place them in new ones, Kidd added. Clothes don’t need to be changed or immediately washed once someone gets home, as has been suggested online by some, unless you believe you’ve come in direct contact with someone who has COVID-19. The most important thing, Kidd said, was that people always remember to frequently and thoroughly wash their hands. And to be on the look for bad cleansing products or people trying to pull off a scam with their “disinfectants.” “There’s a lot of things being promoted right now with people that are trying to make a fast buck,” Kidd said. In order to ensure you have the proper cleaning materials, Kidd suggested turning to government websites and agencies who’s scientists and researchers have vetted the products previously.

Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency has provided a number of resources online that can give you insight into the efficacy of certain products in sanitizing your home. The list of items, known as “List N,” include things such as disinfectants, germicidal solutions, sanitation cloths and disposable wipes. The items placed on the list are expected to kill the virus, according to EPA officials, because they can do one or both of the following things: demonstrate effectiveness against harder-to-kill viruses, or demonstrate effectiveness against another type of human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2. They can be used, according to officials, to wipe down your packages from either online shopping or through the mail, wipe down surfaces and frequently used areas of your home. \ The list was compiled in order to understand the effectiveness of certain products that the EPA reviews and registers, which includes pesticides. These types of products include disinfectants used to kill

The Centers for Disease Control have also contributed their own solutions to keeping your home clean during isolation, starting with, and what was previously mentioned by the EPA, cleaning all frequently touched surfaces daily. “This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks,” the CDC website reads. Before you disinfect them, people should use detergent or soap and water. Another solution the CDC has offered another option for cleaning your home if going to the store is challenging, or finding supplies is difficult due to shortages: diluting your household bleach. The CDC recommends that making your own disinfectant with bleach requires five tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water or four teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. The CDC said if you were to go this route, users should still refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, and ensure the product is not expired and not to mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. “Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted,” the CDC’s website reads. Alcohol solutions will work, as well, as long as the solution is at least 70% alcohol, officials said. For more information about disinfection guidance, visit cdc.gov/ coronavirus.

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Creating lesson plans that inspire in the new normal

while teachers are asked to enter the grades they teach. For more information, visit collabornation.net/register/ sdzk12. Though libraries are closed, with your Los Angeles County library card, you can now access free digital resources on your computer or device, including eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and movies, as well as online classes and homework help. “While our doors are closed to the public, I want all county residents to understand that the public library is still here for you,” Library Director Skye Patrick said during a news conference. “You can contact our library staff for resources and engagement opportunities and ideas for children who are new to being homeschooled.”

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

s Santa Clarita Valley parents get accustomed to the kids staying at home for the rest of the school year and distance learning the new normal, teachers across the SCV are continuing to find creative ways to educate their students. When Santa Clarita Valley International Spanish teacher Erika Cedeño’s students started losing interest in their studies while at home, she decided to find a way to change that. Now, not only has she found a way to get her students excited about learning their vocabulary, but she’s also gotten the entire family involved. “I am creating all these projects because I want to involve them in Latin American traditions,” she said. “(So), I created a cooking class.” Parents were given instructions and an invitation to join in, making the project a family affair. “When you smell the ingredients and the cooking of these dishes when you’re old, you will remember your mom and your dad and the fun evening you had with them,” Cedeño added. “I think right now, we are creating this family environment, and (these projects) can be part of the family traditions.” Each child was then asked to create a video, showing them making whatever dish they’d like while using the grammar and vocabulary they’ve learned to explain the process. “I received amazing, amazing projects,” she said. The projects will continue through the school year, with opportunities for the kids to learn more about the Latin culture, including Mexico’s location, its flag, president and, eventually, how to create Chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican dish. Whether through a cooking class or funny YouTube video, many teachers have found ways to keep their kids entertained, and are sharing some of those strategies they’ve discovered to help parents keep their children on track.

Reach out to teachers

Though many think of distance learning as homeschooling, parents

For more information, contact your local library 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit buff. ly/2C9GfT5. From left, Miles Heter, 4, and his brothers Cash, 7, and Wade, 3, take in an online activity together at the Heters’ home in Castaic. PHOTO COURTESY BRENDIE HETER

shouldn’t forget that their kids’ teachers and school faculty are still there as a resource. “The teachers should want to hear from their students,” said Brendie Heter, mother of three and middle school teacher at Legacy Christian Academy. “I think that some parents are not reaching out because they feel like they don’t know what to ask for.” If you or your children are having trouble grasping the distance learning program at your school, don’t feel as if you’re doing this alone — reach out and ask for help when you need it.

Be flexible, but consistent

Not everyone needs to have the same sleep schedule, nor do they have to start as early as a typical school or work day, but be sure to keep it consistent, according to Wendy W. Murawski, executive director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at California State University, Northridge. Engage your kids in creating their own schedules using a whiteboard or post-it notes, so it can vary daily, with room for schoolwork, chores and playtime. SCVi elementary school teacher

Marcella White agrees, adding, “If you have multiple children, figure out a schedule where you’re going to be available for individual time with each child.”

Get creative and use your resources

During the current health crisis, a number of organizations nationwide have begun offering free courses to support the community. While your kids might not have been learning about these subjects in school, take this as an opportunity to broaden their horizons with some fun learning. Now through May 24, the San Diego Zoo Global Academy is giving middle and high school teachers and students access to 22 free, self-paced online courses, covering a variety of animal species. Each week, a new module is designed to make learning fun, with videos, images and quizzes to teach students about mammals, birds, primates, bears, reptiles, monotremes, marsupials and more. To access the courses free of charge, students are only required to enter their name, email address and school,

Find some help

White is donating her spare time to tutor kids who are struggling with homeschooling. “Because I’m having so much success right now with my learners, I thought the best thing that I can do for my community and for my friends is I need to share this gift that I have right now,” White said. “I feel like it’s so necessary for people to feel that they’re supported.” Each weekday, White hosts a Zoom meeting from 5-6 p.m., where a maximum of 50 kids, depending on the kids’ age ranges, can log on with their parents to ask for help. She’s also trying to accommodate one-on-ones when possible. “The ones that are having the hardest time are parents that have younger children up to sixth grade, but I would gladly help anybody, and that maybe doesn’t even have to be the child, it can be the parent,” White said, adding that many are simply struggling with the online programs themselves. “I think it’s all about the attitude that we have and about embracing the change because change is hard.” To log on, visit Zoom ID No. 583470-2886 or email marcellamwhite@ gmail.com.

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Maintaining the beauty look, feel while at home By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

n the age of COVID-19, with government directives to stay home and practice social distancing, visiting your go-to licensed professional for a haircut might take a little longer than what most are comfortable with waiting. Hair salons and barbershops in the Santa Clarita Valley and across the state have been under strict orders to temporarily shut down in an effort to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. As the weeks go by, the hair grows longer and many local residents have already challenged the “don’t try this at home” warning with clippers and DIY hair dyes, while others have opted for a more natural look, like SCV resident Monique Hyman. “I’m a hairstylist,” she said. “I work on film sets, not in a salon, but I’m letting my hair be — no cuts, no color, no heat. (I’m) just letting it rest and let my stylist take care of it when her salon opens back up. I let my lash extensions fall off, using serum every day to regenerate growth.” Others like Darrell Harrison have turned to their significant others, who have never cut hair before, with a little faith. “I’ve had to default to my wife cutting my hair,” he said. “It was a few days ago that she did it for the

first time and, after giving her some general guidance, she did a great job. In fact, I mentioned to her about an hour ago that, ‘It’s time for you to cut my hair again.’” Technology has also played a big role in at-home grooming, including for resident Corrianne Bailey. “I cut my roommate’s hair last night using a Youtube video, and I’m attempting to give us poly gel manicures next week,” she said. For those courageous enough to take on a DIY haircut or hair dye, former resident and longtime hairdresser Cami Bouchard recommends sticking with videos that offer tips from professionals. “There are a lot really good videos on YouTube, but I recommend to search for videos with professional hairdressers that will kind of show you how to do (hairstyles),” she said, adding that if you do make a mistake, “you can always fix it when the shops open back up — it’s not a huge deal.” What Bouchard does urge, however, is to avoid self-bleaching. “What I would recommend against is someone getting bored and bleaching your own hair or trying to do their own highlights,” she said. “I’ve seen a lot of horror stories from previous clients that have tried to get a fit and they end up completely ruining their hair.” While bleaching your own hair is not recommended, preparing your hair to go lighter while the salons are closed is something you can do while staying at home, said Melina Naish, a Valenciabased certified colorist, who has been offering

