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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.

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

TWonderful Walking Tours in the Golden State

here is no better way to experience a city than to take to its streets, walking. Many self-guided walking tours are available throughout the Golden State exploring architecture, history and more. Tour maps are easily accessible for downloading on smart phones or printing on a home computer.

Many guided walking tours for purchase are also available throughout the state for those who enjoy learning more about their chosen destinations.

Here is a list of some of the best free self-guided and volunteer guided walking tours in California.

Newhall Walking Tour

Info walkingtour.oldtownnewhall.com

Start your exploration of California walking tours with a tour in your own backyard. If you haven’t taken the Newhall Walking tour, it’s a “must see” destination.

It’s great way to learn the history of Newhall, which you can pass on to your family and visiting guests. The tour includes not only historic buildings but also film and television locations. Dazzle out-of-town guests by showing off locations used by “NCIS,” “S.W.A.T.,” “Goliath,” “This is US” and many more.

Old Sacramento Waterfront

Info anytimetours.stqry.app/1/tour/17762

Photos (from left) Explore the architecture of Jeff Shelton on the Jeff Shelton Walking Tour in Santa Barbara. The Ablitt Tower appears to be straight out of a Dr. Seuss dream. PHOTO COURTESY JEFF SHELTON ARCHITECT. Explore the gold mining town of Julian on a self-guided walking tour. PHOTO COURTESY JULIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. The Los Angeles Jewelry Theatre building was constructed in 1920 as the Pantages Theater. View the architecture of downtown Los Angeles by visiting the self-guided walking tour maps available from the L.A. Conservancy. PHOTO COURTESY L.A. CONSERVANCY.

This tour of the Old Sacramento Waterfront is easily to access on your phone. Walk the Old Sacramento Waterfront and uncover the hidden stories behind the city’s first business district.

The tour includes 30 stops of buildings, most from the 1850s and 1860s.

On this tour, you will notice each building is described as either … reconstruction — buildings that were re-built in recent decades based on what we know they looked like in the past or restoration — original buildings that have been preserved.

Jeff Shelton Architectural Walking Tour

Info bit.ly/3Jv1e2h

When wandering the streets of Santa Barbara, some may notice unique buildings that stand out from the rest.

Follow the Jeff Shelton Walking Tour by requesting a free map (from the website above) for one-ofa-kind designs and to see a playful and captivating twist on the Spanish Revival architectural style Santa Barbara is known for.

Shelton’s designs range from the Ablitt Tower, which appears to be straight out of a Dr. Seuss dream, to Vera Cruz, a lime green house “tiled” in paintings.

Each building tells its own story using intricate ironwork, whimsical sculptures and colorful tiling.

Strolling on Seventh Downtown Los Angeles

Info www.laconservancy.org

Map bit.ly/3W9DxEB

There are many walking tours of downtown Los Angeles but one of the most fascinating tours is Strolling on Seventh, a walking tour that explores the architecture and history of Seventh Street in downtown Los Angeles.

Best of all you’ll walk through the heart of the Los Angeles jewelry district where you can find something beautiful to buy.

For other walking and driving tours around Los Angeles visit the L.A. Conservancy website.

Get Away to Julian

2129 Main St., Julian 92036

Info visitjulian.com/

Map bit.ly/3Ukt2wK

Step back in time with a stop in Julian, a century-old gold mining town in the Cuyamaca Mountains. Gold rush history comes alive as you stroll by historic buildings and museums.

Pick up a free map at the Chamber of Commerce for a self-guided walking tour of the area’s historic sites. After your walk enjoy a slice of homemade apple pie, a Julian specialty.

San Francisco Free Walking Tours

Info sfcityguides.org/find-your-tour/

San Francisco City Guides is a non-profit organization with roots in the San Francisco Public Library. They welcome all walkers, free of charge, and include a large number of available tours. All tours are led by volunteers who love to share their knowledge and passion for San Francisco with walkers.

The tour guides do not accept tips, however they will ask for donations to keep the doors open to the City Guides non-profit.

Among the tours offered is a San Francisco Chinatown tour which explores the Chinatown that rose from the ashes of the 1906 earthquake to evolve into a Chinese community that has flourished for more than 150 years. Explore the alleys, the family associations, temples, dim sum, herbal apothecaries and jade jewelry shops that make this Chinatown world famous.

Another fascinating tour is the Mission District Murals tour. Murals first appeared in the Mission in the 1970s and soon became central to the area’s identity. Over the decades artists have used the walls of the Mission, its buildings and even entire alleyways to give voice to matters of social and political importance to the neighborhood.

The Women’s Building at the corner of 18th Street and Lapidge Street boasts one of San Francisco’s largest and best known murals.

Meaning “woman teacher of peace,” the Maestrapeace Mural stands five stories tall and is the jewel of San Francisco’s Mission District. 

Understanding the Two Steps of Hands-Only CPR

Every year, 350,000 people die from cardiac arrest in the United States. However, hands-on emergency intervention like cardiopulmonary resuscitation — or CPR — from a bystander can make the difference between life and death in sudden cardiac arrest emergencies.

In fact, immediate CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival, according to the American Heart Association. During the first few minutes an individual is suffering from cardiac arrest, chest compressions can help keep blood flow active and push remaining oxygen through the body to keep vital organs alive, which extends the opportunity for a successful resuscitation once trained medical staff arrive.

Because 88% of cardiac arrests — electrical malfunctions in the heart that cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and disrupt the flow of blood to the brain, lungs and other organs — occur at home, it is often a friend or family member who witnesses a child, spouse, parent or friend going into cardiac arrest. As survival can depend on how quickly CPR is started, compression-only CPR, or Hands-Only CPR, is recommended for use by people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse in an out-of-hospital setting such as at home, work or in a park.

“By equipping people with Hands-Only CPR training, we are empowering them to spring into action if a loved one needs help, as the majority of cardiac arrests occur at home,” said Dr. Anezi Uzendu, M.D., interventional cardiologist and American Heart Association volunteer.

As part of the World Restart a Heart Day initiative, the American Heart Association aims to increase awareness about the importance of bystander CPR through its Hands-Only CPR campaign, nationally supported by the Elevance Health Foundation, and offers these two simple steps:

Gees, can help you stay on pace with the necessary compressions.

“Being able to efficiently perform Hands-Only CPR in the moment can mean the difference between life and death, and by following these two simple steps we can increase someone’s chance of survival from cardiac arrest,” said Shantanu Agrawal, M.D., board certified emergency medicine doctor and chief health officer at Elevance Health. “As

a longstanding supporter of the American Heart Association, we remain focused on working together to improve health inequities in our communities by expanding access to training and increasing the number of people who learn and feel confident performing Hands-Only CPR to save lives.”

