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MAY 5, 2019

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4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

TABLE OF CONTENTS

M AY 5, 2019

NEWS FEATURES 5 6 8 9

Community leaders give their best pieces of advice Fighting cancer with screenings, awareness Young Marines program strengthens SCV’s youth Eleven animals who love spring just as much as we do

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Retrial set for trucker accused of killing six Fallen deputy, local resident honored Social media threat against high school deemed ‘not credible’ March local home sales show ‘dramatic’ gains New senior center, Bella Vida, dishes out 200 meals Valencia Acura co-owner gets chance to visit Honda HQ Owner of vandalized restaurant updating security World’s largest plane completes historic first flight over desert 2 in 1 car suspected of DUI, arrested

LOCAL NEWS

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MAYOR 16 16 Celebrate all things cycling in Santa Clarita

SPORTS 17 17 Valencia girls swim looks forward to bright future

TIME RANGER 18 DINING GUIDE 19 ENTERTAINMENT 23 3 Spinners come back around to Canyon Santa Clarita 2 24 ‘Stockholm’ and ‘Red Joan’ reviews are mixed

CALENDAR 25 26 KIDS & FAMILY 6 May you have Family-Fun adventures 2 27 Donna’s Day: Make a twig basket for spring plants

MOTHER’S DAY

29

THINGS TO DO

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

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9 What moms really want for Mother’s Day 2 30 Michele makes Afternoon Tea for Mother’s Day 41 Sunday brunch is back at the Hyatt 2 From strawberry to chocolate festivals 3 38 Dining with a view 33 Rotted beam, tankless water heater

PROFILE 34 34 Lisa McDougald — descendent of Titanic survivors

HEALTH 36 36 Acupuncture and Raynaud’s phenomenon

HOME 37 37 Fun, useful room remodels for when the kids leave

SENIOR LIVING

39 The SCV Senior Center: A hub of help and harmony

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GARDENING 40 40 The health and taste benefits of a veggie garden

OPINION 42 42 Our View • David Hegg • Tim Whyte

BRAIN GAMES VILLAGE IDIOT

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100 YEARS

Richard Budman Perry Smith Tim Whyte Doña Uhrig Karen Bennett • Abner Gutierrez

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661-259-1234 The entire contents of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2019 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

M AY 5, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Community leaders give their best pieces of advice

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

A

dvice is an interesting thing. Sometimes it’s good; sometimes it’s terrible. That’s why the best advice lies in the eye of the beholder.

However, there is an occasional piece of advice that sticks with you.

Whoever it’s from, certain advice can impact us more than we thought possible.

Santa Clarita is full of leaders who’ve experienced this themselves, so we reached out to a few of them in order to share some of their personal takes on the best piece of advice they have ever received.

Mayor Marsha McLean’s best advice was simple: “Be yourself, tell the truth and treat others as you wish to be treated.”

Others’ advice began as one thing, but evolved into much more.

Great advice

Ravi Rajan, president of the California Institute of the Arts, had a teacher tell him to “Be ready when the call comes.”

Although they were talking about playing the trumpet, he went on to explain that you need to be ready for the unexpected, because opportunity isn’t planned and you never know when you’re going to get it.

“Not being able to jump on something when it comes your way, not being ready for “the call,” renders that opportunity moot, and you never know when the next one is going to come forth,” Rajan said.

Chancellor of College of the Canyons Dianne G. Van Hook had similar thoughts.

Her best advice was, “If you can imagine it you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can do it,” which is a piece of advice she said she received several times from mentors and others she respected.

She went on to explain that this can only be done with hard work and perseverance.

“That shaped my own development and my own will to dream big and to figure it out,” Van Hook said.

Holly Schroeder, president and CEO of the SCV Economic Development Corp., said her best advice was

that if you don’t ask, then the answer is “no.”

This is two-fold — it means you must ask for what you want, but also that the worst thing that can happen is the answer is no, according to Schroeder.

This teaches you not to be afraid of “no” and to go for things that you might not have otherwise done, Schroeder said.

“I would have to say life is essentially a marathon, not a sprint,” said Dr. Bud Lawrence, medical director of the emergency department at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. “We get daily wins and daily loses, and it can mess with our emotions, our focus and, ultimately, our success.”

Those loses are just short term bumps in the road and are “one-off items” in the path to the rest of your life, Lawrence said.

Some have gotten their advice early on in life and followed it since, including Cameron Smyth, mayor pro tem.

His advice came from his father when he was 12, and it’s something that’s stuck with him through the years: Everybody deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their station in life.

“It was something that I didn’t understand at the time, but as I got older I developed a greater understanding and appreciation for that,” Smyth said.

L.A. County 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger had similar advice from her father, who told her to treat everyone she met with respect.

“He told me to never believe any position I held or title I had gave me the authority to talk down to anyone else or act with a sense of entitlement,” Barger said. “I try to approach every person I work with kindly, which has proven to be the best piece of advice I could have been given. It’s stuck with me for decades and comes in handy every day.”

Although Senator Scott Wilk has traveled all over California, his best advice was to raise his family in the Santa Clarita Valley.

“You would be hard-pressed to find a better place to live, to educate your children and build a life,” Wilk said.

Councilman Bill Miranda’s advice

Los Angeles County 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger speaks about the need to combat homelessness through mental health services. She said not to look in the rearview mirror.

SIGNAL PHOTO

came from a former classmate, who advised him to read the book “Think and Grow Rich,” which was a book authored by Napoleon Hill.

Its principles helped him turn his business career from “rather average” into successful, he said.

The book begins with the principle of desire, and advises you to make sure what you’re seeking is what your heart and soul desires, not just what your mind desires.

When opportunity knocks

We all love getting advice, but most of us don’t always take the advice we are given. Here is some advice that they wish they had followed.

Lawrence’s advice has been given to a lot of us — it’s to try to live in the moment and to “stop and smell the roses.”

He has a very challenging time following this as he has a hand in so many different projects, Lawrence said.

“I’m always focusing on what’s next,” Lawrence said. “Day- to-day, I’m not good at appreciating where I am or who I’m with. But you only get one chance at life, so I continuously try to live in the moment.”

Wilk’s advice was similar — to spend more time with his family — but got real when both his wife and son were diagnosed with cancer.

They’re both doing fine now, but Wilk said, “The mere notion that I could have lost them was a game-changer. I wished in retrospect

I had spent every waking minute with them.”

Miranda had similar consequences to advice he wished he’d taken, as his wife told him to “slow down.”

He didn’t slow down and continued doing too much, causing him to have a stroke, which not only ended his corporate career but also took him two years to recover from.

“I wish I didn’t have to go through those two years of agony and had listened to her,” Miranda said.

Van Hook grew up in an era when women’s rights were restricted, and her advice reflects that.

Her advice was to not let anyone else’s opinion of her affect her own opinion of herself.

“I let others people’s actions and opinions affect my own self-confidence,” Van Hook said. “Eventually, I realized that the power of a can-do attitude opens up a world of opportunities, and I recommitted that I would not alter my behavior based on what I others thought. Now, I avoid negative people as they deplete energy.”

Some had advice that would’ve completely changed the course of their lives.

In the mid-1990s, Steve Jobs returned to Apple. Rajan took $500 of his earnings as a trumpet player and purchased some Apple stock as he had always been a big believer in Jobs.

He decided to sell the stock for $10,000 in 1998, but a fellow computer fan and friend suggested he keep the stock.

“I was worried about doing this as I needed savings because I would soon move to New York City,” Rajan said.

Rajan decided to use the money on his move, but had he have chosen to invest, that stock would be worth over $1.5 million today.

While it’s hard not to think about near misses, and it’s good to learn from these experiences, it’s also important not to dwell on the past.

“I’ve been given a lot of advice throughout my life, both good and bad, but I don’t regret my decisions to take or not take any of it,” Barger said. “I try not to look in the rearview mirror and or have any regrets.

Everything is a valuable learning experience.” 

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M AY 5, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Fighting cancer with screenings, awareness

By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

W

hile there are lots of local effort to raise awareness about mental and personal health, many Santa Clarita Valley residents still aren’t sure what diseases they should be screening for in order to protect their or a loved one’s well-being.

In fact, according to family physician Dr. Christian Raigosa, there are a myriad of different screenings one can perform throughout their life, but how often and which ones depend on a person’s age and lifestyle choices One of the more talked-about screenings is for breast cancer, which has gained traction in mainstream culture due to the proliferation of pink ribbons for breast cancer awareness, but there are lots of ways that people can be more cautious and proactive about their health, according to the experts.

“If there’s any family history or if there is a finding on an exam and you feel a breast lump (or other type of cancer), then obviously that changes the equation. So, at that point you’d need to be evaluated earlier than most and would likely need additional studies,” Raigosa said, before speaking on a few diseases that are treatable if found early enough.

Cervical Cancer

“A cervical cancer screening is for

Self-examinations can sometimes be “falsely reassuring” to someone who is older and opts to not get a mammogram, which is why family physician Dr. Christian Raigosa said women who are between the ages of 50 and 75 should get a mammogram at least every two years.

women between the ages of 21 and 65,” Raigosa said, “but the frequency at which they’re screened is different depending on their age.”

For ages 21 to 30, it’s recommended that woman get screened once every 3 years. If one is between the ages of 31 and 65, then the recommendation is every 5 years, Raigosa said, mentioning the screening is done with a routine paps smear and (human papillomavirus) test.

“So it’s really important for productive aged woman to do this,” Raigosa said, adding, “The idea is you’re trying to capture the risk of developing HPV, because HPV is the virus that causes the changes in the cervix that are the associated with cervical cancer.”

The screening intervals are shorter when you’re younger — between the ages of 21 and 30 — simply because the incidence of HPV is higher in that age group, Raigosa said. “As a woman matures, the likelihood of developing HPV lessens so the need to screen lengthens to every five years.”

Because cervical cancer is often detected before it becomes advanced, the incidence and death rates for this specific disease are relatively low, according to the National Institutes of Health. But the same cannot always be said when it comes to other types of cancer.

Breast Cancer

“The way we screen for breast cancer is with mammograms or mammography,” Raigosa said. “There’s still a lot of variation in what is the right age to start the screening, but there is consensus that women who are between the ages of 50 and 75 should get a mammogram at least every two years. This increases the likelihood of being able to capture a breast cancer that may or may not be felt on a self-exam.”

However, Raigosa cautioned that selfcheck ups can sometimes be “falsely reassuring” to someone who is older and doesn’t get a mammogram because the research shows that the mammograms — thanks to the technology that exists now — is much more sensitive than the breast self-check.

“Two to three decades before today, this wasn’t the case,” Raigosa said. “It was thought that self-checks were the way to go; but now the sensitivity of the testing is so good that we can pick up

Family physician Dr. Christian Raigosa said there are a myriad of different screenings one can perform throughout their life, but patients should talk to their doctor to discover the ones they are most susceptible to. PHOTOS COURTESY KAISER PERMANENTE

the microcalcification that you can’t feel on an exam. This is why it’s so highly recommended to get the exam.”

Breast cancer is known as the second most common form cancer and one of the more infamous diseases in society today, according to Cancer.org, but the third most common cause of cancer deaths in America — colon cancer — is among one of the most preventable.

Colon Cancer

“Colon cancer is really prevalent in our population,” Raigosa said, as he explained the two prevalent forms of testing for the disease.

One way is through a colonoscopy and the other with the use of a Fecal Immunochemical Test, “which is a stool study that tests for evidence of blood in the stool,” according to the physician.

“Those are two well-established ways to test for colon cancer, and they are both equally efficacious,” meaning they have similar sensitivities and abilities to detect cancer in the colon, Raigosa added. “However, the colonoscopy is required to be done once every 10 years and the Fecal Globin test is needed once a year.”

The screening age for both starts at age 50 and continues on up until age 75, and since they’re both equally effective, it’s a personal choice between the patient and their physician to decide what is the best course for them, Raigosa said. “Personally, I like to recommend the colonoscopy, but there are patients who would prefer not to have a procedure like that so

then at that point the Fecal Globin test would be just as effective.”

Like mammograms, the stool study method has been around for some time, but today’s technology has boosted the efficacy of the test, Raigosa said, adding, “The whole goal is to pick up colon cancer at an early age… because colon cancer is treatable and in many cases it is preventable.”

If doctors were to discover a potentially cancerous polyp, “we’d be able to remove it on the spot, which prevents the progression of colon cancer,” according to Raigosa.

However, the doctor added, “If you had a 45-year old mother diagnosed with colon cancer and an uncle who was also diagnosed, then that’s significant,” because there is a correlation between age and genetics that would lead one to get checked earlier. Raigosa said that would be something that would be discussed more in-depth with a personal physician if necessary.

“As long as you’re on top of it and you’re getting your screenings done, you improve the likelihood of staying disease free or picking up a diagnosis of cancer early so that you can get treated and increase the odds of recovering,” Raigosa said. “These really are only three of the hundreds types of cancers that we can develop, but these are the three that are: the most common — the ones where we have developed effective screening strategies that have a high likelihood of effecting the outcomes of survival.” 

M AY 5, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

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M AY 5, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Young Marines program strengthens SCV’s youth

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

T

en “young Marines,” ranging from ages 8 to 15, stood perfectly still and in formation as Tim Stratton, a retired U.S. Marine master sergeant and executive officer of the Santa Clarita Valley Young Marines, spoke at the graduation ceremony.

That morning, recruits had completed the final challenge of their four week long “basic recruit training” — or “boot camp” — were given their uniforms and were now being promoted to private in the Young Marines program.

The SCV Young Marines are part of a national organization that allows boys and girls ages 8 through the completion of high school to develop mental, moral and physical disciplines and promote a healthy, drugfree lifestyle.

The program focuses on youth education and service while helping build character and leadership traits that will last throughout their lives, according to Stratton.

Sixteen-year-old Corporal Kiara Galvan Sayre has been in the program for nearly four years, and says Young Marines has helped her a lot with discipline and improving her grades.

“My mom ended up getting me into it because my grades were low and I wasn’t doing very well in school,” Sayre said. “But it’s been an interesting experience. I’m doing things that I normally would never do, and it helps me meet new people. I’m definitely going to continue on until I graduate out.”

The Young Marines are lead by adult volunteers, many of which are former military like Stratton, who want to help instill the values they were taught in the military to the youth.

The program is structured similar to the Marines in the sense that there are ranks, and promotions are given to youth who meet all the requirements.

While the only membership requirement is that they must be in good standing at school and maintain a C average, according to Catherine Hagopian, Stratton’s wife and the SCV Young Marines event coordinator.

Above: Matthew Lenhert (left) and Carson Dunham (center) receive their Meritorious Promotion to Private First Class at the Santa Clarita Valley Young Marines. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

And with each promotion, they must be signed off on all objectives for that rank.

This entails taking a certain number of classes, being current with their drug education, physical fitness and community service, and passing a written exam and oral board.

When they reach sergeant, they are then required to attend a weeklong junior leadership school at Camp Pendleton. As they progress, members are also asked to travel to a two-week-long senior and advanced leadership schools, typically held at a base in Oregon, and are required to teach four drug-education classes outside of the Young Marines before being promoted.

Although 12-year-old Corporal Everett Krenz didn’t like the Young Marines at first when he joined at 8 years old, he now says he wants to continue until he’s 18, and will hopefully “have one of the highest ranks by then.”

“I like the classes and they teach us good information,” Krenz said. “Most kids vape and they do all this stuff. I like the drug-free introduction class because it teaches all these ‘Young Marines’ not to do that stuff.”

Throughout the year, the members of the young marines have the opportunity to travel across the country to places like Arizona, Colorado, Washington, D.C., and Hawaii.

Sayre’s favorite trip is to Camp

Morningstar where they get to go camping in Big Bear and meet other units.

They also can attend various national Young Marines summer programs, which include leadership courses, historical site visits, space academy, and survival and wilderness skill training. This offers Young Marines across the country the opportunity to gather with their peers and train as a large unit.

“The big thing is that it doesn’t cost them much,” Hagopian said. “They include airfare, lodging and your meals for a low cost.”

Brothers Private Hayden Kobayashi, 11, and Private Joshua Kobayashi, 15, just joined Young Marines and went through boot camp together.

“It looked fun, and I wanted to learn discipline because I don’t really have that much of it,” Hayden said.

“I want to do the aviation programs because I want to be in the Air Force and eventually be a pilot.”

Joshua says he’s most excited to go to the specialty encampments, and according to their father, Rick Winer, both boys have an interest in aviation, and joined the program for the opportunity to participate in these specialty programs.

“They like aviation and this is a great lead into that,” Winer said.

During boot camp, the Kobayashi

brothers and their fellow recruits learned Marine customs and courtesies, rank structure, history, close-order drill, and physical fitness all taught by the older members.

“It was hard, but it was fun,” Hayden said. “You just can’t slack off and you’ll be fine.”

The graduates of the Young Marines program have the opportunity to continue learning new skills and work toward ribbon awards, which they can then wear on their uniforms.

“They have to earn their ribbons,” Stratton said. “It can be anything from physical fitness and swimming to community service, academics and leadership.”

The program also gives participants various community service opportunities nearly every week.

“I like doing community service to help the community,” Krenz said. “Especially the ones we do with military families because you get to meet all the veterans.”

Throughout Santa Clarita, you can see the Young Marines presenting the colors at local sporting events, schools, churches, city hall, funerals and in the Fourth of July parades.  To learn more about the Santa Clarita Valley Young Marines, visit members.youngmarines.com/unit/ santaclaritavalley or call commanding officer Master Sgt. Juan Avalos at (858) 229-1894.

M AY 5, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Eleven animals who love spring just as much as we do

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

T

he weather is getting warmer and the flowers are blooming — spring is here.

It’s the season where everything is growing and coming to life, even the animals, which means you’ll soon be spotting more and more animals here in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The typical animal’s breeding season is in the winter, so many will be having babies in the spring and summer months, according to Ranger Frank Hoffman, head ranger at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center.

Coyotes can be seen year-round, but they’ll be raising their pups in spring and summer. PHOTO COURTESY CORINA ROBERTS

It’s almost time for bobcat kitten season, so beware. PHOTO COURTESY CORINA ROBERTS

Birds

You may have already noticed that there are a ton of birds out and about, said Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel, executive director and president of the Community Hiking Club.

And if you feed them, it’s a good time to put the feeders out, Erskine-Hellrigel said.

A lot of birds are either migrating through the area or simply enjoying the sunny weather, according to Hoffman, including tanagers, blackbirds, hummingbirds and orioles, as well as bigger birds like condors and hawks.

You’re also going to be seeing lots of owls and owlets, according to both Erskine-Hellrigel and Hoffman.

In this area, you can spot, great horned owls, barn owls and even some spotted owls in Placerita Canyon.