While bleaching your own hair is not recommended, there are ways to treat your hair with help from a professional. (MC)

tips to clients via social media for her business Hair By Melina. “Use a hair mask once or twice a week to strengthen and hydrate your hair,” she said. “Take advantage of these times and give your hair a break from all the heat styling. As much as you are tempted to grab that box color from the store don’t. The $9 quick fix can cost you $400 and more in color correction.” To help keep hair as natural and healthy until the next visit with a hair professional, Naish recommends: • Try dry shampoo on days you skip the shower, which can bring more volume and texture. • On days you do wash your hair, use a hair mask and leave it on anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes before taking a shower with shampoo and conditioner. • Avoid heat from hot styling tools and let hair air dry. • Use a temporary gray, touch-up spray on the hairline and part line to cover up grays.

Colorist Melina Naish, of Valencia-based Hair by Melina, offers tips on how to prepare your hair to go lighter once salons reopen. PHOTO COURTESY HAIR BY MELINA

• Eat healthily and exercise, as well as add collagen to coffee or smoothies and take vitamins. Besides offering tips online, several businesses have created hair and lash kits for their clients to try at home, including Blume Beauty Co. in Saugus. Owner Amy Miller, who specializes

in skin, lash and brow treatments, created lash and skin-care kits as a result of the stay-at-home orders and workplace closures due to the coronavirus outbreak. “I worry about my clients’ health, physically and mentally, and although lashes seem trivial in a time like this, having a sense of normalcy is extremely important for my clients right now,” she said. “Lashes, for many women, make them feel beautiful and confident. I created the kits so they can safely remove their lashes, and the growth serum ensures they’ll have healthy lashes when life returns to normal and, hopefully, it will make them feel beautiful and confident even without their lashes.” Miller’s kits, which average at around $80 each, contain a lash remover, growth serum, two mascaras and four lint-free applicators. So far, she has sold about 20 lash-removal kits and 20 30-day essential skin-care kits in a single week, she said. Should her clients need the guidance, Miller also offers virtual consultations. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, grooming businesses said customers can still support them by purchasing their products, leaving a positive review online, commenting on their social media posts or rescheduling an appointment.

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Mad Dogs, Cabin Fever & Virus IB70 —

N E W S F E AT U R E S

A brief history of Santa Clarita Valley quarantines By John Boston Special to The Signal

arthquakes. Dams breaking. Wars. Pestilence. Pandemics. The multi-headed gods of disaster have plagued the Santa Clarita over the decades. Here’s a look at how we handled disaster in the SCV over the past century and beyond.

Oil causes earthquakes?

On April 4, 1893, a major earthquake centered in Pico Canyon rattled not just the SCV, but the Southland. A letter from a Newhall resident described one local’s experience: “I was driving this morning when my horse became frightened without apparent cause, and there came a rumbling sound which grew terrifying. I looked up and saw an awful sight. Landslides from every peak in sight came tumbling down with huge bowlders [sic]. The mountains appeared as if myriads of volcanoes had burst forth. When I got to the long bridge I saw Mr. Thomas standing dazed, holding to the railing, and others came running across the bridge. The earth opened up in a number of places and the scene was indescribable. Men cried, prayed and swore. When I reached my house I found everything upset. Pictures, dishes and everything breakable were smashed, and two stoves were broken all to pieces. All the afternoon, lighter shocks continued, and also through the night.” Oilman Alex Mentry, namesake of our historic community of Mentryville, described huge derricks toppling over and the sky filled with clouds of dust. Boulders rolled down from mountains and the ground swayed. As we’re finding out with the 2020 coronavirus, it’s difficult to have a major tragic event without one key ingredient — blame. That April 4 day in 1893, a mob of angry Newhall citizens stormed the Pico Canyon fields and demanded that Mentry stop all petroleum exploration. The crowd of about 100 people blamed the oil drilling for the major earthquake and threatened Mentry and oil workers with great violence if they didn’t stop drilling.

The Santa Clarita flu

In 1918, the great Spanish Flu pandemic struck the planet, eventually hitting 500 million people — a quarter of the world’s population then. Death estimates from a low of 17 million to a high of 100 million were recorded. Two years later, with the Spanish Flu still on everyone’s minds, we were hit with a second wave of influenza. According to county health records, approximately 0.4 percent of the SCV’s population was stricken. That worked out to two people — Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Hodgell. The couple was quaran-

Respirators like this were used at Dr. Sarah Peters’ office in Downtown Newhall in the early 20th century. Over the years, we’ve had several severe bouts of influenza. Schools have been closed, sporting events cancelled, including the Hart basketball tourney in the 1950s. But there’s never been an outbreak like current 2020 coronavirus, which has essentially shut every local resident into their homes. SIGNAL PHOTO

tined on their Saugus ranch. The flu hit here again in 1932, closing many schools and businesses. It was the worst outbreak of flu we’ve ever had, including today. Several local children died.

Mad squirrels, mad dogs …

Not all SCV quarantines involved humans. Several times in the 1920s, because of rabies epidemics here, dogs were locked in yards or tied to trees. Any canine strolling about risked being shot, by law or by neighbor. Speaking of shooting dogs, in the early 1950s, a giant pack of wild dogs, numbering about 150, was terrorizing the SCV. They went after mainly livestock and poultry and roamed Canyon Country. They also chased a couple children, who made it safely home. This started a local curfew and few people went for walks at night. A posse of hunters was dispatched and shot most of them. We had bubonic plague quarantines here in the late 1890s, 1906, the 1920s and the 1930s. We had a case of the Black Plague — yes, the Black Plague — up in Frazier Park in 1986, causing a short quarantine of our next door neighbors to the north. That same time in the 1920s, we had two bubonic plague quarantines. No one could leave the SCV. No one could enter. Every car and truck had to pass inspections at roadblocks. Of course, a century back, there were only a few roads, period,

in our community. Six cases were reported the first outbreak, four the next.

Martial law & the great dam disaster …

Another tragedy, one of the biggest in American history, took place shortly after midnight on March 12, 1928. The St. Francis Dam up San Francisquito Canyon failed, sending a wall of water nearly 200 feet high roaring down the narrow valley. By the time it reached the Pacific, the wall of water was still 10 feet high and would end up killing approximately 500. For days afterward, armed soldiers guarded the roads of the SCV. While the last of the water was still draining from the ill-fated Saugus dam, looters were raiding homes and businesses. One rotter was caught in the act and arrested, another was shot.

The hysteria of World War II …

When Japan launched a sneak attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, it launched the biggest conflict of the 20th century — World War II. Instantly — that’s like, overnight — the entire SCV was transformed. It’s a little-known fact that back then, our valley was one of the top military targets on Earth. We were the hub of a wheel of roads, oil, natural gas and major fresh water pipelines, telephone, telegraph and rail. Take out the SCV and you bisected California. The 115th Combat Engineers sped into town the next day. They put up barbed wire fences See QUARANTINE, page 18

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#QuarantineCooking inspired by YouTubers said he’d already met hundreds of like-minded people who just enjoy talking about barbecue and honing their craft. For Rog, he’s found the YouTube cooking community is a place where he can share his reverse sear method, for example, and share information with others passionate about the grill. “When you look at the barbecue thing,” Rog said, “it doesn’t matter — it’s about food. People can come together, and everyone loves a good steak.”