To find more information and resources, visit heart.org/CPR. (Family Features). 

6 Links in the Adult Out-of-Hospital Chain of Survival

When properly executed, a strong chain of survival — or series of actions — can improve the chances of survival and recovery for victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

Hands-Only CPR is a critical step in the American Heart Association’s Chain of Survival, which also includes:

Activation of Emergency Response Recognize symptoms of cardiac arrest and call 911.

High-Quality CPR: Push hard and fast in the center of the victim’s chest until emergency personnel arrive.

Defibrillation Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restart the victim’s heart and reset it to a healthy rhythm.

Advanced Resuscitation Medical professionals provide additional life-saving medical services.

Post-Cardiac Arrest Care Transport victim to an appropriate hospital or treatment facility to optimize survival, organ function and neurological recovery.

Recovery Survivors receive additional treatment, observation, rehabilitation and psychological support to aid in recovery and help prevent recurrent cardiac arrest. 

PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

SDay Camp

ummer camp season will be here before parents know it. While children anxiously await the last day of school, adults know that it can be challenging to keep kids occupied and mentally stimulated when they aren’t in the classroom. Although it may be alright to enjoy a few days lounging around and playing video games, too much sedentary behavior is not good for anyone, even children. Families turn to summer camp to provide children with activities to occupy their time when school is not in session.

Camps catering to a variety of interests are open to youngsters, so there’s likely one out there to excite every child. Each year, more than 25 million children and adults take part in the camp experience, says the American Camp Association. Summer camp gives kids a chance to spread their wings and enjoy new adventures. When seeking camps, families can consider interests, proximity, cost, and other variables. Here are some of the different types of camps families can consider.

Day camps are a popular choice. Day camps tend

Many adults fondly recall their days at summer camp. The increase in households with two working parents has made it more important than ever to find a camp to accommodate youngsters who need to remain engaged and entertained throughout over summer vacation. That reality has led to more summer camp options, but it’s not always so easy finding one that’s the right fit for a child.

No two children are the same and kids change quite a bit as they grow up. So a camp that worked for an older child or even one that accommodated a younger camper may not

Sleep-Away Camp

to be general recreation camps that offer an array of activities. Campers are dropped off (or bussed) in the morning, and arrive home early evening. These camps are readily accessible and run by various organizations. Some camps enable you to pay by the week, rather than committing to an entire season.

Like the name implies, sleep-away camp hosts campers overnight, typically for several weeks. This may be children’s first extended time away from home, and there’s bound to be a few nerves that spring up. Round-the-clock activities and chances to bond with their peers can help kids overcome fears of being away from home.

Academic Camp

Academic camps focus their attention on various subjects, putting like-minded children together. Academic summer programs ensure children’s brains stay active, helping students avoid that dreaded “summer slide.” Some of these camps mimic a school day so they are familiar to kids. Academic focus may vary from general academia to specific

make the perfect fit this summer. With that in mind, parents can consider these tips to find the right summer camp for their children.

Ask around Even if no two campers are the same, it can benefit parents to ask around when shopping for a summer camp. Summer camp spots are limited and it’s not uncommon for competition for available spaces to develop, which can make it more difficult to gather information.

Pursue a package deal Though package deals might not result in lower rates, approaching a camp with the parents of your child’s friend or friends may work in your favor. Kids undoubtedly will be more excited

Scout Camp

subjects like STEM to astronomy to the arts.

Boys and girls participating in scouting programs often have the option to attend summer camp. During camp kids will have an opportunity to earn badges and advance their rank. Many scout districts have relationships with a specific scout campsite where troops from all over live and advance together for a week or so during the summer.

Fitness and Sports Camps

Fitness-minded campers or those who play particular sports can investigate camps that focus on fitness and sports performance. These may be more rigorous than other types of camps since they involve lots of physical activity. Wilderness preparation camp is another type of camp that may fit into this category. It will highlight survival training and help mold active hikers and campers. Summer camp options abound. It’s only a matter of identifying a path for children and then seeking a camp that offers the desired program. (MC) 

How to Find the Right Fit for Summer Camp

about camp if their friends will be there as well.

Ask the kids Specialized camps run the gamut from sports camps focusing on a particular sport to general outdoor recreation camps to camps that cater to young musicians. More general camps offer a wide range of activities throughout the summer, and that might appeal to children less interested in specialized camps. Ask youngsters for their input before making a final decision. Involve kids in the search by showing them websites of prospective camps and asking them what they think of each one. If attending an in-person consultation, bring kids along so they can form

their own impression.

What can you afford Camp costs vary significantly, so parents should identify how much they can afford before they begin their search. Doing so may eliminate various camps right off the bat, saving parents precious time as they try to find a camp for their children before spots fill up. Many towns offer local camps at schools, and these may be an affordable option. Parents also should know that many camps allow them to pick certain weeks or days of the week a child will attend rather than insisting kids attend camp for the duration of the summer. (MC) 

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Visit the City’s Newest Amenity — Skyline Ranch Park!

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

As City Manager for 12 years now and a longtime resident of Santa Clarita, I am always proud to see how our community continues to grow. In 1987, the City was 39-square miles, today, we are now over 73-square miles and growing. Thanks to the leadership of our City Council, one of our proudest achievements as a City is the preservation of open space surrounding our community, as well as the creation of green spaces, like our parks. On Saturday, April 6, the Santa Clarita City Council was joined by the community for the grand opening of the City’s 38th park — Skyline Ranch Park.

park, visitors are greeted with a spacious multipurpose field, perfect for a friendly soccer match or practice with the team. There is also a shaded gazebo with picnic tables, ready for families to enjoy lunch or a place to rest while on your daily walk. As you continue into the park, residents can also check out the large baseball field tucked into the mountainside with covered seating and dugouts.

The new park features 10.5 acres of green space, filled with amenities for everyone. When you first enter the

Skyline Ranch Park also has a brand-new shaded playground that includes inclusive elements so that everyone can play together in a fun and safe environment. Around the perimeter of the park is a walking path, connecting residents to the adjoining neighborhood, as well as the miles of trails in our community.