We are even lucky enough to sometimes be visited by migrating bald eagles in the Angeles National Forest above Sand Canyon, according to Erskine-Hellrigel.

Snakes

Snakes are also beginning to come out in full force as the weather warms, especially rattlesnakes, Hoffman said.

Fortunately, we’ll only be seeing one species of rattlesnake, specifically the Southern Pacific rattlesnake, according to Erskine-Hellrigel.

If they aren’t provoked or threatened, they will most likely retreat, as they aren’t generally aggressive, Erskine-Hellrigel and Hoffman said.

Bobcats

Although they are often confused

Right now, you should see lots of birds including owls. PHOTO COURTESY DIANNE ERSKINE-HELLRIGEL

An adult male Costa’s hummingbird.

The Costa’s is usually a summer visitor.

PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

with mountain lions, bobcats are smaller and more numerous, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

It’s almost time for bobcat kitten season, Erskine-Hellrigel said, which means we will start seeing more out and about.

They have to not only feed themselves and find a territory where they can hunt but also protect their young from predators like owls, eagles, foxes and even adult male bobcats, according to Fish and Wildlife.

Deer

There are also plenty of deer in the area, according to Hoffman.

In the spring, does leave their young unattended for hours at a time as they forage for food, so it is important to never assume it has been abandoned, according to Fish and Wildlife.

Mountain Lions

The No. 1 food source for a mountain lion is deer, so where there are deer, there are mountain lions, according to Fish and Wildlife.

Although mountain lions are seen year-round in this area, there will be more out and about during this time of year because they are also having

Sightings are rare, but you can see the occasional bear. PHOTO COURTESY CORINA ROBERTS

kittens, according to Erskine-Hellrigel.

Coyotes

Coyotes are another animal that can be seen year-round, but because they will also be raising their pups in the spring and summer, they will need to find more and more food and may be spotted more often, Hoffman said.

Coyotes also play an important role in the ecosystem by helping keep the rodent populations under control, according to Fish and Wildlife.

It is important to never feed a coyote and cover garbage cans as to not attract them, and if you are feeding the birds, make sure to put bird feeders away to avoid attracting rodents or other coyote prey.

Bats

Bats will be migrating from high summits and elevations when it starts to get too cold to lower elevations where it’s warmer, Hoffman said.

They are doing a lot to rid the area of insects, and we only have insect eating bats here in the U.S., according to Hoffman.

There are also a large number of rabid bats in Santa Clarita, so be sure to leave them alone, Hoffman said.

Rabbits

There will also be a significant increase in Santa Clarita’s bunny population, because at the first sign of spring, breeding season begins and doesn’t end until late summer, said both Hoffman and Erskine-Hellrigel.

Foxes

The grey fox is indigenous to this area, according to Hoffman.

They are the only canine that can partially retract their claws, which is why they are known to climb trees, Hoffman said.

Bears

Believe it or not, there are some bears who travel into the area from the nearby mountains, according to Hoffman.

Hoffman has seen evidence of bears at the nature center twice in his 25 years there.

Just last year, a black bear was spotted in a backyard in Stevenson Ranch and another was captured in Castaic, according to Fish and Wildlife.

It’s not the best habitat for them, so sightings are rare, but they are still here.

Bugs

With more flowers come more bugs. Annually, you can see lots of bugs this time of year, according to Erskine-Hellrigel, but that will calm down as they are used for food by other animals. 

10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 5, 2019

LOCALNEWS

Retrial set for trucker accused of killing six

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

A

retrial was ordered Friday in the case of a career trucker accused of killing two women and four young children after his big rig hit a minivan two and a half years ago.

Richard Lopez, now 72, is charged with six counts of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.

Last month, after a lengthy twomonth trial in San Fernando, the case ended with a hung jury and a mistrial was declared.

On Friday, the judge turned down a request by Lopez’ lawyer to have the case dismissed.

“Defense counsel asked for the case

to be dismissed pursuant to Penal Code 1385, and the judge denied it,” Paul Eakins, spokesman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, said Friday.

California’s Penal Code 1385 allows a judge to dismiss a case “in furtherance of justice” without a request to do so by the defense attorney or defendant.

A pretrial hearing is now set for June 6, in the same courtroom where the original trial was heard, with the same judge, same prosecutor and same defense attorney.

“We’re going to have another trial,” defense attorney Ben Mironer said Friday.

“The judge decided not to dismiss,

and the prosecutor stated they intend to proceed with a retrial,” he said.

The judge in this case is Sherilyn Garnett, presiding over Courtroom A at San Fernando Superior Court.

Deputy District Attorney Jamie Castro was the prosecutor.

In the first trial, jurors voted 8-4 not guilty.

When the hung jury was announced at the end of March, Mironer was asked how his client responded to the news.

“He’s been through so much, it still hasn’t sunk in,” Mironer said at the time.

After seven weeks of testimony and evidence, jurors began deliberating March 18 and, by the end of day

three, notified the judge that they could not reach a verdict.

“Jurors were deadlocked,” Mironer said at the time. “Eight jurors voted not guilty, four jurors voted guilty.”

Lopez is charged with six misdemeanor counts of vehicular manslaughter for allegedly having struck a minivan with his Freightliner truck at 3:37 a.m. on June 28, 2016, in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5, just south of Gorman School Road.

The two women who died inside the burning 2016 Toyota Sienna minivan were Connie Wu Li and Flora Kuang, both 33. The children killed in the same vehicle were Jayden Li, 5; Lucas Li, 3; Sky Ng, 4; and Venus Ng, 2. 

Fallen deputy, local resident honored

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

D

eputy David William March, who was shot and killed in the line of duty 17 years ago, was remembered Monday morning by scores of law enforcement March officers and civilians as they observed the anniversary of his death.

March, who lived in Saugus and attended Canyon High School, was shot and killed on April 29, 2002, at about 10:40 a.m., by a man who told friends he wanted to kill a police officer during a traffic stop.

The gunman, Jorge Arroyo Garcia, now 42, carried out his threat and is serving a life sentence in prison.

March was 33.

On Monday, beginning just after midnight Sunday, a “steady flow of people” in Irwindale began taking part in a 24-hour vigil in March’s honor, said March family friend and longtime Santa Clarita resident Roger Gitlin.

“I am very pleased that, after all this time, there is still a remembrance and a respect for a deputy who made the

ultimate sacrifice,” Gitlin said Monday.

County Supervisor Kathryn Barger was one of about 30 who attended Monday’s memorial.

“Only 33 years old at the time, his passing has left lasting wounds for his loved ones, our community and those of us who remember that fateful day in 2002,” she said.

“This annual memorial gives us another opportunity to pay tribute to Deputy March and thank his family — and all of our law enforcement families — for their service and their sacrifice.”

Also among those deeply bothered by the shooting was former LAPD officer and current Santa Clarita Councilman Bob Kellar, who helped organize Monday’s vigil, but was unable to attend due a family emergency.

“I was sick when I heard he was shot,” Kellar said Monday. “I felt terrible when I learned he died. I feel terrible today.”

“I met his parents in the mid-’80s,” Kellar said, recalling his time with March. “(March) was living out here,” he said. “And, I met him at a function in the mid-’90s. His parents told me how he wanted to get into law enforcement, so I told them to give me a call.”

It was Kellar’s hope, he said, that he could prepare the young March for

Law enforcement officers and civilians attend a remembrance Monday for LAPD Deputy David March, who was killed in the line of duty April 29, 2002.

questions he might be asked by the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department.

“I was immediately impressed by this 25-year-old man,” Kellar said. “I coached him, and he came back with 99% on his interview.”

On the day March was gunned down, the man who pulled the trigger had told friends that he wanted to kill a police officer during a traffic stop.

The suspect intentionally got stopped and waited for March to get in front of his patrol car so he could open fire, as the officer would have no place to take cover, according to the account described on the L.A. County Sheriff ’s Department webpage honoring March.

March was shot several times in the

head and chest.

The suspect, who was identified shortly after the shooting, fled to Mexico where he remained for four years.

On Feb. 23, 2006, the suspect was arrested in Mexico by U.S. Marshals and Mexican federal agents following a joint investigation. He was extradited back to California, and on March 2, 2007, he plead guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

March served with the LASD for seven years. He is survived by his wife and stepdaughter.

A memorial was built in March’s honor on Live Oak Avenue, between Peck Road and Longden Avenue, in Irwindale. 

M AY 5, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 11

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M AY 5, 2019

LOCALNEWS

Social media threat against high school deemed ‘not credible’

By Austin Dave Signal Staff Writer

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threat directed at Canyon High School that surfaced on social media overnight was deemed “not credible,” according to law enforcement officials.

The post, which apparently included photos of firearms, involved a comment with a threat targeting the school, according to Shirley Miller, spokeswoman for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station.

Detectives with the station’s COBRA team and school resource deputies investigated the matter early Friday morning and identified a student suspected to have posted the threat, Miller confirmed.

Detectives investigating the incident determined the threat appeared to be a “copycat incident,” the spokeswoman said, referring to at least two other similar incidents from this week.

Two threats were reported Thursday at La Mesa Junior High School when campus staff found one of the threats written on a small water tank on the back of campus Wednesday afternoon.

The school was not locked down because investigators had at least one student detained in connection with the investigation and was held for questioning, Miller confirmed.

Sheriff ’s station officials said the situation was still under investigation. 

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March local home sales show ‘dramatic’ gains

By Signal Staff

H

ome and condominium sales in the Santa Clarita Valley rose “dramatically” in March despite an “unusually slow” February, a report by the Southland Regional Association of Realtors released Tuesday showed.

Home sales went up by 45% and condos closed escrows 55% higher than last month. The data also revealed that the 166 homes and 82 condos that changed owners were down last year’s tallies, off by nearly 10% and 9%, respectively.

“Part of the month-to-month in-

crease was seasonal, with March typically busy as the homebuying season gets underway,” said Amanda Etcheverry, chair of the association’s SCV Division. “And, this March we saw the lowest interest on home loans in over a year, which gave some buyers a shot of confidence and convinced them to close the sale.”

The association also reported March as the 10th consecutive monthly increase in the number of properties listed for sale throughout Santa Clarita.

By the end of March, listings See SALES, next page

M AY 5, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

LOCALNEWS

New senior center, Bella Vida, dishes out 200 meals

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

F

or the very first time, about 200 members of the community broke bread together at the new Santa Clarita Valley senior center, Bella Vida, for lunch Monday.

“Let service begin,” Joanna Vallelunga, director of food services, said as she signaled servers to roll out the carts of freshly prepared meals for the scores of guests who gathered in the large ballroom and cheered as the food was served.

Monday marked the official day of operations at the new senior center.

And by 8 a.m., the energy was high. It was reminiscent of last week’s dedication ceremony, when hundreds of people toured the 30,000-square-foot building and saw all that it has to offer.

At Monday’s event, center officials and local elected dignitaries partook in a ribbon-cutting and shared what the opening of a new locale at 27180

The first plates of food are served to guests. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

Golden Valley Road meant for the community.

“We’re excited, and we’re proud,” Peggy Rasmussen, one of the lead organizers behind the project and president of the board of directors for the SCV Committee on Aging, which oversees the center, said Wednesday at the ceremony. “This has been a treasure of

mine, a vision, a focus, and I considered it for a really long time my baby. And, today, I am letting go of my baby and giving it all to you, the community and the seniors that have been participating for many years and the staff.”

Surrounded by other attendees in a round table before lunch, guest Manuel Chavez said in Spanish, This place

really is for all of us. We’re fascinated to be here because this is like our second home. It’s a home for seniors of all nationalities and backgrounds.

Elena Peralta, Amelia Chavez and Aurora Benson were among other guests who chimed in on Manuel’s comments about the new facility, sharing their excitement to continue volunteering and seeing their friends from the former Market Street location at the new Bella Vida.

While the majority spent their early afternoon hours in the ballroom for lunch, some guests took the opportunity to play billiards, learn about upcoming classes or lounge by the fireplace in the lobby.

After being approved by the Santa Clarita City Council in July 2015, Bella Vida is now a two-story facility on 2.5 acres of newly developed land with amenities such as an adult day care, a library, fitness center, dance studio, multi-purpose rooms and 8,700 square feet for outdoor events. 

SALES

Continued from previous page

marked 559 active homes and condos, which were up 48% from a year ago.

The median price of single-family homes that changed owners last month was $614,000, an increase of 5% from a year ago but 4.5% below the record high of $643,000 set in April 2006.

“Resale prices have been softening in recent months after soaring ever higher for years,” said Tim Johnson, the association’s chief executive officer, in a prepared statement. “Now, some sellers are having to lower their expectations in the face of slowly growing inventories and rising buyer resistance to high prices.”

“It’s interesting that prices continue to rise even as the inventory slowly expands and some buyers balk at high-price increases,” Johnson added.

“However, today’s price hikes are in the low single-digit range, an increase driven in large measure by the critical shortage of housing throughout Southern California communities and in virtually all price ranges.”

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Pending escrows, a measure of future sales activity, totaled 343 at the end of March and indicated a decrease of 3% from last year, the association said.

Of the combined 250 home and condominium transactions closed last month, 97.6% were standard sales involving traditional buyers and sellers. Three home transactions were foreclosure-related and one was a short sale, where the lenders agree to a sale price less than the outstanding loan balance.

For the second consecutive month, there were zero distressed condominium sales during March. 

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M AY 5, 2019

LOCALNEWS

Valencia Acura co-owner gets chance to visit Honda HQ

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

V

alencia Acura co-owner Cheri Fleming got more than she expected on a recent trip to Japan in her role as a volunteer for Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley: While there, she had the unprecedented opportunity to tour the Honda plant where Acura vehicles are designed.

Fleming, who celebrated 22 years at what she calls their “friendship” dealership this month, was invited to Yokohama, Japan, for the annual Soroptimist convention as a past president of Soroptimist International of the Americas.

“I was given a wonderful opportunity to travel to those regions, and I jumped at the opportunity,” Fleming said.

Meanwhile, before the August trip, Fleming had met Yamada-san, an executive Fleming befriended while he worked at Acura in Los Angeles before moving back to Japan.

The two stayed in touch, and when Fleming told him she would be in the area for the convention, he set up an exclusive visit to Honda headquarters in Tokyo for her.

This would be the first time a U.S. dealer would have this experience and be invited to visit Honda headquarters.

Fleming first had lunch with Yamada-san and four of Acura’s product-planning associates, and she “felt so special,” she said.

Fleming then went back to headquarters and met with Japan’s Acura team, where they asked her about business and sales here in Valencia, and then gave her the opportunity to ask questions, as well.

“There’s a misnomer with some of the Acura dealers in the U.S. that sometimes Japan does not care about Acura as much as Honda, but they quickly changed my mind,” she said.

“Nothing is more important than trying to figure out where Acura is going.”

One of those areas regards alternative fuel sources and electric vehicles.

Fleming said she was surprised to learn that there’s a perception in Japan

Valencia Acura co-owner Cheri Fleming, center, visits where Acura vehicles are designed with Yamada-san, right, at the Honda headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.

COURTESY PHOTO

that the American market doesn’t have a sense of urgency about such developments, since gasoline in the United States is considered relatively cheap compared to the prices Japanese motorists are accustomed to paying.

They also discussed the investments

the manufacturer has made in the development of hydrogen fuel cells, which Fleming believes will be the future — as water is their only emission.

“If we can build an infrastructure to refuel cars with hydrogen, that would be amazing,” she said. “But I would

be happy to be playing in the electric market, as well.”

The cherry on top of Fleming’s trip was when Asimo, a Honda humanoid robot, came out and did a presentation tailored for her.

“All the Acura executives came to watch with me — I was really honored,” she said. “It was an amazing experience.”

Almost a year later, Acura has announced to dealers that they are closing down one of the production lanes at the Marysville, Ohio, manufacturing plant as they are looking toward “the future and electrification.”

“I’m now sitting with bated breath and excitement,” Fleming said. “It gives me reassurance that there is an Acura team that truly wants Acura to be at the top of everyone’s list again.

“Acura life is very exciting right now,” Fleming said. “We’re on the track to having our own performance division of Honda. Our cars are looking amazing, they perform wonderfully. Our future is looking very bright.” 

Owner of vandalized restaurant updating security

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

W

hen businesses close at the plaza between Tournament Road and Singing Hills Drive, the place becomes a dark and isolated place, says Neal Scott, owner of Nealie’s Skillet, which was broken into this week for the third time.

“I don’t know what else I can do,” Scott said Tuesday, the day after thieves broke into the popular family-run breakfast spot.

When the restaurant is open for business, the Vista Village Center plaza, which hosts a U.S. postal outlet, a bar and grill and a liquor store, is bright and alive with traffic.

“When everything closes, it’s

dark with a lot of transients,” Scott said. “I’ve been here at 5 in the morning, and there are people strung out and going through the trash.”

At 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, thieves smashed the front door of the Valencia family business.

In watching the surveillance video, Scott said he noticed something curious.

“Over 15 minutes, the guy (thief) looks in twice. A car scares him off the first time,” Scott said.

“When it was clear, he goes to the window and makes sure no one is around and then he throws a rock through the window,” he said.

There’s no traffic at the plaza early in the morning.

On Jan. 3, 2018, a thief broke in

and stole $4,000.

Five days after the break-in, video surveillance caught what looked like a gang of three people breaking into the business a second time.

Now, after replacing the door glass, Scott is installing more cameras, motion detectors to light up the area and an alarm with a siren.

Last month, detectives with the SCV Sheriff ’s Station investigating the first break-in returned to the restaurant with good news.

“They told me they arrested the guy,” Scott said. “(The suspect) is going to pay me back $4,000 in restitution. We were really excited to hear the news.” 

M AY 5, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

LOCALNEWS

World’s largest plane completes historic first flight over desert

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

T

he massive Stratolaunch aircraft took to the skies for its first-ever test flight April 13, and flying with it were several Santa Clarita Valley connections, from a familiar face at the controls to locally manufactured parts.

With twin fuselages, six engines and a 385-foot wingspan, it is not only the world’s largest aircraft by wingspan but also the largest all-composite vehicle, according to Scaled Composites LLC. “This first flight was really the end result of seven years’ worth of effort,” said pilot Evan “Ivan” Thomas, who may be familiar to some SCV residents as a candidate for the 25th Congressional District in 2014. “It was a very large team effort to get this accomplished.”

The Stratolaunch was built from scratch and assembled in place in its hangar, only to be wheeled out when it was ready to begin the year’s worth of ground testing required, which included numerous engine runs, taxi tests and simulations.

On its first flight, the plane flew without cargo, only carrying Evans as pilot along with copilot Chris “Duff ” Guarente and flight engineer Jake Riley, who were tasked with evaluating the aircraft’s performance and handling skills.