By Perry Smith Sunday SIngal Editor

he Guinness World Record Book once estimated that every minute, YouTube users upload about three days’ worth of video. With more than 1.3 billion users worldwide, and tens of millions of channels, you can find a video to watch for almost anything you’d like to look at, and needless to say, there’s not enough time in the day to watch them all. In addition to people who make tens of millions of dollars on the platform, there’s a growing community of people who share, building virtual online communities around everything from video games to hobbies to cooking. And within the cooking genre, there’s just about any channel you can imagine: “The Hillbilly Kitchen — Down Home Country Cooking” to “Great Depression Cooking,” which features a 98-year-old cook, author and great-grandmother Clara, who recounts her childhood during the Great Depression as she prepares food. Talking to a few of the virtual chefs who regularly produce videos, a few trends started to appear: All of these cooks enjoy a very particular niche, networking and even friendly competitions and, of course, making good food. YouTube has seen an uptick in traffic, too, and the online cooking community even created a hashtag, so if you search #QuarantineCooking on April 18 (or anytime after), you’ll be able to find a lot of how-to’s for quarantine-friendly recipes.

The Cooking Cop and Babe

“Our niche is stuff that you can easily do at home with little to no experience,” said Josh Dubin, who co-hosts The Cooking Cop and Babe with his girlfriend Bethany Hill. “You don’t have to have a lot of cooking knowledge, and you don’t need a lot of tools, either.” While Dubin leans more toward grilling as his go-to, Hill often contributes unique, but delicious takes on stuff that’s very likely to be in your pantry and doesn’t take much effort, like their grilled PB&J (Ed. note: It’s just as simple as it sounds, but delicious.) or the french onion soup made from a grilled onion and a 50-cent packet to Top Ramen. The idea is to create menus that work around their schedules — in addition to having kids, both work long hours, Dubin works as a Southern California law enforcement officer and Hill as a hairstylist. “Maybe I’ll get home late, you know, get off duty late one night, and so we want to assemble a recipe and we don’t want to set up the whole barbecue,” Dubin said. “So, it’s really kind of just based on our real everyday life.” Hill said their channel is not just about instruction or the recipe per se, it’s about fun. Dubin added that they hope to make people think of their

Check out The Grill Sergeant here: https://bit.ly/ TheGrillSergeant

Growing the audience

C.J. Volkman runs a Youtube channel Cooking with CJ and a show he co-hosts “The Hot Seat.” He’s found success on YouTube with a niche making recipes in the Ninja Foodi grill, and was even included in a recent commercial for one.

own dishes they can share, which people occasionally do in comments. “We kind of make our videos so that they’re entertaining, hopefully, and that the recipe flows that if you’re sitting there you can easily figure out what we’re making.” Hill said, “Josh and I work together so well that (the channel) is almost more about watching us cook than it is the recipe sometimes.” Check out Cooking Cop and Babe here: https://bit. ly/CookingCopAndBabe

Creating a network

Andrew Rog, who runs the YouTube channel Grill Sergeant, clearly has a lot of fun cooking and making videos — it’s evident in his comical parody of “Old Town Road” he adapted to be about, what else, his grill. His involvement in the cooking community started when he was restoring a Weber grill from the 70s. He began watching videos on Youtube, and he was blown away by how helpful the people were when he reached out to find out about help for finding parts from the grills he saw in their videos, as Weber no longer made parts he sought. “Through the YouTube channel, I’ve met, I guess what you’d call a YouTube barbecue community,” Rog said. “They’re a good, good group of people.” After a few months of making videos on the channel, Rog, who works in the film industry in post-production and receives help on his video from a friend and colleague who’s a videographer,

C.J. Volkman has enjoyed cooking since he was a teenager, he said — while his mom worked to support the family, he learned his way around the kitchen. He joined the online cooking community a couple of years ago, focusing on his enjoyment of being in the kitchen and good eating. “I do simple dishes that everybody can make,” Volkman said. “I don’t necessarily worry about calories... I’m going to cook what tastes good.” Volkman found a unique niche, regularly produces content and he also devotes a significant amount of time to this sidegig, which has garnered him a steadily growing audience online. “This has truly become a second job because I try to do two videos a week,” said Volkman, who also has a day job in the mortgage industry. “It’s starting to pay off a little bit.” His main channel, Cooking with CJ, has more than 15,000 followers. (For scale, YouTube requires its “Creators” to have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time within the previous 12 months for an account to become eligible for ads that a user can begin to monetize, and two of the world’s biggest accounts, Tasty and Epic Meal Time, have about 18.1 million and 7.1 million subscribers, respectively.) Volkman might not have the biggest audience, but he’s successfully carved out a spot by focusing his cooking prowess on one product: the Ninja Foodi Grill. He even earned a spot in one of their product advertisements, and has managed to earn a top ranking when you search for Ninja Foodi Grill — no small feat when talking about the world’s largest search engine. “You want to niche down as much as possible,” Volkman said. “You want to connect with people. I always try to respond to the comments I get. It’s all about trying to connect and all about trying to build your brand.” Check out Cooking with CJ here: https://bit.ly/ CookingWithCJ

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LOCALNEWS

A doctor in need receives ‘outpouring of love’ By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

s the coronavirus pandemic began to ramp up a few weeks ago, the reality of the situation hit everyone differently. For Dr. Rebecca Patterson Judd with Facey Medical Group, it began with a phone call from a patient, who had awakened her to tell her they had tested positive for COVID-19. “It just became real,” she said. “Coronavirus had found its way into my awesome town, and I knew my medical practice would never be the same.” Soon, the family medicine physician found herself volunteering to screen, triage and treat patients at some of the Santa Clarita Valley’s COVID-19 surge sites, where immediate care centers were transitioned to treat those with symptoms of the virus. “This type of practice was different

Family fight over toilet paper ends in arrest

Dr. Rebecca Patterson Judd received numerous donations on National Doctor’s Day for her and her health care colleagues working at COVID-19 surge sites. COURTESY PHOTO

than my office-based, primary care practice, and I found myself suffering from a new type of mental and physical exhaustion,” Judd said. She quickly found she was also unprepared in terms of personal protective equipment, or PPE, as were her colleagues, many of whom were in the same boat. “I needed different attire, including scrubs, shoes that were easy to clean and quick snacks to sustain long shifts.”

As many do, she turned to social media, simply posting on her personal page a photo of her working, accompanied by a few things she’d learned. “I mentioned a list of what I wished I had to be prepared for the new way of medicine I’d be practicing for what appeared to be the next few months.” On March 30, which just so happened to also be National Doctors’ Day, Judd came home to find a pile

of deliveries, full of supplies from her wish list. Later she learned that her friends and family had taken it upon themselves to ask the SCV community for help in acquiring enough donations for Judd as well as all of her colleagues. “I was overcome with an outpouring of love and support from family and friends who wanted to somehow help me and my health care colleagues, serving on the front lines of uncharted waters, many of them unprepared but ultimately taking a risk to care for others,” she said. The doctors received boxes full of scrubs, crocs and handmade surgical caps, as well as quick snacks, like protein bars and shakes. “The masks we have to wear are hard on the skin, so they gave (us) lotion and facial and cleansing products — all these things that we didn’t even think of, but were just so helpful,” Judd said. “They went above and beyond,” she added. “Thank you SCV, thank you.” Has someone been kind to you lately? If you have a story you’d like to share in our weekly Acts of Kindness feature, please send your stories to citydesk@signalscv.com.