Located in the heart of the community, this park was designed with residents in mind, making it accessible by multiple walking trails and sidewalks. The park also features a basketball court with eight-feet and ten-feet high basketball rims, which allows adults and kids to play on the same court. Just across the way are the two tennis courts, which are overlaid with pickleball courts, making it a great spot for enthusiasts to come work on their swing or enjoy a game with friends. These courts also boast one of the best views in Santa Clarita, with beautiful 360-degree views of the City and the surrounding green mountains.

By creating spaces like Skyline Ranch Park, we can offer our resi-

BEST IN CLASS SPECIALTY CARE

Right Here in the SCV

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Keck Medicine of USC are partnering to bring advanced services — cancer care, breast health, colorectal surgery, and specialty urology — to our community in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Keck Medicine’s USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center brings the latest innovations in cancer detection, prevention, and treatment to help you get the care you need close to home.

dents healthy opportunities and active benefits of living in our community. According to WalletHub.com, Santa Clarita is the 30th happiest city in the United States, and I believe that having outdoor recreation options like our parks, is one of the leading reasons as to why residents chose to live, work and play in our City.

After two years of collaboration and construction with TriPointe Homes, I hope our community takes advantage of this picturesque new addition to our parks system. With summer just around the corner, I have no doubt that this will become a popular spot for morning walks, afternoon picnics or nights on the baseball diamond with family and friends. For more information on all our City parks, please visit SantaClarita.gov.

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

CA Luscious Dessert for Your Loved Ones

elebration-worthy treats are perfect ways to cap off days spent with those you love, whether there's a special occasion or you're simply looking for creative ways to share more moments together. As a beloved staple in American households for generations, pie provides a sweet, delicious way to bring family and friends to the table.

By bringing some of the most popular pie flavors together, the Tart Cherry Unity Pie offers the familiar, distinct sweet-tart flavor of Montmorency tart cherries that pair well with pecans, apple and pumpkin pie spice for a sense of nostalgia representative of family, tradition and celebration.

In this unique recipe, the bold and vibrant flavors of tart cherries take center stage, complemented by the subtle sweetness of apples and crunch of pecans. With their burst of brightness and acidity, tart cherries perfectly balance the other flavors to create a pie fit for any occasion.

Slow down your fast-paced world and savor a slice of this timeless dessert alongside loved ones for a moment of respite. With its sweet and tangy filling, flaky crust and tart cherry topping, you can indulge in life's simple pleasures for a sense of coziness and comfort.

Visit ChooseCherries.com to find more celebration-worthy tart cherry desserts.

Tart Cherry Unity Pie

Recipe courtesy of the U.S. Tart

Cherry Industry

Prep time 20 minutes

Cook time 55 minutes

Servings 8

Pie

1 pie crust (9 inches)

2 cups canned tart cherry pie filling

2 cups canned apple pie filling

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Streusel

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1 pinch salt

4 tablespoons butter, melted

Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Fit pie crust to 9-inch pie dish. Crimp edges and use fork to poke holes in bottom. Place pie crust in freezer to chill.

In large bowl, combine tart cherry pie filling and apple pie filling. Set aside. To make streusel In bowl, use fork to mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pecans and salt. Pour butter over dry ingredients and mix until ingredients come together in clumps.

To assemble pie Pour cherry-apple filling into prepared pie crust and sprinkle streusel on top. Brush beaten egg onto exposed pie crust edges. Bake 25 minutes. At 10-minute mark, cover pie dish with foil to prevent crust from over-browning. After 25 minutes, lower oven temperature to 375 F and bake 30 minutes.

To make pumpkin spice whipped cream In large bowl or bowl of stand mixer, add heavy cream, powdered sugar and pumpkin spice. Use hand mixer or beater attachment on stand mixer to beat on medium-high speed 3-5 minutes until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate whipped cream until ready to serve.

Let pie cool 2-3 hours then dollop pumpkin spice whipped cream on top, slice and serve.

Substitution

Storebought whipped cream topped with pumpkin spice can be used in place of homemade pumpkin spice whipped cream. (Family Features) 

ENTERTAINMENT

No Denying the Creative Talent in ‘The Sympathizer’

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘The Sympathizer’

 (out of four) Sundays on HBO and streaming on Max.

Even before the Captain comes to America, he cannot easily be defined. He is a man of two cultures but doesn't quite belong to either. He is a man of two countries but no country. He is a man of two loyalties but perhaps no loyalties.

If that sounds dense and complex and yet intriguing, so it goes with the HBO limited series "The Sympathizer," which is based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. This is one wild and at times murky and tricky ride, but there's no denying the talent of the creative forces driving this work.

April 21-2 ,

Veering in tone from historical

drama to political/social commentary to pitch-black satirical comedy, this seven-part series from showrunners Don McKellar ("Last Night," "The Red Violin") and Park Chanwook ("Oldboy," "The Handmaid-

en"), is set during the Vietnam War and its immediate aftermath. Featuring dazzling camera work, impressively staged set pieces (including a movie-within-the-series) and searing performances from the ensemble cast, "The Sympathizer" is a bold, disturbing and original work.

On occasion, it feels as if we're spending a little bit too much time with fringe characters who aren't nearly as captivating as the main players, but the dialogue sings and the visuals are never less than stunning, and the performances range from solid to great.

Hoa Xuande, an extraordinarily versatile Australian actor of Vietnamese descent, expertly handles the challenging and complicated role of the nameless figure known to us only as the Captain, whose entire existence feels like two sides of a coin. He's the son of a Vietnamese woman and a French man who feels like an outsider in Vietnam and again when he comes to America. He's a double agent, a communist sympathizer who has been embedded with the South Vietnamese army for so long, one can reasonably wonder if it has affected his judgment. Even the Captain's close bonds with childhood friends Bon (Fred Nguyen Khan) and Man (Duy Nguyen) are filled with subterfuge and misdirection, given that Bon loathes the Viet Cong, while Man is also undercover and is the Captain's VC handler.

but still has delusions about returning home with a militia. We also follow the storylines of a number of other key figures, including Sofia Mori (the always wonderful Sandra Oh), a Japanese American woman who becomes a love interest for the Captain; Sonny (Alan Trong, excellent), a socialist journalist; and Lana (a captivating Vy Le), the General's daughter, who dreams of becoming a star in America. Things get ever more complicated in California, and let's just say the bloodshed didn't stop in Vietnam.