“That first 30 to 60 seconds was

The Stratolaunch will be capable of airlaunching rockets that will carry satellites into space.

certainly the most exciting,” Riley said.

Guarente agreed and added, “The plane just leapt off the ground — that was a big moment for everybody.

It does give you butterflies in your stomach until you realize everything is going exactly how it should be going.”

The Stratolaunch reached speeds of 189 mph and soared to 17,000 feet during its 2.5-hour flight over the Mojave Desert.

“It really couldn’t have gone better than it did,” Riley said. “It was exactly like one of our simulation sessions, and it felt like something we had done a million times before.

You don’t want anything interesting to happen — I was happy to say I

had nothing to do.”

Because the crew sits in the righthand fuselage, it was the first time they would ever be landing off-center, which Thomas said was the “big event of the flight.”

“It was especially weird to see the other fuselage,” Thomas said. “It felt fairly smooth, and if you didn’t look over to the left, you could almost forget it was there.”

The next step for the aircraft is the post-flight inspection, which typically only takes a couple days, but will take a month due to the size of the plane.

The Stratolaunch is designed to

2 in 1 car suspected of DUI, arrested

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

L From left: Chris Guarente, Evan Thomas and Jake Riley made up the three-man crew for the Stratolaunch’s first flight. COURTESY PHOTOS

eventually be a mobile launch platform for more convenient access to space.

It will be capable of air-launching rockets that will carry satellites and launch to multiple orbits and inclinations on a single mission.

“Historic milestones like this in aviation happen right up the street from Santa Clarita in Mojave,” Thomas said. “It may seem far away, but parts of the plane were built in Santa Clarita, and we’re happy to have their support.” 

ocal sheriff ’s deputies arrested two men on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol who were, allegedly, in the same car.

The arrests began with a phone call from a concerned citizen who phoned to report what appeared to be a drunken driver at about 4 p.m.

Tuesday.

“The informant called to report a man under the influence in the parking lot of the skate park on Centre Pointe Parkway,” Shirley Miller, spokeswoman for the SCV Sheriff ’s

Station, said Wednesday.

“And, that they were possibly drinking beer,” she said, referring to the motorist and one passenger.

“Apparently, the driver just had a hard time trying to park.”

The suspect driver kept trying to park the car, but couldn’t.

“Then, they switched seats,” Miller said of the car’s occupants.

When deputies arrived they administered breath tests to both men, each of them 21 years old.

Deputies reported that the tests showed one of the men was twice over the legal limit and the other suspect was slightly under that level. 

16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 5, 2019

F R O M T H E M AY O R

Celebrate all things cycling in Santa Clarita

By Mayor Marsha McLean

M

ay is bike month in Santa Clarita and the City is celebrating cycling, with several events, fun rides and a world-class race!

Join us on May 11, at 10 a.m., and bring your friends and family to Valencia Heritage Park for our Hit the Trail Community Bike Ride, presented by Curtiss-Wright. This popular event invites the community to explore the City’s trail system on a guided non-competitive ride.

Riders may choose between a ninemile route and a shorter four-mile route. The nine-mile route will take you west along the Santa Clara River Trail, all the way to River Village Park and then return on the same path to Valencia Heritage Park. The 4-mile route, which is recommended for families with young children, will start at the

park and loop through the Iron Horse Trail Bridge, pass the McBean Parkway Bridge and head back to the park. Both rides begin and end at Valencia Heritage Park, where there will be a fun fair, giveaways, tricycle races and food!

On Thursday, May 16, get ready for some friendly competition with the return of Bike to Work Day. This is a challenge among businesses in the City to see which employer can get the most employees to participate. Five pit stops will be placed throughout the City where cyclists will get snacks, giveaways and have a chance to win prizes. To encourage those who need to travel a bit farther to be a part of Bike to Work Day, Santa Clarita Transit and Metrolink are also offering free rides for anyone on local routes that have their bike and/or helmet with them!

The biggest event coming to town is undeniably the Amgen Tour of California. On Saturday, May 18, this world-class cycling race is coming back to Santa Clarita and we can’t

Open Evenings & Weekends

wait! The Amgen Tour of California takes place throughout seven stages over seven days. This year, cyclists in men’s and women’s races are riding from Sacramento down to the finish line in Pasadena. This year, we are hosting the Stage Start for the final stretch of the race. The City of Santa Clarita has hosted more stages of this world-class event than any other City — this year’s stage will be no. 14!

The race is a public event, so please come out and help us cheer on the cyclists! Beginning at Westfield Valencia Town Center at approximately 8 a.m., the riders will sprint from the starting line to the finish line at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The women will leave first, with the men leaving a short time after.

As you can imagine, a race like this will require some traffic control.

Some roadways will be closed prior to cyclists’ arrival and will reopen once it is deemed clear. I strongly advise if you live, or have any plans to visit the

streets along the route, to plan ahead and visit our SantaClaritaTourofCA. com website for traffic details.

We hope by attending one of these events during Bike Month, you’ll get inspired to do some cycling of your own! With miles of trails and paseos to ride along, our City is the perfect setting for you to fall in love with cycling.

It is not only fun — it is good for you!

Make it a goal to dust off that bike that’s been sitting in your garage (or rent one through our Pace Bike Share program), and take it out for a spin — just remember to do a safety check first and wear a helmet!

For full details on upcoming bike-related events, safety tips and programs, please visit BikeSanta Clarita.com.  Mayor Marsha McLean is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at mmclean@ santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in her column are her own and not necessarily those of The Signal.

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M AY 5, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

SPORTS

Valencia girls swim looks forward to bright future

By Diego Marquez Signal Staff Writer

O

ver the years, the Valencia girls swim program program some of the league fastest swimmers who’ve set some of the Foothill League’s best times.

Sophomore sensations Izabella Adame and Julia Unas are two of the latest standouts.

Carrying the torch in the 2017-18 freshmen season, the two burst onto the Foothill League Finals finishing in first and second place in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard breaststroke, respectively, and they were also part of the Foothill League title-winning 200-yard freestyle relay team along with Allison Cho and fellow freshman Emma Hiett.

Adame was also part of the 200yard individual medley team (Adame, Hiett, Cho and Jin Young Yi), and earned the title of Foothill League Girls Swimmer of the year.

Valencia’s Izabella Adame swims the 100-yard butterfly. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

Unfortunately, the Vikings girls team finished second to Hart, but the two used the second-place finish as motivation to come back even stronger.

Powering the 2018-19 Vikings girls team to a Foothill League title the two came back even stronger to defeat the Hart girls team as Adame defended both her titles in the 200-yard individual medley dropping more

than two seconds off last year’s finals time and set the new league record in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 53.85 seconds.

Adame repeated as the Foothill League girls swimmer of the year with her finishes.

“Yeah, that was kind of my goal and I kind of wanted to break the record in the 200-IM, but I just feel like I’m not ready, yet,” Adame said. “Hopeful-

ly, next year I will be able to break it.”

Unas joined her as the only other Valencia girls swimmer to win an individual award taking home first in the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:03.79.

Joining this year’s 200-yard individual medley relay team, Unas was able to not only take home one, but two relay titles as the duo also defended their title in the 200-yard freestyle relay.

“It feels really great because Julia and I have worked so hard during practices and I just feel really accomplished,” Adame said.

“It feels really good to be on these winning relays with them, especially since I wasn’t on the medley relay team last year,” Unas said, “and getting to be on this team and breaking the league record was really surprising.”

Meeting each other and swimming together for the past five years at Canyons Aquatic Club, the pair hit it off as soon as they met. Now the two have plenty of time to break records over the next two years. 

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18 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 5, 2019

TIMERANGER

Giant Pumas, Range Wars & Nixon (Tricia)

A

tip of the Stetson this morning to you, saddlepals. We’ve a most interesting trail ride through time and will visit a land that knows no political correctness, triggering, gaslighting or social media.

And no wearing those heavens-to-Betsy heinous prison denim cut-offs. It scares the horses.

We’ve range wars and decimated oak forests. Gasp. Our congressman is dating the president’s daughter.

We’ve federal weed abatement, dancing on Sunday, giant mountain lions and a healthy serving of bear meat.

Well. It’s May. Happy Cinco de “Hold The” Mayo. Let’s mosey. Try to guide your steeds around the rattlesnakes as opposed to over …

WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• Do you mine? May 3, 1842, the San Francisquito Mining District was established, commemorating the discovery of gold by Don Francisco Lopez, possibly in Placerita Canyon.

While it has been celebrated as the first gold discovery in Southern California, gold mining had been going on in the SCV as far back as the late 1700s. Gold was even taken out of the stream centuries earlier by local Indians. Lopez got $54 from the governor and a serious land grant near Piru.

• May I have a hearty ‘Bully!!!??’ We had a pretty big celebrity staying at the Acton Hotel on May 4, 1903.

President Theodore Roosevelt stopped off to visit some friends and do a little hunting.

• Two boys & a cave One of the most significant Amerindian archeological finds in U.S. history was discovered near present-day Highway 126 back on May 2, 1884. Much of what we know about the Tataviam Indians who populated this valley prior to the 20th century came from the discovery of a cave by two Castaic boys. Brothers Everette and McCoy Pyle discovered the caches near the Chiquita Landfill today off Highway 126. It was later called Bowers Cave, named after the Ventura doctor to whom the boys sold their treasure. History offers two figures: $35 and $1,500. The artifacts apparently are still in boxes somewhere in the basement of the Peabody

500 miles on the odometer.

• At least, the way station could serve bear stew You can’t get this at Wolf Creek today. At least, we hope you can’t. Ninety years back, Don Barnett opened his new cafe next to the Midway Garage. One of the specialties? A half-&-half plate of hot dogs and bear meat. And no. Bear doesn’t taste like chicken. More like tough lamb.

Museum at Harvard.

MAY 5, 1919

• That bad Billy Bill Rose shot a puma, 7 feet long from nose to tail, up on his Castaic ranch. The big cat had killed two of his calves in the month of April. For his efforts, Rose received a $20 bounty from Fish and Game.

That cougar wasn’t the only thing Rose killed in his life. A few years earlier, as a young man, Billy Rose met up with W. W. Jenkins — one of the West’s most deadly pistol fighters in his day — on a lonely Castaic dirt road and plugged him with several bullet holes.

Thinking he had killed W.W., Rose went into hiding for six months in a cave in Lake Elizabeth. The historic Castaic Range War lasted for nearly 40 years, and took the lives of 27 men.

Jenkins? He died in 1916 at the age of 81 — of old age.

MAY 5, 1929

• Yucca-Yucca-Yucca The hills around here were nearly picked clean of Yucca plants in the 19th century.

A large mill up in the Acton/Agua Dulce area produced tons of pulp, which was shipped to a London paper-making factory. Laws were enacted, saving the remaining Yuccas and on this date, J.F. McCrillis felt the full force of the law descend on him when he yanked a plant from the ground. He was fined $20 by judge A.B. Perkins. That’s a pretty stiff stipend when you consider that could be four months’ rent back then.

• Early illegal Uber? A thief swiped the Householders’ new Buick on this date. The Newhall family thought the vehicle would be stripped for parts and never seen again. Wrong they were. A few weeks later, the thief returned the car to the exact same spot it was stolen from — with an extra

MAY 5, 1939

• A Democrat’s dream: Taxing your weeds Locals were up in arms over federal intervention in their weeds.

Yes. Weeds. Seems the old WPA would step in and cut down weeds around your home and buildings but the only problem with that is they’d charge you by tacking the bill onto your income tax. A special county ordinance stopped the feds in their tracks.

• Survivor of the feud May 12, 1939, William Chormicle Jr. was brought into Newhall Hospital for treatment of burns. A gasoline can exploded next to him when he was trying to jump start a tractor. Chormicle was the son of the OTHER patriarch (W.W. Jenkins was his rival) in that famous Castaic Range War we visited earlier.

MAY 5, 1949

• Python racing More than 12,000 braved a hot day for “Hot Rod” air races at old Probert-Devine Newhall Airport. (The “Devine” was Andy Devine, sidekick in the “Wild Bill Hickock” TV series and owner of Newhall International Airport.) These little scooters, weighing about 500 pounds, raced at speeds of over 200 mph just a few feet off the ground.

These “python” races were the first and last at our airfield.

• Quite the extrovert Willie Smith ran seriously amok in Val Verde a half-century back. He got into six fistfights, shot himself in the hand and his wife in the stomach. He climbed up a water tower and jumped in, patiently waiting for the police to arrive.

MAY 5, 1959

• How we lost our oaks An article in “Westways Magazine” from May 1959 complimented Newhall, but noted that it had actually lost most of its charm “between 1910 and 1912

when the vast groves of oak trees were slaughtered to supply the charcoal market in Los Angeles.”

• That’s my pal In 1979, Sand Canyon’s Cliffie Stone was given the Pioneer Award in Nashville, country music’s highest honor. In 1959, he made the front of The Mighty Signal for hosting the Placerita Pageant.

MAY 5, 1969

• And gimme a large pepperoni Mrs. Roy Shermon hit the accelerator instead of the brake and smashed 30 feet into ChiChi’s Pizza. Mrs. Shermon was the proud possessor of a 1-month-old learner’s permit. The pizza gods must have been watching.

No one in the eatery or auto was hurt.

• Happy 5th, CalArts! This month marks the half-century anniversary for CalArts. Students, faculty and community leaders all took shovels for the groundbreaking.

• Yay for the SCV’S big heart The infant SCV Boys’ Club (no “Girls” in the title then) was in financial trouble. A hasty fundraising by locals brought in $3,200 — enough to keep the club afloat until August. I think the $3,200 would cover Jim Ventress’s daily per diem.

MAY 5, 1979

• Still cattle country We had our own special officer — Sgt. Bill Bacon (no pun intended) who patrolled the SCV looking specifically for livestock rustlers. At the time, 80 percent of the rustling of critters in Los Angeles County was in the Santa Clarita.

• And throw in a roller coaster Newhall Land and Farming was offered $53 million to sell Magic Mountain to amusement park giant, Six Flags. Eventually, NL&F did.

Appreciate the company, dear saddlepals. Thanks for touring the yesteryears of Santa Clarita history with me. I’ll see you next week with another exciting Time Ranger adventure. Until then —vayan con Dios  John Boston has been writing about SCV history for more than 40 years.

Read his historical tome, “Images of America: The Santa Clarita Valley” on Amazon.com. Check out his History of The Mighty Signal series on Saturdays on page A1.

M AY 5, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 19

AMERICAN Backwoods Inn 17846 W. Sierra Highway, Canyon Country 661-252-5522 The Backyard Grub n’ Brews 26509 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita 661-286-1165 Bergie’s 16404 Delone Street, Canyon Country 661-251-3133 Black Angus 27007 McBean Parkway, Valencia 661-288-2000 Boston Market 26543 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (Saugus) 661-297-4447

Brookyln Bar & Grill 25860 McBean Parkway, Valencia 661-284-6057 The Cheesecake Factory 24250 Town Center Dr #110, Valencia, CA 91355 661-286-1232 Claim Jumper 25740 The Old Road, Valencia 661-254-2628 Crazy Otto’s Diner 25373 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia 661-291-1733 The Daily Harvest Cafe & Juicery 22722 Lyons Ave #6, Newhall 661-383-9387 Eat Real Cafe 23414 Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-254-2237

Eat Real Cafe 27530 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-254-2237

Red Robin 27063 McBean Parkway, Valencia 661-260-2411

Iconic Eats 23460 Cinema Dr, Valencia 661-481-9404

Saddle Ranch Chop House 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia 661-383-0173

Islands 24180 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-284-5903

Salt Creek Grille 24415 Town Center Drive, Valencia 661-222-9999

Lazy Dog Cafe 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia 661-253-9996

Sizzler 19013 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita 661-250-7300

Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita 661-284-5988 Marston’s Restaurant 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-253-9910 Nealie’s Skillet 25858 Tournament Road, Valencia 661-678-0031

Souplantation 24303 Town Center Drive, Valencia 661-286-1260 Stonefire Grill 23300 Cinema Drive, Valencia 661-799-8282 The Old Town Junction 24275 Main Street Newhall (661) 702-4888

Newhall Refinery 24258 Main St, Newhall 661-388-4477

Thelma’s Cafe 22876 Copperhill Drive, Saugus 661-263-8283

Wing Stop 18547 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-251-9700

BBQ Black Bear Diner 23626 Valencia Blvd, Valencia 661-799-4820 Dickeys Barbecue Pit 18742 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita 661-251-0840 L&L Hawaiian BBQ 18727 Via Princessa, Canyon Country 661-251-8333 Lucille’s Bar-B-Que 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia 661-255-1227 Q&Q Hawaiian BBQ 27530 Newhall Ranch Road #101, Santa Clarita 661-383-9098 Rattler’s BBQ 26495 Golden Valley Road, Canyon Country 661-251-4195 See DINING GUIDE, next page

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20 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 5, 2019

DINING GUIDE

Continued from previous page

BBQ

Smokehouse on Main 24255 Main St, Old Town Newhall 661-888-4585 Wood Ranch Bar-B-Que & Grill 25580 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch 661-222-9494

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

Casa Canela 27647 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita 661-523-7282 Crazy Otto’s Diner 25373 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia 661-291-1733 Egg Plantation 24415 Walnut Street, Newhall 661-255-8222 Eggs N Things 27560 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-702-8664 Halfway House 15564 W. Sierra Highway, Saugus 661-251-0102

Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita 661-284-5988 Marston’s Restaurant 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-253-9910 Mimi’s Cafe 24201 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia 661-255-5520 The Old Town Junction 24257 Main Street, Newhall 661-702-4888 Saugus Cafe 25861 Railroad Avenue, Saugus 661-259-7886 Way Station Coffee Shop 24377 Main Street, Newhall 661-255-0222

BREWERIES BJ’s Restaurant 24320 Town Center Drive, Valencia 661-288-1299 Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co. 18810 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-252-7883

18 0 2

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Voted “Best Of” Most Romantic Restaurant 6 years in a row

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Pocock Brewing Company 24907 Avenue Tibbits, Valencia 661-775-4899

BURGERS/SANDWICHES Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co. 27746 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia 661-263-9653 Bricks 23820 Lyons Ave, Newhall 661-286-1091

Five Guys 24201 W, Valencia Blvd #3672, Valencia 661-255-0981

Rustic Burger 24025 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-254-1300

Grilled Cheese Factory 24201 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-888-1508

Rustic Eatery 25343 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia 661-254-8100 Submarina California Subs 26517 Carl Boyer Drive, Canyon Country 661-259-4782

The Habit 25948 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia 661-291-1575