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

Army sergeant gets payment in hit-and-run

Saugus man was arrested on suspicion of punching a family member over toilet paper on Monday. Deputies were called to the 28300 block of Mirabelle Lane in Saugus for a reported family disturbance between two relatives, according to Shirley Miller, a spokeswoman for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station. “The victim and suspect reportedly had a verbal argument about toilet paper,” Miller said. “The suspect felt the victim was hiding it.” Miller said an argument between the two began to escalate when the suspect then reportedly punched the victim. “Deputies arrested the (26-yearold suspect) on charges of battery,” said Miller. “He was transported and booked at the station.”

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

U.S. Army staff sergeant who obtained surveillance footage of her car being struck in an alleged hit and run last month received compensation from the other driver’s insurance company, after much “hair-pulling,” she said Tuesday. Although no arrest was made in the case, Staff Sgt. Shelly Anderson, a former Santa Clarita resident who was visiting family last month, said she was having breakfast on March 1 with her father at Saugus Cafe. When she walked out of the restaurant, she said she found that her car had been hit. When she checked the security camera footage, she saw a vehicle allegedly reverse into her car, the driver get out of his vehicle, survey the damage, and then return to his car and drive away. She filed a report

with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station, but the video was too grainy for them to pull a license plate number confidently. Soon after she put her story online, Anderson said an anonymous person reached out to her and gave her the plate, but Sheriff ’s Station officials said she would still need to find an eyewitness. She then gave the information to her insurance company and The Signal and, soon after, her insurance company was able to come up with a name and the suspect’s insurance company. “My insurance company then told me I had to call that insurance company to file a claim against the person,” said Anderson. “I then proceeded to contact that person’s insurance company and showed him the video I had of their client.” After going through the process and putting enough pressure on the

insurance company, the suspect’s insurance company accepted liability for the incident, Anderson said. “I still had to pay the deductible out-of-pocket up-front first to get my car taken care of,” said Anderson. “And then the other insurance company would pay for the cost of damages, and later refund my deductible.” “My car is fixed after a lot of hair-pulling,” she added. She said that a specialized cake she had made for a family member, which was destroyed in the hit and run, would not be refunded and she would need to go to small claims court to recover those costs, she said. But all in all, she said she’s staying positive and she wants other people to do the same. “Life has lots of ups and lots of downs, and you just have to keep on going through the mud,” said Anderson. “Stay resilient and stay positive.”

10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 12, 2020

LOCALNEWS

COC center schedules 250 tests on first day, hopes to increase number By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

fficials overseeing the opening of the Santa Clarita drive-thru coronavirus testing center Wednesday said they had scheduled for 250 people to receive tests on the first day, and they plan to increase that number as the days roll out. Pono Barnes, a public information officer for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, said the first day for each testing site isn’t exactly a “soft open, but we reassess at the end of the (first) day.” “If we can handle more, the goal is to increase our output, make it more efficient and get the kinks worked out,” said Barnes. The drive-thru test is free of charge and administered at the College of the Canyons parking structure in Lot 7 at the Valencia campus from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, according to Stephanie English, 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s Santa Clarita Valley field deputy. Various factors need to be accounted for at each unique drive-thru site, Barnes said, in order to increase the

amount of testing they can do, such as traffic congestion and the number of cars they can let in at a given time. The drive-thru sites opening up around the county range in number of tests administered from 100 to 500 a day, Barnes said. “I believe the Santa Clarita one was scheduled to do 250 a day. I know that site was able to accommodate a larger driver pattern, and I think it’s one of the larger ones.” And while other sites sometimes have two types of testing procedures, both nasal and oral, Barnes and English both confirmed Wednesday that the tests administered at the Santa Clarita site, as of now, are all oral tests. “The nasopharyngeal swab, that one has to be administered by a trained nurse or skilled nursing personnel, and is a little bit more labor intensive,” said Barnes. “So, a majority of our sites are just the oral swab because it’s self-administered.” The self-administration aspect to the test, Barnes said, allows for the person to stay inside their car and maintain social distance with on-site staff. The test is handed to the patient through the car window and the

onsite staff, wearing personal protective equipment and maintaining social distancing, instruct the patient on how to do it. The patient then packages the test and continues driving to a bin where they drop it off to be sent to a lab. The whole process, Barnes said, takes five to 10 minutes and results return in three to five days via email. Those who take the test are asked to self-isolate until their tests return. Positive tests are followed up with a phone call and additional instructions. The tests are being administered by health care professionals from Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Barnes said. On site there are also city and county officials, along with Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel and lifeguards, Barnes said. In order to be tested, English re-emphasized on Wednesday, you must meet the symptom criteria for COVID-19 and/or have been quarantined due to exposure to the virus. If you meet that criteria, you can sign up at Los Angeles County’s website and choose your time slot. “I don’t think we’re going to see any other (drive-thru) testing sites in

Santa Clarita, because we’re trying to distribute them countywide so that all the communities have access,” English said on Wednesday. English said the county had set up four new testing centers in the county, including the one in Santa Clarita. She said the decision to open one in Santa Clarita was not due to the SCV being worse off in terms of number of cases compared to other communities. “We’re just trying to distribute the testing sites countywide so that we can confirm the positives … and if someone is positive they’ll have confirmation of that and we can do the contact tracing for the people that they were around,” English said. English added that the site would be open indefinitely. “We’re going to see how it goes in the future, and the goal is to have it up and running, seven days a week, if at all possible.” For more information on how to register for a drive-thru test, visit https://covid19.lacounty.gov/.

Newsom discusses playbook for Californians dealing with the stress of isolation By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

ov. Gavin Newsom discussed Tuesday the importance of recognizing your stress and dealing with it through the helpful steps dictated in the surgeon general’s “stress playbook.” The playbook includes a list of key strategies people can use to support their own mental and physical health every day while they’re at home, in isolation or heading to their essential employment. “That stress is manifest, that stress is real and all of us work through that stress differently,” said Newsom during a press conference Tuesday.

“No one can moralize how some people deal with it versus others.” California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris discussed that maintaining emotional and spiritual health are critical factors in ensuring physical and mental health. “The health impacts of coronavirus go beyond infection and COVID disease,” said Harris. “It is important to recognize that stress related to the pandemic that many are feeling right now, compounded by the economic distress due to lost wages, employment and financial assets, plus school closures and sustained physical distancing, can trigger the biological stress response, which also has an impact on our health and well being.”

The playbook lists six key strategies that can people do as a part of their routine: • Supportive relationships: Maintain supportive relationships wherever you can, including virtually. • Exercise: Engage in 60 minutes of physical activity every day, if you can. It doesn’t have to be all at one time. • Sleep: Get sufficient, high-quality sleep. This may be particularly hard right now, but going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day can help. • Nutrition: Ensure you are getting proper nutrition to help combat stress. • Mental health support: Resources

available here. • Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness in whatever way works best for you. This could be things like meditation, yoga, or prayer for 20 minutes, two times a day. The playbook also lists a number of ways parents can help their children navigate their stress by guiding parents to keep an eye out for stress in their kids, planning tools to reduce stress, and strategies for stress reduction. For more information about the state playbook, visit https://covid19.ca.gov/ manage-stress-for-health/#top.