Sun: 10:00 1:10 4:10 7:10; Mon & Tue: 1:10 4:10 7:10; Wed: 1:10 4:10; Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:10

The ep c battle continues Legendar y P c tures’

The story of "The Sympathizer" is told in the form of a yearlong confession the Captain has been writing from prison. We move back and forth along the timeline, with the main storyline kicking off with the fall of Saigon, which is depicted in pulse-pounding fashion and highlighted by a cinematically rendered sequence in which dozens of men, women and children race to board the last planes out during Operation Frequent Wind — and not all of them make it. As directed by Park Chan-wook, it is pure bravura filmmaking, and it will leave you shaken.

Even after the Captain has arrived in Los Angeles, he is tasked with keeping tabs on his longtime boss, the General (Toan Le), an erratic figure who has opened a liquor store

This now brings us to the Robert Downey Jr. portion of the program, and it's an absolute pleasure to watch Downey sinking his chops into a quartet of roles, including a scuzzy and cynical and manipulative operative for the CIA; a self-aggrandizing "Oriental Studies" professor who engages in cultural appropriation; a right-wing congressman who, for some reason, looks alarmingly like 1980s Roy Scheider and sounds a bit like "Dirty Harry" Clint Eastwood; and most memorably, a megalomaniacal director with shades of Coppola and Oliver Stone who is making a Vietnam epic and isn't particularly concerned if he offends cultures and injures a few extras along the way. Downey is squarely in Peter Sellers/"Dr. Strangelove" territory here, and he's one of the relatively few actors who can invite and match up to such a comparison.

Still, for all of Downey's fantastically flashy antics, this is primarily the story of the Captain and all the colleagues, friends, loved ones and enemies he has encountered along the way, leaving behind a trail of blood, regret and fears. "The Sympathizer" tells the story of the Vietnam War and its repercussions from a different viewpoint than the one we're most accustomed to seeing, and it's effective in a most unsettling and thought-provoking way.

PHOTO CREDIT IMDB

By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

In the 1980s, Baby Boomers transformed the exercise industry. In that decade, fitness became a cultural phenomenon that ushered in a fitness revolution. In 1968, less than 24% of American adults exercised regularly; by 1984, that figure had risen to 59%.

Exercise turned into a social scene with the all-inclusive “health clubs” where people could meet, work out, and finish with a smoothie or organic snack. Exercise became a media craze with videos led by Jane Fonda, Richard Simmons, and Kathy Smith that featured disco-inspired dance and cardio-intense workouts.

Flash forward to 2024, a shockingly low number of older adults exercise regularly, just 35% according to JAMA Internal Medicine. Whether it’s supersized fast-food portions, technology that promotes a sedentary lifestyle, or medical issues that cause people to drop out, many older adults are no longer engaged in exercise or fitness routines.

Physicians, clinicians and researchers continue to

stress the importance of getting at least 150 minutes of exercise a week to reap benefits on brain, heart, lungs, bones and muscles. According to Nathan LeBrasseur, professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, “Exercise is the best defense and repair strategy that we have to counter different drivers of aging.”

This problem of sedentary older adults is significant. But there is another increasingly noteworthy problem that is currently getting attention. That is, active older adults who are unable to accept the limitations of aging on their athletic performance.

“It’s a big adjustment to realize you can’t work out like you used to,” says Cedric X. Bryant, chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise. “Particularly if you have led a very physically active life, being forced to slow down due to age is an uncomfortable reality that can take time to digest.”

No one looks forward to getting older, but the reality is that our bodies inevitably change and gradually lose a certain amount performance ability. Accepting this inevitability helps us to make adjustments to our routines and decreases the likelihood of injury.

Acknowledging this fact of life is not conceding defeat. It is initiating a game plan to age successful-

ly and enjoy lifelong physical activity. Aging may slow us down, but it need not take away our identity as an athlete or a fit, active older adult.

Brad Stulberg, author of The Passion Paradox, explains, “Transitions are never easy. But there are productive ways to work through them.” A person’s mindset makes a huge difference. Those who participate primarily for the joy of the sport, for internal fulfillment, health, and vitality, are more likely to effectively adjust their goals than someone who rigidly clings to external results, performance, and recognition.

Achieving this balance of staying active while accepting limitations is a psychological process requiring flexibility, self-compassion, introspection, and wisdom acquired over a lifetime. It involves focusing on new strategies and options. Seeing this process as an opportunity for personal growth and reinvention of self, and for community companionship, will lead to increased well-being and satisfaction in life.

Mary Petersen is a retired COC English Instructor, 35-year SCV resident, and two-time breast cancer survivor. She welcomes your comments at asecondwind.signal@gmail.com. 

GARDENING

Tips to Make Your Yard Less Attractive to Ticks

Backyards are ideal places to spend warm afternoons soaking up some sun. Lazy days in the yard are a big part of what makes warm weather seasons like spring and summer so appealing. But those afternoons can quickly go off the rails when an unwelcome visitor makes its presence known.

Ticks can be found throughout the world, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that only a select few types of ticks transmit bacteria, viruses and parasites, or pathogens, that cause diseases in people. But even if the number of tick species that transmit diseases to humans is relatively low, ticks that can infect humans are a notable threat. Such ticks carry pathogens that the CDC notes can cause a number of diseases, including Bourbon virus, Ehrlichiosis and, of course, Lyme disease, among others.

Human beings can come into contact with ticks in their own backyards. But humans can take various steps to make their lawns less welcoming to ticks.

Cut your grass short and keep it that way.

Black-legged ticks are transmitters of Lyme disease, which the CDC notes is the most common

vector-borne disease in the United States. Blacklegged ticks do not like environments that are dry and hot, so short grass makes lawns less attractive to this type of tick. Consumer Reports advises homeowners who have let their grass grow a little too high (around five or six inches) to bag their clippings when cutting the grass. Lots of clippings on the grass can provide a respite from the heat for black-legged ticks.

Create a tick barrier if your property abuts woods.

Woods provide a cover from summer heat that black-legged ticks crave. So properties that abut the

woods may be more vulnerable to these unwanted guests than yards that do not border woodlands. A barrier of dry mulch made of wood chips between a property and a bordering wooded area can help repel ticks, who won’t want to settle in often dry, hot mulch beds.

Plant with infestation prevention in mind.

Some plants can help to repel ticks because they boast certain characteristics that ticks cannot tolerate. The fragrances, textures and oils of plants like garlic, mint, lavender, marigolds, and others create less welcoming conditions for ticks. Homeowners can speak with local garden centers for advice on tick-repellant plants that can thrive in their particular climate and on their properties.

Remove yard debris.

Piles of wood, leaves and brush can make for good conditions for ticks that transmit disease. After raking leaves and gathering brush, discard the resulting piles immediately.