Tiny’s Submarine Sandwiches 27251 Camp Plenty Road, Canyon Country 661-251-5885

Brother’s Burgers 20655 Soledad Canyon 661-299-9278

Jimmy Dean’s 22941 Lyons Ave, Newhall 661-255-6315

Corner Bakery 24290 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-259-2813

JJ’s Bar and Grill 25848 Tournament Road, Valencia 661-799-7557

Cousins Burgers 19318 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-298-4200

Panini Palace 23120 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita 661-678-0552

Everest Burgers 18645 Soledad Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 252-3412 Firehouse Subs 23630 Valencia Blvd. Valencia 661-255-3473

CHINESE

Pita Pit 28253 Newhall Ranch Road 661-702-9977 Route 66 Classic Grill 18730 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-298-1494

L CHÊNE e French Cuisine

• May 12: Mother’s Day Brunch • June 9: Paella in the Garden • June 22: Murder Mystery Dinner Theater • July 14: Bastille Day & Argentina Independence Day Celebration

China Express 19417 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-251-8783 Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-254-0351 Golden Wok Restaurant 16668 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-424-0888

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M AY 5, 2019 Grand Panda 23802 Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-253-1898 27924 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus 661-297-9868 Mandarin Wong Chinese Restaurant 23758 Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-259-5823 Moon Wok 23460 Cinema Drive Suite H, Valencia 661-288-1898 New Moon 28281 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-257-4321 Pei Wei Asian Diner 24250 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-600-0132 Pick Up Stix 25960 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch 661-288-2090 WaBa Grill 19120 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-367-7297 31739 Castaic Road, Castaic 661-295 9222 Wok’s Cookin’ Chinese Restaurant 31565 Castaic Road, Castaic 661-257-2890

CUBAN Hidden Havana Cuban Cafe 23548 Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-254-4460

DELICATESSEN Bob’s Country Meats 19012 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-251-5995 Cathy’s Delicatessen 23120 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-288-2217 Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-259-6261 Mariciano’s Chicago Style Deli 18635 Soledad Canyon Road 661-299-1100 Piccola Trattoria Italian Deli 18302 W. Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country 661-299-6952 The Sandwich Shop 25530 W. Avenue Stanford, Valencia 661-257-4811

FRENCH Le Chene French Cuisine 12625 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce 661-251-4315

GREEK

Gyromania 20655 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita 661-252-4976

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 21

INDIAN An Indian Affaire 23360 W. Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-288-1200 Karma Restaurant, Bar & Lounge 23460 Cinema Drive, Valencia 661-288-0080 Royal Tandoor 26532 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita 661-263-7100

ITALIAN Bella Cucina Ristorante Italiano 27911 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus 661-263-1414 Buca di Beppo 26940 Theater Drive, Valencia 661-253-1900 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-294-9069 Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-259-6261 Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita 661-252-5011 Olive Garden 27003 McBean Parkway, Valencia 661-799-8161 Piccola Trattoria 18302 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country 661-299-6952 Presto Pasta 24375 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia 661-284-7737 Spumoni Restaurant 24917 W. Pico Canyon Road, Stevenson Ranch 661-799-0360

JAPANESE & SUSHI Achita Sushi 22913 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita 661-476-5522 Asako Sushi 27540 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country 661-251-6010 Bonsai Garden 19358 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-251-9008 Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Dining 27025 McBean Pkwy, Valencia 661-254-2355 Hibiki Restaurant 27625 Shangri La Dr., Canyon Country 661-298-0273 Kabuki 24045 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-799-8655 See DINING GUIDE, next page

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22 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

DINING GUIDE

Continued from previous page

Kisho Japanese Teppan Grill & Revolving Sushi Bar 23430 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-284-3856 Love Sushi 18521 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-299-6526 My Hot Pot 26238 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita 661-288-1998 Sushi Song Japanese Restaurant 22896 Copper Hill Dr, Santa Clarita 661-297-5659 Xevichez Sushi Bar 24250 Town Center Dr #180, Santa Clarita 661-288-1477 Yamato Restaurant 24947 Pico Canyon Road, Stevenson Ranch 661-799-0707

KOREAN & MONGOLIAN Charcoal Korean BBQ Restaurant 19158 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-251-9292

M AY 5, 2019

Flame Broiler 18519 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita 661-252-5918 Gogi House 26524 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus 661-263-0048 Kogiya 2 Korean BBQ 23410 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita 661-678-0999 Lee’s Korean BBQ & Tofu House 23360 West Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-254-2307 ZingGa Grill 26910 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita 661-250-7592

MEDITERRANEAN Cafe O 20655 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-424-0401 Flame & Skewers 25870 McBean Parkway, Valencia 661- 661-799-7538 Grill Kabob 27653 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus 661-263-7445 Kebab House 24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia 661-799-5844

“Finally, by popular demand...

DELIVERS

661.250.7550 SCV’s Highest Rated Pizza Since 2007

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Zankou Chicken 24463 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia 661-705-7265

MEXICAN Azul Tequila 25387 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia 661-254-5500 Betito’s Mexican 18902 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-251-0557 Burrito Factory 23029 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-288-0222 Cabo Cabana Restaurant 25710 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch 661-222-7022 Casa Pasilla 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-295-1989 Dario’s Mexican Restaurant 24523 Newhall Avenue, Newhall 661-255-6868

“For 12 years running...

DELIVERS

La Cocina Bar & Grill 28022 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus 661-297-4546

to Valencia” 661.263.8646

to Canyon Country!”

Olive Terrace Cafe 28261 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-257-7860

El Trocadero Steak House 24274 Main Street, Newhall (661) 284-6615

TOMATO JOE’S

TOMATO JOE’S

Manoushee Mediterranean Restaurant 27131 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country 661-251-6666

Valencia’s Top Choice for Take Out and Delivery

Huge selection of pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and salads

La Charrita Restaurant 24225 Main St, Newhall 661-288-1204 Las Rocas Mexican Grill 27923 Sloan Canyon Rd Castaic, CA 91384 661-257-6905 Medrano’s Mexican Restaurant 19319 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-367-4945

LIVE MUSIC

at Pizza & Taps Wednesday Nights

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Rosarito Grill 19425 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-251-2732 SCV’s First SELF-SERVE

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PERSIAN Persia Lounge & Restaurant 24328 Main Street, Newhall 661-259-4100

PIZZA Ameci Pizza & Pasta 28013 Seco Canyon, Santa Clarita 661-296-6131 Chi Chi’s Pizza 27117 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country 661-252-4405 23043 Soledad Canyon Road, Saugus 661-259-4040 Guido’s Pizza & Pasta 26322 N. Friendly Valley Parkway, Newhall 661-252-4111 Magic Pizza SCV 26870 The Old Rd, Stevenson Ranch 661-291-1921 Mama Mia Pizza 25708 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch 661-286-9183 Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus 661-259-3895 Pizza Rev 24341 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia 661-260-1257 Pieology Pizzeria 28295 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-678-0234 Tomato Joes Pizza & Taps 19167 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita 661-250-7550 Tomato Joes Pizza Express 27732 McBean Pkwy.Valencia 661-263-8646 Toppers Pizza 23710 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita 805-385-4444

THAI Life Thai Fusion 22911 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country 661-259-9226

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Original Thai BBQ Restaurant 27530 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia 661-257-6421

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Solita Tacos & Margaritas 24201 Valencia Blvd., Suite 3470, Santa Clarita 661-291-1399

the entire beer wall during happy hour

Siam Rice II 25845 Railroad Ave, Santa Clarita 661-287-0099

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Sister House Thai Fusion 26879 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-263-9911

M AY 5, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 23

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

Spinners come back around to Canyon Santa Clarita

By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

C

anyon Santa Clarita has once again brought an act known around the world into the Santa Clarita Valley for our musical enjoyment, this time, part of the sound Detroit made famous: Motown.

The Spinners, part of the original Motown sound, have been making

music for more than 65 years, and they’ve sold more than 60 million records and earned six Grammy nods.

In addition to creating the music loved by millions, their shows are known for their choreography and moves to the grooves, as well.

“Today, original member Henry Fambrough is joined on stage by lead singer Charlton Washington, high tenor Marvin Taylor, tenor Ronnie

Moss and bass singer Jessie Peck; a soul-infused five-piece band, led

by Keith Ferguson, backs them up,” according to the band’s website.

Credited with more than three dozen top-40 hits, their playlist includes classics like “Then Came You,” “The Rubberband Man,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” and “I’ll Be Around,” just to name a few.

So if you’re looking for a show you

can dance and sing along with full of timeless classics, you might want to check out The Spinners on Thursday, May 9, when they come to town.  Canyon Santa Clarita is located on the ground floor of Westfield Valencia Town Center. Get tickets at the box office 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, call (888) 645-5006, or visit TicketMaster.com. For more info, visit WheremusicmeetstheSoul.com.

24 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 5, 2019

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

‘Stockholm’ and ‘Red Joan’ reviews are mixed

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer



“Stockholm” (2018) “Stockholm syndrome” is a media-friendly catchall term invoked over the last five decades to describe any number of high-profile crimes in which captor and captive have formed an irrational, logic-defying bond.

Writer-director Robert Budreau’s alternately farcical and intense and tragi-comic “Stockholm” is based on the “absurd-but-true story” (as we’re told in the opening title card) of the 1973 bank heist and hostage crisis that gave rise to that term, which to this day is the subject of much debate and interpretation — and misuse.

“Stockholm” is based on a 1974 New Yorker article by Daniel Lang about the real-life bank heist of a central Stockholm bank, but Budreau exercises liberal poetic license in his telling of the tale, starting with the reinterpretation of the colorful, unpredictable, musically inclined Swedish bank robber Jan-Erik Olsson as a colorful, unpredictable, musically inclined AMERICAN bank robber named Lars, who is played by Ethan Hawke (who previously starred in Budreau’s Chet Baker biopic, “Born to Be Blue.”)

Donning a ridiculous rocker-wig, sporting a racing jacket, cowboy hat and boots, emboldened by the handful of pills he’s just swallowed, Lars storms into a Stockholm bank, announces his presence with a burst of gunfire into the ceiling and says this is a robbery, and you better take it seriously!

A woman falls to the floor. Someone asks if she’s been shot. Lars says no, she hasn’t been shot, it’s probably a muscle cramp, so can someone get her a banana or something!

Ah. So, Lars is a clown. But he’s also a dangerous clown, what with his manic intensity, and the weapons he’s wielding, and his penchant for cinematic drama, whether he’s playing Bob Dylan on the portable stereo or telling the cops he wants a 1968 Mustang Fastback as his getaway vehicle — the same car Steve McQueen drove in “Bullitt.”

Lars allows a dozen or so customers to leave, but he takes a couple

Ethan Hawke and Noomi Rapace in “Stockholm” (2019) PHOTO IMDB of employees hostage, most notably Bianca (Noomi Rapace), who is married with two children. (In one of the most touching scenes in the film, Bianca tries to walk her husband through the process of making a fish dinner for their two children. If she dies, says Bianca, they’ll be able to survive on fish.)

Mark Strong excels as Gunnar, a legendary bank robber who is released from prison and allowed to join his old pal Lars on the scene, per Lars’ demand. Christopher Heyerdahl is terrific as the obligatory nononsense police chief who will put up with only so many hijinks from Lars and the hostages, who are becoming increasingly sympathetic to Lars, before taking drastic measures.

Budreau delivers a low-key version of “Dog Day Afternoon.” This is no deep dive into the psychological underpinnings of why a hostage would undergo a radical shift in loyalties over the span of a few days, to the point where she’d fall in love with a bank robber.

But if you’re going to skim along the surface of a story such as this, you’d be hard-pressed to cast someone better-suited to the role of the clearly doomed but still irresistible charmer than Ethan Hawke.



“Red Joan” (2018) You’d think a based-on-a-true-story film starring the great Judi Dench as a proper British matron accused of being a longtime spy for the Russians would be a recipe for a crackling good thriller.

“Red Joan” will prove you wrong at every turn.

It’s almost fascinating how stultifying this movie is, given the premise

and the above-the-title star, but “Red Joan” is a soapy, clumsy, maddeningly simplistic mess.

Also, most of Dame Judi’s scenes are quick and a criminal waste of her talent, as the bulk of the story takes place in flashback, with Sophie Cookson as the true lead, playing the young Joan.

Cookson is a capable actress. She is not Judi Dench.

“Red Joan” is based on a novel inspired by the life of Melita Norwood, who was a British civil servant from 1937 to 1977 — and a KGB intelligence source the entire time.

Whatever the realities of Norwood’s life, it must have been more eventful and harrowing and complex than this corny, shallow and sometimes sexist depiction of events, in which Joan is often portrayed as a starry-eyed fool who is so blinded by love, she commits insanely stupid and shortsighted acts of treason against her country.

The story opens with the elderly and utterly respectable Joan (Dench) opening her door one day to find police officers telling her she’s being charged with treason for leaking classified documents to the Russians.

What! That’s crazy!

Except …

“There’s a file on you,” she’s told, “starting in 1938, when you went to Cambridge University.”

Cue the first of many, many flashback sequences, which take up 10 or 15 minutes of screen time before we return to a quick glimpse of Dame Judi, who utters a line or two, and then flutters her eyes in one direction or another, indicating she’s about to have another memory and we’re going to return to the past.

In the late 1930s, young Joan is an innocent studying physics at Cambridge when she finds herself dazzled by the sophisticated Sonya (Tereza Srbova), who introduces her to the dashing Leo (Tom Hughes), a German Jew and a communist organizer who actually calls Joan “my little comrade” when he kisses her before they tumble into bed.

Ooh, you seductive and dastardly Red Devil!

Back to Dame Judi, who confirms to authorities she attended a few meetings, but it was the “in” thing to do at the time, and she never took it seriously.

Old Red Joan’s eyes dart about.

Flashback time!

By 1941, Joan has a job with the British government affording her access to their top-secret efforts to build a bomb at least as quickly as the Americans, and before the Germans can do it.

Once in a while, Leo shows up and Joan swoons, what with Leo’s fantastically floppy hair and his bedroom eyes and his big talk. She also enters into another, equally stupid love affair, in between making big speeches to rooms filled with men. “(Dropping an atomic bomb) will mean the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people!” says Joan.

“Don’t think like that,” says her boss. “We’re scientists. Leave the politics out of it.”

Lot of help he is.

And then we’re back to the future, with old Joan steadfastly maintaining her innocence, even though we see in the flashback scenes she WAS a spy for the Russians, not only during World War II but during the Cold War. Joan rationalizes funneling secrets to the Soviet Union by saying she was trying to save the world. If Russia also had the bomb, that would mean neither side would use it.

You gotta be kidding me, old Red Joan and young Red Joan. You spent nearly your entire life betraying your country and living a lie based on THAT logic?

On top of that, at least as the story is told here, you were just about the dullest double agent in movie history. 

M AY 5, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

= Family Friendly Event

ONGOING Mondays, 10 a.m. Join Barnes & Noble for a special Toddler Storytime at the Children’s Stage. Barnes & Noble, 23630 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita.

Info: stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2642 Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

California farmers and specialty food purveyors come together, rain or shine, to bring you a farmers market of the finest in fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, including organic, baked goods, flowers, herbs, cheeses and prepared foods. Old Town Newhall, 24500 Main St., Newhall. Info: oldtownnewhall.com/old-town-newhallfarmers-market Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to noon The Gibbon Center is open to the public and a tour is given at roughly 10 a.m., no reservations are required. $15 Adults, $12 Teens & Students, $10 Seniors, $5 Children 6-12, Children under 5 are free. 19100 Esguerra Road, Santa Clarita. Info: gibboncenter.org Saturdays, 5-8 p.m. Food truck Saturdays at the parking lot near Sam’s Club. The trucks rotate so that each week, there are different options of food to try. Tables & chairs are provided & it is handicap accessible.

There is a grassy knoll to picnic on, fly kites or Frisbee. 26573 Carl Boyer Dr, Santa Clarita.

Info: facebook.com/foodtrucksaturday/ Third Thursday of the month, 7-10 p.m.

The wildly popular SENSES Block Party, brings live music, food trucks, themed activities, and adult beverages to Main Street every 3rd Thursday from March to October.

On May 16,r ace through Main Street with Mario and Luigi at the Super Nintendo Party from 7-10 p.m. Be sure to come dressed as your favorite Nintendo character and enjoy the sights and sounds of iconic video games!

Main Street, Newhall. Info: facebook.com/ events/290288638347355/

EVENTS BY DATE Sunday, May 5, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join the Community Gardens of Santa Clarita in celebrating springtime inside the gardens. “Bloom into Spring” is a free event for families. The gardens will provide a self-guided tour of the gardens as well as a children’s garden activity. Local food and craft vendors are participating. 21750 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (inside Central Park). Info: communitygardensofsc@gmail.com Sunday, May 5, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The 2019 Annual World

Music and Dance Festival brings global musical traditions to Southern California, featuring more than 20 concerts on two openair stages. Music from Bali, the Balkans, Brazil, Cuba, Ghana, India, Japan, Java, Persia and other regions/countries. This familyfriendly festival is free and open to the public. Food trucks will be on site, while other vendors will offer instruments, clothing and artifacts. CalArts, 24700 McBean Pkwy, Valencia. Info: music.calarts.edu/worldmusic-and-dance-festival Sunday, May 5, noon POP SK8, California’s first themed pop-up outdoor roller rink will be at the Westfield Valencia from May 4-May 27. $15. Westfield Valencia Town Center, 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia, Santa Clarita. Info: https:// popsk8.live May 7, 12:30-2 p.m. The College of the Canyons Art Gallery will present the 23rd annual Student Art Exhibition, an eclectic collection of art work created by the college’s talented student artists. The works on display will include drawing, photography, painting, sculpture, graphic design, animation, and 2D and 3D design. College of the Canyons Art Gallery 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: https://www.canyons.edu/ offices/artgallery/Pages/1-A-Current%20 Exhibition.aspx Friday, May 10, 4:40-10 p.m. and Saturday, May 11, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

California’s largest traveling Tequila & Taco Music Festival is coming to Central Park.

Come for mouthwatering food, great drinks and fun in the sun. Friday will be full of Margaritas, eating delicious tacos, all while enjoying an amazing music lineup with performances by Vanilla Ice! $15. 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: hello@fever up.com, (646) 781-7359, (917) 979-2124 Friday, May 10, 6-8:30 p.m.

Come to College of the Canyons Community Education center with a friend or mom/grandma and enroll with your children 13 years of age and up for a yummy day of baking. In this hands-on class we will be learning how to make different desserts to serve at your Mother’s Day Brunch celebrations, such as fruit tarts and scones, and more. Info: facebook.com/ events/2237552743238288/ Friday, May 10, 7:30 p.m. The Annual Pops! Concert, featuring the award-winning College of the Canyons Studio Jazz Ensemble and Lab Band, features popular tunes performed with a tasteful jazz flair. Tunes include “September,”“Peter Gunn,”“Theme from M.A.S.H.,”“Wipe Out” and many more.