A P R I L 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

Fear, anxiety on rise amid COVID-19 crisis By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

s Santa Clarita Valley residents continue to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic, the number of perceived mental health issues has begun to rise. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in both adults and children, according to the Centers for Disease Control’s website, and many local experts agree. “There’s definitely a heightened level of anxiety and fear based off of everything that’s going on,” said Monica Dedhia, program manager of access, crisis and community engagement at the Child & Family Center. “We really are seeing the full spectrum of reactions on top of individuals that are already struggling with mental health and mental illness. This new layer of COVID-19 and the stress associated with that definitely adds to the challenges that our clients are facing.” There are also a number of new stressors, such as unemployment, working from home, as well as kids being at home and distance learning on top of that. Lauren Budman, a doctoral-level trainee psychotherapist and doctor of clinical psychology student, also has seen a number of those stressors in her clients, who, not knowing what the future holds, feel depressed or overly stressed and anxious about the uncertainty. “When the prescription is isolation, that’s a fairly dangerous proposition for some of these people that have already been through a certain amount of trauma, and I think we’ve all been through trauma in various different ways,” Santa Clarita resident and trauma expert Eric Christiansen said. “Situations like this really exacerbate this, and we don’t know why we become irritated or why we go to some of our less healthy coping mechanisms.” While attitudes range from people being in a panicked state to being somewhat numb to the situation, according to Dedhia, the current health concerns have taken a toll across the board. Anabel Basulto, a licensed marriage and family therapist with Kaiser

the office or if they’re showing any symptoms,” Dedhia said. “We’re also offering face-to-face services for those who pass the little health screening that we’re doing, so if we need to have more of an interactive therapeutic session, we can do that, as well.” In addition, the center is boosting case management services in order to support families that have been furloughed or laid off, providing resources on unemployment and providing the most vulnerable with necessary supplies. However, if you feel that you or a loved one may have life-threatening concerns or feelings, call 911 immediately, Budman added.

The Centers for Disease Control reports an increase in anxiety and fear amid the COVID-19 outbreak, and local mental health experts have seen this in their clients, particularly among those already struggling with mental illness. “There’s definitely a heightened level of anxiety and fear based off of everything that’s going on,” said Monica Dedhia, program manager of access, crisis and community engagement at the Child & Family Center. “This new layer of COVID-19 and the stress associated with that definitely adds to the challenges that our clients are facing.” PHOTO COURTESY KAISER PERMANENTE

Permanente Southern California, says paying attention to your mental health amid this crisis is just as important as maintaining good physical health. That being said, there are a number of things to keep in mind that can be useful in coping with the anxieties being felt. It’s normal to feel this way All these feelings are completely normal, both Christiansen and Dedhia agree. “It’s really (important to) normalize that it’s OK not to be OK right now — these are extraordinary times,” Dedhia said. “Our community has had multiple traumas,” Christiansen added, referring to the Saugus High School shooting last November. “Now, we’re going through this other big worldwide trauma, and everybody’s reacting to it.” And, if you’re not being totally productive right now, that’s OK, too, Budman added. “This is something that’s unprecedented, (and) it’s OK to ride it out.” Still, it’s important to remember that the situation we’re in right now is temporary, and though we may not know when things will get better, they will get better eventually, Basulto said.

Stay connected

“It’s so important to really try to

LOCALNEWS

Keep a schedule

keep some social normalcy by staying in contact with loved ones and friends,” Budman said. “Whether it’s by text, video chat, Facebook (or) whatever, stay in contact with people, because we are social beings and we need that social aspect in our lives.” Christiansen agreed, adding that now is the time to be vulnerable by reaching out to your family and friends and asking for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. “Be aware of your family, friends, neighbors and those around you, and reach out, not even just to ask for help, but to ask if they’re OK,” Christiansen said. “If they say they’re not OK, then just listen — that’s all you’ve got to do … because that’s probably the most powerful thing you can do.” Verbalize how you are feeling, Basulto added. “Chances are you are not alone, and others are feeling the same.”

Seek help elsewhere

If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to your loved ones, there are still a number of resources out there for you, including the Child & Family Center, which is remaining open. “We’re still providing services, and we adapted a telehealth service as well so that we’re able to interact virtually with our clients for those who either don’t feel comfortable coming into

Developing some routine and structuring in your day is vital to your mental health, according to both Dedhia and Basulto. “Try to keep the same weekly schedule of waking up and going to bed,” Basulto said in a prepared statement. “This will help your internal clock to stay the same, which will ease stress on your body.”

Check in with yourself

“It’s really difficult to be really present with yourself, especially when we’re dealing with heightened levels of anxiety, so do a self-check-in because sometimes we may have all these feelings but not necessarily identify what’s going on internally,” Dedhia said. Identifying those emotions and how they are impacting you physically, then looking to see what you may need to cut out or what you need to add in, can help to combat those feelings.

Avoid overconsumption

Recognize the overconsumption of negative coping skills, whether that be turning to drugs or alcohol or overconsuming social media, Budman, Dedhia and Basulto agreed. Instead, find something else to fill your time, such as a hobby or exercise, as when you exercise, your body releases endorphins. The Child & Family Center is located at 21545 Centre Pointe Parkway in Santa Clarita. For more information, visit childfamilycenter.org or call (661) 259-9439.

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A P R I L 12, 2020

F R O M T H E M AY O R

Ideas for staying safer — and healthier — at home By Mayor Cameron Smyth

y now, you and your family have likely settled into a routine as we all continue to navigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on our daily lives. While it remains necessary to practice social distancing and only venture out for necessities like groceries, medication and essential supplies, it is also important to do everything you can to have fun and stay productive. Here are some tips that can keep you and your children both safe and healthy at home. As those with school-aged children know, video conferencing can be a great way to stay connected. From checking in with your boss and coworkers to helping your child

get information and assignments from his or her teacher, this technology has already proven to be essential. However, you can also use video calling on your smartphone or computer to hold virtual playdates so your child can interact with friends and also call loved ones who live out of the area to check in on their well being. Staying at home also doesn’t mean that you should never be outside. Getting some sun and exercising when you can is critical. Although amenities at parks are closed so that residents can maintain six feet of social distancing when out and about, there are some easy ways that you can get your exercise at home. You can take a 30-minute walk around your neighborhood during the day or after dinner as the sun begins to set.

Just be mindful of others doing the same, so you can keep your distance when needed. So that you don’t spend too much time sitting at your makeshift desk working or on the couch watching television during the week, be sure to schedule in breaks that allow you to stretch your legs. Your body will thank you at the end of the day! There are also a number of ways that you and your family can stay entertained and engaged while being safe at home as well. To break up the daily routine, encourage your kids to help with mealtime. This can be a fun way to integrate lessons they are learning in school, such as counting and measurements when following a recipe. A good old-fashioned puzzle or game night is another great way to make memories with your family. Not only does it allow you to limit screen time and introduce things

you used to do as a child, but it also helps everyone get their mind off the pandemic for a few hours and reset mentally. The way we spend our days with our family now will create lasting impressions on our children and also help us cope during this challenging time. Staying at home can make us stir crazy, but it is necessary so that we can all do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. To learn more about the City’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, please visit santa-clarita. com/coronavirus. Mayor Cameron Smyth is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at csmyth@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.

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A P R I L 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

TECHNOLOGY

Scammers don’t care about global tragedies By Kim Komando Signal Contributing Writer

ere’s a cynical expression we can assume all phishing scammers keep in mind: “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” Even in light of a global pandemic, the worst of the worst are still trying to steal money from innocent people. Scammers are now preying on the financially desperate with deceptive emails that claim to be from the U.S. government. The scammers use realistic government formatting in their messages to gain trust from their victims. The criminals then ask for bank information, Paypal accounts or Social Security numbers so they can “deposit the check.” But all this is nothing more than a scheme. If you respond or interact with one of these messages, instead of receiving $1,200 from the U.S. government, you’ll have $1,200 stolen.

Fake checks, too?

That’s not the only tricky scam making the rounds at this time. Several people in Florida reported receiving what looked like a COVID-19-related stimulus check in the mail for a whopping $3,000, which is more than any of the legitimate checks for individuals. The check appears urgent, with multiple stamps like “time sensitive” and “do not bend” on the envelope. But upon closer inspection, the check isn’t even a check at all, but one of the most cynical advertisements of all time. The checks include a letter advising recipients to claim their stimulus incentives in person at a specific address. When recipients looked up the address, they found it was a used car lot.