These measures will not necessarily prevent all ticks from establishing themselves on a property, so individuals are urged to inspect their bodies and the bodies of their pets after a day in the yard. (MC) 

Join us at the following pit stop locations on Thursday, May 16, from 7:00-9:00 a.m. to enjoy free giveaways, snacks and refreshments!

Camp Plenty:

(Hosted by the City of Santa Clarita)

Just o of Soledad Canyon Road

Next to CVS (19424 Soledad Canyon Road)

Bouquet Junction:

(Hosted by Incycle Bicycles)

Corner of Bouquet Canyon Road and Valencia Boulevard

Behind Chi-Chi’s Restaurant

South Fork Trail:

(Hosted by Trek Bikes)

Newhall Avenue and 16th Street

Next to the riverbed

Four-way Intersection

City Hall:

(Hosted by the City of Santa Clarita) 23920 Valencia Boulevard

Next to water fountain/glass doors

City Public Works Yard:

(Hosted by the City of Santa Clarita) 25663 Avenue Stanford

Front area near the parking lot entrance

HEALTH

How to Share Caregiving Responsibilities

Family caregivers are unsung heroes. Such individuals typically provide vital services to their loved ones who cannot fully care for themselves, and they often do so without compensation.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates the prevalence of family caregivers across the country. According to the BLS, 14% of the population, which equates to roughly 37 million people, provide unpaid eldercare across the nation

Caregiving for a family member can take a toll that affects caregivers’ physical and mental health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, caregivers are at increased risk for developing multiple chronic diseases since many neglect their own health needs while caring for others. In addition, roughly 15% of caregivers who participated in a CDC survey reported experiencing 14 or more mentally unhealthy days in the past month.

The physical and mental toll of caregiving underscores how important it can be for families to find ways to share caregiving duties.

Though each situation is unique, the National Institute on Aging offers the following advice to families as they seek to share the responsibility of caring for a loved one in need.

Identify the care required The NIA recommends families discuss caregiving needs as early as possible and ideally before an emergency situation arises. If possible, the person in need can participate in this conversation and help to calmly discuss which services are wanted and needed.

If a loved one is diagnosed with a condition in its early stages, such as dementia, families can then work together to identify the level of care required in the immediate future and potentially down the road should the condition worsen.

Choose a primary caregiver The primary caregiver will be the individual who accepts the bulk of the daily responsibilities of caregiving. Identifying this person early, ideally before a primary caregiver is even needed,

can limit confusion should the day come when the individual needs daily care.

Determine each caregiver’s contribution The caregiving team can discuss each person’s skills and how they can be used to take care of the individual in need. This can be particularly useful when assigning specific tasks.

For example, a caregiver who works in the medical field may be most qualified to speak to medical staff about their loved one’s condition, while another who works in the financial sector may be tasked with managing a loved one’s bank accounts and ensuring bills are paid on time. Recognize everyone has limits A caregiving team is just that: a team. As noted, caregiving can take both a physical and emotional toll, so it’s important that everyone, and particularly the individual chosen as the primary caregiver, receive routine breaks to ensure everyone can take care of themselves.

It’s important that a caregiving team maintain a degree of flexibility to account for the physical and mental challenges caregivers may encounter as they tend to a loved one in need.

Sharing the responsibility of caregiving can ensure caregivers and their loved ones in need are not overwhelmed by the challenges they might confront each day. More information about caregiving can be found at nia.nih.gov. (MC)

Focus on Education

Jay Nolan Camp: Where Children Thrive

As we embark on the journey of summer, there’s a place where the sun shines a little brighter and friendships blossom without boundaries.

Discover Jay Nolan Camp – California’s beacon of inclusivity and fun for children with and without disabilities.

At Jay Nolan Camp, we believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive in a welcoming and supportive environment. That’s why we’ve created a summer haven where differences are celebrated, and every camper is valued for who they are.

“When we say inclusive, we mean everybody,” says Camp Director Kim Cade-Henry. Whether your child is neurodivergent or neurotypical, Jay Nolan Camp provides a space where they can learn, play, and grow to-

gether. Our fully inclusive space fosters genuine connections, empowers children with essential life skills like teamwork, social skills, and more.

Activities include rock climbing, archery, swimming, theater, and plenty of nature activities for kids to experience the outdoors. Trained counselors are available to provide the support every kid needs to fully participate and ensure that every camper has the opportunity to create lasting memories and build lifelong friendships.

Camp will be held for six days and five nights from July 28 to August 2, 2024 at Lion’s Camp at Teresita Pines in Wrightwood, CA. This sleepaway camp welcomes campers ages 8 to 15 with and without disabilities.

For more information, visit jaynolancamp.org.

Montessori of Valencia

Why should I choose Montessori? Will a Montessori School benefit my child?

The kind of education your child receives will impact how they see the world around them. Which is why it is important to choose the best program and school for them; you want them to be successful.

Welcome to our Montessori community! Our prestigious schools have proudly served families in the Santa Clarita Valley for over 15 years, accepting children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age. Choosing our school for your child’s foundational years has many benefits and allow you to find a community within our school.

At our schools, we offer an individually paced learning environment that fosters independence, empathy, socialization, and joy in lifelong learning. We believe that your child’s education will impact how they see the world around them, which is why it’s essential to choose the best program and school for them to ensure their success.

Our carefully chosen staff strives

to provide a nurturing environment for children to grow and discover their value and place in the world. We encourage independence, personal empowerment, respect for others, and pride in individual differences. Every teacher, from our infant room through kindergarten, has a passion for teaching and a deeper understanding of child development.

Approaching children with love and respect is at the core of our philosophy. By doing so, we build a secure safety net with them, leading to more significant developmental development of the early years. At our schools, we allow freedom, encourage curiosity, and welcome their questions. Students become confident, enthusiastic, self-directed learners with skills that are crucial for life in the 21st century, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence.

To schedule an individual tour and learn more about our authentic Montessori program, please call 661-2633265. Join our community and give your child the gift of a lifetime!

KIDS SUMMER CAMP

FOCUS ONEDUCATION

NSD: Where Education Drives Excellence to Build Futures!

Enrollment is happening now for School Year 2024-2025 at the Newhall School District (NSD), a leader in education whose motto is “Empowering Every Child Every Day.”

NSD boasts 10 award-winning elementary schools throughout the Santa Clarita Valley: McGrath, Meadows, Newhall, Oak Hills, Old Orchard, Peachland, Pico Canyon, Stevenson Ranch, Valencia Valley and Wiley Canyon and is one of the highest performing school districts in California.