$12, students and seniors $6. 26455 Rockwell Cyn Road, Santa Clarita. Info: calendar. santa-clarita.com/event/pops_-_college_ of_the_canyons_music Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m to 1 p.m. Join Sanctuary Animal Assisted Therapy for our monthly volunteer day. This month we will be fixing the horse corrals because on May 20 our first horse rescue will arrive. A vegan breakfast and lunch will be available.

27662 Rolling Hills Road, Canyon Country Info: sanctuaryaat.org Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The 46th annual Frontier Toyota/Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital “Drive Safe” Golf Classic will be held at the beautiful Valencia Country Club. The tournament supports emergency services in our valley — a vital, lifesaving service for our residents. Valencia Country Club 27330 Tourney Rd. Valencia. Info: Laura Chesler (661) 200-1202, Cheslerlf@henry mayo.com Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. to noon Bring the whole family and explore the city’s trail system with this guided non-competitive Hit the Trail Community Bike Ride. The ride begins shortly after 10 a.m., with a full 9-mile route or a shorter 4-mile route for those with younger children. Free and open to the public, the ride begins and ends at Valencia Heritage Park, where there will be a family fun fair featuring activities, giveaways, and tricycle races. Free sandwiches will be provided to riders, courtesy Jersey Mike’s and while supplies last.

Valencia Heritage Park, 24155 Newhall Ranch Road Santa Clarita. Info: bikesantaclarita.com Saturday, May 11, 2-7 p.m. 2nd annual No-Tap Bowling Tournament Fundraiser & Silent Auction to raise funds for Avenues

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Supported Living Services. Prizes, food and drink. $25. Valencia Lanes, 23700 Lyons Ave, Newhall. Info: info@AvenuesSLS.org Saturday, May 11, 5-8 p.m. Animal Art Exhibit & Wine & Cheese Reception at Hart Park. More than 150 pieces of animal art, most available for purchase by tax-deductible donations to help the Castaic Animal Care Center shelter animals and William S. Hart Park barnyard animals. Advance tickets $40 or 2 people for $75. $50 at the door. Food & drink ticket provided. 24151 Newhall Ave, Santa Clarita. Info: (661) 259-1750 Saturday, May 11, 6-8 p.m. The Elks Lodge 2379’s all-you-can-eat Crabfest 2019. There will be a raffle and all proceeds from the event go to support the new Astronomy Program and new Observation Deck at Camp Whitsett. Price includes crab, sides and dessert. $55. Elks- Santa Clarita Lodge 2379, 17766 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/events/2221826934699774/ Saturday, May 18, 7-10:45 a.m. The City of Santa Clarita will host the start for the final stage of both the men’s and women’s races of the Amgen Tour of California.

Competitors will race through the city streets before waving goodbye as they push toward the overall finish line in Pasadena. 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia. Info: facebook. com/events/2237184859676067/ Saturday, May 18, 1-2 p.m. In celebration of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, the Canyon Country Library is screening, “To Climb a Gold Mountain,” a cultural and educational film about the Asian community in Southern California. 18601 Soledad Canyon Rd, Canyon Country. Info: facebook.com/events/636133650162825/

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CONGRATULATIONS to Valerie Erickson for correctly identifying Tomato Joe’s on page 21.

Identify this advertiser and the page number in this week’s issue, and you will be entered to win a $100 gift certificate for a local restaurant.

One game and one winner each week.

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

661.257.6905

Name:______________________________________________ 27963 Sloan Canyon Rd., Castaic, CA Address:____________________________________________ Phone:______________________________________________

This week’s entries are due Wed. May 15 Winner to be announced in 2 weeks.

26 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 5, 2019 PRISONERS HARBOR

SMUGGLERS COVE

EXPERIENCE THE WILD LIFE SURROUNDING THE CHANNEL ISLANDS.

ANACAPA ISLAND PHOTOS COURTESY OF NPS

May you have Family-Fun adventures

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

M

ay Day was always among my favorite times of the year. I would fill little paper baskets with flowers from my mom’s garden and hang them from the neighbors’ doorknobs and ring the bell and run away.

I don’t think it’s possible to do that anymore with the invention of security cameras and spying doorbells!

However, there are many special days in May to celebrate beyond May Day including yesterday’s Star Wars Day, May 4 (get it? May the Force Be with You or May the 4th be with you), today’s Cinco de Mayo, May 5; National Miniature Golf Day, May 11; Mother’s Day, May 12; Take Your Parents To The Playground Day, May 19; and Memorial Day, May 27.

Places to go, things to see Sunny Jim Sea Cave 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, 92037 Cost Adults/$5, children under 17/$3 Info www.cavestore.com.

The Sunny Jim Cave is one of seven unique La Jolla Cove caves, however Sunny Jim is the only cave you can reach by land. Open to the public since 1903, the cave boasts a fascinating history and a little bit of folklore.

The tunnel down to the cave was completed by the end of 1903, but the 145 steps down weren’t built until

several years later. Early visitors were forced to descend the steep, dark tunnel via rope. Despite its precariousness, the cave, upon first opening, was instantly popular and drew 200 visitors per day at 50 cents a head.

According to legend, bootleggers used the cave to transport whiskey to San Diego distributors during Prohibition. Visit The Cave Store for the entrance to Sunny Jim Cave.

Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch 5704 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad, 92008 Hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, until May 12.

Cost Adults/$18, children under 10/$9 Info www.theflowerfields.com For more than 60 years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of North San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world.

The nearly 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year, from early March through early May. Guests can enjoy an open-air wagon ride through The Flower Fields on

an antique tractor with audio commentary of the history of The Flower Fields.

Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary Via Island Packers 1691 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105B, Ventura, 93001 Info www.islandpackers.com.

Island Packers Cruises operates year around to the Channel Islands National Park, including half-day and all-day nature tours, camping, kayaking, picnics and hiking on the Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa or San Miguel islands. A day trip features two to four hours ashore to hike on your own or with an Island Packers naturalist.

Experience the sensation of flying through the air just like a bird at Big Bear’s zip line. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

There are also wildlife-viewing cruises along the marine sanctuary that are around the islands. Chances are you’ll see thousands of dolphins, as well as seals and sea lions.

The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park, 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, features a bookstore, a display of marine aquatic life and exhibits featuring the unique character of each park island. Visitors also will enjoy the 25-minute park movie, “A Treasure in the Sea,” shown throughout the day in the auditorium.

Info www.nps.gov/chis/planyour visit/visitorcenters.htm.

See FAMILY FUN, page 28

M AY 5, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 27

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Make a twig basket for spring plants

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

I

t’s spring! Here’s a fun family craft that gets you outside, with your eye on nature’s beauty for collecting and crafting a simple twig basket.

Head out into a park — or your own block or backyard — with your kids on a windy day or after a rainstorm, and collect the sticks and twigs you find here and there on the ground. You might think of this activity as nature’s game of “pick-up sticks.”

When you get home with your preschoolers and school-age kids, sort through the collection, and turn the straightest sticks that are a quarter-inch or so wide into a lovely, earthy basket that will hold an indoor plant or succulent in a 4-inch pot.

The attractive natural container also might be handy to hold fresh fruit on your kitchen counter or table.

Here’s the stuff you need for a twig basket: • 33 sticks, 7 inches long, about 1/4 inch thick (to cut sticks into equal lengths, score with scissors, then snap off excess. Trim any pointy ends with pruning shears)

• 1 18-inch-long thin, pliable stick for the handle

with a 1-inch overlap at each corner. Dab nontoxic wood glue or glue from a glue gun at each corner. Tie each corner with a 4-foot piece of twine. Knot it in the middle and let the long ends dangle.

To make the bottom of the basket, glue three twigs in a row 1 inch apart to the square base.

Secure each twig to the base with a 1-foot twine piece. Trim excess.

2. Make the sides Dab glue on the twine at each corner. Lay four sticks in a square, log-cabin style,

Here’s the fun:

1. Construct the base Arrange four sticks into a square on a newspaper-covered table or counter,

May 7, 2019

3. Make the handle Bend the 18inch stick to make a handle.

Secure at opposite corners with glue and twine. Tie excess twine into a small bow.

Set your favorite growing plant inside.  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.” ©2019 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

CLIP N SAVE Elementary School Menus Menus courtesy of Santa Clarita Valley School Food Services which serves these school districts: Castaic USD • Newhall USD • Saugus USD • Sulphur Springs USD

(choice of one entree, seasonal fruit and milk)

Monday, May 6 Tuesday, May 7

• Twine • Nontoxic wood glue or a low-temp glue gun

then tie corners as before. Continue layering and tying until you’ve used all of the 7-inch sticks.

BREAKFAST Triple Berry Blast Mini French Toast Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

LUNCH Kickin’ Chicken Drumstick & Mashed Potatoes PBJ Sandwich & String Cheese Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Bean & Cheese Burrito Chicken Nuggets Cheeseburger Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar

Breakfast Pizza Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Fruit Juice

Brunch for Lunch: Maple Burst’n Mini Pancakes & Sausage Patties Popcorn Chicken Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Chocolate Chip Cookie

Thursday, May 9

Scrambled Slider Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Cheeseburger Sliders Mini Corn Dogs Dippin’ Chicken & Sauce Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Brownie Cup

Friday, May 10

Buttermilk Bar Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

Carnitas Quesadilla Cheesy Quesadilla Chicken Nuggets Deli Sandwich Smart Choice Pizza Manager’s Choice Seasonal Salad Bar

Wednesday, May 8

28 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 5, 2019

SAVE BIG DURING THE AAA TRAVEL

K I D S & FA M I LY

FAMILY FUN

Continued from page 26

sale

Contact your local AAA BRANCH during the sale, May 6 - 25, 2019 and YOU MAY RECEIVE:

•

Limited-time special offers on a variety of land and cruise vacations

• •

Exclusive Member Benefits AND MORE!

SoCal Zip Line Adventures Action Tours Big Bear 40957 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, 92315 Info https://actiontourscalifornia. com Experience the sensation of flying through the air just like a bird. Adventure seekers must be 8 years of age and weigh approx. 65 lbs. Maximum weight is 250 lbs., with a maximum height of 6’6”.

Guests are suspended high above the forest floor overlooking mountain vistas and zip through forested landscapes and cross over rocky canyons.

Take flight in Big Bear any time of the year. The nine zip lines allow guests amazing views of Johnson Valley and the highest peak in Southern California, Mt. San Gorgonio.

La Jolla Zip Zoom 22000 Highway 76, Pauma Valley, 92061.

Info www.lajollazipzoom.com.

This two hour guided tour features four zip-line courses with spectacular views of Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley and the La Jolla Indian Reservation. Guests can be any age but must stand 48 inches tall, minimum and be between 65 and 250 lbs.

Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour 1 Descanso Canyon Road Avalon, Catalina Island This zip line tour includes a 3,500’ run over the city Avalon. There are five zip lines on the course. Beginning at the Hog’s Back gate, high in the hills near Avalon and descending through Descanso Canyon, guests pause at several eco-stations along the way and are given presentations on unique and interesting aspects of Catalina Island, its wildlife and history. Eventually guests exit at Descanso Beach. Guests must be 10 years old and weight 80 lbs. to zip line alone.

Children ages 5 to 9 can zip line in tandem with an adult. Combined weight cannot exceed 235 lbs.

Info www.visitcatalinaisland.com/ specials-packages/activities/zip-line Ziplines at Pacific Crest 6014 Park Drive, Wrightwood, 92397.

Info https://ziplinespc.com Two zip-line courses built in the trees offer guests a choice. The Canopy Tour is one of the most thrilling zip-line courses in the nation, offering heights of up to 300 feet off the forest floor and lengths of more than 1,500 feet. The Mountain View Tour allows guests to leap off a tree platform in controlled free-fall. Children must be 10 years of age. Weight requirements are between 90 and 250 lbs. 

CINQUE TERRE, ITALY

CALL OR VISIT TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION! CALL: (888) 874-7222 VISIT: your local AAA branch Certain restrictions may apply. Rates, terms, conditions, availability, itinerary, taxes, fees, surcharges, deposit, payment, cancellation terms/ conditions & policies subject to change without notice at any time. Advance reservations through AAA Travel required to obtain Member Benefits & savings which may vary based on departure date. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Your local AAA Club acts as an agent for cruise & tour featured at the sale. CST 1016202-80. To learn how we collect and use your information, visit the privacy link at AAA.com. © 2019 Auto Club Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The Risso dolphins off the coast of the Channel Islands are a sight to see. PHOTO COURTESY NPS

M AY 5, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 29

M O T H E R ’ S D AY

What moms really want for Mother’s Day

By Kirsten Smith Signal Staff Writer

E

ach spring, dads and kids of all ages spend hours trying to think up the perfect Mother’s Day gift to show Mom just how much they love her.

Despite their best efforts, however, most years it’s a swing and a miss. To make matter worse, gift-givers usually have no idea why their best efforts are somehow falling flat.

To help families demystify the meaning of Mother’s Day — and the gifts that make it special — I talked to Santa Clarita mothers to find out what they really want from their families on Mother’s Day. Quite often, their deepest wishes were as simple as they were surprising.

Naomi Barnes

“I talk to moms every day and, especially for the moms with young kids, the one thing we really want but never seem to get is to be left alone,” said Naomi Barnes with a little laugh.

As a hairstylist in Valencia and the mother of an 8- and 4-year-old, Naomi speaks with moms on a daily basis.

She finds most moms don’t communicate their need for a day off because of the associatBarnes Family

$ 100

$100

ed “mom guilt.”

“Your kids want to be with you, and dads or husbands don’t always understand why you want time away from the family. So there’s usually guilt attached,” she explained. “Of course, some moms may not need or want the break, but the moms who do want some time alone won’t ask for it because they feel bad. So they never end up getting it.”

One of the best Mother’s Day gift stories Naomi heard in her salon was a surprise hotel staycation — for one. Her client’s husband booked a hotel room for his wife and stocked it with all her favorite treats, gossip magazines and movies. The hotel was close enough that, if anything were to happen, she would be nearby. Then he told her to enjoy and, more importantly, sleep in.

Aside from the opportunity to catch up on precious rest, Barnes says the real gift is the time to step away and be introspective.

“That moment of alone time allows you to reflect and recharge,” Barnes said. “It gives you the chance to be reminded of how much your family means to you — and how grateful you are to be a mom.

“Some women may want the handbags and the flowers and the fancy jewelry, but that’s not me.

And that’s not most of the moms I know,” Barnes continued. “We just want to be a little selfish on our day — without the guilt.”

Ann-Marie Bjorkman

As a mother of two boys, one in high school and one in the workforce, Ann-marie Bjorkman See MOMS, page 31

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30 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 5, 2019

M O T H E R ’ S D AY

Michele makes Afternoon Tea for Mother’s Day

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Scones with lemon curd, strawberry jam and Devonshire (clotted) cream Cucumber-Dill tea sandwiches Egg salad tea sandwiches Caprese tea sandwiches Strawberry Cream Cheese tea sandwiches Turkey Brie tea sandwiches Mini cupcakes Lemon bars Truffles

T

reat your mother to an exceptional Mother’s Day, by hand crafting a special occasion afternoon tea in her honor. Avoid the temptation to buy ready-made items for the dessert tray. Mini cupcakes made from a box mix are far superior to anything you can find in the grocery store bakery.

Same for scones and truffles.

You can buy premade strawberry jam and lemon curd at most food stores. Devonshire cream (Devon cream) can be tricky to find. But, check online or at high-end specialty stores.

Good quality bread, purchased from a real bakery, is always best.

A tip for keeping your sandwiches fresh: Cover with a barely damp paper towel until you serve. It keeps the bread from drying out on your sandwiches. Also, use a variety of different breads, it makes for a more interesting tasting experience and a more visual pleasing display.

Cut your sandwiches into different shapes, squares and rectangles. You can also use circle or star cookie cutters to vary your presentation.

Cucumber-Dill Tea Sandwiches 4 oz softened cream cheese 2 tbsp. dill weed (or chopped fresh dill)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together and then spread onto slices of white bread. Top with 1/4-inch (or thinner) slices of cucumbers. Trim crusts and cut into pieces.

Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches Spread wheat bread with your favorite egg salad recipe. I make mine with six chopped up hardboiled eggs, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp. Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp. dill week, chives and capers to taste. Trim crusts and cut into four pieces. Trim crusts. Decorate with a slice of green olive with pimento on top.

Caprese Tea Sandwiches Layer sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil on a split focaccia loaf. Add salt, pepper and chopped, jarred artichoke hearts; drizzle with olive oil. Slice into tea sandwich-size portions.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches Spread softened cream cheese on slices of date-nut bread and sandwich with sliced strawberries. Cut sandwiches in half.

Turkey Brie Tea Sandwiches Spread garlic aioli or mayonnaise on each side of Jewish Rye bread. Place slices of deli turkey and thinly sliced brie on sandwich. Trim crust.

$10 off over $60

This Mother’s Day, Give Your Wife A Gift That Keeps On Giving LINGERIE

PERSONAL WELLNESS

NOVELTIES

661-888-1071 | 26230 Bouquet Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita, Ca 91350

Scones

3 cups flour 1/3 cup sugar 1 tsp. salt 1 tbsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 3/4 cup butter, cold and cubed 1 cup milk 2 large eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. water

Sugar for dusting Adjust the oven rack to the center position and preheat to 400F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda.

Add the butter and cut with a pastry cutter or a fork until the butter is the size of large peas.

In a separate bowl whisk together the milk, 1 egg and vanilla.

Add the liquid mixture. Mix until just combined. Don’t over mix.

After mixing, place dough on floured surface and divide into two equal parts. Lightly knead into 3/4-inchthick, 6-inch diameter rounds. Cut each round into 8 wedges and place on baking sheets. Space 2 inches apart.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. After you remove scones from the oven make a glaze.

Combine 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl with 2 tbsp. water and 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Add 1 tsp. lemon for a lemon glaze. Pour over scones.

Scones are best served warm.

Lemon Bars

1 cup softened butter 1/2 cup powdered sugar 2 cups flour 1/2 tsp. salt 4 eggs

6 tbsp. lemon juice 1 3/4 cup sugar 1/3 cup flour

Powdered sugar for dusting Mix butter, powdered sugar, flour and salt together with a pastry cutter.

Pat mixture into a greased 9x13 pan.

Bake for 20 minutes at 375F. Do not let pastry get brown.

Blend eggs, lemon juice, sugar and flour until frothy, about 30 seconds.

Pour over cooled crust. Bake for 20 minutes at 350F. Remove from oven and dust with powdered sugar.