How can I protect myself from these scams

The best defense against any criminal phishing scheme or fake check in the mail is to know what you’re up against and avoid it at all costs. For the fake letters, just remember to pay close attention to any mail you

receive. As for the fake texts and messages, these scams are primarily sent via email, text messages and WhatsApp alerts. It’s important to remember the U.S. government will never contact you through these channels. The government tends to prefer snail mail or emergency alerts. In the case of fake checks, keep in mind that the government hasn’t sent anything out as of yet. If you get a check that looks like your COVID-19 stimulus before at least mid-April, there’s no doubt it’s a phony. Plus, under the current legislation, you might not even have to sign up to receive a stimulus check. The government is expected to use direct deposit information already on file with the IRS, and will mail checks to the addresses listed in 2018 or 2019 tax returns. Though this isn’t 100% set in stone just yet, it may surprise you to learn some tech companies may be taking a roll in disbursing the money. Regardless, you won’t be asked by the government to provide personal information like your Paypal account, much less your Social Security number, over an insecure form of communication like emails or text messages — but not everyone knows that. For information on Kim Komando on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks, visit her at Komando. com.

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A P R I L 12, 2020

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s day: creative family fun

Spring bouquet sprouts pom-pom ‘blooms’ By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

• garden shears for trimming the branches (optional).

he first signs of spring are everywhere. Maybe you are noting them on your family calendar with your kids. Crocuses and daffodils poking up through dry leaves and songs of returning birds. Even in places where there aren’t mittens and woolen hats to put away, the first, fresh spring breezes and longer days of sunshine trigger an upsurge in spirit. While you might not yet have blossoms on tree branches or forsythia in bloom, you can still enjoy creating a whimsical spring “branch” bouquet bursting with colorful pom-pom “blooms.” All ages, including preschoolers, love to collect sticks and fallen branches while outdoors for a walk this time of year. Bring them home for the basics of this easy and fun do-together activity. You’ll also want to purchase a bag of inexpensive colorful pom-poms at your dollar or craft store, grab a bottle of squeezable household white glue

• vase or clean jar with labels removed, 6-8 inches tall.

• chunk of floral foam to fit snugly inside the container (optional). • package of craft pom-poms in assorted colors. • white household glue in a squeeze bottle.

from your cupboard, and a container for arranging the sticks inside, and you’re ready to create an eye-catching centerpiece that says “Spring!” Here’s the stuff you’ll need: • 5 branches about 20 inches long, preferably with short branches that fork half way.

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persevere through adversity, and excel throughout their academic journey and beyond. Our continued commitment to our student’s academic excellence and individual empowerment has been rewarded with the California Distinguished School recognition for all 10 of our schools and testing scores that exceed local, regional, and state results. We welcome you to come and see one of the Newhall School District schools for themselves and witness the education and success destined for your child here. For more information and to begin the open enrollment process, call Rosana Valadez at (661) 2914163 or visit newhallschooldistrict. com.

Here’s the fun: 1. An adult may trim the branches for a balanced arrangement when placed in the container. Depending on the branches you use, you may wish to set a chunk of floral foam in the base of your container before arranging, to stabilize the branches. 2. Squeeze glue onto the outer tip of a branch. Lightly pinch a pom-pom onto the glue, and hold for a few seconds to set. Continue gluing

pom-poms on all the tips, using a variety of colors, and then add more randomly — a pink one here and yellow one there. Note how they cluster snugly where buds are developing. Let glue dry. 3. Set on a table or mantel for a cheery spring bouquet. Tip For a contemporary decorator look, paint the branches white or gray, and let dry before arranging and gluing on pom-poms. Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.” © 2020 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

Mathematics Doodle Coloring Puzzle

Find the products of each problem. If the last digit of each answer equals “0” or “5,” color that portion to reveal a hidden monster. (MC)

A P R I L 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

K I D S & FA M I LY

Get away without going away QUALITY & VA

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Camp out or set up a picnic in the backyard. Just because you can’t leave your home, doesn’t mean you can take advantage of the backyard for fun. PHOTO CREDIT GETTY IMAGES

amily vacations are a great way to bond and take a step back from the hectic schedules that accompany everyday life, but sometimes time, money or the current situation make planning an elaborate trip a non-starter. However, a staycation — a vacation you take right in your home — can be much less expensive and fit into nearly any amount of available time with the added bonus of skipping out on potentially stressful travel. Consider these staycation ideas to prove you don't have to go far to spend quality time together.

Visit local landmarks

While you can’t actually go there right now, many sites allow you to virtually visit major landmarks. Imagine traveling the world without leaving home. Just because it's not a traditional vacation doesn't mean you can't pretend to be tourists.

Camp out in the backyard

Camping doesn't have to be done far from home. In fact, it can

be done right in your own backyard. Pitch a tent to sleep under the stars and plan a night full of traditional camping activities like roasting s'mores, telling spooky stories by flashlight and trying to identify stars and constellations.

Set up a picnic in the backyard

Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruit and other treats and head to the backyard while pretending its the local park. Break out the games. Play Frisbee, croquet or cornhole. Lay on the grass, while looking up at the clouds. See if you can find animals in the cloud formations.

Have a home spa day

If you're looking for some relaxation, plan an at-home oasis. Light some candles, run a bubble bath and break out the facial masks and fingernail polish. Find more tips and tricks for enjoying family time together at eLivingtoday.com. (eLivingtoday. com)

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16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 12, 2020

FOODS

The comfort of home, the comfort of food

quick and easy way to get comfort food on your dinner table is this recipe for Cheesy Baked Mushroom Chicken. Add some green beans and mashed cauliflower for a well-rounded meal for your family. For more comfort food recipes, visit Culinary. net.

Cheesy Baked Mushroom Chicken 4 1/2 4 8 1/2 1/4 1/4 2 1/2 1/4

Nonstick cooking spray boneless, skinless chicken breasts cup flour tablespoons butter ounces mushrooms, sliced cup chicken broth teaspoon salt teaspoon pepper cups shredded mozzarella cheese cup Parmesan cheese, grated cup green onions, sliced

Heat oven to 375 F. Prepare baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cut each chicken breast in half. Place flour in resealable bag. Place chicken in resealable bag with flour; toss to coat. In large skillet, melt butter. Add chicken to skillet; brown all sides. Transfer chicken from skillet to 11-by-7-inch baking dish. In skillet, saute sliced mushrooms in remaining

Chicken a la King Casserole

C 1 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/4 1 1

hicken is an almost universal favorite — and especially when served in tasty, easy dishes like this. cups diced cooked chicken breast (2.5 ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained cup frozen peas cups cooked noodles, rinsed and drained (10 3/4-ounce) can reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup cup fat-free milk (2-ounce) jar diced pimiento, undrained teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Spray an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with butter-flavored cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, mushrooms, peas and noodles. Add mushroom soup, milk, undrained pimiento and parsley flakes. Mix well to combine. 3. Spread mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Place baking dish on a wire rack and let set for 5 minutes. Divide into 4 servings. * Each serving equals: 241 calories, 5g fat, 23g protein, 26g carb., 440mg sodium, 3g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Meat, 1 1/2 Starch. © 2020 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

butter until softened. Add chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to boil then cook 5 minutes. Spoon over chicken. Bake 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cheeses and green onions. Bake 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. (Culinary.net)

What to do with those leftovers?

he spread of COVID-19 has upended many people’s lives. As with other virulent health crises, the practice of social distancing has been recommended to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 outbreak. One way to socially distance oneself is to avoid unnecessary trips to places where the public may congregate, such as grocery stores. One way to reduce the number of trips to the grocery store is to rethink the way we purchase and use food. Being more mindful of food waste and putting leftovers and ingredients to use in new ways can help stretch food further and reduce the need to make frequent trips to the grocery store. Consider these ideas to make use of leftovers. • Save those vegetables. It’s easy to scrape a half-portion of uneaten vegetables into the trash thinking it can’t be used. Instead, combine it with other vegetables accumulated throughout the week. Many play well together and can be mixed into casseroles, omelets, soups, and stir-fry recipes. • Create new meals. Using leftovers does not mean eating the same exact meal a second time.