The NSD offers Universal Pre-K (formerly TK or Transitional Kindergarten) through 6th Grade for your child. Newhall School District provides a solid foundation that prepares its students for higher education and career choices.The NSD has a rigorous academic curriculum which includes science, a comprehensive Music and Fine Arts curriculum, and a Dual Language Immersion program for Spanish.

The NSD promotes hands-on experiences in all subjects, awakening students’ curiosity to keep them engaged

with the world beyond the textbook, in academic and artistic learning, skills development, critical thinking, and collaboration. We help deepen their individual knowledge as well as make important connections with their peers that will never go away.

The Newhall School District recognizes and values Family Engagement as critical to a student’s success in school and welcomes family partnerships in student learning, volunteering in the classroom, planning school events and activities and on various school and school district committees.

Assure a better future for your children by enrolling them in Newhall School District! Districtwide enrollment for 2024-2025 is happening now. Please call Rosana Valadez at 661-291-4163 in English or en Español to get started,or visit newhallschooldistrict.com for more information on each of our schools.

Newhall School District: #WhereWeAllBelong!

Castaic Union School District: Advancing Hearts and Minds

Castaic Union School District continues to strive to promote the academic success of all students while supporting them socially and  emotionally.  This summer, Castaic is planning an exciting summer program which includes Extended School Year, Intervention for struggling learners, GATE Camp for gifted students and Jumpstart to

Kindergarten to help prepare our youngest learners for school. In addition, the summer program will include enrichment classes in Art, PE and STEM.  Enrichment lessons will include hands-on activities and exploration for incoming students in grades TK-6th.  For more information, please contact Angelica Harris at (661)257-4500 ext. 1507.

Oppor tunities For Learning (OFL) is a fully accredited public char ter school that has spent the last two decades helping students earn their diploma and find success in high school and beyond!

OFL creates customized learning plans for ever y student, combining small group classes, guided independent study, and online classes to match your individual strengths and needs. Combined with one-on-one suppor t from highly-qualified teachers and free single-subject tutoring, counseling, and special education services, ever y OFL student is provided with the tools, resources, and nur turing suppor t they need to succeed.

experience, and form a college and career path for FREE! No matter what your dream is, know that it ’s possible with OFL!

Castaic Union School District

28131 Livingston Ave., Valencia 91355 (661) 257-4500 • castaicusd.com

Golden Oak Adult School

23201 Dalbey Dr. ,Santa Clarita 91355 (661) 253-0583 • goldenoakadultschool.com

Monarch Academy

27927 Smyth Dr., Valencia 91355 (661) 294-1045 • monarch-academy.com

Montessori of Valencia

24925 Anza Dr, Valencia 91355 (661) 257-4161

montessoriofvalencia.com

Newhall School District

25375 Orchard Village Rd. Valencia 91355 (661) 291-4000

newhallschooldistrict.com

Opportunities For Learning

18824 Soledad Cyn Rd., Canyon Country 91351 (661) 424-1337

ofl-wsh.org

27616 Newhall Ranch Rd., Valencia 91355 (661) 607-0153

ofl-wsh.org

SCVi, iLEAD’s Founding School

28060 Hasley Canyon Rd., Castaic 91384 (661) 705-4820

ileadsantaclarita.org

LGolden Oak Adult School

Golden Oak Adult School has long been recognized as a beacon of opportunity for individuals seeking to further their education and career prospects. Offering High School Diploma and High School Equivalency test preparation programs at no cost, Golden Oak ensures that education remains accessible regardless of age or circumstance.

In addition to its existing High School Diploma and Equivalency programs, Golden Oak offers an array of low-cost career training opportunities. These exciting courses open doors to new career paths, allowing students to acquire valuable skills in high-demand fields.

The expanded curriculum includes courses in Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, and Google IT Support Certification. These programs are designed to equip learners with practical skills and knowledge essential for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether individuals are seeking to embark on a new career or enhance their existing skill set, Golden Oak’s diverse course offerings

cater to a wide range of interest and aspirations.

Golden Oak recognizes the importance of flexibility and accessibility in education. To accommodate diverse schedules and preferences, online registration for these programs will commence on July 8, providing individuals with convenience of enrolling from the comfort of their own homes.

As we navigate through a rapidly changing world, education remains the key to unlocking limitless possibilities. With its progressive approach and unwavering dedication to student success, Golden Oak Adult School continues to empower individuals to reach their fullest potential, transforming lives and shaping brighter futures.

For more information, and to register, please visit GoldenOakAdultSchool.com.

Santa Clarita Valley International Charter School

ooking for a small, innovative, tuition-free school that invests in your child from kindergarten through high school graduation? WASC-accredited Santa Clarita Valley International (SCVi) Charter School is

here for you.

In our collaborative learning environment we encourage learners to grow with curiosity and creativity. Our commitment to a modern education develops critical thinkers who lead with confidence. We empower TK-12th graders to become compassionate and responsible citizens of the world.

SCVi emphasizes inquiry-based, self-directed and play-centered learning in a welcoming community. We nurture imaginations, encourage big questions, and promote risk-taking in a safe and supportive school.

We use project-based and social-emotional learning concepts to inspire and motivate lifelong learners. Our free public school incorporates technology and the arts into every component of our curriculum. Learners are active participants in their learning process and are able to connect ideas and concepts together in practice. We offer:

• a Spanish Dual Language Immersion option with native-speaking teachers from Spain and Mexico.

• engaged teachers who are master

facilitators, guiding students with personalized education and ensuring that our high academic standards are met.

• open classrooms and multiage learning environments. Students have greater flexibility to progress at their own pace.

• International Baccalaureate Career Programme.

• an aerospace focus for every grade, from studying how animals fly to flying a glider yourself. New for 2024-25, we have an Aerospace Career Technical Education pathway in grades 9-12!

• Career-connected learning in high school.

Free to think. Inspired to lead. Learn more about tuition-free TK12th grade SCVi: https://ileadsanta clarita.org

JLA County Sailing Classes

oin us for an unforgettable sailing adventure! Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguards welcome aspiring sailors ages 11-17 to our beginner’s sailing courses. Learn essential skills like boat maintenance, rigging, knot tying, tacking, and docking while experiencing the thrill of sailing aboard our 14-foot

DCapri sailboats. New participants must pass a timed 100-yard swim test; returning students and 2023 Jr. Lifeguards are exempt. Enrollment is first-come, first-serve, with classes limited to 10 students. Visit beaches. lacounty.gov/waterprogram for more details. Don’t miss out, set sail into adventure today!