Dark Chocolate Truffles

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream 3 tbsp. butter 1 2/3 cups (10-oz. pkg.) dark chocolate chips 1 tsp. vanilla 2-3 tablespoons liqueur, optional Line baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.

Heat cream and butter to a gentle boil in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Remove from heat. Add chocolate. Stir until mixture is smooth and chocolate is melted. Add vanilla. If desired, add liqueur to taste (Kahlua, Crème de Menthe, Grand Mariner or other). Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Drop chocolate mixture by rounded teaspoon onto prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Shape or roll into balls.

Roll your finished truffles in finely chopped toasted nuts, colorful sprinkles, toffee bits, toasted flaked coconut, powdered sugar and/or baking cocoa until fully coated. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. 

M AY 5, 2019

MOMS

Continued from page 29

is not a mom who wants time to herself. With her youngest almost out of the house, she cherishes rare moments of quality time and the little things.

“For me, the perfect Mother’s Day would give me real, uninterrupted time with Bjorkman Family my family, no phones or distractions. I just want a sit-down conversation or a walk together,” Bjorkman said.

It makes her day when her kids go out of their way to show they care, she says.

“I always love when they write a special note in the card that says why they’re so grateful to have a mom like me,” Bjorkman said. “It’s funny — it’s the little, random things.”

And when it comes to gifts, Bjorkman prefers thought and appreciation to flowers and chocolate.

One of her favorite gifts is homemade coupons that entitle her to different prizes or get her out of chores.

“They’ll say, ‘Take a walk together,’ or ‘Do the laundry for a day,’” she explained, “and I love those.”

While Bjorkman would always appreciate a little help around the house, what she really loves is when she receives those thoughtful gifts throughout the year.

“I just love the phone calls out of nowhere, when they say, ‘I’m thinking of you, Mom,’” Bjorkman recalled. “I even love when they just ask how my day was. That’s the best.”

Rocky Turner

In addition to being a mother of six kids, two of whom are adopted, Raquel “Rocky” Turner is a track coach for Saugus High School and founder of a nonprofit for orphaned children in Kenya.

“At one point, we had six kids who were 10 Rocky and Noah Turner years old or younger,” she explained. “Now we have five teenagers and one who’s

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 31

M O T H E R ’ S D AY out in the world starting his life.”

For Turner, a full household has taught her how to focus on what’s truly important — not the small stuff or things she can’t control — because even two parents aren’t enough to get it all done in a day.

That means asking her kids to do their own laundry or giving herself permission to invite a “healthy amount of selfishness” into her life.

And that valuable lesson doesn’t just apply on Mother’s Day but every day.

“There are times when parents need to be selfish without the guilt of being away from your tiny people,” Turner explained. “Being realistic about what I can change, and what I can’t, has really helped me, to the point where I don’t struggle with the guilt anymore.”

As for Turner’s perfect Mother’s Day for a mom of six, Turner’s wishes are simple.

“Life is just so busy, and as a mom, you’re always thinking about what other people want. It would be nice to have a day when you don’t have to make any decisions,” she said. “I’d want to have breakfast with my family and then be left alone, maybe go out with some girlfriends who feel the same way.”

Brendie Heter

Brendie Heter, mother of three young boys in Castaic, is a financial coach, speaker and writer who focuses on building happy families in her church and community.

So the topic of mom appreciation comes up Heter Family quite often in her line of work.

“Mother’s Day is one of those hyper-emotional holidays that touches something deep in your soul,” Heter said. “So when you’re disappointed, it can be extra crushing. There’s a lot wrapped up into how to make it special.”

For partners and kids who are trying to do it right, Heter recommends getting to know a mom’s “love language” before making any plans or buying any presents.

“There are always the easy answers, like massages, nail salons or fancy restaurants, and those can be nice,” Heter said. “But those aren’t the things that would make me feel extra special.”

Heter explained that, in the early days of her marriage, her husband wanted to do something nice for her, so he subscribed to a service that delivered exotic flower bouquets every month. Like clockwork, Heter would be surprised with a giant, over-the-top arrangement.

“Now that might make some women super happy, but it just wasn’t for me,” Heter explained.

As a financial coach, Heter didn’t see much sense in spending large amounts of money on something that didn’t have much meaning, use or staying power. Eventually, Heter had to talk to her husband about the gifts and gestures that truly speak to her — as well as the ones that stressed her out.

“My husband is the most amazing man, but when it came to giving gifts, he just missed the mark,” Heter said with a laugh, as her husband agreed.

Instead they decided to talk to each other about their “love languages,” or the different ways people show and feel love, according to author Gary Chapman.

“My main love language is acts of service. So one of my favorite gifts is hiring a videographer to come in and talk to the boys,” Heter explained.

“They’ll ask the boys questions like, ‘What’s Mommy really good at?” I get their little voices captured on video forever, and it’s incredibly meaningful — and it lasts forever. The gifts I love point me back to being grateful for what I have.”

When it comes to finding the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, Heter says it’s going to be different for each and every mom. That’s why it’s important to do a little recon.

“I would encourage partners to find out how their spouse feels the most love,” Heter said, “and head in that direction.”

Joyce Carson

Joyce Carson, a mother and grandmother, says all she really wants for Mother’s Day is time.

“I have one daughter and one granddaughter,” Carson said.

“On Mother’s Day, I want to be with them and spend some quality time together.

That’s always Carson Family what I want, for them to give me their time. It’s priceless, and it doesn’t cost a thing.”

Plus, Carson explained, Mother’s Day has been different for her since her own mother passed.

While she used to focus on her mom, now she is the focus.

“When my mom was around, we always spent some really nice family time together with my sisters, usually a brunch or lunch,” Carson said. “It See MOMS, page 41

32 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 5, 2019

THINGS TO DO

From strawberry to chocolate festivals

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

garitas, smoothies and strawberry popcorn.

M

ay might offer some of the best festivals of the year. My personal favorite is the Strawberry Festival. Yes, it’s hot, yes, it’s crowded, but if you love strawberries, and I do, you have to visit this festival at least once.

Oakdale Chocolate Festival

Fillmore May Festival

May 9-12 Fillmore Central Park, 250 Central Ave., Fillmore, 93105 Info www.fillmorechamber.org/ fillmore-master-calendar/2017/2/22/ fillmore-may-festival.

The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce presents its 107th Annual May Festival with family-friendly fun including a special “kiddie” area for younger kids, carnival, arts and crafts, unique food vendors, games, live entertainment, a beer garden and more. The Main Stage features top entertainment in a family-friendly concert atmosphere. Parade on Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

Calavaras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee

May 16-19 Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 2465 Gunclub Road, Angels Camp Info www.frogtown.org.

The Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee is one of the longest running events in the state. Its earliest roots date back to 1893, held that year in Copperopolis, the fair

Strawberries, strawberries and more strawberries can be found at the California Strawberry Festival in Oxnard. PHOTO COURTESY CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Above: The Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee is one of the longest running events in the state. PHOTO COURTESY CALAVERAS COUNTY FAIR

eventually found a permanent home outside of Angels Camp. In the spirit of the old movie classic “State Fair,” the Calaveras County Fair is a blend of entertainment, exhibits, livestock, arena events, great food and the signature event, the Frog Jump.

Paso Robles Wine Festival

May 18 Grand Tasting, noon to 4 p.m.

Paso Robles Downtown City Park, Spring Street and 12th Street, Paso Robles, 93446.

The Paso Robles wine festival is one of the largest outdoor wine festivals in California.

Info https://pasowine.com/events/ winefest.

The 37th annual celebration of everything Paso Robles wine. One of the largest outdoor wine festivals in California it features more than 70 of the region’s finest wineries, seminars, great food and live music.

More than 100 wineries host individual events over four days, May 16-19.

California Strawberry Festival

May 18-19, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Strawberry Meadows of College Park, 3250 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard, 93033.

Info https://castrawberryfestival.org.

The 36th annual California Strawberry Festival is among the top festivals in the nation with more than 50 food booths, contests, rides and attractions, 200-plus arts & crafts vendors, live concerts (on three outdoor stages), celebrity chef demonstrations and family fun.

Festival food favorites include: favorites include: strawberry nachos, strawberry pizza, strawberry funnel cake, strawberry chimichangas, chocolate dipped strawberries, deepfried strawberries, berry kabobs, strawberry tamales, strawberry shortcake, strawberry beer, mar-

May 18-19 Junction of Highway 120 and 108 at Wood Park.

Info www.oakdalechamber.com/ chocolate-festival.

The 27th annual Oakdale Chocolate Festival will delight your palate with chocolate samples and items for purchase with more than 200 vendors featuring arts & crafts, Chocolate Avenue (fudges, truffles, chocolate ice cream, chocolate cheese cake, etc.), food to satisfy every pallet (giant onion rings, Lockeford Sausage, funnel cakes, smoothies, Chinese and hot dogs) and specialty merchandise.

Amusement park, Classic Car Show and Western Show. Three stages of entertainment.

Bishop Mule Days

May 21-26, Tri-County Fairgrounds, 1234 Sierra St., Bishop, 93514.

Info https://muledays.org.

The 50th annual Mule Days, part mule show, part test of skills and part Wild West show, will be held Memorial Day Weekend. The festival of “all things mules” includes 14 shows featuring more than 700 mules with their trainers, riders and packers. Western Music stars take the stage Thursday night (Dave Stamey and Riders in the Sky) and Saturday, spectators take to the streets of Bishop to watch the longest running non-motorized parade in the U.S. There’s also barbecues, country dances and an arts and crafts show. It’s a great chance to dust of the RV for the season and head to the eastern Sierra Nevadas.

Topanga Days Country Fair

May 25-27 Topanga Community House, 1440 N Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, 90290.

Info https://topangadays.com.

The 46th annual Topanga Days offers guests, food, music, artisans, parade and a kid’s fun zone. 

M AY 5, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 33

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Rotted beam, tankless water heater

By Robert Lamoureux Signal Contributing Writer

Rotted beam Robert, I live in Canyon Country, and the photos attached show the 4x4 post that holds up the support beam is rotted at the bottom. There is barely anything left, and it is sinking a bit.

I’m a do-it-yourselfer and will certainly take this project on, but I do need your guidance first, please, so that I don’t miss a necessary step, as this is supporting the roof.

Are you able to help from the photos and let me know exactly what to do so that I don’t risk safety and also get the job done correctly? I’ve gone online, but there is nothing super clear about what to do.

— Jorge J. Jorge, I can definitely let you know what to do, and will encourage you to be extremely cautious and follow each step.

I see you’re in dirt, there are Simpson clips, and I do also see the rotting you’ve mentioned. I can tell that you need to do this same repair on both sides of this support beam, so make sure you have a level and the following lumber plus a bottle jack, and you’ll be able to make this repair.

First things first, get yourself a few pieces of 2x10, about a foot or so long each, three 4x4 posts and a bottle jack. Since you’re in dirt, you’ll need to stack a couple of the 2x10s next to the rotted beam and set the bottle jack onto that for stability.

Many brands of tankless water heaters are available in a variety of price points, depending on your needs. Some homeowners need a point-of-use heater, while others want a reliable hot water source for the entire home, such as this EcoSmart tankless heater.

Cut one post to fit under the support beam and onto the bottle jack, a bit snugly. Jack up the support beam until it shows level and then remove the rotted post and replace it with new one, nailing properly to secure.

Slowly release the jack and make the same repair on the other side, double checking the support beam for level before nailing either. When done, release your jack slowly, and you are free to continue on.

A good question to ask is why did the bottom of the beam rot? Be sure

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— Robert

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Thank you for your time.

— Sue P. Sue, I’ve given you my recommendation for a plumber via private email.

To answer the permit question, yes this is a vital step especially with a tankless heater, due to the high burn rate and ducting.

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34 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 5, 2019

PROFILE

Lisa McDougald — descendent of Titanic survivors

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

F

or the Fortune family of Winnipeg, Canada, the first months of 1912 held a great deal of excitement. The family had spent months traveling on The Grand Tour of Europe, a popular trend of the middle and upper classes.

Mary McDougald Fortune, her husband, Mark, and their children Charles, Ethel, Alice and Mabel had seen the pyramids of Egypt, the canals in Venice, as well as the sights of Paris.

Two of the girls, Ethel and Alice, were engaged to be married. Their father, Mark, thought the experience of the Grand Tour would be the perfect way to “finish them off ” before their respective weddings.

In addition, the girls purchased their wedding trousseaus from the prestigious Worth fashion house in Paris.

At the conclusion of the trip the Fortune family had planned to return home via the Cunard ocean liner the Mauretania.

Titanic

Unfortunately, one of the Fortune’s traveling companions became ill with dysentery and the group found it could book an earlier passage home on the White Star liner Titanic, which was making its maiden voyage to New York.

Fortune had literally made a fortune in Winnipeg real estate, so he was easily able to spend the $26,100 (roughly $500,000 today) required to book first-class passage for his family of six.

A street in Winnipeg, Fortune Street, is named after Mark Fortune.

As first-class passengers, the Fortune family would have rubbed elbows with fellow Titanic passengers John Jacob Astor IV and Madeleine Astor, Benjamin Guggenheim, Countess de Rothes, Isidor and Ida Straus, actress Dorothy Gibson and Sir Cosmo, and Lady Duff Gordon.

The Titanic carried 325 first-class passengers, 175 men, 144 women and six children.

The disaster

The Titanic set sail toward New

Lisa McDougald with her new selfpublished book of poetry. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

York around noon on April 10, 1912.

At 11:40 p.m., ship’s time, on April 14, 1912 the Titanic hit an iceberg.

At 2:20 a.m. ship’s time, in the early morning hours of April 15, 1912, the Titanic sank.

More than 1,500 of the Titanic’s 2,224 passengers and crew died in the disaster. Only slightly more than 700 survived to be rescued from the Titanic’s too-few lifeboats when the Carpathia reached the scene more than three hours after the first distress call.

The Fortunes’ fate

At 1:20 a.m. April 15, 1912, the Number 10 lifeboat was launched.

Among the occupants were Mary, Ethel, Alice and Mabel Fortune, as well as 9-week-old Millvina Dean, who became the last living survivor of the disaster when she died in 2009 at the age of 97.

Lisa McDougald of Valencia, a descendent of her great-great aunt Mary McDougald Fortune, said the women in the family gave Mark and Charles their money and jewels before they entered the lifeboat, assuming they would see them later in the morning.

Mark Fortune and his 19-year-old son, Charles, were never seen again.

It is assumed they went down with the ship.

Weeks after the disaster, eldest son Robert Fortune (who declined the invitation to join the traveling tour) had to endure the horrific duty of searching for his father and brother as hundreds of the victims were recovered in the waters and laid out in a curling rink in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The bodies of Mark and Charles were never recovered.

Revelation

McDougald first learned about her connection to the Titanic as a child.

“My mother wanted to know more about my father’s family and she wrote a series of letters to his aunts,” she said. “It was in 1983 when we learned about the Titanic connection.”

McDougald said she was 8 or 9 at the time.

“It was very exciting,” she said.

“The first thing I did was look up the Fortune name in the book, ‘A Night to Remember’ by Walter Lord.”

Since she learned of her family history, McDougald has spent countless hours researching the disaster and her family’s connection.

Moving to the SCV

McDougald was the first child of a Big Bear area resident, born at the Bear Valley Community Hospital in Big Bear Lake and lived most of her childhood in Erwin Lake.

“My dad joked that there was only one other person in the hospital when I was born, a guy with a broken leg,” she said. “The paint was still fresh on the walls.”

McDougald had an idyllic childhood with horses, fresh air and freedom to wander and explore.

“My dad built the house we lived in,” she said. “I had a pony and used to ride all over Big Bear.”

Her father was an architect and worked for the county of San Bernardino in the office of building and safety, her mother was a medical transcriptionist, who worked in Apple Valley.

McDougald said her grandparents had lived in the area since the 1920s.

“My poem, ‘Lost My Heart’ is a window into my childhood home in Big Bear,” she said. “The pine needles, shag carpet and my Siamese cat.”

After her parents retired to Oregon, McDougald joined them and attended college. In 2005, she graduated with a bachelor’s in fine arts from Oregon State University in visual communications with a minor in writing.

“Writing has always been there for me. If I could do it over, I would probably get a history degree,” she said.

McDougald moved back to Valencia after graduation in 2006 to live with her favorite aunt, also a Fortune descendant.

Telling the story Lisa McDougald (left) and her aunt, Linda McDougald Watson, display photos of Mary McDougald Fortune, who survived the Titanic when it sank in the early morning hours of April 15, 1912.

McDougald has recounted her Titanic story in public presentations at Barnes & Noble Booksellers and continues to do research on the disaster.

M AY 5, 2019

PROFILE

y a M

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 35

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Lisa reads an article from “The Titanic Communicator,” the official journal of the Titanic Historical Society.

During the 100-year anniversary remembrances, McDougald made contact with Canadian cousins, who also are researching the family ties to the disaster.

McDougald hopes to meet all her Canadian cousins one day and plans to write a book about the Fortune family and their lives after the Titanic.

She has published two articles with the Titanic Historical Society’s “The Titanic Commutator.”

Her first article was published February 2013 in issue 200. “Titanic Lives On” recounts her connection to the Fortunes and the Titanic.

Her second article, co-authored with Bob Rutherford, her cousin and Alice Fortune’s grandson from Nova Scotia, was published in 2015. In issue 210, “Fortune Family Member Debunks False Titanic Stories,” brought new information to the Titanic saga.

McDougald said an article published in the New York Times about the evacuation of the Titanic attributed to Mary McDougald Fortune was false.

The story purported to give an account by Mary McDougald Fortune witnessing J. Bruce Ismay leaving in a partially filled lifeboat, ahead of many women and children, including Fortune and her daughters.

The new information was discovered in an interview published in the Winnipeg Tribune with Alice Fortune’s fiancée, Charles Holden Allen.

Allen had come to New York to pick up the Fortune family survivors, who had refused all requests to speak to the press about the disaster.

Allen, who was incensed at what he believed to be inaccuracies in the newspaper’s reporting, declared that none of the Fortune family survivors had spoken to the press following their arrival in New York. He also disputed the Times report that the Fortune women had seen a man dressed as a woman get into a lifeboat.

McDougald and Rutherford said it is impossible to know the truth of the New York Times stories and if the family denials were an effort to distance themselves from the ongoing inquiries about the tragedy, or if the reports were not made directly by the Fortune women, they may have come from second or third hand sources.

“It was important to set the historical record straight,” McDougald said. 

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36 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 5, 2019

H E A LT H

To Your Good Health

Acupuncture and Raynaud’s phenomenon

By Keith Roach, M.D. Signal Contributing Writer

Is Acupuncture for Real?