Ingredients can be utilized in new ways. For example, a roast chicken can be broken down and the meat can be used for fajitas on another night. Leftover tomato sauce and meatballs from a Sunday dinner can be turned into an impromptu chili with the addition of beans and peppers. • Think beyond dinner. Leftovers can be collected at any time of day and used later on. Cold cuts can be chopped and used to make a stromboli with some refrigerated pizza dough. Save Belgian waffles from breakfast and top with breaded chicken fingers for a delicious chicken-and-waffles meal for lunch or dinner. Leftover roasted potatoes and scraps of ham can be used in a breakfast hash. • Stuck on starches. Turn extra rice from dinner into arancini (rice balls) for a snack on another day. A leftover sweet potato or two can be mixed with butternut squash to make a sweet and healthy mashed side dish. Mashed potatoes can be transformed into potato croquettes or potato pancakes. Finding new ways to use leftovers means minimal waste and fewer trips to the supermarket. (MC)

A P R I L 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

What you need to know about your thyroid

ichele Adams is quick to say, “I don’t want to throw anyone under the bus,” but it took her being hit by a car for her thyroid disease to finally be diagnosed. Adams has always been an active person, but for a few years, she had felt tired and had a constant tightness in her throat. She was diagnosed with post-nasal drip but did not feel relief after a year of treatment. “I thought this exhaustion, hoarse voice and lump in my throat were just my new normal,” Adams said. “I’d accepted it, and I shouldn’t have.” During this time, Adams went on a bike ride in northeastern New Jersey — something she still does frequently. However, on this day, Adams was struck by a car as she was biking. The incident resulted in an MRI scan. Adams was not seriously injured, but doctors noticed something unexpected. The scan revealed nodules in her lower neck, which

suggested thyroid disease. “I now realize I had symptoms of a thyroid condition for years,” Adams said. “I’d had it up to here with not feeling like myself. Once I had the MRI results, I knew to seek out a thyroid expert, and I found an endocrinologist.”

What you probably don’t know about your thyroid

Thyroid disease is more common than diabetes and heart disease, but more than half of Americans with thyroid disease are unaware, according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. This lack of awareness can endanger a person’s health and well-being. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located low in the front of the neck below the Adam’s apple. It produces thyroid hormones that influence almost every cell, tissue and organ in the human body.

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Common signs of thyroid diseases include:

H E A LT H

Other thyroid diseases include: • • • • •

Nodules Thyroid cancer Graves’ disease Hashimoto’s thyroiditis Thyroid eye disease

• Unexplained changes in weight • Depression, anxiety or feelings of irritability • Changes in memory or ability to concentrate • Joint or muscle pain or weakness • Fatigue or trouble sleeping • Fast or irregular heartbeat • Irregular menstrual periods

What’s next

Cheryl Rosenfeld, D.O., is a thyroid expert, an AACE member and the physician who treated Adams’ thyroid disease. “If the thyroid does not function correctly, it can affect every possible aspect of a person’s life,” says Rosenfeld. “Thyroid conditions can cause changes in mental health, including depression.” Several disorders can arise if the thyroid produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism).

Visit thyroidawareness.com to learn more about thyroid health. (Family Features)

Undiagnosed thyroid issues can also place a person at increased risk for other serious conditions. “Once I was placed on treatment for Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism, my life changed completely,” Adams said. “My throat is no longer sore, and I’m able to go out with my family or spend time at the gym without feeling completely drained of energy.” The first step to ensure your thyroid gland functions properly is to speak with a health care provider about your symptoms and whether a thyroid test is needed.

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A P R I L 12, 2020

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around Newhall Elementary and other previously safe havens, installing machine gun towers. Sentries patrolled downtown Newhall and martial law was enacted. A strict blackout was enforced and houselights, no matter how small, were not tolerated. Saxonia Park, in Placerita Canyon, was taken over by the 116th Infantry Division. It had been Southern California’s premier holiday destination for people of German heritage. Needless to say, they didn’t hold Oktoberfest for the next several years. For four years, shortages became the order of the day. It was more than ironic that here, in one of California’s richest farm, dairy and ranching areas, we had a shortage of food. You had to have special government coupons to buy things like tires or gas, bacon or butter. Major highways were deserted, businesses closed, including the Saugus Café for almost two years. If you wanted to buy a car, it was tough because they stopped making them during the war and even if you could find one, you needed government permission for the purchase. One of the sad entries of the war was the rounding up of Japanese Americans. Convoys of buses and trucks, filled with relatives from the Land of the Rising Sun, rolled through the Santa Clarita. Local Japanese Americans had their farms confiscated, never to be returned. Another offshoot of the second world war was a bout of what locals called “Jr. G-Man Syndrome.” Citizens inundated the sparse sheriff ’s

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telephone system, tattling on their neighbors. One famous artist was arrested in Placerita Canyon. He was spotted, easel up as bold as brass, painting wildflowers. Another woman turned in her neighbor. She suspected her of hanging her laundry out in “some sort of Morse code” to alert Axis bombers. There were days when we thought we’d lose everything in this country, including the war. We made it through with just a shared neighbor’s radio, no Netflix, no Amazon, no YouTube.

When the Earth moved …

The 1971 Sylmar Quake was just 1/100th the strength of the 1906 San Francisco tremblor. Still. It rattled buildings and nerves, causing hundreds to move out of the SCV. Many were without food, water or a roof over their head. Some 1,540 buildings — that’s 10% of the estimated 15,000 total — were damaged. About 70% of our 2,200 mobile homes were wrecked. In both the ’71 and ’94 quakes, we were temporarily cut off from north and south traffic. Despite all the damage, it didn’t affect us like this current trial. Groceries and supplies were quickly available. There weren’t quarantines and if you had a house, you certainly could leave it.

And where we are today …

What we’re going through today is different, much different than any disaster in local recorded history. No buildings have fallen, there’s nothing tangible to rebuild. In the blink of an eye, the SCV tumbled from being a benign, almost boring suburbia to a community under quarantine. The streets are largely deserted after 9 p.m. Stores and restaurants are closed, some may never reopen. Many of the best of us whistled as we strolled by the graveyard, distracting ourselves from a nagging statistic about millions of Americans teetering a few paychecks from disaster. And yet, through it all, we forget that under our street clothes there are capes and costumes. We are, indeed, Americans. A minister reminded years ago: “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.” John Boston is a local awardwinning author, writer and SCV historian.

A P R I L 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

SENIORLIVING

Common warning signs of arthritis

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rthritis has name recognition, even among people who are not suffering from it. But despite that recognition, arthritis is not as well understood as one might think. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is not a single disease, but rather an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. In fact, the term “arthritis” is so wide-ranging that it actually refers to more than 100 types of conditions. Despite that complexity, arthritis often produces four important warning signs, regardless of which type of arthritis a person may have.

1. Pain

The Arthritis Foundation notes that arthritis-related pain may be constant or intermittent. One common misconception about arthritis pain is that it only occurs during or shortly after a body is at rest. However, arthritis-related pain can occur while the body is at rest and is not always triggered by an activity that incorporates a part of the body affected by arthritis. In addition, pain from arthritis can be isolated to one area of the body or affect various parts of the body.