Canyons Aquatic Club

iscover Canyons Aquatic Club, a place where water becomes a canvas for dreams and achievements. For over four decades, we’ve nurtured young champions, guiding every swimmer on a journey of growth and inspiration.

At the heart of our club lies our swim school, which guides over 2,000 children annually in water safety and competitive swimming. Our upcoming Summer Splash program is now open for registration! This swim lesson program is designed to instill water safety skills and help swimmers progress through all competitive strokes. Families can tailor the program to their child’s needs with options for two-week or month-long sessions, fostering self-assurance and fun while matching individual needs.

From here, swimmers transition to the Canyons Swim Team, a gateway to success and opportunities. Choosing their path — recreational or competitive- each has its own track record of success. Many find their way into collegiate swimming opportunities, and every swimmer finds their niche.

Ranked among the top 150 teams nationwide and holding 8th place in Southern California, we’re proud to offer a home for swimmers seeking competition or personal growth.

As we expand to the San Fernando Valley, we invite you to join our community of winners. Register now for the San Fernando location and be one of the first 40 to receive a $100!

Summertime is the season of adventure, and what better way for your junior high student to explore new horizons than by enrolling in the College of the Canyons’ acclaimed Summer Institute?

This year, we’re offering a diverse lineup of camps that promise to entertain as well as inspire.

Explore the World of Animation

Does your child have a passion for creating their own worlds and characters? Our Animation camp opens the door to storytelling through visual art where they can bring imagination to life.

The Ultimate Babysitters Club For young entrepreneurs yearning to undertake babysitting, our Babysitters Club camp not only teaches the fundamentals of childcare but also imparts essential business skills.

Navigate the Digital Frontier with Cybersecurity The increasingly digital world requires savvy navigators. Our Cybersecurity camp guides

Explore more at www.canyons. org or contact us at office@canyons. org. Dive into Canyons Aquatic Club, where Every Swimmer is a Winner.

COC’s Junior High Schooler Program

students through the basics of online safety, making them vigilant digital citizens.

Dominate in Esports Is your teen competitive and game-oriented? The Esports camp fosters team strategy and personal skill development, all within the scope of positive gaming culture.

Unleash Creativity with Mixed Media Arts For the artistically inclined, our Mixed Media Arts camp is the perfect canvas. Students will experiment with various art forms to express their unique creative voices.

Secure their spot in COC’s Summer Institute by April 30 for our early bird discount deadline. Limited scholarships are also available, but you must apply by May 17th! This is your child’s chance to learn, make new friends, and gain valuable life skills in a supportive and fun environment.

For more information and to register, visit www.canyons.edu/ careercamps.

and Schools

Oksana® Management Group, Inc. (OMG)

Oksana Kolesnikova, CEO/Founder

Elevate your child’s summer with Oksana Management Group’s dynamic programs!

Our comprehensive offerings cater to various interests and skill levels, ensuring a summer filled with learning, creativity, and fun. From mastering musical instruments like piano, guitar, and singing to exploring the worlds of STEM, art, and languages such as Spanish and Italian, we provide a diverse range of enriching experiences.

Our expert instructors foster a supportive environment where children can develop new skills, build confidence, and make lasting friendships.

With both group and private classes available, there’s something for everyone at Oksana Management Group. Join us this summer and watch your child thrive!

Contact us for schedule and locations.

www.OksanaManagementGroup.com

email: mgmt@oksana-k.com

Text Alex, Manager 323-533-8623

Trinity Summer Camp 2024

We are ready for Trinity Summer Camp 2024 – our seventh and most exciting year! Over 200 campers enjoyed Trinity Summer Camp 2023!

Camp will be held this summer from June 10 – August 9, weekdays from 7:30am – 5:00pm. We welcome campers who have completed TK –Sixth Grade.

Trinity Summer Camp incorporates many activities, including sports competitions, arts projects, science experiments, Bible lessons, water play and lots of fun. Field trips are taken every Thursday to exciting places like Scooter’s Jungle, SCV Aquatics Center, Bowling and Painting with a Twist. Campers are divided into groups by age and have some academic lesson review for 30 – 60 minutes each day.

We love what we do during the school year at Trinity Classical Academy, pursuing our mission to produce young men and women of virtue, wisdom, purpose and courage. We are looking forward to another

summer of continuing learning, fun and friendships after the school year ends. Trinity Summer Camp will offer parents a safe and nurturing place for their children to spend their summer. And campers will begin their new school year with new friends and great memories. Come join us! For more information and to enroll please visit www. trinityclassicalacademy.com/summercamp. Registration is open now.

SHOWER DOOR SPECIALIST

PARKOUR

SKATEBOARD

XMA/

661.298.0261

Youth Theatre Institute 2024

CTG STARS Workshop for Students aged 13-17 Shrek Jr

M-F: 10am - 3:30pm

Session Dates: June 10 - July 5

Performances: July 8, 9, 15, 16 661-222-2239 28306

CTG JUNIORS Workshop for Students aged 10-13!

Adventures in Myramor

M-F: 12:30 - 4:30pm

Session Dates: June 24 - July 12; July 15 - August 2

CTG KIDS Workshop for Students

Reading Age - 10

Munchkin Mediation: Conflict Resolution in Oz

M-F: 9am - Noon

Session Dates: June 17 - June 28; July 8 - July 19; July 22 - August 2

Academic Year 2024 - 2025

Begin enrollment online at: CastaicUSD.asp.aeries.net/AIR/

Ages for Enrollment:

TK - Must turn 5 on or before June 2, 2025

Kinder - Must turn 5 on or before September 1, 2024

For more information:

661-257-4500

CastaicUSD.com

D I R E C T O R Y

Boys & Girls Club

James T. Ventress Clubhouse

24909 Newhall Ave, Newhall 91321 (661) 254-2582 •scvbgc.org

Thomas E. Dierckman Clubhouse

19425 Stillmore St. Canyon Country 91351 (661) 251-6017 • scvbgc.org

Castaic Clubhouse

28900 Hillcrest Pkwy., Castaic 91384 (661) 857-5985

scvbgc.org

Canyon Aquatics Center (661) 362-3210

office@canyons.org

Canyon Theatre Guild

Los Angeles County Department of Beaches & Harbors (424) 526-7777 • beaches.lacounty.gov