You have mentioned acupuncture as a treatment for several conditions. I have read otherwise. How strong is the evidence for its use?

— R.L.

ANSWER: The effectiveness of acupuncture for more than 50 different medical conditions was reviewed by the Cochrane Collaboration, an evidence-based medicine group. Some of these show significant benefit; for example, acupuncture improves pain and function in people with fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis,

when compared with placebo pills. Acupuncture also was better than doing nothing and better than some other treatments.

On the other hand, the Cochrane group could not find enough evidence to say whether acupuncture is effective for many other conditions, such as depression or shoulder pain. More importantly, some authors have argued that the benefit from acupuncture is a placebo response, and that the apparent benefit of acupuncture, compared with a placebo pill, is merely that acupuncture is a more effective placebo than just a pill. There certainly is evidence that even surgery has a potential for a placebo response, and one interesting recent study showed that people with Parkinson’s disease got more improvement in motor skills from a placebo pill they were told cost $1,500 than they did with the identical placebo if they were told it cost only $100. This shows me that our minds have a tremendous ability to improve our bodies if we really believe we can. I think that to a very large extent, and perhaps entirely, the real benefits

seen by people who undergo acupuncture are a manifestation of the placebo response. Acupuncture has far fewer side effects than many medications and helps people with a variety of conditions. Whether its effect is “real” or placebo is almost not an issue.

Last year, I started getting Raynaud’s. I can remember from my youth that my father had it, so it didn’t seem too terrible. It’s not just the fingertips that turn white, but also some of my toes are affected. I asked people who know of it or have it how one gets this. What is the cause? No one knows.

So I asked my doctor. Even he said he did not know. How do I get these episodes, and what can I do to prevent them?

— R.S.

ANSWER: Raynaud’s phenomenon is an exaggerated response to cold or stress, causing color changes in the skin of the fingers and toes. There is a long list of causes of Raynaud’s phenomenon. Often, no cause is ever found (in which case, it is called primary Raynaud, which just means we don’t know what’s causing

it). The most common known causes are the autoimmune rheumatic diseases, especially scleroderma, lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome.

Hypothyroidism is an unusual cause, and some drugs can cause it as well. The current thinking is that primary RP is caused by abnormalities in the alpha receptors in blood vessels (alpha receptors respond to adrenaline and similar molecules). Keeping the whole body — and especially the hands — warm is the first step.

Sudden temperature changes can trigger the effect. Warming the hands in warm water at the onset of an attack can stop it. Anxiety makes it worse, so a positive attitude can really affect this condition. Medications, such as amlodipine, may be necessary for prevention in more severe cases.  Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med. cornell.edu. ©2019 North America Synd., Inc.

M AY 5, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 37

HOME

Empty Nest Makeovers —

Fun, useful room remodels for when the kids leave

By Kirsten Smith Signal Staff Writer

O

nce the kids leave the house, it can feel overwhelmingly empty and quiet, like something’s

missing.

While it may take some adjusting to recreate the spaces your kids once occupied, a remodeling project will help you start to feel like you’re gaining something — instead of losing it.

When deciding how to best use your new, empty space, you may want to first consider the classics. A guest room, home office or gym is an excellent option if that suits your immediate needs.

If you already have a guest room and adequate work spaces, then you may want to consider something a bit more out of the ordinary.

Home theater

With Netflix, binge-watching and on-demand movies, a home theater is a great way to get maximum use out of your space.

It’s perfect for a quiet, cozy night in, yet it’s just as useful when the kids — and grandkids — come for a visit.

Everyone wins with a home theater, which can be created with recliners, a big screen, candy station, surround sound and blackout curtains.

Arts and crafts room

For the artistically inclined, an art studio or craft room can be a space of great relaxation, creativity and expression.

Whether you’ve wanted a painting room with windows and natural light, or a craft bench that stretches across an entire wall, filling a room with your most treasured creative hobbies will make your home feel like an escape and a place of respite.

When designing an art room, create spaces for each part of the creative process. Set up a whiteboard for brainstorming, a desk for creating and a gallery wall to display your work.

Makerspace

If you’re not a lover of fine arts, but are still looking for a stimulating and creative haven, a new trend has popularized the perfect room for you: makerspaces, rooms dedicated to playing with technology, and sharing ideas to build something new.

This beautiful dressing room features minimal design, chandelier lighting and vintage furniture. PHOTO ©sveta – stock.adobe.com

These design studios vary widely, but they can be decked out with tool benches, computers and technology, such as a 3-D printer, screen printer, laser cutter and more.

Meditation room

A spin-off the classic home gym, meditation rooms are a new way to help you prioritize your wellness, now that you have the house to yourself.

Choose neutrals or pastels for wall colors, and keep the furniture comfortable yet simple. Add some candles or aromatherapy, and you’ve got the perfect space to unwind and reflect.

If meditation isn’t your thing, but you still want a place to prioritize your health and wellness, there are a couple different takes on this room.

You could build a home yoga studio, or if that doesn’t interest you, simply create a space for quiet contemplation.

Home library

For book lovers, the obvious choice is a library and reading room, but the more difficult decisions come in the details.

The first thing you’ll want to consider is how you’re going to shelve and arrange your books. Wall-to-wall built-in units are perfect for a traditional look, while bookcases in different sizes and colors will have more of an eclectic feeling.

Next, design the sitting space with enough coffee and end tables for a warm cup of tea or some snacks, while you sit for a long read. And don’t forget to layer your lighting, with overhead fixtures and more intense desk lamps.

Dressing room

If you’ve always dreamed of having the kind of lavish, sprawling walkin closet that includes a sitting area and walls of mirrors, then a dressing room might be the choice for you.

To start, break down your closet space into major categories of dress, such as clothing, shoes, handbags,

jewelry, ties and other accessories.

Design your closet space according to what you have and what needs organizing.

Then layer in the details. You’ll need a well-lit, floor-length mirror that allows you to see all the angles.

Consider different levels of lighting, such as floor lights and white beauty lighting. And don’t forget a luxe vintage ottoman, a trademark of the modern walk-in closet.

Tea room

If you love tea — sipping it and serving it — a tea room is an easy way to dedicate space to slowing down with a nice, piping hot cup.

Depending on the type of tea you love, and the design styles that speak to you, there are a few different options.

In a traditional Chinese tea room, the furniture is mostly wood and the room is kept simple, which is best to savor and enjoy the tea. A traditional English tea room, however, often has a more feminine, flowery style with antique furniture and a Victorian aesthetic.

Regardless of the style you choose, you’ll also want this room to be functional, since it’s also a serving space.

Music room

For musicians and music lovers

alike, a room to jam and create can be a priceless outlet for creativity and expression, especially once you have more time on your hands to do the things you love.

The extent of this project really depends on how far you want to take it. If you’re serious about your passion, you could install a small home recording studio, complete with a sound booth and the technology to mix music.

If you’re looking for more of a hobbyist’s experience, aim for a gallery wall where you display your finest instruments, and include plenty of seating. You’ll want to include some soundproofing measures regardless, so as not to disturb the rest of the house.

Home spa

If spas are your happy place, a home spa may just be your greatest escape, especially if the room you’re remodeling has an en suite, or attached bathroom.

The first thing you’ll want to consider is updating your tub and shower to include all the bells and whistles: a rain-style shower head, steam shower, powerful jets and built-in waterfall.

Infrared saunas are also a popular addition.

Next, move on to the decor. It’s important to declutter and keep the space minimal, which allows the mind to calm. You’ll also want to stick to neutral color palettes, and increase the storage space.

Make lighting adjustable, so you can create a calming atmosphere, as well as a bright sitting area to get ready for the day.  Santa Clarita Valley Burial & Cremation Service FD-1952

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38 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 5, 2019

THINGSTODO

Dining with a view

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

T

he spring and early summer offer many opportunities for special “destination” dining.

Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, wedding anniversaries and graduations are special events that deserve special dining reservations.

What better way to celebrate a special occasion than to enjoy a fine meal with an equally amazing view?

Breathtaking views 71Above 633 W. 5th St., 71st Floor, Los Angeles, (213) 712-2683 www.71above.com Downtown’s most notorious luxury restaurant offers a lively dining atmosphere and breathtaking views stretching to the Pacific Ocean that complement Chef Vartan Abgaryan’s vibrant modern American cuisine.

This 71st-floor eatery is located inside the iconic US Bank Tower building and is turning out some of the area’s best refined tasting menu meals. I highly recommend the Chef ’s Table front row culinary experience. The culinary team will custom curate your five-course meal in front of the open kitchen. The Chef ’s Table experience can accommodate up to five guests. If you’re just interested in a unique night out without the commitment of dinner, try out the afternoon cocktails or the ultimate nightcap at the SkyLounge.

La Boucherie 900 Wilshire Blvd., 71st Floor, Los Angeles, (213) 688-7777 https://laboucheriedtla.com.

71Above isn’t the only restaurant with sky-high views. In addition to spectacular scenery, La Boucherie also offers prime cuts of meat and an extensive wine list.

Ocean views Geoffrey’s 27400 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, (310) 457-7885 www.geoffreysmalibu.com.

Great service and great views of the ocean make this a “must go to at least once” kind of restaurant. Of course,

any place that serves a “Baked Brie in Puff Pastry” appetizer always gets my vote. Executive Chef Bijan Shokatfard also serves up some tasty seasonal specials, as well.

Nobu Malibu 22706 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, (310) 317-9140, www.noburestaurants.com/malibu/ home.

Panoramic ocean views in an ultra-sleek setting this restaurant sits right on top of gently lapping waves that are illuminated in the evening.

Stunning ambiance, stunning food.

SCV and SFV views Sycamore Bar & Grill Sand Canyon Country Club 27734 Sand Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661)252-8484, ext. 34 sandcanyoncc.com If you like a relaxing view of the idyllic greens and the hills that surround the Santa Clarita Valley, the Sycamore Bar & Grill offers gourmet dining in an upscale setting on the eastern edge of town. It is open to the public, but the availability is scheduled around the numerous events the country club hosts, so anyone who’d like to dine at the restaurant is advised to call ahead of time.

Check out the restaurant’s website for availability, or you can call the number listed above.

Le Chene French Cuisine 12625 Sierra Highway, Aqua Dulce, (661) 251-4315 https://lechene.com.

The grounds and amenities at Le Chene make for a spectacular, beautiful location. The restaurant has been voted “Most Romantic Restaurant” not only locally, but by major Los Angeles publications, as well. Stop at the bar before dinner and head out onto the patio that overlooks a beautiful, romantic garden. Walk down the stairs of the rear deck to stroll alongside small ponds of water and under the lattice archways covered in ivy. Don’t miss the charming, antique water wheel.

Odyssey Restaurant 15600 Odyssey Drive, Granada Hills (818) 366-6444 www.theodysseyrestaurant.com There’s something for everyone here. Enjoy an elevated lunch, brunch or dinner with a casual American menu. The sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley make your heart sing.

I always enjoyed the occasional Santa Clarita Valley charity banquets that were held at this beautiful location.

Castaway 1250 E Harvard Road, Burbank (818) 848-6691 www.castawayburbank.com After a $10 million revamp, the Castaway is back with a gorgeous space and sweeping vistas of the San Fernando Valley and more. The New American menu plays well with most palates.

Uniquely SoCal Mister A’s 2550 Fifth Ave., 12th Floor, San Diego www.asrestaurant.com Opened in 1965 and located just minutes from downtown, Mister A’s offers the most spectacular views in San Diego. It was ranked fourth in the nation for dining by OpenTable diners. Enjoy the beautiful San Diego skyline, views of San Diego Bay, Balboa Park, Coronado, Point Loma and the San Diego Zoo. You can even watch the jets glide into the San Diego Airport. Chef de Cuisine Stephane Voitzwinkler crafts exquisite food to match the exquisite views.

It is one of the few restaurants I know of in SoCal to enjoy properly prepared Iberico Ham. Top of the Notch 8401 Mount Baldy Road, Mount Baldy (909) 982-0800 Gaze down on the clouds, covering the LA basin, from the stone terrace while enjoying a hearty plate of bacon and eggs, or a tasty cheeseburger.

This restaurant is located at 7,800 feet above sea level, which is higher than 36 of the 50 states, if you’re counting. During the non-ski season the restaurant is only open on weekends and holidays. You’ll need to take the chair lift to get there. 

M AY 5, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 39

SENIORLIVING GETTIN’ UP THERE

The SCV Senior Center: A hub of help and harmony

By Diana Sevanian Signal Staff Writer

A

dele and Sherry have been best friends since the 1960s. Having attended nursing school together, the two are now widowed retirees who still enjoy many of the activities they participated in “way back when.” Exercise, oil painting and Las Vegas trips are among their favorites.

Joe, a divorced 74-year-old Vietnam War veteran, remains in a battle.

His enemies: diabetes, loneliness and a fixed income so tight that he can barely afford insulin. He also has high blood pressure, and needs it checked regularly.

Carolyn, 83, had been a devoted wife and mother. Ten years ago, her husband died from cancer. She cared for him to the end. Four years later, a car crash tragically took the life of their only child, a 45-year-old daughter who was Carolyn’s greatest joy and closest confidante. Depression, worsening spinal arthritis and osteoporosis, chronic pain, and mobility issues have made it difficult for Carolyn to manage. Sometimes she falls. Sometimes she doesn’t want to get back up.

Danny, 63, had been an aircraft mechanic of the highest caliber. Pilots confidently knew they were behind the controls of expertly maintained aircraft, thanks to “Dan the Man.” Then in his mid-50s, he and wife, Mary, noticed his increasing memory problems. Always with safety and responsibility in mind, Danny quickly retired. Soon after, tests revealed he was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

Now, six years later, Danny requires 24/7 care from Mary.

Monica, who never married or had children, was a caregiver for sick relatives. When the last one passed, she felt devastated and alone. On a neighbor’s tip, 70-year-old Monica attended a grief support group. She also went to a senior’s dance at the same location. Dancing was something she

loved as a girl. That night, as if by kismet, she met a pleasant widower.

Like Monica, he still knew how to cut a rug. He also knew how to make her laugh. What started as a sway around the room became an adoring later-life partnership.

Mike and Carol, seniors who have been married since college, have thus far had a great life together. Both in good health, with enough retirement savings to comfortably sustain them, and their grown kids successfully raising their own families, the couple wanted to give back to their community through volunteering, and helping seniors facing difficult times.

These people have something special in common — the grateful use of programs and services provided by the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center. A vibrant hub of activities and assistance, the center has been devoted to the independence, dignity and quality of life for seniors for more than 40 years. Among its myriad of life-changing programs: engaging socialization; delicious and healthy congregate meals; ageless learning; health and wellness programs (including blood pressure and hearing clinics); volunteering opportunities; enriching multi-generational activities; enjoyable recreation from dancing and painting to trips and tours; in-home case management for the frail and homebound; home-delivered meals; advocacy; referrals and access to available resources and transportation; handy-worker services to promote safety and security in senior’s homes; a social day care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of cognitive impairment (this also offers critically needed “timeout” for caregivers); caregiver education and support; and more.

For many years, the SCV Senior Center, long located on Market Street in Newhall, was also in need of assistance. It was an aged and space-deficient structure. The wonderful news is this: the center now has a new address in its stunning, just-built, state-of-the-art, 30,000-square-foot, two-story facility. Located at 27180 See SENIORS, page 41

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40 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 5, 2019

GARDENING

The health and taste benefits of a veggie garden

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

S

pring has sprung, and with the danger of frost long past it is time to get your summer veggies into the ground. Gardens, of all kinds, can be challenging in the Santa Clarita Valley. Climate, soil and water can be daunting obstacles for even the most experienced gardener.

However, with great risk comes great reward. The taste of fresh, homegrown vegetables makes all the effort worthwhile.

In addition to knowing your vegetables are fresh, you’ll know they are safe to eat, because you can control the conditions, pesticides and fertilizers you use to grow your backyard bounty.

Benefits of veggie gardening

Who knew that gardening could be considered a full-body workout?

Plucking, pulling, bending, kneeling, squatting, digging and lifting all require movement from various

muscles in the body. It is a great alternative to the gym.

Gardening also is a great way to relieve stress. Not only is playing in the dirt fun, the physical activity releases mood-elevating endorphins in your brain. Watching your garden bloom and grow gives a sense of satisfaction.

Community gardens

If you don’t have enough space in your backyard to dedicate to your garden, sign up for a plot in the Community Gardens of Santa Clarita at Central Park in Saugus. New garden members are given plenty of resources to help them succeed in their gardening journey.

All incoming garden members receive an orientation and gardening workshops. Classes for adults and children are held throughout the year. The Community Gardens have a number of UC Davis extension master gardeners available to help.

For information and a plot application, visit www.communitygardens

ofsantaclarita.org.

Soil preparation

The most crucial step to any successful home garden is soil preparation. The SCV is notorious for having particularly awful soil. However, you’ll find bags and bags of soil amendments in every garden center in the SCV. The best amendment for soil of any texture is organic matter.

Rome was not built in a day, and healthy soil takes time to cultivate, as well. After years of composting and adding soil amendments (bags and bags of gypsum, among amendments) I finally achieved gardening nirvana, nice loamy soil.

Drip irrigation

Water, water, water! Regular, deep watering will give you a bounty of tasty veggies. Water at least three times a week to a depth of six inches. Some veggies, lettuce, zucchini, cucumbers and radishes, like lots and lots of extra water.

The best way to keep your SCV

veggie garden watered at a price you can afford is to use drip irrigation.

It is a way to put water right at the roots of the plants that need the water and away from pesky weeds, that you don’t want to water.

The top ten

Here are the top 10 veggies suggested by the Old Farmers Almanac for beginning gardeners. Tomatoes (five plants in tomato cages); zucchini squash (four plants tops); peppers (six plants); cabbage, bush beans, lettuce, beets, carrots, chard and radishes.

Gardening success

Rotate your crops in your garden.

Don’t plant the same thing in the same place each year. Use good quality fertilizer. Don’t fear the manure, it is gardening gold. Don’t worry about what variety of veggie to plant. The seeds offered in local stores are all rated for this area.

Good luck and good gardening. 

M AY 5, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 41

Sunday brunch is back at the Hyatt

By Nathanael Rodriguez Signal Staff Writer

S

unday brunches are back at the Hyatt Regency Valencia starting on Mother’s Day. The hotel’s newly renovated Greater Pacific restaurant is showcasing its new look and launching the weekly brunches with a tribute to moms all over the Santa Clarita Valley.

MOMS

Continued from page 31

was always just about being together, and I want to keep up that tradition and sense of family for my granddaughter. That’s what’s important to me.”

If she’s going to be showered with gifts on Mother’s Day, however, Carson prefers a handwritten note or school craft to flowers and storebought presents.