2. Swelling

Skin over the joints affected by

arthritis may become red and swollen. This skin also may feel warm to the touch. The Arthritis Foundation advises anyone who experiences this swelling for three days or longer or more than three times per month to contact a physician.

We will continue to offer limited services for our patients. We want to make sure you are still able to have your hearing aids serviced.

3. Stiffness

This warning sign is, along with pain, the one that is most often associated with arthritis, even by people who don’t suffer from the condition. Stiffness when waking up in the morning or after long periods of being sedentary, such as sitting at a desk during the workday or taking a long car ride, can be symptomatic of arthritis, especially if the stiffness lasts an hour or longer.

4. Difficulty moving a joint

The Arthritis Foundation notes that people should not experience difficulty moving, such as when getting out of bed. People who experience such difficulty may have arthritis. People who recognize any of these warning signs should report them to their physicians immediately. Be as specific as possible when describing these symptoms, as specificity can help physicians design the most effective course of treatment. (MC)

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A P R I L 12, 2020

GARDENING

The differences between organic, inorganic mulches

he benefits of mulch are widely known among lawn and garden enthusiasts. By insulating soil from extreme temperatures, helping soil to retain moisture and preventing weed growth, mulch can help plants, trees and gardens thrive, even during periods when Mother Nature can make that very difficult. Novice gardners may find themselves a little confused when visiting a lawn and garden center to purchase mulch. That’s because there are various types of mulches. One of the ways to simplify that is to break mulches down into two main classes: organic and inorganic. Learning to distinguish between these two classes can help homeowners choose the best mulch for their properties.

Organic mulch

Organic mulches are made up of materials that decompose over time. The experts at BobVila.com note that, because they decompose over time,

Inorganic mulches

organic mulches must be replenished on a regular bais. Hardwood and softwood chips are among the most popular and recognizable organic mulches. Evergreen needles, leaves, grass clippings, and compost mixes

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Inorganic mulches are permanent because they do not decompose over time. Gravel, brick chips and crushed stone are examples of inorganic mulches. Homeowners who do not intend to plant after laying mulch may lean toward inorganic mulches, as they won’t require much work, if any, after being laid. However, the Chicago Botanic Garden notes that inorganic mulches do not improve soil quality. In fact, because inorganic mulches like rocks and stones absorb heat, they can be detrimental to plants in areas where weather tends to be very dry and hot. The right mulch for a given property depends on a host of factors. Understanding the differences between organic and inorganic mulches is a great first step toward finding the right mulch for your landscape. (MC)

A P R I L 12, 2020

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 2 1

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

READERLETTERS

A Palm Sunday Treat: Thanks to the Caravaners On Palm Sunday we were sitting at the dining table and looking out the living room window watching people who were walking, some with dogs. Then came a wonderful surprise! A caravan of about 10 cars drove down Kenton Lane and turned left on Lynette Lane. Some of the cars had palm branches sticking out of their sunroofs. In time, they circled around and headed north on Kenton to Copperhill. It was an uplifting sight. Thanks to the caravaners! Barbara Spencer Saugus

Paseo Walkers: Are We Invincible? Went for a walk through South and Central Valley paseos this morning. The privileged and self-indulgent people of our valley who I passed (30-40 in all) were not wearing masks as advised by all health care officials! The worst offenders were those running and jogging past us breathing heavily and spewing their spit and droplets side to side, evidently not caring about the harm they could be doing to those around them. Come on, people! We’re all vulnerable, no matter age or how invincible we think we are. But, I forgot, we live in the Santa Clarita Valley, home of the free and “me” attitude! What, care about our neighbors? No way, I live in Santa Clarita! Yes let’s all “hope” and “pray” for us all and act like a community that cares! Remember: We’re all invincible...until we die. Edward Strawser Santa Clarita

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

Here’s to Hope During Tough Times By David Hegg

ometimes we use words so often and in such far-ranging contexts that we actually forget what they really mean. Of interest to me today is the word “hope.” We hear quite a bit about hope these days, and it has even made its way into the mainstream of political dialogue and campaigning. Everyone wants to have hope, and every politician and societal leader wants to offer a strategy for creating and maintaining it for us. Presidents do it, legislatures do it, corporate leaders do it, coaches do it, and of course, we clergy are all about doing it. But what is hope really? Hope comes in two flavors: First, there is the wish of hope contained in statements like, “I sure hope the Dodgers win the World Series this year.” Regardless of your opinion of the Blue Crew, or of baseball and sports in general, we all recognize this as the kind of “hope” that is nothing more than a wishful dream. This isn’t the kind of hope that sustains the individual or a society through tough times. But, of course, there is a second understanding of hope. This hope is a radical commitment to a certain set of convictions that provide a compelling reason for traveling on through adverse circumstances in pursuit of a future that simply must be attained. This hope, packaged in a season’s goals, is what sustains a sports team through injury and loss to finally win the championship. It is what sustains an army through impossible conditions and the valley of death to at last vanquish the enemy and bring in peace. It is what also brings purpose, balance and a persevering courage to the individual who has come to recognize that life is bigger than day-to-day circumstances, and success awaits those who finish the race with honor. I am sad about two things in our country today. First, I am sad that so many seem to have no real hope. They live in a world of wish dreams, expecting that life owes them success and happiness even though the only value they’ve developed is the conviction that they deserve happiness. Consequently, they are tossed around by every wind of theory and fad that whistles down the mountain from Hollywood, the best-seller shelves, or the magazine racks at the checkout stand. Without any real hope, they have no permanence, no ambition, and no purpose other than to feel good one more day. But I am equally sad about those who are committed to a set of values, and the hope springing from it, but who have never been intellectually honest enough to examine the foundations of that hope. Here I am

talking to those who claim there is no place for God in the modern world. In the academic area known as epistemology, the focus of study is simply “how do we know what we know?” Some, known as evidencialists, insist that knowledge must grow out of hard, cold, undeniable facts. Others, labeled presuppositionalists, argue not from evidence precisely, but from the coherence of their system. These last might say, “If you grant me my presuppositions, I’ll show you how my system can explain reality better than any other. In other words, my view works in real life.” Those who deny God’s existence, either academically through argument or practically through a casual disregard of God in their daily life, largely do so without an honest appraisal of the foundations of their own views. They cannot offer cohesive answers as to why evil exists, where virtue comes from, or most importantly, why anyone should have any lasting hope. They don’t have the evidence, and neither does their system work in real life. If this life is all there is, and it doesn’t matter how we live (since there is no accountability to any higher power), and human existence is just a random set of circumstances, and more and more chaos and tragedy are closing in, then any real hope turns out to be a wish dream, and maybe those who live for the moment are on the right track after all. Any worldview flowing from a less-than-honest appraisal of its foundations isn’t hope, it’s delusion. This weekend we celebrate Resurrection Day when millions of Christ-followers around the world rejoice in the celebration of a great historical fact. Jesus Christ, crucified, dead and buried, rolled away the stone and walked out of death. And in so doing, he brought hope. As an evidencialist, I know the facts that have continued to keep this truth central to millions despite the perennial opposition of atheists and others for the past 2,000 years. Apparently, God’s truth is impossible to kill. But even more importantly, as a presuppositionalist, I know that the worldview stemming from the empty grave is not only able to explain the hardest aspects of our reality, but also able to sustain the heart through the circumstances of this life. And that means there is hope, bringing purpose and understanding in this life, and the settled assurance of peace in the next. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. Signal Editor Tim Whyte’s column and The Signal’s editorial appeared Saturday.

BRAINGAMES

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A P R I L 12, 2020

Relax Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

CryptoQuip This is a simple substitution cipher in which each letter used stands for another. If you think that X equals O, it will equal O throughout the puzzle. The solution is accomplished by trial and error. Clue: Q equals E

A P R I L 12, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L Î&#x2021; 2 3

CROSSWORD TIME

ANSWERS

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