Oksana Management Group, Inc

23890 Copperhill Dr, #771, Valencia 91354 (323) 284-7930 • oksanamanagementgroup.com

Trinity Classical Academy

28310 Kelly Johnson Pkwy. Valencia 91355 (661) 296-2601

canyons.org

24242 Main St, Newhall, CA 91321 (661) 799-2702

canyontheatre.org

College of the Canyons

26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd. , Santa Clarita 91355 (661) 259-7800 • canyons.edu

17200 Sierra Hwy., Santa Clarita 91351 (661) 362-3800 • canyons.edu

28101 Chiquito Canyon Rd., Castaic 91384 canyons.edu

Dance Studio 84

27889 Smyth Dr. ,Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 775-7655 • dancestudio84.com

Ekata Training Center 27831 Smyth Dr., Valencia 91355 (661) 255-1114 • ekata.net

EverWild LA (424) 210-7077 everwildla.com

Hugo’s GymFitness

21107 Centre Pointe Pkwy., Santa Clarita 91350 (661) 388-4157 • hugosgymfitness.com

Jay Nolan Community Services

15501 San Fernando Mission Blvd, Suite 200 Mission Hills 91345

Little School of Music

28306 Constellation Rd., Valencia 91355 (661) 222-2239

littleschoolofmusic.com

CROSSWORD TIME PUZZLES

Opinion

Useful Idiots!

Many of us who have been in California have lived through droughts. I remember my grandparents in Hayward capturing shower water in the early 1970s so they could water their plants. This was back when the climate was perfectly static and never changed.

Through 2021-22, California experienced a drought. They tend to happen given our climate, but this one was blamed on climate change. Residential users (10% of statewide usage) were told we must conserve and many did despite the fact that droughts have always ended and cutting residential usage was a drop in the bucket compared to business and agriculture usage.

Shockingly enough, 2022-23 and 2023-24 brought record rain. Reservoirs are full or almost full and some are even so full they have to release excess water. The issue that could have easily been forecasted was, revenues to water companies would drop. Thus, I read this today: “Water rates will increase by 8.5% in 2025 and another 8.5% in 2026. The rate increase will be reflected on the monthly water bill received by the 26 public water agencies the district serves. It delivers water to 19 million people in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties.” Metropolitan Water District Chair Adán Ortega Jr. said.

Gaslighters claim inflation is tame and solved and yet here is another 17% increase over two years. We have once again been scammed. We were told to conserve even though residential usage was by far the lowest percentage of use. Some of you conserved and revenues dropped to water companies and now we’re all going to pay, again! This will not affect the lofty leftists who send letters to The Signal, but it will again hammer everyone else who is concerned about rising prices. They will tell us to shut up and take it, that it’s for the higher good, and that we must save the planet. Doesn’t everyone feel better now about conserving?

Brian Richards Stevenson Ranch

Presidential Chutzpah

It takes a lot of chutzpah to stand before America and condemn the money-grubbing “rich” who “don’t pay their fair share of taxes” in a State of the Union when your son is facing multiple felony counts for not paying any income tax at all, and you received much of the money yourself, also without paying tax on such “loan repayments.” It takes even more chutzpah since the money came not from honest work, but from foreign nations as you sold your public office for decades.

Rob Kerchner Santa

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

By David Hegg

With election season in full swing and electioneering filling our mailboxes and TV screens, it’s time to remind ourselves that the most important decisions we make as Americans don’t come in the voting booth.

I’m talking about the bedrock values upon which our great democracy is built. As Abraham Lincoln described it, our governing system is “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” That means each of us matters, and more importantly, our personal ethical commitments matter to all of us. Here are five core values that will continue to make America great if we practice them courageously, and pass them along to our children as part of their civil inheritance.

there is no argument when it comes to the overall benefit of two-parent homes where mom and dad love each another. I strongly believe the best thing a man can do to improve his country is love his wife and build a strong home base from which to launch upright children as productive members of society.

God: “In God We Trust” has long been emblazoned on our currency and in our national soul. Yes, we are a pluralistic nation, with no one religious scheme mandated by our government. But it does not follow that we must, therefore, become an irreligious people as if the faith of our forefathers should now be considered criminal. Those who fail to recognize the necessary role God plays in our Judeo-Christian system of law are on the road to relativism and the chaos that comes when absolute standards of right and wrong are mocked as outmoded. Whatever else it may mean, “in God we trust” surely points us away from our own selfish pragmatism to recognize we are all accountable to something outside ourselves.

Recently, in a shocking turn of events, the world’s most renowned atheist — Richard Dawkins — made headlines for bemoaning the loss of “cultural Christianity” in the world. While still rejecting religion, Dawkins did confess to being a cultural Christian because he realized the foundational ideas of morality have their roots in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Turns out even atheists recognize the need for the moral standards and ethical norms that traditional religious beliefs have given our world.

Family: The smallest, most important social unit in our society is, and has always been, the family. As the family goes, so goes the country. But it is fair to say the drive for individual rights over the past few decades has eroded the strength of America’s families. Divorce, stemming from adultery and other selfish pursuits, has left millions of children in one-parent homes. And while I applaud the efforts of single mothers and fathers who beat the odds and raise healthy, well-adjusted children,

Community: The call to “love our neighbor” has long been foundational to the American experiment. Americans take care of one another and often sacrifice personal comfort and resources to do so. Whatever divides us actually weakens us, and the only remedy is to recognize that when differences arise, we must handle them differently than those who don’t care about their community. We must restore the true sense of tolerance and accept one another while reserving the right to disagree with behaviors and beliefs we find objectionable. We also must end our pathetic dependence on the government to take care of our neighbors and get back to being invested in those around us.

Work: The American dream has always been earned through hard work and perseverance. Successful people have always paid their dues, worked their way up, and demanded excellence from themselves along the way. We simply must end the era of entitlement, where folks believe society owes them success. This will happen only as we reestablish the truth that recognition and reward are always found on the other side of hard work and accomplishment.

Sacrifice: Lastly, we must recognize the value of sacrifice. Good things seldom come easy. Good marriages take daily maintenance. Good families make personal sacrifices in order to invest in relationships. Good companies are built on hard work, long hours and good old-fashioned sweat. Communities are built strong when we look beyond our preferences to meet the needs around us. Face it, the current addiction to comfort and pleasure is eroding our willingness to make the hard choices and take on the difficult battles that must be won if America is to remain a light of hope to the world.

So, regardless of how the elections turn out, the most powerful weapon in your arsenal is still at your disposal. Be a person of value. Pour your life into those things that will matter today, tomorrow and into the future.

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