“I was a kindergarten teacher, so I love those little handmade things, especially when I see my granddaughter has written something in her own cute little printing,” Carson said.

“Those are the special little memories that mean the most.”

Martha Aguilera

As a single mom of two young kids and one young adult, business owner

SENIORS

Continued from page 39

Golden Valley Road, the light and bright center features a deluxe banquet room hall with seating for 250 plus, a fireplace lounge/ library, six multi-purpose rooms, fitness center and dance studio, an outdoor cabana with concert seating, wine events, book clubs, a bistro café, movie nights, a putting (golf) green and other delightful amenities.

Immense gratitude and admira-

The first brunch is set to begin at 11 a.m. this Mother’s Day and go until 3 p.m. The Hyatt plans to continue the brunches every following Sunday in order to return this popular hotel feast back to the community.

“Hyatt was known in the community for Sunday brunch,” said Sarah Roseblade, Hyatt’s food and beverage director. “We stopped doing it several years ago, but have been wanting to get back into it.”

Martha Aguilera would prefer time to relax over gifts like kitchen appliances and flowers.

Without the luxury of another parent to take charge of gift-giving, however, Aguilera cares most about what her kids are learning from a holiday like Mother’s Day. “I’ve been doing this alone since I was 18 years old. Not having a partner to remind my kids about Mother’s Day can be difficult,” Aguilera explained. “On one hand, I want them to be grateful for what they have, to appreciate each other and me every day. That’s what I want to teach them.

“But on the other hand, I don’t want to give my younger kids that kind of responsibility yet, so I don’t remind them or push them to celebrate me on Mother’s Day,” she continued. “It’s more important to me to remind them to be grateful every day.”

With her oldest child, however, the time came when Aguilera final-

tion goes to steadfast and visionary SCV Committee on Aging/Senior Center President Peggy Rasmussen, the SCVCOA board, SCVSC Executive Director Kevin MacDonald, the many donors (from corporate to seniors), expert designers and builders, the City of Santa Clarita, and County of Los Angeles, and others, for making this amazing new resort-like facility a reality.

Research has shown that senior center participation can have an enormously positive impact on older citizens. Improved mental

The hotel has been awaiting the completion of Greater Pacific to reinstate the community staple, according to Roseblade. The coming of Mother’s Day offered the perfect opportunity.

“Mother’s Day is the launch of the return of Hyatt Sunday brunch with a new twist,” she said.

The holiday brunch will feature a carving station with various protein options, as well as a sushi station.

The usual brunch provisions will also

Aguilera Family ly spoke to her daughter about the meaning of Mother’s Day. “When my oldest was in high school, I sat down with her and explained that, once a year, there’s a day dedicated to appreciating your mom,” Aguilera recalled. “I told her it’s hard work to be a good mom, and I spend every other day of the year worrying

and physical health, valued social interactions and camaraderie, and increased contentment with life are among those benefits.

And it’s all waiting for you now at the beautiful new Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, aptly named “Bella Vida,” or “Beautiful Life.”

Call the Senior Center at (661) 259-9444 or visit www.seniorcenter.org.  Diana Sevanian is a retired R.N. and longtime Signal features writer and columnist.

M O T H E R ’ S D AY

be available, such as hot breakfast, continental breakfast and various lunch dishes. All of this is included in the brunch price of $69 for adults and $35 for children.

On Mother’s Day, mom’s will get a complimentary split of Rose Sparkling wine with their meal.  The Hyatt is located at 24500 Town Center Drive, Valencia. Reservations can be made by calling (661) 6784044, or online through OpenTable. about her. On this one day a year, it’s her job to make me feel appreciated and, more importantly, remember to be grateful for what she has.”

When asked what her community could do to better support single moms on Mother’s Day, Aguilera reiterated the same theme she teaches her kids daily: “In general, I always want people to just do one good thing for someone else. If you have nieces or nephews with a single parent, talk to them about the meaning of the day.

“But I don’t just push for single moms; I push for people who can’t do for themselves,” Aguilera continued.

“If people really want to help, they can give to someone in need — without strings attached. Give simply for the sake of giving. That’s what helps build a stronger community for our kids, and that’s what moms really want anyway.”  Editor’s note: For single parents who are in need of support or community, local nonprofit Single Mothers Outreach provides resources, workshops and more. Visit https:// singlemothersoutreach.org for more information.

4 2 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

MAY 5, 2019

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

OURVIEW

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

Town Hall Meetings and the Lost Art of Civility

Shun Self-Promotion: Love the One in Front of You

By The Signal Editorial Board

By David Hegg

W

e need to restore civility.

But for either side of the political debate to claim the moral high ground is disingenuous, to say the least. It doesn’t much and legislation, and she should be able to do so without having to deal matter who threw the “first punch,” with unruly audience members. any more than the first punch matHill’s supporters decried the beters in an all-out bar fight. havior of those who In the case of disrupted the town northern Los Anhall, and a few days geles County, the We do not always later Hill posted most recent phase a video on social of the bar fight that agree with Rep. Hill, media in which she has become local but she deserves addressed some of politics came a week the questions that ago, during a town much more respect didn’t get answered hall meeting hosted in person — and,

by Rep. Katie Hill, than that. she noted that many D-Agua Dulce. of the people who Hill was repeateddisrupted the meetly interrupted, baited and generally ing were not even constituents of antagonized by a few disrespectful the 25th district. audience members, some of whom When the congresswoman and are not even residents of Hill’s 25th her supporters object to the way she congressional district. was treated by certain disruptive We do not always agree with Rep. audience members last week, they Hill, but she deserves much more respect than that. This was an event have a valid point. Those agitators — some of whom were there, in which she was seeking to make herself available to constituents to See OUR VIEW, page 44 address their questions about issues

T

here is a growing tendency in our society to engage eagerly in conversations with others so long as we get to be the subject of the discourse. We just love to talk about ourselves. When we hear a good story, we are usually quick to tell a better one; talk about your kids, and I’ll cut you off to tell you about mine ... for hours. It seems that self-promotion has become a national hobby.

My wife and I used to play a little game when we went out with people for the first time, or attended a social function where we didn’t know very many people. We went in armed with loads of questions about others, about their families, kids, careers, vacations, hobbies, even ideologies and politics.

Then we would count just how many times people asked about our lives, our interests, our ideas. Looking back on it, I admit it wasn’t a very nice game but it did turn up some interesting results. We found out what we thought was probably true. People are more interested in themselves than in others.

They sparkled in responding to our

inquiries, and many of the answers were quite engaging. We enjoyed hearing about them but in the end the conversations were almost entirely one-sided. We asked and listened, and they talked and talked.

Recently, I was at a social function alone, and knew almost no one. The one guy I did know went out of his way to introduce me to a friend of his that I had long admired but never met. My friend made the introductions, and after a very brief handshake, and a stock greeting, he engaged my friend in a conversation about something entirely foreign to me, and when he was finished expressed his good wishes to my friend and then turned to leave. Three strides away he threw me an over-the-shoulder “nice to meet you” and that was that. I was a non-entity, apparently of no benefit to him and so unworthy of any attempt at even the most common courtesy.

Here’s the great problem: I know that I’ve done that to others hundreds of times, and maybe more since I am conSee HEGG, page 44

READERLETTERS

Don’t Just Recite Talking Points In his recent column, “Don’t Let the Media Do Your Thinking,” Chris Allen attacks the mainstream media for pursuing “their deranged belief that they can still indict our president on Russian collusion and obstruction of justice.”

Mr. Allen’s headline is absolutely correct; we should not allow the media to lead us to an agenda-based conclusion. However, instead of encouraging readers to sidestep media bias by reading the Mueller report for themselves, Mr. Allen merely recites Republican talking points and cherry picks the facts in support of those points.

As an adjunct professor at Cal State Northridge, I teach tax research in the university’s masters of taxation program. To be a successful tax

professional, you must objectively examine all of the pertinent facts and apply legislative, administrative and judicial legal authorities to those facts. You have to consider all of the relevant authorities, whether or not they support your position. If you rely on secondary sources compiled by other professionals expressing their views, you frequently will reach incorrect or incomplete conclusions. This is especially true when those materials confirm your preconceived biases.

In today’s world of supercharged political rhetoric, it is easy to base your conclusions on what the media says. But, just as my students sometimes fail to reach suitable conclusions because they read only secondary materials, we must dig deeper to ensure that we have an objective understanding of all the pertinent underlying facts. We then See LETTERS, page 43

MAY 5, 2019

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 4 3

Opinion

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

D R AW I N G CO N C LU S I O N S R I C K M C K E E

BLACK&WHYTE

A Decade Later, Getting Ready to Retire ‘T-Bone’

By Tim Whyte Signal Editor

I

made a joke one time with my son and one of his hockey teammates, about a decade ago.

We were talking about nicknames, and I said I’d like to be called T-Bone.

You know. Like George Costanza on “Seinfeld.”

There was an episode in which George decided he wanted to have a cool nickname at work, and he thought “T-Bone” would be just the ticket. Except one of his coworkers snagged it out from under him by ordering a T-bone steak for lunch, prompting the big boss to tag the other guy, not George, with the T-Bone nickname.

It was a fitting outcome for the ever-hapless George.

So when I told Luc’s buddy, sort of joking, that I wanted to be called T-Bone, it stuck.

The kid — a goalie named Merrick, who went on to play for Harvard and is now a prospect in the Phoenix Coyotes’ system — got a kick out of it. He would hop in the back of my truck for a ride to hockey practice and holler: “Teee-BONE!” He was a fun kid.

Later on, when my daughter got older, I joked with a couple of her friends, Shayne and Kyra, and told them that Luc’s friend Merrick used to call me T-Bone. They picked up the ball and ran with it, and, independently, they picked up on Merrick’s enunciation of it: “Tee-BONE!” I hadn’t really thought about how it had stuck with the kids until we were taking pictures before the senior prom last weekend. No one has ever called me “T-Bone” except for my kids’ friends. It’s not the sort of thing I would seek from my own generation

— really, people, please don’t start — and I was really only kidding In the first place.

But it DID stick with the kids. In fact there was a time last summer when we took Brooke and a couple of her pals to the Luke Bryan concert at Dodger Stadium, and I got separated from the group on the way out and I couldn’t find our car.

I’d about given up hope when I heard someone shout across the vast expanses of the parking lot in Chavez Ravine: “Teee-BONE!” It guided me home.

And then last week, before the prom, there we were, snapping away, taking picture after picture, a gaggle of parental paparazzi gathered around multiple couples over the course of two photo sessions at different locations. My daughter was looking fabulous along with her date James — a very nice young man who was a receiver on the Saugus football team — and several other couples, all connected by high school friendships.

At least three or four of the kids called me T-Bone at one point or another, almost conspiratorially, like we were all in on the same 10-year-old joke together.

One of the other parents even quietly asked my wife, “Is he OK with that?”

Yep. Definitely OK with it. It made me smile. Fun kids, each of them with a sense of humor crafted with just the right amount of wickedness. And soon, they’ll all be off to college or careers, going in their own directions, and there won’t be anyone left around to call me T-Bone.

I think I might just retire it. I know this for sure: I’ll miss it.

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

LETTERS

Continued from page 42

must apply the rules of law to those facts in order to determine the appropriate course of action.

The circumstances that gave rise to the Mueller investigation are complex and multifaceted, as are the report itself and the implications of its conclusions. That’s why I suggest reading the Mueller report before jumping on a bandwagon. I have not yet had an opportunity to read the report in its entirety, so I have not finalized my thoughts and conclusions with respect to it.

While it is easier to rely on others to analyze the situation, there is too much at stake to let others do my thinking.

Jim de Bree, Valencia

SCV Residents Were Polite Re: Dennis Bartash, letters to the editor, May 1: Just to correct your post, Dennis, the rude people (at Rep. Katie Hill's town hall meeting) weren’t from our community! They came in from Torrance and elsewhere!

The people from our community were polite!

Phyllis Grekin, Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone number; Anonymous letters are not printed; Email: letters@signalscv.com; Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 26330 Diamond Place, Ste. 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.

4 4 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

MAY 5, 2019

Opinion

OUR VIEW

Continued from page 42

clearly, for the sole purpose of agitating — were out of line.

But they weren’t any more out of line than some of the protesters who showed up at town halls hosted by former Rep. Steve Knight, R-Palmdale, while he was in office. Some of those protesters even attempted to force their way into Knight’s district offices, sans appointment.

Funny thing. All of the voices decrying the uncivil behavior at Hill’s town hall were either eerily silent or cheering on the anti-Knight protesters back when the shoe was on the other foot.

It wasn’t that long ago — about a year — when Knight had to be escorted to his car by sheriff ’s deputies due to concerns about the angry mob that showed up to one of his town hall meetings.

There weren’t many complaints from Democrats then. And, in fairness, we’ve only heard a few complaints from Republicans this past week after Hill’s town hall was disrespectfully disrupted.

It’s purely partisan and neither side seems able to acknowledge its own role in the bar fight. Even among those who are civil in their own behavior, there’s a prevailing unwillingness to criticize those who misbehave if the target is from the opposite party.

It makes one wonder: Will all those who have been cheering the Mueller investigation be crying foul when the next Democratic president gets investigated on a trumped-up allegation?

Because, make no mistake, it’ll happen. The precedent has been set, and the roles will reverse: Those who have objected to the probe into allegations that Trump and his campaign colluded with

HEGG

Continued from page 42

vinced that, just like that guy, I don’t realize just how rude I can be. And let me go further: I think many of us are riding the rude train as it picks up speed in our society. We are not just becoming a society devoid of the skill of courteous social interaction, we’re already there.

I’ve heard some theories on the erosion of the life-skill of making pleasant, courteous conversation.

One theory is that, with Facebook, email, Twitter, and texting, we’ve forgotten how to talk face to face.

Another theory is that we are so tight with our own clan and our circle of friends that we seldom have any face time with strangers, and we’ve lost the ability to engage them with sincerity. There are probably more but I am convinced that these theories taken together are merely a smokescreen behind which we can hide the fact that we’re actually a society that is so self-ab-

Russian interests to sway the 2016 presidential election will be lying in wait for the next Democrat to occupy the White House, and those who have been relentlessly pursuing Trump despite the lack of evidence of collusion will go on the defensive, accusing the other side of staging a witch hunt.

So is this what’s become of U.S. politics in general, and north L.A. County politics specifically?

Can our congressional representatives no longer hold a reasoned discussion with constituents, even though some may disagree with their stances

Love the one in front of you. And here I’m not talking about romance, but rather the common courtesy of being genuinely interested in those you meet. This is a virtue we need to develop and it is usually referred to as generosity. sorbed that we truly don’t care that much about the other guy’s family, successes, or ideas. Besides, if we take the time to listen, we may not have enough time to fill the conversation with our success, our ideas, our magic.

So, what to do? In my case, I going to redouble my efforts to put into practice something one of my staff

on the issues?

Sadly, that appears to be the case. Our elected officials, from past representatives like Knight to present ones like Hill, deserve the opportunity to engage with their constituents in a civilized manner, free of staged stunts, intentional antagonism and general rudeness.

We all deserve that. But until both sides are willing to self-police their own “crazies” and demand good behavior from those of all political stripes, there’s not much hope for progress.  guys told me: Love the one in front of you. And here I’m not talking about romance, but rather the common courtesy of being genuinely interested in those you meet. This is a virtue we need to develop and it is usually referred to as generosity. And in this case, it is not the idea of sharing your money so much as sharing your time, and your attention, and granting another human being the gift of value through the way you are genuinely interested in their lives and well-being.

Try it. Be generous. Be the one who asks good questions, and doesn’t try to one-up every story, or see another’s tale as an on-ramp for your own monologue.

Be an interested listener. And together, maybe we can slow the train of rude social interaction enough for a bunch of us, and our kids, to get off.

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

M AY 5, 2019

Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

BRAINGAMES

Relax

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CROSSWORD TIME

M AY 5, 2019

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

Brand-new words of wisdom

By Jim Mullen Signal Contributing Writer

M

erriam-Webster just added 640 new words to its dictionary. Contemporary words like “go-cup” and “vulture capitalism.”

The problem is, we all know how to spell those words and what they mean. After all, we invented them. Who needs a dictionary to look up the words we already know?

And sometimes you have to wonder, is there any possible way to explain a word using words? “Twerk”? If the definition doesn’t include a video, there’s no way to explain it.

Of course, there are always words that are long, hard to spell and used infrequently. But you don’t need to look those up in a dictionary, because your doctor will be happy to tell you what they mean. There are always new scientific terms: A “qubit” sounds like something Noah used while building the ark, but this qubit relates to particle physics. They’ve also added new definitions to words that are already in the dictionary. “Headwinds” and “tailwinds” are not just the concern of pilots anymore, but describe business conditions. A “snowflake” is now also a derogatory term used to call someone fragile or overly sensitive.

Dictionary companies are adding these words so that in 50 or 100 years, people reading our old Facebook and Twitter posts can look up all these words and figure out what we were talking about. And for that, I pity the people in the future. No one reads my Facebook posts now. Imagine how boring it would be for somebody, who just drank her own recycled sweat from her spacesuit on Mars, to have to read about what color I painted the living room. And she won’t much care about my selfie in front of Kim Kardashian’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, either. Because she’d have to look up the definition of the word “selfie.”

No, she has better things to do. Like wonder why her Amazon delivery took over an hour to get to Base Station 4033.

We’ll always be making new words to fit the life we live. The future will be so different that it’s hard to imagine. Why would anyone 50 years from now care about today’s slang, any more than we care about slang from the ‘60s? Do you think today’s kids are going to waste their time looking up the definition of “groovy” or “festival seating”? If you are a college freshman today, you may never have heard of a fax machine or a Betamax.

And you won’t care, because you’re too busy playing “Fortnite.” I don’t know what “Fortnite” is, but I’ll look it up as soon as Merriam-Webster thinks it should be in the dictionary.

Maybe a hundred years from now, we’ll all be using Canadian slang because it’s so hot in the Lower 48 that everyone’s moved north. The Canadian snowbirds won’t be able to visit Florida anymore because it will be an atoll. Vermont will be the new Florida. We’ll have to invent a word like “coolbirds” for people who chase livable weather around the globe.

Facebook and Google will be long gone. Laptops and cellphones, too. If you think cellphones and Facebook are bad now, just wait until they become computer chips implanted in your brain at birth. If you think that’s far-fetched, remember that it was only 30 years ago that you had to dial up your AOL connection to get on the internet.

Will we still be texting 30 years from now? Not likely. Will we still be Googling? Who knows. But will we still be adding words to the dictionary? You bet. Except one day, maybe soon, they will have to add the word “dictionary” to the dictionary. Otherwise, how will young people know what it was?  Contact Jim Mullen at mullen.jim@ gmail.com.

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